The MEN1 Mosaic

Ever left a medical appointment feeling dismissed, judged, or totally unheard? - Season 2, Episode #53

I speak with Dr Elena Borelli, a former Doctor of Medical Science turned Private Patient Advocate. She explains what’s really happening behind the scenes when patients feel ignored, how medical records can perpetuate harmful bias, and what to say (and not say) in high-stakes appointments.

We also explore second opinions, how to prepare for consultations, and what to do if you’ve been told your condition is just too rare for care. Elena brings compassion, clarity, and an empowering middle path...

"The realm of nutrition science is probably the last place you should look." Season 2, Episode 2

Lucy Fabbri—UK nurse and carnivore health advocate—shares how witnessing the realities of modern healthcare pushed her to rethink everything she knew about nutrition. From chasing blood sugars with insulin to being told patients with type 2 diabetes should eat more carbs, she began asking: what if everything we've been told is wrong?

In this episode:
• Why so-called 'healthy' porridge could be the worst way to start the day
• How humans evolved eating animal protein...

"By the time you need it, it's too late. Be ahead of burnout." - Season 2, Episode 1

At just 12 years old, Anna’s life was changed by acupuncture. Now a Reiki Master and holistic therapist, she shares how complementary therapies helped her recover from chronic illness and reconnect with her intuition. Together, we explore the healing power of energy work, scent, body awareness—and why Western medicine still doesn’t tell the whole story.

In this episode:
• How acupuncture helped put Anna's chronic symptoms into remission
• What Western medicine still doesn’t fully unders...

What if the food you trust most is the thing making you feel worse?

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Sarah and I talk about healing chronic symptoms through food, what’s really in the products on our shelves, and why reconnecting with nature might be one of the most powerful shifts we can make.

In this episode:
• From processed to plant-based: how Sarah’s health transformed
• Behind the scenes of the food industry
• Why “vegan” doesn’t always mean healthy
• The anxiety–altruism connection (and how to find purpose)

What happens when your life no longer feels like home?

In this soft, soul-level conversation, Diwa and I explore the identity shifts that happen when illness, change, or pressure pull you away from your authentic self. We talk about how to come back to your body—gently, compassionately, and without judgment.

In this episode:
• Illness, identity loss, and the grief of change
• What to do when your body doesn’t feel safe
• Kundalini yoga and the release of stuck emotions
• Boundaries, self-permission, and everyday self-love
• Why community and...

Could your dog’s behaviour—or even their health—be reflecting what’s going on inside you?

In this eye-opening episode, animal communicator and energy practitioner Viviana reveals how our dogs often mirror our emotional wounds, energetic imbalances, and stress. Whether it’s anxiety, illness, or “bad behaviour,” what if your dog is actually showing you something about you?

In this conversation, we explore:

How do you eat well when your pancreas isn’t playing ball?

Clinical dietitian, Yasmin Chotai de Lima, joins me on the MEN1 Mosaic Podcast to unpack some of the most misunderstood issues around food, digestion and low blood sugar in MEN1 and neuroendocrine cancer.

We cover:

The truth about 'carcinoid trigger foods'

What to do if you've had pancreatic surgery (or haven't—but still have gut issues)

What PERT is, why it matters, and how to navigate UK shortages

How to manage insulinomas or blood sugar cras...

What if the first signs of a child’s health issues weren’t in the blood—but in their breathing, jaw, or even sleep? I didn’t realise just how much oral health and orthodontics had clashed with my own MEN1 journey until I met Dr Steffan Decker. In this episode, he explains why mouth breathing, tongue position, and under-treated dental issues may be doing more than just affecting our smile—and why UK families might be missing crucial opportunities to intervene early.
 • Why mouth breathing matters far more than we’ve been told
 • How misdiagnosed orthodontic problems may mask...

What if blood sugar swings aren’t just about what you eat—but how and why you eat it? Christina Lile is a diabetic health consultant, registered nurse, and type 1 diabetic with over 40 years of lived experience. In this episode, we talk honestly about food, freedom, blood sugar, and how to stop letting health advice make you feel small.

We cover:

Why eating carbs isn’t the enemy

What binging and guilt really mean

How exercise, hormones, stress and weather affect blood sugar

Why personalised care must include mindset and cu...

