Revolution From your Bed: Recent Episodes

Roi Shternin

My name is Roi Shternin and I have spent almost one-third of my life in bed being so sick I couldn't walk or talk anymore. After diagnosing and rehabilitating myself from POTS syndrome, Teaching myself to walk and talk again at the age of 27 I'm trying to help others get out of their beds and their comfort zones.

This episode was recorded a while ago. Right after, I had a huge relapse. Podcasting stopped — not by choice, my body made that call. I'm back. Here's that episode.

Dr. Hector Rodriguez is an integrative psychiatrist based in Miami. We talk about trauma, complex PTSD, why the mental health field is broken by specialization, and what it actually means to treat a person instead of a diagnosis. As someone living with complex PTSD myself, this conversation is personal — not theoretical.

Trigger warning: Trauma, War themes.

Surprise! We’ve got an extra episode for you! In this special episode, I am joined by Samah Atout, a Belgian Palestinian advocate and Managing Partner at BIB Partners, to reflect on the incredible insights and experiences shared during the Global Mental Health Community Summit (#GMCS25)!

Together, we dive into how lived experiences can be a catalyst for meaningful policy change, and explore the practical steps advocates can take to turn global recommendations into local action. In this episode, Samah reflects on the impactful conversations from Day 3 of the summit, which spotlighted people-centered policy change – highlighting how patient participation can rebuild trust, shape better policies, and redefine mental healthcare systems.

We also discuss what’s next—focusing on how to build on the summit’s key takeaways to create lasting, real-world change.For a deeper dive into the Summit’s insights, check out our blog: Driving mental health reform through collective action |

Boehringer Ingelheim

💬 Join the conversation and be part of the movement that’s putting patients at the heart of progress.

In this episode, Roi Shternin and Dr. Margret Jaeger delve into the critical role of medical anthropology in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges.

They explore the shortcomings of the modern healthcare system, including its lack of a holistic approach, overspecialization, and systemic failures.

The discussion advocates for greater cultural sensitivity, long-term strategic planning, and improved patient journeys. Tune in as they propose solutions such as integrating nurse practitioners and medical anthropologists into primary care, enhancing professional training, and establishing community health centers to bolster prevention and patient advocacy.

In this episode, taken from a keynote at the Digital Health Ljubljana conference, we address the invisible crisis at the heart of the modern healthcare system: the gap between technological innovation and the lived reality of those it’s meant to serve.

For too long, digital health products have been designed for patients rather than with them. This approach often results in tools that meet clinical requirements but fail to account for the cognitive load, physical limitations, and daily hurdles of living with a chronic condition.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Aileen Rice Jones, Head of Public Affairs within Mental Health at Boehringer Ingelheim.

This will be Aileen’s first time attending the Global Mental Health Community Summit! With deep expertise in corporate and public affairs, Aileen shares fresh insights into mental health innovation, policy, and advocacy—and how we can drive real-world change from high-level discussions.

In this episode, we explore key outcomes from the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, how to move from global recommendations to local, actionable impact, and why collaboration, equity, and patient-centered approaches matter more than ever!

Tune in to our third and final episode of the mini-series to hear all about action and change! This may be the last episode of the series, but it’s only the beginning of what we can achieve together

This is a special series where I explore my journey as a co-host of Boehringer’s Global Mental Health Community Summit

In Episode 2, I sat down with the incredible Falk Schuster, a dedicated advocate who brings a vital lived experience perspective as someone living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

He's also joining us as a speaker on Day 2 of Boehringer’s Global Mental Health Community Summit (GMCS25), where we are discussing #RedefiningMentalHealthcareTogether.

And how do we redefine #mentalhealth care together?

We start by listening to people’s lived experiences. So, join me in listening to Falk as he shares his personal journey and explains why centering people’s voices is non-negotiable for progress. Plus, Falk attended last year’s inaugural event, so we also catch up about the fun we had last year connecting with everyone! He's got some great stories to share about the experience.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion!

roishternin.com

New podcast series alert.

As you all know I’m co-hosting the Global Mental Health Community Summit (GMCS25) this year again, and I’m so excited about it.

