Conditioned Food Sensitivity Podcast
Each podcast episode focuses on practical strategies to help you break away from conditioned food sensitivities. Are you ready to end your restricted diet struggles and start loving food again?
Subscribe below and I’ll send you a summary of the life-changing tips after each episode.
Ep 45: The Journey to Wellness – One Road at a Time
Sept 7, 2023 | 31 minutes

When there is no clear treatment path for your symptoms, you may feel lost or confused by the contradicting treatment options. The frustration often leads to not doing anything (being stuck) or jumping from one thing to the next. Amy will talk about her journey exploring one road at a time.
Amy Slabaugh is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in intuitive eating and the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In my practice, I love working with people to foster a positive relationship with food and learn to nourish their bodies in a way that promotes health. For those who are experiencing adverse reactions in response to food, my goal is to help you work toward minimizing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Providing counseling for clients as they work through the FAST Freedom Program is a great way to do this.
You can reach Amy at AmySlabaugh.com.
Ep 44: Food Exposure Can Improve Symptoms
July 6, 2023 | 25 minutes

You are probably familiar with the vicious cycle of food avoidance leading to additional sensitivities. Dr. Burton Murray will share her clinical experience, and research showing this cycle can be reversed! She describes avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and how cognitive behaviour therapy can help patients regain a full quality of life.
Dr. Helen Burton Murray is the Director of GI Behavioral Health in the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Neurointestinal Health. Dr. Burton Murray specializes in psychogastroenterology, specifically in the intersection of gastrointestinal conditions and eating disorders. She has a particular expertise in the treatment of rumination syndrome and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
To learn more about the GI behavioural Health clinic at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Neurointestinal Health, please call 617-726-5565.
Ep 43: Becoming Proactive when Feeling Helpless and Other Lessons from Gut Feelings: The Patient’s Story
May 4, 2023 | 37minutes

When patients do not have a diagnosis and concrete management plan for their symptoms, they typically feel helpless and out of control. Johannah Ruddy shares her story of working with Dr. Drossman to take charge of her health.
Johannah Ruddy is a doctoral student in the School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell University and her research is focused on the impact of stigma in chronic illness and gender based health care inequalities. She is also the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Rome Foundation. In addition to her professional experience, she is a digestive health patient and patient advocate.
Dr. Douglas Drossman is trained in both gastroenterology and psychiatry. He is professor emeritus of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, President Emeritus and chief executive officer of the Rome Foundation and president of the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care and DrossmanCare.
Dr. Drossman and Johannah have co-authored two books in their Gut Feelings Series: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction and the Patient-Doctor Relationship and The Patient’s Story. Personal Accounts of the Illness Journey.
Ep 42: Getting Away from Labelling Food as Safe or Unsafe
March 2 2023, | 35 minutes

Language around food sensitivities is often black-and-white, and foods get labelled as “safe” or “unsafe.” Dédé Wilson and I will talk about the impact of this black-and-white approach. Softening your language can change your relationship with food and make space for freedom.
Dédé Wilson, co-founder of the low FODMAP resource website FODMAP Everyday® is a Monash University trained and FODMAP Friendly Accredited FODMAP diet educator, who lives with irritable bowel syndrome herself. She is also a professional recipe developer and author of The Low FODMAP Diet Step-by-Step and devotes her time to helping others learn to THRIVE on the low FODMAP diet. She will help you learn how to become IBS symptom-free – while eating deliciously. You can connect with Dédé through the contact us box on the home page of FODMAP Everyday .
Ep 41: Start 2023 By Reinvigorating Your Ojas (Vitality & Immunity)
Jan 5, 2023 | 25 minutes

Food and health struggles can drain your body’s energy – leaving you feeling weak, helpless and frustrated. Lisa Marie Rankin will share self-care rituals and practices to re-energize and strengthen your ojas. Start 2023 on the right track with Lisa’s inspiring tips!
Lisa Marie Rankin is an author, teacher, and Ayurvedic wellness coach. She helps women heal their bodies and ignite their feminine power so they can live with health, radiance, and inspiration. Visit her website at LisaMarieRankin.com.
Lisa is offering listeners free registration to her Ayurveda Essentials mini-course. You’ll learn how to use Ayurveda principles and practices in your everyday life to increase your energy, beat belly bloat, and stress less. You’ll also learn your Aryuvedic mind and body type, and get a dinacharya (daily routine) checklist.
Ep 40: Elimination Diets Without Jeopardizing Your Health
Dec 1, 2022 | 21 minutes

