Please note: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including death, diagnosis, and suicide. Listen with care. This week, join host Tim Hollenback for an interview with Jim Chin, Board Chair. In addition to caring for a wife and son who lived with FSHD, Jim has served on the Board of Directors for 18 years. Knowledgeable about the history of the Society and every aspect of our work, Jim shares his years of experience with Tim before their conversation turns to a mutual love of coaching and baseball. As Tim said in the episode, he’s glad Jim could be on the podcast and wishes it could have been sooner. Don’t miss this episode with a powerhouse advocate of the FSHD community. No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

This week, Gregg Lichtenstein, leader of the FSHD Wellness Hour online group, joins host Tim Hollenback for a conversation about creating and maintaining care networks. Don’t miss their candid conversation about the power of community—sometimes you need to talk to someone who understands how difficult it is to get up from a chair, or the toilet. As Gregg says in the episode, everyone has strengths and deficits. “Playing to strengths and finding folks to help with deficits, because everyone has them,” makes the difference. No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

Join host Tim Hollenback for a humorous, insightful conversation with Nia Stivers. Passionate, vulnerable, and honest, Nia shares stories about growing up and going through college with FSHD, watching her mother’s progression, finding faith, and teaching her students to see and embrace difference. Small and large moments of compassion from her community have shaped Nia’s life and influenced her path to being a high school teacher. Don’t miss her story and the chance to learn about Scoot Scoot, her nicknamed power chair! No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

Join host Tim Hollenback for a heartfelt and honest conversation with returning guest, Dr. Jennifer Egert. A licensed clinical psychologist living with FSHD, Egert guides Tim through her own reflections on decreased mobility, clinical trial participation, connection with others, and the importance of quieting the world around us so we can think and breathe. Winter encourages us to hibernate and rest. Take a deep breath and shift yourself towards a more mindful season. No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

Grab your coffee, a pen, and a notebook and curl up for a masterclass in FSHD Research and developments with Dr. Lucienne Ronco. In the first FSHD Straight Talk episode of 2025, host Tim Hollenback talks everything FSHD research with the new Chief Science Officer of the FSHD Society. Dr. Ronco discusses: her work designing clinical trials at Fulcrum; initial insights from and plans for the Fulcrum Phase 1 and Phase 2 trial date; the promise of Avidity; and her hope-filled approach to working in the FSHD landscape. After their conversation, Tim offers advice, reflection on 2024, and his own hopes for FSHD treatments in the new year. No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode!…

You’ve seen the social media posts and heard the ads, now join us for a deep dive into BetterLife FSHD. This week, Tim is joined by Amy Bekier, BetterLife FSHD Focus Group Member, and Kayleigh Worek, BetterLife Program Manager. Together, they discuss: ––How BetterLife uses surveys to collect comprehensive data from platform users ––How survey data can match users with clinical trials/research opportunities AND provide researchers with information to conduct their research ––Current and upcoming features and benefits ––How Better Life provides resources and connections to help everyone live a Better Life while living with FSHD. As Kayleigh said, “We’re really hoping [the platform] can be your one stop shop to live your best life with FSHD. We’re tackling a lot of needs and we want it to be able to help you back.” ***About BetterLife FSHD*** BetterLife FSHD is a health and research platform for people with FSHD. Our mission is to provide you with tools and resources to better understand and manage your FSHD, all while contributing to groundbreaking research. BetterLife FSHD is owned and managed by the FSHD Society. Learn more and sign up today at www.BetterLifeFSHD.org . ***About FSHD Straight Talk*** No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. Episodes highlighting members of the FSHD Community drop on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month. Listen on Youtube, Facebook, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org…

Today’s special episode spotlights two gifted musicians whose artistry inspires gratitude and reflection. Gracie Caggiano, a Kansas City-based singer-songwriter, shares her unique approach to crafting soulful, poetic music that blends intricate guitar work with heartfelt lyrics. Ben Livingston, a multi-talented Austin artist, talks about his eclectic sound, his love for collaboration, and how music has been a constant source of joy and connection. We’re grateful for all our listeners and hope you enjoy hearing performances from Gracie and Ben! No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

