Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast
Hosted by Holly Frey, this podcast explores real, unfiltered stories of people living with skin conditions like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Each episode features honest conversations about advocating for oneself, navigating doctor visits, and finding community. The series also delves into the history of skincare, from ancient remedies to modern breakthroughs. It aims to create a supportive space where listeners can learn from others' experiences rather than figuring it out alone.
Episodes
Explain This to Me: Brian Lehrschall on Self-Advocacy, From a Doctor's Office to Capitol Hill
Brian Lehrschall was thirteen when psoriasis arrived, and it moved fast — from a single scalypatch on his arm to more than ninety percent of his body in six months. Psoriatic arthritisfollowed soon after. What he did next set the pattern for the next thirty years. He asked hisdoctor at Duke to explain exactly what was happening in his body and why, and Brian hasn’tstopped asking the ha
"I Didn't Know How to Be a Partner in My Own Care": Joel Nelson on Learning Self-Advocacy Late
Joel Nelson spent his childhood being discussed in his doctors’ appointments, rather than conversed with. He was ten when the joint pain started, and for the next eight years the conversations about his body happened over his head, behind a curtain, between the adults in the room. He was poked and prodded and left in pain while a plan was made without him. This inspired a deep urge to speak
Ask A Doctor: Dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon on Maximizing Your Appointments and the Research Gap
Most of us have left a doctor's appointment with the thing we actually needed to say still stuck in our throat. Dr. Anna Chacon — board-certified dermatologist, psoriasis patient, and one of the few dermatologists working in rural New Mexico and Alaska — has spent her career thinking about exactly that problem. In this episode, she and Holly talk about how to prepare for an appointment
Ink, Skin, and Self: Hannah Williams on Psoriasis, Tattoos, and the Long Road to Loving What You See
Hannah Williams was twelve years old when what everyone assumed was dandruff turned out to be psoriasis — and by sixteen, it had covered nearly 95% of her body. For years, she wore long sleeves in summer and avoided mirrors. Then, slowly, in small steps, something shifted: a kids' camp in America, a cross-country trip, a decision to start an Instagram — and eventually, tattoos as acts
The Disability Tax: Future Doctor Dayna Pham on Psoriasis Stigma and Grief
When Dayna Pham was diagnosed with severe psoriasis at 21, the hardest part wasn't the plaques. It was the staring, the dating she stopped doing, and the version of herself she had to grieve. A few years later, on her first day of medical school, psoriatic arthritis arrived too. Now a University of Chicago med student, NPF advocate, and mentor for chronically ill students, Dayna talks candidly abo
Plants, Pageants, and Policy: Alisha Bridges on Psoriasis, Advocacy, and Building a Tribe
Alisha Bridges was seven years old when a bout of chicken pox triggered psoriasis across 90% of her body — and she spent the next decade hiding it, until a beauty pageant, a department-store makeup counter, and a grandmother who refused to let her quit changed everything. In this episode, Alisha talks about turning shame into a platform, taking her story to Capitol Hill, and why mental healt
Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast... Season 3!
If you've ever felt like no one in the room really gets what you're going through — this season is for you. Holly Frey of Stuff You Missed in History Class returns with Season 3 of Our Skin, expanding the conversation to include psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and the full, complicated reality of living in a body that others don't always see clearly. Each episode, we pull up a seat
Drive, Defy, and Define: Ivy Smith on Psoriasis, Stunt Work, and Self-Acceptance
Model, actress, and stunt driver Ivy Smith first noticed psoriasis after the birth of her second child, but it took years, another pregnancy, and mounting pain before she finally got a diagnosis. In this episode, she opens up about battling stigma on set, the slow journey to show her skin with pride, and how adrenaline-fueled stunt driving became a surprising outlet. Plus, we rewind to the 1960s t
Clap Backs and Thick Skin: Victoria Voos on Psoriasis, Self-Advocacy, and Science
Victoria Voos was in college when her psoriasis “went full rampage,” setting off a cascade of diagnoses—from psoriatic arthritis to insulin resistance—that could have been overwhelming. Instead, she built online communities, mastered the art of the clap back, and became a fierce advocate for herself and others. In this episode, she shares how clinical trials gave her both h
Brave Skin: Lianne Hunter on Psoriasis, Parenting, and Finding Her Voice
Diagnosed with psoriasis at age five, Lianne Hunter grew up learning to explain, defend, and sometimes hide her skin. Today, she’s built an online community, FixMyPsoriasis, and co-leads the Get Your Skin Out campaign, turning personal vulnerability into collective strength. Lianne opens up about raising her son with honesty and empathy, navigating tough moments in public, and why community