When done properly, elimination diets can be extremely beneficial. Unfortunately, most people approach elimination diets haphazardly and jeopardize their long-term physical and mental health. I will discuss my top nine tips for planning and working through systematic diet elimination.
Wendy Busse, MSc, RD – With a career spanning 30 years, Wendy has had the privilege of working with and learning from hundreds of food-sensitive clients. Her passion is creating engaging online programs to help clients struggling with restricted eating rebuild their body and food trust and expand their diet. As an expert in food hypersensitivities, Wendy has spoken at many national conferences and has sat on the medical advisory committees of non-profit organizations.
Ep 39: Retrain Your Brain to Feel Safe Around Food
Nov 3, 2022 | 24 minutes

Retraining your brain is a common buzzword these days. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it apply to food sensitivities? Simone Albert will share her insights on the overlap between fear and food reactions and how to change these automatic reactions.
Simone Albert, RN, Registered Counsellor is the principal counsellor and founder of Food Allergy Counselling in Australia. She’s a registered counsellor, registered nurse, author and mum of two teenagers living with allergies. She provides support, guidance and evidence-based strategies and techniques to families and individuals navigating the psychological life transition that comes with a new chronic condition diagnosis. Her book Beyond the Allergy Diagnosis is available through Amazon.
Ep 38: Responding to a Traumatic Food-Associated Experience
Oct 6, 2022 | 13 minutes

Traumatic experiences associated with food can quickly pull us into the FAST and lead to conditioned food sensitivity. Makena Osborne shares a scary event that she recently went through and how she navigated through the fear.
Makena Osborne is a student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in psychology! She models internationally (Paris Fashion Week, Vancouver Fashion Week, Western Canada Fashion Week and modelling for clothing companies around Canada). Currently, she lives in Kelowna, British Columbia and works part-time at Saje Natural Wellness.
Ep 37: Ditching the Shame on Your Road to Recovery
Sept 1, 2022 | 26 minutes

Shame – an inevitable part of chronic illness – can be a roadblock to recovery. Johannah shares the impact of shame on her health and how she found the courage to move past it. In addition to softening her symptoms, this journey has positively influenced every aspect of her life.
Johannah Ruddy, M.Ed, Johannah has a master’s degree in education and a career in non-profit management. She is also the executive director of the Rome Foundation and secretary-treasurer for the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care. In addition to her professional experience, she is a digestive health patient and patient advocate. She is a co-author of the book, Gut Feelings: Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) and the Patient-Doctor Relationship. Contact her through Twitter @johannahruddy.
Ep 36: Is Your Diet Too Strict?
August 4, 2022 | 14 minutes

I discuss five key points to help you reflect on this crucial question. I challenge black-and-white misperceptions about sensitivities and offer listeners a different perspective on how to approach food and their health.
Wendy Busse, MSc, RD – With a career spanning 30 years, Wendy has had the privilege of working with and learning from hundreds of food-sensitive clients. Her passion is creating engaging online programs to help clients struggling with restricted eating rebuild their body and food trust and expand their diet. As an expert in food hypersensitivities, Wendy has spoken at many national conferences and has sat on the medical advisory committees of non-profit organizations.
Ep 35: Freedom Through Batch Cooking
July 7, 2022 | 26 minutes

When you have sensitivities, food can dominate your life. Batch cooking may be the answer to help you spend less time thinking about food or working in the kitchen. Kathlena (aka The Allergy Chef) tells us how batch cooking can bring time, financial, emotional and mental freedom.
Kathlena has over 200 food allergies & intolerances, including most water. The members of her household also have food allergies and special diets, none of them the same. After being told she had 30 days to live, she made it her mission to help the food allergy community thrive. Three years from her lowest point, she and her team have published cookbooks, started a bakery, done nationwide outreach, developed recipes and resources, and more. You can reach Kathlena through her website TheAllergyChef.com
Ep 34: My Journey as a FAST Freedom Dietitian
June 2, 2022 | 29 minutes

