Top 10 Arthritis Podcasts for 2025 | Best Podcasts for Pain Relief & Motivation
Did you know that nearly one in four adults globally will experience some form of arthritis during their lifetime — and many will seek relief not only from medications, physical therapy, or surgery, but also from community, expert wisdom, and emotional inspiration? In 2025, as podcasts continue to explode in popularity, more people are turning to audio content for reliable health information, tips for pain management, and stories that offer hope. Podcasts allow listeners to tune in on the go — during walks, chores, or commuting to work — turning otherwise idle time into moments of learning and comfort.
The rise of audio learning, combined with growing awareness around joint health, mobility, and chronic illness support, has created fertile ground for arthritis-focused shows. These podcasts aren’t just about medical jargon; they bring lived experience, empathy, and practical strategies that can really make a difference. Whether you want science-backed treatment information, inspiration from other people living with arthritis, or wellness routines to ease pain and improve mobility, there’s a show out there for you.
Here are the top 10 podcasts that every person dealing with arthritis — whether newly diagnosed or deeply experienced — should tune into.
Below are ten standout arthritis podcasts in 2025 — all combining credibility, compassion, and practical help. They span from purely medical/clinical discussions to deeply personal stories and self-care strategies.
1. Arthritis Life — Real Stories & Wellness Hacks
Host(s): Cheryl Crow Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Frequency: Biweekly updates Apple Podcasts Best For: People managing arthritis pain, those seeking emotional support, lifestyle tips, and real-life stories.
Overview: “Arthritis Life” is a podcast by Cheryl Crow, who brings a rare blend of experience: she has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years and she is an occupational therapist. Apple Podcasts Cheryl knows the science, the treatments, and also the emotional weight of arthritis. She covers topics like medication (e.g. methotrexate), lifestyle changes, pain management, and the mental health side of chronic illness. Her episode “Make It Count: Dani’s Journey With Severe RA, Acceptance, and Strength” is a powerful example of personal narrative meeting actionable advice. Apple Podcasts
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
How others live through arthritis with courage, acceptance, and movement.
Practical self-care and wellness routines that complement traditional treatments.
How to cope with anxiety, fatigue, and emotional ups and downs.
Tips on daily living and adapting routines when joints hurt or mobility is limited.
Why It’s Worth Listening: The emotional authenticity in Arthritis Life is rare: Cheryl doesn’t hide from discomfort, frustration, or uncertainty. But she also doesn’t let them define the narrative. The episodes come across as both friend and guide — someone who understands, but also has tools to offer.
2. Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast — Patient-Centered Advice & Empowerment
Host(s): Arthritis Foundation, hosted by people with arthritis and related expertise (e.g. patients, occupational therapists) Arthritis Foundation Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast apps via the Arthritis Foundation site. Arthritis Foundation Frequency: Regular (multiple episodes per month) Arthritis Foundation+1 Best For: Patients and loved ones wanting practical tips (nutrition, pain management, emotional wellbeing), emotional support, and lifestyle tweaks.
Overview: “Live Yes! With Arthritis” is devoted to helping people live as fully as possible despite arthritis. The content ranges broadly: emotional wellbeing & relationships; nutrition; physical activity; pain management; preparing for joint surgery. Not only does it cover treatments, but it gives insight into coping—how to build community, how to deal with mental load, how to find meaning beyond the pain. For example, an episode titled “Living with Arthritis: Silver Linings” highlights unexpected positives that people have found in their arthritic journey. Arthritis Foundation
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Evidence-based tips on what to eat and how to move safely.
Psychological and emotional tools for coping with chronic pain.
How to prepare for medical interventions (surgery, medications).
Stories from fellow patients whose lives have been changed by arthritis—and yet who still find joy.
Why It’s Worth Listening: It’s not just about disease: this podcast is about dignity, hope, and connection. Because it is “hosted by patients, for patients,” the tone is approachable, reassuring, and never patronizing. You feel like you are not alone.
3. Ang ry@Arthritis — Scientific Deep Dives & Unfiltered Questions
Host(s): Arthritis research experts, PhD researchers, clinicians, guest experts angryatarthritis.org Platform(s): Website, podcast platforms (spotify / apple etc via site) angryatarthritis.org Frequency: Episodic, as new research becomes available and interviews can be arranged. angryatarthritis.org Best For: Listeners who want deeper scientific understanding, innovation, research‐based medicine (e.g. osteoarthritis cure work), and getting honest answers.
