Surviving out of Spite

G-PACT non profit
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Medical Trauma & Chronic Illness: The Mental Health Impact No One Talks About

    Living with chronic illness can affect far more than your physical health; it can change your identity, relationships, mental health, and sense of connection.In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with psychotherapist and fellow patient Jodi Taub to discuss the emotional realities of chronic illness, medical trauma, mental health, and relationships.They explore isolation, feeling like a burden, the “shame-burden cycle,” asking for help, communicating your needs, and supporting loved ones through chronic illness. They also discuss medical trauma, changes in identity, peer support, coping strategies, therapy, and the possibility of post-traumatic growth.Most importantly, this conversation looks at how relationships, connection, meaning, and purpose can help us navigate life when illness makes everything unpredictable.If you live with gastroparesis or another chronic illness, or support someone who does, this conversation offers validation, perspective, and practical insight into the emotional side of chronic illness.Would you like to learn more about Jodi and her practice? Click below!https://www.joditaubtherapy.com/Interested in Jodi's book? Click the link below!https://a.co/d/0hKrCKAJ

  2. Sep 9

    Chronic Illness & Identity: Who Are You After a Life-Changing Diagnosis?

    Living with chronic illness can change everything; including how you see yourself, your future, and your place in the world. In this conversation, Sam and Deanna dive into the realities of living with chronic illness and rare disease, exploring how diagnosis can reshape identity, mental health, relationships, and everyday life. They talk about the ongoing process of understanding an illness, adapting to a life you didn't necessarily choose, and finding strength in the uncertainty. They also discuss the importance of community, patient advocacy, resilience, and sharing your story; and how connecting with others who truly understand can make chronic illness feel a little less isolating. If you're living with chronic illness or rare disease, we hope this conversation reminds you that your experience matters, and that there is power in finding people who understand. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help connect more patients, caregivers, and advocates with the chronic illness community. Want to connect with Deanna? Instagram Deanna Steinle | LinkedIn Resilience is Beautiful Facebook Page

  3. Aug 26

    Gastroparesis & Protein: Finding Nutrition for Sensitive Stomachs

    Finding a protein source that works with a sensitive digestive system can be challenging. In this episode, Jack, founder of Drink Wholesome, shares the story behind creating a protein powder designed for people who struggle with digestive issues, food sensitivities, and dietary restrictions.Sam and Jack discuss why many traditional protein powders can be difficult to tolerate, the importance of simple ingredients and minimal processing, and how listening to customer experiences helped shape the evolution of Drink Wholesome’s products. From early product development challenges to creating new flavors designed with specific needs in mind, this conversation explores the future of more personalized nutrition.For many people living with chronic digestive conditions, nutrition is about more than just choosing healthy foods; it’s about finding options that their bodies can tolerate.

  4. Aug 25

    Beyond the Vagus Nerve: What’s Coming Next for Zenowell taVNS

    What’s new with Zenowell taVNS? In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with Jane to explore the latest Zenowell device and app updates, including the brand-new Digest Mode and Focus Mode; and what these features could mean for people living with gastroparesis, digestive symptoms, stress, and gut-brain health.Jane shares a behind-the-scenes look at how these new features were developed, how patient and user feedback influences Zenowell’s ongoing innovation, and how breathing techniques have been incorporated into the app to support relaxation, concentration, and nervous system regulation.They also chat about the new Mobi Band, how wearable health technology can help collect more comprehensive data, and how integrating information from multiple health devices could eventually provide users with a more complete picture of their health.

  5. Aug 19

    Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: The Misunderstood GI Disorder, Medical Trauma & Fight for Better Care

    Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is more than just “vomiting.” It is a debilitating GI disorder that can cause intense, recurring episodes of violent vomiting, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, dehydration, malnutrition, and a devastating impact on daily life. Yet many patients and families face years of searching for answers, misdiagnosis, stigma, and the painful experience of not being believed. In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with Blynda, President of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association, to discuss the reality of living with CVS and the challenges families face when navigating the healthcare system. Blynda shares her son’s journey with cyclic vomiting syndrome and abdominal migraines, including the struggles of getting a proper diagnosis, finding knowledgeable providers, and advocating for compassionate medical care. Together, they talk about the connection between CVS and migraines, the trauma many GI patients experience in emergency rooms, the harm caused when patients are dismissed or accused of exaggerating symptoms, and why advocacy and awareness are critical for rare and misunderstood conditions.

  6. Aug 12

    Parkinson's Disease & Gastroparesis: The Gut-Brain Connection Explained

    Could Parkinson's disease begin in the gut? Emerging research suggests the connection between the gut and brain may be much stronger than we once believed.In this episode, Sam talks with Dr. Trisha Pasricha to explore the relationship between Parkinson's disease, gastroparesis, constipation, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Together, they discuss how digestive symptoms often appear years before neurological symptoms, why dopamine plays an important role in both the brain and the digestive tract, and what researchers are learning about the gut-brain axis.Dr. Pasricha explains why many people living with Parkinson's struggle with delayed gastric emptying, constipation, nausea, and other GI symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. She also shares why treating digestive symptoms can be especially challenging, how specialists approach care, and what promising research may mean for future treatments.The conversation also dives into the importance of multidisciplinary care, the benefits of pelvic floor therapy, patient advocacy, and why understanding the whole body is essential when managing chronic illness.

  7. Jul 31

    Beyond just the Story | A Chronic Illness Documentary

    What does it really take to create a documentary about chronic illness? In this episode, Sam sits down with Lauren Keenan, Director of the film, to take you behind the scenes of this powerful chronic illness documentary. Together, they discuss the creative process, the emotional realities of filmmaking, and the deeply personal journey of telling authentic patient stories that capture life beyond a diagnosis. From half-marathon training while living with chronic illness to navigating setbacks, vulnerability, and resilience, Sam and Lauren share what it takes to create a documentary that is both honest and impactful. Their conversation explores how storytelling can change perceptions of gastroparesis, invisible illness, or chronic pain, while highlighting the strength and humanity of the chronic illness community. Creating a documentary about chronic illness is about far more than capturing footage; it's about building trust, embracing uncertainty, and giving patients the opportunity to tell their stories on their own terms. Sam and Lauren discuss the challenges of balancing filmmaking with chronic illness, why understanding your "why" is essential during difficult moments, and how authentic storytelling can educate, inspire, and create meaningful change. If you're passionate about chronic illness awareness, patient advocacy, or documentary filmmaking, this episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how these powerful stories are brought to life.

  8. Jul 29

    The Story Behind Training for Life | A Chronic Illness Documentary

    What does it really take to tell an authentic story about chronic illness? In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Sam sits down with Joe Keenan to discuss the creation of Chronic Life Media and the documentary that captures the realities, resilience, and humanity of people living with chronic illness. From the first concept to filming, editing, and planning for film festivals, they share what audiences don't see, and why authentic storytelling matters. Living with a chronic illness is about so much more than symptoms. This episode explores how powerful stories can help break stereotypes, build empathy, and remind the world that patients are complex individuals with dreams, goals, relationships, and lives beyond their diagnoses. Whether you're living with gastroparesis, a different chronic illness, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers an honest look at the power of sharing our stories and the impact authentic representation can have. If you've ever wondered what goes into creating a documentary about chronic illness, or why these stories matter, this episode is for you.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 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
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © G-PACT non profit
  • Show Website
    Surviving out of Spite

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