Can Do MS Podcast

MS & Motherhood: Planning a Family Through Uncertainty – Episode 199

What does family planning look like with MS? Stephanie talks with Emily about her journey from diagnosis and meeting her husband through the MS community to navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and treatment decisions.

They explore what research says about MS, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, along with the real-life challenges of new motherhood ...

The Puzzle of Progression – Episode 198

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is evolving—and so is the way we understand it. In this episode, host Stephanie Buxhoeveden sits down with physician’s assistant Lisa Fox to unpack one of the most important shifts in MS care: recognizing progression beyond relapses.
They explore the concept of PIRA (progression independent of relapse activity), why patients may feel worse...

Trust Your Body: MS, Menopause, and Speaking Up – Episode 197

When MS symptoms don’t feel like MS anymore, hormones may be part of the story. Dawn shares her 25-year MS journey, how perimenopause complicated her symptoms, and how lived experience led her from patient to research collaborator with iConquerMS. This episode is a powerful reminder that women’s voices belong in science.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general ed...

Cognition and the Science of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in MS – Episode 196

Cognitive changes in MS are often misunderstood. In this episode, Stephanie talks with Dr. Leigh Charvet about what cognition in MS really looks like—why processing speed, not memory loss, is the most common challenge, and why symptoms can fluctuate day to day.

They break down what non-invasive brain stimulators are, how it boosts the effects of c...

MS Beyond the City: Living With MS in Rural and Underserved Communities – Episode 195

Living with multiple sclerosis is shaped not only by the disease, but by where you live.

In this episode, we explore what “rural” and “underserved” truly mean in real life for people with MS. Moving beyond ZIP codes and statistics, the conversation centers on lived experience: long drives to care, delayed d...

Unpacking MS Progression and BTK Inhibitors – Episode 194

In this episode, we will have honest and hopeful conversation about two of the biggest topics in multiple sclerosis today, progression and the next major frontier in treatment: BTK inhibitors. They unpack what makes BTK inhibitors so unique, how they work inside immune cells and the brain, and why they could represent a game-changing step in the MS community. We will a...

MS, Mindset & the Power of Daily Choices – Episode 193

Why are new habits so hard? Health coach Amy Behimer joins host Stephanie to share practical, compassionate tools for building habits that stick, especially while living with MS. From mindset to movement, learn how to start small, listen to your body, and take action that lasts.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general educational information. Can Do MS does n...

Speech-Language Pathology and MS: Support for Thinking, Communication, and Daily Life – Episode 192

Think speech therapy is just for slurred speech or swallowing? Think again. In this episode, host Stephanie Buxhoeveden chats with Speech Language Pathologist Lauren Schwabish about how speech-language pathologists support people with MS in managing thinking, memory, planning, and communication. They explore real-life strategie...

Navigating MS Together: A Patient’s Journey and Her Neurologist’s Insight – Episode 191 – Transcript

In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to be newly diagnosed wit...

Addressing Swallowing Difficulties and Nutritional Deficiencies in MS – Episode 190

Swallowing issues and nutrition changes are common in MS but often overlooked. Host Stephanie Buxhoeveden is joined by speech-language pathologist Dr. Corinne Jones and dietitian Carla Cos to explore how MS affects eating—and what you can do about it. Learn practical strateg...

Weight Loss Drugs and MS: What You Should Know – Episode 189

Weight-loss medications are gaining attention—but how do they fit into life with MS? In this episode, host Dr. Stephanie Buxhoeveden talks with Dr. Alise Carlson from the Cleveland Clinic about how these medications work, their potential benefits and risks for people with MS, and what to consider when it comes to hormones, bone health, and access. You’ll walk ...

Disclosing MS: One Advocate’s Journey from Private to Public – Episode 188

In this episode, host Stephanie Buxhoeveden talks with Kenneth Bandler, a longtime communications professional and MS advocate, about his deeply personal journey with multiple sclerosis and the decision to disclose his diagnosis—first to close family, and years later, to his workplac...

Taking the Next Step With Confidence: Navigating Foot Drop and Mobility with MS – Episode 187 – Transcript

In this episode, we are joined by physical therapist Samantha Balistreri and orthotist Spencer Van Wagenen to break down what foot drop is, what devices like AFOs and FES can do for you. Then we will deep dive into how PTs and orthotists work together to find t...

Facing MS: From First Symptoms to First Steps– Episode 186 – Transcript

In this episode, we explore how the landscape of being newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) has transformed over the last decade. Thanks to advances in MRI technology, biomarkers, and updated diagnostic criteria, more people are being diagnosed earlier.  We break down how diagnosis and treatment options have improved across the board.  We al...

Finding Your Calm: Mindfulness and MS– Episode 185 – Transcript

In this powerful and insightful episode, host Stephanie welcomes mindfulness expert Robert Simpson to explore the vital connection between stress, mindfulness, and multiple sclerosis.  They also dive into self-compassion, the stress care partners face, and how mindfulness can foster empowerment and deeper connection. Whether you’re new to mindfulness ...

Living Well With MS While Managing Pain– Episode 184 – Transcript

In this episode, we explore how to manage the different types of pain associated with multiple sclerosis.  We discuss the role of behavioral interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral activation in reducing pain’s impact and improving quality of life. We also share practical tips for people who don’t have access to a CBT ...

My MS Story– Episode 183 – Transcript

In this episode we join our host Stephanie Buxhoeveden and special guest Ashley Ratcliff Lundy as we dive into the personal journeys of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as we share unique stories of diagnosis, the emotional rollercoaster that follows, and how perspectives on life have shifted since that moment. From the first signs of MS to the life-changing diagnosis, our guest ...

Navigating Pediatric MS – Challenges, Treatment, and Hope for the Future– Episode 182 – Transcript

In this episode, we join our host Stephanie Buxhoeveden and two special guests Emily Blosberg with Oscar the Monkey and Harvard Neurology professor Tanuja Chitnis. Together we explore the complexities of pediatric multiple sclerosis and how it differs from the adult form of the disease. We’ll dive into when pediatric...

Debunking Myths and Crafting Sleep Strategies for MS– Episode 181 – Transcript

In this episode we join our host Stephanie Buxhoeveden and special guest Areti Vassilopoulos, we dive into the challenges of managing sleep with multiple sclerosis. From debunking common myths to exploring practical, real-life strategies, we provide insights on how to improve your sleep quality. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, or simp...