The Celiac Project Podcast

Mike and Cam are kicking off another Celiac Awareness Month with their 9th Annual Celiac State of the Union show. This year they examine a number of areas that they feel are most important to the celiac and gluten free community. They also look at how society has changed since the beginning of the podcast in 2016 to the present, based on their own expectations of where they thought it would be nearly a decade later.

Mike and Cam welcome Gluten Free Beer Brian to the show. Brian is an expert at gluten free brewing and beermaking, and the guys sample some of Brian's homemade brews as he gives them an introductory primer, sharing some helpful tips along the way. Pull up a barstool and find out what it takes to brew a top tier gluten free beer! The guys also preview their spectacular Celiac Awareness Month line up that will include 3 very special shows--including episode 400!!!

It's time for Spring News and Notes! In this lively episode, Mike and Cam share some entertaining letters. A listener who had a similar hospital experience as Mike, news about a blood pressure medication that causes celiac-type symptoms, and some clarity about "In and Out Burger" gluten free offerings. Plus, they have a comical debate over a curious way to label donuts--are they gluten-less or do they just have less gluten? You be the judge!

Mike and Cam welcome back attorney Mary Vargas, for part 2 of their compelling, and at times very personal conversation. In this episode, Mary shares her struggles helping her newly diagnosed son navigate college with celiac disease, which Mary has dealt with, ironically, in her own litigation of a case against a university. Along the way they share important tips for what many parents of young adults heading off to college know to be a daunting process. They wrap up by talking a little bit about other institutions that can be challenging for those with celiac including hospital stays, nursing homes, and long term care facilities.

Returning guest and Disability Rights Lawyer, Mary Vargas, joins us for an eye opening conversation, so much so that it's a 2 part episode! In this week's show, Mary shares updates on some landmark cases including JD vs. Colonial Williamsburg, and the ripple effects of the case. We also revisit an ongoing case involving a man with celiac disease who was not given safe food in jail. In part 2, we dive into navigating some of the issues that can arrive in college, a topic that Mary has faced personally with her own son.

Mike and Cam are excited to welcome back Vanessa Weisbrod to the podcast. Vanessa discusses her new position at the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), where she is the Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer. Vanessa has hit the ground running and shares many of the exciting plans, programs and initiatives that she is working on at CDF. Included in the topics covered are Vanessa's vision for the future of celiac thought leaders, her work with Celiac Cruise, tackling food insecurity on a larger scale, and some of the hurdles that we face trying to change and reform gluten free labeling for food and drugs.

Cam is on the move again and his first trip in 2024 is snowboarding in Colorado! He decided to head back there after ending the year on a bit of a sour note. But on this trip he got back on his feet and, as usual, finds some gems to eat and drink and also shares some travel tips to stay safe and cut costs while shredding on the slopes!

Mike's daughters, Melanie(11) and Jessica(15) return to share updates! Jessica has lived with celiac disease since she was 3 years old, and Melanie learned from a very young age how to help advocate for her and her dad. More recently, Melanie has been learning to navigate life with a dairy intolerance. Having to deal with social situations like turning down food at parties, has given her a deeper understanding of how Jessica, her dad, and many others live every day.

Mike and Cam kick off 2024 with an old favorite - Stump Mike and Cam! In this episode, the guys test their knowledge on various celiac and gluten free topics. Test your knowledge and play along with them. Will Mike and Cam come out winners or will they be stumped!

As 2023 draws to a close, Mike and Cam explore some of the reasons they believe that 2024 could be the best year yet for the celiac and gluten free community. From positive recent changes they have observed, to better supports and understanding of living a safe gluten free life, Mike and Cam are excited to see our community thrive as we move into 2024. We toast to a fabulous New Year ahead!

