Psoriasis Resource: NPF’s Psound Bytes Podcast Series

When it comes to living with a complex, visible disease, there are never enough resources. Podcasts are becoming more and more popular because you can listen to them anywhere. In the car, at the gym (I assume), while playing video games, cleaning the house (again, not my area of expertise, but seems reasonable) - ANYWHERE. That is why I was glad I finally tuned into the National Psoriasis Foundation’s podcast series Psound Bytes over the summer. The series launched in January of this past year and I am embarrassed I didn’t start listening sooner (especially since my wife interviews most of the guests).

What topics does the podcast cover?

There is a great mix of topics on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis from expert doctors, patients and researchers. What is most important is that you know what you are listening to is legit. In today’s world, it really is hard to differentiate between what is proven information and what is anecdotal. National Psoriasis Foundation(NPF) has long been recognized as the authority on psoriatic disease, so that takes the guesswork out. Here is a line up of my favorite episodes:

Episode 7: Heart disease and psoriatic disease connection

This episode is with Dr. Nehal Mehta. If you want to learn more about the amazing things this NIH Cardiologist is doing, check out my article Loaning My Body to Science Part 1: The Comorbidities Study. This guy is finding all kinds of connections between our heart health and the inflammation of psoriasis.

Episode 10: Why psoriatic disease treatments stop working

I think most of us have asked ourselves and our doctor this question and faced this fear. Dr. Meyer Horn from Chicago does a deep dive into why this happens and gives some really practical tips about working with your dermatologist.

Episode 17: I run my life. Psoriatic disease doesn’t

This is a patient story interview with Greg Kingsley, and boy oh boy is it inspiring. Greg has psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but he also survived brain cancer. He was over 300 lbs and one day in 2014 decided to turn off his TV and never turn it back on. He tells his story of how he then went on to run a half and then a full marathon. I loved this episode because it shows the power we all have to make a change in our lives.

Episode 34: SOS - Rapid relief for psoriasis flares

Dr. Mark Lebwohl, who is one of the most influential people in the psoriasis realm, gives tips and tricks for getting relief from psoriasis symptoms quickly. I know there have been times I had a special event coming up and wanted my skin to calm the heck down. This episode gives you all that and more; including a story about a celebrity he treats!

How can I listen to the podcast?

There really is something for everyone in this series. I also appreciate that these are quick listens. Most episodes are about 15 minutes long and give a lot of information within that short period of time. New episodes are released every other Tuesday, and if you subscribe with and to your phone, you will be automatically alerted when new episodes come out. The show is on all mainstream podcast apps including Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio. You can always find episodes on the NPF website.