Rheumer Has It Podcast
“‘Rheumer Has It’” is a podcast hosted by patient leaders Chronic Eileen and Arthritis Life Cheryl that debunks myths and tackles stigmas about rheumatic diseases. Through expert interviews and patient advocacy discussions, it bridges science and patients, empowering listeners with accessible, evidence-based insights.
The primary audience includes adults living with rheumatic diseases, their families, and caregivers. Additional focus extends to medical students, allied health professionals, and individuals interested in health advocacy. By making research accessible, the goal is to educate, inspire, and foster a more informed community.
Meet Your Hosts
Eileen Davidson, from Vancouver BC Canada
Eileen Davidson, also known as Chronic Eileen, is a disability and chronic illness advocate from Vancouver BC Canada. Living with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, she spends a large focus on volunteering and creating awareness around arthritis. Eileen is a member of the Arthritis Research Canada patient advisory board, and author with over 100 published articles. With The International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis (AiArthritis) Eileen is the Educational Media Assistant.
Cheryl Crow, OTR/L, from Seattle, WA
Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over twenty years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and entertaining patient education and self-management resources.
Listen On Your Favorite Podcast Platforms
You can listen to Arthritis Life Podcast on various podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Explore a wide range of episodes covering topics related to living with arthritis and managing the condition with practical tips and insights by visiting The Arthritis Life website.
Rheumer Has It Podcast Episode
Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research (What Patients Should Know) with Dr. Linda Li
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Li to break down a question so many people living with arthritis have: How do I know what information I can actually trust?
With so much conflicting advice online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or even hopeful about claims that are ultimately unfounded. Together, we walk through how to find reputable research, what “peer-reviewed” really means, and why one exciting study doesn’t equal a proven treatment. Dr. Li also explains key concepts like plain language summaries, the hierarchy of evidence, and how to spot common traps like cherry-picking data or misleading headlines.
Our goal on this episode is to give you some practical tools so you can feel more confident, informed, and supported in your health decisions. Because learning how to interpret research helps you build realistic, evidence-based hope that actually serves you long-term.
Weight, GLP-1s and Arthritis: What the Science Really Says
How does weight affect arthritis pain and inflammation, and what actually helps? In this episode* of Rheumer Has It, Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson talk with rheumatologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Derin Karacabeyli about the science of weight, adipose tissue, and arthritis. They explain how excess body fat can increase inflammation and joint stress, why BMI (Body Mass Index) isn’t a perfect measure, and how stigma and mental health impact weight management for people living with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and osteoarthritis.
They also discuss safe, realistic strategies that support joint health, including tailored exercise and strength training, plus the emerging evidence on GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide/Ozempic/Wegovy) for people with obesity and arthritis. The key message: obesity is a treatable chronic condition, and care should be compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based.
*Content note/ trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of body weight, obesity, BMI, and weight-loss medications (including GLP-1 drugs). We approach this topic from a stigma-free, evidence-based perspective, as well as lived experience, but we know conversations about weight can be sensitive or activating, especially for those with a history of weight stigma, eating disorders, or body image challenges. Listener discretion encouraged.
How to Build Sustainable Exercise Habits With Arthritis
In this episode of Rheumer Has It, Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson are joined by Dr. Manny Ester, a researcher in physical activity behavior change, to bust common myths about exercise and arthritis. Dr. Ester explains why any movement counts, especially for people living with rheumatic disease.
Listeners will learn how to reframe movement as something personal, enjoyable, and adaptable, because sustainable behavior change comes from doing what fits your life, not from chasing perfect routines. The biggest benefits come from starting small, not from hitting rigid guidelines like 10,000 steps or 150 minutes per week.
Busting Fibromyalgia Myths with Dr Christine Stamatos
Living with both rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia can feel confusing, exhausting, and deeply invalidating, especially when it’s hard to tell where your pain is coming from or when fibromyalgia is dismissed as “not real.” In this episode, Cheryl and Eileen sit down with Dr. Christine Stamatos, a nationally recognized rheumatology nurse practitioner and chronic pain expert, to unpack fibromyalgia myths versus facts with clarity, compassion, and strong scientific grounding.
