Making It Matter With Gunnar Esiason And Julia Rae

Julia and I discuss some of the pros and cons of living with roommates. I spent two years living with a direct roommate, whereas Julia only had a "suite" experience in college for her freshman year. I then went on to have my own room inside a suite for the remaining years of college, while Julia decided to live off campus in a single. Listen to us debate why we chose to live that way.

Julia and I take a question from a mother who is about to send her daughter, who has CF, off to college. She wants to know what we wish we had and had not done when we got to college our freshman years at BC and Fordham. We discuss things ranging from student disability protection to clubs and activities to study habits.

From sinus surgery to hemoptysis, Julia Rae and Gunnar discuss some of the more frightening and reoccurring issues that people with cystic fibrosis can face. They point out that it is important to educate ourselves on the issues and learn ways not only to prepare, but also overcome and prevent them.

Julia and I discuss the amazing medical developments in the cystic fibrosis community. With that, though, there's certainly a feeling of anxiety since these novel medications take time to get from the test tube to the patient. We cover a few strategies that we utilize to deal with this anxiety, the number one being the need to educate ourselves. As always, please remember that nothing on this podcast can be considered medical advice, such advice can only be given by a doctor who has experience with cystic fibrosis.

Julia and Gunnar talk about some of their experiences with taking "social" vacations with their other 20-something friends. Sometimes trips are not designed to be relaxing, rather they go full speed with little time for treatments and rest, so they talk about a few strategies they have to keep up with their friends. Since it's impossible to take a vacation from cystic fibrosis, they have to take vacations WITH cystic fibrosis.

Lea Faraone, 26 with cystic fibrosis, joins Gunnar and Julia and on the Making it Matter podcast. She talks about her experiences in clinical trials, working as a nurse, thoughts on CF life expectancy and her work with the Salty Cysters, a social media platform used to spread awareness about cystic fibrosis.

Gunnar and Julia take a question from Gunnar's recent Facebook Live about the progression of cystic fibrosis. The pair share some strategies to overcome the emotional burden of a progressive disease and a few instances when they've seen the disease move forward before their eyes.

"How are you feeling?" That's a question we with chronic illness hear quite frequently, but how does it make us feel? Are people being sincere when they ask? Is it used as a conversation starter? Julia and I discuss in episode 23.

Julia and Gunnar discuss what it's like having cystic fibrosis in a working environment. They take a question from a listener whose son is about to start working full time. Gunnar who has worked several different jobs, draws on experiences of when he has (and hasn't) made it clear to his employer that he has CF and how it may impact his abilities when he is sick. Julia on the other hand, discusses what it's like to have CF within her modeling, acting and singing career.

Gunnar and Julia continue the conversation about cystic fibrosis as an "invisible illness" and how they have come to terms with the challenge. **Please note: a technical error occurred during recording, so the audio may not be perfect on some devices.

In a special episode before New Years, Julia and Gunnar answer questions from listeners. They talk about anxiety in CF; different airway clearance options; Gunnar's facial hair; and finally cystic fibrosis as an "invisible disease"

Gunnar and Julia talk about their experiences being hospitalized over the years how that has impacted them emotionally. Julia talks about a time when she was 6 years old, and notes that was the turning point when she realized that she was living with CF. She goes on to talk about what it was like to have a partially collapsed lung later in life as well. Gunnar on the other hand hasn't spent too much time in the hospital, except for a few serious emergencies which included pancreatitis and a flu-like virus. They then talk about their experiences as empowered patients making medical decisions along with their team.

Julia and Gunnar talk about the things people with CF need to keep in mind when they are considering marriage, kids or long term relationships. Sometimes that includes having difficult conversations.

Gunnar and Julia talk about why it is so important to think about charities during the holidays. They also touch on the NFL Cause Cleats, and finally Gunnar gives his unsolicited opinion on "modern art."

Matt Mitchell, a freshman in college with cystic fibrosis, joins Gunnar and Julia on the podcast to talk about what it takes be a college football player in Arizona.

Gunnar and Julia respond to an email from a CF mother who asked how cystic fibrosis may impact her daughter's dating life when she gets older.

Julia reminisces on her marathon experience. Julia talks about visiting a children's hospital in the Netherlands. Gunnar talks about going to a CF Education Day at Johns Hopkins last weekend. Gunnar and Julia imagine what it would be like to play paintball together.

Julia talks about bump in the road in her NYC Marathon training. Gunnar is headed to the dedication of the Gunnar H. Esiason Cystic Fibrosis Center at Morristown Medical Center. Julia and Gunnar talk about staying busy when they are sick.

Julia invites her brother, Will 26 with cystic fibrosis, onto the show as the first ever guest. Listen as she and Gunnar talk to him about his quest towards completing the NYC Marathon and why exercise is important for people with cystic fibrosis.

Julia and Gunnar discuss a few different moments that happened to each of them over the past week. Gunnar had an encounter with security at a concert, while Julia talks about training for the NYC Marathon. They finish up by giving their opinions on Gunnar's blog post about how horrible cigarette smoke is.