122. Taking Quizzes Like It’s A Slumber Party Rare With Flair podcast

58:58

hi hello hey: let’s get fit!! In over 125 episodes across five years, we’ve somehow never devoted a full episode to fitness… until now! In the past few years, we’ve truly found a love for moving our bodies, and today we’re sharing our fitness journeys from childhood sports to the workouts keeping us active now. We might not be the sportiest girlies, but we like to think we’re athletic at heart. We’ll talk about what motivates us, how our routines have evolved, and why fitness has taken on new meaning in our lives. So grab your AirPods and walk, jog, lift, or stretch along with us! Got thoughts, questions, or suggestions? Our inbox is always open at hello@rarewithflair.com and we’d love to hear from you! Cass running cross country as a freshman in high school, and Case finishing up a run last year, 2011/2024 show notes Case & Cass mention several past episodes: their most recent episode celebrating the 5 year podaversary: 124. we’ve changed our minds?: our 5 year podaversary celebrating the value of community: 43. is that how close i hold my phone? what it’s like to be in a wedding: 47. here comes the bridesmaid: being in a wedding with a rare disease our original episode on hobbies from our childhood: 12. wobbly balance, e-readers, & our favorite pastimes 2022 recap where Cass tells the story of her accident: 59. recapping a wild & wacky year For those in the bleeding disorder community, ask your hematologist about your local chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (formerly the National Hemophelia Foundation) to learn about programs they offer, including wellness incentives!…

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124. we’ve changed our minds?: our 5 year podaversary 1:00:11

22 days ago1:00:11

1:00:11

hi hello hey, happy FIVE YEARS of Rare with Flair! As wild as it feels to say, it’s true: we’ve changed in the five years since we started this podcast. To celebrate our fifth podaversary (!!!), we’re reflecting on the ways we’ve grown. Some shifts are small, and others are in how we approach big things like disclosing, advocating, and accepting help. We truly wouldn’t be here without you, our amazing listeners. Whether you just found us or have been with us since our pandemic origins, thank you for being part of this journey. We’d be yapping into the void without you! Have thoughts, questions, or feedback? Drop us a line at hello@rarewithflair.com ; we just might answer on the pod! And while you’re at it, check out our past podaversary episodes, including our very first episode from July 2020! 100. over one hundred hours of us yapping!!! 72. third podaversary: roasting our first episode 49. two year podaversary, favorite episodes, & funniest tech fails 26. happy podaversary! our origin story & behind the scenes magic 1. intro: welcome to rare with flair! Case + Cass at the ATS conference, 2025 show notes Casey mentioned blind influencer Molly Burke’s video on My Disability Hot Takes (please don’t hate me…) (YouTube) that inspired this episode We cross-reference several episodes during this episode, including: 102. white cane hot takes , where Casey talks about her all-pink cane 108. the wound that never heals: our discrimination stories , where Cass talks about getting rejected from rideshares with a guide dog and Case talks about a major discrimination issue she faced 97. how we stopped word-vomiting all our struggles and 71. oversharing on facebook: our online advocacy experience where we talk about how we’ve grown in disclosing and not oversharing 14. life, love, & dating with a disability , our original dating episode from 2021 43. is that how close i hold my phone? where Case & Cass talk about the importance of community and finding people who understand you…

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123. a guide to guide dogs 1:23:44

