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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.

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 60

Welcome to Episode 60 of A Gluten Free Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to have Helen Tzouganatos as my guest. Helen is a renowned cookbook author, recipe developer, and television presenter who has made a remarkable impact in the gluten free community. She shares her personal journey of receiving a coeliac disease diagnosis, how it transformed her approach to food and cooking, and her passion for helping others thrive on a gluten free diet.

In this episode, Helen also takes us behind the scenes of her inspiring food blog Hungry & Fussy (now helentzouganatos.com), where she has been sharing creative and delicious gluten free recipes. We discuss her practical food tips for anyone navigating gluten free living, whether newly diagnosed or a seasoned pro. Most excitingly, Helen talks about the upcoming release of her brand new cookbook, Gluten-Free Mediterranean, which celebrates the vibrant, fresh, and flavourful dishes of the Mediterranean region—all tailored for a gluten free lifestyle.

What We’ll Cover:

• Helen’s personal story of being diagnosed with coeliac disease and how that moment shaped her life and career
• The beginnings of Helen’s food blog, Hungry & Fussy, her motivation behind it, and how it evolved into her website helentzouganatos.com
• Essential gluten free cooking and food preparation tips Helen recommends to make life easier and tastier
• Reflections on the challenges and triumphs Helen has experienced living gluten free and how she stays motivated
• A detailed preview of Helen’s new cookbook Gluten-Free Mediterranean — what inspired it, the kinds of recipes featured, and how it supports a healthy gluten free lifestyle

Why This Episode Matters:

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living gluten free for years, Helen’s story is full of encouragement and inspiration. Her approach to cooking shows how gluten free food can be exciting, nutritious, and full of flavour without feeling restrictive. Plus, the Mediterranean diet focus offers a fresh perspective on gluten free eating, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to broaden their culinary horizons.

Links:

• Preorder or buy Gluten-Free Mediterranean on [insert link]
• Follow Helen on Instagram at [insert link]
• Visit Helen’s official website: helentzouganatos.com

Get in Touch:

I always love connecting with listeners—feel free to reach out anytime with feedback or questions!

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

Also, don’t forget to check out my regular column Gluten Free Dad in The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

Please note, this podcast is intended to share personal experiences and insights from myself and my guests. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or diet.

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 59

In this January 2023 edition of 5 in 5, I’m joined by Penny Dellsperger, Health Advocacy Officer, and Emily Manaco, Marketing Specialist from Coeliac Australia. We discuss the latest news, campaigns, and resources designed to support the coeliac community, with a special focus on families and children living gluten free.

What We’ll Cover:

• Emily shares the official theme for Coeliac Awareness Week 2023
• An overview of the upcoming March edition of The Australian Coeliac Magazine
• A call to Coeliac Australia members to share their personal stories, tips, and experiences of living with a child diagnosed with coeliac disease
• Penny introduces new resources and materials for parents available on the Coeliac Australia website
• Details about the Gluten Threshold Study currently underway at Wesley Medical Research Institute

Important Links:

• Register your interest for the Gluten Threshold Study at Wesley Research Centre
• Contact The Australian Coeliac Magazine editor: [email protected]
• Learn more about Coeliac Awareness Week 2023
• Visit the Coeliac Australia Website

About Coeliac Australia:

Coeliac Australia is the national registered charity supporting Australians living with coeliac disease and related conditions requiring a strict gluten free diet. They offer membership services, education, support, and advocate for increased awareness and research. Their mission includes improving diagnosis rates, enhancing patient support, and fostering awareness within the medical community, food industry, and broader public.

A Message from Coeliac Australia:

Coeliac Australia invites members to share first-person stories about their child’s diagnosis journey:

• How did your family discover the diagnosis?
• What challenges did you face?
• How has life changed since adopting a gluten free lifestyle?

They are also seeking stories and tips for a traveling with kids feature in the March issue of The Australian Coeliac magazine. If you’d like to contribute, please contact [email protected].

Get in Touch:

I’d love to hear from you—reach out anytime!

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

You can also find my regular column, Gluten Free Dad, in The Australian Coeliac magazine, published quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

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

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 58

Welcome to the first Gluten Free Thoughts episode of 2023! In this solo episode, I open up about my mindset heading into the new year — choosing gratitude over negativity and embracing imperfection in both life and podcasting. I reflect on the final episode of 2022 and share a more positive, hopeful outlook for the year ahead.

