A Gluten Free Podcast
Do you have coeliac disease or are you gluten free for other health reasons? You've come to the right place: A Gluten Free Podcast! I'm your host Ben & in this is weekly show we'll explore all things gluten free. I share stories of people doing helpful & inspiring things in the gluten free community while sharing my own story along the way. So whether you have coeliac disease like me, you’re gluten free for other reasons or you simply want to learn more about the gluten free diet, this is your show. My aim is to raise coeliac disease & gluten fr...
How Coeliac Disease Impacts Skin Health: Dermatologist & Founder of Southern Dermatology, Dr Ryan De Cruz
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 198
My guest on today’s episode is dermatologist and founder of Southern Dermatology, Dr Ryan De Cruz. We’ll talk about skin issues related to coeliac disease and the ingestion of gluten, dermatitis herpetiformis and how we can look after our skin when living with coeliac disease and following a gluten free diet.
What we’ll cover:
* Ryan’s role as a dermatologist
* The importance of dermatology in healthcare
* Ryan’s personal connection to coeliac disease with family me...
A Golden Age in Coeliac Disease Research: Groundbreaking Coeliac Disease Research Developments Worldwide
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 197
I've had many coeliac disease researchers on this show to share their latest research and findings. Today I want to collate all the exciting coeliac disease research around the world I'm watching right now. I hope you enjoy listening and please get in touch if you learn more developments in the research I talk about during this episode or you know of others that are worth talking about.
What we'll chat about:
* Reflecting on last my episode with the new Dir...
How To Make Gluten Free Sourdough With Founder of Wild Sourdough, Yoke Mardewi
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 196
Sourdough: It’s been around for thousands of years. The fermentation process is known to have many benefits for our gut. Normal sourdough is not gluten free, despite what many people think. However, you can make gluten free sourdough bread. Perhaps you’re curious to give a go. But where do you start to learn? Well, you’re in luck. My guest today will share her own gluten free journey and tips around creating gluten free sourdough.
My guest on today’s episode is author...
Why Do People Develop Coeliac Disease? Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Physician-Scientist & New Director at The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children, Dr Maureen Leonard
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 195
My guest on today’s episode is paediatric gastroenterologist, physician-scientist and the new director for The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children, Dr Maureen Leonard. We’ll talk about Dr. Leonard’s own coeliac disease diagnosis, the CDGEMM study, the gut microbiome, refractory coeliac disease and much more.
We’ll talk about:
* Maureen’s newly appointed position of director for The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children, succeeding Dr Alessio Fasano
* Mauree...
Is AI Helping Or Hindering Our Gluten Free Lives? + The Power of Gluten Free Events & Meetups
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 194
The world is a crazy place right now with advancements in AI and social media, which are both influencing how we live our lives with coeliac disease and navigating gluten free life. Real-life events and meetups are something which are needed more than ever. We recently collaborated on a meetup with Amelia from Social Coeliac Sydney at the Sydney Gluten Free Expo which was so much fun!
Today we'll talk about how AI, social media and real-life events are influencing our coeliac and gluten fr...
Ardor Founder, Vince Lotito: Navigating Coeliac Disease As An Italian Male & Creating High Quality, Premium Gluten Free Products
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 192
It’s hard being diagnosed with coeliac disease no matter what age or where you’re from. There’s so many adjustments to make. Now, imagine being an Italian male where your whole upbringing, culture and community is based around food… and not just any food - Italian food, which is heavily based on gluten: pizzas, pastas, breads are Italian staples. Imagine all of that being stripped away from you, and on top of that, being perceived as ‘weak’ even by your family members. What would you do?
<...Sydney Gluten Free Expo Meetup With Amelia, Founder of Social Coeliac Sydney
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 192
Living with coeliac disease and navigating gluten free life is hard. Even when you’re based in a highly populated city such as Sydney, there’s many hurdles at play. How can you find safe places to eat, not feel left out in such a huge city and connect with others navigating gluten free life?
My guest on today’s episode is the founder of Social Coeliac Sydney, Amelia. We’ll chat about Amelia’s coeliac diagnosis inspiring her to hold meetups around Sydney, navigating...