Audrey has been a FAST Freedom coach for six months and has done a fantastic job helping her clients move past their restricted diet struggles. She shares inspiring stories and examples of what changes have made the most significant difference in her clients’ lives.
Audrey Inouye, RD – Audrey is an IBS specialist dietitian, co-author of The 28-Day Plan for IBS Relief: 100 Low FODMAP Recipes to Soothe Your Symptoms of IBS, and FAST Freedom practitioner. Many people with IBS or unexplained symptoms have unnecessarily stopped eating the foods they love. Audrey coaches her clients to relieve their symptoms and rebuild confidence in food. Find her at www.ibsnutrition.com.
Ep 33: Food Sensitivities and Depression
May 5, 2022 | 10 minutes

Depression is common for those suffering from food sensitivities or mysterious symptoms. I will discuss the reasons for this connection and strategies to get out of the rut and live a full life.
Wendy Busse, MSc, RD – With a career spanning 30 years, Wendy has had the privilege of working with and learning from hundreds of food-sensitive clients. Her passion is creating engaging online programs to help clients struggling with restricted eating rebuild their body and food trust and expand their diet. As an expert in food hypersensitivities, Wendy has spoken at many national conferences and has sat on the medical advisory committees of non-profit organizations.
Ep 32: From Hopeless to an Effective Management Plan
April 7, 2022 | 31 minutes

Johannah tells her moving story of feeling helpless when every doctor dismissed her symptoms. Eventually, she withdrew from the medical system and assumed her only option was to live with her debilitating symptoms. Luckily, Johannah met Dr. Drossman and learned that her symptoms stemmed from a previous food poisoning incident that led to disordered gut-brain communication. She worked with Dr. Drossman to create a management plan that addressed her body and brain.
Johannah Ruddy has a master’s degree in education and a career in non-profit management. She is also the executive director of the Rome Foundation and secretary-treasurer for the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care. In addition to her professional experience, she is a digestive health patient and patient advocate.
Dr. Douglas Drossman is trained in both gastroenterology and psychiatry. He is professor emeritus of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, professor emeritus and chief of operations of the Rome Foundation and president of the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care and DrossmanCare.
Dr. Drossman and Johannah are co-authors of two books Gut Feelings – Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction and the Patient-Doctor Relationship and the second book which will be coming out in the near future Gut Feelings – The Patient Story.
Ep 31: Building a Supportive Partnership with Your Doctor
March 24, 2022 | 20 minutes
Communicating with your doctor can be challenging – especially if your symptoms are difficult to explain and there is no straightforward treatment. Patients often feel disrespected and shut down during their appointments. However, a supportive partnership with your doctor is possible. Dr. Drossman will share his insightful tips from his book Gut Feelings – Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction and the Patient-Doctor Relationship: A Guide for Patients and Doctors.
Douglass Drossman, MD is trained in both gastroenterology and psychiatry. He is professor emeritus of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, professor emeritus and chief of operations of the Rome Foundation and president of the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care and DrossmanCare. Additionally, Dr. Drossman has co-authored the book, Gut Feelings: Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) and the Patient-Doctor Relationship.
Ep 30: Biopsychosocial Model – Looking Beyond Food as a Cause of Digestive Distress
March 10, 2022 | 30 minutes
Dr. Drossman explains how we need to look at the big picture when searching for the cause of distressing symptoms (i.e. disorders of the gut-brain interaction). For example, when patients focus exclusively on the role of food, they may miss the treatments that are most likely to help them get back to a good quality of life.
Douglass Drossman, MD is trained in both gastroenterology and psychiatry. He is professor emeritus of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, professor emeritus and chief of operations of the Rome Foundation and president of the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care and DrossmanCare. Additionally, Dr. Drossman has co-authored the book, Gut Feelings: Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) and the Patient-Doctor Relationship.
Ep 29: Breathing: Long, Smooth, Soft
February 24, 2022 | 37 minutes

Shelly answers one of my burning questions about the benefits of observing the breath vs regulating it. She takes us through a meditation to encourage longer, smoother and softer breathing (but not necessarily deep). This practice can help calm the nervous system, decrease hypervigilance and minimize a variety of physical or mental health symptoms. Shelly also explains that “deep” breathing can sometimes lead to over-breathing with the upper chest and neck muscles, which can activate the sympathetic nervous system and may be counterproductive for some people.
Shelly Prosko, PT, C-IAYT (Physiotherapist, Yoga Therapist). Shelly is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist, author, educator, and pioneer of PhysioYoga with over 23 years of experience integrating yoga into physiotherapy and specializes in areas of chronic pain, pelvic health, and professional burnout. She lectures at physiotherapy and yoga programs, contributes to research, presents at conferences globally, provides mentorship for professionals, and offers courses and resources for healthcare professionals and the general population. Shelly has authored book chapters in rehabilitation textbooks and is the co-editor/author of Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain. She maintains a clinical practice in Sylvan Lake, Canada and believes compassion is the foundation of healthcare. Visit www.physioyoga.ca to learn more
Ep 28: Enrich Your Life with Non-Food Sources of Joy
February 10, 2022 | 27 minutes

