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If you’re dealing with interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia, or just stuck in the chronic symptom spiral, this episode ft Dr. Howard Schubiner is a must-listen. We dig deep into how your brain and nervous system play a huge role in symptoms like urgency, frequency, pain, burning, fatigue, dizziness... you name it. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s “in your head.” It means your brain and body are in constant conversation, and when your nervous system’s on high alert, your symptoms follow. Here’s what we get into: What neuroplastic pain actually is and why it mattersWhy the traditional way interstitial cystitis is diagnosed and treated is flawedWhat the research says (including the Boulder back pain study)Why having Hunner’s lesions or “angry bladder” findings doesn’t rule out neuroplastic symptomsHow to use the FIT criteria to evaluate your own symptomsEmotional patterns like perfectionism, people pleasing, and needing to fix it ASAPWhat Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) actually look like in practiceConnect with Howard: His website Read his book (new version coming out in May) Follow him on Instagram Listen to his podcast: The Science Behind The Symptoms Work with Callie: Join Road To Remission Join R2R Self Study Watch my FREE master class Follow Callie on socials: Instagram Tiktok Facebook Youtube

In this episode of IC You, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist and YouTube creator Dr. Brianne Grogan to talk about self love when your body feels like it has turned against you. We explore what it is like to live with bladder pain, urgency, frequency, pelvic floor symptoms, or prolapse and how easy it is to start seeing yourself as broken or defined by a diagnosis. We also dig into nervous system protection, perfectionism, comparison on social media, and why healing is rarely a straight line. Dr. Bri shares simple somatic tools, mirror work, and grounding practices so you can feel safer in your body and move through flares with more curiosity and compassion instead of blame. What You’ll Learn:• How feelings of body betrayal show up with IC, OAB, pelvic pain, prolapse, and other bladder symptoms• Why attaching your identity to a diagnosis can keep you stuck and how to gently step out of that role• The link between nervous system protection, perfectionism, and symptom flare ups• Practical self image and self love tools including movement, breath, sound, mirror work, and bone based grounding• How to view setbacks and flares as information rather than failure so you can stay compassionate and keep going Connect with Dr. Bri: Youtube Instagram Website Work with Callie: Join Road To Remission Enroll in Road To Remission Self-Study Connect with Callie: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

What starts as a well-meaning attempt to “eat clean” or “cut out bladder triggers” can quickly turn into a fear-driven cycle of food avoidance, isolation, and worsening symptoms. In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren Smith, MS, RD, LDN—a Philadelphia-based eating disorder dietitian and founder of Lauren’s Balanced Bites—to talk about the dangers of long-term dietary restriction, especially in the IC and chronic illness space. We discuss: The slippery slope from symptom tracking to disordered eating The emotional and physical consequences of cutting out too many foods How restriction affects digestion, mood, and nutrient levels Common signs of under-fueling (even when you think you're eating “healthy”) Why one-size-fits-all food protocols rarely work How to differentiate between disordered eating and a clinical eating disorder The mind-body connection that impacts symptom flares and recovery This episode is especially important for anyone who’s been told to “just follow the list,” only to find themselves stuck in a cycle of fear, confusion, and second-guessing every bite. We also talk about what reintroducing foods can look like—and why real healing requires more than just symptom management. If you're tired of trying to do it perfectly and want a more sustainable path forward, this conversation will give you clarity, validation, and next steps. Connect with Lauren: Follow her on Instagram Work with Lauren & her team Work with Callie: Join Road To Remission Enroll in Road To Remission Self-Study Follow Callie on socials Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Have you ever wondered if mold was the reason for your chronic symptoms?Maybe you tested positive. Maybe someone in a Facebook group swore it was the missing link. Maybe you're spending hours Googling “mold toxicity” and wondering if this is finally the answer for your bladder pain, fatigue, food sensitivities, or interstitial cystitis. If that sounds familiar, this episode is going to hit home. I’m joined by nervous system coach Grace Secker for a deep dive into mold, medical fear spirals, and why so many people with chronic bladder issues end up wasting time, energy, and money chasing the wrong root cause. Grace shares her own story of going all in on mold protocols, what didn’t work, and the emotional work that actually moved the needle on her symptoms. In the episode, we discuss: Whether mold is actually behind bladder flares, urgency, or chronic IC symptoms What it means when your mold test comes back positive (and why that’s not the full story) How fear of mold, food, or infection can fuel nervous system dysregulation Why "doing everything right" and still flaring doesn’t mean you’re broken The deeper emotional patterns Grace had to shift to feel safe and symptom-free again CONNECT WITH GRACE: Follow Grace on Instagram Follow the Heal With Grace podcast Work with Grace inside her program: Mind-Body Healing (it's on sale through 12/31!) CONNECT WITH CALLIE: Work with me in Road To Remission Road To Remission Self-Study (for the DIY-er) Instagram Tiktok Facebook

