A Gluten Free Podcast

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 222

Today's episode is a live keynote presentation from Celiac Disease Foundation Education & Community Engagement Coordinator Emma Kowzun live onboard the Australian sailing of the Celiac Cruise. In the talk Emma discusses how we can help chart the course and make a difference in the coeliac disease and gluten free community. Emma shares the latest research and developments at the Celiac Disease Foundation, a brief history of coeliac disease and how the Celiac Disease Foundation works with the Celiac Cruise. 

Topics covered: 

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 221

Today's episode is live from the Celiac Cruise with a keynote talk from myself and Melanie Persson. We discuss our diagnosis stories, our differing approaches to gluten free life and then we open up into a Q&A with guests.

Links
The Celiac Cruise
Follow Mel Persson on Instagram 
Join A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook Group
Photo taken by @theglutenfreeadvocate

📬 Stay connected:
 Instagram: @a.gffamily
Email: aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com

This podcast reflects personal exper...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 220

Today's highlight is from my episode with Joanne Wynne, the founder of the Coeliac Connection & Author of the Ebook 'Surviving the First year of Childhood Coeliac Disease'. In the full episode we talk about Jo's daughter's coeliac disease diagnosis, how the diagnosis impacts the family as a whole and tips for parents navigating coeliac disease and gluten free life for their children. In this highlight Jo discusses an excerpt from her book around managing the emotional challenges of a coeliac disease diagnosis for her daughter. 

...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 219 

Today's highlight is from my episode with Dr. Maureen Leonard, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Physician-Scientist & Director for The Center for Celiac Research & Treatment at Mass General for Children. In the full episode we talk about Dr. Leonard's own coeliac disease diagnosis, the CDGEMM study, the gut microbiome, refractory coeliac disease and much more. 

In this highlight Dr. Leonard explains what the CDGEMM study is and what insights they've gained from it so far. 

Links 

Listen to the full episode here 

J...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 218 

Today's highlight is with Associate Professor Kelly Lambert, Academic Program Director for Nutrition & 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 financial burden of maintaining a gluten free diet has only become more difficult for...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 217 

Today's highlight is from my episode with 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. In the full episode 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. In this highlight Dr Williams explains a study he conducted which screened children at random in Westmead Children's Hospital for co...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 216 

Today's highlight is from my episode with 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 worldwide. Not only is Olivia making pivotal contributions in the field, but she also brings a unique and deeply personal perspective as she lives with coeliac disease herself. 

In the full episode we dive into Olivia's coeliac diagnosis, what led her...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 215

Today's highlight is with Dr. Nick Cooling, a General Practitioner and the Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Allergy Special Interest Group. In our full episode together we discuss the current awareness of coeliac disease amongst Australian GPs, the barriers of early diagnosis, and what can be done to improve education, awareness and ongoing care for those living gluten free. With diagnosis rates still so low, we explore what changes are needed to ensure more Australians receive timely and accurate diagnoses. In t...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 214

Today's highlight is from my episode with Celiac Cruise founder, Maureen Basye. In the full episode we talk about how the Celiac Cruise came to life, the meticulous work that goes into ensuring a completely gluten free experience and the partnerships that make it all possible. We also chat about the 2026 Australian cruises, including the South Pacific cruise which we'll be aboard! In this highlight we discuss the driving force behind Maureen and the Celiac Cruise's mission. 

Links 

Listen to the...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 213 

Today's highlight is from my episode with Dr Kim Faulkner Hogg, an experienced dietitian specialising in coeliac disease and food intolerances. In the full episode we discuss how to navigate label reading, gluten free nutrition, and when gluten isn't always to blame for symptoms. In this highlight I ask Kim what else could possibly mimic the ingestion of gluten for people living with coeliac disease. 

Links

Listen to the full episode here

Join A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook gro...

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 212

My guest on today’s episode is head chef at Diggers Miranda RSL, Andrew Harper. We’ll chat about why he changed his kitchen to create safe gluten free options, the importance of listening to feedback from the coeliac and gluten free community and how others in hospitality can learn from his approach. 

What we’ll cover: 

* Andrew’s background as a chef and his career in hospitality 
* Andrew cooking in a pizza shop and an Italian restaurant 
* Andrew’s passion for food and h...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 211

Today I reflect on five gluten free life lessons from 2025. It's been a great year! There's been heaps of takeaways, things I've reflected on and struggles and wins throughout the year. I wanted to share the five biggest things I've learnt and hopefully by sharing them it will help you in your own coeliac and gluten free journey. 

What we'll cover: 

* Reflecting on last week's episode with mucosal Immunologist and Coeliac Disease Researcher at James Cook University, Dr Paul Giacomin 

A Gluten Free Podcast 
Episode 210

My guest on today’s episode is Mucosal Immunologist and Coeliac Disease Researcher at James Cook University, Dr Paul Giacomin. We’ll talk about a study involving hookworms in the treatment for people with coeliac disease, the insights from this research and how these studies can be used to learn more about alternative treatments for coeliac disease in the future.

