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#ChronicIllness #GutHealth #DigestiveHealth #gastroparesis In this week’s episode, Sam sits down with Dahlia and James Marin, co-founders of Married to Health, where they unpack the gut-immune connection and why food is so much more than fuel when you live with chronic digestive illness.Together, they explore the concept of “gut debt,” the emotional and psychological weight we carry around eating, and why traditional nutrition advice often falls flat for people whose bodies don’t follow the rules. From pre-digestion techniques and mindful eating to building the right care team and repairing your relationship with food, this conversation offers real-world strategies that meet you where you actually are — not where wellness culture thinks you should be.Because healing your gut isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening, adjusting, and choosing yourself — even on the days your stomach is louder than your dreams.

Dating is hard. Dating with chronic illness or disability? That’s a whole different battlefield. In this episode, Sam sits down with the founders of Dateability, the first dating app built specifically for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Together, they unpack the emotional reality of navigating dating in bodies that don’t always cooperate, the isolation so many experience on mainstream apps, and the power of creating spaces where disability is normalized — not hidden. The founders share their personal journeys, the inspiration behind Dateability, and how community, inclusivity, and empowerment are at the heart of everything they’re creating. They also reveal what’s next for the app and why fostering real, supportive connections isn’t just a feature, it’s the mission. https://info.dateabilityapp.com/

Gastroparesis isn’t just about digestion — it’s about identity, grief, resilience, and learning how to fight for yourself. In this episode, Sam and Dr. Eva Alsheik unpack the science behind gastroparesis, the mental health piece that’s often ignored, and what real treatment looks like beyond a prescription pad. They explore options like G-POEM, gastric stimulators from Enterra therapy, and emerging research; while reminding patients that knowledge is power, and reminding us how community can be everything. See here for more information on the medical device from Enterra Medical: http://www.enterramedical.com/important-safety-information/

In this final episode of the year, Sam pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a chronic illness community. From the early days of G-PACT to the powerful network it’s become today, she reflects on the wins, the setbacks, and the moments that nearly broke her, and the people who helped her keep going. This episode is a love letter to every person who has ever felt isolated by illness, unheard by the system, or invisible in their own body. Sam shares why authenticity in advocacy isn’t optional, how real connection changes everything, and why sharing our stories is one of the most radical acts of healing we have. As we head into 2026, she also gives a glimpse into what’s next for G-PACT and the continued mission to make sure no one has to navigate chronic illness alone. Because this journey is hard — but it’s a hell of a lot lighter when we carry it together.

In this week's episode, Megan Riehl joins the show to break down the brain–gut connection and why it’s a physiological process, not a dismissal. We explore how stress and nervous system dysregulation directly affect GI function, shaping symptoms that too often get misunderstood or minimized. Megan explains how psychological therapies, including gut-directed hypnotherapy, can be powerful, evidence-based tools for managing GI disorders, and why truly effective care has to be holistic and patient-centered. We also talk about the complicated relationship many patients develop with food, and how chronic digestive illness changes the way people relate to their bodies. Along the way, Megan shares practical insights and trusted resources for navigating GI care, advocating for yourself, and finding support that treats you as a whole person—not just a set of symptoms. This episode is for anyone who’s felt dismissed, stuck, or gaslit by the system and wants to understand what’s really been missing in GI treatment. Resources mentioned in the episode: Megan's Website: https://www.drriehl.com/ Mind Your Gut Book: https://www.drriehl.com/general-8 telehealth clinic: www.gipsychology.com The Gut Health Podcast: https://www.drriehl.com/podcast Additional Resources: https://www.drriehl.com/shop

In this episode, Sam sits down with Kate Bochnewetch, a physical therapist and running/strength coach, for a conversation about living, moving and thriving with chronic illness. Drawing from her own journey with hEDS syndrome, POTS and chronic migraines, Kate breaks down the realities of chronic pain, the emotional toll of navigating the healthcare system and the power of finding people who truly get it. They explore how to approach exercise when the "rules" of traditional fitness don't apply, what good advocacy from providers actually looks like, and why flexibility, curiosity, and self-kindness are essential tools for managing unpredictable symptoms. This episode celebrates resilience and reminds listeners that healing isn't linear, and you're allowed to rewrite the plan as many times as you need. kate's website: www.therunningdpt.com Kate's Instagram: @the_running_dpt

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Akimoto. She’s a registered dietitian with 20 years of clinical nutrition experience, and today, we are talking about the world of blended tube feeding. Inspired by a patient’s daughter, Jennifer shares how blended foods can offer more options than traditional formulas and play a vital role in overall health, especially for those with chronic illnesses. In this episode, she breaks down common myths, discusses food safety, and emphasizes patient empowerment and social inclusion at mealtimes. Whether you’re curious about blended tube feeding or looking for practical resources, Jen provides guidance to help patients and caregivers make informed, confident choices about their nutrition. Jennifer's website: https://theblendingdietitian.com Article mentioned about tube feeding during the holidays: https://theblendingdietitian.com/tube-feeding-during-holidays/ link for Jennifer's Blended Tube Feeding Essentials course that she developed in order to help more people get started with blended tube feeds confidently: https://jennifer-s-site-56ba.thinkific.com/courses/blended-tube-feeding-essentials

In this episode, Sam sits down with Maisy to unpack what it means to build a life around chronic illness without losing yourself in it. Maisy shares her personal journey through shifting identity, relationships, and the search for community when you exist between able-bodied and chronically ill spaces. Together, they dive into the emotional and practical realities of asking for accommodations, navigating social media as both connection and comparison, and holding onto self-worth when your body changes the rules. This conversation is an honest look at belonging, resilience, and the power of supportive relationships in the chronic illness world.

