A Gluten Free Podcast

Episode 190

My guest on today’s episode is gluten free cookbook author and former Masterchef Australia contestant, Melanie Persson. We’ll talk about the difference of living gluten free in the UK versus Australia, the release of her new cookbook Gluten Free Feasts and some tips for holding a gluten free feast of your own.

What we'll chat about:

* Reintroduction - a little background Melanie and brief recap of her coeliac diagnosis, Masterchef Australia experience and creating her first cookbook

* Mel's experience being in Leeds & living gluten free in the UK in general (comparison to living in Australia)

* Recent Free From Festival experience and connecting with others in the UK gluten free community

* Motivation behind the new cookbook Gluten Free Feasts

* Theme of cookbook and sneak peek into some of the 80 recipes

* Mel's personal favourite recipes from the upcoming book

* Top tips for entertaining and hosting (making a feast) for both coeliacs or having a gluten free guest

* Stories of cooking gluten free feasts for friends/ family (struggles & wins)

* Mel's perspective of not compromising on taste and setting a higher standard for gluten free food within broader society

Links

Preorder and purchase Gluten Free Feasts

Follow Melanie Persson on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook

Enter cookbook giveaway

A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook Group

📬 Stay connected:
Instagram: @a.gffamily
Email: aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com

Please subscribe, share, or leave a review - it really helps grow our coeliac and gluten free community.

This podcast reflects personal experiences and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual guidance.

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast

Episode 189

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with coeliac disease, it can feel like everything changes — food, social life, identity. That was my experience, and I know many of you can relate. In this solo episode, I want to explore how we can find inclusion, community and connection in our gluten free lives — and how we can support each other through it.

In This Episode, I Share:

• A story from last week’s guest Sonny Wells, who created Sonny’s Food, the world’s first gluten free fast food chain, after his own diagnosis
• A recent gluten close-call with my daughter, and how these moments remind us of the importance of community and support

Talking Points:

1. Acknowledge the Isolation
   It’s okay to grieve this life shift. Accepting the hard parts helps you move forward.
2. Redefine Inclusion
   True inclusion means building new spaces where your needs are fully respected.
3. Your Journey is Yours Alone
   Don’t compare. Your timeline and emotions are valid.
4. Find Your Community
   Online, in person, or through A Gluten Free Family — seek spaces where you feel understood.
5. Connect with People Who Get It
   Gluten free parents, teens, students, travellers — find your people.
6. Share Your Story
   Telling and hearing stories helps us feel less alone and more empowered.
7. Create New Traditions
   Whether it’s pizza night or a local GF event, make safe food moments fun.
8. Support Gluten Free Businesses
   They’re working for us — let’s return the favour with reviews, shares and support.
9. Advocate Together
   From petitions to policy, there’s power in numbers. We need each other’s voices.
10. Be a Connector
    Help others by listening, sharing resources, and being the support you wish you had.
11. You Belong Here
    You’re not alone. If you need connection, reach out — I’m here, and so is this community.

Next Week’s Episode:

🎉 I’ll be joined by Mel Persson (The Very Hungry Coeliac) to talk about her brand-new cookbook Gluten Free Feasts, life in the UK, and her ongoing food journey. You won’t want to miss it!

Want to Connect?

🌐 aglutenfreefamily.com
📩 DM or email me — I’d love to hear your story
⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated
📣 Share with someone starting their gluten free journey

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information shared is based on personal experiences and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medications or health routine.

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast

Episode 188

What if fast food could be 100% gluten free, safe for coeliacs, nut-free, and with dairy-free options too? That dream is becoming reality thanks to Sonny Wells, founder of Sonny’s Food, the UK-based startup gaining global attention — from the coeliac community and business leaders like Richard Branson, Simon Squibb, and Steven Bartlett.

In this episode, Sonny shares how his coeliac diagnosis over a decade ago led to a bold mission: to create a fully coeliac-safe fast food chain that makes gluten free dining fast, easy, and safe — without compromise. We talk about his personal journey, the challenges of being a male in the gluten free space, and how the idea for Sonny’s Food came to life.

