Surviving out of Spite

G-PACT non profit
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Surviving out of Spite, a G-PACT podcast hosted by two patients living with gastroparesis. This show dives into the challenges , triumphs and everything in between that comes with managing a chronic condition. From heartfelt personal stories to practical advice and lots of laughs along the way, we explore the patient experience, provide informative content, and create a space where you're not alone. Join us as we talk life, health and all the things that make this journey unique.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Chronic Pain Patients feel Ignored by Doctors (and what needs to change)

    Chronic pain isn’t just physical; it affects your mental health, emotions, and daily life. In this powerful conversation, Sam and Alec break down what chronic pain management really looks like when empathy, trust, and communication are at the center of care. Alec, a primary care provider, shares the personal experience that led him into medicine and shaped his approach to patient-centered care. Sam brings the lived patient perspective, opening up about the frustration and harm that can happen when pain is dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare providers. Together, they explore why communication breakdowns are so common in healthcare, how validation impacts patient outcomes, and what both patients and providers can do to build stronger, more compassionate relationships, especially when navigating chronic illness and chronic pain. Whether you’re living with chronic pain, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare, this conversation offers insight, validation, and practical takeaways.

    46 min

  2. 6D AGO

    ‘Complicated’ and Chronic Illness: Patient Advocacy, Mental Health, and Healthcare Awareness

    In this powerful conversation, Donna and Sam explore what it really means to live with chronic illness while navigating a complex and often broken medical system. Through personal stories and lived experience, they discuss patient advocacy, the emotional toll of being dismissed or misunderstood, and why awareness and systemic change in healthcare are so urgently needed. The episode also reflects on the emotional impact of the film Complicated, using it as a starting point to unpack how chronic illness affects not just the body, but mental health, identity, and everyday life. They highlight the critical role of patient voices, the intersection of physical and mental health, and the collective responsibility; patients, providers, and communities alike to push for better care. This conversation is for patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals who want to better understand the realities of chronic illness, the importance of listening to patient experiences, and how advocacy can drive meaningful change in the healthcare system. The virtual screening is Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST Info on where to watch at the link below:https://gathr.com/events/60654f28/complicated-worldwide-screening-panel-discussion

    53 min

  3. FEB 11

    What Doctors Miss: HCM, Women’s Health, and Patient Voices

    What does it mean to be diagnosed with a serious heart condition at a young age, and then have to fight to be believed? In this powerful conversation, Hannah shares her journey as a heart patient diagnosed with HCM and the realities of navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks young patients. She opens up about misdiagnosis, self-advocacy, and the emotional toll of living with a heart condition that doesn’t “look” sick. Hannah also dives into the mission behind the nonprofit, HeartCharged, which is working to raise awareness about heart conditions in young people and push for better education within the medical community. Together, the conversation explores how social media has become a lifeline for patient connection, why advocacy matters, and what it will take for patient organizations to collaborate more effectively. This conversation is for patients, advocates, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone passionate about improving care for young people with chronic illnesses.  https://www.getheartcharged.org/ IG: @heartcharged

    55 min

  4. JAN 28

    Gut-Immune Connection Explained

    #ChronicIllness #GutHealth #DigestiveHealth #gastroparesis In this week’s episode, Sam sits down with Dahlia and James Marin, co-founders of Married to Health, where they unpack the gut-immune connection and why food is so much more than fuel when you live with chronic digestive illness.Together, they explore the concept of “gut debt,” the emotional and psychological weight we carry around eating, and why traditional nutrition advice often falls flat for people whose bodies don’t follow the rules. From pre-digestion techniques and mindful eating to building the right care team and repairing your relationship with food, this conversation offers real-world strategies that meet you where you actually are — not where wellness culture thinks you should be.Because healing your gut isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening, adjusting, and choosing yourself — even on the days your stomach is louder than your dreams.

    58 min

  5. JAN 21

    Episode 30: Still Hot, Still Sick: Dating When Your Body Doesn’t Cooperate

    Dating is hard. Dating with chronic illness or disability? That’s a whole different battlefield. In this episode, Sam sits down with the founders of Dateability, the first dating app built specifically for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Together, they unpack the emotional reality of navigating dating in bodies that don’t always cooperate, the isolation so many experience on mainstream apps, and the power of creating spaces where disability is normalized — not hidden. The founders share their personal journeys, the inspiration behind Dateability, and how community, inclusivity, and empowerment are at the heart of everything they’re creating. They also reveal what’s next for the app and why fostering real, supportive connections isn’t just a feature, it’s the mission. https://info.dateabilityapp.com/

    44 min

  6. JAN 14

    Episode 29: Hope in a Broken Digestive System

    Gastroparesis isn’t just about digestion — it’s about identity, grief, resilience, and learning how to fight for yourself. In this episode, Sam and Dr. Eva Alsheik unpack the science behind gastroparesis, the mental health piece that’s often ignored, and what real treatment looks like beyond a prescription pad. They explore options like G-POEM, gastric stimulators from Enterra therapy, and emerging research; while reminding patients that knowledge is power, and reminding us how community can be everything. See here for more information on the medical device from Enterra Medical: http://www.enterramedical.com/important-safety-information/

    51 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    Episode 28: When Voices Become a Movement

    In this final episode of the year, Sam pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a chronic illness community. From the early days of G-PACT to the powerful network it’s become today, she reflects on the wins, the setbacks, and the moments that nearly broke her, and the people who helped her keep going. This episode is a love letter to every person who has ever felt isolated by illness, unheard by the system, or invisible in their own body. Sam shares why authenticity in advocacy isn’t optional, how real connection changes everything, and why sharing our stories is one of the most radical acts of healing we have. As we head into 2026, she also gives a glimpse into what’s next for G-PACT and the continued mission to make sure no one has to navigate chronic illness alone. Because this journey is hard — but it’s a hell of a lot lighter when we carry it together.

    12 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Episode 27: The Missing Piece in GI Treatment

    In this week's episode, Megan Riehl joins the show to break down the brain–gut connection and why it’s a physiological process, not a dismissal. We explore how stress and nervous system dysregulation directly affect GI function, shaping symptoms that too often get misunderstood or minimized. Megan explains how psychological therapies, including gut-directed hypnotherapy, can be powerful, evidence-based tools for managing GI disorders, and why truly effective care has to be holistic and patient-centered. We also talk about the complicated relationship many patients develop with food, and how chronic digestive illness changes the way people relate to their bodies. Along the way, Megan shares practical insights and trusted resources for navigating GI care, advocating for yourself, and finding support that treats you as a whole person—not just a set of symptoms. This episode is for anyone who’s felt dismissed, stuck, or gaslit by the system and wants to understand what’s really been missing in GI treatment. Resources mentioned in the episode: Megan's Website: https://www.drriehl.com/ Mind Your Gut Book: https://www.drriehl.com/general-8 telehealth clinic: www.gipsychology.com The Gut Health Podcast: https://www.drriehl.com/podcast Additional Resources: https://www.drriehl.com/shop

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Surviving out of Spite, a G-PACT podcast hosted by two patients living with gastroparesis. This show dives into the challenges , triumphs and everything in between that comes with managing a chronic condition. From heartfelt personal stories to practical advice and lots of laughs along the way, we explore the patient experience, provide informative content, and create a space where you're not alone. Join us as we talk life, health and all the things that make this journey unique.

Information

  • Creator
    G-PACT non profit
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © G-PACT non profit
  • Show Website
    Surviving out of Spite

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