What the EF
By What the EF
Thank you SK life science and Neurelis for sponsoring 2024!
What the EFFeb 20, 2024
When cancer crashes the epilepsy party with Jessica Smith
Creator of Living Well With Epilepsy, Jessica Smith, shares what it’s like when cancer meets a chronic illness. Jessica and Landis chat and laugh about their experiences managing epilepsy and tumors; coping mechanisms and community; and why society feels more comfortable showing up for the Big C but not always the Big E. Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible Help keep What the EF going by following and subscribing! YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast Instagram: @whattheefpodcast Website: whattheefpodcast.com
Reach out to Jess for epilepsy coaching here:
https://livingwellwithepilepsy.com/epilepsy-health-coach-programs
Submit your epilepsy story to Living Well With Epilepsy here!
https://livingwellwithepilepsy.com/ Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for showing up for the Big E!
When epilepsy meets a power couple with Charles and Dian Ellison
After having a seizure on-air, award-winning activist Charles Ellison was diagnosed with epilepsy and stepped down from his radio show to get a handle on his treatment with the support of his wife, Dian Ellison. This power couple shares with Landis Wiedner how they adjusted—and continue to adjust—with the ever-changing demands of epilepsy.
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Help keep What the EF going by subscribing on your fave streaming platform!
Sign up for episode updates here:
https://www.whattheefpodcast.com/
Follow on Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/whattheefpodcast/
Mentioned in episode: B|E Strategy and the B|E Note:
https://thebenote.substack.com/p/aboutbe
WURD radio episode:
https://wurdradio.com/2023/04/06/reality-check-on-health-a-farewell-from-charles-ellison/
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for being the power couple of this podcast!
Taking on stigma like a boss with Bee Martin Lee
CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, Bee Martin Lee, spent most of her life feeling unsafe to disclose her epilepsy because of the stigma she faced in college, career, and family. Bee shares with LandisWiedner the tough conversation shehad with herself to be open about her epilepsy. Now she strives to empower others to do the same and demystify what it means to have epilepsy.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Help keep What the EF going by following and subscribing!
Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Website: whattheefpodcast.com
Thank you SK Life Science and Neurelis for believing in What the EF and making conversations like this possible!
Searching for mental health care with Torie Robinson
Frustrated in your search for mental health care? You’re not alone! Torie Robinson, host of Epilepsy Sparks podcast, and Landis Wiedner chat and laugh about their quests for good therapists and experiences with various types of therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).
Armed with her impressively vast knowledge of the epilepsies, Torie explains why mental healthcare goes hand in hand with epilepsy treatment.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Help keep What the EF going by following and subscribing!
Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Website: whattheefpodcast.com
Check out Epilepsy Sparks!
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for supporting What the EF!
Finding your path for advocacy with Dr. Takijah Heard
Dr. Heard has completed medical missions across the world and won the Mrs. Illinois pageant--all for epilepsy awareness. Listen to Dr. Heard's story of why she chose to be a pediatric epileptologist and her creative approach for epilepsy education. You'll find yourself inspired to find your own form of advocacy.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Help keep What the EF going by following and subscribing!
Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Website: whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for being awesome epilepsy awareness advocates!
How to heal your whole self with Terra Ann
Wellness coach, Terra Ann, shares practices on how to heal our whole selves. Drawing from her own epilepsy journey, Terra Ann shares her practices of integrating food, lifestyle, and self-care into her every day. Great listen to keep up new year momentum!
Check out Terra Ann's wellness coaching here: https://www.terraann.com/
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Help keep What the EF going by following and subscribing!
Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Website: whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for believing in What the EF!
It's OK not to be OK with Kelly Cervantes
Bestselling author of NORMAL BROKEN, Kelly Cervantes, talks about what to do when life feels unsurvivable. She shares her experience and coping mechanisms--including feel like a deranged dancing chicken.
WIN A SIGNED COPY OF NORMAL BROKEN
1. Follow and DM What the EF on Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
2. You're entered to win!
Shop local for NORMAL BROKEN
1. Request a signed copy with purchase at Kelly’s fave shop: words bookstore https://wordsbookstore.com/
2. Purchase a copy from Landis’s fave shop: Semicolon Books https://bookshop.org/shop/Semicolonchi
For more info about CURE Epilepsy, check out their website: https://www.cureepilepsy.org/
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for doing the deranged chicken dance with us!