How I'm Navigating Coeliac Disease As A Man & How We Can Help Encourage More Men To Discuss Physical & Mental Health
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 191
On today's episode of gluten free thoughts I explore why men struggle to talk about their physical and mental health. For myself, being a male with coeliac disease I've been forced to discuss my own physical and mental health struggles. It's so important we break down the stigmas and barriers preventing men from coming forward to talk about their physical and mental health. How can we do this? We'll discuss some strategies in this episode.
What we'll chat about:
* Recap of...
Gluten Free Cookbook Author and former Masterchef Australia Contestant, Melanie Persson (The Very Hungry Coeliac) - How To Make Gluten Free Feasts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 190
My guest on today’s episode is gluten free cookbook author and former Masterchef Australia contestant, Melanie Persson. We’ll talk about the difference of living gluten free in the UK versus Australia, the release of her new cookbook Gluten Free Feasts and some tips for holding a gluten free feast of your own.
What we'll chat about:
* Reintroduction - a little background Melanie and brief recap of her coeliac diagnosis, Masterchef Australia experience and creating her first cookbook
* Me...
How To Find Inclusion, Community & Connection in Our Gluten Free Life
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 189
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with coeliac disease, it can feel like everything changes — food, social life, identity. That was my experience, and I know many of you can relate. In this solo episode, I want to explore how we can find inclusion, community and connection in our gluten free lives — and how we can support each other through it.
In This Episode, I Share:
A story from last week’s guest Sonny Wells, who created Sonny’s...Founder of Sonny’s Food, Sonny Wells: The World's First Gluten Free Fast Food Chain
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 188
What if fast food could be 100% gluten free, safe for coeliacs, nut-free, and with dairy-free options too? That dream is becoming reality thanks to Sonny Wells, founder of Sonny’s Food, the UK-based startup gaining global attention — from the coeliac community and business leaders like Richard Branson, Simon Squibb, and Steven Bartlett.
In this episode, Sonny shares how his coeliac diagnosis over a decade ago led to a bold mission: to create a ful...
How To Think Like A Scientist In Our Coeliac & Gluten Free Lives
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 187
This week, we’re flipping the script on how we think about coeliac disease and gluten free living. What if we approached it like a scientist?
I’ve spoken with leading experts like Dr Jason Tye-Din, Olivia Moscatelli and Andrew Williams — all scientists who use trial, error, and objectivity to explore the unknown. While we may not be in a lab, we can use their mindset to navigate our own gluten free lives.
🔍 What Does It Mean to Think Like a Scientist...
The Cost of the Gluten Free Diet: Coeliac Disease Research Update with Associate Professor Kelly Lambert
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 186
This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Associate Professor Kelly Lambert, Academic Program Director for Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales. Kelly and I first connected during a panel discussion at the Sydney Gluten Free Expo, where we tackled one of the most talked-about and often frustrating issues in the coeliac and gluten free space – the cost of gluten free food.
With the rising cost of living, the...
Balance: Finding Your Own Way in Coeliac & Gluten Free Life
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 185
Welcome to this solo episode of Gluten Free Thoughts, where I’m reflecting on an essential but sometimes tricky topic: balance. Managing coeliac disease and living gluten free is a constant balancing act—between health and happiness, caution and connection, science and sanity. Everyone’s journey is different, and today I want to encourage you to find your balance and to do YOU.
🎙️ What We’ll Explore:
1. Health Check Ups Versus Health Anxiety
Regular health check ups are important...
The Future of Coeliac Disease Research & Diagnosis with Principal Scientist Dr. Andrew Williams from Westmead Children’s Hospital
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 184
In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew Williams, Principal Scientist at Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Williams has spent decades researching coeliac disease and the complex immunological processes behind it. We explore how coeliac disease research has evolved, what still needs to change, and how early diagnosis in children could significantly improve health outcomes across Australia and globally.
We dive into the inspiration behind Dr. Williams’ career in immunol...
Gluten Free Audit for Coeliac Disease: What’s Working & What Needs to Change
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 183 – Time for a Gluten Free Audit
Welcome back! In today’s solo episode, we’re taking an unexpected but surprisingly helpful detour… into taxes. Yep — sounds dull, but stick with me! As my wife Bec (who handles all the books for my businesses — legend!) and I went through receipts and plans, it got me thinking: this same process can help us check in with how we’re managing coeliac disease and our gluten free lifestyle. So, today I’m inviting you to do a gluten free audit with me.
L...
Creating Safe Treats for All: Lisa Munro on Building Happy Tummies & Free From Family Co.
Episode 182
A Gluten Free Podcast
How do you turn a personal challenge into a thriving business that supports families across Australia? On today’s episode I sit down with Lisa Munro—founder of Happy Tummies and Free From Family Co.—to talk about how her son’s allergies inspired her mission to create a one-stop shop for allergen-friendly and gluten free products.
We explore Lisa’s personal journey as a parent navigating allergies and an Eosinophilic Eosophagitis (EoE) diagnosis, and how that experience led to the birth of a business...
7 Symptoms I Experienced Before My Coeliac Disease Diagnosis
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 181
Today I’m sharing something a little more personal — 7 symptoms I experienced before being diagnosed with coeliac disease. It’s a story I haven’t shared in full detail for a while, but after last week’s episode, it felt like the right time.
Before we get into it, I want to thank Stephen, a longtime listener of the podcast, for joining me last week and opening up about his own coeliac journey. His honesty and insight really struck a chord with so many of you — and wi...
Your Coeliac Stories: Living with Coeliac Disease – Diagnosis, Travel, Work Challenges & Gluten Free Life with Listener Stephen
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 180
Today’s episode is a special one. I’m joined by Stephen, a long-time listener and passionate supporter of A Gluten Free Podcast. Stephen first reached out after connecting with me on Instagram and feeling our coeliac disease diagnosis stories were similar. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch, sharing messages, stories, and updates about life with coeliac disease. It’s been so encouraging to connect over this shared journey—and now, we’re finally having a face-to-face chat on the pod!
Stephen opens up about his personal diag...
Finding Your Gluten Free Ikigai: Inspiration & Motivation To Live Your Best Gluten Free Life & Help Others
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 179
In today’s episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on our incredible conversation last week with Iron Ramen — a gluten free Japanese restaurant built from the ground up after their son’s coeliac diagnosis.
We’ll explore the powerful idea of doing one thing and doing it really well, and how that can lead to incredible growth — not just in business, but in life. I’ll also talk about how Iron Ramen’s journey reminds me of the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy about finding your reas...
Iron Ramen: Creating Authentic Gluten Free Japanese Cuisine for the Coeliac Community
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 178
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Leanne and Dave, the founders of Iron Ramen — Sydney’s cult-favourite gluten free Japanese food truck. Their son’s coeliac disease diagnosis, a deep love of Japanese food and culture, and a gap in the gluten free market all led to the creation of Iron Ramen — and since then, they’ve been winning over the coeliac and gluten free community one bowl at a time.
I first tasted their incredible ramen at the Gluten Free Sydney Expo and instantly understood the h...
Your Coeliac Disease Is Not Your Fault | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 177
On this episode, I begin with a quick recap of last week's powerful chat with Professor Bob Anderson, where we explored the science behind coeliac disease and the complexities of its diagnosis and treatment.
This week, I’m taking a more personal turn.
I want to talk about something I know many of us carry: guilt. Whether you've been recently diagnosed or have been living gluten free for years, you may carry around the thought that your coeliac disease is your fault. I know...
Dr Bob Anderson on Coeliac Disease Research, Immune Response & Future Treatments
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 176
On today’s episode I chat with Associate Professor Dr Bob Anderson — a world-renowned gastroenterologist, immunologist and trailblazer in coeliac disease research. From his foundational work at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) to creating Nexvax2, leading Novoviah Pharmaceuticals, and becoming President of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ISSCD), Bob has shaped the coeliac research landscape as we know it.
We discuss how his career began, what he’s most excited about in current research, and what’s ahead for coeliac disease globally...
How the Coeliac Disease & Gluten Free Community Must Work Together | Gluten Free Thoughts
Episode 175
Welcome to A Gluten Free Podcast! In this Gluten Free Thoughts episode, I’ll be sharing my perspective on the importance of working together as a community—in the coeliac disease research space, advocacy, health care and the community living with coeliac disease ourselves.
What I’ll Cover in This Episode:
✅ Recap of last week's episode – Olivia Moscatelli shared how different coeliac disease organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers need to come together to advance understanding and research in coeliac disease.
✅ Why collaboration is key in the gluten-free and coeliac d...
Breaking New Ground: Coeliac Disease Research, Diagnosis & IL-2 Breakthroughs with Scientist Olivia Moscatelli
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 174
In today’s episode I’m joined by Olivia Moscatelli, a PhD student and scientist researching coeliac disease at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Melbourne. Olivia works alongside Associate Professor Jason Tye-Din, one of the world leading experts in coeliac disease research. Not only is she making pivotal contributions to the field, but she also brings a unique and deeply personal perspective—because she lives with coeliac disease herself.
We’ll dive into Olivia’s diagn...
My Bone Density Update & Testing For Coeliac Disease Before Going Gluten Free | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 173
In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’ll be talking about why it’s crucial not to cut out gluten before getting tested for coeliac disease. I’ll break down the science behind testing, the risks of going gluten-free too soon, and why getting an accurate diagnosis matters. Plus, I’ll share a personal update on my bone density and what I’ve learned since my last scan.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
✅ Recap of my episode with Mel Bampton, forme...
Finding a New Gluten Free Life with Former Triple J Host & Like A Version Creator, Mel Bampton
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 172
On today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I sit down with former Triple J radio host, podcaster, author, and yoga instructor Mel Bampton. You might remember Mel from her time on Triple J, where she made waves in Australian music culture—especially as the creator of the iconic Like A Version segment.
Mel opens up about the high-energy world of radio, the pressures that came with it, the partying and the health challenges she faced along the way. We discuss her personal journey with migraines, stress...
Coeliac Awareness Week 2025, Huge $500 Giveaway & Supporting Gluten Free Businesses | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 171
It’s Coeliac Awareness Week! Running from March 13th to 20th, this week is all about raising awareness and supporting the coeliac and gluten free community. This year, I’m doing something a little different, inspired by my recent conversation with Sandra Hudson, founder of Hudson’s Bakery. Sandra opened up about the struggles of running a gluten free business in today’s tough environment—from rising costs to nearly giving up. It was raw, honest, and a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of gluten free businesses...
Hudson’s Bakery Founder Sandra Hudson on Gluten Free Business Challenges & Community Impact
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 170
In this episode, I chat with Sandra Hudson, founder of Hudson’s Bakery, about her journey into the gluten free world, the challenges of running a dedicated gluten free business in today’s financial climate, and the incredible support she’s received from the coeliac and gluten free community.
With Easter coming up, Sandra wants you to know about her soft, delicious Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns—available at all Hudson’s Bakery locations until Easter Sunday 25th April, 2025! You can pre-order o...
My Bone Density Scan Results: The Importance of Advocacy & Follow Up Care in Coeliac Disease
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 169
In today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I share something personal in the hope that it might help you on your own coeliac and gluten free journey. I recently had a bone density scan, and the results showed that I have osteopenia. This was a screening I had to push for. It wasn’t something that was automatically suggested to me. If I hadn’t advocated for myself, I wouldn’t have known about this issue or had the chance to address it early.
Coeliac disease i...
Improving Coeliac Disease Awareness, Diagnosis & Management Amongst Australian GPs with Dr. Nick Cooling
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 168
In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Nick Cooling, a General Practitioner and the Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Allergy Special Interest Group. Dr. Cooling brings a wealth of experience in healthcare and a deep understanding of how GPs diagnose and manage coeliac disease in Australia.
We discuss the current awareness of coeliac disease among Australian GPs, the barriers to early diagnosis, and what can be done to improve education, awareness, and ongoing care for those l...
Coeliac Disease & Gluten Free Myths: 5 Biggest Misconceptions Debunked | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 167
In this solo episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I tackle five of the biggest myths surrounding coeliac disease and the gluten free diet. Despite growing awareness, there’s still a lot of misinformation out there that can make life harder for those with coeliac disease. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or just curious about what it really means to live gluten free, this episode will help separate fact from fiction. My goal is to help educate, spread awareness, and make gluten free life a litt...
Celiac Cruise Founder Maureen Basye: Making Waves in Gluten Free Travel, Creating Community Connection & 2026 Australia Launch!
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 166
Imagine a vacation where you can truly relax, knowing that every meal, every snack, and every bite is 100% gluten-free. No stress, no cross-contact worries—just incredible food, breathtaking destinations, and a community that understands your journey. That’s exactly what Maureen Basye set out to create with Celiac Cruise, a groundbreaking travel experience designed specifically for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
On this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I sit down with Maureen to talk about how Celiac Cruise came to life, the...
When Gluten Isn't Always To Blame For Your Coeliac Disease Symptoms & My Current Gluten Free Toolkit | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 165
If you have coeliac disease, you’ve likely experienced gut issues, bloating, fatigue, or discomfort even when following a strict gluten-free diet. But have you ever wondered—is gluten always to blame?
Many people with coeliac disease assume every symptom they experience is due to gluten exposure. However, other factors such as IBS, food intolerances, FODMAPs, stress, and gut imbalances can cause similar reactions. After my recent interview with Dr. Kim Faulkner Hogg<...
How To Navigate Label Reading, Gluten Free Nutrition & When Gluten Isn’t to Blame For Symptoms | Coeliac Disease Dietitian, Dr Kim Faulkner Hogg
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 164
Reading food labels can feel overwhelming when you have coeliac disease. With hidden ingredients, confusing “may contain” statements, and changing food labelling laws, it’s hard to know what’s truly safe. Plus, even when you’re strictly gluten-free, you might still experience symptoms that feel like you’ve been glutened—but could something else be going on?
In today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kim Faulkner Hogg, an experienced dietitian spec...
10 Minute Guided Meditation (Sound Bath) With Annie & Justin
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 163
On today's episode is a guided meditation from SHY Yoga instructor Annie and Didgeridoo player Justin. You will hear sound bowls and a didgeridoo player. It's a beautiful meditation or 'sound bath'. Please listen in a safe place. Lay down on the floor or somewhere comfortable, relax and enjoy!
What you'll hear:
* How the idea to have a meditation on this podcast came about
* My first yoga class and experiencing a sound bath provided by Annie & Justin
* The guided meditation
Lin...
My ADHD Diagnosis & 2025 Goals for A Gluten Free Podcast | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 162
On today's first episode of the year, we're kicking things off with Gluten Free Thoughts. I will explore my recent ADHD diagnosis, some teasers for what's to come on the show this year and my goals for A Gluten Free Family in 2025. Let's kick things off and smash some gluten free goals together this year gluten free fam!
What I’ll cover:
* Why 'focus' is my word for 2025
* Exploring my ADHD diagnosis
* ADHD, coeliac disease and a gluten free diet
* Plans to ex...
2024 Recap, A Very Merry Gluten Free Christmas & 2025: The Year of Focus
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 161
Today's episode of A Gluten Free Podcast is the last one of 2024! I will do a bit of a recap on 2024 why 'focus' is will be my word for 2025. I've been doing my best to focus on many areas of coeliac disease and the gluten free diet this year. Ultimately our aim at A Gluten Free Family has been to help coeliac and gluten free lives: one chat at a time. Thank you so much for your support this year gluten free fam. See you back here in 2025!
...
Global Coeliac Disease Insights: Jason Tye-Din & Penny Dellsperger on Research Findings, International Celiac Disease Symposium Sheffield Highlights & Melbourne 2026!
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 160
My guests on today’s episode are Associate Professor, gastroenterologist and coeliac disease researcher Jason Tye-Din and Health Advocacy Officer at Coeliac Australia, Penny Dellsperger. We’ll chat about the recent International Celiac Disease Symposium in Sheffield, the latest in research updates from Jason and the International Celiac Disease Symposium coming to Melbourne in 2026!
What we’ll cover:
* Penny & Jason’s overall experience at the International Celiac Disease Symposium
* Research and study highlights covered at the Symposium
* Research and studies Jason and...
Why Being Proactive & Taking Action Matters When Living With Coeliac Disease | Gluten Free Thoughts
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 159
On today's episode of A Gluten Free Podcast I will discuss why being proactive and taking action matters so much in our coeliac disease and gluten free journeys. Hell, I wouldn't have a diagnosis if I wasn't proactive and took action for my health and I know so many of you wouldn't either. We can't wait for things to happen. We need to take action. That's how we learn, fail and grow in our gluten free lives.
What I’ll cover:
* Recapping on my epi...