Confidence Is the Cure: Allison Sowle on Psoriasis, Representation, and Showing Up Anyway
When Allison Sowle showed up to a model casting with oozing eczema and no makeup, she didn’t expect to be chosen out of 30,000 people. But her message was clear: “I’m proud to be myself.” In this episode, Allison talks about claiming space in the modeling world, surviving without insurance, and the beauty of showing up as you are. Plus, we look back at some of the most biza
What Psoriasis Taught Me: Jess Tran on Slowing Down, Speaking Up, and Feeling Seen
Jess Tran was 24, thriving in her career, and training as a powerlifter when a mysterious rash changed everything. It turned out to be guttate psoriasis—and it forced her to rethink everything from ambition to self-image. In this episode, Jess shares how she learned to listen to her body, why visibility can be both empowering and exhausting, and what she wants to change about the wellness in
Your Skin Does Not Define You: India Bolton on Motherhood, Psoriasis, and Finding Her Voice
India Bolton was first diagnosed with guttate psoriasis in college. Years later, that diagnosis expanded—through two pregnancies, psoriatic arthritis, and months-long flare-ups that covered her body. In this episode, India opens up about parenting through chronic illness, how she found strength in community, and why her children are part of her motivation to keep showing up. Plus, we dive in
You Are Your Longest Relationship: Artist DaQuane Cherry on Psoriasis, Art, and Self-Care
DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring.See omnystudio.com/listen
Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast Season 2!
We’re back! Welcome to Season 2 of Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast with Holly Frey. This season, we’re continuing the conversation about what it really means to live with psoriasis—through powerful, personal stories of resilience, self-advocacy, and finding freedom in the skin you’re in. But we’re also zooming out. Each episode, we connect those lived experienc
You Are Not Alone: Building A Psoriasis Community with Joni Kazantzis
After being diagnosed with psoriasis as a teen, Joni Kazantzis has tried just about every treatment one can to get comfortable in her skin. Her blog, Just a Girl with Spots, became a platform for Joni to shed light on the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Listen in as we explore her dedication to helping others find their path to treating their own chronic illness, and strength in th
Thriving Everyday: Exercise and Illness with Andrea Wool of AutoImmune Strong
Andrea Wool is the founder of Autoimmune Strong, a community for those with autoimmune disorders seeking exercise that heals rather than harms. Andrea shares her experience with chronic pain, fatigue, and her quest to find a sustainable, gentle approach to fitness. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia and multiple autoimmune diseases, she turned her struggles into a mission, helping others transform their
Within Reach: You Deserve to Feel Good with Reena Ruparelia
Reena Ruparelia has lived with psoriasis since she was in high school. But she didn’t start sharing about her experience until 20 years later. Stigma played a role in her hesitancy to speak out, but a major factor was the difficulty in finding a doctor who really listened, and a treatment that worked. Until patients find treatment, it can feel like their life is on hold–but Reena has a message of
Building Community: One Spoon at a Time with Activist Jen Weaver
When Jen Weaver was diagnosed with psoriasis in 2017 (after five years handling rheumatoid arthritis), she was 36 years old and had three busy kids. Her plaques were very visible–she said they covered her “from head to toe”--and very painful. Psoriasis meant a step into a world where people noticed her auto-immune condition for the first time, and the reaction was far from comforting. So Jen found
Get Your Skin Out: Activist Holly Dillon on Living Well with Psoriasis
Activist and Hollywood producer Holly Dillon was diagnosed with psoriasis when she was just 14 years old and, at 20, was told by a doctor that there was no help for her–that her body had “failed.” Devastated but not deterred, Holly launched Get Your Skin Out, a visual campaign and online community of people sharing about their skin disorders, and looking beautiful doing it. As we step back in skin
Shifting Gears: Olympic Hopeful Mandy Marquardt on Conquering Psoriasis
In this episode of Our Skin, we're joined by world-class athlete Mandy Marquardt of the USA Cycling National Team to discuss her experience as an Olympic hopeful living with psoriasis. Mandy shares how being diagnosed with psoriasis threw her for a loop, even as she continued to train at an elite level. Mandy also opens up about the importance of her support network and the role it played in hel
Introducing: Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast
Welcome to Our Skin, a Personal Discovery Podcast. Each week, host Holly Frey showcases a personal story from someone who lives–and thrives!--while managing psoriasis. Being diagnosed with a chronic skin condition can throw anyone off track, but Our Skin guests have a message of hope: a diagnosis can be an opportunity to discover new things about ourselves, our grit, and our power. In addition
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