Inflammation Nation podcast Inflammation Nation is a new podcast from Arthritis Ireland presented by Gráinne O'Leary and Brian Lynch. In this first series of Inflammation Nation, we’re speaking to clinicians, researchers, scientists and people living with arthritis about some of the groundbreaking research that’s happening, about how to manage your arthritis – whether that be in your personal relationships, your family, your job or wherever your life is at. We want this podcast to be a resource to help you live well with arthritis. Over the course of eight episodes, you’re going to hear from national and international experts in their field, people who are helping to create a brighter, better world for people with arthritis. That’s our vision at Arthritis Ireland: A better world for people living with arthritis today and a world without arthritis tomorrow. So, make sure you subscribe to Inflammation Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And – don’t forget to rate and share. Episode 1: Psoriatic arthritis and Hippocrates Prof Oliver FitzGerald and Prof Stephen Pennington In this first episode, Prof Oliver FitzGerald and Prof Stephen Pennington talk to Gráinne O’Leary about psoriatic arthritis, how it’s diagnosed, its symptoms and impact, and patients’ unmet needs. They also discuss Hippocrates, an international research project aiming to develop personalised treatment options for those affected by psoriatic arthritis. Also in this episode, Prof Doug Veale talks to Peter Boyd about how the weather affects arthritis. Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe. Download the episode transcription here. Episode 2: Work and Arthritis Dr Yvonne Codd In this episode, Dr Yvonne Codd talks to Brian Lynch about work and arthritis. They explore challenges and opportunities experienced by people with arthritis in the workplace, what supports and resources are available, disclosing your condition to your employer, your rights as an employee, as well as what we’ve learned from the pandemic about working from home. Also in this episode, Andy Dunne talks to Peter Boyd about the role of exercise and physical activity in managing arthritis. Download the episode transcription here Episode 3: Developments in arthritis research Prof Gerry Wilson and Prof Ursula Fearon Prof Gerry Wilson and Prof Ursula Fearon talk to Gráinne O’Leary about some of the developments taking place in rheumatology research in Ireland and internationally. Prof Wilson and Prof Fearon hold the Arthritis Ireland chairs in rheumatology at UCD and TCD, respectively. They discuss what this investment has meant for arthritis research and for people living with arthritis, including ground-breaking research into Down-syndrome associated arthritis. They also explore the importance of public and patient involvement (PPI) in research, developments in personalised medication, and risk factors for the development of arthritis. Also in this episode, Peter Boyd explores if cracking your knuckles can cause or is bad for your arthritis. He talks to physiotherapist Ciara Mooney, while Niamh Hogan spoke to the people of south Dublin to get their views on the subject. Download the episode transcription here Episode 4: Arthritis, relationships and sexual health Iris Zink Iris Zink talks to Brian Lynch about the impact that arthritis can have on people’s relationships and sexual health. Iris Zink is a rheumatology nurse practitioner in Michigan and is the co-author of ‘Sex-Interrupted: Igniting intimacy while living with illness or disability’. Also in this episode, Peter Boyd explores the relationship between foods, supplements and arthritis. He talks to dietitian and nutritionist Richelle Flanagan to get the expert opinion, while Niamh Hogan spoke to the people of Meath to get their views on the subject. Download the episode transcription here Episode 5: Self-management and arthritis Prof Kate Lorig Prof Kate Lorig talks to Gráinne O’Leary about self-management for people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions. Arthritis Ireland has delivered the Living Well with Arthritis programme since 2006, which has positively impacted thousands of people who have completed the course. Prof Lorig served as director of the Stanford Patient Education Research Center and professor of medicine in the Stanford University School of Medicine. She developed the chronic disease self-management programme. Also in this episode, Peter Boyd explores some myths around the disease of kings and high-living - gout. He talks to consultant rheumatologist, Prof. Geraldine McCarthy, while Niamh Hogan spoke to the people of west Dublin to get their views on the subject. Download the episode transcription here Episode 6: Arthritis, autoimmune research and learnings from Covid-19 Prof Luke O'Neill Prof Luke O'Neill is a world-renowned immunologist, science communicator par excellence, author and professor of biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin. In this episode he talks to Gráinne O'Leary about his own beginnings in immunology, what we've learned from the pandemic and some of the exciting developments taking place in arthritis and autoimmune disease research. Download the episode transcription here Episode 7: Fibromyalgia, the arts and inclusion Áine O Hara Áine O Hara is an award-winning performance artist, theatre maker and facilitator who is based between Dublin and Mayo. Áine creates exciting and vulnerable work for and about people who are often left out of traditional art and theatre spaces. In this episode she discusses living with fibromyalgia and how she naturally gravitated towards art to help work through her diagnosis and connect with similar people. To find out more about Áine's work you can head to her website www.aineohara.com Download the episode transcription here Episode 8: Newly diagnosed with arthritis Sinéad Moriarty and Sean Lacey In the final episode of the current series of Inflammation Nation, award-winning novelist, Sinéad Moriarty, and IT contractor, Sean Lacey, speak with Brian Lynch about being newly diagnosed with arthritis. Sinéad was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2015 and shared her experience in the book, My RA Story. Sean was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in early 2020 during the first phase of the Covid pandemic. The conversation explores issues like coming to terms with the diagnosis; its impact on work, relationships; managing flares; and what they have found to helped in the journey.Also in this episode, Peter Boyd speaks with paediatric rheumatologist, Dr Emma MacDermott, about how arthritis affects children and young people; highlighting that it is not just an 'old person's disease'. Niamh Hogan travelled to Portlaoise to gauge the views of people there on the issue. Download the episode transcription here. Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer.