Episodes

  • How to Thrive as a Parent with IBD Featuring Jaime Holland

    How to Thrive as a Parent with IBD Featuring Jaime Holland
    Jan 28 2025
    Amber hands over hosting duties to Jamie Holland, a patient advocate with Crohn's disease. They discuss their personal experiences with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They focus on Amber's decision to have j-pouch surgery after being diagnosed with dysplasia and the effects it had on her fertility. Jamie asks Amber to share about the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood with IBD, including fatigue and guilt. They also touch on the possibility of passing IBD on to children and the importance of community and support. Concepts discussed on this episode:
    • Xue M, Leibovitzh H, Jingcheng S, et al. Environmental Factors Associated With Risk of Crohn's Disease Development in the Crohn's and Colitis Canada - Genetic, Environmental, Microbial Project. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024;22(9):1889-1897.e12. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2024.03.049.
    • Singh N, Bernstein CN. Environmental risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease. United European Gastroenterol J. 2022;10(10):1047-1053. doi:10.1002/ueg2.12319.
    • Oh SJ, Kim HJ, Lee CK; Big Data Research Group (BDRG) of the Korean Society of Gastroenterology. A dose-dependent increase in the risk of inflammatory bowel disease after exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics: A national population study in Korea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2023;58(2):191-206. doi:10.1111/apt.17542
    • Growing Up With a Dog Might Lower Crohn’s Risk
    • My IBD Life Parenthood Project
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Everything You Need to Know
    Find Jaime Holland at:
    • Facebook: @prettyrottenguts
    • Instagram: @prettyrottenguts
    • Tik Tok: @prettyrottenguts
    • Bluesky: @prettyrottenguts.bsky.social
    Find Amber J Tresca at:
    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • Threads: @about_IBD
    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD167 These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    41 mins
  • Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca

    Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca
    Jan 7 2025
    Amber is joined by her husband, Mike, who recently underwent robotic hernia surgery. In this candid conversation, they explore the entire experience—from the initial discovery of the hernia to the surgery itself and the recovery process that followed. Mike shares his insights on the challenges he faced, including unexpected pain, dietary adjustments, and the importance of having a supportive caregiver. They also discuss the nuances of patient-provider communication and how to navigate the complexities of post-surgery life. Whether you’re considering surgery or simply curious about the process, this episode offers valuable lessons and firsthand experiences that might resonate with you. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD166 Find Michael Tresca at World of Welstar:
    • Twitter: @WorldofWelstar
    • Instagram: @world_of_welstar
    • Facebook: @worldofwelstar
    • MeWe: http://tinyurl.com/MeWeTRPG
    • Threads: http://tinyurl.com/threadsWOW
    • Bluesky: https://blskyl.ink/worldofwelstar
    • Amazon: http://amzn.to/41jMn5h
    • EN World: http://tinyurl.com/ENWRPG
    • Drive Through RPG: http://tinyurl.com/DTRPGMNT
    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talien
    Find Amber J Tresca at:
    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • Threads: @about_IBD
    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
    These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Amber's 2024 in Books

    Amber's 2024 in Books
    Dec 22 2024
    Amber shares some of the books she read over the previous year including biographies, young adult fiction, bestsellers, and romance. Hear about Amber's reading list from 2024, which was truly a mixed bag. The good news is that it contains something for everyone. Plus: learn about how you can read or listen to books for free using your local library — maybe without even leaving your house. Library apps mentioned in this episode:
    • Libby
    • Hoopla
    • Freegal Music
    Books mentioned in this episode:
    • Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
    • The Giver by Lois Lowry
    • Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
    • The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
    • My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
    • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
    • Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena
    • The Cloisters by Katy Hays
    • Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson
    • I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez
    • Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
    • Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon
    • Leslie F*cking Jones by Leslie Jones
    • Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
    • Funny Story by Emily Henry
    • Snowglobe by Soyoung Park
    Find Katie Connelly and the Chronically Ch(ill) Book Club at:
    • Instagram
    • Discord Server
    Find Amber J Tresca at:
    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • Threads: @about_IBD
    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD165 These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    24 mins
  • "Fine" Dining With Crohn's Disease Featuring Michael Ornelas

    "Fine" Dining With Crohn's Disease Featuring Michael Ornelas
    Dec 10 2024
    What's the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease? We talk about them like they're two distinct sides of a spectrum, but there are people who don't have a firm place on that continuum. Amber Tresca talks with Michael Ornelas, host of the "Fine" Dining podcast, about his journey with IBD. Michael was first diagnosed with proctitis, then Crohn's disease, and later, maybe, with ulcerative colitis. Michael shares his experiences with symptoms, treatments, and the impact IBD has on life. But it's not all serious! Michael also talks about his comedy podcast, "Fine" Dining, which encompasses the search for mediocrity in chain restaurants. Maybe an unexpected choice for a project for person with IBD, so they also discuss Michael's unique perspectives on food. Find Michael Ornelas and the "Fine" Dining Podcast at:
    • Web: https://www.finediningpodcast.com/
    • Tik Tok: @finediningpodcast
    • Instagram: @finediningpodcast
    • YouTube: @finediningpodcast
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YQGBigjvjtme7rYqrHZRw?
    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fine-dining/id1649646224
    Find Amber J Tresca at:
    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • Threads: @about_IBD
    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD164 These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • "3 Kidneys, No Colon" With Dave Piontkowski

    "3 Kidneys, No Colon" With Dave Piontkowski
    Nov 26 2024

    For people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the path to pursuing our dreams can look different from that of our peers. Stand-up comedian Dave Piontkowski, lives with not only ulcerative colitis, but also chronic kidney disease. He developed a one-man show called "Three Kidneys, No Colon," which describes his journey with both of these conditions. Dave talks about how and why his comedy actually improved while he was fighting for his life with kidney disease. He also tells us how his comedy is connecting the chronic illness community, but there are some audience members who find it can be too much.

    Find Dave Piontkowski at:

    • YouTube: @dpcomedy
    • Instagram (check his bio for show tickets): @davepcomedy
    • Get tickets to 3 Kidneys No Colon in Tampa, FL on December 7 at 8:00 p.m (The Commodore, 811 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33602)

    Find Amber J Tresca at:

    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell Health: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd

    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD163

    These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    40 mins
  • The Hosts of Bowel Moments

    The Hosts of Bowel Moments
    Nov 12 2024
    Alicia and Robin, co-hosts of the "Bowel Moments" podcast, join Amber for a discussion about podcasting in the IBD community. Robin shares her IBD journey, including her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, the complications that led to an ileal anal anastomosis, the later diagnosis of Crohn's disease, and evebtyak J-pouch surgery. They also talk about the challenges of producing the podcast, the importance of therapy, and keeping up a social media presence. The conversation highlights the emotional and logistical aspects of creating a podcast about IBD. Select episodes of Bowel Moments:
    • Bowel Moments Episode 1: Get to know your co-host Robin and Alicia!
    • Bowel Moments Episode 6: A Tale of 2 Surgeries
    • Bowel Moments Episode 20: Meet Robin's Daughters - Logan & Baylee!
    Find Robin and Alicia on Bowel Moments at:
    • Web: BowelMomentsPod.com
    • Facebook: @thebmpodcast
    • Twitter: @bowelmomentspod
    • Instagram: @bowelmomentspod
    • LinkedIn: Bowel Moments Pod
    Find Amber J Tresca at:
    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • Threads: @about_IBD
    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD162 These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    36 mins
  • Finding the Balance - Honoring Veteran's Day With Stephanie Gish

    Finding the Balance - Honoring Veteran's Day With Stephanie Gish
    Oct 29 2024

    Stephanie Gish, host of the Crohn's Fitness Food podcast, gives the details of her journey with Crohn's disease and IGA nephropathy. Stephanie's Crohn's symptoms began in 2003, but she was initially misdiagnosed with an anal fissure. After being discharged from the Army for medical reasons unrelated to IBD, she went through years of fragmented care, and finally received a Crohn's diagnosis in 2009. Stephanie brought her knowledge of health and fitness to bear in managing Crohn's, but the diagnosis of IGA nephropathy had her changing course and rethinking her approach.

    Buy "Crohn's, Fitness, Food and My Rock Road to Health" at Amazon:

    • Paperback
    • Ebook
    • Audiobook

    Find Stephanie Gish at:

    • Web: Crohn's Fitness Food
    • Facebook: @crohnsfitnessfood
    • Podcast: Crohn's Fitness Food
    • LinkedIn: @stephlivsey
    • Instagram: @crohnsfitnessfood

    Find Amber J Tresca at:

    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell Health: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd

    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD161

    These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    59 mins
  • Parenting With IBD (With Alison McGauley)

    Parenting With IBD (With Alison McGauley)
    Oct 15 2024

    Amber interviews Alison McGauley, a teacher and author of "Kenzie's Little Tree," a children's book about a girl whose mother lives with chronic illness. Alison shares her journey with ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ankylosing spondylitis, and how her hospitalization impacted her two daughters. She emphasizes the importance of talking about illness with children to help them process their emotions. Alison’s book, set to release in March 2025, aims to provide a narrative for families dealing with chronic illness. Pre-orders are available, with proceeds donated to Crohn's and Colitis Canada and the Arthritis Society.

    Buy Alison's book: https://www.alisonmcgauley.com/books/my-books

    Find Alison McGauley at:

    • Web: https://www.alisonmcgauley.com
    • Facebook: @author.alison.mcgauley
    • Twitter: @AlisonMcgauley
    • YouTube: @AlisonMcGauleyAuthor
    • Instagram: @alisonmcgauley

    Find Amber J Tresca at:

    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell Health: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd

    Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

    • Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
    • Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
    • YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
    • Web: Cooney Studio
    • Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD160

    These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    35 mins