5 weeks ago1:23:44

1:23:44

hi, hello, hey, we’re talking all about guide dogs today! 🦮 Over the years, we’ve gotten lots of requests to make an episode all about guide dogs. Whether you’re seriously considering one or just curious about what it takes to get a working dog, this episode is for you! We’ve talked about canes plenty, and even compared pet dogs and guide dogs before, but we never dedicated a full episode to the topic, mostly because Cass is the one with experience, having worked with a guide dog for about eight years (now retired!), while Case hasn’t. So in this slightly atypical episode, Cass takes the lead and shares everything from how to know if a guide dog is right for you, to how to choose from the nearly 15 guide dog schools in the U.S.—each with their own unique approach and vibe. She also walks through the application process at Guide Dogs for the Blind and gives a peek into the incredible training that goes into preparing a dog to become a guide. Got more guide dog (or non-guide dog) questions? Send them our way at hello@rarewithflair.com and we just might answer them in a future episode! Want more cane or dog talk? Check these episodes out! 102. white cane hot takes 92. cass’ guide dog is retiring?! 48. mobility tools therapy sesh 13. ru & ro: guide dogs vs. pet dogs 2. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability Cassandra’s guide dog, Romana, snoozing onstage at the NOAH Con, 2022 show notes the National Federation of the Blind’s list of guide dog schools in the USA check out Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Orientation and Mobility Immersion program !Whether you’re looking to get a guide dog or not, this is a great opportunity to get much needed mobility skills you can learn more from this 20 minute podcast from GDB’s show, Central Bark watch the “Pick of the Litter” documentary by GDB to get more insight into the puppy raising process (and to enjoy some precious pups!). Look it up to see what current streaming options are available, or rent it for a small fee on Prime Video…

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122. taking quizzes like it’s a slumber party 41:28

7 weeks ago41:28

41:28

hi hello hey, ready to get cozy with us?? Longtime listeners know that personality quizzes hate to see us coming. We’ve always loved them, even as kids! So when Cass recently stumbled upon her old American Girl quiz books, we knew we had to bring them to the pod. In this episode, we each take a quiz from one of the three vintage books and find out just how well these throwback quizzes really know us. Spoiler: some results are spot on! And! The day this episode drops (June 24th) is Cass’ 28th birthday! Want to wish her a happy one or send us a question for a future episode? We’d love to hear from you at hello@rarewithflair.com . Check out our other personality quiz related episodes: 113. an instagram reel revealed who we really are 93. the great cardigan debate: our style roots 86. just a couple decisive, self-aware, water signs: revisiting personality types 18. personality types, astrology fails, & words of affirmation Case + Cass at the slumber party for Casey’s 30th birthday, 2022…

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121. ranking every disabled character we’ve seen recently 57:51

9 weeks ago57:51

57:51

hi hello hey, ready for some representation? A few years ago, we did an episode all about disability representation in media (with one of the greatest episode titles in Rare with Flair history), focusing specifically on blind characters in animated and live-action shows and movies. Since then, we’ve come across even more disabled characters (not just with vision impairments!) that we’re excited to talk about and rank for authenticity. This time around, we’re expanding our scope, and with that comes the understanding that many of these characters represent disability communities we’re not part of, like the Deaf community. While we can’t speak for those experiences, we’ll still share our perspectives as members of the broader disability community and approach each portrayal with curiosity and care. We had lots of fun talking about animated and live-action characters, but even included a book and toy, too! Did we miss any characters you love (or hate)? Send us an email at hello@rarewithflair.com and we’ll talk about it on a future episode! Case + Cass after the HPS conference, 2025…

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120. still alive but barely breathing lmao: ATS recap 1:05:15

11 weeks ago1:05:15

1:05:15

hi hello hey, we’re exhausted but invigorated! We know we say “this is a special episode” a lot (because, honestly, every episode is special to us). But this one really is: it’s only the third time in Rare with Flair history that we’ve recorded almost entirely in the same room! If you’re new here, you might’ve thought we always record together, but nope! With Case in Tennessee and Cass in Ohio, we’re usually recording from separate states. This time, against all odds (and at the cost of some sleep), we managed to capture a semi-thorough recap of our time at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) conference in San Francisco! This was Cass’s third ATS conference with the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) Network, but it was Case’s first. The conference is a huge opportunity to connect with researchers, biotech and pharma reps, and organizations who can help us push toward a cure for the pulmonary fibrosis many people with HPS develop. There’s a lot of advocacy, booth-running, and behind-the-scenes hustle, and we’re pulling back the curtain to let you in on all of it. We hope you enjoy our chaotic, sleep-deprived, heart-filled recap of this fulfilling, jam-packed week! Case + Cass in their room at the American Thoracic Society conference, 2025 show notes Check out the reels (Youtube shorts) Case, Cass, and the HPS team made of each day at ATS! Day 1 recap Day 2 recap Day 3 recap Day 4 recap Case & Cass mention the podcast from the opening ceremony speaker called “ The Human Doctor ” so check it out! The host is a doctor who’s a wonderful storyteller, you won’t be disappointed!…