When you lose the joy of eating because of a restricted diet, life can become bland. However, non-food sources of joy can bring back some pleasure and excitement. Melanie reminds us why joy is vital and how we can intentionally create opportunities to enrich our lives.
Melanie Mitchell Epp. Melanie Mitchell Epp is an author, speaker and coach who knows that true change happens when we change how we think. She wrote an empowering book called “I Don’t Think So” that tells the story of how she overcame the greatest challenges of her life. She does one to one coaching and she has an online program called Your Whole Hearted Life, dedicated to helping people overcome pain, patterns and powerlessness. Melanie believes that change is possible for anyone who wants it. If you want to experience change in your life, Melanie can show you how to make that happen. You can find her at www.melaniemitchellepp.com.
Ep 27: Bring Joy Back To Your Meals: Create an Inviting Environment
January 27, 2022 | 31 minutes

When you have sensitivities, getting overly focused on food and forgetting about your eating environment is easy. Instead, take the time to create an inviting environment and bring enjoyment back to your meal! In addition to more enjoyment, a better relationship with food can reduce your reactivity. Kristin will share her insightful tips to make meals more pleasurable, even on a restricted diet.
Kristyn Hall, MSc, RD. Kristyn is a registered dietitian helping men and women in midlife eat better & feel better with food, not diets, through coaching, mindfulness and nourishment. She provides energy, education and a shame-free space to talk about your food and nutrition struggles. I can testify that she is a culinary wizard. Her Instagram posts are mouth-watering.
Nutrition is one of the most powerful, yet under-used therapies for our health and wellness. If you are hungry for healthy, sustainable nutrition strategies to help you feel better and reclaim your best health, you can reach Kristyn through her website at www.EnergizeNutrition.ca.
Ep 26: Bring Joy Back To Your Meals: Creative Preparation
January 13, 2022 | 25 minutes

When you have food sensitivities, it is easy to get in a repetitive-food rut and resent food. Kathlena’s stories and creative meal ideas will empower you to break out of this rut and rediscover the joy of eating.
Kathlena, The Allergy Chef. Kathlena has over 200 food allergies & intolerances, including most water. The members of her household also have food allergies and special diets, none of them the same. After being told she had 30 days to live, she made it her mission to help the food allergy community thrive. Three years from her lowest point, she and her team have published cookbooks, started a bakery, done nationwide outreach, developed recipes and resources, and more. You can reach Kathlena through her websites (raise.theallergychef.com OR goraise.net), Instagram (@theallergychef), Youtube (theallergychef) and Facebook (freeandfriendly).
Ep 25: Is it Anxiety or a Food Reaction?
December 30, 2021 | 29 minutes

After a severe food anaphylactic reaction, Kristina experienced significant anxiety when eating out. She shares her stories of how she got back to a comfortable relationship with food by rebuilding her body and food trust.
Kristina Seefeldt has navigated anaphylactic food allergies her whole life. Born and raised in Alberta, Kristina moved to Toronto in 2015 to pursue her Master of Arts in Criminology at the University of Toronto. She currently works at Toronto Community Housing’s Community Safety Unit. Work aside, Kristina is a yoga teacher, a dedicated traveller (when the world is not in the throes of a pandemic!), and despite her allergies, a huge foodie. You reach Kristina through IG @kristina.flows.
Ep 24: A Healthy Degree of Food Restriction Vigilance
December 16, 2021 | 20 minutes

After a severe food anaphylactic reaction, Kristina experienced significant anxiety when eating out. She shares her stories of how she got back to a comfortable relationship with food by rebuilding her body and food trust.
Kristina Seefeldt has navigated anaphylactic food allergies her whole life. Born and raised in Alberta, Kristina moved to Toronto in 2015 to pursue her Master of Arts in Criminology at the University of Toronto. She currently works at Toronto Community Housing’s Community Safety Unit. Work aside, Kristina is a yoga teacher, a dedicated traveller (when the world is not in the throes of a pandemic!), and despite her allergies, a huge foodie. You reach Kristina through IG @kristina.flows.
Ep 23: Thriving Through the Holidays: Keep Food Sensitivity Explanations to a Minimum
December 2, 2021 | 18 minutes

It is easy to get caught in a futile struggle to try and get other people to understand and accept your food sensitivities. Christine shares stories of how this led to frustration and why she keeps her explanations to a minimum.
Christine Myers is a wife and a mom of two. She is a chronic illness warrior, nutritional therapy practitioner student, former pastry chef , content creator and a board member of the non-profit organization Lichen Sclerosus support network. For years she has struggled with numerous chronic illnesses and food sensitivities. She shares her delicious recipes and her journey to thriving with chronic illness and food sensitivities through her website (www.insicknessandinwellness.com) and Instagram (@insicknessandinwellness).
Ep 22: Thriving Through the Holidays: Moving Past Food Restriction Grief
November 18, 2021 | 18 minutes

Christine shares her anger and frustration with food restriction and her journey to thriving and helping others. If you are stuck in food-restriction grief, Christine’s down-to-earth stories will help you take steps forward.
Christine Myers is a wife and a mom of two. She is a chronic illness warrior, nutritional therapy practitioner student, former pastry chef , content creator and a board member of the non-profit organization Lichen Sclerosus support network. For years she has struggled with numerous chronic illnesses and food sensitivities. She shares her delicious recipes and her journey to thriving with chronic illness and food sensitivities through her website (www.insicknessandinwellness.com) and Instagram (@insicknessandinwellness).
Ep 21: Limbic System Hypervigilance Can Make Harmless Physical Sensations Feel Like Dangerous Symptoms
November 4, 2021 | 28minutes

A hypervigilant limbic system looks for danger around every corner. When fear drives our awareness, we experience physical sensations more intensely and worry that it is the beginning of a symptom flare. Balanced awareness helps us differentiate between harmless physical sensations and symptoms.
Kristy Arbon, BA, BSW, Cert. MSC is founder and CEO of HeartWorks Training LLC, teaching from a trauma-informed and strengths perspective approach. She supports people in developing self-compassion, mindfulness, embodiment, shame resilience and intuition through training, mentoring, researching and writing.
Kristy’s offerings have deep roots in the traditions of mindfulness, sensory modulation, interoceptive awareness, embodiment, Polyvagal theory, neuroscience, Buddhist philosophy, Mindful Self-Compassion, internal parts work, and exploration of archetypes. She is the developer of the Somatic Self-Compassion curriculum, a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, and a qualified Social Worker.
Ep 20: Food and Health Labels Can Lead to Unnecessary Food Restriction
October 21, 2021 | 28 minutes

Food labels (this food is high in histamine) and health labels (I am histamine intolerant) are easy to pick up from our fear-based media. Unfortunately, they profoundly affect our relationship with food and may lead to unnecessary restrictions. Let go of those labels and find the freedom to expand your diet.
Ep 19: Regret and Shame with Potentially Unnecessary Restrictions
Oct 7, 2021 | 20 minutes

Reintroducing dairy brought new freedom to Judy’s life, but her inner dialogue questioned if the fifteen-year restriction was necessary or if she had unwittingly complicated her life. Judy describes how self-compassion helped her overcome this shame and regret.

Ep 18: When Does Focusing on Gut Health Become Unhealthy?
September 23, 2021 | 30 minutes

Brooke describes how wellness culture can lead us down a path that makes the symptoms we are trying to “fix” worse. For example, we are bombarded by messages that the “right diet” will heal the gut and is a panacea for a myriad of medically unexplained symptoms. But with so many conflicting messages about what the “right diet” actually is, we are left confused and frustrated.
Brooke Bulloch, RD is a non-diet Dietitian, CEO at Food to Fit Nutrition, and mom. She earned a BSc in Nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan and her work experience began with the Regional Health Authority in 2009.
Brooke has been working in private practice since 2012 and today her practice is comprised of a team of HAES-aligned dietitians with various expertise supporting the areas of pediatrics, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic conditions, women’s health including PCOS and fertility, intuitive eating, and eating disorders.
Brooke is an experienced media spokesperson and contributes regularly to Co-op’s in store Table Magazine and online Food Blog. Since 2011 Brooke has been featured in CBC radio, The Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, Canadian Living, Chatelaine, Cottage Life Magazine, Inside Fitness, and has a monthly segment on Saskatoon’s Global News Morning.
As a working mom and business owner, Brooke values simplicity in nutrition planning along with a curious, non-diet approach to food and eating. Contact Brooke: www.foodtofit.ca; @brookebullochrd; @foodtofit_nutrition
Ep 17: Foster a Joyful Relationship with Food, Despite Severe Food Allergies
September 9, 2021 | 34 minutes

