Advertise on podcast: The Nutcracker Syndrome podcast

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Hi, I’m Simone! Welcome to The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast! This show is a labor of love. After receiving countless DMs as I navigated my own NCS journey, I realized a podcast would be the best way to connect. While it’s a solo-hosted show where I will share my personal story, I will bring in guests like doctors or fellow NCS warriors to help share other lived experiences. My goal is to offer insights into procedures & ease anxiety around scans. I suggest starting with episodes 1 & 2 for context regarding my specific journey. After that, you can choose episodes based on where you are in your NCS process. I hope this show helps you feel less alone as you navigate this space for either yourself or a loved one. Outside of hosting this show, I am a Clinical Associate Professor of Sport Psychology and the CEO and Founder of The Center for Optimal Psychological Education in Injury & Rehabilitation (The COPE Center). The COPE Center began as a passion project, which was created not only to psychologically support injured clients but also to advocate for those navigating the broader injury and illness landscape. All of which can deeply impact our ability to perform and function in daily life. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to advocacy for both the self and for others. Sending you all so much love from behind my podcasting microphone. Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer The content shared on The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared, including my own and those of guests, reflect personal lived experiences and professional perspectives, not individualized medical or mental health guidance. This podcast is not intended to provide psychotherapy, counseling, mental health treatment, or crisis intervention. Listening to this podcast does not establish a patient–provider, therapist–client, or therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, mental health symptoms, or thoughts of harming yourself or others, please seek immediate support from a licensed mental health professional, your national (call 988) or local emergency services, or a trusted crisis resource in your area. Always seek the advice of your physician, licensed mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition, symptoms, procedures, or treatment options. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard on this podcast.

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Check latest episodes from The Nutcracker Syndrome podcast podcast

S2E8: Updates + New Diagnoses

2026/06/08

Hi, all, and welcome back to the NCS Podcast. It's been a little while since I've released a new episode. The past few months have been something of a whirlwind, beginning with a severe kidney infection in my transplanted kidney at the start of 2026. Interestingly, the infection occurred the day after my third ketamine treatment. While the ketamine itself was not responsible for the infection, the experience prompted me to pause treatment and give my body the space it needed to settle and heal before moving forward. During this time, I have also accumulated several new diagnoses, each bringing its own set of questions, challenges, and emotions. As a result, much of the last few months has been spent navigating not only the physical realities of chronic illness but also the emotional rollercoaster that has accompanied them. In this episode, I share updates on my health journey, discuss these new diagnoses, and reflect on what it has been like to continue processing the kidney autotransplant. More than a year later, I am still learning what it means to live in this new body, to understand its limits, appreciate its resilience, grieve what has changed, and make sense of what comes next. As always, thank you for being here and for allowing me to share this journey with you.

S2E7, Ketamine Therapy Series, Session Two.Two

2026/01/28

After recording my last episode on session two, something shifted in a way I didn’t expect. In this episode, I share what happened during the integration that followed, the moment my “scared self” surfaced, the tension that rose between Kyle and me, and what it felt like to finally be held in the middle of grief I’ve carried for years. I talk openly about fear, loss, and the layers of pain connected to my brother, my father, and my mother, and how this release felt different from anything I’ve experienced before. Instead of days of emotional rebalancing, I found myself grounded almost instantly, as if something I’d been holding onto for far too long finally let go. This episode reflects on what it means to feel safe in your body with another person, to lean into grief without being consumed by it, and to notice the quiet, powerful shift that happens when you begin to truly process and release what you’ve been carrying. Listener discretion advised: This episode includes discussion of grief, family loss, and emotional processing.

S2E6, Ketamine Therapy Series, Session Two

2026/01/22

In this second installment of my ketamine-assisted therapy series, I walk listeners through what my second session felt like from the moments leading up to the infusion to the psychological and emotional “downloads” that emerged once the ketamine took effect. I begin by reflecting on how this session differed from my first, including subtle but meaningful changes in the pre-session environment and the clinical check-in process. I share the follow-up questions my care team asked based on what I experienced in the days between sessions. This session also marked a dosage increase, moving from 45mg to 55mg, which opened the door to a noticeably different internal landscape. I describe what surfaced once the ketamine was administered: the themes, sensations, and insights that emerged, and how they connected to my ongoing work with medical trauma, grief, and nervous-system regulation. As always, this episode is offered through both a personal and professional lens, bridging lived experience with clinical and performance-psychology perspectives for practitioners, patients, and anyone curious about how ketamine-assisted therapy can support healing in the context of injury, illness, and loss. This episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

