In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Alexandra (Alex) Wildeson, online content creator and host of the "Calling in Sick" podcast, about the realities of living with invisible and chronic health conditions, from gaslighting in the medical system to redefining success outside of capitalism's narrow achievement lens.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Community is Essential: Connecting with others who understand your experience is a game-changer in battling loneliness and advocating for yourself.
- Redefine Success and Identity: Chronic illness often forces a personal reckoning with what truly matters. Prioritizing health, authenticity, and relationships can bring unexpected fulfillment, even after loss or drastic change.
- Be Your Own Advocate: The healthcare system isn’t built for complexity, and preparing for appointments with goals, resources, and support can make a critical difference in outcomes.
More about Alex:
Alexandra (Alex) Wildeson is a content creator and host of Calling in Sick, a podcast on the Just Media Network that centers honest, nuanced conversations around chronic illness, women’s health, and modern wellness.
Drawing from her lived experience navigating multiple autoimmune and chronic conditions — including Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) Vasculitis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease/Lupus, Endometriosis, Small Fiber Neuropathy, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome — Alex blends storytelling, education, and lifestyle content to build community, challenge misconceptions, and expand how we define health, identity, and productivity.
Before pivoting into media and advocacy, Alex built her career in finance and capital allocation, working across investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, including roles at large institutional platforms. She continues this work today as a Venture Partner at HotStart, an early-stage venture fund focused on celebrity-founded brands.
Following a major spinal injury in 2023, Alex shifted her focus toward advocacy, content creation, and podcasting. Through Calling in Sick and her broader lifestyle platform, she explores what it means to build a meaningful, sustainable life while living with chronic illness — blending lived experience, practical tools, and healing modalities. She is also currently preparing to launch a digital platform aimed at expanding access to education, tools, and community for chronically ill individuals.
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