About IBD

About IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) is not only isolating but it also affects every aspect of the lives of those who live with these diseases. It touches relationships, finances, and careers. On About IBD, Amber talks to caregivers and people living with IBD to get their stories so that they can share what they’ve learned from their journey.

Episodes

October 7, 2025 37 mins

Sean Lochran, who lives with IBD and an ileostomy, describes his IBD journey, including complications such as blood clots and adrenal insufficiency. Sean shares advice for staying active on difficult days, including the importance of personalization, hydration, and tracking health data. He debunks misconceptions about exercise with IBD or an ostomy and describes his client-centered approach to fitness coaching, grounded in empathy ...

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Every person living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can help change public policy by sharing their story and participating in advocacy events, such as visiting legislators in Washington, D.C. Amber talks to Kelly E. Dwyer, who teaches us how to prepare an elevator speech and gives us practical tips for Hill Day logistics, working within teams, staying emo...
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Amber interviews artist Daniel Leighton, who shares his journey living with Crohn's disease from childhood. Daniel tells us how he didn't think of himself as an artist, but painting became a vital tool for expressing emotions and coping with complex PTSD related to chronic illness. He offers some advice for those intimidated by starting a journey into creativity and describes how art validates the experiences of people with chronic...

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    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD184
     
    Amber talks with Aaron Blocker, a Crohn’s disease patient and advocate, about the importance of finding and creating community for people touched by IBD. Online and in-person groups offer support and serve as platforms to share practical tips and counter misinformation. Aaron points out that it’s important to find a balance between advoc...
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    We get back to the basics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including the differences between Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and how IBD is different than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBDologist Dr Katie Dunleavy explains common symptoms, the diagnostic process, and treatment options, focusing on patient advocacy, regular screenings, and open commun...
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    Stress is a huge problem for people who live with immune-mediated conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The condition causes tension in all the parts of our lives. We can't get rid of it, so we need to find ways to either minimize it or manage it. I talk to Dr. Jin Lee, neuropsychologist and CEO of IMIdeology, about managing stress while living...
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    A children's book leads to this conversation, which bridges the worlds of chronic illness, creativity, and connection. I talk with MB (Britt) Mooney, author of "The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese," a children's book inspired by a young woman named Alex who lived with severe Crohn's disease. MB, a science fiction and fantasy author, stepped outside his usual genr...
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    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD180
     
    Grassroots organizations are an important part of the IBD ...
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    Amber speaks with Hindy Klein, a member of the Orthodox Jewish community living with Crohn’s colitis. Hindy shares how she manages IBD while observing Jewish laws, discussing challenges with diet, fasting, and hospital care during Shabbat and holidays. She also talks about overcoming stigma, the importance of community support, and how her faith helps her cope....
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    Amber interviews Dr. Ali Navidi, a gastropsychologist specializing in mental health for people with gastrointestinal disorders. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health alongside conditions like IBD and IBS, highlighting the stigma surrounding these issues. Dr. Navidi explains cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis, emphasizing ...
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    Elizabeth Coldrick, a nutritional therapist and breathwork facilitator living with IBD and a permanent ostomy shares her experiences living in Bali, the challenges and benefits of managing IBD abroad, and the importance of nutrition and breathwork for mental and physical health. She explains how breathwork can reduce stress and inflammation, offers a simple bre...
    Jonathan Stewart, co-founder of Evergreen Adventures, a nonprofit focused on connecting the chronic illness community with outdoor activities, shares his journey with type one diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and sarcoidosis. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying active despite health challenges, describes the need for planning outdoor adventures, and enco...
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    In this episode, Victoria, founder of GetYourBellyOut, shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and the importance of community support for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She discusses her diagnosis experience, the challenges of navigating healthcare, and the need for better patient advocacy. Victoria highlights the organization's growth, its in...
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    Amber and gastroenterologist Dr Neil Parikh discuss technology’s impact on IBD management. Dr Parikh emphasizes the importance of patient diaries and open communication between patients and providers. They also address concerns about data privacy, integrating holistic approaches in patient care, and the potential of wearable technology in gastroenterology.
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    People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (forms of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD) were told for many decades that diet didn't affect the disease. Even today, some patients are still told this, even though there is now significant evidence that diet absolutely matters in IBD. Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN describes how her journey with ulcerative col...
    IBD patients are innovative, resilient, and powerful. My guest, Rachel Bee, is an incredible example of all these virtues. Rachel is a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at just 13 years old. She turned her experiences with IBD into a mission to help others by founding Infusion Hero, a company that designs innovative hood...
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    It's not easy to manage both a career and chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis). We need tools and tips in order to keep everything moving and succeed at work while caring for ourselves. I talk with Jen Hubley Luckwaldt about how freelancing can be a valid way of meeting both goals. Jen shares her journey ...
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    Do you find it difficult to find the time and energy to deal with mental or physical clutter? Lisa Zawrotny, a productivity coach and founder of Positively Productive Systems, helps us learn how to manage clutter, even when flaring. We discuss practical strategies for decluttering both your physical space and mental load, and how to celebrate even the smallest ...
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    February 25, 2025 14 mins
    Find Amber J Tresca at:
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    There's a need for more research addressing social determinants of health in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community. Cass Condray, an IBD researcher who also lives with an IBD, points out the lack of information and resources focused on the unique experiences of LGBTQ patients. Cass also talks about the significance of representation in research, and the impact that inter...
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