But You Look So Good

Join us this week as we revisit a fun, heart-warming dive into the world of pets and the surprising ways they can boost our wellbeing - especially when living with a chronic health condition. From loyal dogs who get us out the door, to snuggly cats who know exactly when we need comfort, to fish, birds, and all the quirky critters in between, this episode explores why animals can make such a big difference to our daily lives.
Sally and Seona chat about the science behind companionship, the gentle motivation pets bring to move our bodies, and the small routines that help us feel grounded. They also keep it real, unpacking the less-fluffy side of pet ownership - the costs, the cleaning, and the challenges of caring for an animal when your own health is unpredictable.
Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or pet-curious, this one’s for you!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠⁠

⁠⁠Webinars and Resources⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠⁠.

⁠⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠⁠

Today you are hearing from Penny. Penny lives with retinitis pigmentosa, or RP, a genetic eye condition that causes progressive vision loss. She was diagnosed at 16 with the very same condition her mom has lived without-- with the very same condition her mom has lived with throughout her life.
In this conversation, Penny takes us back to the moment she first realized something wasn't quite right and what it was like receiving that diagnosis as a teenager while her twin sister was getting her driver's license and planning for the future. We talk about relationships, motherhood, and the very real decision of whether to have children, knowing they could inherit RP. Penny also shares what living with low vision actually looks like day to day, the constant mental load, and the things that other people often misunderstand. And we talk about Penny's mom and the influence that watching her live with RP had on how Penny came to understand and navigate her own disability. This is Penny's story. We hope you enjoy.

⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠
⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠
⁠Webinars and Resources⁠
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠.
⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠

How do you explain pain when “it hurts” just doesn’t seem to cover it? In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most frustrating parts of living with chronic illness: trying to describe your pain to healthcare professionals. We unpack the difference between acute and chronic pain, why chronic pain can be so complex, and whether a 0–10 pain scale really tells the whole story. 
We also introduce the Mankoski Pain Scale, which takes a different approach by looking at what pain actually stops you from doing. From burning, stabbing and electric pain to the hidden impact on sleep, work, relationships and everyday life, we explore why pain isn’t always visible—and why functioning doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not hurting. Plus, practical tips for communicating your pain more clearly at your next appointment.

⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠
⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠
⁠Webinars and Resources⁠
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠.
⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠

Today you are hearing from Mel. Mel lives with multiple sclerosis, and in this episode, she shares what the experience has looked like for her, particularly the first year after diagnosis, when so much about her life and her body suddenly felt uncertain. She talks about the fear and frustration that came with those early days, the changes that she had to adjust to, and the process of gradually finding her way forward. Mel also reflects on the things that have helped, the small wins that can mean so much when you're living with a chronic condition, and what it has taken to build a life alongside MS. There is so much in Mel's story that will feel familiar to anyone who has had to adjust to a body, a diagnosis, or a life that they didn't expect. This is Mel's voice.

⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠
⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠
⁠Webinars and Resources⁠
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠.
⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠

Can you be genuinely unwell and genuinely happy at the same time? Absolutely. But when you live with a chronic health condition, having fun can sometimes come with a surprising side order of guilt. Should you really be going out when you “should” be resting? Does a fantastic day somehow make your illness less real? And why can we feel like we need to look or behave sick to be believed?
In this episode, we unpack the complicated relationship between chronic illness, pleasure, identity and guilt. We talk about the post-fun crash, making space for joy within the realities of your body, and why fun isn't frivolous — it's part of living a meaningful life.
Because a good day doesn't cancel out your disability. And you don't have to earn the right to have fun.

⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠
⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠
⁠Webinars and Resources⁠
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠.
⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