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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 70 

In this solo episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m diving into something deeply personal and often uncomfortable—owning your coeliac disease.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed for years or are still figuring out what gluten free life looks like, chances are you’ve experienced awkward social situations, been mocked, questioned, or made to feel like you're being “too fussy.” But the truth is: this isn’t a diet trend or a preference—it’s a strict medical prescription for a chronic autoimmune disease. And it’s time we stopped apologising for it.

Living gluten free isn’t always easy, and coeliac disease can make us feel isolated or even ashamed. But in this episode, I want to flip that script and encourage you to own your diagnosis, speak up for your needs, and find strength in vulnerability and advocacy.

In this episode, I’ll talk about:

• Why you should never feel guilty for having coeliac disease
• How to speak up about your diagnosis with confidence, even in uncomfortable social settings
• The importance of making mistakes—and learning from them—on the gluten free journey
• Why being your own advocate is crucial, and how doing so can help support others in the coeliac and gluten free community
• Letting go of shame and replacing it with self-respect, clarity, and community
• How we can work toward more understanding and compassion by sharing our real-life experiences

This is a heartfelt episode for anyone who has ever struggled with the emotional side of coeliac disease—and a reminder that your health and safety are never a burden.

Links & Resources

• 📱 Follow Gluten Free Gez on Instagram
• 💭 Read: Gluten Free Thoughts: My Toolkit For Trust Issues With Coeliac Disease

Get in Touch

I'd love to hear your thoughts or your own story about living with coeliac disease:

• 📷 Instagram: @a.gffamily
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📝 Read my column A Gluten Free Family in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer

The content shared on this podcast reflects the personal experiences and perspectives of the host and guests. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making changes to your health, treatment, or diet.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 69 

On today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Cherie Lyden, the powerhouse behind Sydney’s award-winning 100% gluten free business, Wholegreen Bakery. Cherie is not only a business owner and baker, but also a passionate coeliac advocate, educator, cookbook author, and now an official Coeliac Australia Ambassador.

We dive into the inspiring journey of Wholegreen Bakery, from its early beginnings to the opening of the brand-new Alexandria café, and discuss what it means to be a leader in the gluten free space. Cherie also shares the motivation behind her brand-new cookbook Gluten Free Baking Made Simple, which aims to make gluten free baking approachable and achievable for everyone—whether you’re newly diagnosed with coeliac disease or a seasoned gluten free home baker.

We also reflect on the importance of community support, advocacy, and education around coeliac disease, and how Cherie’s mission goes far beyond baked goods—she’s helping to shift the conversation about gluten free food in Australia and beyond.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The launch of the Alexandria café: what the response has been like and how it fits into Wholegreen’s growing vision
• Becoming a Coeliac Australia Ambassador: what it means to Cherie and how it aligns with her personal and professional mission
• The making of Gluten Free Baking Made Simple: why she wrote it, what you’ll find inside, and how it’s helping change the narrative around gluten free food
• What sets Wholegreen Bakery apart: from their commitment to flavour and quality to their unwavering dedication to being 100% gluten free
• The challenges of running a gluten free business: staffing, supply chains, and how Cherie ensures safety and consistency
• Wholegreen’s mission: creating delicious food that everyone can enjoy—coeliac or not—while raising awareness and normalising the gluten free diet
• Cherie’s personal connection to coeliac disease and how that has shaped her approach to advocacy and baking
• Advice for others on a similar path: from building a gluten free business to advocating for the coeliac community

Links & Resources

• 📘 Buy Cherie Lyden’s cookbook – Gluten Free Baking Made Simple
• 🎟️ Get tickets to the book launch event
• 🌐 Visit the Wholegreen Bakery website
• 📸 Follow Wholegreen Bakery on Instagram
• 👍 Like Wholegreen Bakery on Facebook

Get in Touch

If you’d like to connect, ask a question, or share your gluten free journey:

• 📱 Follow me on Instagram: @a.gffamily
• 📧 Email me: [email protected]
• 📝 You can also read my regular column Gluten Free Family in The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for general information purposes only and reflects the personal experiences and perspectives of the host and guests. The content shared is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 68 

Welcome to Part 2 of my insightful conversation with world-renowned paediatric gastroenterologist and founder of the Center for Celiac Research, Dr. Alessio Fasano, MD. Building on our previous discussion, today we explore critical topics around coeliac disease in children, the fascinating and complex links between coeliac disease and neurological disorders, and the promising future of coeliac disease research.

