Living With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Maria to the show. Maria is a retired educator from Texas and has struggled with OCD from the time she was a child to the current day. Maria’s OCD first took shape in the form of religious OCD or religiosity, and was very severe during her pre-teens and adolescent years. In adulthood Maria’s OCD’s morphed into violent thoughts and other Pure O ruminations. Eventually Maria realized she needed help and has used therapy and medication as effective tools many times during her adult years. This interview is the story of perseverance and courage despite all the odds, and one that will encourage you to keep fighting the good fight.

This week Julie and Andy welcome Emma from Minnesota to the show. Emma is a teenager who has struggled with OCD since childhood but has made remarkable improvements over the past couple years due to medication, therapy, and the support of her family. Emma is the first teenager ever interviewed on the podcast and her story will encourage other teen listeners that there is hope and that OCD can be managed, and that you can have a good quality of life despite your struggles. The conversation also covers topics including marriage, family, siblings, and moving away from home. If you are a teen, this show is for you.

In this episode Julie and Andy return to podcasting after a seven month break. They interview Bret, a college student who struggles not only with OCD, but also with Asperger's, Tourette’s, and ADHD. Bret and Julie talk about the difficulty of struggling with more than one disorder at the same time and how this impacts his quality of life, his family, his friends, and his work. He shares examples of how each of his disorders plays into the other ones and makes each one harder to deal with in what seems at times, a never ending cycle. Bret is one of the most courageous people you will meet and his story will no doubt impact your life. Other topics discussed include therapy, medication, and various OCD manifestations. This interview is one not to be missed.

In this episode Andy and Julie are back with an update on what has been going on in their lives for the past four months. in March it was discovered that Julie had two cysts on her thyroid and from there the story evolves from thyroid surgery, to thyroid cancer, to surgery recovery, to radioactive iodine treatment, and trying to get regulated on hormone medication. This episode covers all the ups, the downs and the in betweens that the couple have been through with Julie's health issues. The worst is behind them now and they are back doing what they love…podcasting. This episode is a long one but one not to be missed if you have been wondering where Andy and Julie have been over the past few months.

In this episode Andy and Julie welcome back Bernie to the show for a followup interview. Bernie was first interviewed in 2009 (Episodes 26 & 27) and a lot has changed in his life since then. Julie and Bernie talk about his new job, his new living situation, and how both of those major life changes have affected his OCD. He talks about his general anxiety disorder and how that still places a part in his life. They discuss therapy, medication, and other ways to self-manage OCD that seem to help Bernie. Love, family relationships, friendships and coworkers are all aspects of Bernie's life that they talk about during this episode. They end the show looking back on the last 4 years and looking forward to the future, this show is one not to be missed as Bernie is always a great interview.

In this episode Julie and Andy catch you up on everything that has been going on in their lives so far in 2013. They talk about Andy getting laid off and starting his own business, Julie's trip home to Ireland, the death of Julie's Grandmother, and Julie's health problems. They discuss these events not just to discuss them, but to talk about how Julie's OCD has been through them and how she has handled all the continued stress in her life. Andy talks about things from his perspective and when talking together they realize the ebb and flow cycle that they have been on and how they hope for better days ahead. Life is not all always what you expect and when you add OCD into the mix it really can throw you for a loop sometimes. This show is about handling life with OCD through the hard times and how there is always hope no matter the situation.

In this episode Julie and Andy continue to update their listeners on the family events that have been occurring over the past several months. They talk about how Amelia has been sick over and over again and how difficult that has been not only for her but her parents as well. They then talk about the New Year (2013) and how Julie has started to make changes in her life and has recently decreased on her medication. She talks about the challenges of medication withdrawals but also about how she feels more alive and is optimistic about her future. For the first time ever in podcast history Amelia Burnfield makes a cameo at the end of the show!

