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

    It’s Not in Your Head—It’s Your Gut (And Here’s Why)

    Living with a chronic GI condition like gastroparesis isn’t just physical; it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal. In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam chats with Dr. Ali Navidi to break down the powerful (and often overlooked) role of GI psychology in chronic illness care. Together, they dive into the gut-brain connection and why treating digestive conditions requires more than just medication. From the challenges of accessing specialized care to the gaps in research around gastroparesis, this conversation highlights what’s missing, and what patients truly need. Dr Navidi shares insights into how GI psychologists work alongside medical teams, why interdisciplinary care matters, and how therapy can be a critical tool in managing symptoms, stress, and quality of life. Sam and Dr. Navidi also explore the emotional weight of chronic illness, the importance of self-advocacy, and how patients can take back a sense of control in their healthcare journey. This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, feeling dismissed in the healthcare system, or looking for a more holistic approach to healing.

    55 min

  2. MAR 25

    Fighting to Be Heard: The Reality of Chronic Illness in Healthcare

    Navigating the healthcare system with a chronic illness can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and, at times, isolating. In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with Meredith Mangold for a real and honest conversation about what it truly means to advocate for yourself as a patient. Meredith shares her journey living with ulcerative colitis and the many challenges she’s faced along the way. Together, Sam and Meredith dive into the realities of chronic illness care; from difficult medical appointments and medical gaslighting to the emotional toll of constantly explaining your symptoms and fighting to be heard. They explore the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, how to build stronger patient-provider relationships, and why open conversations about chronic illness, digestive health, and invisible illness matter. This episode also highlights the power of community support and storytelling in helping patients feel less alone, and more empowered in their healthcare journey. Whether you’re living with a chronic illness like gastroparesis or ulcerative colitis, navigating misdiagnosis, or struggling to feel heard by doctors, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters.

    49 min

  3. MAR 20

    Living with Gastroparesis & Building a Podcast

    One year ago, Surviving Out of Spite launched to share stories, insights, and real-life experiences living with gastroparesis. In this special episode, Sam reflects on the journey of building the podcast, the lessons learned, and the incredible community that has grown along the way. Join us as we celebrate one year of connection, resilience, and storytelling.

    4 min

  4. MAR 18

    Gastroparesis, Gut Health & Everything in between

    Gut health is complicated, especially when you’re living with gastroparesis. In this episode, Sam sits down with Liz Roman to unpack the complex systems involved in digestive health and how they impact people with chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Together they explore the differences between conventional medicine and functional medicine, and how each approach looks at gut health, digestion, and chronic illness. The conversation dives into the gut-brain connection, the role of the liver and bile flow in digestion, and how thyroid health can influence the way the digestive system functions. They also discuss why self-advocacy in healthcare is so important, especially for patients navigating chronic digestive diseases like gastroparesis. From asking better questions in medical appointments to understanding how different body systems work together, this episode is all about helping patients feel more informed and empowered in their health journeys. Whether you’re living with gastroparesis, another digestive disorder, or simply trying to better understand gut health, this conversation offers insight into how interconnected the body truly is. Want to connect with Liz? Check out the info below! The www.fitmomsociety.com community also has the labs decoded series for learning more about your bloodwork from an optimal lens. It is a 7 day free trial. Website: fitmom.co IG: @thepoopqueen Podcast: The Health Revival Show - https://open.spotify.com/show/5HUm3k84HHsDNM9FgnBB8J?si=H9zlJYeKQe2NSQwxz3W6EQ Research links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nwHHX0kW4yqj3aAAvcVXpEcSmR5Jb6zgrt54M_AScC4/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr

  5. MAR 17

    What a Panic Attack Feels Like | Anxiety & Chronic Illness

    What does a panic attack actually feel like, especially when you're already living with gastroparesis and chronic illness? In this raw and unplanned episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam shares a deeply vulnerable moment after experiencing an intense anxiety and panic attack at home. From suddenly struggling to breathe to using grounding techniques to calm her nervous system, Sam walks through what the experience was like in real time.Living with chronic illness often means navigating more than just physical symptoms. Anxiety, medical trauma, and nervous system dysregulation can become part of the journey too. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone if anxiety or panic attacks are part of your life with chronic illness.If you've ever experienced anxiety, panic attacks, or the emotional toll of chronic illness, this conversation is for you. Join our gastroparesis support group: https://g-pact.org/programs/virtual-support/

    21 min

  6. MAR 11

    Chronic Illness Might Be Your Superpower

    Living with a chronic illness is often framed as a limitation—but what if it could also be a strength?In this episode, Lilly Stairs joins us to share the concept of your “secret sauce”: the powerful combination of your natural skills, lived experiences, and the unique strengths developed through navigating chronic health conditions. Lilly explains how the resilience, problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy that come with chronic illness can become real professional advantages.We talk about how to reframe chronic illness and disability in the workplace, identify the strengths your experiences have built, and start seeing your health journey as part of your value, not something that holds you back. If you live with a chronic condition and are navigating your career, advocacy work, or creative projects, this conversation offers a powerful mindset shift about turning lived experience into leadership and impact. https://chronicboss.com/

    35 min

  7. FEB 25

    Resilient Body, Fragile System: Living a Full Life on TPN

    What does it look like to grow up managing central lines and still build a life full of strength, independence, and purpose? In this inspiring episode, Vincent shares his journey of growing up with complex chronic illnesses, central lines, and learning line care and medical independence at a young age. He reflects on how his parents supported him in navigating healthcare while still encouraging him to live fully, take risks, and believe in what was possible. Vincent opens up about discovering the gym as more than just physical training; it became a source of confidence, empowerment, and healing. Through fitness, advocacy, and self-determination, he found ways to travel, pursue his passions, and ultimately train for and compete in a bodybuilding competition, all while managing his chronic conditions. This conversation is a powerful reminder that chronic illness doesn’t define limits; it demands creativity, resilience, and support. Vincent’s story is both motivation and a roadmap, showing others that thriving with chronic illness is possible. Whether you’re living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or looking for hope that a full life can coexist with medical complexity, this episode delivers exactly that.

    45 min

  8. FEB 18

    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
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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
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © G-PACT non profit
  • Show Website
    Surviving out of Spite

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