Celiac Project Podcast

Join Mike and Cam for their first podcast recorded live on location with their special guests, Erin Smith (Gluten Free Globetrotter and GFreefun) and Margaret Clegg (miglutenfreegal).  We have a spirited roundtable discussion about all things celiac and gluten free. This is part 1 of our exciting, interactive presentation in Indianapolis.  We answer great questions from the audience as well.

Mike and Cam are pleased to be joined again by Alice Bast, Founder and CEO of Beyond Celiac. In part 2 (part 1 was episode 86), Alice talks with us about the exciting Go Bold Beyond Celiac Symposium, launching on November 9th. The symposium is going to be "talk show" style with experts talking about how to better cope with celiac disease and the gluten free diet and what the future holds for treatment. Find out how you can be a part of this exciting event, and amazing celiac resource - and it is totally free!

Mike and Cam are happy to be joined by Shireen Yates, the CEO and Co-founder of the NIMA gluten detection device. Shireen tells us how she came up with the idea for the NIMA and how its development and innovation is, in large part, driven by feedback and interaction with the celiac and gluten-free community. We also discuss what Shireen's vision for NIMA and allergen detection are and hear about some of the strange things that the community has tested. If you are curious about the NIMA, this podcast will give you many insights as to what it is all about.

In part 2 of our illuminating discussion with Dr. David Thoele, we get deeper into some of Dr. Dave's innovative approach to treating and connecting with his patients - spoiler alert! He actually partners with them, listens to their stories and issues, and admits when he doesn't have all the answers. In addition, we hear about his exciting work on the forefront of the Narrative Medicine Program. We also talk about his struggles to find and make safe and edible gluten free foods for him in his family back in the mid 90s and hear more about his thoughts on current celiac diagnosis methods and the modern gluten free diet.

Mike and Cam interviewed Dr. David Thoele, a Pediatric Cardiologist at Advocate Children's Hospital. In part 1, Dr. Dave talks to us about the struggles that he and his daughter encountered while getting diagnosed with celiac, the struggle to find safe gluten-free food options in the mid-nineties, and how both of their diagnoses were by no means a "straight line." He shares with us some of his frustrations with what is viewed as the "gold standard" in celiac testing and how there might be some "grey area" to folks who are not able to get a traditional celiac diagnosis.

Mike and Cam put the NIMA gluten detection device through its paces, testing out “gluten free” fast food and even a paintball! The results are surprising! They give their first thoughts on seeing the machine in action and speculate on the ways that this type of technology can be a real game changer for the community.

Mike and Cam are pleased to be joined again by Alice Bast, Founder and CEO of Beyond Celiac. In part 1 Alice talks with us about the brand new launch of the Go Beyond Celiac digital community. This is an exciting, first of it's kind on-line hub that will connect our community, help us to find research studies we can participate in, and ultimately lead to positive changes in celiac research and our quality of life. You don't want to miss hearing about this incredible new way of connecting with and becoming a part of this dynamic community.

As summer winds down, Mike talks to his nephew Sam about his recent gluten free adventures, including a trip up the East coast and Canada. Sam shares some of his top tips and you don't want to miss talk of gluten free poutine!

Mike and Cam review on air the Starbucks gluten free breakfast sandwich. They also talk about the bizarre decision by Papa John's Pizza to make a gluten free pizza that is NOT safe for those of us with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. This leads to a discussion about some of the restaurant chains that are doing a better job delivering on safe gluten free options.

Mike and Cam talk with guest Margaret Clegg about the ruling by the Pope that there needs to be at least some wheat in the communion wafer.  Margaret has written a number of blog posts on the subject of faith and helps to illuminate some of the truths about what taking communion really means and how wheat is a part of that in biblical history. She also has suggestions for approaching clergy and how to have a meaningful discussion on the topic. Mike and Cam also talk briefly about their experience in navigating some of the Jewish traditions that involve gluten.

Mike and Cam are joined by Aleksa Hacker, Founder & Director of Mend Hunger. Mend Hunger is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to work with food pantries to provide gluten free and allergy safe food to those with a medically restricted diet and financial need.  Aleksa tells us how she founded the organization, what they do, and what each of us can do in our own communities to help those in need.

Join Mike and Cam for a fascinating, candid talk with Dr. Edwin Liu, pediatric gastroenterologist and the Taplin Endowed Chair for Celiac Disease at Children’s Hospital, Colorado. We discuss Dr. Liu’s groundbreaking research that shows the incidence of Celiac Disease is higher in the most recent generation of adolescents in the Colorado area than previously thought. Are we on the verge of a new “celiac epidemic?” We also hear Dr. Liu’s thoughts on his approach to treating kids with celiac, and that it is often not a “one size fit’s all” diagnosis. Dr. Liu also shares his hopes and vision for the future for celiac diagnosis and treatment.

Mike and Cam share their strong views on the recent occurrence on a school trip at Colonial Williamsburg involving an 11 year old boy and his inability to be allowed to eat his gluten-free meal at one of the historic site's Taverns.  They also give their opinions about the lawsuit, the way that the pub and Colonial Williamsburg treated this boy and his father, and the response that people have had on social media (both good and bad).

Dawn Scheu, owner and professional trainer at Willow Service Dogs, returns to talk about a recent harrowing experience she had with a medication that she believed to be safe for her. In addition to talking about the need for more oversight on medications with allergens, we talk in detail about what goes into owning a service dog. Also, can you teach an old dog new tricks? Stay tuned as Dawn lets us know if Cam's dog Lacy is a candidate for gluten detection work.

Erin Smith's wisdom will blow you away! She was instrumental in building the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup into the largest celiac support group in the world! You can read about Erin's adventures on her 2 great blogs, Gluten-Free Fun and Gluten-Free Globetrotter. Today, Erin talks all about celiac support groups, which are near and dear to her heart. She has some wild stories, and shares some thoughts and tips about starting or joining a support group in your area. We all need some peer support and Erin is excellent at connecting. Learn from one of the best!

Inspired by a fan request and Cam's recent trip downstate, we talk about summer travel. Cam paints the picture of what it's like being on the road in the competitive paint ball circuit.  We also dig into some comments we've received about summer travel from Facebook and Twitter from you, our listeners!

In part 2 of our "celiac in the workplace" episode, we are joined by guest Cathy Weller Sloan. Cathy talks to us about her challenges she faced in her previous work environment after her celiac diagnosis. Cathy is currently pursuing a new career track and talks about the many obstacles she has encountered during her search. Mike, Cam and Cathy are all candid about what they see as some of the hurdles that those with celiac face when interviewing for a new position, and if (and when) someone should talk about it at all.

Cam has started a couple of new jobs. This inspired us to tackle the subject of celiac disease in the workplace. In this episode Cam shares some of his challenges returning to the workforce. He also talks about specific struggles and setbacks he has experienced. Mike talks about some of his gluten-free career anecdotes past and present.

Finally, celiac organizations and hospitals are beginning to publish protocols for celiac patient follow up and treatment, which is long overdue! We cover the Celiac Disease Foundation's recommendations for post-diagnosis follow up care.  Mike and Cam talk about which specific tests and treatments were recommended for them, which were overlooked and a couple of helpful additions to the list that we would like to see.

In 1945 Dr. Douglas Arnold believed that a diet consisting manly of bananas was the cure for celiac disease. Obviously, later in life when gluten was reintroduced, these patients became ill again. Mike and Cam take a deep dive into the "banana diet." In addition they look at a new study that shows that children who are diagnosed with CD tend to bounce back more quickly than adults.