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A boxer in training. A terrifying spiral of symptoms. A life-saving surgery that changed everything. Jose Torres joins us to share how ulcerative colitis pulled him out of the ring and propelled him into purpose—building community, advancing equity, and living well with a J‑pouch in a city that isn’t designed for urgent needs.

We trace Jose’s path from misdiagnosis in Brooklyn to specialized care in Manhattan and the brutal logistics of public transit without bathrooms. He opens up about the cultural currents in his Mexican and Puerto Rican family—why speaking up took time, why steroids raised tough questions, and how food traditions collided with new IBD realities. The story turns on resilience: a colectomy and J‑pouch, early pouchitis, iron infusions, and then a decade of medication-free stability supported by smart nutrition, consistent exercise, and honest attention to mental health.

Jose also brings us inside the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation—from literally ringing the office doorbell to roles in advancement, business development, and DEI leadership. We talk about real lived experience, research into disparities, and why culturally fluent care changes outcomes. Along the way, he shares practical tactics for managing frequency, a nudge toward pelvic floor physical therapy, and a grounded philosophy: don’t chase perfection, cultivate accountability and hope.

If stories of grit, culture, and community help you feel less alone with IBD, this one’s for you. Cheers!

Links:

• Camp Oasis- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USA
• Camp Purple- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation New Zealand
• About IBD podcast with Amber Tresca episode- "IBD in the Hispanic Community with Dr. Oriana Damas"

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Imagine being able to turn down the volume on gut pain, food fear, and medical anxiety—without white-knuckle coping or guesswork. We sit down with Dr. Ali Navidi, co-founder of GIpsychology.com and past president of the Northern Virginia Society of Clinical Hypnosis, to unpack how clinical hypnosis and gut-focused CBT help people with inflammatory bowel disease interrupt the gut-brain loop that keeps symptoms alive. No stage tricks here—just practical tools that retrain the nervous system, reduce visceral hypersensitivity, and restore a sense of control.

We explore the real differences between stage and clinical hypnosis and why trance is a natural state you already know how to access. Dr. Navidi explains how anchors—a simple conditioned cue—can trigger a calming response within seconds, whether you’re prepping for a colonoscopy, calling the insurance company, or navigating an unexpected flare. We dig into disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) that can drive symptoms even when labs look great, and why gut-focused CBT plus hypnosis outperforms one-size-fits-all mental health approaches for persistent GI distress.

Trauma and nocebo effects show up in subtle ways across the IBD journey. We get candid about medical trauma, memory reconsolidation, EMDR as a hypnotic protocol, and how conditioned food sensitivities form—like the “pizza panic” that lingers long after a flare. You’ll hear how to calm hypervigilance, rebuild trust with your body, and reintroduce foods safely. We also share details on a new eight-week telehealth group, created with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the American College of Gastroenterology, that pairs weekly skills training with recorded hypnosis sessions for daily practice.

Ready to try tools that actually change how your system reacts? Follow, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your story might be the anchor someone else needs today.

Links:

• Information about the IBD Psychotherapy Group
• Information on Disorder of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI)
• Great resources from GI Psychology
• Article in the Atlantic
• Dr. Navidi on the About IBD Podcast with Amber Tresca

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Comedian Ian Goldstein takes us through his journey with Crohn's disease, beginning with his diagnosis at 16 when he was just trying to navigate the already challenging world of high school, SATs, and planning for college. With candid humor, he recounts the moment he realized something was seriously wrong – not just from frequent bathroom trips, but when a coworker pointed out his dramatic weight loss.

What follows is a rollercoaster of medical experiences that many in the IBD community will recognize – from the shock of needing a colonoscopy as a teenager to the trial and error of finding effective medications. Ian vividly describes his first major bowel obstruction during his senior year of college, complete with what he calls the "modern-day torture device" known as an NG tube. Despite his best efforts to manage his condition through diet alone, he eventually required surgery in 2022 to remove seven strictures from his small intestine.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ian shares how he's transformed his medical journey into comedy shows. From "The Autoimmune Saloon" to a celebration party for meeting his healthcare deductible (complete with custom cupcakes and hats), he's found ways to create community while addressing serious issues like medical debt. These creative outlets not only helped him process his experiences but connected him with others who could offer crucial advice about doctors and treatments.

Perhaps most valuable are Ian's insights about navigating the healthcare system with a chronic illness. He speaks honestly about the frustration of insurance denials, the anxiety of unexpected medical bills, and the challenges of having an invisible disability. His experiences highlight the importance of self-advocacy, finding the right medical team, and building a supportive community.

Ready to laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone in your IBD journey? Listen as Ian shares his practical wisdom: record your doctor appointments to remember important information, and seek out community connections that might literally change your life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or a veteran of chronic illness, this conversation reminds us all that finding humor in dark places might be our most powerful medicine.

Links:

• Ian's website
• New York Times article about Ian's party to celebrate meeting his healthcare deductible
• The Squeaky Wheel- satire publication that focuses on the experiences of people living with disabilities.
• Tina's episode with us
• Dr. David Schwartzberg's episode with us
• Nicole's episode with us- Ian mentioned Nicole and how supportive she's been to him but we sadly had to cut that part out for length. But- get to know Nicole!!

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