Kristina and her mom, Pat, reminisce about Kristina’s challenges growing up with multiple, severe anaphylactic food allergies. Despite these restrictions, the family continued their foodie ways, and Kristina grew up with a positive relationship with food. They share the family rituals and traditions that made this possible.
Kristina Seefeldt has navigated anaphylactic food allergies her whole life. Born and raised in Alberta, Kristina moved to Toronto in 2015 to pursue her Master of Arts in Criminology at the University of Toronto. She currently works at Toronto Community Housing’s Community Safety Unit as a compliance and training specialist. Work aside, Kristina is a yoga teacher, a dedicated traveller (when the world is not in the throes of a pandemic!), and despite her allergies, a huge foodie. You reach Kristina through IG @kristina.flows.
Ep 16: Intentional Versus Impulsive Food Reintroduction
August 26, 2021 | 27 minutes

Madeline started her diet expansion journey with impulsive reintroductions. These unsuccessful attempts reinforced her fear and food restrictions. When she learned to step back and make intentional changes, she found success and ended her restricted diet struggles.
Madeline Erlich is a Registered Dietitian and graduate student at the University of Toronto. She recently completed a post-graduate diploma in Dietetic Education from Brescia University College, an affiliate college at the University of Western Ontario. She also holds a BASc in Nutrition and Food from Ryerson University and a BAH in Health Studies from Queen’s University. Madeline was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2015 after a lifetime of health challenges. Her attempts to heal her body after diagnosis led her to struggle with dietary hypervigilance and conditioned food sensitivities. Having now overcome the Food Avoidance and Sensitivity Trap, she uses these experiences to help clients break out of the cycle as well. Contact Madeline at madelineerlich.rd@gmail.com
Ep 15: Connecting with Ourselves When the Present Moment is Challenging
August 12, 2021 | 34 minutes

After recording our initial self-compassion podcast, I realized that my inner dialogue was not as kind as I thought, and I asked Kristy for a follow-up episode. She shares her wisdom about softening resistance and connecting compassionately with ourselves when the present moment is challenging.
Kristy Arbon, BA, BSW, Cert. MSC is founder and CEO of HeartWorks Training LLC, teaching from a trauma-informed and strengths perspective approach. She supports people in developing self-compassion, mindfulness, embodiment, shame resilience and intuition through training, mentoring, researching and writing.
Kristy’s offerings have deep roots in the traditions of mindfulness, sensory modulation, interoceptive awareness, embodiment, Polyvagal theory, neuroscience, Buddhist philosophy, Mindful Self-Compassion, internal parts work, and exploration of archetypes. She is the developer of the Somatic Self-Compassion curriculum, a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, and a qualified Social Worker.
Reach Kristy through – kristy@heartworks.training, kristyarbon.com, Facebook – @KristyArbon, Instagram – kristyarbon
Ep 14: Self-Compassion When You Are Facing the Uncertainty of Medically Unexplained Symptoms
July 29, 2021 | 30 minutes

Kristy talks about the importance of self-compassion when struggling with medically unexplained symptoms – especially when we feel frustrated and uncertain. We often look outside ourselves for nurturing in times of distress, but our inner champion is our greatest source of comfort.
Kristy Arbon, BA, BSW, Cert. MSC is founder and CEO of HeartWorks Training LLC, teaching from a trauma-informed and strengths perspective approach. She supports people in developing self-compassion, mindfulness, embodiment, shame resilience and intuition through training, mentoring, researching and writing.
Kristy’s offerings have deep roots in the traditions of mindfulness, sensory modulation, interoceptive awareness, embodiment, Polyvagal theory, neuroscience, Buddhist philosophy, Mindful Self-Compassion, internal parts work, and exploration of archetypes. She is the developer of the Somatic Self-Compassion curriculum, a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, and a qualified Social Worker.
Reach Kristy through – kristy@heartworks.training, kristyarbon.com, Facebook – @KristyArbon, Instagram – kristyarbon
Ep 13: Early Life Trauma Can Leave Us Vulnerable to Extreme Diet Restriction Communities
July 15, 2021 | 24 minutes

