Surviving out of Spite

Gut-Immune Connection Explained

#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.

Episode 30: Still Hot, Still Sick: Dating When Your Body Doesn’t Cooperate

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/

Episode 29: Hope in a Broken Digestive System

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/

Episode 28: When Voices Become a Movement

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.

Episode 27: The Missing Piece in GI Treatment

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