Spondycast

Rheumatologist Abhijeet Danve, MD, MHS, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Yale University, and developer of the Axial Spondyloarthritis Screening Tool (A-Tool) discusses why diagnostic delays happen, how the A-Tool screening survey was designed to help identify patterns of inflammatory back pain, and how it may support earlier referral to a rheumatologist.

Alfred N. Romeo, BA, BSN, RN, MS, PhD, a MotherToBaby expert, joins Spondycast to discuss family planning when spondyloarthritis is part of the picture.

Chuck Melendi, founder of Disruptive Dialogue, joins Spondycast to unpack the complex system behind prescription drug pricing and explain why medications can be so expensive for patients.

Adrine Avetyan, MA, LMFT, and founder of Scalp Sanctuary, a wellness space designed to promote relaxation and restoration, joins us to explore what self-care really means.

Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist, shares practical strategies to help people with SpA adapt how they approach everyday tasks at home, work, and in leisure activities to reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue while maintaining independence and quality of life.

Dr. Mark Hwang, MD joins us to discuss findings from his recent study on late-onset radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (AS), and how late-onset AS differs from early-onset disease in its presentation, radiographic findings, genetic markers, and treatment considerations.

Jana Bolduan Lomax, PsyD discusses psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy examined through a clinical and ethical lens.

Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L, shares an occupational therapy perspective on fatigue and reframes energy conservation as a practical, empowering skill.

Dr. Dharini Mahendira, MD, FRCPC, MScCH, discusses what patients need to know when planning a family while managing SpA. From pre-conception planning and disease control to medication considerations and coordinated care during pregnancy, this conversation provides evidence-based guidance and reassurance to help patients feel informed, prepared, and supported in making decisions alongside their healthcare team.

Kristen Mengwasser, MD, PhD, physician-scientist and Assistant Adjunct Professor of Rheumatology at UCSF — and SAA’s 2025 Early Career Investigator Award winner — joins us to discuss her research on how the immune system triggers axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Susan Murphy, ScD, OTR, introduces the SAA-funded RENEW Study, a new University of Michigan research initiative focused on fatigue, energy management, and resilience in people living with spondyloarthritis.

Adam Seth Mayer, MD, Assistant Professor of Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology at Hackensack University Medical Center and the Center for Discovery and Innovation — and SAA’s 2025 Jane Bruckel Early Career Investigator Award winner — joins us to discuss his research on using existing abdominal and pelvic CT scans to help detect axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) earlier in people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Leadership expert Donzel Leggett, Author of Make Your Destiny Happen, joins Spondycast to share practical approaches for building confidence and advancing both personally and professionally while managing a chronic illness.

Dr. Mohamad Bittar, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University — and SAA’s 2025 Early Career Investigator Award winner — discusses his research on pain mechanisms and brain connectivity in people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Dr. Heidi Prather returns to Spondycast to explore the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and how each can support people living with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Dr. Sang Taek Kim, MD, PhD of Yale Medicine discusses the complex overlap between cancer, immunotherapy, and spondyloarthritis.

Dr. Norma Biln, Norma Biln, PhD, MBA, BSc, NACD.DC, one of the founders of Augurex, explains how new biomarkers, patient questionnaires, and tools like SPINEstat aim to shorten the long diagnostic delay in spondyloarthritis by improving early detection and referral accuracy, especially in primary care settings.

Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) Laurane Chemenda, RWP, AIP Coach returns to Spondycast to debunk common myths about functional nutrition—such as supplement overload and miracle diets—while explaining how integrative, evidence-based nutrition can complement conventional rheumatology care and empower people with spondyloarthritis to take charge of their health.

Rheumatologist Dr. Marina Magrey discusses her latest research on biologic DMARD dose tapering in axial spondyloarthritis, outlining when it may be appropriate, its risks and benefits, and key considerations for patients.

Dr. Michael Lucke discusses the important connection between inflammation and cardiovascular health as he breaks down why people with PsA face higher risks, what warning signs to look for, and how screenings, treatments, and lifestyle steps can protect the heart.