Mike and Cam welcome Clinical Psychologist, Monique Germone, PhD to the podcast. Monique is a Pediatric Psychologist at the Colorado Center for Celiac Disease, Digestive Health Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado and an Associate Professor at University of Colorado School of Medicine. Monique discusses some of the unique psychological and emotional challenges facing kids and families with celiac disease and gluten issues. They also talk about how the holidays can add extra stress around food and social gatherings plus some strategies to make sure the holidays are joyful for everyone.

As the end of the year draws near, Mike and Cam reflect on their biggest takeaways from 2023 from a celiac and gluten free perspective. They come away with a wide range of observations, some that affected them very personally, and others that they see as larger issues that impact all of us.

Mike and Cam are excited to welcome Jax, Jon, and Leslie Bari to the podcast. Jax is an impressive young celiac advocate who has been featured on "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir," and met with President Biden! Jax and his parents are on a mission to advocate for change, and Jax authored a citizen's petition in his efforts to require the labeling of GLUTEN as a major food allergen, making all gluten containing grains labeled in the future. You will be so inspired by the work that Jax, Jon, and Leslie have done to create positive change moving forward!

The guys wrap up Part 2 of Fall News and Notes with a fun story about a podcast fan and his near meet-up with Mike in Madison. They share their thoughts about a NY Times article about the rise of students who need gluten free and allergen free foods in college. Also, a new listener who is still coming to terms with her daughter's celiac diagnosis.

Mike and Cam dig into their mailbag for part 1 of Fall News and Notes! First they share the story of a special birthday at sea on the Celiac Cruise, then a troubling tale of a father who still can't process the seriousness of his daughter's celiac disease, taunting her with gluten. We also talk about Italy's amazing plan to test all kids for celiac and Type 1 diabetes between the ages of 0-17 years old, and much more!

Mike and Cam welcome back special guest Maureen Basye, founder of Celiac Cruise, to the show! The Celiac Cruise has had an epic year of global travel with their expanded sailing opportunities. Maureen doesn't stop there! Her deeply rooted passionate vision and mission to bring gluten free families safe travel and social experiences abroad, while simultaneously giving back to the community through her fundraising efforts, is the driving force in how she views success. We learn the exciting destinations that Celiac Cruise has in store in 2024 and beyond! Hop aboard...a great adventure awaits!

Are there really people with celiac disease who are "more sensitive" than others? Mike shares his latest family get-together and how even after 14 years of being diagnosed with celiac disease, making a documentary, having a podcast and otherwise shouting from the rooftops, this condition can still be confusing--even for folks who think they understand the disease. Mike and Cam also talk about the level of awareness of Crohn's and Colitis as they relate to celiac disease, and why we celebrate Celiac Awareness Day, which was just last Wednesday.

It's been an eventful summer for Cam! In an exciting turn of events, he has recently discovered a new doctor who is helping him finally get to the bottom of some of his ongoing health issues. In addition to this, he just headed back to school after a long hiatus. Mike helps him unpack some of his takeaways from the latest exciting chapter of his life. On the subject of "back to school" they also share some distinctions between 504 plans, IEP's, and college accommodations.

Mike and Cam welcome Teona Khaindrava, founder and owner of Senza Gluten in New York City. Senza Gluten is truly one of the top gluten free restaurants in the world. Teona shares her passion for making sure that everyone who visits Senza Gluten has a memorable experience whether they need to eat gluten free or not. She also shares how the community has lifted her up during challenging times and what drives her to make sure that her customers at Senza Gluten eat the most delicious and safe gluten free Italian food possible!

Mike and Cam welcome Rep. Dean Phillips, member of the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota's 3rd DIstrict. Rep. Phillips introduced the Allergen Disclosure In Non-Food Articles (ADINA) Act into congress, named after a young girl by the same name who had a health scare at camp. If this bill becomes law, medications must adhere to the same labeling laws as food and beverages. Rep. Phillps shares how he learned about Adina's story, some of the challenges to getting this type of legislation passed, and his hopes that the president will soon be signing this bill into law.