Surviving out of Spite

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 track their symptoms, advocate for them...

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-discovery.

Together, they explore how c...

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 matters in treatment, the importance of c...

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, the art of visual storytelling, a...

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 also explore what the future holds for...

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 friendships and connection at a young age.

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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 feels like a gamble. From self-advoc...

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 up about the slow, non-linear proces...

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 persistence, patience, and pushing through—ev...

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 trust, mental health, and even the...

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 body's being a unpredictable. Sam shar...

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 money stress as a team—through budgeting...

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’re battling prior auth hell or trying...

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 a weekend getaway or a longer advent...

In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and physical rollercoaster of receiving a gastroparesis diagnosis. From the moment you hear those words to the challenges of navigating treatment options, we talk about the highs and lows, the frustrations, and the unexpected moments of strength that come with living with a chronic condition. We also discuss what happens after the diagnosis — how to handle the uncertainty, build resi...

In the very first episode of Surviving out of Spite, hosts Samantha and Levi share their personal journeys with gastroparesis, opening up about the highs, lows, and everything in between. From unexpected diagnoses to daily challenges, they dive into what life with a chronic condition really looks like. Tune in as they explore the emotional and physical side of living with gastroparesis, break it down in simple terms, and explain wh...