In this episode Julie and Andy do an update show about what has been going on in their lives for the last few months. They talk about Andy's mother who had a brain tumor and the series of events that happened around that. They discuss how Andy got laid off from his job and how difficult that has been on not only Andy but also on Julie and her OCD. Things have not been easy for the Burnfields since late last year and this episode highlights how through all of the stress and change and rearranging of their lives the most important thing is to stick together, to communicate and to have faith that things will get better. If you have been wondering how Julie's OCD has been lately then this is the show for you.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome back Anna to the podcast for part two of her interview. The conversation picks up where they left off last week and Anna talks about her relationship with her husband and how that affects her OCD. As the episode continues they talk about coping skills, sharing about OCD to people in their lives, the nature or cause of their OCD, how the podcast has helped and finally about how Andy's job situation may affect the future of the podcast. This episode wraps up what has been a wonderful conversation with a wonderful person who expresses what it means to keep up the good fight on a daily basis.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Anna to the show for Part 1 of her two part interview. Anna is a teacher in Alabama and has struggled with OCD as long as she can remember when she looks back on her life. It is amazing the similarities Julie and Anna have, ranging from scrupulosity to fear of the unknown, to Relationship OCD (ROCD). As the conversation continues they go in depth to various parts of Anna's life including being a newly wed, being a teacher, and being a child and sibling to a family that tries their hardest to understand her struggles. This interview will get you thinking about aspects of OCD that are not always voiced and will leave you waiting in anticipation for Part 2.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Sarah to the show. Sarah is a pediatric nurse and has just within the last year discovered that she has OCD. Julie and Sarah talk about their OCD commonalities as well as what it's like trying to tell people about your struggles that may not understand all the nuances on the disorder. Sarah shares the story of how she met her wife and how her life was completely turned around for the better and how the support and love she is given has enabled her to get help and make progress along her road to healing. This episode is yet another glimpse into the life of a fellow OCD sufferer and is another one not to be missed.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Emma back to the show and also welcome her partner, Andy. They talk about how they met, how Andy discovered Emma’s OCD and what it’s like living with someone who has just recently discovered they have OCD. The four discuss the best way to support someone with OCD as well as the hard parts of living with someone has such struggles. The open and honest nature of this episode is a rare glimpse inside the world of a couple who are just starting their journey together down the road of discovery and healing. Don’t miss this episode, it is a very insightful one.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Emma to England to the show. Emma is in her twenties, has three children and has only recently discovered that what she has been struggling with her whole life is in fact OCD. Julie and Emma talk about their similarities, about their journey and about the steps they want to take moving forward. Emma talks about how OCD affects her partner, her kids, and also her family. They also discuss family history of mental disorders and wrap up by Julie answering some questions that Emma has for her. This episode gives a unique perspective into the life of a young woman who is currently coming to grips with the fact hat she has OCD.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Elliot to the show. Elliot is a college student from Minnesota whose OCD had a recent onset that corresponded to him developing an overactive bladder disorder. The discussion between Julie and Elliot ranges from topics such as how he copes with his OCD, his hopes for treatment and medication, as well as his expectations for his life down the road. They also talk about how Elliot's late onset OCD affects him in relation to those who had suffered with the disorder since they can remember. Though Elliot's OCD is severe he provides hope and inspiration for listeners by encouraging them to stay positive, find help and confide in those you trust. This interview is a must listen and is a testament to the courage of the human spirit despite the multitude of challenges that life sometimes throws our way.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome Shannon back to the show for an update on her story. Shannon shares how she has been doing over the past couple of years and what progress she has made in terms of her OCD and more specifically her intrusive thoughts. She talks about a new type of therapy she has embarked on called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and how it works as well as what help it has been to her. Julie asks her about the highs and lows, about her kids and her husband, and also about how exercise helps her OCD. I think all the listeners will agree that it is good to hear a familiar voice back on the show and great to catch up with one of LWOCD's favorite people.

In this episode Julie and Andy interview Pam who is an advocate for children with disabilities in schools. She talks about her work with kids and adults, the main types of disabilities that are recognized in the American school system, as well as the I.D.E.A. legislation that is set up to protect students. Pam discusses what the biggest obstacles are for kids with OCD in schools are as well as how important it is for teachers and parents to be alert and aware of the signs that a student may be struggling with OCD or a different disability. Parent-teacher communication is paramount in detecting the early signs of a school age child dealing with OCD. To end the episode Pam asks Julie some questions about her childhood and what it was like for her to be a student that struggled with OCD and if she had access to school counselors or other adults that she could talk to. This interview is very important and sheds light on a topic that is often overlooked when thinking about OCD.

In this episode Julie and Andy welcome back Daniel (aka Alex) from almost two years ago and also welcome Daniel’s partner Alison who is an OCD sufferer herself. Never before have we gained such an intimate glimpse inside the shared life of two people who both struggle with OCD. The resulting discussion is truly riveting and one that listeners will not soon forget. They talk about how they met, when they knew the other person had OCD, and how they help and support each other. Each is asked what the best parts and worst parts are of being in a relationship with someone who struggles with the same thing they do and the dialogue that results is fascinating. This is a once in a lifetime not to miss episode.

In this episode Julie and Andy discuss "hot topics" that are going on in their lives right now and what influence OCD is playing in those things. They begin the show by talking about Julie's latest therapy appointment and about learning to relax so that ERP has the largest effect possible when Julie does it. Next they talk about an intense conversation they had recently concerning spending time together as a family and how Julie perceives Andy's word far differently than he ever meant them. Lastly they discuss how drinking alcohol affects Julie's medication and how she has come to a decision that will enable her to gain the most possible effect from her Seroquel. This is a look into what Julie currently struggles with most and how communication and understanding can play a huge part in healing and dealing with these struggles.

In this episode the tables are turned and Julie and Andy are interviewed by a journalism student from England. They begin talking about how the podcast came about and what the idea was behind it in the beginning. Julie is then asked about how the podcast has helped her get a handle on her OCD as well as what things she has learned that she didn't know before in terms of OCD. Andy and Matthew then have a discussion about how the podcast has helped Andy and whether or not the popularity of the podcast has surprised him. They then talk about the feedback they receive from the show as well as the pace of the show and if that has been intentional. They finish the interview talking about advice they would give from people suffering from OCD as well as what they would say to co-sufferers. This interview is a nice break from the norm for Andy and Julie as well as an insightful look into the working of the podcast.

In this episode Julie and Andy give an update on themselves and where Julie is in terms of the ERP therapy. Julie talks about building her hierarchy and how she used the OCD Challenge website to help her(www.ocdchallenge.com). Andy asks if she will share some of the items on her list and she agrees to read and expound on her list of contaminations that make up one of her seven hierarchies. They talk about the OCD Texas film festival that Julie is coordinating and how listeners can get involved and help out from September 1st to October 13th.