The Pelvic Floor and TMJ Connection Explained If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between pelvic floor dysfunction and TMJ, this episode breaks it down clearly. Callie sits down with jaw focused physical therapist Dr. Liana Sved to explain how jaw pain, teeth grinding, TMJ issues, bladder symptoms, and pelvic health are all linked through the nervous system, fascial lines, and common movement patterns. You will learn:• Why TMJ and jaw pain often show up alongside pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder symptoms• How tongue posture, tongue ties, and swallowing patterns affect both the jaw and pelvic floor• Everyday habits that worsen TMJ and teeth grinding• How stress, shallow breathing, and poor sleep fuel jaw tension and pelvic floor tension• Why Botox, night guards, and splints may help short term but don’t fix the root of TMJ pain• First steps to improve jaw function, pelvic health, and overall nervous system regulation Perfect for anyone dealing with TMJ, pelvic floor dysfunction, teeth grinding, or bladder symptoms who wants to understand how these issues overlap and what to do next.

This is a recording of my free virtual Open House for Road To Remission that occurred on November 18th. If you'd prefer to watch the Open House with video, click here. Join ROAD TO REMISSION: Join the full version of Road To Remission Join the Self-Study version of Road To Remission If you have any questions on either program, send me a DM on Instagram

What if your pain isn’t proof that your body is broken... but evidence your brain is stuck in protection mode? In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Buglio, mind-body coach and creator of Pain Free You. After living through 13 years of back pain and sciatica, Dan found Dr. Sarno’s work and began healing by shifting his understanding of pain. Now, with over 120 success stories and a global audience, he helps others do the same, including many with bladder pain and interstitial cystitis. We talk about what full recovery actually looks like, how fear and "nocebos" keep symptoms alive, why pelvic floor tension is a result, not a root cause, and how anger toward your symptoms can keep you stuck. Dan also shares incredible stories of people who’ve gone from hopeless to fully healed — including one woman who was once bedridden with IC and is now thriving, traveling, and running her own charity.If you’ve been told this is a life sentence, this episode is your permission to believe otherwise. Listen now and learn how to retrain your brain, calm your nervous system, and reclaim your life. Connect with Dan: Dan's website Dan's Youtube channel Dan's success stories Work with Callie: FREE Open House for Road To Remission on Nov 18th! Join Road To Remission Connect with Callie: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

If you’re constantly planning your life around bathroom access, I see you. Not long ago, I would’ve missed half the night standing in line for the bathroom. But last week? I danced front row at the Jonas Brothers and rocked out at Aly & AJ without peeing once. And no, I didn’t just get lucky. I had a strategy.In this episode, I’m breaking down how hydration plays a massive role in bladder health, and why most people are getting it totally wrong. Here’s what I cover in the episode: What actually happens in your body when you drink waterWhy restricting fluids to pee less usually makes things worseHow hydration protects your bladder lining (and keeps urgency down)The signs you’re underhydrated or overhydratedIC-safe hydration options (teas, foods, electrolytes, etc.)Tips to sip smarter without triggering urgency I’ll also share: My go-to hydration formulaHow to know if your pee is “normal”The hydration mistake I see most IC clients makeWhat to do if drinking water hurts or triggers frequency WORK WITH ME: Apply to join Road To Remission for relief from interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder symptoms. Join Road To Remission Self-Study to DIY your journey to relief Follow me on socials: Instagram Tiktok Facebook Youtube