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119. we’re each other’s biggest influencer 1:05:19

13 weeks ago1:05:19

1:05:19

hi hello hey, it’s time for a little catch up on what we’re into lately! Once or twice a year, we like to take a minute (or an hour) to catch you guys up on what we’ve been up to aside from going to the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome conference and talking all things disability. On this edition of “What Are We Into Lately?,” we talk about the books, music, TV shows, hobbies, and lifestyle changes that have occupied our year thus far. Spoiler alert: we’re each other’s biggest influencers, and we fill you in on all the things one of us recommended that the other one has tried and loved. Have an idea for a future episode or want to comment on something we’re into? You can always send us an email at hello@rarewithflair.com , and we’ll answer it on the next episode (if you want us to, of course!). Cass with her tarts at a wedding and Case hula-hooping on the dace floor at the HPS conference, 2025…

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118. “do you want us to spell our disease’s name for you?”

15 weeks ago

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hi hello hey, let’s go to the doctor! It’s been a hot minute since we did an episode on chronic health, but we’re BACK and ready for action! On this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to be your own advocate in the healthcare system, especially when you have a rare disease and a vision impairment. From the constant parade of specialist appointments to the exhausting task of explaining your condition to every new doctor (yes, we’ll gladly spell it… again), we’re sharing our lived experiences navigating medical systems that often aren’t built with us in mind. This episode pairs perfectly with a couple of others from our archive: 117. few but many: hps conference 2025 : our most recent ep, where we shared our reflections on meeting others with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, connecting with researchers, and the joy of community 68. the nih has my colon! the research episode : a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be the research subject, from clinical trials to NIH visits (including what it’s like to keep a jug of pee cold for a day) Cass at the NIH & Case participating in medical research, 2016/2023…

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117. few but many: HPS conference 2025 1:23:45

17 weeks ago1:23:45

1:23:45

hi, hello, hey—grab your popcorn, because it’s conference time! As many of you know, we’re two best friends with the same rare disease, living our best lives. We truly wouldn’t be friends without Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome—or without this incredible conference. It’s where our friendship began, and where we reconnect with our amazing community year after year. We love soaking up the latest research from rising stars in science, catching up with familiar faces, and yes… there’s always some singing involved. Since we (Case & Cass) live in different states, this conference is also one of the rare times we get to hang out in person, making it extra meaningful. This year’s conference had a different vibe from previous ones, but it was still special in its own way. Come along as we recap the highlights! P.S. Don’t miss our episodes from past conference years, too! 16. a family reunion with blood draws: the hps conference (overview of the conference itself, 2021) 66. hps conference: reuniting our community after four years (2023) 91. doctors at a bar, cute lab mice, & dancing dinosaurs: hps conference recap (2024) listener shout-out We love getting mail from our listeners! This week, we’re sharing an excerpt from an email we received from Jeff L., a professor of cello at Texas Tech University who has low vision. He included a link to his YouTube channel , and we were especially wowed by his performance of Bach’s 5th Cello Suite where you can see him using assistive tech glasses to read his sheet music, and his talent truly blew us away. We’re so grateful to Jeff for sharing not only his music but also what the podcast has meant to him. It really means the world to us! Got a story to share, a topic to suggest, or just something cool you want to tell us? Email us anytime at hello@rarewithflair.com , and if you’re cool with it, we might read it on the show! Case + Cass partying at the HPS conference, 2025 show notes Case & Cass talk about Dare to be Rare , a nonprofit started by the HPS Network that sells clothes with the slogan to raise funds for rare disease research. The online store will officially relaunch May 16, 2025 so be sign up for their email list to be the first to hear about it! Cass mentions the Dare to be Rare jingle from 2017 (Youtube) written by Tommy Criblez of the band Ritual Talk (Bandcamp) Just for fun, Cass made reference to our episode 46. how we remember everything for how we are with dates Case is doing work on the HPS Network’s social media! Give them a follow on their various platforms: HPS Network Youtube channel HPS Network on Instagram HPS Network on Facebook Cass & Case mention Rick Guidotti, a former fashion photographer turned nonprofit founder of Positive Exposure . You can also check out Rick’s story in his Ted talk Cass gave a talk on how your iPhone could be a powerful assistive technology device on its own! Check out her slide deck (Canva) Cass mentions a short documentary-style video on the HPS Network at the American Thoracic Society conference in 2024 (Youtube). It’s a little over 20 minutes, but well worth the watch!…

