Surviving out of Spite

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, evide...

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...

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...

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, nav...

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 sayin...

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 ne...

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, leverag...

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 unspo...

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...

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...

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...

What happens when chronic gut issues meet the fast pace of the ER? Dr. Rick Pescatore, an emergency physician, joins us to discuss the rising number of patients facing digestive health challenges and the unique barriers they encounter in acute care. We talk about why patient stories matter just as much as test results, and how digital health tools like BellyMD are giving patients the power to trac...

In this week’s episode, Sam sits down with Crystal Saltrelli to explore the complexities of living with gastroparesis; moving beyond symptoms to talk about survival mode, identity, and what it means to truly live with chronic illness. They reflect on the emotional toll of daily symptom management, the mental fog of constant stress, and those quiet turning points where surviving turns into self-dis...

After years of battling undiagnosed SIBO and feeling dismissed by the healthcare system, Krystyna Houser decided to take matters into her own hands. Her journey led to the creation of mBIOTA, a better-tasting elemental diet designed with patients in mind. In this conversation, Krystyna shares her personal story, and the challenges of getting a proper diagnosis. We explore why quality of life matte...

In this episode, Sam sits down with patient advocate, G-PACT board member and storyteller Jim Sliney to unpack the power of storytelling in the chronic illness and advocacy space. Together, they explore how to craft stories that resonate; starting with understanding your audience, navigating vulnerability, and embracing authenticity. Jim shares practical advice on overcoming the fear of being seen...

When you live with a chronic illness, half the battle is getting taken seriously. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Hida to talk all things communication, advocacy, and gastroparesis treatment. From tips on how to talk to your doctor (and what to do when you’re being ignored) to a deep dive into G-POEM—the promising procedure that’s helping many patients find relief—we’re covering it all. We al...

In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Sam sits down with Andrew Belliveau to talk about his journey with gastroparesis; from a difficult diagnosis at a young age to building a life filled with advocacy, humor, and hope. Andrew opens up about the daily challenges of living with constant nausea and vomiting, how he navigated school with a misunderstood illness, and the strain it placed on friends...

In this continued conversation, Sam and Madi dive even deeper into the emotional and practical realities of managing food, nutrition, and language around chronic illness. Building on their previous episode, they discuss why the way we talk about food and our bodies can shape not just perception, but experience. Together, they unpack the fear that often surrounds eating, especially when every bite...

In Part 1, we pulled back the curtain on the often-unseen reality of medical trauma; sharing the fear, frustration, and lasting emotional wounds that come from being gaslit, dismissed, or repeatedly hospitalized. In this follow-up episode, Sam & Levi return to dive deeper into what healing looks like when your trauma isn’t behind you, but woven into the fabric of your everyday life. They open...

Living with gastroparesis means navigating a minefield of food fears, medical dismissal, and constant trial-and-error—especially when it feels like nothing works. In this episode, I’m joined by Madi Cheever, a registered dietician and T1D coach to talk about the messy, frustrating, and sometimes hopeful journey of managing life with a broken digestive system. This is a conversation about persisten...

In this deeply personal episode, Sam & Levi open up about the hidden wounds that come with chronic illness—medical trauma and PTSD. From emergency room flashbacks to the emotional toll of repeated hospitalizations and gaslighting by healthcare professionals, they share raw, unfiltered stories from both sides of the hospital bed. With vulnerability and resilience, they explore how trauma shapes...

This week on Surviving out of Spite, Sam is flying solo and getting real about what it means to stay active with gastroparesis. From gut wrenching (literally) symptoms to workouts that don't go as planned, she opens up about how exercise looks different - but still matters. Spoiler alert: it's not about crushing personal records. It's about survival, resilience and doing what you can when your bod...

Living with a chronic illness doesn't just impact your health—it hits your wallet, too. In this episode, Sam and Adam open up about the hidden (and not-so-hidden) financial strain that comes with chronic illness. From endless medical bills and lost work hours to the cost of special accommodations, the financial pressure can be relentless. Together, they explore how they’ve learned to navigate mone...

The healthcare system wasn’t built for chronic illness warriors—it was built to test our patience, our wallets, and our will to keep fighting. In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite , we’re shining a light on the spiteful side of healthcare: endless insurance denials, gatekeeping around specialists, medication access hurdles, and the mental struggle it takes just to get basic care. Whether you’...

Traveling with gastroparesis can feel overwhelming—but it is possible with the right prep. In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite , we’re talking all about how to hit the road (or skies) without leaving your health behind. From planning ahead to knowing what to pack, we’re sharing practical tips and personal insights to help you feel more confident and comfortable while traveling. Whether it’s...