Best Progress With Paula Podcasts (2025)

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Talking about Boundaries 47:28

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3d ago47:28

47:28

Send us a text Paula discusses the importance of boundaries in various aspects of life, emphasizing their role in self-care and mental health. She highlights the challenges of setting and maintaining boundaries, noting cultural and generational influences. Paula suggests practical steps, such as starting with setting setting one specific boundary. …

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Episode 418: The Importance of Developing a Growth Mindset When You're Living With MS with Dr. Mirian Franco 35:40

4d ago35:40

35:40

Living with MS means living with uncertainty, possible physical disability or cognitive dysfunction, bouts of crushing fatigue, mood changes, and let's not forget the very real irritation of well-meaning people telling you how healthy you look. Just processing the world around you can feel challenging. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Miriam Franc…

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Talking about Private Practice Realities 28:53

10d ago28:53

28:53

Send us a text Paula discusses the challenges and realities of starting a private practice for new graduates in the mental health field. She emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations, noting some New York specific themes that pre-licensed clinicians often face. Paula highlights the need for business acumen, financial literacy, and network…

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Episode 417: Music and the Body with Emmy Award-Winning Composer Jeff Beal 32:05

11d ago32:05

32:05

If you've watched the critically acclaimed series, House of Cards, on Netflix, or the OCD detective series, Monk, on the USA Network, you've already listened to some of five-time Emmy award-winning composer Jeff Beal's work. This week, Jeff joins me to discuss his journey as an artist and as someone living with MS. We're also sharing all the detail…

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Talking about Acceptance 36:14

17d ago36:14

36:14

Send us a text Paula examines the concept of acceptance, emphasizing it as an action rather than a belief. She differentiates acceptance from approval, noting that acceptance is a verb and requires active participation. Paula highlights the challenges of acceptance, including confusion with giving up and the fear of judgment. She shares some person…

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Episode 416: The Updated McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS with Dr. Andrew Solomon 27:52

18d ago27:52

27:52

Since 2001, clinicians have relied on the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria as the gold standard for diagnosing someone with multiple sclerosis. As science continues to add to our understanding of MS, the McDonald Criteria have been updated in 2005, 2010, 2017, and most recently in 2024. This latest iteration of the McDonald criteria will be published i…

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Episode 415: Your Money -- Ways to Earn and Hold Onto More of It When You're Living with MS with Beth Scott and Paula Cole 29:04

25d ago29:04

29:04

Living with MS is expensive. Very expensive. It's estimated that the average cost of living with MS is over $88,000 per year. How, in the midst of financial stress and uncertainty, can you formulate a financial plan that takes MS into account? Paula Cole lives with MS, and she also lives with a lot of financial planning savvy. Paula joins the podca…

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Talking about the Current Impact of Anxiety on Americans 38:29

1M ago38:29

38:29

Send us a text Paula explores the current impact of anxiety on Americans, referencing a recent mental health poll by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) which revealed that 40% of employed individuals worry about job security, while 67% prioritize keeping themselves or their families safe among other significant concerns. She emphasizes the …

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Episode 414: Finding Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty with Andrea Arzt, LCSW, MSCS 33:45

1M ago33:45

33:45

Living with MS has always meant living with uncertainty. Left unchecked, that uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which can make your MS symptoms feel worse. This week, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Andrea Arzt, joins me to share tips and strategies for finding peace in the midst of uncertainty. You'll also meet the CEO of the MS International Fede…

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Talking about NYC Public School Cell Phone Ban 38:53

1M ago38:53

38:53

Send us a text Paula highlights the confirmation of a a new policy in New York City Public schools banning cell phones and internet-enabled devices following several other states who have adopted similar practices. This policy will affect grades 3-12 and includes exceptions for educational and medical needs. She identifies increase in concerns incl…

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Episode 413: How AI Will Impact MS Patient Care with Dr. Brad Willingham 34:48

1M ago34:48

34:48

We're witnessing the early stages of a paradigm shift, as artificial intelligence is beginning to impact virtually every aspect of healthcare, from research to patient care. And there's much, much more to come. This week, Dr. Brad Willingham, the Director of MS Research at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, joins me to discuss how AI will impact MS patien…

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Episode 412: Understanding Late-Onset MS with Dr. Jacqueline Nicholas 30:58