🔍 In This Episode:

🌟 The Mission Behind Sonny’s Food

• What makes Sonny’s 100% coeliac-safe, nut-free & dairy-free adaptable
• Why it’s more than just a business — it’s a movement

📖 Coeliac Life & Diagnosis

• Sonny’s diagnosis story and life as a gluten free male
• Social impacts, stigma, and staying visible in the community

🇬🇧 Gluten Free in the UK

• Navigating food subsidies, postcode lotteries, and Coeliac UK’s support
• Is 13% of the UK gluten free?

🍔 Building the Brand

• The inspiration behind Sonny’s
• Menu plans, Coeliac UK accreditation, and price comparisons

🚀 Starting Up

• Fundraising, startup growth, and high-profile support
• Winning Simon Squibb’s pitch, meeting Richard Branson, and running into Steven Bartlett

💬 Community & Global Response

• Support from the coeliac community and beyond
• Could Sonny’s expand globally — even to Australia?

💡 One Chat That Changed Everything

• A moment that reminded Sonny why he started this journey

👏 Why It Matters:

If you’ve ever felt unsafe eating out, been glutened at a restaurant, or longed for more convenient options — this episode is for you. Sonny’s taking a personal struggle and turning it into a solution the whole community can benefit from.

🔗 Connect With Sonny’s Food:

Instagram: @sonnysfood

TikTok: @sonnysfood

Website: www.sonnysfood.com (Coming soon)

Email: investment@sonnysfood.com

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised support.

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast

Episode 187

This week, we’re flipping the script on how we think about coeliac disease and gluten free living. What if we approached it like a scientist?

I’ve spoken with leading experts like Dr Jason Tye-Din, Olivia Moscatelli and Andrew Williams — all scientists who use trial, error, and objectivity to explore the unknown. While we may not be in a lab, we can use their mindset to navigate our own gluten free lives.

🔍 What Does It Mean to Think Like a Scientist?

Scientists stay curious, objective, and open to being wrong. That mindset can transform how we approach coeliac disease.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Experimentation
Try new recipes, test restaurant strategies, make mistakes — and learn. Every "failure" is data to refine your approach.

2️⃣ Collecting Data & Problem Solving
Use existing knowledge: trusted resources, recipes, support groups, symptoms tracking, health checklists. Others have done the legwork — tap into that.

3️⃣ Continuous Learning & Staying Objective
Even world-leading experts stay curious and humble. We should too. Let go of ego, embrace new information, and keep evolving.

💡 Why This Matters
Coeliac life can feel restrictive, but a scientific mindset brings flexibility, curiosity and growth. You don’t need to be perfect — just open to learning.

🔜 Next Week
We’re speaking with someone revolutionising gluten free fast food. He’s launching the world’s first dedicated GF fast food chain in the UK. It’s an inspiring story of experimentation and persistence — you won’t want to miss it.

🧪 Final Thought
You don’t need a lab coat to think like a scientist. Just curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to grow.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

Episode with Anthony Dionne - How To Dine Out Safely With Coeliac Disease

Understanding the 'may contain gluten' statement blog post

Follow up testing and management for coeliac disease

A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook Group

📬 Stay connected:
Instagram: @a.gffamily
Email: aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com

Please subscribe, share, or leave a review — it really helps grow our coeliac and gluten free community.

⚠️ This podcast reflects personal experiences and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual guidance.

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast

Episode 186

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Associate Professor Kelly Lambert, Academic Program Director for Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales. Kelly and I first connected during a panel discussion at the Sydney Gluten Free Expo, where we tackled one of the most talked-about and often frustrating issues in the coeliac and gluten free space – the cost of gluten free food.

With the rising cost of living, the financial burden of maintaining a gluten free diet has only become more difficult for those of us with coeliac disease. Kelly has spent years studying this issue and shares some brand new research findings in this episode, including how her team conducted the studies and what the results reveal about the state of gluten free food affordability in Australia.

💬 We talk about:

• Kelly’s academic background and role in nutrition and dietetics
• Her personal connection (if any) to coeliac disease and the gluten free diet
• How the original study into gluten free food costs began and what inspired it
• New research findings and how they compare to previous data
• What this means for people with coeliac disease and other medically necessary gluten free diets
• How research like this can influence public health policy and advocacy efforts
• The recent Coeliac Australia petition for a gluten free food subsidy and how research may support it
• How Australia compares to countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Italy, where prescriptions or reimbursements exist for gluten free staples
• Our reflections on the Sydney Gluten Free Expo panel and the various perspectives shared – from researchers to small businesses to everyday consumers
• Kelly’s ongoing work and future plans in this area

🔗 Whether you're living with coeliac disease, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in food policy and nutrition research, this conversation will give you a better understanding of the challenges faced by gluten free Australians — and what steps might be taken to make gluten free food more accessible and affordable for all.

