The Living Well Pod

Crystal Saltrelli & Samantha Cook
  • 4.6 (11)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to The Living Well Pod, where we have honest conversations about what it really means to live well with gastroparesis. We’re moving beyond the diagnosis to explore the life we live alongside it—the messy, the beautiful, and everything in between. It’s a place to find more freedom, less fear, and the reminder that you're not alone. www.crystalsaltrelli.com

  1. Ep. 36: A Different Kind of Relief

    5D AGO

    Ep. 36: A Different Kind of Relief

    In this episode, Crystal discusses what happened when she shared her perspective on how to best support gastroparesis patients in a room full of gastroparesis experts... and why she stands by what she said despite it "going over like a lead balloon." Subscribe for free to get future episodes and related content right in your inbox: http://thelivingwellpod.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    24 min
  2. Ep. 35: Fresh Perspectives from Research & Real Life

    08/11/2025

    Ep. 35: Fresh Perspectives from Research & Real Life

    Hi there! We’re popping in with a special episode to share what’s been going on in our worlds, including personal health updates and new research that holds exciting possibilities for those living with gastroparesis and other functional GI disorders. You’ll hear about Samantha’s work with her Thriving with Gastroparesis group, Crystal’s rewrite of Living Well with Gastroparesis, and the discoveries that have re-energized our passion for this work. We explore what the latest studies are saying about the gut-brain connection, perception, and symptom experience, and why it’s such an encouraging time for our community. Episode Links: * Samantha’s Thriving With Gastroparesis Community * Subscribe on Substack Theme music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-youLicense code: LTNISOMTFHZIIXYY This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    27 min
  3. Ep. 34: There Isn't One Right Way (Season Finale)

    06/05/2025

    Ep. 34: There Isn't One Right Way (Season Finale)

    Welcome to the Season Two finale! In this episode, we talk about how easy it is to get caught up in doing things the “right way” when it comes to our health and well-being — and how much freedom there is in letting that go. We reflect on the experiences and insights that kept bringing us back to this theme all season long, from hearing the many different paths our guests have taken to live well, to noticing how much lighter this podcast felt once we stopped trying to get it “right.” We explore: * Why chasing the “right way” often leads to more struggle, not less * Trusting your own wisdom instead of searching for the perfect blueprint * How curiosity opens the door to new possibilities * What’s next for the show As always, thank you so much for being here. Make sure you’re subscribed on Substack so you’ll know when new episodes drop—including a special between-seasons surprise coming this summer! Episode Links: * Samantha’s Thriving With Gastroparesis Community * Subscribe on Substack Theme music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-youLicense code: LTNISOMTFHZIIXYY This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    25 min
  4. Ep. 33: Worry Is Never Useful (with Sarie Taylor)

    05/29/2025

    Ep. 33: Worry Is Never Useful (with Sarie Taylor)

    In today’s episode, we sit down with coach Sarie Taylor, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage three breast cancer. Sarie tells us how she went from being hospitalized due to debilitating anxiety and panic to deeply seeing that worry is never useful — not even when it comes to serious diagnoses and health challenges. Sarie speaks candidly about navigating cancer treatment without falling into hypervigilance, handling the ups and downs of her emotional experience, what she does when loved ones don’t understand, why she no longer sees her body as the enemy, and lots more. This is one of our favorite conversations so far, and we’re excited to share Sarie’s incredible insights with you. Episode Links: * Sari’s Website & Instagram * Samantha’s Thriving With Gastroparesis Community * Subscribe on Substack Theme music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-youLicense code: LTNISOMTFHZIIXYY This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    39 min
  5. Minisode: What's your favorite quote?

    05/27/2025

    Minisode: What's your favorite quote?

    In this minisode, we share the quotes that resonate most deeply with our journeys and the message of this podcast. Crystal reflects on a quote by Sydney Banks that speaks to the freedom that comes from not fearing our experience, while Samantha shares a reminder from Michael Neill that peace doesn't require fixing ourselves—it comes from seeing that we were never broken. This discussion truly captures the essence of what we explore each week on the show. It left us feeling calm and grounded, and we hope it does the same for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    10 min
  6. Ep. 32: Reconnecting with What You Love (and Why It Matters)

    05/22/2025

    Ep. 32: Reconnecting with What You Love (and Why It Matters)

    When you're living with a chronic illness, it can feel like your whole world revolves around management plans, symptom tracking, and just getting through the day. In the midst of all that, it's easy to lose touch with the things that used to light you up—the simple joys, passions, and pieces of yourself that make life feel meaningful. In this episode, we’re talking about Ikigai, the Japanese concept that loosely translates to "reason for being." We explore how reconnecting with what you love—even in small ways—can shift your experience and allow for more freedom, peace, and ease no matter what you’re dealing with. What We Talk About in This Episode: * What Ikigai means and how it relates to chronic illness * The inward focus of managing chronic illness and how it can shift your energy away from what truly lights you up * The shift from “my possibilities are limited” to “my possibilities are different” * Why healing isn’t just about protocols—it’s also about curiosity, passion, and doing the things that matter to you Episode Links: * Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Healthy Life * Samantha’s Thriving With Gastroparesis Community * Subscribe on Substack Theme music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-youLicense code: LTNISOMTFHZIIXYY This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    22 min
  7. Ep. 31: Finding Yourself Beyond the Diagnosis (with Vanessa)

    05/15/2025

    Ep. 31: Finding Yourself Beyond the Diagnosis (with Vanessa)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Living Well Pod listener, Vanessa. Vanessa discusses the winding road to her gastroparesis diagnosis, the biases she’s faced as someone navigating the medical system with a disability, and how she’s learned to keep showing up and moving forward, even when it feels difficult. We talk about creating boundaries around illness, finding joy in everyday moments, and embracing rest without guilt. Vanessa also shares the story behind Girl With Guts — her platform for authentic advocacy and community — and reminds us that thriving doesn’t mean having it all figured out. Whether you live with chronic illness, disability, or both, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and encouraged. Episode Links: * Girl with Guts * Join Samantha’s Thriving With Gastroparesis Community * Subscribe on Substack Theme music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-youLicense code: LTNISOMTFHZIIXYY This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    21 min
  8. Minisode: Easing the Financial Stress of Chronic Illness

    05/13/2025

    Minisode: Easing the Financial Stress of Chronic Illness

    In this minisode, we respond to a question about navigating the financial stress that often comes with chronic illness. Rather than focus on the particulars, which vary so much from person to person, we explore the inner experience of financial strain—how our thoughts and state of mind shape how we feel about our circumstances. We talk about how frantic thinking can narrow our perspective and make solutions feel out of reach, while a quieter mind often opens the door to clarity, creative problem-solving, and even unexpected sources of support. If you’re feeling stressed about making ends meet, we hope this short discussion offers a bit of breathing room and maybe a fresh perspective. We’ll see you on Thursday for another full-length episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crystalsaltrelli.com

    7 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Living Well Pod, where we have honest conversations about what it really means to live well with gastroparesis. We’re moving beyond the diagnosis to explore the life we live alongside it—the messy, the beautiful, and everything in between. It’s a place to find more freedom, less fear, and the reminder that you're not alone. www.crystalsaltrelli.com

Information

  • Creator
    Crystal Saltrelli & Samantha Cook
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Crystal Saltrelli
  • Show Website
    The Living Well Pod