Podcasts from the global MS movement

International Podcast Day (30 September) celebrates the voices and conversations that soundtrack many of our daily lives. For many people living with MS, podcasts are a source of community, encouragement and MS knowledge. MS organisations around the world use the audio medium to provide information and support, highlight new research and share real stories. Here are a few podcasts from the global MS movement that had us listening closely.  Plug in your headphones and enjoy.

Uruguay

This year Esclerosis Múltiple Uruguay (EMUR) launched the ‘Diagnosis Humanised’ podcast inspired by the World MS Day diagnosis theme. The podcast was split into two parts: one for healthcare professionals and one for people with MS.  The first, encouraged healthcare professionals to encounter people with MS with empathy when guiding them through the diagnostic process. The second, aimed to support people who were newly diagnosed with MS, providing information and reassurance during a challenging time.

 ‘Giving a diagnosis is not just a clinical act, but a human one.’

Vice President of EMUR Andrea Prato speaking at MSIF’s People with and affected by MS Expert Group Meeting

The podcast series was very well received, with the Uruguayan Society of Neurology featuring the professional-focused episodes in their weekly bulletins. EMUR is inspired to create similar educational resources in the future.

Iceland

The Icelandic MS Society, MS-félagið, are relatively new to the podcast scene but have already been making soundwaves (pun intended). The podcast was the brainchild of MS-félagið President, Þorsteinn Árnason Sürmeli, who set out to create meaningful content for the MS community in Iceland.

‘What makes podcasts special is that you can speak straight into the ears of the listener as a creator. It is open to all making it a useful tool to share valuable content about MS.’

President Þorsteinn Árnason Sürmeli speaking at MSIF’s People with and affected by MS Expert Group Meeting

Each episode features interviews with MS experts – from neurologists at national universities to people living with MS sharing their personal stories. The conversations cover real-life experiences, the latest research, new treatments, and other topics relevant to the Icelandic MS community.

Looking ahead, MS-félagið hopes to expand the frequency of the podcast and develop it into a powerful platform to advocate for stronger government support for people living with MS in Iceland.

Australia

The Raw Nerve podcast from MS Australia has been a conversation space for all things MS since 2022. It features news and views on the latest MS research, treatments, and advocacy efforts, as well as interviews with the Australian MS community. On a recent episode MS Australia CEO Rohan Greenland sat down with MSIF CEO Dr Lydia Makaroff to talk about the power of global collaboration in moving us closer to our shared vision of a world without MS. You can tune into the discussion about MSIF and our members global advocacy work here: https://msintfederation.org/4n0e3Dy

The United States

No MS podcast round-up is complete without mentioning the RealTalk MS podcast by Jon Strum and the National MS Society USA. RealTalk MS has been breaking down the latest in MS news, research, advocacy and support for people living with MS since 2017. Eight years on and the podcast now reaches thousands of the MS community in over 100 countries. Recent episode topics include MS clinical trials, tips to optimise brain health and the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria. MSIF’s CEO Dr Lydia Makaroff featured on a recent episode of RealTalkMS. speaking about MSIF’s work and the global inequalities in MS care. Listen here.

Croatia

Since 2020 the Alliance of Croatian MS Associations has been making the MSTV podcast and YouTube series for people with MS in Croatia.  The podcast discusses everything from changes in national health policy to expert advice on fitness, nutrition and daily life with MS. No topic too big, no subject too small – all aspects of navigating a life with MS are explored.

Ireland

Since its launch on World MS Day 2021, MS Ireland’s podcast has become a powerful platform for sharing MS stories, insights, and guidance for those affected by MS. It began with a moving series of letters narrated by people to their newly diagnosed selves – honest and inspiring reflections on resilience and acceptance. Later episodes explored progressive MS, tackling challenges like isolation and access to research. The following MS Explored series interviewed neurologists and people living with MS to hear first-hand about their experience. More recently, the podcast has highlighted the work of MS Ireland, celebrated its volunteers and offering wellbeing tips. You can explore the MS Ireland podcast library here:  https://www.ms-society.ie/podcasts

Europe

Let’s Talk MS is a vibrant podcast series created by young minds for young minds, proudly presented by the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform. Focused on the experiences of young adults living with MS and related conditions like NMO and MOGAD, the show explores everything from dating and nutrition to stigma and mental health. Through expert insights and personal stories, each episode offers an honest, relatable look at navigating life with MS as a young person.  https://lets-talk-ms.castos.com/

Press play and enjoy these sounds from the MSIF movement.