📢 Get involved:
If you'd like to learn more about Kelly’s research or participate in future studies, check out the links below. Your voice and experience can help shape the future of gluten free advocacy and research.

📌 Links & Resources:

• University of Wollongong – Nutrition & Dietetics Program
• Gluten Free Food Subsidy previous 2012 study
• Register interest in future studies (insert link)
• The 2024 update on cost of staple gluten free foods
• Climate footprint of gluten free diets
• Associate Professor Kelly Lambert email - klambert@uow.edu.au

🎧 Thanks so much for listening. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone in your gluten free community, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen.

Disclaimer

The content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your hea

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast

Episode 185

Welcome to this solo episode of Gluten Free Thoughts, where I’m reflecting on an essential but sometimes tricky topic: balance. Managing coeliac disease and living gluten free is a constant balancing act—between health and happiness, caution and connection, science and sanity. Everyone’s journey is different, and today I want to encourage you to find your balance and to do YOU.

🎙️ What We’ll Explore:

1. Health Check Ups Versus Health Anxiety
Regular health check ups are important for managing coeliac disease, but they can sometimes trigger anxiety. I’ll talk about how to be proactive without becoming consumed by worry. Finding peace of mind in your health routine is key to long-term wellness.

2. Eating Out Versus Avoiding Isolation
Social meals are a huge part of life, but eating out gluten free can be stressful and risky. I’ll share tips on how to enjoy dining out safely without feeling isolated or missing out on important social connections. Being part of community is vital, and your gluten free lifestyle should support that, not hinder it.

3. Having a Laugh With Others Versus Taking Coeliac Disease Seriously
Humour and lightheartedness help us cope with the challenges of coeliac disease, yet it’s crucial to also acknowledge the seriousness of the condition. I discuss how to balance these two sides — enjoying a laugh with friends while respecting the reality of living with an autoimmune disease.

4. Eating Healthy Versus Eating “Crap” Too Much
Let’s be honest—sometimes gluten free food options aren’t the healthiest, and indulging in treats happens more often than we’d like to admit. Balance means allowing yourself those moments of enjoyment without guilt, while also making space for nourishing, wholesome foods that support your health.

5. Advice & Research All the Time Versus Staying Informed—Just Enough Info
The volume of information about coeliac disease and gluten free living can be overwhelming. I’ll talk about finding a healthy middle ground: staying informed with reliable sources without becoming overloaded or anxious from constant research. It’s okay to step back and just breathe.

🧩 Embracing Your Individual Journey

No one-size-fits-all here. Your body, your lifestyle, and your needs are unique, and this episode is a reminder to listen to yourself, find what works best for you, and trust that you do YOU best. Balance is personal and flexible—there’s no right or wrong way.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Coming up next is Kelly Lambert, who will explore the cost of living gluten free and how to find financial balance while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

🔗 Links & resources mentioned:

Risk versus reward episode

Toolkit for regaining trust in your coeliac and gluten free journey

Angelica Pupillo episode

⚠️ Disclaimer
This podcast reflects personal opinions and experiences and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or diet.

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 184

In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew Williams, Principal Scientist at Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Williams has spent decades researching coeliac disease and the complex immunological processes behind it. We explore how coeliac disease research has evolved, what still needs to change, and how early diagnosis in children could significantly improve health outcomes across Australia and globally.

We dive into the inspiration behind Dr. Williams’ career in immunological research, his earliest experiences working with children diagnosed with coeliac disease, and what initially drew his attention to this autoimmune condition. With so many people still undiagnosed, we talk about how Australia compares to other countries like Italy, where screening children for coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes is already underway.

We also discuss promising innovations like the Novoleukin blood test—a tool being developed to detect coeliac disease even in people who are already on a gluten-free diet. This episode offers a hopeful and practical look into how coeliac disease awareness, testing methods, and healthcare systems could shift for the better—if we focus our efforts in the right places.