Dr. Stamatos explains why fibromyalgia is absolutely real, how it commonly overlaps with inflammatory diseases like RA, and what’s actually happening in the brain, nerves, and spinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia. She offers practical guidance for telling the difference between an RA flare and a fibromyalgia flare, explains why opioids often make fibromyalgia pain worse, and reframes treatment as a whole-person, multi-tool approach, not a single pill, diet, or supplement.
The Science of Exercise & RA
In this episode, Cheryl and Eileen sit down with Dr. Brian Andonian of Duke University, whose research on exercise, aging, and rheumatic disease captured their attention at the 2025 ACR Conference. He sheds light on the powerful ways exercise influences the immune system, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and even cellular aging in rheumatoid arthritis, far beyond the outdated notion that RA is “just a joint disease.”
Together, they break down common myths about fragility, rest, and “wear and tear,” while explaining why tailored exercise programs are not only safe but essential. Dr. Andonian also offers practical guidance for managing fatigue, using slow progression, and finding trustworthy exercise resources. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how movement can improve whole-body health with RA.
Our Most Exciting Takeaways from the ACR 2025 Rheumatology Conference
On this episode of ‘Rheumer Has It,’ Eileen and Cheryl delve into the latest advancements and key takeaways from the American College of Rheumatology’s Annual Conference. They discuss groundbreaking treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, Neuroimmodulators like Vagus Nerve Stimulator Devices, GLP-1 medications. They also reflect on new insights into mental health, cognitive dysfunction, and the importance of the microbiome as part of lifestyle interventions. This episode offers hope, practical advice, and the latest research to help manage your condition more effectively.
Vaccines and Rheumatic Disease, with Dr Cuoghi Edens
On this episode of Rheumer Has It, hosts Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson speak with Dr. Cuoghi Edens, a rheumatologist trained in both adult and pediatric care, about vaccine myths and facts for people with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Dr. Edens debunks common misconceptions, such as vaccines causing autoimmune diseases or always triggering flares. She explains that while mild immune responses are normal, serious complications are extremely rare and the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Dr Edens emphasizes that vaccines not only prevent infections but also certain cancers, making them an essential part of care for immunosuppressed patients. The discussion also explores vaccine timing with medications, the dangers of misinformation, and how to talk about vaccine hesitancy with empathy and evidence.
How to Spot Misinformation Online
On this episode of Rheumer Has It, Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson tackle the pervasive issue of misinformation in the rheumatic disease community. Drawing on their personal experiences as patients and advocates, they discuss why false claims, especially about “natural cures,” supplements, and anti-medication rhetoric, are so emotionally compelling yet potentially dangerous.
They share examples of how misinformation can lead to physical harm, wasted money, and delayed treatment, and emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. The hosts introduce practical tools such as the “CRAAP test” for evaluating sources and encourage listeners to seek balanced, evidence-based hope rather than false promises of cures.
Remission Myths and Misconceptions, with Dr. Loreto Carmona
On this special episode of ‘Rheumer has It’, hosts Eileen and Cheryl are joined by renowned rheumatologist Dr. Loreto Carmona from Spain. The discussion centers around the concept of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), highlighting the differences between medical and patient perspectives on what constitutes remission.
Dr. Carmona emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and doctors, the role of medications and lifestyle factors, and the myths surrounding RA remission.
This insightful conversation is part of the Canadian Talk Over RA campaign, aimed at providing hope and clear knowledge to those living with RA. See the full show notes on the Arthritis Life website for more details.
Axial Spondyloarthritis Myths v. Facts with Dr. Jean Liew
Curious about axial spondyloarthritis and how it affects people beyond the typical stereotypes? Join us on our latest episode of ‘Rheumer Has It’ with Dr. Jean Liew as we bust myths and delve into the complexities of diagnosing this condition.
Dr. Liew shares her personal journey to becoming a rheumatologist inspired by a friend’s diagnosis. She then discusses the condition in detail, addressing common misconceptions such as it being exclusive to white men and always showing up on imaging.