Samantha’s early life trauma left her vulnerable to being sucked into diet restrictions, which eventually led to a dark place in her life. Fortunately, she had the strength to find her way out and use her experiences to help others.
Samantha Gilbert, FNC, CHNP, CNC spent most of her life battling severe depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body image dysmorphia. Since finding her own path to wholeness, she is dedicated to helping others find this same healing path.
For 12 years I’ve helped couples, women, and children from 13 countries heal their mind and body. I’m an expert in creating customized therapies to place you on a path to healing. Only then can true healing begin and continue with love, empathy, compassion, and biochemical individuality. Reach Samantha at eatfor.life
Ep 12: Trusting the Resilience of Your Body
July 1, 2021 | 33 minutes

Desiree talks with me about the importance of seeing the big picture when investigating our triggers rather than automatically linking symptoms with food. By trusting our body’s innate ability to heal, we can shift our daily patterns and enjoy greater wellbeing.
Desiree Nielsen BSc RD is a registered dietitian, author and host with a focus on plant-based nutrition, chronic inflammation and digestive health. She is the author of the bestselling plant-based cookbook Eat More Plants and the Allsorts Podcast as well as an upcoming gut health cookbook (2022). Contact Desiree at www.desireerd.com or on IG @desireenielsenrd.
Ep 11: Health Trauma as a Trigger for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
June 17, 2021 | 40 minutes

Laura describes how her experiences with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) led her down a vicious cycle until she was only eating three foods. Laura has been in treatment for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) for the last eight months and shares the mindset shifts that are helping her through recovery.
Laura Mae Ramsey: I am a content creator focused on sharing my recovery journey with ARFID and OCD which I developed after going through a traumatic medical experience. I am also an entrepreneur, selling shirts and stickers featuring positive affirmations that have helped me through my recovery. Contact Laura through: lauramaeramsey@gmail.com, lauramaeramsey.com or @lauramaeramsey on TikTok, YouTube or Instagram.
Ep 10: Remain Curious About the Nuances and Changes with Food Tolerance
June 3, 2021 | 24 minutes

Kate shares her personal journey and many years of experience as a digestive health expert to help the listener understand how food tolerance changes over time and why we should keep “testing the waters.”
Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN, LDN Kate is a Boston-based dietitian with 30 years of experience. Kate’s expertise is in gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerance, with a particular focus on the application of the low FODMAP diet for functional gut disorders. She was awarded the Outstanding Massachusetts Dietitian Award and recognized as Boston’s Best Dietitian by Boston Magazine. Kate is the author of numerous books and articles on digestive health topics including the New York Times Best Seller, The 21 Day Tummy Diet. Her latest book is The Low FODMAP Diet Step by Step. Kate completed her postgraduate training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate. Look for Kate on IG and Twitter. She has some great IG Lives. Her contact is in the description.: Instagram @katescarlata or website www.katescarlata.com.
Ep 9: Five Tips for Living a Full Life, Despite Severe Health Challenges
May 20, 2021 | 13 minutes

