The Beautiful Bag

In this episode, host LeeAnne Hayden interviews Raina about her journey with an ostomy and her book 'Bare'. Raina shares her experiences with ulcerative colitis, her decision to get an ileostomy, and her subsequent journey with a J-pouch. She discusses the role of social media in her life and how it has helped her connect with others. Raina also talks about the challenges of dating with an ostomy...

Chloe Moody shares her unique experience of living with an ostomy since birth due to necrotizing enterocolitis. She discusses her childhood, including multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, as well as the challenges she faced in school, such as bullying and feeling different. Chloe emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community, like the UOAA youth rally, and encourages parents to s...

LeeAnne introduces guest Ann Marie Lupacckino, who has had 3 ostomies. Ann Marie shares her journey, which began 18 years ago during pregnancy with a bowel perforation. Ann Marie underwent emergency surgery to remove her large intestine while pregnant. Despite challenges, Ann Marie gave birth full-term and underwent reversal surgery a year later. Ann Marie experienced complications, including seve...

In this episode I interview retire US navy man Dan Dry Dock Shockley.    HIGHLIGHTS Being in the Navy and learning perseverance Recovering from a surgery and needing to be back on assignment after 9/11 Finding out about his rare genetic condition Living life in an ostomy  His advocacy work  How he lives by the 3 steps ADAPT, Improvise, Overcome  You can find Dan on Instagram, Twitter or email him...

Introduction: LeeAnne expresses excitement for spring and its positive impact on wellness.   Proper Hydration with an Iliostomy: Importance of hydration, especially with an Iliostomy. Tips for staying hydrated: carry water or herbal teas, use electrolytes. LeeAnne's personal hydration routine: drinking a gallon of water daily. Recommendations: Drink water before and after meals, monitor hydration...

Introduction: LeeAnne Hayden welcomes listeners to the episode from her loft, introducing Cass Roberts as her guest. They met at the UAA convention in August and bonded over their shared experiences. Dancing and Transformative Power: Cass shares her love for dancing and how it has been transformative for her. She reflects on the immense joy she experienced at the UAA convention, being surrounded b...

In this episode, I, LeeAnne Hayden, emphasize the crucial role of nutrition in maintaining overall health and well-being. I stress the importance of consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Throughout the discussion, I recognize that individual preferences and tolerances vary, urging listeners to experiment and find what...

Join us this week as Nikki Kilpatrick shares her inspiring journey through ostomy surgery and the profound impact of mindset and community support on her recovery. Nikki's story highlights the power of connecting with others who have undergone similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of positivity and advocacy in facing health challenges. Tune in to discover how Nikki's journey of resilienc...

Title: Embracing Self-Love: Body Positivity and Self-Esteem Description: Join host LeeAnne Hayden in this powerful episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast as she delves into the crucial topics of body positivity and self-esteem. With a compassionate heart and insightful perspective, LeeAnne guides listeners through practical steps to cultivate self-love and acceptance, especially in the face of chall...

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag , host LeeAnne Hayden sits down with Jenny Harrison, a remarkable individual whose journey with gastrointestinal challenges serves as a testament to the power of strength and determination. Introduction: LeeAnne and Jenny dive deep into Jenny's journey, exploring the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way...

LeeAnne greets listeners and wishes them a happy Valentine's Day. She explains that her husband was supposed to join her for the episode but couldn't make it. Instead, she discusses the theme of love and relationships, reflecting on her own journey with her husband. Discussion Highlights: LeeAnne shares the story of how she and her husband met and the challenges they faced blending their families....

Join your host, LeeAnne Hayden, in this heartening episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," coming to you from New Hampshire. This week, we are honored to have Tori Judson, a remarkable guest who shares her unique and rare journey living with HSAN IV and navigating life as a double ostomate. Diagnosed at 19, Tori's story is one of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of independence. From the chall...

Episode Summary: Join LeeAnne Hayden, broadcasting from a snowy New Hampshire loft, for an enlightening solo episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast." As we journey through the heart of winter, LeeAnne shares eye-opening statistics that underscore the vastness and diversity of the global ostomy community. With insights gathered from a recent brand awareness consultation, this episode sheds light on...