Overview: Angry@Arthritis doesn’t shy away from tough topics. The hosts interview leading scientists and clinicians working on arthritis treatment options and cures (e.g. OA drug development, novel therapies, inflammation mechanisms). Episodes are often focused on translating scientific advancements into what they mean for patients. They also aren’t afraid to question accepted norms. Some episodes like “Innovation – Unlocking the Science OA Cures” or “Rheumatology – Inflammation Investigation” bring clarity to what is often confusing or misrepresented. angryatarthritis.org
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Up-to-date research on arthritis (both clinical trials and early innovation).
Unfiltered explanations from scientists in terms patients can understand.
What is (or isn’t) likely to change in therapy in the near future.
How basic science connects to lifestyle, treatment, and hope.
Why It’s Worth Listening: If you sometimes find that health news sounds overly optimistic or vague, this podcast gives you the real picture—what is promising, what is speculative, and what is grounded. That honesty builds trust and helps you make informed decisions.
4. ACR on Air — Rheumatology Specialists & Clinical Expertise
Host(s): American College of Rheumatology (various experts) rheumatology.org+1 Platform(s): ACR’s website, plus major podcast platforms. rheumatology.org+1 Frequency: Weekly rheumatology.org+1 Best For: Healthcare professionals, students, and patients who want deeply credible discussions of rheumatic diseases, guidelines, and best practices.
Overview: ACR on Air is the podcast forum from the American College of Rheumatology that tackles varied topics such as rheumatic disease awareness, treatment guidelines, patient outcomes, and medical research. For example, a 2025 episode “RDAM 2025: RheumMoves!” addresses using structured movement to influence disease progression, manage inflammation, and decrease risk for comorbidities. rheumatology.org It stands out for its focus on clinical rigor, expert interviews, and cutting-edge research being translated into practice.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Current guidelines and standards in rheumatologic care.
How movement, exercise, and rehab can factor into arthritis care.
Risks and benefits of medical interventions and new treatments.
Insights from expert rheumatologists and researchers.
Why It’s Worth Listening: This podcast helps bridge the gap between what’s known and what’s practiced. Whether you’re a health-care provider or a patient wanting to stay ahead, ACR on Air gives you the confidence that the information is evidence-based, thoughtful, and relevant.
Host(s): Dr. Diana Girnita, rheumatologist with clinical and research experience Buzzsprout+1 Platform(s): Buzzsprout, Podyssey, other major podcast directories. Podyssey Podcasts+1 Frequency: Regular, with new episodes (schedule varies) Buzzsprout Best For: Listeners who want a holistic view: autoimmune disease, lifestyle, nutrition, mindfulness, and treatments.
Overview: “Thriving with Arthritis” offers a broad lens: not just arthritis of one type, but autoimmune forms (RA, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Sjögren’s, gout). Dr. Girnita explores integrative medicine — evidence-based diets, sleep, stress, movement — along with episodes that dig into individual disease types and patient stories. The goal isn’t just survival, but thriving. For example, there are episodes like “Living with Sjögren’s Syndrome: Dr. Girnita’s approach…” and “From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Sona’s Story of Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Podyssey Podcasts
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
How lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, exercise) influences inflammation.
Differences between autoimmune-arthritis types and how they present.
Coping strategies: mental health, pain flares, community building.
Treatment trade-offs: what works for some but not all, and how to personalize your approach.
Why It’s Worth Listening: It offers both scientific depth and practical warmth. For those who believe health is more than prescriptions, this podcast provides tools to take more control over daily life and chronic illness.
Host(s): Rheumatologists, patient advocates, allied health professionals associated with Rheumatology Republic Apple Podcasts Platform(s): Acast and other podcast platforms Apple Podcasts Frequency: Bi-weekly or roughly every two weeks Apple Podcasts Best For: Professionals, caregivers, patient advocates, listeners interested in how policy, research, and healthcare systems around rheumatology are shifting.
Overview: This show isn’t narrowly medical or narrowly inspirational; it’s both and more. Rheumatology Republic covers communication, sector change, advocacy, and how rheumatology fits into broader healthcare ecosystems. It tackles challenges like access to care, public health, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. While listeners with arthritis will learn a lot, those working in or around the health system (nurses, therapists, policy) may especially benefit.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
How changes in rheumatology care affect access, equity, and patient outcomes.
New tools, communication strategies, and how the patient voice is shifting in the sector.
Broader health policy issues and how they filter down to tabletop patient care.
Ways that patients and professionals can collaborate for better care.
Why It’s Worth Listening: It expands the horizon: beyond “what can I do for my joints” to “how does the system work, how can it be better, and how can voices like yours make a difference.” Very useful if you want context, not just immediate tips.
