IC You

In this episode of IC You, I sit down with my client Jess to talk about her journey with interstitial cystitis (IC) and how nervous system work helped her find relief.Jess shares:How her bladder pain started and why multiple tests gave her no answersThe health anxiety spiral that made her symptoms worseWhy regulating her nervous system was the missing piece in her healingHow Road to Remission gave her tools, support, and confidence to move forwardIf you’re navigating IC, bladder pain, or constant flares, Jess’s story will give you both hope and practical strategies for relief.Links from the episode:FIT Criteria ChecklistWatch my FREE master classWork With Me:Join Road To Remission - where you can meet other IC or OAB Warriors, like Jess!Join R2R Self-Study - this is for you if you want to DIY your journey to relief.CONNECT WITH ME:Follow me on InstagramFollow me on TiktokSubscribe to my Youtube channelBe my Facebook friend

In this episode of the IC You Podcast, I sit down with my client Landi to talk about her experience with interstitial cystitis, bladder pain, urgency, frequency, and burning that continued even when urine tests were negative. We talk about what happens when symptoms feel constant, why nervous system dysregulation can keep the cycle going, and how healing often looks slower and more layered than people expect.Landi shares how her life changed after years of fear, restrictive diet advice, and feeling dismissed, and what began to shift once she started addressing neuroplastic symptoms and learning how to create safety in her body again.What we talk aboutHow her symptoms began with recurring UTIs and later constant urgency, frequency, and burning without infectionReceiving an IC diagnosis and feeling lost after medications and instillations did not fully helpHow online forums and the IC diet increased food fear and anxietyDiscovering nervous system dysregulation as a major root causeThe shift from feeling at war with her body to working with itThe role of community support, emotional processing, and self compassionNervous system tools she uses daily, including journal speak, somatic movement, breathwork, tapping, and safety statementsWhat progress looks like now as she returns to concerts, shopping, and line dancingWhy she started her own podcast, Surviving and ThrivingFREE Resources/work with me:Watch my FREE master classJoin Road To Remission Join R2R Self-Study

Did you know March is National Endometriosis Month?In this episode, I’m talking about endometriosis, how it can show up, why it often takes way too long to get diagnosed, and what real relief can look like when you stop treating pain like it’s only a “tissue problem.” I’m joined by pelvic physiotherapist Jill Mueller, who shares her personal story, what finally helped her become symptom-free, and how she now helps others through pelvic physio, pain science, and nervous system work.We also dig into the overlap between endometriosis, interstitial cystitis (IC), and overactive bladder (OAB), including why so many people with endometriosis have bladder symptoms even when endometriosis isn’t actually on the bladder. If you’ve ever wondered “Is this endo, IC, OAB… or all of the above?”, this conversation will help you connect the dots without spiraling.Topics We CoverWhy debilitating period pain isn’t “normal,” even if you’ve been told it isFertility struggles as a common path to discovering endometriosisThe difference between ablation vs excision surgery (and why training matters)The evolving role of ultrasound and MRI in diagnosing endometriosisWhy symptom severity doesn’t always match how much endometriosis is present“Cross-sensitization,” and why pelvic organs can start acting like cranky roommatesHow predictable flares can become learned patterns (and how to interrupt them)Building a bigger “window of tolerance” so you’re not trapped in rigid rules to stay okayWhy vacations can flare some people and calm others (and what that suggests)Work With JillJoin endometriosis 260Jill's websiteFollow Jill on InstagramWork with CallieWatch my FREE master classJoin Road To Remission Book a 1:1 coaching call (limited spots available)Follow me on Instagram

