Episodios

  • Steph's Update and Podcast Announcement (E100)

    Steph's Update and Podcast Announcement (E100)
    Mar 24 2026

    A lot has happened since my last episode so I'm giving you an update on my own IBD journey and sharing a big move that my husband and I are about to embark upon!

    Topics covered:

    • My Crohn's disease update
    • My IgA Nephropathy update
    • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1); https://alpha1.org/
    • Silent Reflux
    • Cough Variant Asthma
    • Where I'm going and where the podcast is going!

    #chronicillness #travel #crohns
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    17 m
  • Ashley Zuchelli: Navigating Crohn's (E99)

    Ashley Zuchelli: Navigating Crohn's (E99)
    May 9 2024
    Ashley Zuchelli shares her journey with Crohn's disease, from the onset of symptoms to her recent diagnosis. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding a doctor who would listen and the frustration of not knowing what was causing her symptoms. Ashley also talks about the impact of Crohn's on her work and how she manages anxiety. Finally, she shares her motivation for advocacy and raising awareness about IBD. In this conversation, Ashley Zuchelli shares her journey with IBD and the challenges she faced in getting a diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of realizing when something is wrong and seeking help, even when faced with fears and uncertainties. The conversation also highlights the difficulties doctors face in diagnosing IBD and the need for patients to advocate for themselves. Ashley encourages listeners to not give up on their goals, to prioritize their health, and to listen to our bodies and not dismiss symptoms. Takeaways Finding a supportive and understanding doctor is crucial in the journey to diagnosis and treatment.Managing anxiety and stress is important for overall well-being and symptom management.Having a flexible work schedule can be beneficial for individuals with IBD to accommodate flare-ups and self-care.Sharing personal stories and advocating for awareness can help others going through similar experiences.Realizing when something is wrong and seeking help is crucial for managing IBD.Don't let fears and uncertainties prevent you from seeking the care you need.Advocate for yourself and communicate your symptoms and concerns to your doctor.Don't give up on your goals and prioritize your health.Connect with others who have similar experiences for support and guidance. Topics covered in the interview Ashley's Journey with Crohn's DiseaseSeeking a New Doctor for a DiagnosisDiagnosis and TreatmentManaging Anxiety and Balancing WorkRealizing Something's WrongThe Importance of Seeking HelpThe Challenges of Diagnosing IBDDon't Give Up on Your GoalsDon't Disregard Your Body's Signals From the show Stephanie: What have you done over the years to help manage anxiety? Ashley: I would say meal prepping actually soothes me and it keeps my mind at ease because I know if I am hungry or if…I’m feeling good that day, I have food ready for me and it just makes me happy just cooking in the kitchen…And then I started doing the HelloFresh program, where I get ingredients sent to me and then I just cook. I don't have to think about the recipes. They have dietary restrictions on there of things you can and cannot eat, so that helps my anxiety—to make sure I have the food I need when I have a long day at work or if we go travel. feeling so great today or, you know, I do have that type of job where if I wasn't feeling well, I can block that time and deal with what I need to deal with. If I had a flare or upset stomach from eating something or just. Stephanie: How do you balance work and work in IBD? Ashley: You know, Crohn's being Crohn's, acting up when it's not the best time, so I was just honest with my clients. Like if I didn't feel well, like I have to go to the bathroom, [saying] I'll be right back. We don't discuss what happens in the bathroom, but they know I need a moment to break away because of issues going on…I am grateful that I have the luxury to make my own schedule when a flare happens. Links from the show: Follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/azuchelli4 * * * * * Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com Shop my favorite products,Read my favorite books,Subscribe to the podcast,Send a little love/coffee 😉More at crohnsfitnessfood.com Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy
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    46 m
  • Stephanie Gish solocast: Back on medications (E98)

    Stephanie Gish solocast: Back on medications (E98)
    Apr 30 2024

    Back on medication and mindset changes during my Crohn’s journey

    It’s been over 20 years since my colon started bleeding and my inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) journey began. In 2003, I ignored the symptoms of blood, pain, and bloating for nearly three years. When I finally sought help in 2006 after a severe flare, it took another three years to reach a diagnosis. In those first six years, I was left to my own devices to try and stop the symptoms and find some way of living a normal life.