Dudes and dating, part 2 with Brendan Wolfe
What the EF podcast starts off 2024 with an elusive topic: DATING. When do you tell a date you have epilepsy? What do we expect from potential partners? Landis Wiedner chats with epilepsy advocate Brendan, who brings new year energy to the dating sphere. Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible Instagram: @whattheefpodcast YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast Website: whattheefpodcast.com Thank you SK Life Science and Neurelis! You had us at hello. 💜 Want a Henry's Heart necklace? All proceeds go to epilepsy causes! Check out Henry's Heroes Foundation and reach out to Nancy! https://henrysheroesfoundation.org/
What the ELF - 5 tips to survive the holidays
We chat about our favorite coping strategies for surviving our favorite time of the year! Shop What the EF (and What the ELF!) merch and get a 15% off discount! Promo code: WTEF15 https://wtefpodcastshop.etsy.com
What's a non-epileptic seizure? with Dr. Strom and Meagan Watson
If you’ve never heard of a non-epileptic seizure (NES), neither had we! Dr. Strom and Meagan clear up the confusion for us and explain why docs are reluctant to talk about NES.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Website: whattheefpodcast.com
That’s a wrap on Seizen 3! Thank you to all the listeners and Neurelis and SK Life Science for supporting this podcast!
Fave of the Week!
Temporal Tees - funny epilepsy merch :)
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Spotlighting teens living with epilepsy with Miles Levin
Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a teen with epilepsy is what filmmaker Miles Levin seeks to showcase in his short film Under the Lights. Miles shares why he made the film as well as his personal experience with epilepsy in high school and how that compares to adulthood.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Thank you SK Life Science and Neurelis for making these conversations possible!
Support What the EF!
Subscribe to WTEF YouTube channel: @WhatTheEFPodcast Follow onInstagram: @WhatTheEFPodcast Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.whattheefpodcast.com/
Fave of the Week!
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago
If you're in Chicagoland, come to...
Consumer Event on 10/28/23!! Register here.
Casino Night on 11/4/23!! :) Buy tix here.
Miles Levin's Work!
Check out Under the Lights short film
Support the feature film: https://www.underthelightsfilm.com/
Living Well With Epilepsy Shop!
Get 15% off with this code - WHATTHEEFPOD https://www.etsy.com/shop/lwwedesigns
How does marriage work with epilepsy? with Tiffany Kairos
This week we chat with the queen of epilepsy advocacy, Tiffany Kairos, and ask the questions that can’t be answered in a doc’s office. Like…what does a marriage look like when epilepsy enters after the wedding day?
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow WTEF on Insta! @whattheefpodcast
Subscribe to WTEF YouTube channel! @WhatTheEFPodcast
Stay in touch with WTEF newsletter! whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for puttin’ a ring on it!
Mentioned in the episode:
Fave of the Week!
Christopher's Bakery - 15% off PROMO code: epilepsy15
Tiffany's resources:
The guy behind the American Disabilities Act with Tony Coelho
Here’s something to tell your boss--the primary sponsor of the ADA also has epilepsy! We chat with Tony about his vigorous fight to get it passed and his mind-blowing journey with seizures.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for making these convos possible!
Still surfing: water safety and epilepsy with Jared Muscat
This Tuesday, Landis chats with Jared Muscat about why he wouldn’t let epilepsy stop him from doing his favorite thing: surfing. Water safety is tricky when it comes to seizures, and Jared shares how to stay safe without giving up your passion—no matter what it is.
Shout out to Neurelis and SK Life Science for helping put these important convos out there!
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Mentioned in this episode (and NOT paid promos):
Our fave of the week is the amazing organization Angels of Epilepsy!
Living Well With Epilepsy Shop: Get 15% off with this code - WHATTHEEFPOD
Henry's Heroes Foundation: reach out to Nancy for a heart necklace
The breakdown on SUDEP with Dr. Kim Pargeon
In this episode, we tackle an audience-requested topic: SUDEP. There are so many questions, and Dr. Kim Pargeon guides us through all of them.
Available on your fave streaming services!
YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible
Faves of the Week are The Cameron Boyce Foundation and The Danny Did Foundation! Thank you for bringing awareness about SUDEP to our community!
Help keep WTEF going!
Follow us on Insta: @whattheefpodcast
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Sign up for our newsletters: whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for believing in our podcast!
Support groups could be your new dating app with Abby & Colin Bodie
This episode has the world’s best meet-cute and what dating with empathy looks like. Calling in from Scotland, Abby and Colin share their love story and how it feels being with someone who truly gets it.
Available on your fave streaming platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Help keep What the EF going!
Follow on Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
Subscribe on YouTube: @WhatTheEFPodcast
Get the newsletter: whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for helping make dreams come true by supporting What the EF!
