About IBD
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease) are about more than diarrhea: they affect the whole person. About IBD focuses on health and lifestyle issues important to people living with Crohn's or colitis. IBD patients, doctors, therapists, and care partners give their tips and advice on topics including diet, nutrition, treatments, mental health, family dynamics, and sexuality as it relates to living with IBD.
Episodes
- Yoga Therapy for IBD: Why Acceptance is the Best Teacher With Bari Gratton
Bari Gratton shares her experience transitioning to yoga therapy after a Crohn's disease flare, detailing the "Five Layers of Being" and the benefits of acceptance over "pushing through" for managing chronic illness. She also discusses bui…
- Special Episode: Award Nomination and Upcoming Live Event in LA!
This episode of About IBD announces the host
- Is Your Eye Pain Actually an IBD Flare?
Host Amber J Tresca explains that IBD can cause eye problems beyond digestive issues. The episode covers common eye-related extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, including episcleritis, uveitis,…
- How to Fuel Athletic Performance In Chronic Illness Featuring T.L. Wright (The IBD Athlete)
T.L. Wright, The IBD Athlete, shares her experience with Crohn's disease diagnosis and her shift from endurance sports to bodybuilding. The episode covers fueling strategies for athletes with chronic illnesses and managing the Specific Car…
- Epidemiology, Big Data, and Biologics in Pregnancy
Drs. Sonia Grandi and Christina Longo discuss the BIONIC study with Amber Tresca. The study utilizes real-world data to investigate the impact of biologics on pregnant individuals and infants, aiming to support evidence-based decision-maki…
- The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep
Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with IBD know that a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it's pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping you up. But why exact…
- How to Harness AI for Good Featuring Michael Tresca
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized in healthcare for many purposes. Patients are wondering how they can safely and effectively use AI tools to educate themselves and to manage their health. Amber and guest Michael Tresca discus…
- How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman
The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a cli…
- How to Protect Yourself in the Age of AI
Amber Tresca and her son Brenden discuss how to approach artificial intelligence (AI) with curiosity and caution. They cover recognizing AI-generated content, the importance of media literacy, and the ethical challenges of technology, whil…
- How to Bring an Intention to Your 2026
This episode of About IBD discusses setting intentions, rather than resolutions, as a more flexible approach for individuals managing IBD. Guests share their personal intentions, focusing on themes such as prosperity, discipline, generosit…
- Amber's Year in Books 2025
Host Amber Tresca reviews ten books from 2025, including fiction and memoir. She discusses themes such as trauma, community, and chronic illness, relating them to her personal experiences. The episode also offers practical advice on utiliz…
- How To Build Resilience and Manage Life With IBD Featuring Kinsey Beagley
Kinsey Beagley discusses her journey with ulcerative colitis, from diagnosis and treatment failures to undergoing J-pouch surgery. She highlights the importance of a positive mindset and reframing difficult experiences to manage life with…
- The Truth About Surviving IBD and Incontinence
Registered nurse Katryna Loewen shares her personal journey with ulcerative colitis, including managing severe flare-ups, incontinence, and her 2024 colectomy and ileostomy surgery. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges, the…
- What You Need to Know About IBD and Gastroparesis Featuring Samantha Sauer, BCPA of G-PACT
Samantha Sauer of G-PACT explains gastroparesis, its symptoms, diagnostic difficulties, and how it can overlap with IBD. The episode covers the daily impact on patients, emotional tolls, and resources like support groups offered by G-PACT.
- The Truth About Stigma and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Featuring Mariah Leach, JD, MS
This episode features Mariah Leach discussing the stigma and societal pressures surrounding medication use in pregnancy, particularly concerning acetaminophen. Mariah shares her personal experiences with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnan…
- How To Stay Active With IBD Featuring Sean Lochran
Sean Lochran discusses his experience living with IBD and an ileostomy, detailing complications like blood clots and adrenal insufficiency. He offers practical advice for maintaining activity during difficult periods, emphasizing personali…
- How Patient Stories Change Perspectives and Influence Lawmakers
This episode discusses how individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can effect policy change through storytelling and advocacy, like visiting legislators. Kelly E. Dwyer offers practical advice on preparing speeches, managing logi…
- Powerful Ways Art Can Help Us Heal from Trauma Featuring Daniel Leighton
Artist Daniel Leighton shares his journey with Crohn's disease and how art became a vital outlet for expressing emotions and coping with complex PTSD related to his chronic illness. The episode explores the therapeutic benefits of art for…
- Community In IBD: How to Stop Being Isolated Featuring Aaron Blocker
Aaron Blocker, a Crohn's disease patient and advocate, joins Amber to discuss the importance of community for individuals with IBD. They cover the benefits of online and in-person groups for support and sharing information, the challenges…
- IBD 101: Getting to the Bottom of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Featuring Katie Dunleavy, MB, BCh, BAO
This episode defines inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), differentiates it from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and details types like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Katie Dunleavy discusses symptoms, diagnostics, treatment opti…
- Unlocking the Secrets to Stress Management Featuring Jin Lee, PhD
This episode discusses managing stress for individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases, featuring insights from Dr. Jin Lee on the impact of stress, fragmented care, and the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach. Practical stress man…
- How Storytelling Fosters Compassion for Kids with Chronic Illness
This episode features a conversation with author MB Mooney about his children's book, "The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese." The book, inspired by a young woman with Crohn's disease, aims to help children and families understand invisible il…
- How Propel a Cure is Transforming Crohn's Disease Research
Angela Clark, president and CEO of Propel a Cure, discusses the grassroots nonprofit's mission to fund Crohn's disease research. The episode covers their grant selection process, current research projects, and strategies for communicating…
- From Privacy to Advocacy: Balancing Faith and Chronic Illness Featuring Hindy (Tauber) Klein
Hindy Klein shares her experience living with Crohn
- The Mind-Body Connection in IBS and IBD Featuring Ali Navidi, PsyD
Dr. Ali Navidi discusses the importance of mental health care for individuals with IBS and IBD, addressing stigma and explaining therapies like CBT and clinical hypnosis. A new therapeutic group program for IBD patients is also introduced…
- Better Health With Breathwork for IBD Featuring Elizabeth Coldrick of Wildly Brave Wellness
Elizabeth Coldrick, a nutritional therapist with IBD and an ostomy, shares her experiences living abroad and managing her condition. She details the benefits of breathwork for reducing stress and inflammation, discusses nutrition for ostom…
- Getting Outdoors With IBD Featuring Jonathan Stewart of EverGreen Adventures
Jonathan Stewart, co-founder of Evergreen Adventures, shares his experiences with type one diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and sarcoidosis, highlighting the importance of outdoor activities for the chronic illness community. The episode cove…
- GetYourBellyOut: Picturing Hope for IBD Featuring Victoria Marie
Victoria Marie, founder of GetYourBellyOut, shares her personal experience with ulcerative colitis and the significance of community support for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She details the founding and growth of her…
- How Tech is Changing Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist Dr. Neil Parikh joins Amber to explore how technology is advancing IBD management. They cover patient diaries, communication, data privacy, and the future potential of wearable devices in gastroenterology.
- Reclaiming Joy in Eating with IBD Featuring Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN
Stacey Collins, RDN/LDN shares her experience with ulcerative colitis and advocates for a "nutrition by addition" approach to managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The discussion covers the impact of diet on IBD, the emotional aspects…
- Infusion Hero: Stylish Hoodies for Young Patients Featuring Rachel Bee
Rachel Bee, a 17-year-old entrepreneur diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 13, shares her story of founding Infusion Hero. The company designs specialized hoodies for young patients receiving infusions, aiming to provide comfort and ease dur…
- Freelancing Freedom: Crafting Your Career While Caring for Your Health
This episode features a conversation with Jen Hubley Luckwaldt about how freelancing can be a viable option for individuals managing chronic illnesses such as IBD. The discussion covers the flexibility freelancing offers in balancing work,…
- Declutter Your Life While Living with Chronic Illness
Productivity coach Lisa Zawrotny discusses managing physical and mental clutter for individuals with chronic illness and caregivers. The episode covers practical strategies, realistic productivity approaches, stress management, prioritizin…
- Behind the Scenes of About IBD
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the About IBD podcast. It details how to find host Amber J Tresca through her website AboutIBD.com and social media channels, and where to find information about Mac Cooney, who handles the s…
- Why Representation Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community
Cass Condray, an IBD researcher and patient, highlights the need for more research on social determinants of health within the IBD community, particularly concerning the experiences of LGBTQ+ patients. The discussion covers the importance…
- How to Thrive as a Parent with IBD Featuring Jaime Holland
Jamie Holland interviews Amber about her experiences with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and motherhood. They discuss Amber
- Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca
Mike Tresca recounts his recent robotic hernia surgery experience, detailing the discovery, procedure, and recovery. He covers challenges like pain and dietary changes, emphasizing caregiver support and communication with healthcare provid…
- Amber's 2024 in Books
Amber reviews her 2024 reading list, which included biographies, young adult fiction, bestsellers, and romance. The episode also provides information on accessing free audiobooks and ebooks through local library apps like Libby and Hoopla.
- "Fine" Dining With Crohn's Disease Featuring Michael Ornelas
Michael Ornelas joins Amber Tresca on About IBD to share his experiences with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, covering symptoms, treatments, and life impacts. They also discuss Ornelas's comedy podcast, "Fine" Dining, and his persp…
- "3 Kidneys, No Colon" With Dave Piontkowski
Comedian Dave Piontkowski shares his experiences with ulcerative colitis and chronic kidney disease, detailing how his one-man show "Three Kidneys, No Colon" evolved and connects with the chronic illness community, even when some find his…
- The Hosts of Bowel Moments
Amber J Tresca speaks with Alicia and Robin, co-hosts of the Bowel Moments podcast. They discuss their experiences podcasting about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Robin's personal health journey with ulcerative colitis and Cro…
- Finding the Balance - Honoring Veteran's Day With Stephanie Gish
Stephanie Gish discusses her experience with Crohn's disease, including a misdiagnosis and eventual Crohn's diagnosis in 2009, and her subsequent diagnosis of IGA nephropathy which required a change in her approach to health and fitness.
- Parenting With IBD (With Alison McGauley)
Amber interviews Alison McGauley, author of "Kenzie's Little Tree," about parenting with chronic illness, including ulcerative colitis and IBS. McGauley shares how her hospitalization impacted her daughters and stresses the importance of d…
- Choosing Ostomy Surgery With Hannah Martin-Spencer
Hannah Martin-Spencer discusses her journey with ulcerative colitis, starting from age 15. She details her worsening symptoms, hospitalizations, and her eventual decision to have ostomy surgery. Hannah shares the pros and cons of this surg…
- Starting College After a Crohn's Diagnosis
Christina King recounts being diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2021 after initial misdiagnoses. Following a hospitalization and colonoscopy, she received the correct diagnosis and began treatment. King shares her experience preparing to s…
- IBD and the Patient-Physician Relationship
The relationship between patients and physicians is vital for managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This episode highlights the importance of listening, empathy, honesty, and open-mindedness in building trust and achieving successful…
- IBD and Accommodations at Work With Katie Connelly
Katie Connelly joins Amber Tresca on About IBD to discuss workplace accommodations for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Connelly shares her personal experiences with requesting accommodations and highlights the importance of un…
- Connecting to Cure Crohn's and Colitis With Stacy Dylan
Stacy Dylan, co-founder of Connecting to Cure Crohn's and Colitis (CtoC), shares insights on the patient advocacy group
- Men's Health and IBD
This episode addresses the underrepresentation of men discussing their experiences with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Guest Jordan William Henry Aggen, Crohn's Trooper, shares insights on coping with IBD and ostomy through open communi…
- "Boo Can't Poo!" With Iris Wang, MD
Dr. Iris Wang and Amber Tresca discuss the stigma of gut health and toileting, the children's book "Boo Can't Poo!" about constipation, and the importance of open communication. They also cover challenges in publishing and how parents with…