    It’s been a long journey with Crohn’s disease and I know it’s far from over. As I reflect back to my first six years with IBD and being left on my own to manage symptoms, I now wonder if I would have been so determined to come off medications ten years ago if I would have received the help and diagnosis I needed at the very beginning. I don’t know the answer to that, but what I do know is that as life goes on, we evolve, we grow, and things change – including our perspectives and even beliefs we once held so tightly.

    I’m ready now, and I’m grateful. Grateful to have a supportive gastroenterologist who listens and actually believes me, grateful to have access to medications I need, and grateful for a clear path ahead for this next chapter.

    1. https://www.formularywatch.com/view/the-va-replaces-humira-with-hadlima-on-national-formulary
    2. https://www.organon.com/news/samsung-bioepis-organon-announce-fda-acceptance-of-supplemental-biologics-license-application-sbla-for-interchangeability-designation-for-hadlima-adalimumab-bwwd-a-biosimilar-to-humira/

    * * * * *

    Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com

    • Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,
    • Shop my favorite products,
    • Read my favorite books,
    • Subscribe to the podcast,
    • Send a little love/coffee 😉
    • More at crohnsfitnessfood.com

    Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com

    #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy
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    12 m
  • Dr. Natalie Scheeler: Naturopathic medicine, FMT, and Helminthic therapies (E97)

    Dr. Natalie Scheeler: Naturopathic medicine, FMT, and Helminthic therapies (E97)
    Apr 19 2024
    Dr. Natalie Scheeler, a naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative treatments for gastrointestinal conditions, shares her perspective and valuable insights on gut health. She discusses the difference between naturopathic doctors and traditional MDs, the use of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) and Helminthic therapies in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the impact of food and probiotics on IBD, and trends in flare management and remission. Dr. Scheeler also provides information about her practice, Modrn Med, and offers a final message of hope and encouragement for patients seeking alternative or complementary treatment options.TakeawaysNaturopathic doctors focus on preventative medicine and finding the root cause through a whole person approach using integrative treatments that can be used alongside conventional therapies.Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) and Helminthic therapies are alternative treatments for IBD that show promise in inducing remission and maintaining gut health.Diet plays a significant role in creating a diverse microbiome.Modrn Med is an integrative and functional medicine practice that offers telehealth consultations and works in collaboration with other healthcare providers.There are other treatment options available for patients who have not found success with conventional therapies, and it is important to work with a knowledgeable practitioner to explore these options.Topics covered in the interviewDifference Between Naturopathic Doctors (ND) and traditional doctors (MD or DO)Integrative Treatments for Gastrointestinal ConditionsFecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT)Impact of Food and Probiotics on IBDTrends in Flare Management and RemissionHelminthic TherapiesAbout Modrn MedLinks and studies from the showModern Med: https://www.modrnmed.com/dr-natalie-scheelerFMT for UC: Nishida A, Inoue R, Inatomi O, Bamba S, Naito Y, Andoh A. Gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Clin J Gastroenterol. 2018;11(1):1-10. doi:10.1007/s12328-017-0813-5 (PMID: 29285689) FMT for CD: Zhou S, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Zhao T, Cong J. Fecal microbiota transplantation for induction of remission in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2023;38(1):62. Published 2023 Mar 8. doi:10.1007/s00384-023-04354-4 (PMID: 36882658) Helminthic Therapy in CD (Trichuris suis specific): Schölmerich J, Fellermann K, Seibold FW, et al. A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Trichuris suis ova in Active Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2017;11(4):390-399. doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjw184 (PMID: 27707789) Helminthic Therapy in CD (Trichuris suis specific): Garg SK, Croft AM, Bager P. Helminth therapy (worms) for induction of remission in inflammatory bowel disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014(1):CD009400. Published 2014 Jan 20. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009400.pub2 (PMID: 24442917) Paper co-written by Dr. Scheeler on Qing Dai (Pronounced "Ching Dye") a.k.a. Indigo Naturalis: https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/clinical-application-of-indigo-naturalisSupport the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.comGet your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,Shop my favorite products,Read my favorite books,Subscribe to the podcast,Send a little love/coffee 😉More at crohnsfitnessfood.comWant to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com#crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy
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    44 m
  • Megan Starshak: Co-Founder of The Great Bowel Movement (E96)

    Megan Starshak: Co-Founder of The Great Bowel Movement (E96)
    Mar 1 2024

    Enjoy this interview with Megan Starshak, an ulcerative colitis warrior, adventurer, runner, cyclist, patient advocate and co-founder of The Great Bowel Movement.

    In this conversation, Megan shares her journey with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), her advocacy work, and how she balances life with chronic illness. She discusses her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and the challenges she faced in finding effective treatments. Megan emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and offers advice for young adults with IBD. She also talks about her involvement with The Great Bowel Movement, an organization that aims to decrease the stigma surrounding IBD. Megan shares her career in marketing and how she uses her skills to support other patient advocates. She closes this interview with a message of empowerment and the importance of not wasting the challenges we face.

    Takeaways

    • Finding a supportive community is crucial for individuals with IBD. Connecting with others who understand the challenges can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment.
    • It is important for young adults with IBD to be proactive in their healthcare journey. Staying informed about treatment options and advocating for oneself can lead to better outcomes.
    • The Great Bowel Movement is an organization that aims to decrease the stigma surrounding IBD. They provide resources and support for individuals living with IBD and encourage open conversations about the disease.
    • Megan's career in marketing allows her to use her skills to support other patient advocates and help them share their stories. She believes in the power of storytelling and connecting ideas with the people who can make a difference.
    • Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but it can also lead to personal growth and resilience. Embracing the journey and finding meaning in the struggles can empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest.

    Topics covered in the interview

    • Megan's IBD Story and Diagnosis
    • Understanding IBD and Treatment
    • The Impact of IBD on Daily Life
    • Advice for Young Adults with IBD
    • Navigating Treatment and Doctor Appointments
    • Finding Effective Medications
    • Life in Remission
    • Navigating Food and Trigger Foods
    • The Great Bowel Movement
    • Megan's Career and Supporting Patient Advocates

    Links from the show:

    The Great Bowel Movement:

    • Website - https://thegreatbowelmovement.org/
    • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatBM/
    • Instagram & X - @thegreatbm

    Megan:

    • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itsmemegaroo

    * * * * *

    Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com

    • Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,
    • Shop my favorite products,
    • Read my favorite books,
    • Subscribe to the podcast,
    • Send a little love/coffee 😉
    • More at crohnsfitnessfood.com

    Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com

    #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy
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    43 m
  • Leah Crumrine: Wife and Caregiver (E95)

    Leah Crumrine: Wife and Caregiver (E95)
    Feb 9 2024

    Enjoy this interview with Leah Crumrine, a businesswoman, mother, and wife of IBD Warrior Logan Crumrine. Logan has been on the show to share his story with Crohn’s disease, but today, his wife Leah shares from her perspective about what it’s been like to walk along IBD with her husband. She shares her experience, insights, and tips for supporting those in your life with IBD.

    Summary

    Leah Crumrine shares her experience as a caregiver to her husband, Logan, who has Crohn's disease. She discusses the challenges they faced during Logan's flare-up, the changes in roles and responsibilities, and the importance of communication in their relationship. Leah also talks about managing food and family meal planning, communicating with their children about the disease, and the support system they had throughout their journey. She emphasizes the need for caregivers to prioritize self-care and balance, and offers advice for managing day-to-day flare-ups. Leah concludes by discussing the therapeutic aspect of advocacy and sharing their journey with others. This conversation explores the journey of Logan and Leah Crumrine as they navigate life with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It highlights their journey to recovery, reaching remission, finding balance, and hope and perseverance. Leah also offers support to others facing similar challenges and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and love.

    Takeaways

    • Prioritize self-care and balance as a caregiver.
    • Communicate openly and honestly with your loved one about their needs.
    • Create a support system of friends, family, or online communities.
    • Learn as much as you can about IBD and advocate for your loved one's care.
    • Make a plan for managing flare-ups.
    • Enjoy moments of normalcy and adventure when your loved one is feeling well. Recovery from IBD is a journey that starts small and progresses over time.
    • The story of Logan and Leah Crumrine is a testament to hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
    • Offering support and being open to conversations about IBD can make a significant difference in someone's life.
    • Continuously learning and loving each other is essential in navigating the challenges of IBD.

    Topics covered in the interview

    • Introduction to IBD and Logan's Flare
    • Changes in Roles and Responsibilities
    • Mourning the Loss of Expectations
    • Balancing Responsibilities
    • Self-Care and Finding Balance
    • The Importance of Communication
    • Asking Good Questions
    • Managing Food and Family Meal Planning
    • Communicating with Children
    • Managing Day-to-Day Flare-Ups
    • Advocacy and Sharing the Journey
    • Importance of Support Systems
    • Keep Learning and Loving

    Links from the show:

    • Leah: https://www.instagram.com/trailmama1
    • Logan: https://www.instagram.com/logancrumrine

    * * * * *

    Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com

    • Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,
    • Shop my favorite products,
    • Read my favorite books,
    • Subscribe to the podcast,
    • Send a little love/coffee 😉
    • More at crohnsfitnessfood.com

    Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com

    #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #caregiver
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    56 m
  • Steve Carver: Colitis Journey & JumpSport (E94)

    Steve Carver: Colitis Journey & JumpSport (E94)
    Jan 19 2024
    Enjoy this interview with Steve Carver, an IBD warrior, a personal trainer with over 30 years of experience, and the business and product development director at JumpSport. He shares his journey with colitis and dives deep into one of my favorite topics and activities: rebounding!SummarySteve Carver shares his journey with colitis and how he found recovery through a holistic approach. He discusses the benefits of rebounding and how it has helped him maintain his health. Steve also provides advice on getting started with rebounding and emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in managing IBD. In this conversation, Steve discusses the benefits of rebounding. He shares options for trying rebounding, including gyms and online platforms. Steve emphasizes the fun and versatility of rebounding, highlighting that it is not a boring workout! Steve encourages listeners to put in the work to overcome health challenges and live a peaceful lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and learning from setbacks. Steve provides information about JumpSport and invites listeners to reach out with any questions.Takeaways:Rebounding on a trampoline can provide numerous health benefits, including increased lymphatic flow, improved mental health, and enhanced balance and stability.Getting started with rebounding can be as simple as purchasing a personal fitness trampoline or finding a gym that offers rebounding classes. You can use the JumpSport club finder to find a gym near you with classes: www.jumpsport.com/jumpsport-club-studio-locator/Rebounding is a fun and versatile workout.Consistency and discipline are keys in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Putting in the work and having a positive attitude can help overcome health challenges.Topics covered in the interview:Steve Carver's JourneyHolistic Approach to TreatmentTransition to ReboundingHealth Benefits of ReboundingTime Spent on the TrampolineGetting Started with ReboundingOptions for Trying ReboundingThe Fun and Versatility of ReboundingAccessing Rebounding ProgrammingMaintaining a Positive AttitudeFinding Information about JumpSportAdditional Questions and Contact InformationLinks from the show:JumpSport - www.jumpsport.comRebounding Benefits - www.jumpsport.com/fitness/benefits-of-rebounding/ACE Study - www.jumpsport.com/blog/ace-study-proves-exercise-trampoline-benefits/Workouts - www.jumpsport.com/fitness-trampoline-workouts/YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/@JumpSportFitness/videosInstagram JumpSport - www.instagram.com/jumpsportfitnessInstagram Steve Carver - www.instagram.com/carvercompletefitness* * * * *Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.comGet your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,Shop my favorite products,Read my favorite books,Subscribe to the podcast,Send a little love/coffee 😉More at crohnsfitnessfood.comWant to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com#crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #colitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #jumpsport
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    50 m
  • Logan Crumrine: Living in Remission (E93)

    Logan Crumrine: Living in Remission (E93)
    Jan 5 2024
    Enjoy this interview with Logan Crumrine, a Crohn’s disease warrior of more than 30 years, advocate, and writer. Logan was first diagnosed in 1990. For years he fluctuated between states of flares, semi-remission, clinical trials and surgeries, and then went into complete remission for over 15 years! But remission came to an end in 2012 and he spent the next few years fighting for his life and eventually filed for disability. Today, he’s now in his second year of remission and living life to the fullest. Some of you will remember Logan as one of my repeat guests. He shared the first part of his story in episode 29 of this podcast in July 2019, and came back a year later in 2020 to talk about his experience and knowledge about going through the process of filing for disability. Today, he’s back to update us on his journey and share what it’s like to now live in remission. From the show: Stephanie: What kind of tips do you have for other people who are finding themselves newly in remission and still afraid to let go of the habits that they've held onto for so many years as their safety net? Logan: I think the best advice would be that you've kind of got to do your own walk in that. You've got to kind of let go of those things as you feel comfortable. I still carry supplies in my backpack, but I don't carry as many. I don't carry an extra change of clothes, so my backpack has gotten down to just some undergarments in there and some stuff to clean up if I need to. It's a much smaller kit, but again, I'm still learning. It's still automatic for me to put all that stuff on when I'm going out. And I think it's just, you just kind of have to challenge yourself and push yourself. It helps too that I have Leah with me, who's an incredible partner who reminds me, ‘hey, you know, you made this trip a couple of times without anything. Why don't you try it again?’ Or I'll be able to share with her that I didn't even get ready like I normally do for a trip. And then it's kind of an epiphany almost to say, ‘oh wow, we don't need that stuff all the time anymore.’ Stephanie: You've shared on social media a few times about struggling with Crohn's and depression. Can you talk about how you've coped through some of the hardest times and how has remission affected your overall mental health? Logan: I think remission has helped my mental health and has benefited it. I still struggle with depression and sometimes, some days, it's absolutely debilitating. Right now, my depression seems to be presenting itself with insomnia. So I can be tired at seven o'clock and think, okay, I'm going to head to bed around nine and then I'm up till two. So it seems to be presenting that way. I think being in a place with more sunlight has helped. Seasonal depression affected me really bad in Washington because where I lived in Washington, from about October to March, it's very dark and very gray. It's nice to be able to look out the window and see blue skies and sun, I'm trying to get back to exercising because that's so vital to mental health. Stephanie: You have shared on social media about your fitness journey and just getting to a place of better overall health, what were some of the baby steps or the ways that you started to get back into that as you were feeling better? Logan: I think that, and for the record, my hiking and walking come and go, like any kind of fitness thing, I do really good for a while and kind of back off for a little while. I think that one thing that I had to do is realize that I have to start with what I can do, even if it's five minutes of getting outside and taking a walk. I started when I was starting to get my health back. I was just literally doing laps around the cul-de-sac. And that's all I could do, just walk around the cul-de-sac very slow with a cane. It was very difficult for me to even get out and do anything. And now, I mean, where I was at the height that's kind of dropped off since we moved, but I'm trying to get back into it. I think I was doing three or four miles a day walking. I was lifting regularly because again, medications that you get on Crohn's and colitis, steroids, sometimes those things play havoc on your bones. Links from the show: Social Media www.instagram.com/logancrumrine Studies on steroids and blood sugar: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515447/pdf/WJD-6-1073.pdfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8394226/ What if the Monsters are Afraid of Me (Book) https://a.co/d/elzLPAW Previous episodes with Logan: https://www.podbean.com/ * * * * * Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health, Shop my favorite products,Read my favorite books,Subscribe to the podcast,Send a little love/coffee 😉More at crohnsfitnessfood.com Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #...
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    42 m