What if your chronic disease symptoms aren't just physical—but the result of a nervous system stuck in survival mode? In this deeply personal and thought-shifting conversation, I speak with Dr Erin Hayford, a naturopathic doctor and somatic practitioner who has lived on both sides of the healing journey. From being bedbound with Crohn’s disease to exploring what it really means to feel safe in your body, this episode dives into why trauma, people-pleasing, and misalignment with self can all play a role in how chronic illness expresses—and what can actually help.

Key takeaways:

Ho...

What does good parathyroid surgery look like for someone with MEN1? In this rare interview, leading UK endocrine surgeon Professor Fausto Palazzo shares what really matters — from timing and surgical options to what you should know before and after the operation.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or weighing up next steps, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to ask better questions.

You’ll learn:

Why MEN1 surgery isn’t the same as non-MEN1

What “success” means for MEN1 parathyroid surgery

The biggest pitfalls to avoid

Rec...

Could your gut be the missing piece in your MEN1 health journey? 

Dr. Pinelopi Chrysikou, a Functional Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, shares groundbreaking insights into the gut’s role in immunity, inflammation, hormone balance, and overall health. We dive into why gut health is crucial for chronic conditions, the real impact of food intolerances, and practical steps to start healing from within.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 Understanding Functional Medicine
03:37 The Importance of Gut Health
04:19 Identifying Deficiencies and Their Causes
05:44 The Role of Stress and Nutrition
10:20 Autoimmunity and Gut Health

Gut health expert and food scientist Janice shares her passion for fermented foods and explains how they transform our microbiome, health, and even our food cravings. She reveals how our gut bacteria influence everything from inflammation to immune function and mood.

• Just one tablespoon of fermented food daily can dramatically impact gut health
• Our gut houses trillions of microbes that fight inflammation, heal gut lining and produce 90% of serotonin
• 70% of our immune system is in the gut with microbes instructing immune cells what to do
• Modern processed foods, emulsifiers and additives damage the gut microbio...

How does stress affect your body, and what can you do about it?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gail Sharman, a functional medicine doctor specialising in stress and anxiety, to explore how our thoughts, emotions, and lifestyle choices impact our health. We discuss the mind-body connection, the role of nutrition, and practical ways to reduce stress and build resilience—which I relate back to my journey healing MEN1.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
I have had careers as both a qualified medical doctor and lawyer,  and I know all too well the demands of...

In this deeply moving episode of the MEN1 Mosaic Podcast, I sit down with my friend Kathryn to explore the powerful intersection of science, spirituality, and self-healing. Kathryn shares her incredible journey—from a life-changing diagnosis of kidney cancer to a profound near-death experience that shifted her entire perspective on health, fear, and the power of belief.

We dive into:

- How stress and emotional trauma can manifest in the body
- The profound experience that changed Kathryn’s outlook on healing
- Why self-trust and intuition play a crucial role in health
...

Can what you eat really impact your mental and endocrine health?

Dr. Pratima Singh, a consultant psychiatrist with a passion for functional medicine, joins me to uncover the powerful connection between gut health, mental well-being, and chronic illness. We explore why nutrition is more than just food, how inflammation plays a hidden role in disease, and why healing is as much about mindset as it is about medicine.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How gut health directly affects brain function and mood
- The surprising role of inflammation in mental and...

In this episode, I sit down with my close friend Emily to dive deep into the world of gut health. Emily shares her personal journey from years of digestive discomfort, bloating, and unexplained fatigue to finally discovering what was triggering her symptoms—and how she turned her health around.

We discuss:

- How gut health impacts energy, mood, and overall well-being
- The connection between anxiety and digestive issues
- Why exclusion diets can be a game-changer—and how to start one
- The biggest mistakes people make when trying to heal thei...

When is the right time for surgery in MEN1? Should you act early or wait? The decision isn’t as straightforward as it seems—and even the world’s top experts don’t always agree. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Scott-Coombes, a leading parathyroid surgeon, to dive deep into one of the most debated topics in MEN1 care.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Why timing is everything when it comes to parathyroid surgery.
- The risks of early intervention vs. the risks of waiting.
- What happens duri...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Kunmi George, an A&E doctor, to uncover the realities of the UK healthcare system. We dive into:

- What’s working and what’s broken inside the NHS
- Why waiting times are so long and how emergency cases are prioritised
- The hidden challenges doctors face daily that patients rarely see
- How patients can make their healthcare journey smoother
- Lessons from global healthcare systems—what the UK does better (and worse)

If you’ve ever wanted an honest, inside perspect...