7. Arthritis and You: A Joint Journey — Deep Dives & Data-Backed Insights
Host(s): Alberta Rheumatology, hosted by “Arthur & Sarah” (AI hosts in some cases) plus expert guests. Apple Podcasts Platform(s): Podcast directories, AlbertaRheumatology.com, possibly YouTube etc. Apple Podcasts Frequency: Weekly (or near weekly) Apple Podcasts Best For: Listeners wanting trustworthy data, myth-checking, understanding meds and treatments, and demystifying confusing topics.
Overview: “Arthritis and You: A Joint Journey” is committed to unpacking what people often misunderstand about arthritis, medications, treatment risks & benefits, and the latest data. Examples include episodes such as “Preventing & Managing Arthritis Flares,” “Osteoarthritis,” and “Giant Cell Arteritis.” The hosts often bring in healthcare providers and rheumatologists to ensure accuracy. Their AI assisted format helps with data communication in digestible ways. Apple Podcasts+1
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Clear, accessible information on disease types and treatment strategies.
How to recognize and reduce flare episodes.
What new research or therapies are emerging and what their caveats are.
Tools for making informed decisions with your health-care team.
Why It’s Worth Listening: When there’s a flood of information online, much of it conflicting or exaggerated, this show helps you sort fact from hype. It gives you both the evidence and guidance toward what really matters for you.
8. Rheum Advisor on Air — Clinical Practice & Emerging Topics
Host(s): Rheumatology Advisor (various guest experts) Listen Notes Platform(s): Major podcast platforms, plus direct access via medical publication networks. Listen Notes Frequency: Every ~5-6 weeks (intervals vary) Listen Notes Best For: Medical professionals, students, or highly curious patients wanting to stay current with treatment guidelines, practice management, and diagnostic challenges.
Overview: Rheum Advisor on Air dives into emerging topics in rheumatology: diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, current guidelines, patient care issues, and practice management. While episodes aren’t always frequent, they are thoroughly researched and often interview domain experts. The format is more clinical than emotional, though still accessible. Listen Notes
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Best practices for diagnosing and managing different rheumatic diseases.
Questions healthcare providers are asking about treatments, side effects, and patient outcomes.
Deeper understanding of how medicine progresses in arthritis care.
Why It’s Worth Listening: If you want accuracy, nuance, and the kind of depth that helps you evaluate options (meds, therapies, surgeries), this podcast gives you those tools. It’s especially useful for those who want to engage deeply or advocate for their own or others’ care.
9. Medicine Matters Rheumatology — Focused Clinical Insight
Host(s): Experts associated with Springer Healthcare & clinical rheumatologists Apple Podcasts Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, medical platforms, Springer Healthcare channels. Apple Podcasts Frequency: Irregular / episodic depending on topic availability. Apple Podcasts Best For: Health professionals and patients interested in focused topics, especially intersections of rheumatology with other medical issues.
Overview: Medicine Matters Rheumatology is more specialised; episodes may zoom in on specific drug classes, repurposing of treatments (e.g. for COVID-19), or inflammatory pathways. While many episodes are technical, the podcast sometimes draws connections for a non-clinician audience. It’s great if you want deep dives into mechanisms. Apple Podcasts
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Detailed insight into how certain medications work, off-label use, repurposing.
Underlying immune mechanisms, inflammation, and molecular biology relevant to arthritis.
Data points and studies you might otherwise hear only in specialist journals.
How systemic conditions and comorbidities (e.g., infection risk, metabolic issues) interact with arthritis.
Why It’s Worth Listening: For those who want the “why” behind what doctors prescribe, or want to understand risk/benefit at a deeper level, this podcast brings a lot of that across. It can empower you to ask informed questions and participate meaningfully in decisions about your care.
Host(s): Dr. Jeffrey Stark and guest experts ucbcompass.com Platform(s): UCB Compass, other major podcast platforms ucbcompass.com Frequency: Seasonally released with thematic content (non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis etc.) ucbcompass.com Best For: Listeners interested in particular forms of arthritis (for example, axial spondyloarthritis), or who want in-depth understanding of one topic rather than breadth.
Overview: This show is structured around a disease subtype: non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in its first season, and in subsequent seasons, other forms like psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Stark interviews both clinicians and patients to explore disease impact, recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. One episode covers manifestations, another imaging, yet another patient perspectives. Because the focus is narrow, the discussions are detailed, which is helpful if you or a loved one has that specific type of arthritis. ucbcompass.com
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
How subtypes of arthritis differ in presentation, diagnosis, imaging etc.
Common misconceptions and best practices for specialist diagnosis.
Patient-experience alongside medical perspective.
What new data or treatments are emerging for specific subforms.
Why It’s Worth Listening: It’s rare to find content that goes deep enough for specific arthritis types without being superficial—this fills that gap. If your arthritis type is fairly clearly diagnosed, this helps you understand it more fully and act more confidently within that context.
