Navigating IBD with Stephanie Wynn

Mike's Tips for Patients & Advocates

•Always bring someone with you to appointments. Having an advocate in the room whether a spouse, family member, or friend — ensures you don't miss critical information when you're in shock or overwhelmed.

•Go in with your questions prepared. Write them down before every appointment and do not let the doctor leave the exam room until your top questions are answered.

•Don't be afraid to call every day. If you're in distress and your appointment feels too far away, call the office daily to check for cancellations medical staff expect it and will not be annoyed.

•Use the patient portal. For quick yes/no questions, the portal can be faster than calling and sitting on hold,  nurses are often very responsive through this channel.

•Advocate loudly for yourself. The healthcare system is busy; it is your right and responsibility to push for timely care when your symptoms demand it.

•Celebrate the small milestones. Whether it's walking to the bedroom door and back or finishing a round of treatment, every win matters and fuels the mental strength to keep going.

•Lean into positivity, it is directly linked to your health. Mental health is just as important as physical health; finding joy, humor, and community is not a luxury, it is part of the treatment.

•Find your community online. Seek out forums, social media groups, and advocates who share your diagnosis connecting with others who truly understand your experience can be life-changing.

Connect with Mike Vassallo

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

Dr. Dunbar breaks down the undeniable connection between mental and physical health, making the case that you cannot truly take care of your body without also tending to your mind. This is the kind of conversation that challenges you to rethink what wellness really means.

Be Well, Sis Podcast available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Episode Resource: Navigating IBD: A Six-Week Blueprint For Better Gut Health (navigatingibd.com)

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

Key Topics Discussed

• The hidden struggles of supporting a loved one with Crohn’s disease.

• The emotional and psychological toll on patients and caregivers.

• The role of faith and spirituality in navigating chronic illness.

• Bridging the communication gap with healthcare providers.

• The importance of patient advocacy and asking the right questions.

• The necessity of self-care for caregivers to prevent burnout.

• The impact of IBD on family dynamics.

Episode Resource:

Navigating IBD: A Six Week Blueprint For Better Gut Health (navigatingibd.com)

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

This episode is a powerful reminder that your symptoms are real, your voice matters, and you are not alone. Stephanie offers three invaluable tips for anyone struggling with a chronic illness, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies, speak their truth, and allow space for grief without letting it define them.

Three Tips for Navigating Chronic Illness:

1. Listen to Your Body (4:16): Stephanie emphasizes that even small, recurring symptoms are your body’s way of communicating.

2. Do Not Suffer in Silence (5:41): Be honest and open with your healthcare providers.

3. There is Space for Grief (7:28): It’s okay to cry and grieve the challenges of living with a chronic illness, but it’s crucial not to get stuck in that space.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Navigating IBD: A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health by Stephanie A. Wynn. Available at navigatingibd.com. (9:19)

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

This episode is essential listening for healthcare providers who want to move beyond good intentions to create meaningful, lasting change in how they serve their most vulnerable patients.

Key Topics Covered:

• The gap between good intentions and effective care

• Invisible barriers: cost, language, cultural mistrust, and food access

• Understanding medical mistrust and white coat syndrome in Black and Brown communities

• Practical strategies for building trust with patients

• Cultural competence as an ongoing skill, not a one-time training

• How communication transforms patient-provider relationships

For Healthcare Providers & Teams:

Ready to strengthen patient trust and close care gaps in your practice?

📅 Schedule a Community Partners Meeting: https://calendly.com/sawfoundation/community-partners-meeting

🌐 Learn More: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Together, we can create lasting change one patient, one strategy, and one breakthrough at a time.

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

Key Episode Topics

1. The importance of patient empowerment (01:36)
2. The gap between treatment and trust (01:48)
3. The impact of poor communication (03:32)
4. Why empowerment starts with providers (06:27)
5. Communication as a clinical skill (07:30)
6. Actionable tips for providers (08:38)

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Patient empowerment is key to better health outcomes.
• A communication gap often exists between providers and patients.
• Systemic issues in healthcare can lead to provider burnout.
• Empowering providers is the first step to empowering patients.
• Small changes in communication can build trust.