Dr. Fasano shares his expert knowledge about how coeliac disease manifests differently in children, the growing evidence connecting coeliac disease with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dementia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other neurological challenges, and how awareness and understanding of coeliac disease have evolved over the past few decades.

We also dive into ongoing and upcoming research initiatives, including large-scale projects that are aiming to unlock new insights about the genetic, environmental, microbiome, and metabolic factors driving coeliac disease.

In this episode, we cover:

• Understanding children with coeliac disease — diagnosis challenges, symptoms, and managing gluten free life from an early age
• The emerging and complex links between coeliac disease and neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dementia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and more
• Reflections on how awareness and understanding of coeliac disease have changed since the 1990s to the present day
• Exciting future research plans and hopes for improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for people with coeliac disease and those following the gluten free diet

Links & Resources:

• Buy Gluten Freedom by Dr. Alessio Fasano
• Buy Gut Feelings: Microbiome & Our Health
• Center for Celiac Research website
• Connect with Center for Celiac Research on Twitter & Facebook
• Center for Celiac Research YouTube channel
• Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program webinar recordings
• The Celiac Disease Genomic Environmental Microbiome & Metabolic Studies (CDGEMM)

Get in touch

Find me on Instagram @a.gffamily or send an email to [email protected].

I also write a regular column titled My Gluten Free Family for The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly for Coeliac Australia members. The column shares stories, practical tips, and community insights — one chat at a time.

Disclaimer

The content on A Gluten Free Podcast is based on personal experiences and opinions and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 67 

I’m incredibly honoured to welcome Dr. Alessio Fasano, MD, world-renowned paediatric gastroenterologist and the visionary founder of the Center for Celiac Research, to today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast. Dr. Fasano is one of the most influential figures in the field of coeliac disease research, having pioneered groundbreaking work that has transformed our understanding of this complex autoimmune condition.

In this in-depth conversation, we dive into what initially inspired Dr. Fasano to dedicate his career to studying coeliac disease and the gluten free diet. We discuss his discovery of zonulin, a key protein that regulates intestinal permeability — often referred to as the “leaky gut” — and its profound implications not only for coeliac disease but also for a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

We also explore the exciting and rapidly evolving field of the microbiome and how the trillions of microbes living in our gut interact with genetic and environmental factors to influence the development and management of coeliac disease.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a seasoned gluten free advocate, or simply interested in the science behind gut health, this episode offers invaluable insights straight from a leading expert pushing the boundaries of research.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Dr. Fasano’s journey: What inspired him to begin researching coeliac disease, including the personal and scientific motivations that have driven his work
• The mission, vision, and key research initiatives at the Center for Celiac Research, including ongoing projects and clinical trials
• An introduction to zonulin — what it is, how it functions, and why it’s a critical factor in intestinal barrier regulation and the development of coeliac disease
• Understanding the concept of the “leaky gut” and its broader role in autoimmune diseases and gut health
• The role of the gut microbiome — how the balance of bacteria in our digestive system influences coeliac disease symptoms, immune response, and overall wellbeing
• How advancements in this research are shaping future diagnostic tools, treatment approaches, and potential therapies for coeliac disease and related conditions

Why this episode matters:

Dr. Alessio Fasano’s pioneering work has changed how the medical community understands coeliac disease — moving from a condition defined solely by gluten avoidance to a complex interplay of genetics, intestinal biology, and environmental factors. His research into zonulin and the microbiome opens new pathways for improving diagnosis, patient care, and quality of life.

For anyone living with coeliac disease, caregivers, or healthcare professionals, this episode provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from a leader whose discoveries continue to shape the future of gluten related disorders.

