Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

This week I invited Mike and Cam from The Celiac Project Podcast: 2 Guys Talking Gluten Free to join me to tell their diagnosis stories and motivation for starting a podcast about celiac disease.  The most noticeable difference from my podcast to theirs is that Mike and Cam are men, and in my case, most of my celiac friends are woman, so hearing their stories and perspective was very interesting.  Mike started the podcast after producing the film “The Celiac Project”.  You can find out more about the film on his website – https://www.celiacproject.com/

You can listen to their podcast wherever you listen to podcasts or at https://celiacprojectpodcast.libsyn.com/

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

Talking to Mike and Cam got me thinking about when I was first formulating my plans for this podcast.  I went back to school a few years ago and discovered podcasts on my long drives to and from.  I was excited to see how many different subjects and interests were being covered.  I also realized the freedom it gave to the content creators.  I had worked with a tv producer to make two seasons of my baking show and was beginning to understand the constraints of tv – the segments had to be a certain number of minutes, I had to be careful to reference brand names only when it was necessary, and greatest of all, it took a handful of talented people to make 23 minutes of television.

Podcasts are different.  They can run any length.  They can be produced to any level the creator feels comfortable.  They can be on any subject and are only constrained by the creator’s knowledge and imagination.  Podcasts can utilize different formats – interview, sole chat, group chat, storyline, serial, and the list goes on.  Podcasts, for the most part aren’t in seasons, and can be stand alone, or consecutive. 

These freedoms appealed to me.  I wondered if I could do it all myself.  The first thing I did was decide I wanted to talk about celiac disease and the gluten free diet, and interview others in the field.  Next, I called Melissa at the Canadian Celiac Association to see how my efforts mighthelp  to get their message out.  They were happy to be supportive of the podcast, and Melissa was my first guest.

The differences from my story those of Mike and Cam, can be put down to my involvement with the CCA.  I wanted to make a new form of media to compliment what the CCA was doing.  Mike and Cam, although their starting point was the film The Celiac Project, they branched out to whatever suited the format of “2 Guys Talking Gluten Free”.  Our styles are different, our perspectives are different, but I’m sure some of our audience is in common.

I will become a regular listener to their podcast, and I’m sure our paths with cross again, and we’ll learn from each other.  Best thing is, I now know two more guys who are celiac.

A conversation with Selena Devries RD

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

I’m joined again on the podcast by Selena Devries, a Registered Dietician specializing in gut issues, as well, she is also celiac. Selena has developed a comprehensive course for anyone with persistent gut issues after their celiac diagnosis.  This course is very indepth and Selena will be working closely with course participants on an individual basis.  The course begins in late January, but before that, a shorter course is available to anyone who might be interested, but not sure if it’s right for them.

You can find out more at Selena’s website at www.healthbean.ca

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

Many people have pivoted from in person classes and consultations to virtual ones over the past year.  It was a necessity for most, not just for the providers, but also for the consumers of these sessions.

I think the most unique utilization of this technology is the virtual cooking or baking class.  There are a few talented cooks and bakers that have used their skills in this way.  I can see the benefits of these online classes far after covid is a factor in our day to day lives.

On the other hand, Selena had provided virtual dietician appointments before the pandemic turned our lives upside down.  Now she’s taking her expertise to another level with videos and structured classes.  Many of us will meet with a couple of dieticians in our celiac journey, but very few of us will have a consultation with a dietician who is an expert in gastric issues, as well as being celiac herself.

We are fortunate to have Selena to help us, and with her classes, she is accessible to anyone from coast to coast to coast.  That is remarkable.  I know many people are accessing their family doctors and specialists via zoom meetings these days, for appointments, and now you can have a specialist dietician “partner” teaching and giving you individual advice as well.

Covid-19 has dealt the world an awful blow, but there are a few things, developed by ingenious people, that I hope remain after life goes back to normal.  You may remember, as I do, the science-fiction tv shows when I was a kid, showing a patient with a doctor who had some fantastical handheld gadgets that gave readings and the doctor could reference some faraway expert for the diagnosis.  That does appear to be our future, and in some ways our present.  I intend to embrace the new ways of doing things and help promote those who are forging new paths.