Why Health Podcasts Are Revolutionizing Arthritis Awareness in 2025
Digital Health Communities Grow, Voice Counts: Podcasting allows people with arthritis to hear voices like theirs, breaking isolation. Many listeners report that just hearing someone describe the pain, fatigue, or emotional load validates their own experience, which can aid mental health and resilience.
Trust Comes Through the Voice: The spoken word, especially when hosts are patients or experts, establishes intimacy and trust. Listeners often feel that hosts are “talking directly to them,” making it easier to absorb and act on health information.
Accessibility and On-Demand Learning: Unlike appointments or seminars, podcasts are free (or low cost), mobile, and available whenever. Want to listen during your commute, while cooking, or during rest? Podcasts fit into daily routines. This is especially useful for people with mobility challenges.
Data & Health Literacy Improving: As research on arthritis continues, there are more discoveries in treatments, imaging, nutrition, psychology, and wearable tech. Podcasts help translate this into digestible forms. According to various surveys (for example by Pew Research & health-communication studies), more adults are turning to podcasts for health information, especially around chronic illness.
Bridging Emotional & Practical Gaps: While medical literature often focuses on what arthritis is or what treatments do, podcasts often discuss the “softer” parts—acceptance, meaning, adaptations—which are just as important for quality of life.
How to Choose the Right Podcast for You
Here’s a guide to help you decide which arthritis podcast(s) are the best fit:
Criterion
What to Consider
Credibility
Is the host a medical professional, patient with long experience, or both? Do they use scientific references, peer-reviewed studies?
Tone & Style
Do you want motivational stories, factual clinical content, interviews, research updates, or more emotional support?
Length & Format
Short (10-20 min) episodes are more digestible; long interviews or series can go deep but require more time.
Accessibility
Is it freely available on platforms you have? Are transcripts or show notes available? Is language clear and non-technical?
Frequency & Consistency
Regular uploads help you plan; seasonal or episodic shows need checking but may have concentrated value.
Relevance to Your Condition
If you have a specific arthritis subtype (e.g. rheumatoid, psoriatic, spondyloarthritis), pick shows that cover that. Also check how often flare-management, comorbidity, emotional wellbeing are discussed.
Checklist:
Is the show hosted by someone you feel you can trust (expert, peer, or mix)?
Does it cover both “medical info” and quality-of-life / self-care topics?
Can you listen in your preferred format (audio, transcripts)?
Do you feel emotionally supported after listening (not more anxious)?
Has it recent episodes (2025) and reflects current treatment strategies?
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Health Podcasts
Listen during daily routines: comutes, walks, chores. It makes the learning less of a chore and more of a companion.
Take notes: write down names of treatments, movement suggestions, or phrases you want to share with your healthcare provider.
Share episodes: with support groups, family, or doctors to foster dialogue, empathy, and collaborative decisions.
Return or revisit: some episodes are “evergreen” – info on diet, flare-triggers, mindset – revisit when facing new challenges.
Join discussions / online communities: many podcasts have listener groups, forums, or social media presence. Engaging helps you feel less alone and may spark new ideas.
Expert Opinions & Data
According to the American College of Rheumatology, combining education, movement, and pain management has become an essential component of arthritis care. Clinical guidelines increasingly emphasize non-pharmacologic strategies (exercise, physical therapy, nutrition) alongside medicines. (Paraphrase from recent ACR guidelines)
WHO and Arthritis Foundations worldwide note that self-management is among the most effective ways to reduce pain, improve physical function, and enhance mental health in chronic arthritis. Podcasts contribute to self-management by offering peer stories, expert advice, and psychological coping tools.
In recent listening-behaviour surveys, over 35-45% of health-aware adults report that they consume medical or wellness podcasts at least once a week. While not all are arthritis-specific, this trend helps shows on arthritis get more visibility, higher production quality, and more content diversity.
Final Thoughts
Living with arthritis can feel like having a silent partner in many aspects of life — pain, limitations, unpredictability. But knowledge, connection, and hope are powerful counterweights. Podcasts let you carry all three in your pocket. Whether it’s hearing someone else describe a flare almost exactly like yours, learning about a new therapy before your next doctor’s visit, or simply finding strategies to regain control over movement, sleep, or mood, these shows are more than entertainment—they are tools for resilience.
As you explore the above list of the best arthritis podcasts, don’t feel pressured to listen to everything. Pick one that aligns with your learning style, your condition, your emotions. Subscribe. Skip episodes that aren’t helpful. Return to those that are.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing arthritis for years, these podcasts remind you that knowledge — and support — are always just a play button away.
