About IBD Ep 197 - The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep

The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep – About IBD Podcast Episode 197

Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis) know that a good night’s sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it’s pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping us up. But why does IBD disrupt our sleep even during remission? And what is your sleep telling you about the risks of a flare-up? Learn more in this episode of About IBD Podcast, hosted by Amber Tresca, a longtime IBD patient and medical writer.



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Hospitals Are Investing in AI: What You Should Know

Hospitals Are Investing in AI: What You Should Know

By now, you’ve heard lots about artificial intelligence (AI) in the news, from friends and family, online, and even at work. You may even be impacted by AI in a significant way, especially if you’ve been laid off from your job, or if you’re a social media manager.

Or: if you’re a patient.

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How to Harness AI for Good Featuring Michael Tresca

How to Harness AI for Good Featuring Michael Tresca — About IBD Podcast Episode 196

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized in healthcare for many purposes. Patients are wondering how they can safely and effectively use AI tools to educate themselves and to manage their health. Amber and guest Michael Tresca discuss what AI is, how it works, and why skepticism and source verification are essential. They highlight practical, lower-risk ways patients might use AI, such as organizing personal health data, drafting appointment questions, and explaining medical terms. The emphasis is on ongoing education, privacy concerns, responsible use, and the importance of “trust but verify” when using AI for critical health decisions without professional input.



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About IBD Podcast Episode 195 - How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman

How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD — About IBD Podcast Episode 195

The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a clinical sexologist and intimacy coach living with ulcerative colitis. She explains how IBD affects intimacy, body image, dating, and relationships. Dr. Stacy shares her personal experiences and professional advice, with a focus on communication, trust, and how to know if a partner will be supportive. In this episode, we talk about why intimacy is more than sex and give tips about how to manage challenges. Dr. Stacy also encourages listeners to seek out support and embrace connection in the ways that work for them.



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Ethics, Privacy, and AI in Healthcare: What Patients Should Know

Ethics, Privacy, and AI in Healthcare: What Patients Should Know

Whether you’re an avid user or avoid it as much as possible, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay.

When the telephone was new, some people resisted its use. They thought it had no practical use, that a telegraph was a better way of sending messages, and that it was dangerous and would intrude on privacy. [1]

It’s almost funny and quaint to think about these concerns now. The telephone changed the world. It brought opportunities for business growth and made people safer and more connected. Yet people sabotaged phone lines and refused to install them. [1]

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About IBD Podcast Episode 194 — How to Protect Yourself in the Age of AI

How to Protect Yourself in the Age of AI — About IBD Podcast Episode 194

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. How can we approach AI with both curiosity and caution, especially as it becomes more integrated into daily life? If we’re not aware of it and looking for it, AI could become inserted into spaces where we aren’t comfortable with it. Amber talks with her son Brenden, a computer science student, about recognizing AI-generated content, the importance of media literacy, and the ethical challenges technology brings. This conversation offers some practical uses for AI, such as learning new skills or automating mundane tasks, while pointing out that creativity and critical thinking are human pursuits. We stress how AI isn’t a replacement for expertise and that we should all question what we see online to encourage the responsible use of AI tools.



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How to Bring an Intention to Your 2026 - About IBD Podcast Episode 193

How to Bring an Intention to Your 2026 – About IBD Podcast Episode 193

We explore the idea of setting intentions instead of resolutions in the new year, which are more adaptable for people living with IBD. Amber shares clips from guests who explain their intentions, such as prosper, discipline, generosity, consistency, and the importance of taking breaks. Each guest highlights how intentions guide actions and mindset, emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and kindness, despite unpredictability.


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Amber's Year in Books 2025 — About IBD Podcast Episode 192

Amber’s Year in Books 2025 — About IBD Podcast Episode 192

Looking for your next great read? Host of About IBD, Amber Tresca, gives her year-end roundup of books, with brief summaries and reflections on each. The selections cover a mix of genres, from speculative fiction and psychological thrillers to memoir and dark fantasy, often touching on themes of trauma, community, self-acceptance, and chronic illness. Amber shares how the stories resonated with her experience as a GenX mom living with a chronic illness, offering both recommendations and caveats. She also discusses practical tips for accessing books affordably through libraries and apps, and encourages exploring local bookstores or thrift shops to boost your reading journey and sense of community.



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How to Be Resilient (Even if You’re Sick of It)

How to Be Resilient (Even if You’re Sick of It)

I’m a little tired of being “resilient,” aren’t you?

I’m told I’ve developed resiliency, and that’s how I’ve made it through the difficulties with my illnesses (ulcerative colitis and others) and their treatments, such as surgeries. I don’t really think of it that way, however. My perspective on resilience is that I don’t see how I could exist without it.

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How To Build Resilience and Manage Life With IBD Featuring Kinsey Beagley — About IBD Podcast Episode 191

How To Build Resilience and Manage Life With IBD Featuring Kinsey Beagley — About IBD Podcast Episode 191

Kinsey Beagley, a pediatric medical assistant diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 15, shares about her experiences with IBD, including struggling with symptoms, multiple medication failures, and eventually having J-pouch surgery. Kinsey shares how reframing difficult experiences and adopting a positive mindset—her mantra is “I can do hard things”—has helped her cope.



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