The “What If” Game and the Man Who Didn’t Know He Was Sick Yet

There was a version of me in 2002—forty years old, a working chef, exhausted in ways that made no logical sense, and listening to doctors insist that every alarming symptom was “stress.” Now that sarcoidosis is a familiar part of my vocabulary, looking back on that time feels like watching a movie where you want to yell at the character to turn around. Revisiting that moment made me rethink the “what if” game entirely and wonder how differently life looks when you finally know what your body was trying to tell you.


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This podcast is narrated using an AI voice. The words, reflections, and lived experience are my own.

To respond to this episode, use the text link in the episode notes, or send longer messages through the contact form at tatebasildon.com. I’m not able to respond to solicitations, outside projects, or interview requests.

To support sarcoidosis research or learn more, please visit The Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research 

The Vacation That Tried to Break Me (But I’m Still Here, Sarcoidosis and All)

Living with sarcoidosis can feel like starring in a long-running medical sitcom where the plot twists pop up at the most inconvenient times, including when you’re on vacation trying to rest. Without giving too much away, let’s just say my quiet beach getaway took an unexpected turn—and you’ll have to read the full post to see how a simple trip turned into something far stranger.

Send A Text To Tate

Support the show

This podcast is narrated using an AI voice. The words, reflections, and lived experience are my own.

To respond to this episode, use the text link in the episode notes, or send longer messages through the contact form at tatebasildon.com. I’m not able to respond to solicitations, outside projects, or interview requests.

To support sarcoidosis research or learn more, please visit The Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research 

What You Don’t See: A Chef’s Reflection on Living With Sarcoidosis

Living with sarcoidosis is like starring in a medical drama no one else can see—one where you look perfectly fine on the outside while your organs do the cha-cha backstage. Back in 2011, when all of this felt new and terrifying, I kept most of it to myself. Now, looking back from 2025, I can’t help but revisit how invisible everything looked… especially to everyone who insisted I “didn’t look sick.” There’s a lot more to the story, but you’ll have to come inside for the rest.

Send A Text To Tate

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This podcast is narrated using an AI voice. The words, reflections, and lived experience are my own.

To respond to this episode, use the text link in the episode notes, or send longer messages through the contact form at tatebasildon.com. I’m not able to respond to solicitations, outside projects, or interview requests.

To support sarcoidosis research or learn more, please visit The Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research 

Maybe Your Life’s Purpose Isn’t Huge—But It’s Still Enough

Between the dishes, the meds, and the chaos of chronic illness, it’s easy to wonder if you were meant for something bigger. But what if your true purpose isn’t grand at all—just one quiet, human act that changes everything? This heartfelt reflection explores finding meaning in small kindnesses while living with sarcoidosis and all of life’s messy imperfections.

Send A Text To Tate

Support the show

This podcast is narrated using an AI voice. The words, reflections, and lived experience are my own.

To respond to this episode, use the text link in the episode notes, or send longer messages through the contact form at tatebasildon.com. I’m not able to respond to solicitations, outside projects, or interview requests.

To support sarcoidosis research or learn more, please visit The Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research 

Why I Don’t Complain: A Chef’s Guide to Surviving Chronic Illness Without Losing My Mind (or My Manners).

Living with chronic illness and heart failure has taught me one thing—complaining doesn’t fix a damn thing. As a chef juggling sarcoidosis, a leaky heart, and life’s general nonsense, I’ve learned that silence isn’t denial—it’s survival. Here’s how I stopped whining, started adapting, and found a strange kind of peace in just getting on with it.

Send A Text To Tate

Support the show

This podcast is narrated using an AI voice. The words, reflections, and lived experience are my own.

To respond to this episode, use the text link in the episode notes, or send longer messages through the contact form at tatebasildon.com. I’m not able to respond to solicitations, outside projects, or interview requests.

To support sarcoidosis research or learn more, please visit The Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research