“There was a time when those of us with FSHD might not have known anyone with FSHD outside of our families.” Nearly 30 years after his diagnosis, Don Burke drove around the US and Canada for 93 days, including a stop at the 2024 FSHD Connect Conference in Denver. Join us for a heartwarming episode featuring Don as he shares stories and insights from his most recent trip and years of previous adventures. A “Midwest nice” risk taker, Don wants everyone with FSHD to enjoy life to the fullest. “We have to take risks. We have to plan more than most. I have to adapt so that I never say, ‘I regret not trying that.’” No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

In this illuminating roundtable, Tim talks with Ally Roets, Debbie Eggleston, and Kristin Zwickau, the passionate moms leading the Early Onset Chapter. In addition to discussing how differently FSHD progresses in kids versus adults, Ally, Debbie, and Kristin touch on their past and upcoming advocacy efforts, the importance of changing clinical trial designs, and parenting in rare disease spaces. When FSHD progresses relentlessly and quickly, minute matters. As Ally said at the end, these moms are tenacious, not going anywhere, and going to get treatments and a cure for their kids.…

Join host Tim Hollenback for a phenomenal conversation with Michael King, the new Chapter Director for North Carolina. A go-getter by nature, Michael went from advocating for his health and a diagnosis to experiencing life after diagnosis to his fullest potential. In addition to attending Connect 2024, Michael spearheaded the North Carolina Walk & Roll and helped his F3 friends raise funds through their annual extinction run. Michael is a testament to the importance, power, and collective strength built through community. Tune in to hear his full story plus Tim’s thoughts on the recent Fulcrum trial news. No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with this rare disease. Tune in to learn from, laugh, celebrate and sometimes grieve with fellow members of the FSHD community. Whatever your journey, we hope you’ll find yourself in these episodes and know you are not alone. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

Happy International Walk & Roll Day! 🎉 In today’s special episode of FSHD Straight Talk, Tim interviews amazing Walk & Roll leaders to celebrate. Tune in as Mary Mauch and Suzy Kosten from Chicago, Ann Kolakowski from the Mid-Atlantic region, and Michael King from North Carolina share their stories and motivations for leading Walk & Rolls. Watch the episode on Facebook or YouTube for photo recaps of this year’s events! Just head to the FSHD Society’s profile or channel. (Plus, be on the lookout for an extended interview with Michael in an upcoming episode!) Join us in celebrating the power of the FSHD community today! For more information, visit fshdsociety.org/WalkRoll .…

Join host Tim Hollenback and guest Brittany Lauro for this honest conversation about love, relationships, and FSHD. A Team Captain and volunteer for the Sacramento Walk & Roll, Brittany is a world traveler who turned to photography as FSHD affected her ability to walk and hike. In addition to discussing the importance of spousal support, Brittany shares humorous anecdotes from married life including the moment her husband thought she was going to tell him about her FSHD diagnosis. Tune in for her story of love, mindfulness, and community building. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

In this episode, host Tim Hollenback talks with Dan Wilson, a retired respiratory therapist and NASCAR enthusiast. In addition to discussing resources for home safety and building support networks to help with FSHD’s relentless progression, Dan discusses his hope to build an FSHD community in the Indianapolis area. FSHers of Indiana, if you’re listening, reach out! On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

Meet Mary Beth McCabe, the passionate Captain of Team McCabe and the NJ Shore Walk & Roll Leader. As host Tim Hollenback drums up support for the 2024 Walk & Roll season, hear how Mary Beth got involved and learned to host a successful fundraiser. Mary Beth is a hoot, a holler, and a half. Don’t miss this fun and informative episode. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…

Rob Stemple, musician and writer, joins host Tim Hollenback for a candid conversation about FSHD and family. In this episode, Tim and Rob discuss the importance of family support, home and other accommodations, and how using writing, music, and other art forms can create a powerful form of emotional release. Tune in to hear all about Rob's long history as a musician, from his start in polka bands at age 13 through his recent turn as a musician at nursing homes and family events. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen for a new episode of FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback! These episodes highlight members of the FSHD Community who are living rich, full lives and diving into their experiences with FSHD. If you would like to share your experiences living with FSHD, please reach out via email or send us a message on social media. Email: FSHDRadio@FSHDSociety.Org You can find new episodes on YouTube and Facebook. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe on YouTube or your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode!…