In this Winter News & Notes episode of The Celiac Project Podcast, Mike and Cam share powerful listener updates and real life celiac journeys. From insurance battles and refractory celiac disease to mental health, OCD, and navigating college gluten free, this episode highlights both the challenges and the progress happening in the community. They also discuss advocacy efforts around FDA labeling and helpful resources for checking whether medications are gluten free.
Mike and Cam are joined by Anne Moon and Dr. Annemarie Rompca from the Seattle Children’s Celiac Disease Program, to discuss how comprehensive, community-focused care can help kids and families thrive after a celiac diagnosis. They cover early challenges, mental health support, youth mentorship, community outreach with restaurants, and the future of celiac research — all through the lens of both medical expertise and lived experience.
🎥 You can also watch this episode on YouTube at youtube.com/@celiacproject
https://youtu.be/8JFEw9x-l4g
In this episode of The Celiac Project Podcast, Mike checks in on Cam to see how his return to college life at the University of Illinois Chicago is going. Cam shares the realities of living in a dorm, navigating a required meal plan with celiac disease, and advocating for safe gluten-free food on campus. Cam shares what’s working, where systems fall short, and the challenges of getting glutened and securing academic accommodations. A candid, informative conversation for anyone with celiac disease, or anyone helping a student prepare for college life gluten-free.
Mike and Cam kick off 2026 with more “Stump Mike and Cam” fun as they continue tackling questions from the Beyond Celiac Harris Poll. They break down what the public gets right about celiac disease, where misconceptions still exist, and how those perceptions compare to the real-life experiences of people living with celiac disease. Mike and Cam share personal insights, revisit key community questions, and look ahead with optimism for greater awareness and understanding in the year ahead.
Mike and Cam close out the year with a fun and thought-provoking New Year’s episode. They dive into surprising results from a Harris Poll by Beyond Celiac, for a “Stump Mike and Cam” style podcast, revealing some stunning insights on how the general American public really understands celiac disease. With gluten-free beers in hand, they react to questions about dining out, travel, and social situations while sharing honest takes, a few laughs, and reflections on where awareness is improving—and where there’s still work to do. Join them for a festive, eye-opening way to ring in the New Year and celebrate 2025!
Mike and Cam are back with a fun bonus holiday episode! Fresh off a road trip to Vermont, Cam shares all the gluten-free highlights from the journey, including amazing food stops, surprise skiing and snowboarding, and the legendary Vermont sock sale that inspired the entire trip. From Chicago Pizza packed for the drive, to a standout gluten-free brunch in Buffalo, to jaw-dropping views of Niagara Falls, this adventure is filled with great eats, unexpected laughs, and a few wild animal encounters. Cam also talks about discovering incredible craft ciders and tips for handling awkward moments when restaurants aren't as safe as expected. Join Mike and Cam for a cozy holiday show packed with gluten free travel tips, foodie finds, and plenty of stories from the road.
Mike and Cam are thrilled to welcome back one of their all-time favorite guests: Erin Smith, the Gluten-Free Globetrotter! Erin shares her top holiday travel and party tips, from smart airport food strategies to navigating gatherings with confidence. She also gives an update on life in Montreal, talks about celebrating Christmas in Mexico, and offers practical advice on researching safe spots to eat both locally and abroad. A perfect episode to help you stay prepared, calm, and gluten-free throughout the holiday season!
Mike and his family head to St. Louis for his daughter’s softball tournament—but when rain washes out most of the games, the real action happens off the field. With unexpected downtime, Mike goes on the hunt for the best gluten-free eats the city has to offer. From mouthwatering Missouri-style BBQ to a creative spin on tacos, plus a surprise college visit complete with a gummy-bear bonus, this trip delivers plenty of delicious discoveries. Join Mike as he turns a soggy weekend into a gluten-free adventure packed with standout finds!
Mike and Cam are thrilled to welcome author and illustrator Jennifer Schiano to the podcast! Jennifer opens up about her personal journey before and after her celiac diagnosis and how she turned her challenges into creativity. Her new book, The Bread Devil’s Guide to Gluten Free, uses humor, heart, and art to help children understand celiac disease while sparking meaningful conversations about living gluten free.
In addition to listening to the podcast, you can also watch it on YouTube @celiacproject
https://youtu.be/cbtCkH4UjH4
Mike and Cam are back with their Fall News and Notes! They kick things off with exciting research on a potential new blood test that could diagnose celiac disease without a gluten challenge. The guys also share powerful listener stories—from Jim’s ongoing health journey to Julie’s late diagnosis and resilience. We wrap up the show looking at some interesting research coming out of UC Santa Barbara on wheat. Is it possible there will be a gluten free strain of wheat in the future?
Mike and Cam are thrilled to sit down with Dr. Deanna Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and co-author of the groundbreaking new book Get Your Brain off Grain. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kelly dives into the latest research linking gluten to psychiatric disorders and explains how gluten can impact the brain in both people with celiac disease and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. From groundbreaking science to real world implications, this episode uncovers how disruptions in the gut can directly affect the brain and why understanding that connection is crucial for anyone living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
You can also watch this episode on YouTube:
Cam is kicking off a brand new chapter as he heads back to school at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)! He shares how he’s setting himself up for success—from meeting with administrators about accommodations, to working with dietitians and dining staff to ensure safe gluten free meals. Mike and Cam dive into the challenges, preparations, and excitement of Cam’s upcoming semester. There are great lessons in this episode for anyone who needs to advocate for themselves or a loved one in any situation!
Mike and Cam keep the summer vibes going in part two of their end-of-summer celebration, packed with gluten-free highlights. Cam shares some exciting updates as he heads back to school, while Mike reflects on the growing strength and connection of the celiac and gluten-free communities. And of course, no party is complete without a toast—this time with Holidaily’s crisp and refreshing Fruited Blonde Sweet Melon.
Summer might be over, but Mike and Cam are keeping the vibes alive! They crack open some special Holidaily brews (thanks to Gluten Free Dave and the Celiac Cruise) and throw a little end-of-summer party. From unforgettable eats to gluten-free adventures, there was too much fun for just one episode—so consider this Part 1 of the celebration!
Mike and the crew hit the road for a summer college tour in Indiana—finding not just great options for Jessica’s future, but unforgettable food along the way! Between campus visits, they chased down dedicated gluten-free havens, pizza and pasta worth writing home about, a gummy bear factory sugar rush, and plenty of classic family road-trip shenanigans.
Mike and Cam are excited to welcome Dr. Maureen Leonard back to the podcast! Dr. Leonard is Clinical Director of the Center For Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General Hospital for Children (MGHfC) and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Dr. Leonard shares an update on her groundbreaking work on the CDGEMM study, which follows infants from birth through childhood to learn more about the many factors that can contribute to the development of celiac disease. She shares her thoughts on some of the other exciting advancements that are taking place in celiac research and treatment. Plus, Mike and Cam find out about how she navigates her busy life as a doctor living with celiac disease.
Mike and Cam are traveling again and it's a crazy coincidence that they are both in Wisconsin the same weekend! Cam goes camping and has a great time, but discovers a crafty critter has invaded his campground, making off with some of his best gluten free goodies. Meanwhile, Mike heads to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin for an exciting softball tournament with his daughters. The guys share great info about the places they found to eat and some travel tips, including why a putter might be a handy tool at a campsite.
Mike and Cam welcome Jenny Levine Finke to the podcast. Jenny is the founder of Love Me Gluten Free and Good For You Gluten Free. Jenny shares her personal celiac journey that led her to a successful career as a blogger and, after that, to write her book, Dear Gluten It's Not Me, It's You. We also discover how she turned a very awkward situation into her latest success, her Love Me Gluten Free subscription box company.
You can also watch this month's episode on YouTube:
It's officially summer and a perfect time to roll out the latest episode of News and Notes! Mike and Cam share some great letters from listeners who have recently been diagnosed, plus a longtime listener who has had a few happy voyages on the Celiac Cruise. We also talk about an intriguing kissing study, debrief an eventful Celiac Awareness Month, and much more!
Mike and Cam are so happy to welcome Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl, MD and Randi Wolf, PhD, MPH from the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center, to the podcast. They are currently collaborating on an exciting study, the GLUTECH Trial, which explores how gluten detection technology may improve the treatment of people who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease. In this informative conversation, we also discuss the state of celiac research and the need for more studies dealing in the social and emotional wellness of celiac patients.
Mike and Cam are excited to welcome returning guest, Dr. Marty Linseisen, for our final Celiac Awareness Month podcast of the year. Marty has the unique perspective of being a medical doctor who also happens to have celiac disease. Marty is passionate about helping to raise awareness as well as help people with celiac disease live their best life. He shares some of his top strategies for staying healthy with celiac disease and navigating life on a gluten free diet.
As Celiac Awareness Month continues, Mike and Cam are excited to welcome State Senator, Sally Turner, to the podcast. Senator Turner and her team have constructed Senate Bill 1288 requiring all food handlers in Illinois to complete training on celiac disease and the safe handling of gluten-free foods. We believe that this important bill could be a template for other states to follow. Find out what inspired Senator Turner to author this bill, as she advises the gluten free community on how we can become more active in helping this type of legislation to pass.
With another Celiac Awareness Month upon us, Mike and Cam share their 10th Annual Celiac State of the Union. The guys take the pulse on where the celiac and gluten free community stand in a number of categories including: gluten free products, dining out, cost of gluten free living, celiac education, and much more!
Mike and Cam sit down with Dr. Ritu Verma, Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Medical Director of University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center. Dr. Verma helps the guys with some "myth busting" relating to celiac disease and a gluten free diet. They tackle both big and small topics including: Are there actually ways to reduce the chances of offspring developing celiac disease? How careful do kids really need to be while eating gluten free at home and at school? Is wheat starch safe for celiacs? And so much more!
Mike's daughters, Jessica and Melanie, join the guys on today's podcast. They share their recent trip to see the University of Wisconsin at Madison. It was quite an adventure as they started with a tour of Taste Republic facilities and learned some of their secrets to great pasta making. They also had some standout gluten free meals while in town. Most importantly, the University tour was fantastic, complete with a quick primer of the dining halls and some first hand experience seeing what campus life would be like as a student with celiac disease.