Irene is on an inspiring journey towards peace and acceptance of her uncertain health conditions. She shares five tips that have brought light into darkness.
Irene was diagnosed with celiac disease in December 2015. Despite a strict gluten-free diet, she continued having severe food reactions – which eventually led to a mast cell activation syndrome diagnosis. Irene reacts to food, stress, hormones, sunlight, temperature changes, medications, and other environmental changes. As with many mast cell patients, her reactions are not consistent. Something could trigger her one day but be tolerated the next day. Accidental gluten ingestion has led to anaphylactic-like mast cell flares that take several weeks for recovery. The most isolating part of her illness has been avoiding scents and sunlight.
Ep 8: Functional Gut Disorders – It’s Not Just Food
May 5, 2021 | 16 minutes
This episode’s inspiration started with Andrea’s insightful Instagram post reminding us to look at the big picture of gut symptom triggers rather than focusing solely on food. Learn about the effects of stress on the digestive system and how this relates to the gut-brain axis.
Andrea Hardy, RD is a registered dietitian from Calgary, Canada, where she runs a multi-disciplinary digestive health practice called Ignite Nutrition. She specializes in gut health & gastrointestinal diseases and is recognized in the media as ‘Canada’s Gut Health Expert.’
Using her skills in evidence-based knowledge translation, she empowers Canadians to make lifestyle changes to support a healthy gut. She has spoken on the TEDx stage, as well as internationally, about digestive health. Follow her on Instagram at @andreahardyrd or tune into her gut health podcast ‘Let’s Gut Real’ which is all about making nutrition science easy to digest!
Ep 7: Food Reintroduction Can be Scary – Even For a Food Sensitivity Coach!
April 21, 2021 | 17 minutes
Tara was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at three years of age and multiple food sensitivities later in life. She talks with me about the fear she experienced when recently reintroducing soy and chickpea. She also shares the joy and freedom of bringing these foods back into her diet.
Tara Cornick, BSN As a registered dietitian from 2002-2016, she assisted thousands of people to eat healthy while adjusting for individual food intolerances, allergies, and health concerns. More recently, Tara has been training in conscious communication, yoga, mindfulness, and trauma.
Ep 6: Freezing Meals
April 8, 2021 | 21 minutes
Michelle and I share our top tips for freezer meals. Learn how to simplify your meal planning and prep. Get out of the kitchen and enjoy your life.
Michelle Sendowski is the Co-founder of Souper Cubes, a family business based in Los Angeles that is passionate about making freezer meal prep easy and convenient. Additionally, she is finishing a Ph.D. in Higher Education. You can reach Michelle at Souper Cubes.
Ep 5: Finding Balance After a Severe Food Allergic Reaction
March 25, 2021 | 13minutes
Hannah shares her story of how she became hypervigilant after an accidental peanut exposure and the tools that she used to move past the fear and get back to her old life.
Hannah Hunter, MSc, RD Hannah is a specialist allergy dietitian at Guy’s Hospital in London, where she splits her time between outpatient clinics, research, and health professional education. Her research interests include peanut allergy, pollen food syndrome and eosinophilic oesophagitis. Hannah’s personal experience with peanut anaphylaxis and food sensitivities helps her understand the challenges her clients face.
Ep 4: Freedom from Pain, Patterns and Powerlessness
March 11, 2021 | 14 minutes
Melanie takes the listener on her journey from the unimaginable pain of losing custody of her young son to a place of freedom and peace. Her story inspires us to consider how our thoughts contribute to our suffering and powerlessness.
Melanie Mitchell Epp, CPA, CGA
Melanie is an author, speaker, and coach who helps people find freedom from pain, patterns and powerlessness. Her book is – I Don’t Think So and she has an online program Your Whole Hearted Life . Contact Melanie at melanie@yourwholeheartedlife.com
Ep 3: When the Path Falls Away: Living Well with Food Hypersensitivity
Feb 26, 2021 | 20 minutes
Judy recently completed a story-based research study – When the Path Falls Away: Living Well with Food Hypersensitivity. She shares her practical findings, including how people with food sensitivity can get back on track to a meaningful life.
Judy April, MAdED, RD – Judy April is a registered dietitian with Northern Health (British Columbia) and a FAST Freedom Coach. She recently completed a master’s degree in adult education and was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award (2020) from St. Francis Xavier University for her work documenting how people with food hypersensitivity learn to thrive. Her goal was to improve our collective understanding of food hypersensitivity and improve the lives of so many people suffering.
Ep 2: Hypervigilance in Celiac Disease
Feb 26, 2021 | 18 minutes
Maddie was diagnosed with celiac disease in her early 20’s. Soon after, she became hypervigilant – eventually restricting her diet to four foods. She shares her journey of recognizing her unhealthy relationship with food and finding her way back to balance. For Maddie, balance is being attuned to her disease and her body’s needs and adjusting her behaviours and eating accordingly.
Madeline Erlich, BAH, BASc – Madeline is a dietetic student, currently completing a post-graduate diploma through Brescia University College, an affiliate college at the University of Western Ontario. She has a BASc in Nutrition and Food from Ryerson University and a BAH in Health Studies from Queen’s University. She was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2015 and hopes to work with newly diagnosed and struggling celiacs when she becomes a registered dietitian.