In this episode, I’d like to share some early reflections on how the MS-Perspektive Podcast may be supporting people with multiple sclerosis in their learning and self-management.
Earlier this year, I conducted a listener survey as part of my master’s thesis, focusing on the German-speaking audience. The study explored how podcast engagement might influence perceived knowledge and confidence in managing life with MS.
While the research findings are currently being prepared for publication and I cannot share specific results just yet, I’m happy to give you a glimpse behind the scenes—why I started this project, what kinds of questions I was most interested in, and what the next steps might be.
In the future, I would love to conduct a similar survey among my international listeners, to find out whether the benefits observed in the German community also apply across different languages and cultural contexts.
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🧭 Why I started this project
When I launched the MS-Perspektive Podcast back in 2020, my main goal was to make MS-related knowledge both understandable and emotionally accessible—by featuring voices from medical professionals and people living with MS.
But I kept wondering:
- Do listeners actually learn something new from the podcast?
- Do they feel more confident about navigating their diagnosis?
- And which content is most helpful—for whom, and why?
To explore these questions, I created a survey that asked about podcast usage, perceived knowledge gain, and self-efficacy—essentially, how capable people feel in managing their MS.
🔍 What I was most curious about
I was particularly interested in whether listening to the podcast affects subjective knowledge and self-efficacy—the personal belief that “I can handle this.”
I also wanted to find out if certain groups benefit more than others. For example:
Do newly diagnosed people experience a greater benefit?
Does it matter how much someone listens, or what kind of content they prefer?
👂 First impressions from the data
Without giving away too much detail, I can already say:
There are strong indications that the podcast is truly helpful—both in terms of information and emotional support.
Many participants highlighted the combination of expert knowledge and personal stories as particularly valuable. The flexibility of the format—being able to listen anytime, anywhere—was also seen as a big plus, especially for people who experience fatigue or cognitive difficulties.
🔭 What’s next
We’re currently planning further analyses and—hopefully—new research projects. One idea is to launch an English-language survey among international listeners, to explore whether similar patterns emerge outside of the German context.
That would allow us to compare experiences across countries and see whether cultural or systemic factors shape how people use podcast-based education.
And if you’d be willing to participate in such a survey in the future—I’d love to hear from you!
💛 Thank you
Before I wrap up, I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate and share their experiences. This research isn’t just an academic project—it’s an example of how people affected by MS can shape research themselves.
By raising your voices, you’re helping us understand what works—and what needs to improve—to make information about MS more helpful, inclusive, and empowering.
Once I’m allowed to share more detailed insights, I’ll definitely do so—right here on the podcast.
🌱 What you can do
If you’d like to support this mission, you can:
Share the podcast with others
Send me your feedback
Or take part in future surveys
Together, we can make MS knowledge more accessible, inclusive, and real-life oriented.
Thanks for tuning in—and talk to you soon!
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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