Welcome to DisabiliTEA: Conversations for Change. This special video edition of the Finding Avalon Podcast features authentic chats over hot cups of tea with Disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent changemakers, citizens and our allies.
Episode 6 features Skye Polk, who introduces her journey as a chronic illness educator and disability advocate. She candidly discusses her experiences with lupus, dysautonomia, neurodivergence and the challenges of navigating a body that sometimes doesn’t cooperate.
Skye’s honesty about her struggles, such as dealing with CNS Lupus brain fog and the emotional realities of living with chronic illness, resonates with listeners who may face similar hurdles. The conversation sheds light on the need for more compassionate healthcare systems that recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities — and specifically, an end of medical gaslighting and medical misogyny.
“I think when people think ‘medical gaslighting,’ they think of it as this, really egregious, obvious thing, but it can be really subtle and sometimes even maybe a little hard to recognize it – kind of makes you doubt your reality.
Skye Polk
If you have ever come out of a doctor’s appointment, questioning yourself, not feeling heard, that can be a sign that you dealt with some medical gaslighting.
It can be someone dismissing your symptoms as anxiety or telling you that your labs are normal, even though you’re reporting a decline in quality of life and functioning and dealing with pain, denied tests, denied referrals, not getting the treatment and the access that you need.”
About this Episode
DisabiliTEA: Chronic Illness: A Journey We Don’t Walk Alone with Skye Polk (Season 1, Episode 6)
“Navigating the complexities of chronic illness is a journey we don’t walk alone.” Advocate Skye Polk shares her insights on the challenges involved when navigating disability, chronic illness and medical gaslighting. Together, Jenna and Skye share personal stories, the importance of self-advocacy and the need for compassionate, anti-ableist healthcare. The discussion also touches on the comfort of tea, the impact of pets and the significance of community support for disabled folks.
In this episode, Jenna Barnable and Skye Polk provide invaluable insights into the world of disability advocacy. Their conversation also touches on the challenges of living with chronic illness, and the role of self-advocacy and the importance of community support (often when building spaces online and through social media for others living with disabilities).
Key takeaways include the significance of sharing stories to inspire change, the necessity for compassionate healthcare, and the comfort found in simple rituals like enjoying a warm cup of tea.
Watch Skye’s Episode here
Episode Sponsor
Dougall Tea and Coffee — Atlantic Canada’s Mushroom Tea and Coffee Company — are a fantastic family business located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. They kindly sent along some tea and mugs to contribute to this episode’s important discussion. Thank you for supporting us!
Jenna tried their Ginger Cran – a ginger cranberry tea infused with wild-harvested chaga mushroom for a little energy lift, and sent Skye a pack of Sleepy Mama Tea with lion’s mane and reishi mushroom for balance, brain function and calm.
Dougall Tea and Coffee has a popular subscription program for their in-demand blends and brews. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever before. After several years drinking this tea, I recommend trying out Dougall’s delicious and creative menu of mushroom tea and coffee to power your day.
Learn More
- Skye Polks on Instagram and Blog (UPDATE LINKS)
- Subscribe to DisabiliTEA on YouTube
- Follow DisabiliTEA on Spotify
- DisabiliTEA Series Episode List
- Dougall Tea & Coffee website and Instagram
- Regions mentioned: Louisiana and Texas, USA, Nova Scotia, Canada
Thank You / Support a Disabled Creator
Thank you for supporting DisabiliTEA – an award-winning, Disabled-led, Atlantic Canadian program! Every like, share and comment really matters to Disabled creators, helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.
This is an entirely grassroots labour of love where Jenna creates accessible, cost-free public educational resources, without assistance or funding. Here are ways to support Jenna as she continues contributing to inclusive change, community empowerment and disabled justice. Donations are gladly accepted to help cover basic operational costs for the podcast and blog.
Finding Avalon: Storytelling, Advocacy & Life 
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