Dr. Heidi Prather, Founder of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, shares how lifestyle medicine, through movement, sleep, stress management, and nutrition, can help people with spondyloarthritis reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their overall well-being.

Laurane Chemenda, Laurane Chemenda, RWP, AIP Coach, and a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), shares her personal and professional journey with ankylosing spondylitis and how nutrition, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle changes can support whole-body healing and complement conventional care.

David Smith, FRCms, FR, FRA, LMT, founder of Manta Massage, discusses how conscious bodywork and mobility training can help people with chronic conditions like spondyloarthritis reconnect with their bodies, reduce pain, and restore movement.

This episode explores the importance of safe, supportive spaces for men living with chronic pain, as guests Sarah Gehrig and Ryan Drozd share their personal journeys, the creation of the US Pain Foundation’s Pain Connection Men’s Support Group, and how community can foster vulnerability, healing, and empowerment.

AgingNext CEO Abigail Pascua shares how compassionate guidance, proactive planning, and accessible resources empower older adults, caregivers, and individuals with chronic conditions to live well, age well, and stay connected, regardless of where they call home.

In Part 2, Dr. Antonia Repollet explores how chronic stress impacts the gut-brain axis and inflammation in spondyloarthritis, and shares practical, evidence-based mind-body therapies, like clinical hypnosis and ACT, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Dr. Antonia Repollet explores how the gut-brain connection, trauma, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) shape the experience of chronic pain and offers practical strategies to help people with spondyloarthritis build resilience and regain control.

Kyle Settles, an educator and father living with spondylitis, shares his journey of advocating for his health, balancing fatherhood and chronic illness, and cultivating joy, empathy, and resilience while navigating life in rural Alaska.

In Part 2 of her conversation, Jenifer Forbes, former Team USA rower, reflects on life after elite rowing, sharing how she navigates spondyloarthritis, comorbidities, and personal transformation with resilience, self-compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Jenifer Forbes, former Team USA rower, talks about her difficult journey to a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis and how it impacted her athletic career.

Gastroenterologists Drs. Allen Lee, MD and Prashant Singh, MD discuss how specific dietary choices can shape the gut microbiome and, in turn, influence inflammation in people living with spondyloarthritis.

Eileen Filliben, JD/MBA, shares how Pain Reprocessing Therapy helped transform her health, and how it may help people with spondyloarthritis change the way their brain responds to pain.

Acupuncturist and integrative health expert, Brian Bowen, LAc, CMT, PAS, CES, CPT, CHPC, Power MBA, discusses Dao Needle Therapy and how it may benefit individuals with chronic pain.

Acupuncturist and integrative health expert Brian Bowen, LAc, CMT, PAS, CES, CPT, CHPC, Power MBA, shares how combining acupuncture, massage therapy, and corrective exercise can help manage chronic musculoskeletal pain—including conditions like spondyloarthritis—through a holistic and personalized approach.

Dr. Tristan Huie, pulmonologist and expert in interstitial lung disease, explains how spondyloarthritis can impact lung function, what symptoms to watch for, and how early detection, treatment, and multidisciplinary care can help protect respiratory health.

Lousin Mehrabi, a globally recognized negotiation expert, shares how the principles of negotiation, emotional intelligence, and inner peace can empower people, especially those with chronic illness, to advocate for their needs, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges confidently.

Dr. Christina Chambers, a leading expert in prenatal and lactation research, discusses how MotherToBaby studies help evaluate the safety of medications and treatments - like those used for spondyloarthritis - during pregnancy, and how patients can get involved in this vital research.

In this special 100th episode, Spondycast host Jill Miller becomes the guest, sharing her personal journey with spondyloarthritis, favorite moments from the show, and her vision for an empowered patient community.

Gwen Robinson, RNS Historian Supervisor & Infusion Nurse Specialist, shares valuable insights on how nurses support SpA patients, improve communication, and strengthen the patient-care team relationship.

Robert Felix, a senior information specialist at MotherToBaby California, discusses MTB's evidence-based information about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.