2M ago30:58

30:58

More people over the age of 50 are being diagnosed with MS than ever before. When you consider the other health conditions that often develop as we age, and you add the fact that our immune system changes with age, there's a lot to think about when it comes to diagnosing and treating late-onset MS. This week, Dr. Jacqueline Nicholas, the System Chi…

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Talking about Men's Infertility w/ Steven Miller, APSW 1:11:10

2M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Send us a text Steven discusses his work with the Men's Helpline, a nonprofit supporting men through infertility and pregnancy loss. He highlights the lack of resources and support for men experiencing infertility, noting that one in six couples struggle with infertility. Steven emphasizes the importance of mental health support and advocates for i…

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Talking about Leveraging Your Skills with Christina Broderick-Royes, LSW 46:13

2M ago46:13

46:13

Send us a text Check out the latest episode of “Why Don’t We Talk About this Podcast?! with my fantastic guest, Christina Broderick-Royes, LSW! Christina shares her journey from pre-med to social work, highlighting her experience in non-profits and higher education. She emphasized the importance of data in business, sharing such metrics as impactin…

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Episode 411: An Encouraging Clinical Trial for Progressive MS with Jason Tardio 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

Back in Episode #401, we reported promising results from a Phase 2 clinical trial for vidofludimus calcium and its impact on progressive MS. This therapy is being developed by Immunic Therapeutics, and this week, Jason Tardio, Immunic's President and Chief Operating Officer, joins me to share some of the specifics of that clinical trial. Jason will…

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Talking about Emotional Support Co-Workers 28:11

2M ago28:11

28:11

Send us a text Paula discusses the concept of emotional support coworkers, highlighting their role in providing active listening, empathy, and encouragement during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of emotional support in reducing stress, boosting mood, and fostering resilience. Paula notes that emotional support can positively impac…

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Episode 410: From the International Progressive MS Alliance Digital Tools Workshop -- Part Two 44:53

2M ago44:53

44:53

Over the past few months, we've shared news about an algorithm that can accurately predict whether someone living with MS will experience worsening symptoms or a relapse in the weeks ahead. You've heard about a three-quarter-of-a-million-dollar investment by the International Progressive MS Alliance to support the development of an AI-based tool th…

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Episode 409: From the International Progressive MS Alliance Digital Tools Workshop 39:11

2M ago39:11

39:11

Last week, I was in Philadelphia, attending the Digital Tools Workshop hosted by the International Progressive MS Alliance. Welcome to Part One of our coverage! As we look around us, it's hard to imagine a single aspect of our lives that hasn't been impacted by the constant and rapid evolution of technology. Just consider the capabilities of the de…

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Talking about Personal Storytelling with Jenn Lederer 52:23

2M ago52:23

52:23

Send us a text Jenn shares her journey of pivoting her business after a last-minute workshop cancellation in Prague in 2022. She developed a comedian's formula to teach people how to connect and storytell, which significantly impacted her career. Jenn emphasized the importance of creativity in problem-solving and the need for human connection in an…

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Episode 408: Explaining Your MS to All Those Well-Meaning Family Members and Friends Who Get It Wrong with Kris Inman 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

Have you experienced those familiar feelings of frustration when the people closest to you don't seem to get your MS? Do you find yourself explaining and re-explaining things to well-meaning friends, co-workers, and even family members? Kris Inman's wife, Mariah, was diagnosed with MS in 2020, and, since then, Kris has been Mariah's care partner an…

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Talking about Relationships in the Beauty Industry with The Nail Teach 43:08

3M ago43:08

43:08

Send us a text Keisha discusses the evolving dynamics of client relationships in the beauty industry. She highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for clients, which often leads to deeper personal connections. Keisha emphasizes the value of building trust and rapport, noting that clients often return for the experience and per…

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Episode 407: Overcoming Sleep Issues When You're Living with MS with Dr. Katie Siengsukon 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

Getting a good night's sleep is something that benefits everyone. And if you're someone who's living with MS, it's perhaps even more important. But research suggests that more than half the people living with MS experience poor sleep. Dr. Katie Siengsukon, the Director of the Sleep, Health, and Wellness Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Cente…

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AFB034 - Special guest: KAI PATTENBERG 1:03:55

3M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Live this week a DJ set from Kai Pattenberg (Hardwandler Records / Chlore / Eclipse Recordings)By Robert T. Master

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Talking about Menopause with Satori Shakoor 55:33

