The patient advocacy space is lacking the voices of men and especially men of color. The result is that the IBD community is not diverse enough to provide the kind of support that they need.

Jordan McConnell, the founder of Crohn's Veteran, is looking to change the dynamics of the online IBD space. Jordan served in the military and was eventually discharged due to his Crohn's disease. It was a shock and changed his career plans unexpectedly. His disease journey showed him that he needed to be the change and he developed his podcast and his brand to support men and the larger IBD community.

Concepts discussed in this episode:

• Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
• Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS)
• How to Prepare Yourself for Ileostomy Surgery
• Parts of the Small Intestine

Find Jordan McConnell on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Find Crohn's Veteran on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, Twitch, and on their web site, Crohn's Veteran.

Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Credits: Mix and sound design is by Mac Cooney. Theme music, "IBD Dance Party," is from ©Cooney Studio.