Episode #1: Introduction with Harper Spero
I’m so excited to launch the first episode of Made Visible, an idea which has been a long time in the making. I didn’t always know that I wanted to launch a podcast, but I did know that I needed to do something to make people with invisible illnesses feel less alone and more supported. I only came to that realization once I started talking about my own illness, which I hid for many years. Talking about my story was so freeing. I wanted others to have that experience too.
This isn’t a medical podcast, and I’m not a therapist or medical professional. I’m someone who lives with an invisible illness and is here to talk to others who are ready to share their stories.
How does it work?
This episode, during which I share my story, is just the beginning. In future episodes, I’ll speak with people who have illnesses as well as those who serve as caregivers for others. I hope you’ll tune in to hear their stories and be part of the changing conversation about invisible illness.
For the next few weeks, I’ll release a new episode every Tuesday. These first few episodes will feature guests who have really diverse experiences and perspectives on invisible illnesses, and I’m really excited to share them with you. After I release the first batch of episodes, I’ll ask for your feedback about the show and then incorporate it into my plan for future episodes. Your feedback matters to me and will help me facilitate the conversations we need to have most.
Here are some of the things I share on the first episode:
Why I hid my invisible illness for so long
The lengthy process of getting to my initial diagnosis
The pivotal moment when I realized I couldn’t ignore my illness
How I struggled (and still struggle) with asking friends and family for support
Why I’m intentional about what I share on social media
Why I still mark the day of my life-changing surgery with a celebration every year
LISTEN HERE: ITUNES / SPOTIFY / STITCHER / GOOGLE PLAY / OVERCAST