Links & Resources:

• Buy Gluten Freedom by Dr. Alessio Fasano – A must-read book offering insight into coeliac disease and gluten free living from the expert himself
• Buy Gut Feelings: Microbiome & Our Health – Explore the latest research on the microbiome and its impact on health and disease
• Center for Celiac Research Website – Learn more about their research, clinical trials, and educational resources
• Connect with Center for Celiac Research on Twitter and Facebook
• Center for Celiac Research YouTube Channel – Videos and lectures featuring Dr. Fasano and his team
• Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program Webinar Recordings – Access informative webinars on coeliac disease research and developments

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 66 

In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Kristina Richardson, a coeliac dietitian and passionate advocate for those living with coeliac disease. Kristina recently participated in the Gluten Threshold Study at Wesley Research Institute in Brisbane, an important clinical research project aiming to better understand how much gluten people with coeliac disease can safely tolerate.

Kristina shares her firsthand experience taking part in the study, including what the process involved, the symptoms she experienced during gluten ingestion, and what this research could mean for the future of coeliac disease diagnosis and management. Her insight offers listeners a rare glimpse inside the study, helping to demystify the research and highlight why it is so crucial for improving the lives of people with coeliac disease.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The reasons Kristina chose to participate in the Gluten Threshold Study and her motivations as both a dietitian and someone living with coeliac disease
• A detailed overview of what the study involves, including the testing protocols, gluten challenge procedures, and participant experiences
• The potential impact this research could have on coeliac disease care — from refining gluten thresholds and diagnosis criteria to informing future treatment options
• Kristina’s personal symptoms and reactions to gluten ingestion during the study, and how this has shaped her perspective both professionally and personally
• How members of the coeliac community can get involved in the next cohorts of the Gluten Threshold Study and contribute to this vital research

Why this episode is important:

The Gluten Threshold Study represents a significant step forward in coeliac disease research. Current diagnosis and management guidelines can be strict and challenging to navigate, and understanding individual gluten tolerance levels could pave the way for more personalised treatment and better quality of life for people with coeliac disease.

Hearing from someone who has both clinical expertise and lived experience makes this episode especially valuable for anyone interested in the future of coeliac research and gluten free living.

Links & Resources:

• Sign up to the Gluten Threshold Study at Wesley Research Institute
• Watch Kristina Richardson’s YouTube video about The Gluten Threshold Study
• Connect with Kristina Richardson on Instagram
• Join Kristina’s Facebook Group: Coeliac Disease Help For Newbies

Get in touch

You can find me on Instagram @a.gffamily or email me at [email protected].

I also write a regular column titled A Gluten Free Family for The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly for Coeliac Australia members. The column is a space where I share stories, tips, and community conversations about living gluten free — one chat at a time.

Disclaimer

The content on A Gluten Free Podcast is based on personal experiences and opinions and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your diet or health.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 65

In today’s episode, I’m exploring a topic close to my heart — why living with coeliac disease and following a gluten free diet is never a one-size-fits-all experience. Every person’s journey with coeliac disease is unique, shaped by individual health needs, symptoms, lifestyle choices, and personal circumstances.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others or feeling pressured to follow rigid rules, especially with so much information floating around online. But the reality is much more complex. I’ll be sharing thoughts on how we can cultivate more empathy, understanding, and openness toward the wide variety of ways people manage their gluten free lives.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been gluten free for years, this episode encourages us all to look inward, listen to our bodies, and respect others’ unique paths without judgement.

In this episode, I’ll cover:

• The many variables that influence how coeliac disease and the gluten free diet affect each individual differently — including factors like symptom severity, other health conditions, and lifestyle
• Why it’s essential to focus on your own unique health needs rather than trying to fit into a one-size-fits-all approach
• How to critically evaluate the vast amount of gluten free advice on social media and the internet, recognising that what works for one person may not be right for another
• My personal reasoning behind balancing risk versus reward when it comes to dining out or handling “may contain gluten” warnings — because sometimes, life is about making informed choices that work for you
• A reflection on my own journey toward embracing kindness and dropping judgement, reminding myself that everyone’s gluten free journey looks different

Why this episode matters:

Living with coeliac disease can feel isolating when it seems like there’s a “right” way to do things. This episode aims to remind listeners that gluten free life is deeply personal. It’s about tuning into your body, making choices that support your health and wellbeing, and building a community based on support rather than comparison or criticism.

