Episode 79: Brandon Hudgins - GPA
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Episode 79: Brandon Hudgins - GPA
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About this listen
Brandon shares a deeply personal and grounded account of living with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune vasculitis. Brandon walks us through his diagnosis as a young Division I athlete, the long road to remission, and the physical and emotional toll of repeated relapses, impacting his lungs, kidneys, and identity as a runner.
Beyond the medical realities, this conversation gently explores grief, mental health, and the quiet isolation that often accompanies rare disease, especially in a sport environment when there is a pressure – external or self-inflicted – to “push through”. Brandon reflects on learning to listen to his body, manage stress, and redefine success away from constant striving.
The episode also highlights the power of community, advocacy, and shared stories through Brandon’s work with the Vasculitis Foundation, a reminder that inspiration doesn’t always come from extraordinary achievements; sometimes it comes from showing up, telling the truth, and helping others feel less alone.
The song that Brandon chose is Father’s Son by Steven Wilson Jr.