In this solo episode, Sam opens up about what it’s like to navigate food-centered holidays while living with gastroparesis. From gatherings built around meals she couldn’t eat to the years when not a single dish felt safe, she shares the emotional weight, the isolation, and the small wins that helped her get through it. Sam talks candidly about the pressure to “just try a bite,” the guilt of saying no, and the exhaustion of constantly explaining your body to others. She offers real strategies for advocating for yourself with family and friends, setting boundaries without shame, and redefining what participation in the holidays can look like, even when food is off the table. Whether you’re in a flare, newly diagnosed, or years into your journey, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and you don’t owe anyone a bite to belong. Support Group Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1WJRQIbkRImHKC-p5sEibA Cookbooks: https://g-pact.org/resources/cookbooks/

In this episode, Sam sits down with Izzy; a chronic illness warrior, marathon runner, and fierce self-advocate. Izzy opens up about navigating multiple chronic illnesses while training for endurance events, and what it took to reframe her mindset from limitation to possibility. She shares the real challenges behind long-distance running with a complex health journey, how she built a supportive network, and why self-advocacy became non-negotiable. Together, Sam and Izzy explore the power of focusing on what is possible, rather than what isn’t, and how determination and mindset can redefine what strength looks like in a chronically ill body. Izzy’s story is equal parts honest and hopeful; offering inspiration for anyone living with health limitations and reminding us that goals don’t disappear just because the path looks different.

In this episode, Sam sits down with CarmenRose Fiallo to explore the complexities of living with invisible disabilities, with a focus on chronic migraines. They discuss the pressure to appear “normal,” the stigma that often accompanies hidden conditions, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood or dismissed. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community, leveraging social media for advocacy and connection, and validating both the good and bad days of life with chronic illness. From communication strategies with friends and partners to the mental health impact of invisible disabilities, this episode highlights the need for understanding, connection, and real conversations about the challenges often hidden from view.

Disclaimer: This episode includes open and honest conversations about sex and intimacy. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage you to tune in when you feel comfortable engaging with this topic. Intimacy is about so much more than sex; but living with a chronic illness can make every part of it complicated. In this episode, Samantha chats with Ali DiGiacomo, where they dive into the unspoken realities of intimacy and chronic illness; from navigating medical challenges that affect sexual health to building confidence, self-love, and connection. They explore why open communication with partners matters, how self-care practices can help reignite desire, and the importance of normalizing conversations about intimacy in the chronic illness community. Whether it’s emotional closeness, physical intimacy, or self-pleasure, this conversation encourages listeners to see sexual well-being as a vital part of overall health. Because intimacy isn’t just about what happens in the bedroom; it’s about reclaiming confidence, connection, and joy in every form. Ali's IG: @anotherdaywithra

In this episode, Samantha Cook opens up about her 15-year journey with gastroparesis and the lessons she’s learned along the way. As both a patient and a psychologist, Samantha offers a unique perspective on the importance of mindset, emotional processing, and self-care in navigating chronic illness. She reflects on the role of community support, evolving medical care, and the impact of illness on identity. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and finding fulfillment despite the challenges of gastroparesis—reminding us that life with chronic illness is not just about survival, but about creating space for joy, connection, and meaning. website: www.transformative-psych.com email: [email protected] Facebook/Instagram: Living Well Pod Substack: [email protected]

In this episode, Sam and Kristen share an honest conversation about what it means to run with chronic illness and disability. For Kristen, running became a lifeline during a particularly tough health season. Together, they explore the emotional and physical realities of adaptive athletics, from the trial-and-error process of figuring out what works, to the deep mental health benefits that running can offer. Kristen introduces her unique “flag system” for assessing daily readiness, emphasizing how listening to your body is essential in protecting both health and joy. They also dive into the nuances of language around disability, how the running community can uplift or isolate, and what true inclusion looks like on the course. With insights on nutrition, hydration, gear prep, and pacing, this episode offers practical tips and powerful reminders that healing doesn’t mean returning to your old life—it means building something new, one step at a time.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a neurogastroenterologist, to dive into the complex and often overlooked challenges of treating gastroparesis and other GI motility disorders. Dr. Spiritos shares valuable insights on the crucial brain-gut connection and highlights why a holistic, patient-centered approach is essential for managing these conditions effectively. We get real about the emotional and physical weight gastroparesis drags along; how food anxiety creeps into every meal, the daily juggling act of medications, and how crucial it is to find a doctor you can actually trust. Dr. Spiritos reminds us that no two journeys are the same, and that true healing comes from care that’s tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all checklist. The conversation also addresses gaps in current research and clinical guidelines, emphasizing the urgent need for more collaborative and empathetic care models that truly listen to and empower patients.