Get in touch

You can find me on Instagram @a.gffamily or email me at [email protected].

I also write a regular column titled A Gluten Free Family in The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly for Coeliac Australia members. Through the column, I share stories, insights, and helpful tips from the gluten free community — one chat at a time.

Disclaimer

The content on A Gluten Free Podcast represents personal opinions and experiences and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 64 

In this very special episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Tony Burke MP, Australia’s Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts, to talk about something deeply personal — his experience living gluten free and his connection to coeliac disease.

Tony shares openly about his own symptoms and journey to removing gluten from his diet, the challenges of navigating strict dietary needs while working in Parliament, and what it's like advocating for coeliac disease awareness while holding national leadership responsibilities. We also reflect on a lighthearted but symbolic moment — refusing a beer from former Prime Minister Bob Hawke — and what it says about setting boundaries and sticking to health needs in public spaces.

This conversation is part personal story, part political insight, and part advocacy — highlighting just how far we’ve come in coeliac disease recognition, and how far we still have to go, particularly at the governmental level in Australia.

What we cover:

• Tony’s family history with coeliac disease and how it influenced his awareness of gluten sensitivity
• The health issues and symptoms that led him to adopt a gluten free diet
• What it’s really like to maintain a strict gluten free diet while working in Parliament House, including the daily food-related challenges in a fast-paced environment
• His reflections on the visibility (or invisibility) of coeliac disease in national policy conversations
• What actions governments can take to improve awareness, research funding, diagnosis pathways, and support for people with coeliac disease across Australia

Why this conversation matters:

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that requires lifelong adherence to a strict gluten free diet. Despite affecting 1 in 70 Australians, it remains under-recognised and underfunded in both healthcare and policy. Hearing from someone at the highest levels of Australian government who understands these challenges personally is a powerful step forward in building more awareness and advocacy.

Links & Resources:

• Tony Burke’s story – Refusing a beer from Bob Hawke
• Learn more about the gluten challenge – Coeliac Australia

Get in touch

You can find me on Instagram @a.gffamily or send an email to [email protected].

I also write a regular column for The Australian Coeliac magazine under the title A Gluten Free Family, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members. In each issue, I share personal stories, helpful tips, and honest conversations from the gluten free community — one chat at a time.

Disclaimer

The content on A Gluten Free Podcast is based on personal experience and the opinions of the host and guests. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or health plan.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 63 

In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Penny Dellsperger, Health Advocacy Officer at Coeliac Australia, for our February 2023 edition of 5 in 5 — where we bring you five key updates from the coeliac and gluten free world in five focused talking points.

Penny shares important updates from Coeliac Australia, including event news, research plans, product safety guidance, and the organisation’s evolving direction. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a long-time gluten free advocate, these updates are essential for staying informed and empowered.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Details on the upcoming Gluten Free Festival
• A tribute to Dr Don Cameron, posthumously awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
• Advice on cups, straws and utensils made from wheat or gluten-containing products
• Key focus areas of Coeliac Australia’s new strategic direction
• Plans to research the cost of the gluten free diet and its impact on the community

Links & Resources:

• Gluten Free Festival info
• Dr Don Cameron OAM recognition
• Advice on wheat-based packaging
• Visit Coeliac Australia

About Coeliac Australia

Coeliac Australia is the national registered charity supporting Australians with coeliac disease and other conditions requiring a gluten free diet. They provide medically reviewed resources, membership support, research funding, and national advocacy to improve the lives of people living gluten free.

Share your story

Coeliac Australia is calling on community members to share stories for upcoming features in The Australian Coeliac magazine:

• Your child’s coeliac diagnosis journey
• Tips and experiences travelling gluten free with kids

If you’d like to contribute, please email: [email protected]

Get in touch

Find me on Instagram: @a.gffamily
Email: [email protected]

I also write the A Gluten Free Family column for The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly by Coeliac Australia.

Disclaimer

The content on A Gluten Free Podcast is based on personal experience and guest opinions. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making decisions related to your health or diet.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 62

On this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Associate Professor James Daveson, a leading gastroenterologist and researcher based in Brisbane, Australia. James is the Program Leader of the Gluten Threshold Study, an important clinical research project being conducted at Wesley Medical Research. This study is investigating how much gluten people with coeliac disease can tolerate — which could have major implications for coeliac diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time gluten-free advocate, or someone interested in the latest advancements in coeliac science, this episode offers insight into one of the most significant coeliac research initiatives happening right now.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• James' background as a gastroenterologist and his role at Wesley Medical Research
• The aims and scientific foundations of the Gluten Threshold Study
• Why this study matters: how it could change the way we understand and diagnose coeliac disease
• What the potential findings could mean for people with coeliac disease, both in Australia and internationally
• The future of coeliac disease research and upcoming projects James and his team are planning
• Who is eligible to take part in the study and how interested individuals can get involved

Links & Resources:

• Apply to participate in the Gluten Threshold Study
• Wesley Medical Research website
• Contact Wesley Medical Research

Get in touch:
You can connect with me on Instagram at @a.gffamily or reach out via email at [email protected].

I also write a regular column titled A Gluten Free Family for The Australian Coeliac magazine, available quarterly to Coeliac Australia members. In the column, I share gluten-free living tips, community stories, and personal experiences navigating coeliac life.

Disclaimer:
The content shared on A Gluten Free Podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It should not be taken as medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified medical professional before making changes to your diet, treatment, or healthcare routine.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 61

In today’s episode, I take a personal and honest look at something many people living with coeliac disease quietly face: trust issues. From navigating the complexities of healthcare to trusting others with your food—and even trusting your own body—living gluten free is often more than just a diet change. Over the past two years, I’ve been learning how to rebuild trust on many levels, and I’ve developed a practical toolkit to help with the different scenarios that challenge us in this journey.

I’ll share what I’ve learned so far, the strategies I use to manage these trust hurdles, and why restoring trust—in others, in myself, and in my own body—is essential for not only my gluten free lifestyle but also my mental and emotional wellbeing.

What I’ll Cover:

• Trust with Health Professionals and the Medical System: Why it can be difficult, how I’ve handled disappointments or miscommunications, and practical ways to advocate for yourself in healthcare.
• Dining Out & Hypervigilance: How I approach eating at new restaurants, cafes, or events without letting anxiety take over, and strategies to maintain safety while still enjoying social occasions.
• Communication at Friends’ and Family’s Homes: Tips for open, clear conversations about your needs without feeling like a burden, plus how to keep things light and positive.
• Having a Laugh About Coeliac Disease: Why humor and lightheartedness help me stay grounded despite the challenges.
• Trust Issues with Your Own Body: Learning to listen, understand, and accept the sometimes unpredictable reactions and symptoms that come with coeliac disease.
• Trusting Your Mind & Yourself: The importance of self-belief and patience as you navigate an often confusing and frustrating gluten free journey.

Why This Episode Is Important:

Trust is fundamental to living well with coeliac disease, yet it’s rarely talked about openly. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years in, this episode offers heartfelt reflections and practical tools to help you rebuild confidence in your relationships, your health, and most importantly, yourself.

Get in Touch:

I always love hearing from you! Reach out anytime:

• Instagram: @a.gffamily
• Email: [email protected]

You can also read my quarterly column A Gluten Free Family in The Australian Coeliac magazine, published for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

This podcast shares personal insights and experiences. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.

Gourmet Granny's have great gluten free stocks & gravies. Use our code GFFAMILY for 15% off site wide. Buy here! 

Support the show