In this episode, Niraj speaks with Elia, an 18-year-old living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Elia shares her story of fainting as a child, navigating years of worsening symptoms, and finally being diagnosed at 17. She talks about how CFS affects her energy, independence, and identity—and how hard it is when symptoms are invisible. Elia opens up about the emotional toll, the grief of missing out, and how even with good planning, flare-ups can still hit without warning. She explains what real support looks like, why routine helps, and how sometimes the best thing you can do is just be there and listen. This is a thoughtful, honest chat about living with CFS and learning to adapt without losing hope.

To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram.

To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram.

Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this heartfelt episode, Niraj speaks with sisters Aleen and Atiqa about their journey of realising Aleen is autistic and how that’s shaped their relationship. Aleen opens up about her mental health crisis in 2020, how burnout and sleep struggles led her to explore neurodivergence, and why self-diagnosing autism helped her better understand her needs. Atiqa shares what it’s like supporting a sibling with an invisible disability—dealing with change, learning to be patient, and finding new ways to communicate. Together, they reflect on the ups and downs of unmasking, and how they’re building a more neuro-affirming relationship. This episode gives a rare insight into the sibling experience, and what support, trust, and growing together really looks like.

To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram.

To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram.

Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this honest episode, Niraj speaks with Charlotte about living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that affects daily life in unpredictable and exhausting ways. Charlotte shares her long journey to diagnosis, the confusion with other conditions like autism and chronic fatigue, and how hard it can be to explain an invisible illness. She opens up about balancing self-awareness with vulnerability, managing energy crashes, and finding strength in gratitude and support. From calling herself lazy to realising she’s incredibly determined, Charlotte speaks openly about internalised stigma, misunderstood friendships, and the challenge of feeling seen. This episode is a raw and real look at life with POTS, and how connection and self-compassion can make all the difference.

To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram.

To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram.

Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.