Beyond the Count
Beyond the Count is a podcast about life with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Through personal stories, expert interviews and practical advice, each episode explores the everyday challenges and small wins of living with a rare autoimmune condition.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone, or just looking to learn more, this podcast is here to inform, support and connect.
Enjoying Beyond the Count?
Help us keep the podcast going and support the work of ITPANZ. Your donation helps us share stories, expert insights and resources with the ITP community.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 11 | 23 October 2025
In this episode of Beyond the Count, we’re joined by Caroline Kruse, President and CEO of PDSA and Co-founder and Chair of the International ITP Alliance.
Caroline shares how the Alliance began, why global collaboration matters in rare diseases, and how bringing together patient organisations from around the world is helping to raise awareness, share resources and strengthen support for people with ITP everywhere.
We also examine some of the Alliance’s major milestones to date, including ITP Awareness Week, and how resource sharing and collaboration have helped drive change in over 30 countries worldwide.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 10 | 9 October 2025
When treatments stopped working, Danielle sought a second opinion. It gave her clarity, confidence, and a new way forward.
Getting diagnosed during a pandemic wasn’t easy, but ITP Warrior @The.No.Spleen.Queen, Danielle Hodges, knew something didn’t feel right.
In this episode, she walks us through why she decided to get a second opinion on her ITP diagnosis, what changed as a result, and why trusting your instincts as a patient matters.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about your diagnosis or treatment plan, this one’s for you.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 9 | 25 September 2025
This is the fourth and final part of the Fuelling Your Health Series with Associate Professor, Dr Phil Choi.
In this episode, Dr Phil Choi explores how food and supplements may help manage some of the more common side effects linked to ITP and its treatments.
From fatigue and iron deficiency to digestive issues and steroid-related symptoms, many people experience side effects that impact daily life. This episode looks at how nutrition can support recovery, ease discomfort and improve overall well-being during treatment.
Dr Choi shares evidence-based strategies and simple tips drawn from both clinical research and real-world experience.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 8 | 11 September 2025
Behind the scenes of a project giving teenagers a voice in their ITP journey.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 7 | 28 August 2025
In Part 3 of our four-part Fuelling Your Health series, Dr Phil Choi helps unpack how the immune system, gut health and inflammation are all connected in the context of ITP.
ITP is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system is mistakenly targeting platelets. While no single food can reset or repair immune function, some dietary approaches may help reduce inflammation and support immune balance over time.
We explore emerging links between gut health and autoimmunity, the role of anti-inflammatory nutrients, and how to make food choices that support your overall wellbeing.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 6 | 14 August 2025
In this episode of Beyond the Count, host Danielle Boyle is joined by Barbara Lovrencic, ITP patient advocate, President of AIPIT (Italy’s ITP patient organisation), and Vice Chair of the International ITP Alliance.
Together, they explore the real-world impact of shared decision making, what it looks like when it works well, and how it can go wrong when patients feel unheard. Barbara shares her early experiences of being diagnosed as a child and how the lack of information and involvement shaped her journey. Danielle reflects on how things are improving, why being informed makes all the difference, and the power of open, honest communication between patients and clinicians.
Whether you’re a patient, carer or health professional, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand how collaboration leads to better outcomes and better care.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 5 | 24 July 2025
In Part 2 of our four-part Fuelling Your Health series, Dr Phil Choi returns to explore how food and nutrition may help support your platelets’ ability to function, not just how many you have.
Bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of ITP, but what you eat might play a small supporting role in how well your platelets work. Dr Choi unpacks the role of nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K, and explains how certain foods and supplements – such as alcohol, garlic, or fish oil – can interfere with normal clotting.
This episode is full of practical insights to help you make informed choices about what ends up on your plate.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 4 | 10 July 2025
In this episode, we kick off Part 1 of our four-part series, Fuelling Your Health, with Dr Phil Choi. This series explores how diet, supplements and lifestyle choices may support people living with ITP.
Today’s focus is on increasing platelet production. While there’s no official “ITP diet,” certain nutrients may support your bone marrow and overall health, and could play a role in encouraging platelet growth.
Dr Phil Choi shares evidence-informed insights, clears up common myths, and offers practical tips on what to consider if you’re looking at food or supplements as part of your approach to managing ITP.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 3 | 10 July 2025
When your platelet counts are all over the place, your emotions can be too.
In this episode, we’re joined by @The.No.Spleen.Queen, Danielle Hodges, who shares her honest experience of managing her mental and emotional health during the most unstable periods of her ITP journey.
From anxiety and burnout to building routines and asking for help, this conversation is all about taking care of your whole self, not just your platelet counts.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 2 | 10 July 2025
In this episode, we speak with Stassi Austin, who has lived with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) since her teenage years.
From school challenges to navigating relationships, work, and finding her voice as a patient, Stassi shares what it’s been like growing up with a chronic, unpredictable condition.
Her story reflects the resilience, confusion, and eventual confidence many people with ITP experience as they move through life stages.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with ITP for years, this conversation offers connection and insight.
SEASON 1 | EPISODE 1 | 10 July 2025
In this first episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle is joined by Haematologist Dr Rob Bird to tackle some of the most common questions asked by people living with ITP.
From dental visits and diet myths to long-haul travel, fatigue and exercise, this episode is packed with clear, practical advice grounded in clinical experience. Dr Bird shares why bleeding gums aren’t always caused by low platelets, how to prepare for travel, and what types of exercise are safe for people with ITP. He also busts a few common misconceptions and highlights the importance of checking in with your haematologist before making changes to your routine.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just looking for everyday guidance, this is a great place to start.
Thanks for listening to Beyond the Count
For more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.
📱 Follow us on social media:
- Instagram:@ITP_ANZ
- Facebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ
- LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New Zealand
- YouTube: @ITPANZ
🎧 Subscribe to Beyond the Count on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode.
Do you have feedback or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@itpaustralia.org.au
Thanks to our Podcast Sponsor