S2E5, Ketamine Therapy Series, Session One

2026/01/19

In this episode, I share my experience from the first session of my ketamine-assisted therapy journey. I walk listeners through what the session looked like from a nervous-system and emotional perspective—what surprised me, what felt challenging, and what I noticed in the hours and days that followed. This conversation is rooted in honest reflection and gentle processing, offering insight into what a first session can feel like for those navigating medical trauma, chronic illness, or the emotional weight of long-term care. This episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

S2E4, Ketamine Therapy Series, Introduction

2026/01/19

In this episode, I introduce a new mini-series within The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast focused on ketamine-assisted therapy and its role in navigating medical trauma, chronic illness, and the emotional weight of long-term health journeys. I share why I chose to explore this modality, what led me to begin my own therapeutic process, my goals with this therapy, and what listeners can expect throughout this series. This conversation is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and transparency, offering both personal reflection and educational context for those who may be considering or simply wanting to better understand ketamine-assisted therapy as part of a broader mental health and healing landscape. Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared reflect personal perspectives and do not replace consultation with a licensed physician, mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, mental health concern, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical or mental health advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.

S2E3: Caretaker Series with Shay & Clancey

2026/01/04

I’m excited to continue sharing stories as part of our Caretaker Series, a space dedicated to expanding our understanding of the vital role social support systems play throughout the NCS journey. In this episode, you’ll hear from Shay and Clancey as they share their lived experiences navigating the complex and often evolving dynamics of caregiving and support. Their conversation offers valuable insights into building and sustaining an effective support system, including the importance of well-organized medical documentation, establishing clear and consistent communication channels, and engaging in difficult but necessary discussions surrounding power of attorney and shared decision-making.

S2E2: Caretaker Series with Heather & Danny

2026/01/04

In this episode, we kick off our Caretaker Series, which a true passion project created to better support those who take care of us. You’ll hear Heather and Danny’s story as they share how they worked to understand what was medically happening, how they navigated their NCS journey, and what helped them along the way. They also offer meaningful insights into what supported them both as a couple and as individuals, ensuring that Heather received the care she needed while Danny, as a caretaker, was supported as well.

S2E1: Welcome to Season Two!

2026/01/04

In this episode, I offer a brief introduction to what you can expect this season, along with heartfelt gratitude to those who have been here since the very beginning, and to those who found their way here after receiving a difficult, life-altering diagnosis. I truly wish you all the very best as you navigate this journey. I’m deeply grateful to be able to curate and share this information with you, and I’m excited for all that this season of the podcast will bring to our community. As always, if there are topics or episodes you’d like to hear, please don’t hesitate to reach out; I’d love to hear from you. Medical Disclaimer The content shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views, experiences, and opinions expressed are based on personal experience and research and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical care. I am not a medical doctor, and nothing shared on this podcast should be interpreted as medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard on this podcast. Listening to this podcast does not establish a patient–provider relationship. Any decisions regarding your health should be made in collaboration with your medical team. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately.

EP28, One Year Kidney Autotransplant Update!

2025/12/24

Happy one-year kidney autotransplant anniversary to me! It’s been a whirlwind of a year, and I wanted to take some time to share an honest update: the good, the hard, the healing, and the ongoing. In this episode, I reflect on what recovery has really looked like, what I’ve learned about my body, resilience, vulnerability, and community, and how this experience has reshaped my perspective on health, work, and life. Whether you’ve followed this journey from the beginning or are just tuning in, thank you for being here and for walking alongside me this past year.

EP27, Hernia Repair Surgery Post-Kidney Autotransplant

2025/12/07

Hi, NCS friends! In this episode, I’m sharing my experience with developing an epigastric hernia after my kidney autotransplant. My hope is that this helps normalize the journey for those of you who may need additional surgeries after treating your NCS. I go into more detail about: When I first noticed the hernia How I made the decision to move forward with surgery The conversations I wish I had with my surgical team beforehand to help reduce the traumatic impact If you or your loved one has experienced a hernia post-op, feel free to share in the comments. I genuinely believe the current data doesn’t fully reflect how common these can be after abdominal surgeries, especially open-abdominal procedures. Much love to you all!

