Episodes

In this CFStrong podcast episode, Alexa, a mother from Melbourne, shares her emotional journey after receiving her daughter Zoe's diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Alexa vividly recounts the moment she received the news, the overwhelming emotions that followed, and the subsequent whirlwind of appointments and reactions from family and friends. Despite initial struggles and feelings of isolation, Alexa shares the importance of allowing oneself to feel the range of emotions, seeking information, and f...

In this final episode of the current CFStrong podcast series, co-host Brad Dryburgh engages six young adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF) in a profound discussion about their philosophy for leading fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by the condition. Through heartfelt reflections, the guests share their deeply personal perspectives on resilience, acceptance, and positivity in the face of adversity. They emphasise the importance of embracing life's unpredictability, maintaining a p...

In this episode of the CFStrong podcast series, co-host Brad Dryburgh engages in candid discussions with six individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF) in their 20s. Addressing the question of fears and worries for the future while living with CF, each guest shares their unique perspective. From concerns about the broader CF community and the impact of treatment disparities to personal reflections on life expectancy, relationships, career aspirations, and the emotional toll of witnessing loved...

In this episode of the CF Strong podcast, co-host Brad Dryburgh engages in an open dialogue with six young adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF) about the often-sensitive topic of body image. As the eighth episode in the series, each guest, reflects on their personal experiences and struggles with body image, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by individuals with CF. The candid conversations touch upon issues such as acne, weight gain, societal perceptions, and the journey towards s...

In this episode of the CFStrong podcast series, Brad Drybugh explores the financial challenges faced by individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Through engaging conversations with six guests, the episode addresses the impact of CF on financial planning and explores benefit schemes that have helped along the way. The guests share candidly about their struggles, successes, and strategies for managing finances, touching on topics such as relying on mobility allowance and grappling with fluctu...

In this episode of the CFStrong podcast, co-host Brad Dryburgh explores the world of careers for individuals in their 20s living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Featuring insights from six guests, the episode addresses the question of whether they are pursuing their ideal careers and if they've faced job rejections due to CF. The candid responses reveal diverse experiences, From finding fulfillment in music and stand-up comedy to challenges in securing employment due to health-related limitations, th...

In this episode of the CFStrong podcast, co-host Brad Dryburgh leads a candid discussion on the complexities of explaining cystic fibrosis (CF) to romantic partners. Through the experiences of six individuals living with CF, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of disclosing their condition in relationships. From grappling with feelings of burden and anxiety to finding acceptance and support, the guests share their personal journeys of opening up about CF to their pa...

In this episode of the CFStrong podcast, co-host Brad Dryburgh guides listeners through a discussion on fitness and wellness routines among individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF). With a focus on the experiences of six young adults with CF, the episode explores how their fitness regimens have evolved over time and the benefits they've experienced. From traditional physiotherapy routines to post-Trikafta adjustments, the guests share their diverse approaches to staying active and maintainin...

In this engaging episode of the CFStrong podcast, co-host Brad Dryburgh explores the intricate relationship between cystic fibrosis (CF) and mental health. The third episode of the series features candid insights from six guests – all in their 20s - as they share their personal journeys and strategies in navigating the complex intersection of CF and mental well-being. From the challenges of social anxiety and the pressure to explain their disease to others, to the impact of CF on life choices an...

In this engaging episode of the CF Strong podcast, co-host Brad Dryburgh delves into the unique perspectives of six guests, as they discuss vaping and how it intersects with the challenges of cystic fibrosis. The candid conversations reveal a spectrum of attitudes towards vaping, from relaxed approaches to strict stances against it. The guests share personal struggles, experiences with peer pressure, and the complexities of dealing with vaping in social settings. As Brad aptly guides the discuss...

Have you ever wondered how to balance a social life while living with cystic fibrosis? You are not alone. Hosted by Bradley Dryburgh, himself a young person living with cystic fibrosis (CF), this latest series of the CFStrong podcast delves deep into the perspectives of six young adults facing similar challenges. In this opening episode, Adam, Blake, Caitlin, Ellie, Sam, and Tayla share candid accounts of how they navigate a social life while managing their CF. From Adam's seamless integration o...

