What happens when you’re diagnosed with a rare form of dementia… but choose faith, purpose, and joy instead of fear? In this inspiring episode of the Visibly Fit Podcast, I sit down with writer and producer Betty Sullivan to talk about Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), lifestyle healing, faith in hard seasons, and her new heartfelt rom-com, Love in Storytown.
Betty shares how her diagnosis changed her life, how she naturally halted progression through lifestyle changes, and why she refuses to stop creating, dreaming, and living fully for God.
This conversation is filled with encouragement for anyone navigating dementia, chronic illness, single motherhood, or unexpected life transitions.
Chapters:
[00:00] Podcast Preview
[01:14] Topic and Guest Introduction
[04:58] Welcome Betty Sullivan
[06:00] What Is Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)?
[07:16] “Put It on the List”: Choosing Joy Over Fear
[09:28] Creating Authentic Christian Rom-Coms
[11:30] Betty’s Involvement in the Dementia Community
[12:45] Lifestyle Changes That Helped Halt Progression
[14:35] Inflammation, Autoimmune Disease & Brain Health
[17:45] Daily Habits Supporting Cognitive Health
[19:30] The Message Behind Love in Storytown
[22:28] Why This Story Will Resonate With Single Moms
[25:07] Trusting God in Relationships & Life
[27:22] Insights on Beverly Mitchell’s Performance
[29:31] Where to Watch Love in Storytown
[32:26] How Betty’s Grandchildren React to the Movie
[33:23] Betty’s Next Project: Grandma Wars
[36:02] Final Encouragement & Blessings
Resources mentioned:
Connect with today’s guest:
Betty Sullivan is a screenwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and passionate storyteller with a heart for faith-filled, authentic narratives. Raised in a large Greek family, she is the mother of seven in a beautifully blended and adopted family. Over the years, Betty has built successful businesses in tech, design, and fashion, including Arquitesa, My Daughters and Me, and the production company HaveAChat.com.
Driven by compassion for children and underserved communities, Betty has spent years serving in orphanages in Mexico and helping families impacted by natural disasters. Her writing focuses on women, social justice, faith, and the human condition, often highlighting courageous and hope-filled stories.
For the past 18 years, Betty has worked as a screenwriter alongside industry executives and producers. Her work includes writing for the upcoming Sugar Creek Amish Mysteries on UPTV, contributing to the drama pilot The Farmer and the Bell, serving as a script doctor for an international Christian studio, and producing projects such as the award-winning documentary Divided Hearts of America, the HBO family film Endgame, and the faith-based rom-com Love in Storytown starring Beverly Mitchell of Seventh Heaven.
Betty’s life took an unexpected turn after being diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a rare neurological condition that affects language and communication. Despite the challenges, Betty continues to inspire others through her resilience, faith, creativity, and commitment to living with purpose and joy.
P.S. If you're just checking out the show to see if it's a good fit for you, welcome!
If you're really serious about becoming Visibly Fit, you'll get the best experience if you download the worksheets available at https://wendiepett.com/visiblyfitpodcast.