I also dive into why I continue to make this podcast, how I want to grow it in 2023, and what I hope it provides to those navigating coeliac disease or gluten free living. This episode is a reset — a reminder to appreciate progress over perfection and to keep showing up for each other, one chat at a time.

What I’ll Cover:

• A reflection on the tone of my final 2022 episode
• Why I’m focusing on gratitude this year
• The importance of embracing imperfections
• My desire to improve and grow the podcast
• What I’m ultimately trying to achieve with A Gluten Free Podcast

Get in Touch:

I'd love to hear your own goals or reflections for 2023, or how this podcast has helped you:

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

You can also read my Gluten Free Dad column (now under A Gluten Free Family) in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

The content on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek advice from a qualified medical professional regarding your health or diet.

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 57

It’s the final episode of A Gluten Free Podcast for 2022 — and what a year it’s been! In this solo episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far: the incredible guests I’ve spoken with, the amazing stories shared, and why I continue to create this podcast for the gluten free and coeliac community.

I also share a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2023, including my hopes for the podcast and community moving forward. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or this is your first episode, thank you so much for tuning in. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful gluten free holiday season!

What I’ll Cover:

• Reflections on A Gluten Free Podcast throughout 2022
• Why I continue to show up and share these conversations
• Highlights from my incredible lineup of guests this year
• A few personal and podcast goals for 2023
• A heartfelt thank you and holiday message to you all

Get in Touch:

Let me know what this podcast has meant to you this year, or what you’d love to hear in 2023:

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

You can also read my Gluten Free Dad column in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects the personal opinions and lived experiences of the host and guests. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions related to your health or diet.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 56

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Melanie Persson, former MasterChef Australia Season 14 contestant and passionate gluten free cook, baker and coeliac disease advocate. Mel was the first openly coeliac contestant on MasterChef Australia and has since continued to share her love of food while navigating life with coeliac disease.

In this festive episode, we chat about what Mel’s been up to since her time on MasterChef, how she approaches the holiday season on a strict gluten free diet, and what’s on her menu this Christmas. She also shares some of her top tips for safe, delicious gluten free cooking during the holidays, and gives us a sneak peek into her exciting plans for 2023.

What We’ll Cover:

• What Melanie has been working on since MasterChef Australia Season 14
• How she navigates Christmas with coeliac disease and what’s changed over the years
• Her go-to gluten free recipes and ideas for festive meals and desserts
• Practical tips for managing food safely and confidently during holiday gatherings
• What’s coming up for Mel in 2023 and beyond

Links & Resources:

• 📱 Follow Melanie Persson on Instagram
• 🎥 Melanie Persson on TikTok

Get in Touch:

I’d love to hear your favourite gluten free Christmas traditions or feedback on this episode:

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

You can also read my Gluten Free Dad column in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

The content on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects the opinions and lived experiences of the host and guests and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional regarding any medical or dietary decisions.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 55

On today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Morgan McKenzie Moore, the creator behind the hugely popular online platform How To Coeliac. You might know Morgan from Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, where she shares educational, relatable, and often hilarious content about living with coeliac disease.

We chat about Morgan’s own coeliac diagnosis journey, what led her to start How To Coeliac, and how she’s built such a strong and supportive online community. She also shares what it’s like navigating gluten free life in London and offers practical advice for those newly diagnosed.

Whether you’re new to coeliac disease or you’ve been living gluten free for years, this episode is a great reminder of the power of community, humour, and shared experience.

What We’ll Cover:

• Morgan’s personal coeliac disease diagnosis story and how she managed the transition
• How and why she started How To Coeliac across multiple platforms
• The importance of online community and connecting with others who truly understand
• Living with coeliac disease in London — from restaurants to groceries to advocacy
• Advice for anyone newly diagnosed with coeliac disease, especially around the holidays

Links & Resources:

• 📱 Follow How To Coeliac on Instagram & TikTok
• ▶️ Subscribe to How To Coeliac on YouTube
• 🌐 How To Coeliac Website
• 🏥 Coeliac UK
• 🎄 Morgan’s Christmas video on staying safe at others' houses

Get in Touch:

I'd love to hear what you thought of the episode:

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

You can also read my Gluten Free Dad column in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects the personal experiences of the host and guests and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your health or dietary needs.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 54

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Cristian Costas Batlle, a UK-based coeliac disease specialist dietitian. Cristian is widely respected for his evidence-based approach to managing coeliac disease and advocating for improved care and diagnosis pathways. We talk about his career journey, how coeliac disease is diagnosed and managed in the UK, and what he learned while attending the 2022 International Celiac Disease Symposium in Sorrento, Italy.

Cristian is passionate about creating a more consistent, person-centred approach to supporting people with coeliac disease, and this conversation highlights just how much can be done to improve outcomes through the right education, research, and support systems.

What We’ll Cover:

• Cristian’s background in clinical dietetics and what led him to specialise in coeliac disease
• The diagnosis process for coeliac disease in the UK, including common gaps and areas for improvement
• How coeliac disease care can be managed more efficiently and compassionately across healthcare settings
• Key takeaways from the International Celiac Disease Symposium in Sorrento, including global updates on treatment and research
• Cristian’s vision for the future of coeliac disease management and the gluten free diet

Links & Resources:

• 📱 Cristian Costas on Instagram
• 🩺 Book an appointment with Cristian at City Dietitians
• 🌐 Coeliac UK
• 📚 International Celiac Disease Symposium 2022 – Sorrento, Italy

Connect With Me:

If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, feel free to reach out:

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

You can also read my Gluten Free Dad column in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is based on personal experiences and guest insights and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or health plan.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 53

In this special 5 in 5 episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by two wonderful guests from Coeliac Australia: Penny Dellsperger, Health Advocacy Officer, and Emily Manaco, Marketing Specialist. We chat about key updates from the coeliac space, some exciting news from the international research community, and how to stay safe and enjoy the holiday season gluten free.

We reflect on some major moments from the end of 2022 and look ahead to what’s coming in 2023 for the gluten free and coeliac community.

What We’ll Cover:

• Celebrating leadership in coeliac research:
  Penny shares the exciting news that Dr Robert (Bob) Anderson, a member of the Coeliac Australia Medical Advisory Committee, was recently elected President of the International Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (ISSCD) at the International Celiac Disease Symposium in Italy.
• Why this matters:
  We discuss what Bob’s new global role means for Coeliac Australia and for Australians living with coeliac disease.
• Holiday gluten free tips:
  Penny offers practical advice on how to stay healthy and stress-free on a strict gluten free diet during the Christmas and holiday season. Her three key reminders? Be prepared. Communicate. Enjoy the treats!
• Inside the magazine:
  Emily gives us a sneak peek at the December 2022 edition of The Australian Coeliac magazine, full of summer recipes, expert advice, and member stories.
• Looking ahead to 2023:
  Emily also shares an exclusive preview of what we can expect from Coeliac Awareness Week 2023—including some fresh ways the organisation will be connecting with the public.

Links & Resources:

• 📰 Dr Robert Anderson elected President of ISSCD
• 🌐 Coeliac Australia Website
• ✅ Become a member of Coeliac Australia

About Coeliac Australia:

Coeliac Australia is the national registered charity supporting Australians with coeliac disease and associated conditions requiring a gluten free diet. The organisation provides membership services, trusted medical resources, food labelling tools, and more. Its mission is to support people living with coeliac disease, raise awareness, fund vital research, and educate the public, medical professionals, and the food industry.

Connect with Me:

Let’s keep the gluten free chat going:

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

You can also read my regular Gluten Free Dad column in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast is based on personal experience and guest insight, and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health or diet.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A Gluten Free Podcast 
Episode 52 

In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I sit down with Fiona Crockett, the newly appointed CEO of Coeliac Australia. Fiona brings a strong background in not-for-profit leadership, and she’s now taking the reins of Australia’s peak body for coeliac disease advocacy, research, and support.

We discuss her professional journey, her personal connection to the gluten free lifestyle, and what she envisions for the future of Coeliac Australia. From improving diagnosis rates across the country to evolving how the organisation engages with the community, Fiona shares openly about both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-time coeliac, or simply interested in where coeliac support is heading in Australia, this is an important conversation about leadership, vision, and the future of gluten free advocacy.

What We’ll Cover:

• Fiona’s career in not-for-profit and community-focused organisations
• Her personal experience with coeliac disease and the gluten free diet
• Why raising awareness and improving diagnosis rates is a national priority
• Fiona’s short- and long-term goals for Coeliac Australia
• How the organisation can continue to grow and better support the coeliac community

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Coeliac Australia – Learn more or become a member
• 💼 Fiona Crockett on LinkedIn – Follow her professional updates

Get in Touch:

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. You can reach out via:

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

You can also find my regular column Gluten Free Dad in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on this podcast reflects personal opinions and experiences and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your health, diagnosis, or dietary needs.

Support the show