What we’ll cover:
* Dr Giacomin’s role at James Cook University and how he came to work in coeliac disease research 

* Dr Giacomi...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 209 

Today on the podcast we'll discuss why it's so important to not only complain about issues within the coeliac disease and gluten free community but to also take proactive action on those issues. When we collectively come together as a community we can achieve great things. Power in numbers gluten free fam. You'll hear a great example of the community doing that in today's episode. 

What we'll cover: 

* Reflecting on last week's episode with NSW Food Authority CEO, Andrew Davies 

...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 208 

My guest on today’s episode is the CEO of NSW Food Authority, Andrew Davies. We’ll talk about the current regulations and laws cafes and restaurants must follow for the service of gluten free food, the training these establishments receive for serving people with coeliac disease and how we can improve coeliac disease awareness and education within the Australian hospitality industry.

What we’ll cover: 

* Andrew's role as CEO of the NSW Food Authority
* The role of NSW Food Auth...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 207

On today's solo episode we'll catch up and chat about last week's episode with coeliac disease specialist dietitian, Nicole Marie. I'll also share a personal anecdote about a chat with a local baker attempting to make gluten free options for their customers. I'll share some tips and resources around dining out safely with coeliac disease or requiring gluten free food for other health reasons. 

What we'll cover: 

* Reflecting on Nicole Marie's views on the need to improve gluten free labelling 

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 206

Today you’ll hear from a coeliac disease specialist dietitian who’ll share so much knowledge and help break down some common myths and misconceptions around coeliac disease and following a gluten free diet. She’ll also share why she’s set up a fully bulk-billed practise to help the gluten free community even more…

My guest on today’s episode is accredited practising coeliac disease specialist dietitian and founder of The Gut Health Group, Nicole Marie. We’ll talk about common questions from...

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 205

My guests on today’s episode are the founder of Sebastien Sans Gluten, Sebastien Syidalza and Gluten Free Cookbook Author and Masterchef Alumni, Melanie Persson.  We take you live behind the scenes of the recent collaboration between Sebastien Syidalza, owner of Sebastien Sans Gluten and Melanie Persson (The Very Hungry Coeliac) in creating a special Asian and French Inspired Gluten Free Creation.

What we’ll talk about:
* Chatting with Sebastien about what Melanie and he have created
* Creating a special Asian and F...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 204 

My guest on today’s episode is founder of Nonie’s Bakery, Nonie Dwyer. We’ll talk about Nonie’s coeliac disease diagnosis and upbringing, her time in hospitality, becoming a chef and what led to her creating a well-loved artisan gluten free bakery. 

What we’ll cover:
* Introducing Nonie and how we found each other
* Defining Nonie’s and their mission
* How Nonie’s operates in three different areas: providing breads for cafes and restaurants, wholesale and local farmer’s markets...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 203 

Today we'll be discussing why it's important to grieve gluten, process the emotions of a coeliac disease diagnosis and move forward in your gluten free life. A coeliac disease diagnosis and gluten free life can be overwhelming. It can be tricky and hard. But it's also important to acknowledge those feelings, grieve our former life pre-coeliac disease diagnosis and then move forward with our new gluten free life. 

What we'll cover: 

* Reflecting on last week's episode with Joanna Wynne

...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 201 

On today's solo episode I'll discuss how a coeliac disease diagnosis impacts not only the person themselves diagnosed but also our friend and family units around us. Not only do we have to change our way of life but they do too. It's a learning process for everyone. However, there's many positives to come out of a coeliac disease diagnosis. Ultimately once we have the skills of understanding the disease, how to live a gluten free life and how to improve ourselves mentally and physically, we ca...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 202

My guest on today’s episode is founder of The Coeliac Connection and author of the Ebook “Surviving the first year of childhood coeliac disease”, Joanne Wynne. We’ll talk about Joanne's daughter’s coeliac disease diagnosis, how the diagnosis impacts the family as a whole and tips for parents navigating coeliac disease and gluten free life for their children.

What we’ll cover: 

* Introducing Joanne Wynne
* Jo’s daughter’s coeliac disease symptoms
* Jo’s own gluten free journey ...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 200 

My guest on today’s episode is television presenter, passionate home-cook and recipe developer Helen Tzouganatos. We’ll talk about the many projects she’s working on, the release of her new cookbook Gluten Free Express and tips for making quick and easy gluten free recipes the whole family will love.

What we’ll cover:
* Introducing Helen and her work in the gluten free space
* What Helen’s been up to since we last spoke on the podcast in 2023 with the release...

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 199

Today we're going to chat about my skin issues which I believe were related to undiagnosed coeliac disease. We'll also talk about two conversations I've recently had around coeliac disease and gluten free awareness. 

* Reflecting on last week's guest episode with dermatologist, Ryan De Cruz

* My two own skin issues pre-coeliac disease diagnosis 

* Questioning if I were to have my skin tested at the time if I were to be diagnosed with coeliac disease 

* Reaching a level of desp...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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? 

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...