What do you do when you're in pain, peeing every 15 minutes, and every doctor says your tests are normal? In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah, one of my incredible clients from Road to Remission, who shares exactly what it took to go from daily flare-ups and hopelessness to traveling the world, eating freely, and feeling confident in her body again. Sarah’s story is honest, emotional, and proof that healing is possible, even if you’ve been dismissed, gaslit, and stuck in survival mode for way too long. We talk about: The UTI that never showed up on a test Her cystoscopy horror story (and the doctor who told her it wouldn’t hurt) What finally led her to find answers outside of the traditional medical system How she used nervous system work, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture to get real relief The moment she stopped living in fear of her bladder and started living her life again Sarah went from flaring 24/7 and obsessing over every food choice to sipping margaritas at music festivals in Hungary without a single symptom. And the best part? Her symptoms weren’t food-triggered, and her healing had nothing to do with a strict diet. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, scared, and overwhelmed by the noise online. If you're wondering whether remission is possible for you, listen to this story. It’s the reminder you need. WORK WITH CALLIE: Free master class: Find Your Root Cause Join Road To Remission Join Road To Remission Self-Study CONNECT WITH CALLIE: Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Tiktok Be my Facebook friend Subscribe to my Youtube Channel Read my BLOG

This episode dives into Amanda’s journey to find lasting interstitial cystitis relief through pelvic floor PT, nervous system work, and community support. When I was first diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC), I felt so alone and hopeless. I know many of you have been there too, left with a list of foods to avoid and told there is nothing that can really help. That is why I am so excited to share this conversation with one of my clients, Amanda. Amanda’s story is powerful. She went from constant urgency, frequency, and burning to living her life again, eating freely, enjoying holidays, and even going to a football game without fear of flares. In this episode, she opens up about what helped her find lasting IC relief and the turning points that made the biggest difference. We talk about: What it was like for Amanda to be diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in such a dismissive wayWhy the IC diet did not give her the results she hoped forHow pelvic floor PT and nervous system work gave her the breakthrough she neededThe role of community and support in finally feeling understoodHow her life looks now compared to when she first got diagnosedIf you have ever wondered if relief is possible, this episode will remind you that healing is within reach. Work with Callie: FREE Holiday Master Class on Oct 8th at 7pm EST Find Your IC & OAB Root Cause (free evergreen master class) Join Road To Remission to get relief in 3-6 months Join R2R Self-Study (the same framework without support) Connect with Callie: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tiktok Be Facebook friends Follow my Youtube channel

If you’ve ever stared at a pelvic wand or dilator and thought, “What the hell am I supposed to do with this?” Then this episode is for you! This week I’m joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Rachel Peck, who walks you through tools that actually help with symptom management for interstitial cystitis (IC), pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and pelvic floor tension. We’re talking pelvic wands, dilators, TENS units, cupping, vibration therapy, and how to use these tools without feeling totally overwhelmed or discouraged. We also talk about what it actually looks like to build a symptom management toolkit that fits into your life and gives you more control over your healing. Whether you’re just starting pelvic PT or are in your DIY-healing era, this episode will help you feel more confident, more resourced, and less alone. Connect with Rachel: Follow her on Instagram Follow her on Tiktok Rachel's website Work with Callie: FREE Holiday Master Class on Oct 8th at 7pm EST Find Your IC & OAB Root Cause (free evergreen master class) Join Road To Remission to get relief in 3-6 months Join R2R Self-Study (the same framework without support) Connect with Callie: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tiktok Be Facebook friends Follow my Youtube channel

