Ep251 – Not Letting Chronic Illness Define You with Wendy Bjork

Living with a chronic illness can impact every area of life—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but it doesn’t have to define who you are or limit what’s possible. For many, the journey involves navigating pain, medical systems, unanswered questions, and the challenge of advocating for yourself when symptoms aren’t always visible. This conversation explores what it really means to reclaim agency, seek holistic support, and redefine what “living well” can look like alongside a diagnosis. It’s about empowerment, curiosity, and taking ownership of your healing journey one step at a time.

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, April sits down with Wendy Bjork, known as The Empress of MS, to talk about living with Multiple Sclerosis and refusing to let chronic illness dictate her identity or her life. Wendy shares her personal journey, the lessons she’s learned navigating the medical system, and how holistic approaches and self-advocacy have transformed the way she manages her health.

Join me and Wendy as we talk about:

• Chronic illness doesn’t have to become your identity—you can live with it without letting it define you
• Being dismissed by doctors is common, which makes self-advocacy a non-negotiable skill
• Healing isn’t just about medication—your environment, stress levels, and daily habits matter more than most people realize
• The products you use in your home and on your body can quietly fuel inflammation and symptoms
• Small, consistent changes often create bigger results than dramatic “overnight fixes”
• You don’t have to choose between traditional medicine and holistic care—you get to decide what works for you
• Empowerment begins the moment you stop ignoring your body and start listening to it

Wendy’s story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t get to write the ending of your story—you do. If this episode resonated with you or someone you love, share it with them and help spread this message of empowerment and possibility. Be sure to check out Wendy’s free resources and connect with her work. And as always, go share your story—you never know who needs to hear it.

Interview links:

•  Grab Wendy's free guide here
• Connect with Wendy on Instagram