What happens when life gives you a diagnosis that changes everything — but your story is nowhere near finished?
This week on Becoming Lucy, we’re joined by Grammy-nominated artist, musician, author and storyteller Robbi Kumalo for a conversation about music, multiple sclerosis, creativity and continuing to find possibility when life takes an unexpected turn.
Robbi has had an extraordinary career. She’s worked alongside legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Harry Belafonte, Mary J. Blige and Chaka Khan, appeared on television with Oprah, created award-winning music for children and reached more than a million children and families through her work.
Then, at 50, Robbi was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
But that’s far from where her story ends.
We talk about receiving a life-changing diagnosis, navigating a condition other people often can’t see, and how Robbi has learned to adapt without allowing MS to become the headline of who she is.
And somehow, this conversation also takes us to the Grammys — including what one of the world’s most glamorous music events is actually like behind the scenes. 👀
Robbi also opens up about her book, Married To A Rockstar: Bass Lines and Musical Blessings for Healing, and the story behind a life shaped by music, marriage, motherhood, change and finding herself again.
We explore creativity as a way of processing life’s difficult moments, turning setbacks into stories and art, the importance of community when you’re living with a hidden disability, and how becoming more mindful of the world around her has changed the way Robbi lives.
There are stories of music legends, motherhood, spirituality, falling down and getting back up — sometimes literally — and plenty of moments that remind us that a change in circumstances doesn’t have to mean the end of possibility.
In this episode:
🎶 A remarkable life and career in music
🧠 Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 50
🏆 The road to the Grammys — and what they’re really like
🫥 The reality of living with a hidden disability
📖 The story behind Married To A Rockstar
🎨 Turning life’s difficult moments into creativity
🌿 Mindfulness, self-care and Robbi’s approach to living with MS
❤️ Marriage, motherhood, family and finding purpose
✨ Why adapting doesn’t have to mean giving up
This isn’t simply a conversation about MS.
It’s about what happens when life changes the plan — and you decide there’s still a lot more living to do.
🎧 Listen now on Becoming Lucy.
Who are you becoming?
🎙️ BECOMING LUCY
Real People. Real Stories. Real Change.
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https://youtube.com/@becominglucy?si=b9Z–wu5RjbypKmo
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FIND ROBBI
🌐 Website
https://www.robbikumalo.com
📖 Married To A Rockstar: Bass Lines and Musical Blessings for Healing
https://www.robbikumalo.com/blog-podcast
📚 Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=9798268999525
📸 Instagram — @multiplesuperbness
https://www.instagram.com/multiplesuperbness/
📘 Facebook — Robbi Hall Kumalo
https://www.facebook.com/RobbiHallKumalo
▶️ YouTube — @msrobik
https://www.youtube.com/@msrobik
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• Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise).
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