How to have a career and manage epilepsy with Jennifer Reyes
We kick off Seizen 3 with Jennifer Reyes on her strategies for the awkward convos at work about seizures or needing accommodations (which are legally required but hard to ask for). Grab a pen because you’ll want to write these tips down!
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow us on Instagram: @whattheefpodcast
Subscribe to our newsletter here: whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for believing in our podcast!
Fave of the week! 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy - Hidden Truths
Upcoming events: 9/30/23 - Boston; 11/11/23 - Newport Beach
Learn more about Lexington Coaching!
Do you believe in miracles? with Paige Figi
We lowkey fangirled meeting Paige Figi—the legit pioneer of legalizing CBD for medical use. She turned her home into a haven for people trying to get CBD access in Colorado. Nowadays, she’s throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees game and fighting on the Hill for better regulatory practices.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast
Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Subscribe to our YouTube! @WhatTheEFPodcast
That’s a wrap on Seizen 2! Thank you Neurelis and SK Life Science for supporting this podcast!
Coach, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore with Alison Appleby
From pageants to archery, Alison Appleby has refuted the idea of “can’t” over and over again. We chat with Alison about the hurdles and help—especially from her adorable service dog, Brady--she faced with epilepsy and why these inspired her to give back. She’d proving anything is paw-sible!
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast
Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Subscribe to our YouTube! @WhatTheEFPodcast
Thank you SK Life Science and Neurelis, our fur-ever friends!
Learn your rights on service dogs under the American Disabilities here.
Epilepsy Fave of the Week: Milo & Me
Like back in the 80s when bad meant good with Elliott DeVore
As if moving to a new city isn’t hard enough, Elliott DeVore was diagnosed with epilepsy just months later. Then undiagnosed. Then maybe diagnosed? We chat about the mind-numbing questions we all face. Like…do I even have it? Are these seizures or med side effects? Do I tell work or new friends or a date I have epilepsy? What the EF??
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast
Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Subscribe to our YouTube! @WhatTheEFPodcast
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for helping us bring the 80s back!
Barbecue sauce with John Bramblitt
After epilepsy made him go blind in college, John Bramblitt turned his sketching hobby into a painting career. (As one does.) But what surprised the hell out of us even more is John’s perspective on what it’s like living with both invisible and visible disabilities.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast
Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Subscribe to our YouTube! @WhatTheEFPodcast
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for putting the B in our BBQ sauce!
Believe in believe with Trevon Sundiata Ferguson
We chat with Trevon Sundiata Ferguson, a combat vet who was diagnosed with epilepsy in his 40s. He shares how he went from a “lightbulb that’s fading out” to the inspiring, motivational speaker—and the phenomenal athlete he is today.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast
Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Subscribe to our YouTube! @WhatTheEFPodcast
Shout out to Neurelis and SK Life Science for helping us put these important convos out there!
I shouldn't bring an umbrella to a brainstorm with Lisa Lindahl
Lisa Lindahl is the inventor of the sports bra. ‘Nuff said. Lisa’s mom told her that epilepsy meant zero expectations of Lisa accomplishing anything. Instead, Lisa paved the way for female entrepreneurs and people living with epilepsy. We chatted with this icon about how much things have changed—and what still needs changing—in this inspiring episode.
Check out Lisa's books and art! www.lisalindahl.com
Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for helping us create change through this podcast!
Be curious, not judgmental with Madeleine Khamnei
Time after time, the word “epilepsy” got in the way of Madeleine Khamnei’s dreams. What did she do about it? She kept getting back up (sometimes literally), creating new goals, and continues to kick ass at them. We unpack it all—the struggle of college, jobs, and dating. Our jaws are pretty much on the floor as Madeleine shares with us her secret to not let seizures determine her lifestyle.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Follow us on Insta! @whattheefpodcast Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Big thanks to Neurelis and SK Life Science for helping make our dreams come true in creating What the EF!
Be a goldfish with Jeff Parent
We kick off Seizen 2 of with professional powerhouse Jeff Parent who’s a president of Toyota AND the Epilepsy Foundation of America Board. (no biggie.) We chat with Jeff about what it’s like when you, your dad, and two of your kids have epilepsy. And maybe grab the tissues—because the reason Jeff became an advocate is pretty beautiful.
Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Subscribe to our YouTube! @WhatTheEFPodcast
Follow us on Instagram! @whattheefpodcast
Join our email fam! whattheefpodcast.com
Big thanks to SK Life Science and Neurelis for believing in our podcast!
How this bad ass owned her epilepsy with Eli Corbett
Diagnosed with epilepsy as a teen, Eli did what many of us have done: hid it from everyone and pretended it’s not there. Years later as a practicing attorney, a higher up told her that if she wanted to be successful, she needed to keep her diagnosis to herself. Instead, she chose to tell everyone.
By owning her story, Eli shares how it helped her go farther and opened doors she never even imagined.
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors Neurelis and SK life science!
Join our What the EF fam and subscribe to our newsletter to get news about Seizen 2!
Use the code WTEF20 to get 20% Neureka sleep monitoring
The epilepsy elephant in the room with Natalie Beavers
Diagnosed at age 5, Natalie Beavers addresses the giant learning curve that ensued for her and her family. She shares how self-advocacy ultimately led to creating a safe environment for herself and the epilepsy community. We’re super grateful for Natalie addressing the epilepsy elephant in the room: depression.
Natalie talks about her experiences, attempting to take her own life, and how she moved forward from that moment to create an empire that would ultimately serve others and give her purpose to get up every day.
If you're having suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 for help or check out 988 Lifeline resources here: https://988lifeline.org/
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors SK life science and Neurelis!
Subscribe to our newsletter here! whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Dudes and dating with Dr. Brad Ingram
Perfect Valentine’s Day episode! As a pediatric epileptologist living with epilepsy, Dr. Ingram has a unique perspective—and one that doesn’t get a lot of attention: being a male living with epilepsy. He shares struggles he faced that never occurred to us, like being a teenager and unable to pick up a date from her house…because he can’t legally drive.
Dr. Ingram addresses societal expectations that men face (like being the tough guy), how these are heightened when dealing with a chronic illness, and how to show true strength by rejecting those standards.
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors Neurelis and SK life science!
Subscribe to our newsletter here! whattheefpodcast.com
Feb. 13-20 is Seizure Action Plan Awareness Week!
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
So...can I have kids? with Dr. Alexa King
Dr. King educates us on that burning question that many of us female epileptics have...can I have kids, and if so, what is that going to look like for me?
An epileptologist who specializes in women’s health, Dr. King shares her vast knowledge on birth control, med changes/adjustments, and how to work with your own doctor during this journey.
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors SK life science and Neurelis!
Use the code WTEF20 to get 20% off Neureka sleep monitoring!
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Subscribe to our newsletter here! whattheefpodcast.com
Caretaking is sometimes letting go with Mary Laura Philpott
Bestselling author Mary Laura Philpott walks us through the moment that her and her family’s life was changed forever: her teenage son’s first seizure. She shares how she came to differentiate her experience as a mother and her son’s experience as the person living with epilepsy.
Mary Laura also brings to light the excruciating battle of having to let her child “spread his wings.” Like so many parents who want to wrap their children in bubble wrap, Mary Laura understands the importance of letting hers experience life.
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors Neurelis and SK life science!
Subscribe to our newsletter here! whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Ef, I have epilepsy. Now what? with Kenzie O'Connell
Struggling to find a neurologist? You’re not alone. Kenzie O’Connell tells us about trying to find a doc that was the best fit for her and the stressors that surface going into any neuro appointment like: “Is this my fault? Did I cause a seizure? What am I doing wrong?” We also chat about what to do when we feel like a burden to our loved ones and how each of us was able to accept our epilepsy.
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors SK life science and Neurelis!
Subscribe to our newsletter! Go to: whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
Lights, Camera, Seizure! with Sarah Carlson
Sarah has a unique experience of how her epilepsy diagnosis came to light…literally. A former news anchor, Sarah had a seizure while on air, which ended up costing her job. During her two-year search for a diagnosis, Sarah also lost her license, kids, and marriage. She shares with us how she got to where she is today: working at a job she loves, running marathons, and—most importantly—being a mother to her children.
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors SK life science and Neurelis!
Subscribe to our newsletter! Go to: whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
(Here's the article about Sarah mentioned in this episode.)
Epilepsy is a superpower?! with DJ HAPA
Wanna stay motivated to keep those New Year’s resolutions? Just take a listen to this heart-to-heart with DJ HAPA. The DJ-advocate-educator-podcaster breaks down how epilepsy can be a gift that shapes who we are and how we approach the world every day.
In this incredibly inspiring episode, Hapa discusses why it’s important to be an epilepsy advocate, regardless of seizure frequency or how many TikTok followers you have. He tells us how being vulnerable about his condition led to opportunities (and love!).
Thank you to our Seizen 1 sponsors SK life science and Neurelis!
Subscribe to our newsletter! Go to: whattheefpodcast.com
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible