Surviving out of Spite

What happens when culture, bias, trauma, and chronic illness intersect?In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with patient advocate and non profit leader Tina Aswani-Omprakash to chat about her journey living with Crohn’s disease, gastroparesis, and other GI conditions. Tina shares how cultural expectations, healthcare biases, and how unfortunate medical trauma shaped her experiences as a South Asian woman navigating the healthcare system.Together, they talk about the importance of shared decision-making, culturally sensitive care, and the need to create safe spaces where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. They also talk about the stigma surrounding GI conditions, the role of intergenerational trauma, and why trust between patients and providers is essential for healing.The conversation dives into food and cultural identity, the challenges of restrictive diets, and the importance of finding dietitians and healthcare professionals who understand diverse backgrounds. Sam and Tina highlight the power of community, vulnerability, and advocacy in breaking down stigma and empowering patients living with chronic digestive diseases.Whether you're living with Crohn’s disease, gastroparesis, IBD, or another chronic illness, this episode offers hope, validation, and practical insights on navigating healthcare while honoring your identity and lived experience.Links mentioned in the podcast episode:https://ownyourcrohns.com/https://saia-gi.org/

In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam chats with Amber Tresca of AboutIBD to discuss the realities of living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroparesis, and other chronic health challenges. Amber shares her personal journey with J-pouch surgery, navigating life after major medical interventions, and learning how to balance work, health, and personal growth.Sam and Amber talk about the emotional and practical aspects of chronic illness, including managing unpredictability, building supportive communities, protecting mental health, and finding resilience during difficult seasons. They discuss the importance of flexibility, radical acceptance, and creating a life that works with your condition rather than constantly fighting against it.Whether you're living with IBD, gastroparesis, a chronic illness, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers honest insights, encouragement, and practical wisdom for navigating the ups and downs of long-term health challenges.Where to find more from Amber? IG: @aboutIBDYT: @aboutIBDWeb: www.aboutIBD.comEmail: amber@aboutibd.com

In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with Maddie, the voice behind Eosinophilic Chick, to talk about what it’s really like living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE).Maddie shares her personal journey; from early symptoms and diagnosis to navigating strict dietary restrictions and the reality of starting medication injections. This conversation dives into the physical challenges of managing EOE, as well as the emotional and mental toll that comes with chronic illness.Together, Sam and Maddie also open up about the fear and frustration surrounding food, and what it looks like to slowly reintroduce foods after periods of restriction. They discuss how these moments can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming, and incredibly meaningful.Beyond EOE, this episode highlights the importance of advocacy, community, and connection when living with chronic conditions like EOE and gastroparesis. Because no one should have to navigate this alone.Want to connect with Maddie? Follow her on IG @eosinophilic.chick

In this episode, Casey shares her personal journey living with celiac disease, from diagnosis to the ongoing realities of managing a strict gluten-free diet. She opens up about the challenges of navigating hidden gluten in unexpected foods, the learning curve that comes with dietary restrictions, and the emotional impact that can follow a life-changing diagnosis.Together, Sam and Casey explore what it really means to live with celiac disease in everyday life; highlighting coping strategies, symptom management, and the importance of self-compassion along the way. They also discuss the emotional weight of food-related guilt, the evolving landscape of gluten-free options, and how access to better products has helped improve quality of life for many in the gluten-free community.This conversation also emphasizes the power of community support, strong relationships, and self-advocacy when navigating chronic dietary restrictions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with celiac disease, or simply wanting to better understand gluten-free living, this episode offers validation, education, and hope.Instagram & TikTok: @collegeceliackc https://www.glutenfreewithcasey.com

In this powerful conversation, Donna and Sam explore what it really means to live with chronic illness while navigating a complex and often broken medical system. Through personal stories and lived experience, they discuss patient advocacy, the emotional toll of being dismissed or misunderstood, and why awareness and systemic change in healthcare are so urgently needed.The episode also reflects on the emotional impact of the film Complicated, using it as a starting point to unpack how chronic illness affects not just the body, but mental health, identity, and everyday life. They highlight the critical role of patient voices, the intersection of physical and mental health, and the collective responsibility; patients, providers, and communities alike to push for better care.This conversation is for patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals who want to better understand the realities of chronic illness, the importance of listening to patient experiences, and how advocacy can drive meaningful change in the healthcare system.The virtual screening is Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM ESTInfo on where to watch at the link below:https://gathr.com/events/60654f28/complicated-worldwide-screening-panel-discussion

#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.

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 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