The Celiac Project Podcast Michael Frolichstein and Cameron Weiner

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.