In this podcast, Jen Hauser, CFPhysio.com founder and physiotherapist, caught up with Dr Sue Keating and Nicki to learn more about menopause in CF. This discussion shares some of Nicki’s journey navigating CF symptoms, post lung-transplant symptoms/medication side effects, and possible menopause. With the increasing age of survival in CF, menopause is becoming a health experience that women with CF are having to navigate, and the literature would suggest a 2-3 years earlier onset than those wome...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sarah and Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson discuss vaping and CF. Transcript Voice Over : Welcome to the CF Strong Podcast. CF Strong covers the successes and challenges faced by those living with cystic fibrosis. You'll hear first person stories, conversations with health professionals, friends and partners. Just a heads up, guests may share their personal views about treatments and health management, but please remember this is not medical advic...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sarah and Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson discuss thrush and CF. Kate explains that females with CF, in particular, are prone to yeast infections, manifesting as thrush in the mouth or throat and fungal vaginitis in the vaginal area. Kate discusses the causes, including disruptions in pH balance due to antibiotics and corticosteroids used to treat lung infections. She recommends over-the-counter antifungal treatments and discusses potential presc...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sam Lefoe chats with Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson about how to balance fun and partying while living with Cystic Fibrosis. Kate discusses the considerations for individuals with CF regarding alcohol consumption, highlighting the increased risk of liver damage due to the strain on the liver from processing alcohol. Additionally, she emphasises the importance of moderation, safety, and communication with the healthcare team. Regarding smoking, K...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sam Lefoe chats with Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson about how to balance time with friends while living with Cystic Fibrosis. Kate delves into the challenges of balancing cystic fibrosis (CF) responsibilities, such as medication adherence, with the desire to partake in typical teenage activities. She suggests normalizing CF as part of one's identity rather than letting it define them. She discusses strategies to integrate treatments into daily l...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sam Lefoe and Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson discuss sex and protection for people living with CF. Kate emphasises the importance of safe sex practices for everyone, as individuals with CF face the same risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. She provides insights into the potential impact on health, fertility, and the transmission of diseases, highlighting the need for protection in various types of sexual activities. Kate discusses...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sam Lefoe and Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson discuss whether the kids of those living with CF, will get CF too. Kate explains the recessive nature of the CF gene, clarifying that for a child to have CF, both parents must carry or have CF mutations. She discusses the different scenarios, explaining that if both partners have CF, there's a 100% chance of the child having CF. If one partner is a carrier, the chance is 50%, and if both are carriers,...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sam Lefoe and Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson discuss having kids while living with Cystic Fibrosis. Kate highlights the advancements in medical technology, gene modulator therapy, and improved overall health, leading to increased fertility among CF patients. She discusses the challenges and options for both males and females and the positive impact of gene modulator therapy on female fertility. The episode aims to educate and dispel misconceptio...

In this episode, CF Strong podcast co-host Sarah and Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Johnson discuss late development and periods while living with Cystic Fibrosis. The views, experiences or comments shared on this website are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of Cystic Fibrosis Community Care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. var formDi...

"CF makes us resilient," In this episode of the CF Strong podcast, co-host Sam Lefoe catches up with Rafi to discuss life with Cystic Fibrosis. Rafi, 41, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. However, he says CF gave him a unique perspective on life and death, which fueled his curiosity and desire to explore. This exploration led him to storytelling through photography and filmmaking, allowing him to share his life story and experiences. One of Rafi’s notable projects is a hip hop album t...

Murray on transplant In this episode of the CFStrong podcast, we speak with Murray who had a double lung transplant ten years ago. We discuss Murray's experience pre and post-transplant, how he managed the mental and emotional side of transplant, what he's been up to for the last decade and his advice for approaching transplant. Transcript Coming soon. This podcast was published in November 2022. If you would like to share your story, please contact us at admin@cfcc.org.au. We’d love to hear fro...

Tony on clinical trials Curious about clinical trials? Interested to learn more about how to take part? Keen to hear from someone who has been there and done that? In this episode of the CFStrong podcast we chat with Tony about his experience getting involved in clinical trials. Tony shares his experience and his advice for anyone interested in putting their hand up for a clinical trial. ”Look, I would say it's important they do the homework, read a little bit about the medication, if you can. N...

Sinus and CF In this episode of the CFStrong podcast, we discuss sinus and CF with ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr Catherine Banks; president of CFPhysio and experienced physiotherapist, Jen Hauser; and co-host of the CFStrong podcast and adult with CF, Sam Lefoe. The wide-ranging conversations covers just what our sinuses are, what the symptoms of sinus disease are and why it can be challenging to diagnose for people with CF. We also cover what the treatment options are and where to find mo...