Jamie Boder: Yoga For AS

Jamie Boder joins Debbie and Katy for a powerful, honest conversation about being diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) at 18, navigating Crohn’s disease, and learning to care for his whole self through movement, yoga, and mind–body practices. Jamie shares the emotional impact of diagnosis, the challenges of early adulthood with chronic illness, and the tools that helped him reclaim agency, stability, and joy.Key topics:

• Early autoimmune symptoms and delayed diagnosis
• Emotional impact of AxSpA at 18
• Losing identity and social connection through reduced mobility
• Dual diagnosis: AxSpA + Crohn’s disease
• Treatment limitations (NSAIDs, biologics, care coordination)
• Microbiome testing and the risks of extreme dietary control
• Yoga, somatic practices, interoception, and fatigue management
• Vagus nerve research and nervous system regulation
• Sustainable lifestyle changes vs. “cure culture”
• Jamie’s recent flare and reassessing medication
• Building Yoga for AS and supporting the community

Key words: Axial Spondyloarthritis, AxSpA, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Arthritis, Yoga for AS, Jamie Boder, microbiome, vagus nerve, fatigue management, yoga nidra, somatic practices, autoimmune health, remission, inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, chronic illness support, nervous system regulation.

Resources mentioned:

• The Great Nerve, book exploring vagus nerve and inflammation
• Yoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation for fatigue)
• Yoga for Arthritis (training organisation)
• Yoga for AS, Jamie’s organisation supporting AxSpA-friendly movement

Connect with Jamie:

Instagram: @YogaForAS

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Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys, and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/