EP26, The Best vs. Worth In-Patient Experience

2025/12/07

Hi, my NCS besties! In this episode, I’m sharing a side-by-side look at my best and worst in-patient experiences throughout my Nutcracker Syndrome medical journey. Ten months after my kidney autotransplant, I underwent a hernia repair surgery, which is an issue that developed as a result of my open-abdominal AT. To be clear, this was in no way due to any error by the incredible team at UWHealth in Madison, Wisconsin. Hernias are, unfortunately, a common risk following abdominal surgeries, especially open procedures. Mine appeared around five months post-op, and I eventually proceeded with the repair. Unfortunately, the in-patient stay following my hernia repair turned out to be the most difficult hospital experience I’ve had, leaving me feeling unexpectedly helpless. In this episode, I break down what happened during that stay and contrast it with what made my best in-patient experience so positive. I also share practical recommendations to help you, and your loved ones, advocate more effectively and potentially avoid similar challenges. As always, I’m sending you all so much love as you continue navigating this space. You are not alone!

EP25, We All Love to Hate Insurance

2025/10/26

Welcome back! It's been a few month hiatus from a new recording as I have been busy with work + starting a new company, The COPE Center, which is short for The Center for Optimal Psychological Education in Injury & Rehabilitation. Give the site a visit + please know I have not forgotten about you all; I just needed some time to get my feet back under me! Now, for this episode, recorded on the doorstep of my next surgery, which is a hernia repair and endometriosis excision, I open up about one of the most universally frustrating parts of the American healthcare experience: insurance. From endless phone calls and pre-authorization delays to the emotional toll of waiting for approval just to receive the care you need, this episode explores the hidden stressors that accompany our medical journeys. As I share my own recent experience navigating an insurance and pre-authorization nightmare leading up to my surgery tomorrow (10/27/2025), my goal is to validate what so many of us feel but rarely talk about: that medical trauma doesn’t begin or end with the procedure itself. It’s woven through every frustrating, exhausting interaction we have with a system that too often forgets we are more than just dollar signs. If you’ve ever felt unseen or overwhelmed by the bureaucracy that stands between you and your healing, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone. Also, to be clear, this episode isn’t about bashing anyone. It’s about acknowledging the shared struggle on all sides and finding empathy for everyone involved in navigating a system that’s just as overwhelming for those working within it as it is for those trying to access care.

EP24: Where It All Began: The Early Days of Nutcracker Syndrome with Sheri Spain

2025/07/11

Buckle up and grab your popcorn! I am so stoked for this episode of the NCS podcast because we have an absolutely incredible guest joining us—a true advocate, pioneer, and fellow Nutcracker Syndrome patient. In this episode, Sheri Spain shares what it was like in the early days of getting diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome, navigating a medical world that barely recognized it, and fighting for answers, care, and change. Sheri's story is raw, real, and powerful—and it's one you won’t want to miss. I know I am so appreciative of her and the others in her era that helped pave the way for so many of us today!

EP23: Can Renal Angioplasty Help NCS? + What If Your Pelvic Pain Is Endometriosis?

2025/06/05

Welcome back to the NCS Podcast! In this episode, we’re learning from one of our own—Kat—as she shares key insights from her personal journey, including: Her second IVUS experience: what it was like being awake vs. fully sedated, the pros and cons of each approach, and the benefits of seeking a second opinion from Dr. Peter Stratil Why renal angioplasty can be a viable treatment option for NCS that many don't know about How endometriosis, not May-Thurner Syndrome, was the main source of her pelvic pain The road to an NCS diagnosis can be long and filled with exhausting testing to determine whether major surgery is truly the right step. Kat’s story offers not only clarity, but also empowerment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed.

EP22: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome + Vascular Compressions

2025/06/05

Welcome back to the NCS Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful and personal story from one of our own—Lilly. She shares her journey living with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) alongside vascular compressions—specifically May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) and Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS). MCAS is a complex and often misunderstood condition, and for many in our community, it presents as a comorbidity that can make an already challenging path even harder. Lilly opens up about: The specific symptoms that led her to suspect something more was going on The diagnostic process she went through to finally get answers The medications, supplements, and strategies she currently uses to manage her MCAS While MCAS can be a life-long condition, Lilly’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed. Below is additional information Lilly shared during the episode to support your journey navigating MCAS and vascular compressions: Phone Application: InTolerAppTest to request: Tryptase (blood) & 24-hr urine collectionMedications: Cromolyn Sodium 10mg (prescription), Pepcid AC, multivitamin, and Clartin or Zyrtex (OTC)Supplements: DAO enzyme, vitamin CCookbooks: Search "low histamine diet cookbooks" to find different recipes that appeal to youArticle: Kirk, C. (2023). The Important Role of the Lymphatic System and Mast Cell Involvement in Nutcracker Syndrome and other Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes