[00:01:30] INTRODUCTION + PODCAST LAUNCH

• Goal for the podcast to create a resource

• Sharing personal experience with chronic illness and our disclaimer for releasing episodes and content

[00:03:17] NAVIGATING CHRONIC ILLNESS

• How Erica + Krista met and shared experience of their mothers experience with colon cancer

• Personal experiences with chronic illness

[00:06:08] THE SPOON THEORY

• Concept of "spoons" as a metaphor for energy levels and the theory shared by Christine Miserandino

• Explanation of the spoon theory and its relevance to chronic illness

• Importance of understanding energy levels and pacing for those with chronic conditions

[00:10:27] WHY WE CREATED THE PODCAST

• Opportunity to connect with people and to be of service

• To be able to have an outlet to create which has an effect on the healing process

[00:11:44] THE NAME AND PURPOSE OF THE PODCAST

• Definition of alchemy and its relevance to the podcast

• Alchemy as the practice of inner transformation, awareness of gifts and lessons from challenges

• Joe Dispenza quote: "An alchemist is an expert of transmutation, a practitioner capable of mystical transformation at the highest level of order. A problem solver, a life changer and unlimited creator."

[00:16:00] ERICA’S HEALTH JOURNEY

• Erica shares her journey with various health challenges, including Lyme disease, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and more

• Erica discusses the difficulties of navigating the healthcare system and the emotional toll of chronic illness

• Tick bites and early symptoms and the progression of symptoms over the years

• Challenges Erica faced with her career as an actress and navigating chronic illness

[00:37:34] KRISTA’S HEALTH JOURNEY

• Krista shares her own experiences with chronic health issues, including a significant ankle injury and the impact it had on her wellbeing over the years

• Supporting a close friend with Cancer and the learnings that came from that

• Hope + Anarchy blog: Kim’s experience navigating and managing cancer

• Navigating the discovery of Lyme diagnosis, severe neck and nerve pain, heavy metal chelation and the layers of healing

[00:44:35] STAGES OF CHRONIC ILLNESS

• The stages of chronic illness which not dissimilar to the stages of grief

• Importance of recognizing and honouring the different stages 

[00:46:40] PERSPECTIVES ON HEALING

• Revelations that come from moving through the various stages  

• “Bad news is good information.” There is value in the information - valuable and it is not who you are

• Michael Bernard Beckwith “You are an unlimited, eternal, infinite, spiritual being in a human incarnation.” 

• Avoiding identification with diagnoses and labels, the power of language and its impact on healing

• Concept of not identifying with a diagnosis and the importance of choosing language and narratives that empower rather than disempower

• Viewing the imbalances as messages from the body and a means of communication

[00:53:39] SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE ON ILLNESS

• Examining one's role in the disease process and the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and honouring one's limits

• Challenges of taking responsibility for one's role in the disease process, examining habits and behaviours, and having the courage to seek out new treatments and modalities

[01:06:40] GOLDEN GIFTS OF CHALLENGES

• The positive aspects of their experiences

• Developing empowerment, appreciation for simple things, and connecting with exceptional people

• The importance of having a general understanding of health and wellness before a crisis arises

• Conclude by stressing the importance of being proactive with one's health and using the podcast as a resource for self-empowerment and wellness