Separating Myth from Reality for Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease
On this episode of ‘Rheumer Has It,’ hosts Eileen and Cheryl tackle the crucial, yet often confusing, topic of nutrition for people living with rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, they dispel common myths such as the notion that diet alone can treat RA, and also highlight the evidence for some nutrition approaches like the Mediterranean diet as a reliable starting point.
The episode underscores the importance of integrating diet and other lifestyle approaches alongside medications for optimal well-being. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or navigating your journey, this episode offers clarity on an often confusing topic.
Tips for Sleep, with Dr. Deb Da Costa
Sleep is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of arthritis care, despite its significant impact on symptoms such as pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and cognitive function. On this episode, Cheryl & Eileen talk with sleep expert and researcher D. Deborah Da Costa about evidence based interventions to improve sleep in people with rheumatic conditions.
Dr. Da Costa explores how sleep challenges are deeply entangled with social and emotional wellbeing as well as pain, fatigue and cognition for those living with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.
She also overviews Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI), which is the the gold standard for treating sleep disturbances. Whether it’s resisting social pressure to stay up late or coping with fatigue while caregiving, this episode explores sleep-related struggles and provides specific tips for improving sleep.
6 Types of Unsolicited Advice and How We Respond
Have you ever struggled to respond to unsolicited advice or comments about your rheumatic disease? On this episode of ‘Rheumer Has It,’ hosts Eileen and Cheryl tackle the pervasive issue of unsolicited advice that patients with rheumatic diseases often receive.They discuss the overwhelming nature of such advice and its potential negative impacts, particularly on newly diagnosed individuals.
Eileen and Cheryl break down six types of unsolicited advice, including lifestyle interventions, toxic positivity, unqualified medical advice, predatory marketing, wild suggestions, and even well-meaning but unsolicited solid advice.
They share their personal experiences and offer practical strategies for responding to these unsolicited suggestions, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatments and individualized care. The episode aims to empower listeners to assert their boundaries and make informed decisions about their health.
Busting Medication Myths with Dr. Hazelwood
In this episode of Rheumer Has It, hosts Eileen and Cheryl sit down with rheumatologist Dr. Glenn Hazelwood to debunk common myths and misunderstandings about medications for treating rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The discussion addresses concerns about medication side effects, the importance of treating rheumatic diseases early, and the false stigma that using advanced treatments indicates more severe disease or personal failure.
Dr. Hazelwood emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits and provides insights into how modern treatments can significantly improve quality of life. The episode emphasizes the safety and necessity of these medications and highlights the benefits of starting treatment early to prevent long-term complications.
This episode is particularly valuable for anyone newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who is navigating the complexities and concerns surrounding medication.
Arthritis Myths, Stigmas, and Misconceptions
If you’ve ever been told you’re “too young to have arthritis,” this episode is for you! Co-hosts Cheryl & Eileen, both of whom live with rheumatoid arthritis, discuss myths, stigmas, and misconceptions related to rheumatic diseases. They clarify the differences between these terms and provide examples, such as the myth that only elderly people get arthritis, the stigma that people with arthritis are lazy, and the misconception that arthritis is merely mild joint pain.
Eileen and Cheryl also emphasize the importance of education and self-advocacy and share personal experiences to illustrate how these misunderstandings can affect mental health. They also highlight resources for further learning and empowerment so you can help bust these myths and bring awareness to the true impact of rheumatic diseases.
Introducing Rheumer Has It: Busting Myths and Highlighting Evidence for Rheumatic Diseases
Welcome to the very first episode of Rheumer Has It! Hosts Cheryl and Eileen kick things off by sharing their own journeys with rheumatoid arthritis—from diagnosis to daily life—and how those experiences inspired them to create this podcast.
In this candid intro episode, you’ll hear how they met online, bonded over the challenges of living with RA, and teamed up to make science-backed info more relatable and easier to understand. Their mission? To bust myths, share real stories, and offer practical tips to help you feel more in control of your health.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with RA, or work in healthcare, this podcast is here to empower you with insights that actually make a difference.