A Canadian Celiac Podcast

In Episode 366 of A Canadian Celiac Podcast, Melissa Secord, National Executive Director of Celiac Canada, speaks with two inspiring Canadian Olympians who have navigated the challenges of elite sport while living with celiac disease.

Christine Nesbitt, Olympic gold medal-winning speed skater, and Jacqueline Simoneau, Olympic artistic swimmer and Team Canada athlete, share their personal experiences with celiac disease and how a strict gluten-free lifestyle became an essential part of their athletic success.

Melissa explores the unique challenges of training, travelling, and competing internationally while managing celiac disease. Christine and Jacqueline discuss their diagnoses, the impact of nutrition on performance, and the strategies they have used to stay healthy and focused while pursuing excellence on the world stage.

Their stories highlight the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and support while demonstrating that a celiac disease diagnosis does not have to limit personal or athletic achievement.

Follow Chrisitne and Jacqueline:
Christine @cnezzy

Jacqueline @jacqueline_simoneau

To learn more about Celiac Canada, visit www.celiac.ca.

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For 26 years, the J.A. Campbell Research Fund has supported groundbreaking research that advances our understanding of celiac disease and improves the lives of those living with it. Named in honour of Dr. James A. Campbell, a pioneer in nutrition science and a champion for Canada’s gluten-free community, the fund continues to drive innovation through the next generation of researchers.

In this episode, host Caleigh McAulay speaks with the recipients of the 2026 J.A. Campbell Research Awards. Together, they explore promising new research on blood-based diagnostics for celiac disease, the impact of food insecurity on gluten-free diet adherence, mental health, and health outcomes among children, youth, and adolescents living with celiac disease.

Join us as we celebrate Dr. Campbell’s legacy and discover how today’s researchers are shaping the future of celiac disease care.

What You’ll Learn

• Why food insecurity is an important but often overlooked challenge for people with celiac disease
• How a simple blood test using IL-2 could transform celiac disease diagnosis
• How food insecurity affects children and youth living with both celiac disease and type 1 diabetes
• How the J.A. Campbell Research Fund is supporting the next generation of celiac disease researchers
• Why investing in research is critical to improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for the celiac community
• The impact of food insecurity on mental health and gluten-free diet adherence among adolescents

Learn more about J.A. Campbell Awards: Research Awards -Celiac Canada – Medical Funding

Help fund research: Together let’s find a cure.

To learn more about Celiac Canada, visit www.celiac.ca.

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What is it really like to be a man living with celiac disease? In this episode of A Canadian Celiac Podcast, Spencer Sandor, a member of Celiac Canada’s Advocacy Committee, shares his personal experiences with diagnosis, adaptation, and life on a strict gluten-free diet.

Joining the conversation is Alyssa Ramuscak, Research Analyst at Celiac Canada, who highlights findings from the State of Celiac survey and discusses what the data tells us about the realities Canadians face every day. This thought-provoking discussion combines research and lived experience to shed light on men’s health, community support, and the ongoing challenges of living with celiac disease.

What You’ll Learn

• Key findings from Celiac Canada’s State of Celiac survey.
• How celiac disease impacts men’s health and daily life.
• Spencer Sandor’s personal experience living with celiac disease.
• The importance of research, awareness, and community support.
• How data and lived experience can help shape a better future for Canadians with celiac disease.

Read the State of Celiac: State of Celiac – Celiac Canada

To learn more about Celiac Canada, visit www.celiac.ca.

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Heading off to university is an exciting milestone, but for students living with celiac disease, it can also bring unique challenges. From dining halls and shared kitchens to residence life and managing independence, maintaining a strict gluten-free lifestyle on campus requires planning and confidence.

In this episode, Sue welcomes Anna Cowan, a university student living with celiac disease, and Manisha Kothary, whose daughter has just completed her first year of university. Together, they share practical tips, personal experiences, and valuable lessons learned about navigating campus life safely while staying gluten-free.

Whether you’re a student preparing for your first semester, a parent helping your child transition to university, or someone looking for strategies to manage celiac disease away from home, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and plenty of real-world advice.

