Episode 29: Hope in a Broken Digestive System

Episode 29: Hope in a Broken Digestive System

Author: G-PACT non profit January 14, 2026 Duration: 51:07

Gastroparesis isn’t just about digestion — it’s about identity, grief, resilience, and learning how to fight for yourself.

In this episode, Sam and Dr. Eva Alsheik unpack the science behind gastroparesis, the mental health piece that’s often ignored, and what real treatment looks like beyond a prescription pad. They explore options like G-POEM, gastric stimulators from Enterra therapy, and emerging research; while reminding patients that knowledge is power, and reminding us how community can be everything.

See here for more information on the medical device from Enterra Medical: http://www.enterramedical.com/important-safety-information/


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: 44

Surviving out of Spite
Podcast Episodes
Episode 13: Shaping Your Story: Advocacy Through Authenticity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
In this episode, Sam sits down with patient advocate, G-PACT board member and storyteller Jim Sliney to unpack the power of storytelling in the chronic illness and advocacy space. Together, they explore how to craft stor…
Episode 11: Pie with a Purpose: Why Awareness Month Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:35
In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Sam sits down with Andrew Belliveau to talk about his journey with gastroparesis; from a difficult diagnosis at a young age to building a life filled with advocacy, humor, and hop…
Beyond the Plate: Food, Fear, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:22
In this continued conversation, Sam and Madi dive even deeper into the emotional and practical realities of managing food, nutrition, and language around chronic illness. Building on their previous episode, they discuss…
Beyond the Breakdown: Healing After Medical Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:01
In Part 1, we pulled back the curtain on the often-unseen reality of medical trauma; sharing the fear, frustration, and lasting emotional wounds that come from being gaslit, dismissed, or repeatedly hospitalized. In this…
Episode 08: Gastroparesis Food Fight: Finding What Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:44
Living with gastroparesis means navigating a minefield of food fears, medical dismissal, and constant trial-and-error—especially when it feels like nothing works. In this episode, I’m joined by Madi Cheever, a registered…
Episode 06: You said I couldn't run...so I laced up TWICE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:48
This week on Surviving out of Spite, Sam is flying solo and getting real about what it means to stay active with gastroparesis. From gut wrenching (literally) symptoms to workouts that don't go as planned, she opens up a…