If you’ve ever held your bladder during a meeting, a flight, or a road trip because you didn’t want to inconvenience anyone, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m walking you through what it means to advocate for yourself and the IC community, and why staying quiet might be protecting other people’s comfort at the expense of your own truth. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why we’ve been trained to shrink our stories and play smallThe mindset shift that helped me stop apologizing for my symptomsSmall ways to talk about IC in everyday life (even if it feels awkward)A story about the coworker who surprised me with "I have IC too"Tangible steps to advocate for funding and researchHow sharing your story online actually moves the needle If you've ever told yourself, “I don’t want to make people uncomfortable,” or “What’s the point, no one gets it,” I want you to really tune in. This isn’t just about becoming an advocate. It’s about refusing to gaslight yourself just to keep the peace. Whether you're explaining IC to a friend or emailing your senator, your voice matters. Your story matters. And every step you take to get a little more visible makes a difference. TAKE ACTION: Share your story on social media and tag me @callieknutritionWant help explaining IC in plain language? Go back and listen to Episode 102. It gives you actual scripts and examples for talking to loved ones.Advocate to your legislators: Check out the ICA's Advocacy Toolkit to make it easier to reach out to your state reps and join the movement for more research and funding.

In this episode of IC You, I sit down with my client Jess to talk about her journey with interstitial cystitis (IC) and how nervous system work helped her find relief. Jess shares: How her bladder pain started and why multiple tests gave her no answers The health anxiety spiral that made her symptoms worse Why regulating her nervous system was the missing piece in her healing How Road to Remission gave her tools, support, and confidence to move forward If you’re navigating IC, bladder pain, or constant flares, Jess’s story will give you both hope and practical strategies for relief. Links from the episode: FIT Criteria Checklist Watch my FREE master class Work With Me: Join Road To Remission - where you can meet other IC or OAB Warriors, like Jess! Join R2R Self-Study - this is for you if you want to DIY your journey to relief. CONNECT WITH ME: Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Tiktok Subscribe to my Youtube channel Be my Facebook friend

Ever felt pelvic heaviness, pressure, or pain that doctors can’t explain or keep misdiagnosing? You’re not imagining it, and it might be pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). It’s one of the most overlooked causes of chronic pelvic pain, especially in people living with bladder symptoms, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, endometriosis, or pelvic floor dysfunction. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Julie Sarton, a pelvic floor physical therapist with over 30 years of experience and founder of Sarton Pelvic Healing. On this episode, we talk about: What pelvic congestion syndrome actually is (and how it’s different from other pelvic conditions)The two main causes: vascular reflux and compressionOverlapping symptoms with IC, OAB, endo, prolapse, and moreWhy PCS gets missed in the diagnostic process—and what to do about itHow to get an accurate diagnosis (including what kind of specialist to see)Treatment options: embolization, pelvic PT, and integrative careReal patient stories, misdiagnoses, and what full-body healing really looks like Connect with Julie: Julie's website Follow Julie on Instagram Follow Julie on Tiktok Follow Julie on Youtube WORK WITH CALLIE: Join Road To Remission, the program that's helped 200+ people get relief from IC and OAB. Join the Self-Study version of Road To Remission to DIY your journey to relief. Connect with Callie on socials: Instagram Tiktok Facebook Youtube

Happy Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month! This episode focuses on providing support for loved ones of individuals with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). In the episode, I discuss what IC is, its symptoms, and the importance of understanding and supporting those affected. I offer practical advice on how to help, including validating your loved one's experiences, learning about the condition, and creating a supportive environment. Additionally, I highlight common triggers for IC symptoms and emphasize the need for empathy and encouragement while avoiding harmful behaviors. More IC Resources: Interstitial Cystitis Association Callie's Blog Success stories (halfway down the page) Connect with Callie on socials: Instagram Tiktok Facebook Youtube