What you’ll learn:

• How to prepare for residence and campus dining
• Communicating gluten-free needs to university staff and roommates
• Tips for staying safe in shared kitchens and social situations
• The realities of managing celiac disease independently
• Advice for both students and parents during the transition to university life

Join us for an informative and reassuring discussion as we explore how students with celiac disease can thrive at university.

Download our back to school guides: Back to School – Celiac Canada

To learn more about Celiac Canada, visit www.celiac.ca.

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In this special episode of A Canadian Celiac Podcast, producer and editor Leah Vlasic steps in as guest host alongside Melissa Secord to explore two incredible events that brought the celiac community together this July.

Melissa visits Davis Family Farm to learn more about the Sunflower Festival and Celiac Canada’s second annual Day of Smiles, while Leah heads west to chat with a representative from the Calgary Chapter about Calgary’s largest gluten-free Stampede Breakfast, which welcomed more than 1,000 attendees and was powered by over 80 dedicated volunteers.

Throughout this episode, you’ll hear inspiring stories of passion, community, and the volunteers who work tirelessly to create safe, welcoming spaces for people living with celiac disease. Tune in to discover the impact of these events, the importance of connection, and how you can get involved with Celiac Canada in your own community.

Learn more at celiac.ca

Learn more about the Davis Family Farm: Toronto Sunflower Fields & Festival | Davis Family Farm

Learn more about the Calgary Chapter: Calgary Celiac – Support for people with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in the Calgary area

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Celiac disease research is moving forward, but what do the latest findings actually mean for people living with the disease?

This week, Health Promotions Manager Caleigh McAulay welcomes Alyssa Ramuscak, Research Analyst at Celiac Canada, for a look at some of the newest and most promising developments in celiac research. They discuss key findings, emerging trends, and the questions researchers are working to answer next.

Join us for an accessible and informative conversation that translates complex research into real-world insights for the gluten-free community.

Learn more at celiac.ca

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In this episode of A Canadian Celiac Podcast, Melissa Secord speaks with Doris Foster, Chair of the Celiac Canada Board of Directors.

Doris shares her personal journey with celiac disease, her career in healthcare, and insights into the power of advocacy, research, and community. Together, they discuss key milestones, ongoing challenges, and how Celiac Canada is working to Find, Treat, and Cure celiac disease.

A thoughtful conversation on leadership, progress, and the impact of a strong, connected community.

Learn more at celiac.ca

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Summer is full of food-focused fun—from picnics and patios to road trips and festivals—but for those living with celiac disease, it can also come with unique challenges. In this episode, host Caleigh McAulay, RD, Health Promotion Manager at Celiac Canada, shares practical tips to help you navigate summer eating with confidence, featuring real tips and concerns from people at the Gluten-Free Garage event in Toronto.

Whether you’re dining out, attending gatherings, or planning your own meals on the go, Caleigh breaks down how to stay safe while still enjoying everything the season has to offer.

You’ll learn:

• How to manage gluten-free eating at restaurants, patios, and events
• Smart strategies for summer travel and eating on the go
• What to watch for when sharing food with others
• Easy meal and snack ideas to keep you prepared
• How to advocate for yourself in social situations

With the right tools and a little planning, you can fully embrace summer—deliciously and safely.

Learn more at celiac.ca

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Tune in and make this your most confident gluten-free summer yet!

In this special episode, Melissa Secord of Celiac Canada is joined by Floris van Overveld (AOECS) and Marilyn Geller (Celiac Disease Foundation) to discuss a major step forward in gluten-free labelling.

Recorded during Celiac Awareness Month, they break down new Codex guidelines for precautionary allergen labelling—designed to reduce confusing “May Contain” statements and improve trust in gluten-free products.

Tune in to learn what this global milestone means for the celiac community.

In this episode, Caleigh McAulay, RD, is joined by Aiden LeJeune, a young advocate using his voice to raise awareness, and Julie Greene, a parent navigating life with a child living with celiac disease. Together, they talk about what it’s really like growing up gluten-free—from school and social situations to gaining independence as a young adult.

Caleigh also explores the importance of youth advocacy and how programs like Celiac Canada’s Kids Teach Kids Day are helping empower the next generation to share their stories, educate others, and create change.