This year’s event is focused on #RedefiningMentalHealthcareTogether. Boehringer Ingelheim has invited 60 of the most inspiring and motivated #mentalhealth advocates for three-days of connection, idea-sharing, and action towards meaningful change. It’s exciting!

But wait, there’s more! This year I’m bringing you all with me behind the scenes as we plan the #GMCS25.

Introducing…. the “Road to the Global Mental Health Community Summit” podcast mini-series!

Where you’ll get to see the “magic”, the good, the bad, the ugly. The laughter, the smiles and even sometimes the mistakes. Each episode will feature incredible guests involved in building this event.

In this first episode, I sit down with @Vanessa Pott, Head of Global #PatientEngagement at @Boehringer Ingelheim, to reminisce about last year’s event, talk a little about #PatientPoweredProgress and about what makes this year’s event so special.

It’s really just a chat with an old friend – tune in!

More about me: roishternin.com

We often feel like subjects in our own lives—navigated, tested, and surveyed. We all know that email that arrives after a medical appointment: "How did we do?" We fill out the survey, wondering if our patient feedback truly matters.

Today, let's reframe that question. Your feedback isn't just feedback; it's evidence. It's a crucial part of a growing field known as patient experience data, and it's the key to real patient empowerment.

Beyond the 1-10 Scale: What is Patient Data?

When we think of data, we think of lab results and pain scales. But the most vital patient-reported outcomes (PROs) go far beyond numbers. Real data is the full story of your quality of life. It’s the data point of a waiting room chair being too hard for your back pain. It's the data point of feeling rushed during a consultation. It's the data point of the relief you feel when a doctor finally validates your experience.

This qualitative data paints a picture that numbers alone cannot. It measures dignity, feasibility, and compassion within the healthcare system.

From Anecdote to Evidence: Driving Systemic Change

Your individual story is powerful, but when combined with hundreds of others, it becomes undeniable proof. This collective patient voice is what drives systemic change. It’s how patient advocacy groups can demonstrate the need for better communication protocols, more accessible clinic layouts, or a re-evaluation of a treatment's real-world side effects. Your experience helps build the business case for more compassionate and effective care.

Your Self-Advocacy Toolkit: Better Healthcare Communication

Improving the quality of patient experience data begins with us. True patient engagement means actively participating in our own care. Here are two simple strategies for effective self-advocacy:

The 30-Second Debrief: After every appointment, take a moment to note one thing that went well and one thing that could have been better. This simple form of symptom tracking and experience logging builds a powerful evidence file over time, making your healthcare communication more precise.
Translate Symptoms into Impact: This is key for shared decision-making. Instead of just saying, "My fatigue is bad," translate it into a functional data point. Say, "My fatigue is so severe that I must choose between taking a shower or making breakfast." This transforms a subjective feeling into a concrete piece of evidence about your quality of life.

Your journey with a chronic illness has made you an expert. By consciously documenting and communicating your experience, you shift from being a passive patient to an active research partner in your own care. Your experience is not a byproduct of your illness; it is the evidence that will build a better future for all of us.

Learn more about it in my book “What do Patients Want”.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

roishternin.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

We dive into the critical gap between medical device development and the lived experience of patients. We Need More Patient Voices in MedTech is the essential podcast for innovators, clinicians, patients, and advocates dedicated to ensuring that technology is truly patient-centric.

Each week, we bring you unscripted conversations with patients sharing their stories, engineers discussing design flaws and breakthroughs, regulatory experts, and hospital administrators. We explore how integrating patient feedback—from initial concept to post-market surveillance—leads to better outcomes, compliance, and ultimately, more meaningful healthcare. It's time to shift the paradigm from for patients to with patients.

In this profound reflection, I welcome Linda, a kindred spirit who transformed her own invisible battle with a debilitating chronic migraine. For years, Linda, like many Reflective Wounded Achievers, was defined by struggle, often left bedridden.

This conversation maps the critical shift from Guilt-Ridden Stagnation to Purposeful Cultivation. Linda shares how she initiated the Inner Compass Model™: moving into a phase of Stillness (Rest and Reflection) to discover the raw material for her own healing.

You will learn how to practice Restorative Learning—the gentle, digestible path to progress. Linda reveals the specific mindfulness techniques she used to dramatically reduce her migraines from three days a week to just the occasional bad day, proving that direction is cultivated internally through reflection, not found externally.

This episode offers more than tips; it offers the clarity and validation needed to begin your own purposeful journey. We explore how true healing is achieved not through hustle, but through Cultivation—finding hope and Undeniable Direction even in chaos.

More about her work: https://themindfulmigraine.blog/

In this one we dive deeper into the state of chronic illness, role of inflammation and the power of patient communities with the founder of InflamMed, A community dedicated to raise awarded and support for chronic conditions caused by inflammation.

learn more about their work: https://www.inflammed.org/

roishternin.com

Tired of waiting for someone to go to the movies with? Don't! Discover the unexpected joy and freedom of going to the cinema alone. It's not lonely, it's liberating. Find out why a solo movie date might just be your new favorite thing.

Follow my Journey at roishternin.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

Living with a chronic illness is tough enough, but what about the invisible battles you're fighting up top?

This podcast dives into the often-overlooked connection between chronic physical conditions and your mental well-being.

We're talking real talk about how managing a long-term illness can impact your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. Tune in to learn why giving your mind some TLC is just as important as managing your physical symptoms, and discover practical tips for staying resilient.

More at: roishternin.com

I came, I scroll, I got worse.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sicknotes/donations

From a Flawed Hero to a Healing Soul: A New Journey Begins

First, a heartfelt thank you. Your support throughout my initial journey has been a source of immense strength. You listened as I battled a mysterious illness, cheering me on as I faced the healthcare system.

However, that story wasn't the whole picture. It painted me as a valiant warrior, but the truth is, I'm human. The experience left its mark, and it's time I address the mental scars, the PTSD I've been carrying.

That's why I'm embarking on a new journey – a journey towards healing. This time, I'll be honest, vulnerable, and open about the challenges faced by those serving on the frontlines.

Will you join me?

This next chapter will be raw, unfiltered, and focused on growth. If you're interested in following along, stay tuned!

https://roishternin.substack.com/

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Struggling with chronic illness and want to pursue higher education? This week's bite-sized episode tackles the challenges of online learning for those with chronic conditions.

We explore the limitations of traditional online programs and discuss a potential solution:

Hybrid model: Core courses delivered through MOOC platforms (Coursera, edX)
Local cohorts: Build community and collaboration through in-person meetups at co-working spaces.

This is just the beginning! We want to hear your thoughts. What can we do to make education more accessible for people with chronic illness?

Leave a comment and let's start a conversation!

#chronicillness #education #highereducation #accessibility #onlinelearning

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Unleash your inner speaker from the comfort of your own home! In this episode of Revolution From Your Bed with Roi Shternin, Roi dives deep into his experiences as a public speaker, sharing invaluable lessons learned that will transform you into a confident and captivating speaker. Whether you're facing a small audience or a packed auditorium, Roi's insights will equip you with the tools and techniques to captivate your listeners, conquer your fear, and deliver impactful presentations that will leave a lasting impression. Tune in and discover:

Powerful stage presence secrets to radiate confidence and command attention.
Content creation strategies to craft presentations that resonate with your audience.
Overcoming public speaking jitters with practical techniques to manage performance anxiety.
Tips for effective storytelling to weave captivating narratives that connect with your listeners.
Bonus: Behind-the-scenes secrets and untold stories from Roi's public speaking journey.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to elevate their public speaking skills and become a more impactful communicator. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a master himself!

My Books: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

My Go to Digital Marketing Agency: https://alttag.digital/kontakt/

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Welcome to a very special episode of the "Revolution From Your Bed Podcast," where I have the pleasure of bringing on a guest who's not only incredibly dear to my heart but also a true embodiment of taking the road less traveled. Joining us today is none other than my own sister, Chen, who has carved out a unique and inspiring path in her life.

