Cass Bargell shares her inspiring journey through IBD, her rugby career, and her experience at the Women's Rugby World Cup. This conversation offers insights into medical challenges, mental health, and overcoming stigma as an athlete with an ostomy.

Key Topics

• Medical journey with Crohn's disease and ostomy
• Experience at the Women's Rugby World Cup
• Mental health and emotional resilience
• Impact of stigma and societal perceptions
• Innovations in treatment and patient care

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cass Bargell's Journey

02:06 The Impact of Public Speaking on Personal Growth

04:52 Understanding the Symptoms and Diagnosis of IBD

07:17 The Role of Stress in Health Challenges

10:02 The Journey Through Medical Challenges and Treatments

12:41 Transitioning to Rugby and National Team Aspirations

15:15 The Decision for Surgery and Acceptance of an Ostomy

17:53 Explaining the J-Pouch and Its Functionality

20:33 Navigating Complications and the Return to Ostomy

23:20 Navigating Health Decisions and Future Plans

24:48 The Thrill of Competing at the World Cup

28:10 Life Between World Cups: Balancing Rugby and Career

30:02 The Landscape of Women's Rugby

31:44 Mental Health and Support in the Journey

45:27 The Importance of Mental Health Resources

48:18 Living Life Fully with an Ostomy

Resources

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

Harvard University - https://www.harvard.edu/

Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 - https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

J-pouch surgery details - https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/j-pouch-surgery/about/pac-20384655

Cass's Instagram - instagram.com/@cassbargell

Alex McPherson is the place kicker for Auburn University.

He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, later re-diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and ultimately had his colon removed.

Now he plays SEC football with an ostomy and keeps his sights set on the NFL.

We talk about what it took to get back on the field, how he manages his health in a brutal training environment, and the mental shift required to compete when your body has changed.

This is a conversation about discipline, identity, and choosing to keep going when the easy option would be to stop.

Ella Cosma is a professional pickleball player.
She also lived with an ostomy as a kid and dealt with complications most people never hear about.

In this first episode of Bag & Paddle, we talk openly about what that experience was actually like.

We cover:

• Growing up with severe GI issues and an ostomy
• Prolapses, leaks, reversals, and hospital stays
• Playing competitive sports while managing chronic health problems
• Doctors, misdiagnoses, self-advocacy, and frustration
• Embarrassment, isolation, and learning to adapt instead of quitting

This talks about the tough stuff.
It’s a real conversation between two athletes trying to compete in bodies that don’t play fair.

If you’re dealing with an ostomy, Crohn’s, chronic illness, or setbacks that affect performance, this episode will feel familiar.