When Cesca was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2008, she was given the standard medical outlook—no known cure, disease-modifying drugs, and an uncertain future. But instead of accepting a path of inevitable decline, she took matters into her own hands.

In this episode, Cesca shares how she turned to functional medicine, diet, and stress management to transform her health, despite neurologists telling her there was “no evidence” these changes would help. Sixteen years later, she remains stable with no new disease activity—defying expectations and proving the power of a proactive approach.

We talk about:

For years, Holly was exhausted—so tired she could barely get through the day. Like so many others, she was told it was just the reality of being a busy mum. But deep down, she knew something wasn’t right. When a routine blood test revealed high calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, everything changed. What followed was a whirlwind of tests, miscommunication, and self-advocacy that ultimately led to an unexpected MEN1 diagnosis at 41.

In this episode, Holly shares:

- How she pushed for answers when doctors dismissed her symptoms
- The shocking moment she lear...

Are your symptoms a direct result of MEN1, or could something else be at play? It’s a question so many of us face, and in this solo episode, I’m breaking it down. After more than a decade of living with MEN1, I’ve learned that not every ache, fatigue, or issue can—or should—be blamed on the condition. But how do you know what’s what?

I’m sharing:

- What top MEN1 specialists say about distinguishing symptoms
- My personal experience with symptoms that felt like MEN1 but weren’t
- Why mindse...

Is there a difference between fighting MEN1 and managing it? Tori, a fifth-generation MEN1 patient, shares her incredible journey of balancing proactive healthcare with living a full life. From navigating aggressive treatments to learning when to step back, she opens up about what it means to take control without letting MEN1 define her.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Growing up with MEN1 and learning from family experiences
- The challenge of balancing aggressive treatment vs. proactive management
- How to build a strong support network and find the right doctors
...

Why do some people stay stuck in cycles of illness while others find ways to regain control of their health? 

In this episode, I sit down with Anitha, a healthcare professional and patient advocate, to explore the powerful impact of diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors on chronic conditions.

We discuss:

- The key lifestyle changes that helped Anitha reduce inflammation and improve her health.
- Why your daily habits could be holding you back from feeling better.
- The link between oral health and overall wellness—what your mouth reveals about you...

We’re often told that healing starts with food, but what if diet alone isn’t enough? 

In this episode, I sit down with Teresa to explore the powerful, yet often overlooked, role of the mind, emotions, and nervous system in chronic illness recovery. She shares how her journey with rheumatoid arthritis led her beyond food restrictions and into deep inner healing—transforming her health in ways she never expected. 

We discuss: 
- Why diet alone wasn’t the answer to Teresa’s healing 
- The impact of fear, stress, and emotional patterns on physical he...

Managing MEN1 is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I sit down with Jane McCourt to talk about the power of building a strong support network—both medical and personal. We discuss:

- How to choose the right people for your team
- Communicating effectively with doctors and health professionals
- The importance of patient communities and peer support
- Why trusting yourself is just as important as trusting the experts

Whether you're navigating new diagnoses or looking to take more control of your care, this...

Ever felt like a fraud when it comes to your health? Like you’re not “sick enough” to ask for help, or that others have it worse?

In this episode, I sit down with Simon, a MEN1 patient advocate and NCUK ambassador, to unpack "the fraudulent feeling"—the struggle of living with an invisible illness while looking "fine" on the outside. 

We discuss: 
- How Simon went from a **diagnosis with no symptoms** to facing major health challenges 
- Navigating work, medical retirement, and the importance of self-advocacy 
- The **emotional toll** of MEN1 and...

Managing MEN1 can feel overwhelming, but are you approaching it the right way? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ruth Casey, a leading consultant endocrinologist and endocrine genetics expert, to uncover the key insights every patient needs to know.  

- How to build a strong relationship with your healthcare team  
- The biggest challenges doctors face in MEN1 care  
- Why being an active participant in your care matters  
- The role of genetic insights in managing MEN1  
- What happens behind closed doors in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings  

Join u...

For decades, Neil endured surgery for kidney stones & unexplained symptoms without knowing the real cause. With no family history to guide doctors, his MEN1 diagnosis remained hidden for years. In this episode, Neil shares his extraordinary journey, the relief of finally getting answers, and how he took control of his health:

- The first signs of MEN1 that went unnoticed  
- Why his diagnosis took so long  
- Navigating MEN1 without a family history  
- His unique perspective on healthcare and treatment  

Listen now for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation.  

Are...