Take Action: 

• Ready to empower your healthcare team? Schedule a consultation here.
• Bring Empowering Providers to Improve Access to Care Training to your organization. 

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

If you’ve ever felt lost, dismissed, or overwhelmed by your health, this episode is for you. Learn how to turn your story into a strategy and build your own blueprint for a healthier life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How to create your own health blueprint to track symptoms, meals, and emotions.

2. Why tracking is the first step to making informed decisions with your healthcare team.

3. How to advocate for yourself and take back power in your health journey.

4. That your diagnosis does not define your destiny.

Resources Mentioned:
IBD Patient Checklist:
https://winning-innovator-1782.kit.com/098713887b

Get the Blueprint Navigating IBD: A Six-Week Blueprint For Better Gut Health available at navigatingibd.com.

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of turning pain into purpose!

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

We’ll dive into key questions, including:

• Was there a specific moment that stands out from your early days after diagnosis?
• What barriers did you encounter in the healthcare system, and how did they impact your diagnosis, treatment, and management?
• What strategies do you use to stay active or manage physical limitations?

Join us as Bridgette shares her experiences, offering both inspiration and practical advice for others navigating their own health challenges.

For more information about Bridgette visit the following:

Website: https://bridgettealfredllc.com/:

Resources Mentioned:

• Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health

What's Next: 

• Subscribe to the Health & Healing From the Inside Out podcast.
• Grab a copy of Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health to empower yourself or someone you know on their IBD journey.
• Follow Stephanie Wynn on social media to stay updated on her advocacy work.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from  Bridgette Alfred tips

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

We’ll also dive into her experiences with healthcare providers and explore how raising awareness can improve the experiences of IBS patients, making the healthcare system more supportive and accessible.

During this episode we will cover the following questions:

1. How does IBS affect your daily life, from your routine to your work or school responsibilities? 
2. What has your overall experience been like with healthcare providers while managing your IBS? 
3. How do you think raising awareness can improve the experiences of IBS patients?

For more information about Lolita Dash-Pitts you can follow here on the following platforms:

 Linkedin

Website: www.frontporchcda.org

Support Our Cause:
If you’ve been inspired by this conversation, consider donating to our IBD Patient Navigator® Program. Your contribution helps provide vital resources and personalized support for underserved communities living with IBD. Visit thestephanieawynnfoundation.org to donate and make an impact today!

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.

Guest Introduction: Dr. Jasmine Cohen-Young, LCSW/LSCSW, CCATP, CTMH founder of Mindz Matter

Topics Covered:

• Challenges and limited access to healthcare in the black community.
• Mental Health Challenges
• Self-Care Tips

Resources Mentioned:

• Mindz Matter
• Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health

What's Next: 

• Subscribe to the Health & Healing From the Inside Out podcast.
• Grab a copy of Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health to empower yourself or someone you know on their IBD journey.
• Follow Dr. Jasmine Cohen-Young on social media to stay updated on her advocacy work.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from Dr. Jasmine Cohen-Young tips. 

Support Our Cause: If you’ve been inspired by this conversation, consider donating to our IBD Patient Navigator® Program. Your contribution helps provide vital resources and personalized support for underserved communities living with IBD. Visit thestephanieawynnfoundation.org to donate and make an impact today! 

Join us at the 3rd Annual Let's Talk IBD Health & Wellness Symposium 2025 click here  for more information.  

Follow us in LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sawfoundationinc or https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn

Be A Guest On The Podcast: https://calendly.com/stephanieawynn/60min

Learn More about the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation visit: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

Produced By: Jay Wilson at Podcast Mechanic-beacons.ai/podcastmechanic

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider.