Chronic Illness & Identity: Who Are You After a Life-Changing Diagnosis?

Chronic Illness & Identity: Who Are You After a Life-Changing Diagnosis?

Author: G-PACT non profit September 9, 2026 Duration: 45:17

Living with chronic illness can change everything; including how you see yourself, your future, and your place in the world.

In this conversation, Sam and Deanna dive into the realities of living with chronic illness and rare disease, exploring how diagnosis can reshape identity, mental health, relationships, and everyday life. They talk about the ongoing process of understanding an illness, adapting to a life you didn't necessarily choose, and finding strength in the uncertainty.

They also discuss the importance of community, patient advocacy, resilience, and sharing your story; and how connecting with others who truly understand can make chronic illness feel a little less isolating.

If you're living with chronic illness or rare disease, we hope this conversation reminds you that your experience matters, and that there is power in finding people who understand.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help connect more patients, caregivers, and advocates with the chronic illness community.

Want to connect with Deanna?

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Deanna Steinle | LinkedIn

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Hosted by two people navigating life with gastroparesis, Surviving out of Spite is a raw and real conversation from the G-PACT non-profit. This isn't a clinical lecture; it's the sound of two friends unpacking the daily reality of a chronic condition, finding humor in the absurd moments and solidarity in the shared struggles. You'll hear candid personal stories that range from frustrating to triumphant, alongside practical tips forged from lived experience. The dialogue covers everything from managing health and relationships to simply preserving your identity beyond a diagnosis. Tuning into this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a kitchen table conversation where no topic is off-limits and laughter is considered essential medicine. It builds a community through audio, reminding anyone facing a similar journey that they are understood. Each episode explores the complex patient experience with honesty, aiming to inform, connect, and affirm that navigating life with gastroparesis is a story of resilience, often fueled by a bit of defiant spirit.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Surviving out of Spite
Podcast Episodes
Gastroparesis & Protein: Finding Nutrition for Sensitive Stomachs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:34
Finding a protein source that works with a sensitive digestive system can be challenging. In this episode, Jack, founder of Drink Wholesome, shares the story behind creating a protein powder designed for people who strug…
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What’s new with Zenowell taVNS? In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with Jane to explore the latest Zenowell device and app updates, including the brand-new Digest Mode and Focus Mode; and what these…
Beyond just the Story | A Chronic Illness Documentary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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What does it really take to create a documentary about chronic illness?In this episode, Sam sits down with Lauren Keenan, Director of the film, to take you behind the scenes of this powerful chronic illness documentary.…
The Story Behind Training for Life | A Chronic Illness Documentary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:17
What does it really take to tell an authentic story about chronic illness?In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Sam sits down with Joe Keenan to discuss the creation of Chronic Life Media and the documentary that captu…
The Diagnosis Gap: Culture, Bias & Chronic GI Disease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
What happens when culture, bias, trauma, and chronic illness intersect?In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam sits down with patient advocate and non profit leader Tina Aswani-Omprakash to chat about her journey…