Exploring the Complex Links Between ADHD, Chronic Illness & Mast Cells with Dr James Kustow, in conversation with Suzy Bolt.

Join me and leading adult ADHD psychiatrist Dr James Kustow, for a truly eye-opening deep dive into the fascinating overlap between ADHD, chronic illness, immune system regulation and so much more.

This is perfect for anyone living with ADHD, neurodiversity, long COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or anyone supporting loved ones through these challenges.

What’s Covered in this Episode?

We discuss the latest research uncovering why so many people with ADHD also struggle with chronic illness, hypermobility and immune dysfunction, and why body-based self-care is essential to feel better.

You’ll get practical explanations and innovative new perspectives from both scientific and lived experience.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating overlapping physical and mental health challenges—or clinicians wanting to understand the bigger picture.

✨ If you found this episode valuable, please leave us a review and share it with others who might benefit.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth interviews, practical workshops, and support for those with chronic illness, ADHD, and related conditions.

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Here's the link to get James' brilliant book: https://amzn.to/43IPKSQ

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Ready to explore James' Solo Soma. Access it here: https://the-grove-practice.teachable.com/p/thrive-with-adult-adhd-solo-soma-moving-meditation

Use code SUZYBOLT60 at checkout to get 60% off

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You can find out more about James' practice at: https://www.thegrovepractice.com/

And you can see their videos on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrovePractice

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Find out more and join our Rest Repair Recover community here: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

Ready to dive deeper and get more personalised support in a smaller group setting? Click here: https://suzybolt.com/the-fern-programme/

In this moving and insightful episode, I sat down with Rebekah Aiston to talk about her remarkable journey through Long Covid and recovery—before and after discovering Rest Repair Recover and later on, The Fern Programme.

Rebecca shares with great honesty what it was like to be at her very lowest: bedbound, isolated, and desperate for answers that simply weren’t forthcoming. She describes the physical and mental toll of her illness - including debilitating fatigue, terrifying symptoms, and repeated setbacks - but also the gradual, gentle progress that followed when she stopped searching for a magic cure and committed to a slower, more compassionate approach.

We explore the winding path from frustration and fear to acceptance, highlighting the importance of self-compassion, therapy, and connection with others - particularly through the rest repair community and the transformative power of finding a recovery buddy. Rebekah also speaks candidly about the challenges of pacing, changing her relationship with work, and the role past experiences and anxiety played in her recovery story.

If you’re currently feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you’ll find hope in Rebecca’s story. Her slow, steady, and trauma-informed path to healing is a testament to the power of self-kindness, community, and not giving up - however daunting the setbacks may be.

Stay with us for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom and, above all, the reassurance that recovery, just like Rebekah’s, is possible.

Welcome to another insightful interview. In this conversation, Suzy Bolt sits down with Kevin Leivers from The Naked Pharmacy to dive deep into the crucial topic of sleep. This one is a must-watch for anyone struggling with rest, especially when managing chronic illness or post-viral fatigue.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Join Suzy and experienced pharmacist Kevin Leivers as they unravel the science behind sleep, explore the options typically offered by GPs, and discuss the wider impact of prescription medications and natural solutions when sleep is hard to come by.

With expert pharmaceutical knowledge and a holistic approach to wellbeing, Kevin offers invaluable advice on how to create a supportive environment for quality sleep, particularly during times of illness and recovery.

You'll discover:

00:00 – Meet Kevin Leivers: Pharmacist & Supplement Specialist
00:57 – The Frustrations of Insomnia & First Steps at the GP
02:03 – Commonly Prescribed Sleeping Drugs: Z Drugs, Benzodiazepines & Antihistamines
04:48 – Why Prescription Sleeping Pills Are Only a Short-Term Fix
06:56 – Sleep, Anxiety & Breaking the Fear Cycle
07:12 – What Disrupted Sleep Could Be Telling You About Your Body
07:25 – Running Parallel Support Systems: The Role of Sleep Hygiene
10:05 – The Impact of Food, Drink & Supplements on Sleep
13:00 – Resetting Your Circadian Rhythm: Light, Exercise & Routine
15:06 – The Power of Mindset & Mental Hygiene for Deep Rest
16:41 – Building a Collaborative Relationship With Your GP
17:06 – Are You Taking Too Many Supplements? Why Less is More
19:39 – Magnesium: Natural vs Synthetic and the Real Difference
24:06 – The Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths and Magnesium Butters
25:50 – Earthing, Yoga, and Breathing: Calming Your Nervous System
27:18 – Melatonin: The Facts on Prescriptions and Quality
30:56 – Herbal Sleep Solutions: Lavender, Passiflora, Chamomile & Valerian
33:08 – Recap & Mindset: Don’t Panic About Sleepless Nights

Whether you’re recovering from chronic illness, supporting a dysregulated nervous system, or simply searching for restorative sleep, this episode is filled with empowering insights.

Kevin explains the nuances between pharmaceuticals and natural supplements, and Suzy and Caroline keep the conversation grounded in real-life experience.

✨ If you’re on a journey of recovery or looking to improve your sleep naturally, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to our channel for more conversations on healing, rest, and empowerment—plus expert interviews and practical guidance.

👍 Like, comment, and share if you found this episode helpful!

And remember, it’s really important that you talk to your medical professional first before you change your supplement regime.

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Want to get 20% off the supplements we discussed from The Naked Pharmacy? Use the code SUZYBOLT at checkout:

https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/

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Find out more and join our Rest Repair Recover community here: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

Ready to dive deeper and get more personalised support in a smaller group setting? Click here: https://suzybolt.com/the-fern-programme/