In this episode, Flic Manning chats with sunflower advocate, James Dunn on sudden onset of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the long road to diagnosis, and how he rebuilt identity and purpose after stepping away from a legal career.

• Energy budgeting and daily structure
• Identity loss after leaving work and values reframing
• Navigating public spaces with a hidden disability
• Travel barriers, queues and access to seating
• Workplace culture shift from proof to trust
• Simple adjustments that help everyone

Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

Simone Round shares how a hand tremor evolved into a complex FND diagnosis, now consisting of tics, chronic migraines, non‑epileptic seizures, and the reality of becoming an ambulant wheelchair user. In this episode, Simone talks us through her journey from an active lifestyle and career, working over 70 hours a week, to the steps she now takes to support her mental health and wellbeing. She explains how she now takes pleasure in a much slower pace of life, mindfulness and connection with people who also live with chronic illness.

Simone also describes the differences between carers and PAs and how her independence feels restored since having the aid of one.

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up and seek support from your healthcare practitioner.

For support:

• Visit your Healthcare practitioner
• FND Hope International
• FND Hope UK
• FND Action UK
• FND Ireland
• FND Matters Northern Ireland
• FND Hope Canada & USA Facebook support page

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website

Ashwin Soni joins the Sunflower Conversations to discuss Type 2 diabetes, which began to affect him four years ago.

We learn about the symptoms Ashwin experienced and the changes he has had to make to manage the condition effectively.

Also discussed are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, providing a better understanding and greater awareness of what to look out for to seek a diagnosis.

Whether you're supporting a loved one or just trying to refine your routine, you'll find grounded advice and hopeful takeaways in this episode, including accepting the diagnosis, learning the basics, and building repeatable habits to enjoy a long and fulfilling life.

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up and seek support from your healthcare practitioner.

For support:

• Visit your Healthcare practitioner
• Diabetes Ireland
• Diabetes UK
• Diabetes Canada
• American Diabetes Association

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website