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116. rare but radiant: our new and improved skincare routines 49:59

19 weeks ago49:59

49:59

hi hello hey, let’s talk about skincare today! Skincare has gotten really trendy online thanks to creators on TikTok and Instagram telling your which creams to use to make you look younger. While we’ve talked about makeup and sunscreen some time back, we haven’t done a full skincare routine episode. Even if you’re not a chronically online girlie, cleansing, sunscreen, and moisturizing are for everyone! Join us as we discuss our skin, and the products we’re currently using (as of March 2025) to make our skin a lovely place to be. Also, thank you to Johannah for the listener question that inspired this episode! If you have any thoughts or episode ideas, please email us at hello@rarewithflair.com ! Case & Cass getting their much-needed SPF at the NOAH Conference, 2024 show notes Cass mentions our episode on bleeding management, “let’s talk about blood” Case’s skincare picks: dry skin Morning: sunscreen: EltaMD Clear Mineral Face Sunscreen (Amazon) Night Cleansers CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (Amazon) Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser (Amazon) Makeup remover: Makeup Eraser reusable microfiber makeup removers (Makeup Eraser) Toner: Neutragena Gentle Daily Toner (Amazon) Exfoliator: Trader Joe’s Nourish Exfoliating Face Scrub Retinol (different products) use with caution!!! Moisturizers Neutragena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Amazon) Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer Acne Neutragen Spot Treatment Pimple patches: Beekman 1802 Wicked pimple patches (Ulta) Lotion: Trader Joe’s Body Butter Cass’ skincare picks: oily skin Morning Sunscreen: Supergoop! (Re)setting Mineral Powder Sunscreen in Translucent (Supergoop) Cleansers CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser (Amazon) Typology L12 Purifying Cleansing Gel (Typology) Acne products Typology L39 Day Serum for Blemishes (Typology) Typology L61 Targeted Blemish Serum (Typology) Neutragena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment (Amazon) Moisturizer: Typology L41 Purifying Moisturizer (Typology) Night Makeup remover: Neutragena Night Calming Makeup Remover wipes (Amazon) Acne formula: Curology Custom Formula (Curology) Pimple patches: various from Starface Retinol acne peel: Murad AHA BHA Retinoid Clarifying Peel (Sephora) Lotion: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion (Amazon)…

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115. internet fan meetups, unicorn snot, & trying to see the jumbotron 1:03:42

21 weeks ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Case + Cass share concert stories, artist and fan meet-ups, and the accommodations that help them rock out—even at music festivals!

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114. please, read the room!!! 54:00

23 weeks ago54:00

54:00

Case + Cass discuss reading the room—when to disclose disabilities for accommodations and when it’s okay to let things go.

Rare with Flair

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113. an instagram reel revealed who we really are 48:43

25 weeks ago48:43

48:43

Case + Cass explore their personalities in a new way through the lens of personality tests from Instagram reels.

Rare with Flair

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112. a grocery delivery shopper yelled at cass?? 56:02

27 weeks ago56:02

56:02

Case + Cass talk about the grocery delivery services they use, shocking mishaps, and the kindest shoppers who went above and beyond.

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111. lifting the burden: how we pay it forward

29 weeks ago