What We Cover:

• How Dr. Andrew Williams became involved in coeliac disease research
• What we knew (and didn’t know) about coeliac disease when he began his career
• Major milestones in coeliac disease research over the past few decades
• Real-life stories from the clinic that shaped his perspective
• The critical need for early diagnosis in children with coeliac disease
• Why so many Australians remain undiagnosed and what needs to change
• How other countries like Italy are taking proactive steps to improve coeliac screening
• The future of coeliac disease testing, including the upcoming Novoleukin diagnostic tool
• What parents of children with coeliac disease need to know
• How one powerful conversation reminded him why this work matters
  
  

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
• Coeliac Australia

💡 Why This Episode Matters:
Coeliac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 70 Australians, yet 4 out of 5 people with the condition remain undiagnosed. That’s a staggering number—and it underscores the need for better education, earlier testing, and ongoing research. Dr. Williams’ passion and expertise highlight just how important it is to push past outdated approaches and invest in new strategies that can truly change lives.

🔗 Connect With A Gluten Free Family:

• Website: https://www.aglutenfreefamily.com.au/
• Instagram: @aglutenfreefamily
• Facebook Group:
• Subscribe to our Newsletter for episode updates, discounts, and resources

🔁 Enjoyed this episode?
Please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing this podcast to help spread coeliac disease awareness one chat at a time.

Disclaimer

The content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 183 – Time for a Gluten Free Audit

Welcome back! In today’s solo episode, we’re taking an unexpected but surprisingly helpful detour… into taxes. Yep — sounds dull, but stick with me! As my wife Bec (who handles all the books for my businesses — legend!) and I went through receipts and plans, it got me thinking: this same process can help us check in with how we’re managing coeliac disease and our gluten free lifestyle. So, today I’m inviting you to do a gluten free audit with me.

Living with coeliac disease isn’t a “set and forget” situation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned gluten free pro, it’s easy to drift into habits that aren’t serving you anymore. Taking time to reflect can make a huge difference — not for perfection, but for progress.

Here are a few powerful questions we’ll explore together:

• What’s going well in your gluten free life?
• Where are you just getting by?
• What habits support you?
• Which ones need a rethink?

To help guide this process, I break the audit into five key areas:

1. Health Check-Ups

When was your last coeliac blood test? Are you staying on top of things like iron, B12, and vitamin D levels? If you’ve been diagnosed, did you get proper follow-up testing? Regular health check-ins keep us informed, empowered, and thriving — not just surviving.

2. Dining Out

Do you feel confident eating out or does it cause stress? Are you asking the right questions, checking menus properly, and setting boundaries when needed? I’ll share some prompts to help you feel more at ease. (And if you haven’t yet, check out my chat with Anthony Dionne on how to dine out gluten free — it’s full of practical tips.)

3. Making Gluten Free Food at Home

Are you stuck in a food rut? Or maybe relying on packaged foods more than you’d like? Let’s look at how you can bring more joy and variety back into your gluten free kitchen. Cooking at home should be safe, nourishing — and fun!

4. Preparation & Planning

Are you prepared for busy days, travel, or unexpected social events? Planning can make life smoother — whether that’s packing safe snacks, prepping meals, or thinking ahead to events. Small changes here can lead to big results.

5. Support Network

Who’s in your corner? Living gluten free can feel isolating. Whether it’s friends, family, online communities, or professionals, having people who get it makes a real difference. And if you’re feeling alone, I want you to know I’m here to support you too.

I’ll also share my own honest reflections — where I’m doing well and where I still have work to do. Because let’s be real: none of us are perfect. That’s not the goal. What matters is checking in, adjusting where needed, and giving ourselves the chance to grow.

Resources mentioned:

• 👩‍💻 Coeliac Australia's follow-up testing guide
• 🎧 Anthony Dionne’s episode: How To Dine Out Safely – Gluten Free Tips
• 🧠 Juliette Thomson Episode - Mental health & coeliac disease discussion

💬 Need support? I’m always here to help you feel less alone. Reach out anytime:
📸 Instagram: @aglutenfreefamily
👥 Facebook Group: A Glu

Bask & Co make delicious gluten free porridge, granola and granola bars. Head to baskandco.com.au & use our code GFFAMILY to save 20% at checkout!