A Look Back on the Podcast for 2020

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

This episode is one of my rare solo episodes.  I felt it was important to look back on 2020 and examine how the events of 2020 effected the topics covered and listenership of the podcast.  None of us could have predicted how the corona virus pandemic would change everything in our lives, or how long the upheaval would go on for.

It was somewhat therapeutic for me to look back at all the topics covered and guests welcomed on the podcast.  I am able to mention some of the important shows, along with some of my favourite conversations, as well as how the episodes rated among my listeners.

You can find a list of all my podcasts along with show notes and a player at –

acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

This will be short and sweet, as I have already shared my thoughts on a year of podcasts.

The only thing I have left to say is how privileged I feel to be able to produce this podcast for a very special audience.  Before starting the podcast, I read pros and cons about targeting a podcast to a relatively small niche of people – those who are celiac and gluten free.  A friend of mine who has long been involved with social media is still trying to get me to remove “Canadian” from the podcast title, as this further narrows my niche.  I am not deterred.  I am a part of that niche, and every week I strive to provide information and guests that I find interesting.  So far, it seems to be what you want to hear as well.  I’ve made some great friends through my podcast, especially Ellen Bayens (of theceliacscene.com), who I speak with every month.  This work is a great way to keep things current, keep me thinking and continuing to contribute.  None of this matters without you taking the time to listen.

Thanks for Listening!

A Conversation with Ellen Bayens

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

On this episode I speak with Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com who brings us up to date on what’s in the news regarding celiac disease and the gluten free diet.  December is normally a quiet month when it comes to releasing new medical information from studies, and this December was no different.  We speak about a study that considers reducing the requirement for a biopsy to diagnose celiac disease.  Ellen also fills us in on the safety of the Pfizer Covid19 Vaccine.  As well Ellen and I talk about some new resources available to celiacs, not only the newly diagnosed, but for those of us who have been following a gluten free diet for many years.  During 2020 many gluten free businesses were faced with difficult decisions – continuing to struggle, or changing their business model.  Each gluten free business/service is unique and Ellen and I talk about how some are meeting this challenge.  You can find more information about our topics at –

Bye Bye Biopsy for Adults with Celiac Serology 10 Times Higher Than Normal

Is Pfizer’s COVID19 Vaccine Safe for Celiacs?

HEALTHY ME – A Gluten Free Lifestyle Course 

Gluten-Free Businesses Diversifying Due To Covid / Reinventing Themselves. 

The Art of Slow Food Opens 100% GF Wood-Fired Pizza Food Truck! 

Introducing El Faro Gluten Free Flour IXIM Tortillas, Seasonings, Salsas & More, Made by Taco Revolution Food Truck

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

I enjoy speaking with Ellen every month, it keeps me on top of current celiac/gluten free news and topics.  That’s one of the reasons I started the podcast.  It’s now been almost three years since my first podcast debuted at the end of January 2018.  So much has happened for me since that time.  I have attended many different celiac/gluten free events, met lots of experts, both in the medical field as well as entrepreneurs and others with a story.

It’s quite a job to look back on all of my podcasts, over 150 now, so many guests, so many topics.  What I have attempted to do in the past, and will again this year, is look over my podcasts for this past year and talk about what I’ve learned.  Ellen eluded to my plans in this week’s episode.  You should know I look back with mixed feelings.  Some episodes were crammed with medical information, and I was often on the edge of not understanding, but hopefully, I was able to present this information in a way as to bring some degree of understanding to the topic.  Other episodes were conversations with entrepreneurs in the gluten free space.  These episodes varied quite a bit.  I tried to relate my own gluten free bakery experience to these businesses, I usually left with a great respect for what these people were trying to accomplish. 

Some of my favourite episodes talked about how the gluten free diet has changed people’s lives.  From a medical perspective, the gluten free diet is our only “cure”, but I was more interested in how people re-arranged their diet, culture, needs, wants and family life to accommodate gluten free.  Of particular interest were individuals who came from a different cultural background from me – Italian, East Indian, Polish etc.  I’d like to do more of this series.  If you are, or know of someone who would like to discuss gluten free and how you’ve adapted your/their culture to meet it’s challenges, please contact me (acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com). 

When I look back on the past three years, I can see I’ve grown as a celiac.  My knowledge, my contacts, my experiences and my confidence have all grown.  I feel richer for having done the work to produce the podcast.  I can only hope you feel something positive for listening.