Chen took the unconventional route early on. She followed her passion for culinary arts and attended pastry school, where she honed her skills and indulged in the sweeter side of life. Not content with just creating delectable desserts, she took her drive to the next level by being instrumental in starting a student-led startup. This experience wasn't just about entrepreneurship; it was about leadership, innovation, and the power of collaborative vision.

But Chen's journey didn't stop there. At the young age of 25, she made the bold decision to move to Vienna, embracing the expat life with all its challenges and charms. Vienna wasn't just a new city for her; it was a gateway to new cultures, experiences, and perspectives that have enriched her life in countless ways.

In this conversation, we'll delve into the essence of fighting for the strength to do what you really want in life. We'll talk about the hurdles and the triumphs, the moments of doubt, and the peaks of clarity.

We'll also touch on the complexities of dating in today's world, especially from the lens of someone living abroad, and how these experiences shape our understanding of love and connection.

Chen will share her insights on fulfilling dreams and the relentless pursuit of what brings joy and meaning to one's life. We'll discuss the importance of staying true to oneself and the courage it takes to chase after what you believe in, even when it defies conventional expectations.

And finally, we'll reflect on what's truly important in life. Through stories, laughter, and perhaps a few tears, we'll explore the values that anchor us, the relationships that sustain us, and the dreams that propel us forward.

So, whether you're looking for inspiration to take your own unconventional path, curious about the expat life, or simply in need of a heart-to-heart about life's big questions, this episode promises to be a candid and moving conversation with someone who's living it all firsthand.

Join us for this intimate and engaging chat with my sister Chen, right here on the "Revolution From Your Bed Podcast."

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions? Stuck in a rut and overwhelmed by your workload? In this episode, we're joined by performance and productivity coach Elyse Robi to discuss strategies for breaking free from burnout and achieving your goals.

Elyse uses a candid and honest approach to help clients identify their limiting beliefs and develop a plan for success. We'll delve into topics like:

How to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs
Effective communication strategies
Setting SMART goals and creating new habits
Boosting your productivity
Implementing systems and structures to streamline your life
The power of accountability

If you're ready to stop feeling stuck and start achieving more, then this episode is for you!

Elyse's Website: https://elyserobi.com/

Elyse's Instagram: www.instagram.com/askelyserobi

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

And we are back with a new season!

Sorry For out little technical hassle, We work with a new softwere!

In this episode of Revolution From Your Bed, My guest and long-time friend Yair drops the mic on settling for "good enough." He ignites a fire within you to become the wizard of your own reality!

Yair shares his powerful story about his father's illness and how it sparked a journey of self-discovery and a passion for empowering others. He'll guide you through:

Unleashing your inner wisdom to navigate life's challenges.
Prioritizing your passions and ditching the "shoulds" for a life of fulfillment.
Taking charge of your health and exploring alternative paths to well-being.
Building meaningful connections that amplify your experiences.

Feeling stuck in a rut? Roi will inspire you to break free and design a life that lights you up. Listen in and discover the tools and motivation to become the architect of your own happiness!

Yair's website: https://yairsimocoachingsageadvice.wordpress.com/

Yair's Facebook Page

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Taken from my keynote at DisAbility Confidence Day 2023 in Vienna.

Credit: MyAbility

roishternin.com

InclusionIsEyeryonesBusiness #InclusionMatters #myAbility #DisabilityConfidence

Get My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-Shternin

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

How can we manage our expectations from ourselves, our doctors, and our lives while dealing with a chronic illness?

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

I came up with a new profession, one that truly brings the patient voice and ideas to the table, let's discuss it!

Patient engagement? Patient empowerment? Patient opinions? involvements? how could we achieve them without true patient leadership?

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Empowered Patients often ask me what can they do to change healthcare. TIn order to truly understand why it's so broken we need to break ranks and gather some intel. the best way to do it is to study Healthcare management (policy, Economics, Healthcare MBA).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

We found this episode in our archive, it was unpublished by mistake so enjoy it:)

I became an unwilling expert in being isolated. After spending almost a decade in Bed/Home. So welcome to my word! here are a few tips that might help.

