RealTalk MS
RealTalk MS
Navigating multiple sclerosis is easier when you understand the science behind it. Join host Jon Strum each week as he translates complex MS research, treatment breakthroughs, and healthcare news into clear, accessible language. Whether you’re living with MS, caring for a loved one, or looking for answers, RealTalk MS connects you with top neuroscientists, advocates, and the information and insights that matter most to your MS journey.
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Dec. 1, 2025

Episode 431: When a Teenager Becomes a Caregiver For a Parent With MS with Michaela Janssen Pohl

Episode 431: When a Teenager Becomes a Caregiver For a Parent With MS with Michaela Janssen Pohl
RealTalk MS
Episode 431: When a Teenager Becomes a Caregiver For a Parent With MS with Michaela Janssen Pohl

At the age of 14, Michaela Janssen Pohl became a caregiver for her mother, who lives with MS.

Parents with MS

I think most of us can agree that just being a teenager carries with it more than enough challenges. Those adolescent years are the years when just about everything in life starts changing. Imagine adding the responsibilities of being a caregiver to all the other things going on in a 14-year-old girl's life. Michaela joins me this week to explain how she found ways to survive and thrive in what can only be described as a challenging situation for any teenager.

We'll also explain why you might want to think a little differently about Giving Tuesday this year.

We're sharing all the details about the Phase 2 clinical trial focusing on Moderna's investigational Epstein-Barr vaccine and MS (and we'll explain why that might turn out to be important!)

We're talking about how MS impacts women's health issues with this year's winner of the Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Kristen Krysko.

And we're sharing the results of the Phase 2 clinical trial for PIPE-307, an investigational remyelination therapy.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!


It's Giving Tuesday (and why that matters more this year than ever before) :22

This Week: Becoming a caregiver for a parent with MS when you're 14 years old 3:27

A clinical trial focused on an EBV vaccine and MS is recruiting participants 4:25

Dr. Kristen Krysko discusses MS and women's health issues 7:52

Results from the Phase 2 clinical trial for PIPE-307 remyelination therapy 13:48

Michaela Janssen Pohl shares her story of becoming a caregiver at the age of 14 16:55

Share this episode 33:20

Next week's episode 33:40


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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/431

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Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283

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LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

DONATE: The National MS Society
https://nationalmssociety.org/donate

SIGN UP: Become an MS Activist
https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

PARTICIPATE: Phase 2 Clinical Trial for Moderna's EBV Vaccine and MS
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06735248
Email: WeCareClinicalTrials@modernatx.com

JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review


Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.

RealTalk MS Episode 431
Guests: Dr. Kristen Krysko, Michaela Janssen Pohl