3M ago55:33

55:33

Send us a text Satori discusses the lived experiences that inspired her forthcoming film "Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale," releasing June 12 on various platforms (Apple Tv+, Amazon Prime, Google Play). She highlights the often-unspoken challenges of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, and the lack of medical train…

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Episode 406: From the 2025 Consortium of MS Centers Annual Meeting: Part Two with Dr. John DeLuca, Dr. Brian Sandroff, and Kristine Werner Ozug 32:46

3M ago32:46

32:46

Welcome to Part Two of our coverage of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers annual meeting! In this week's episode, Dr. John DeLuca shares research that has identified an effective behavioral treatment for MS-related fatigue. Dr. Brian Sandroff discusses how MS rehabilitation has evolved and then answers some of your questions about exercis…

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Episode 405: From the 2025 Consortium of MS Centers Annual Meeting -- Part One with Dr. Kathy Zackowski and Dr. Stephen Krieger 33:30

3M ago33:30

33:30

Last week in Phoenix, Arizona, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) held its annual meeting, and we had a chance to talk with some of the top MS experts in the world. Welcome to Part One of our coverage! First, you'll hear Dr. Kathy Zackowski, the National MS Society's Associate Vice-President of Research, share her overview of the s…

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Talking about Navigating Neurospicy with Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW 54:51

3M ago54:51

54:51

Send us a text Sandra discusses her journey with ADHD, diagnosed at age 38, and the concept of being "neuro spicy." She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and understanding one's brain to manage ADHD effectively. Sandra highlights the need for accommodations in professional settings, such as performance improvement plans (PIPs),…

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Episode 404: World MS Day 2025 with Meredith O'Brien 26:26

3M ago26:26

26:26

Every five minutes, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with MS. But getting that diagnosis can be challenging. And the evidence is clear that early intervention makes a difference. The sooner someone can begin a disease-modifying therapy, the better their outcome is going to be. World MS Day is May 30th, and this year, World MS Day is focu…

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Talking about Political Social Work with Victor Manalo, Ph.D, MSW 1:06:09

4M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Send us a text Victor discusses his journey from macro social work to advocating for social workers' involvement in politics. He emphasized the importance of local government and his role in Higher Education. Additionally, he shares that his “Why?” regarding running for president elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is to addr…

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Episode 403: Moving Toward a Biologically Based Description of MS with Dr. Bruce Bebo, Dr. Daniel Ontaneda, and Kathy Smith 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

Last week, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis convened a meeting in Dublin, Ireland, to dive deeper into what a new framework for describing MS might look like. There's still a tremendous amount of work to be done here. But, considering that whatever language is eventu…

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Talking about Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors with Jose Alvear, LCSW 49:38

4M ago49:38

49:38

Send us a text Jose speaks about his personal and professional experience with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling and skin picking. He highlights 4-5% of the population suffers from BFRBs, with nail biting affecting 20-30%. Alviar emphasized the importance of reducing shame and increasing awareness, noting that BFRBs are no…

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Episode 402: The Importance of Asserting Your Personal Style When You're Living with MS with Jeri Zink Denz 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

If you're living with MS, you might experience days when it feels like you're losing your sense of who you are, as your sense of self gets redefined by your symptoms. Reasserting your personal style can be a powerful way to rediscover joy in who you are while reclaiming your identity. Jeri Zink Denz lives with MS and works in the luxury fashion ind…

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AFB033 - Special guest: AKKON 59:59

4M ago59:59

59:59

Live this week a DJ set from AKKON (DSR Digital / Dolma Records / Eclipse Recordings)By Robert T. Master

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Talking about the Power of Pets 27:15

4M ago27:15

27:15

Send us a text Paula shares some the mental health benefits of owning or engaging with pets, highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. She shares her personal experience with her rescue service dog, Fonzie, a tripawed cancer survivor, highlighting how pets can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase daily exercise. As well as some additional w…

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Episode 401: The Things That (Should) Happen at Your Appointment With Your Neurologist with Dr. Barbara Giesser 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

Most people living with MS don't see their neurologist often. For many, it might be only once or twice a year. A lot of important things take place during that appointment. Symptoms are assessed. Decisions about disease-modifying therapies are made or, sometimes, changed. Questions get asked and, hopefully, answered. Dr. Barbara Giesser returns to …

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Talking about Embracing Accountability and Increasing Authenticity with Stephanie Piazza, MSW(c) 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text Stephanie, a Nuyorican (a Puerto Rican located in New York City-in this case, The Bronx), trauma-born Capricorn, mother of three and first year MSW student/intern, discuss her journey from being a soldier in the U.S Army from deployment in Iraq and beyond to today. She highlights the pivotal role of therapy in her recovery and speaks…

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Episode 400: The President and CEO of the National MS Society Looks Back at the Past and Shares a Vision of the Future with Dr. Tim Coetzee 35:02

4M ago35:02

35:02

Welcome to the 400th episode of RealTalk MS! Over the past nearly eight years, it's been my absolute honor to bring you insights from leading experts, researchers, advocates, and, perhaps most importantly, from people living with MS themselves. And we have no intention of stopping here! We're excited to continue bringing you the information and con…

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Talking about Working with Your Partner with JR Perez 53:18

5M ago53:18

53:18

Send us a text JR Perez discusses the challenges and benefits of working together with Paula in business. They highlight the learning curve of running Personalize Your Coaching and Personalize Your Therapy, which started in 2018 and 2023, respectively. Paula shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and the need for a CEO mindset. JR emphasizes t…

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Episode 399: How Spirituality Can Make a Difference If You're Living with MS with Dr. Mana Ali Carter 32:14

5M ago32:14

32:14

Research shows that spirituality can benefit mental health and improve overall well-being. And it can play a meaningful role in helping people cope with life’s challenges, like living with MS. This week, Dr. Mana Ali Carter, a rehabilitation psychologist at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington D.C., joins me to discuss the positiv…

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Talking about Grace 24:07

5M ago24:07

24:07

Send us a text Paula speaks about the concept of grace, exploring its importance beyond religious context and added use during the early days of the pandemic. She identifying ways that grace can be defined and practiced differently based on individual beliefs and values. Paula shares personal experience, including her own challenges and emphasizes …

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Episode 398: How Breakthrough Discoveries in MS Research Will Impact MS Care with Dr. Amit Bar-Or 24:05

5M ago24:05

24:05

Last week, at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, Dr. Amit Bar-Or received the John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research for his multiple achievements that have advanced our knowledge of neuroimmunology, precision medicine, and biomarkers in MS. We talked with Dr. Bar-Or about how some of the latest discoveries in MS research …

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Talking about Immigrant Scarcity Mindset with Carolyn O'Neal, LCSW 45:29

5M ago45:29

45:29

Send us a text Carolyn explores the concept of scarcity mindset, particularly within immigrant communities. She and Paula share personal experiences associated with financial struggles and the cultural emphasis on resourcefulness over buying new items. Carolyn recounts her mother's journey from factory work to a stable career, highlighting the gene…

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Episode 397: Managing Grief and MS with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor 35:34

5M ago35:34

35:34

For many people, it can be difficult to talk about the feelings of loss that can accompany MS. For some, it's the loss of the way they imagined their life would turn out. For others, it's the more specific loss of function. Perhaps the loss of their mobility. Or a decline in their cognitive skills. It's painful to imagine any of these scenarios, le…

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Talking about Social Rest 33:54

5M ago33:54

33:54

Send us a text On the final episode in the series about the seven types of rest, Paula discusses the intricacies of social rest. She emphasizes that social rest is often overlooked but crucial for mental and emotional well-being and highlights the need to be intentional about social connections, focusing on those who uplift and support us, and avoi…

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Episode 396: The Importance of Cancer Screenings for People Living with MS With Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie 31:35

5M ago31:35

31:35

Managing MS means staying focused not only on your MS but also on your overall health. That includes getting routine health screenings to stay ahead of potential complications. Recent research has shown that, compared to healthy people, people with MS are more likely to develop some cancers. Clinician-scientist Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie joins me to discu…

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AFB032 - Special guest: MISTAY 1:02:55

5M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Live this week a DJ set from MISTAY (Dreizehn Schallplatten / Autektone Records / LETS TECHNO records)By Robert T. Master

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Talking about Spiritual Rest 28:37

6M ago28:37

28:37

Send us a text In the next episode on the series exploring the different types of rest, Paula digs into the concept of spiritual rest. She reflects on her experience at Retreat, Remix, Revive highlighting the challenges of balancing roles as a facilitator and participant and the ways it connects to this form of rest. Paula explains that spiritual r…