In this solo episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," host LeeAnne Hayden shares invaluable insights and personal experiences about traveling with an ostomy. From preparing for your journey, whether by plane, train, or automobile, to practical advice on managing your ostomy supplies, LeeAnne covers it all. Tune in to learn about handling airport security, adjusting to different time zones, and ensu...

In This Episode: Celebrating 4 Years: Reflecting on the journey of 'The Beautiful Bag Podcast' now entering its fourth year. Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you to listeners for tuning in weekly and sharing in the stories of resilience and inspiration. Surviving and Thriving: Emphasizing the importance of resilience and thriving despite life's obstacles. Building Community: Plans to create an online...

In this episode, LeeAnne Hayden engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sara Levitt about her life with an ostomy. Sara shares her personal experiences, including her struggles and triumphs in dealing with Crohn's disease, her journey towards self-acceptance, and how she has become a source of inspiration for others. Episode Highlights: Introduction to the episode and guests Sara's visibility on...

  Introduction LeeAnne  welcomes listeners to Episode 120 of the Beautiful Bag Podcast. She acknowledges that it's a special solo episode and mentions that it's Christmas. LeeAnne shares her recent 53rd birthday celebration and expresses gratitude for life. Celebrating Christmas LeeAnne talks about the significance of Christmas and her personal belief in Jesus. She invites listeners to share their...

Hello, beautiful souls! I'm LeeAnne Hayden, your host, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to another inspiring episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast." Whether you're tuning in during your morning coffee or unwinding at night, I want to express my deepest gratitude for being a part of our amazing community. Episode Highlights: A Personal Journey: In this episode, I wanted to share my own journey deali...

LeeAnne Hayden , host of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," welcomes listeners to Episode 118, expressing gratitude for their continual support and encouraging them to share the podcast on social media. Reminder: LeeAnne encourages listeners on Apple Podcasts to leave ratings and reviews to help promote the show. Guest Introduction: Crystal , a double ostomate, sarcoma cancer survivor, and Crohn's disea...

In Episode #117 of "The Beautiful Bag" podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden is joined by Raphaela, a former flight attendant from the UK, to discuss her transformative journey with an ostomy bag. Diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer, Raphaela shares her story, from her initial diagnosis and surgery to how she embraced life with a stoma. We delve into the importance of self-advocacy, the impact of cancer on...

This week is a repeat episode - bringing it back with the OG Jearlean Taylor  This woman is miraculous! She has had both of her bags since she was 3 years old after a rare form of childhood cancer required her to get a Colostomy as well as a Urostomy. After years of being apprehensive to share her story, she finally realized that she had to talk to others about her journey and raise awareness of w...

In this episode, host LeeAnne Hayden and guest Kristi Tanner discuss Kristi's journey with colon cancer and living with an ostomy. Here are the key discussion points highlighted from the episode: Struggles with Colonoscopy Approval: Kristi turned 50 in March 2020, just when the world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She didn't think she needed a colonoscopy since colon cancer wasn't in her f...

In this heartfelt episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," host LeeAnne Hayden welcomes guest Nadia Di Rienzo, who shares her remarkable journey of resilience, living with an ostomy, and beating cancer. Nadia's story is an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of advocacy in the ostomy community. Key Takeaways: Nadia's Health Journey: Nadia's journey begins with her...

Summary: In this inspiring episode of The Beautiful Bag, LeeAnne sits down with Patrick, also known as the "Ostomy Athlete" on Instagram. Patrick shares his remarkable journey of overcoming challenges and achieving incredible feats in extreme sports and mountaineering while living with an ostomy. His story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Key Ta...

Episode #112: Navigating Life with an Ostomy Bag - Tips and Insights In this week's episode we discuss:  Carly's Ostomy Journey : She shares how she came to be in an ostomy Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy : What it took to adjust to having one.  Advocacy and Finding Support : How she found and created her support team  Advocacy Efforts and Challenges : She shares her advocacy work and how to find...