This one is not only relevant to Covid times but for any one of us who feels alone as a person suffering from a chronic illness.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

We are back with Kharina, Talking about the port of seeking help, Trauma-informed coaching, and how to ask for help.

My Book:

Fromybed.com

Kharina Kharran is a former fortune 500 executive, Athlete and a Trauma informed coach helping Trauma heroes desensitize unwanted emotions and sensations from distressing. Regain a sense of safety, regulation, and connection.

In Part 1 of our conversation we will talk about delighted with trauma, living empowered life despite of it and the courage of asking for help.

Trigger warning: this episode contains mentioning of abuse, trauma, violence and suicidal ideation

Mette Rubeksen is an athlete, a streamer, dancer and a student and yet she suffers from POTS syndrome while many others in her (and mine) condition are bedridden. what motivates here to keep daily activities despite the disability and how can gaming and streaming empower chronically ill patients.

apologies by the quality of our interview 🙏

Producer & Music by: Rachel Katalay

Welcome to Season 3!

My first guest Lisa Grum Is a growth mindset coach, a college and a friend. we discussed how growth mindset and coaching can help patients with chronic illness and everyone to be a better version of themselves.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Our last episode for this season was recorded live on Clubhouse and was all about the gas we can do to put plans into action during Covid.

The amazing music for our Podcast is brought to you by the amazing Spirante beat:

https://youtu.be/Aqbd_Y98THM

Do you keep on finding yourself in a toxic or co-dependent relationship? This one is for you.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Patients are being held from their own data and information. In this power-play of medical paternalism, we all lose; what can we do to change it?

Amazing Music by Spirante Beat

https://youtu.be/qiiTdrVNNOU

The entire western medicine is based on managing the symptoms and conditions, but who cares who? We the state or the illness us?

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Everyone is talking about how running changed their lives. Walking changed mine, and it might do the same for you too.

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Knowing the know-how is essential, but without tour "why," even a million dollars will not guarantee your project/startup success.

My amazing music made by Spirante Beat:

shorturl.at/zIXY6

learning how to tell my story to my doctors saved my life, later it helped me try and revolutionize the lives of patients, how can it help you?

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Everyone is telling us that we must do it all: study, work, create, succeed. But what if we focus for a while? I will share my story of failure and success and my learning that focusing is the true key to success.

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We address this interesting debate from a different perspective, Should we go to college? spend our parent's savings and go into debt?

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Dreams are the greatest motivator in our lives but do we really need to make them all come true? are we mixing dreams and goals or even creating a dream-like fantasy?

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New year’s resolutions. We all have them, we all commit to them but rarely ever follow up on our own commitments. How can we really take on a challenge of change and do something about it?

I am writing a book. it's hard, its great, it's killing me. join my journey that can be yours too.

This episode will discuss the good and bad quarantine has brought us and why it was important for some of us as a growth factor.

Hey Guys! for this week's episode I wanted to bring forward a very emotional topic: How can we manage exceptions from our surroundings while being ill, burned out or just needing a break.

Don't forget to visit Buddyhelp.org if you feel you need to talk to someone!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

In this episode, I'm hosting my Dear Friend, Dr. Ivana Kostic, Co-Founder of the Health Tech Lab in Belgrade and Graduate of MIT, Serbia, About how to kick off your own Revolution and to kickstart your community Into action.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

It's not "all in your head" and you are defiantly not alon.e this week we will discuss the good things lines gives us and the loneliness patients feel. Your mindset may be the difference between lying and bed and living a full life.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations

Miscommunication is one of the biggest problems of our socity, Breaking up couples, starting wars, and causing patients pain, suffering, and poor treatment. how can we act instead of reacting, engage with authentic instead of automatic responses?

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In this episode we discuss the darkest night in my life and how one book changed it and me (and hopefully yours too).

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How comfort are our comfort zones? And do we rally need to hit rock bottom in order to start living?

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I have spent almost a third of my life in bed but then I have decided to get up and do something about it. now I'm trying to help get other people out of their beds..this is my story.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations