Finding Your Gluten Free Ikigai: Inspiration & Motivation To Live Your Best Gluten Free Life & Help Others

A Gluten Free Podcast 
Episode 179

In today’s episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on our incredible conversation last week with Iron Ramen — a gluten free Japanese restaurant built from the ground up after their son’s coeliac diagnosis.

We’ll explore the powerful idea of doing one thing and doing it really well, and how that can lead to incredible growth — not just in business, but in life. I’ll also talk about how Iron Ramen’s journey reminds me of the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy about finding your reason for being, something I first came across in a book that had a big impact on me.

Finding inspiration and motivation can feel tough sometimes in our gluten free lives, especially when coeliac disease can make things harder. But stories like Iron Ramen’s — and the conversation I’m about to have next week with a podcast listener — show that if you don't let your diagnosis hold you back, you can find your purpose and live a great gluten free life.

I'll also share a personal update on how I believe I’m finding my own Ikigai through this podcast, our community, and everything we’re building at A Gluten Free Family. And, excitingly, for the first time, I’ll introduce something I’ve wanted to do for a long time: sharing a listener’s story. Next week, you’ll hear from someone who has gained a lot from this podcast, and I’ll sit down with them to hear their gluten free journey and how this community has impacted their life.

In This Episode:

• A recap of our last episode with Iron Ramen: doing one thing, doing it well, and growing from there
• How a son's coeliac diagnosis inspired a thriving gluten free business
• An introduction to Ikigai: what it means and how it applies to living well with coeliac disease
• How Iron Ramen found their Ikigai — and how it’s inspiring others in the gluten-free community
• My personal journey with finding Ikigai through A Gluten Free Family and this podcast
• How we can all find motivation and purpose after a coeliac diagnosis
• A look ahead: a special interview with a listener who found support and encouragement through this podcast
• How finding your gluten free Ikigai can then help others in a similar situation to you 
• Next week’s guest: previewing our chat with Stephen about pushing through challenges and not letting anything stop you

What is Ikigai?
Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being.” It’s the sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all come together. It’s about living with purpose, passion, and balance — even in the small, everyday moments.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
• Iron Ramen (link to website/socials)

Connect with A Gluten Free Family:

• Instagram: @aglutenfreefamily
• Facebook: A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook Group
• Website: www.aglutenfreefamily.com

Disclaimer

The content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.