In this episode of IC You, I sit down with Faith Ashenden to talk about mind body healing, neuroplasticity, and how our response to symptoms can shape the healing process. Faith shares her story of living with chronic illness for a decade before discovering subconscious and nervous system work that helped her recover.We discuss her recent UTI experience and why it felt like a non event, which leads into a deeper conversation about fear, identity, and the meaning we attach to flares. Faith explains how thoughts influence neurochemicals in the body, why chronic stress keeps the nervous system stuck in survival mode, and why healing often requires stepping away from the “chronically ill” identity.We also share simple, realistic ways to support your nervous system day to day, from setting phone boundaries to focusing on presence rather than perfect routines. If you want to connect with Faith or explore her work, her links are in the episode description.WORK WITH FAITH:Faith's websiteFollow Faith on InstagramWORK WITH CALLIE:Watch my FREE master classJoin Road To Remission Join Road To Remission Self-Study (men welcome)Book a 1:1 call with me (limited time offer)CALLIE'S SOCIALS:Follow me on InstagramFollow me on TiktokFollow my Youtube channel

In this episode, I’m joined by pelvic floor occupational therapist Paige Genova to talk about something that comes up constantly in the interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder space: why symptoms often continue even after the body has healed.We break down how the nervous system and pelvic floor work together, how neuroplastic symptoms can develop after things like a UTI or stressful life events, and why focusing only on muscles or biomechanics can keep people feeling stuck. Paige shares how her Pelvicology framework blends brain and body work to help people move toward lasting relief.We cover:The difference between pelvic floor PT and pelvic floor OTHow fear and hypervigilance can amplify bladder sensationsWhy bladder diaries, trigger tracking, and over monitoring can sometimes backfireHow to understand the role of neuroplasticity in IC, bladder pain, and OABWhat it looks like to treat both tissue factors and the nervous system togetherIf you’ve ever wondered why your symptoms linger, started “out of nowhere,” or have not improved with traditional pelvic floor therapy alone, this episode will help you see your symptoms through a new lens.Connect with Paige:Paige's websiteFollow Paige on Instagram Work with Callie:Watch my FREE master classJoin Road To Remission Join R2R Self-Study (men are welcome)Connect with Callie:Follow me on IGFollow me on TiktokLet's be Facebook friendsFollow my Youtube channel

In this episode, I’m joined by therapist Vanessa Blackstone to talk about something I see all the time in the interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder space: the belief that our bodies are too fragile to handle life.We break down how this mindset shows up through food fear, exercise avoidance, social isolation, and hypervigilance. Vanessa explains how this protective response forms, why it makes so much sense, and what to do when it’s no longer helping.We cover:How the nervous system gets stuck in fear loopsThe connection between trauma and bladder symptomsWhat you’re actually telling your body when you avoid certain triggersHow to build safety and flexibility without pushing too hardVanessa’s 4-step process to work through fear and feel more freeWe also share personal stories (including one about poop on a plane) to show that healing can include humor too.If you’ve been feeling limited, scared to live outside your routine, or unsure how to start challenging your symptoms, this one’s for you.

If you’re dealing with interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia, or just stuck in the chronic symptom spiral, this episode ft Dr. Howard Schubiner is a must-listen.We dig deep into how your brain and nervous system play a huge role in symptoms like urgency, frequency, pain, burning, fatigue, dizziness... you name it. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s “in your head.” It means your brain and body are in constant conversation, and when your nervous system’s on high alert, your symptoms follow.Here’s what we get into:What neuroplastic pain actually is and why it mattersWhy the traditional way interstitial cystitis is diagnosed and treated is flawedWhat the research says (including the Boulder back pain study)Why having Hunner’s lesions or “angry bladder” findings doesn’t rule out neuroplastic symptomsHow to use the FIT criteria to evaluate your own symptomsEmotional patterns like perfectionism, people pleasing, and needing to fix it ASAPWhat Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) actually look like in practiceConnect with Howard:His websiteRead his book (new version coming out in May)Follow him on InstagramListen to his podcast: The Science Behind The SymptomsWork with Callie:Join Road To RemissionJoin R2R Self Study Watch my FREE master classFollow Callie on socials:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube

In this episode of IC You, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist and YouTube creator Dr. Brianne Grogan to talk about self love when your body feels like it has turned against you. We explore what it is like to live with bladder pain, urgency, frequency, pelvic floor symptoms, or prolapse and how easy it is to start seeing yourself as broken or defined by a diagnosis.We also dig into nervous system protection, perfectionism, comparison on social media, and why healing is rarely a straight line. Dr. Bri shares simple somatic tools, mirror work, and grounding practices so you can feel safer in your body and move through flares with more curiosity and compassion instead of blame.What You’ll Learn:• How feelings of body betrayal show up with IC, OAB, pelvic pain, prolapse, and other bladder symptoms• Why attaching your identity to a diagnosis can keep you stuck and how to gently step out of that role• The link between nervous system protection, perfectionism, and symptom flare ups• Practical self image and self love tools including movement, breath, sound, mirror work, and bone based grounding• How to view setbacks and flares as information rather than failure so you can stay compassionate and keep goingConnect with Dr. Bri:YoutubeInstagramWebsiteWork with Callie:Join Road To Remission Enroll in Road To Remission Self-StudyConnect with Callie: InstagramTiktokYoutube

What starts as a well-meaning attempt to “eat clean” or “cut out bladder triggers” can quickly turn into a fear-driven cycle of food avoidance, isolation, and worsening symptoms.In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren Smith, MS, RD, LDN—a Philadelphia-based eating disorder dietitian and founder of Lauren’s Balanced Bites—to talk about the dangers of long-term dietary restriction, especially in the IC and chronic illness space.We discuss:The slippery slope from symptom tracking to disordered eatingThe emotional and physical consequences of cutting out too many foodsHow restriction affects digestion, mood, and nutrient levelsCommon signs of under-fueling (even when you think you're eating “healthy”)Why one-size-fits-all food protocols rarely workHow to differentiate between disordered eating and a clinical eating disorderThe mind-body connection that impacts symptom flares and recoveryThis episode is especially important for anyone who’s been told to “just follow the list,” only to find themselves stuck in a cycle of fear, confusion, and second-guessing every bite. We also talk about what reintroducing foods can look like—and why real healing requires more than just symptom management.If you're tired of trying to do it perfectly and want a more sustainable path forward, this conversation will give you clarity, validation, and next steps.Connect with Lauren: Follow her on InstagramWork with Lauren & her teamWork with Callie:Join Road To Remission Enroll in Road To Remission Self-StudyFollow Callie on socialsInstagramTiktokYoutube

Have you ever wondered if mold was the reason for your chronic symptoms?Maybe you tested positive. Maybe someone in a Facebook group swore it was the missing link. Maybe you're spending hours Googling “mold toxicity” and wondering if this is finally the answer for your bladder pain, fatigue, food sensitivities, or interstitial cystitis.If that sounds familiar, this episode is going to hit home. I’m joined by nervous system coach Grace Secker for a deep dive into mold, medical fear spirals, and why so many people with chronic bladder issues end up wasting time, energy, and money chasing the wrong root cause. Grace shares her own story of going all in on mold protocols, what didn’t work, and the emotional work that actually moved the needle on her symptoms.In the episode, we discuss:Whether mold is actually behind bladder flares, urgency, or chronic IC symptomsWhat it means when your mold test comes back positive (and why that’s not the full story)How fear of mold, food, or infection can fuel nervous system dysregulationWhy "doing everything right" and still flaring doesn’t mean you’re brokenThe deeper emotional patterns Grace had to shift to feel safe and symptom-free againCONNECT WITH GRACE:Follow Grace on InstagramFollow the Heal With Grace podcast Work with Grace inside her program: Mind-Body Healing (it's on sale through 12/31!)CONNECT WITH CALLIE:Work with me in Road To Remission Road To Remission Self-Study (for the DIY-er)InstagramTiktokFacebook

The Pelvic Floor and TMJ Connection ExplainedIf you’ve ever wondered about the connection between pelvic floor dysfunction and TMJ, this episode breaks it down clearly. Callie sits down with jaw focused physical therapist Dr. Liana Sved to explain how jaw pain, teeth grinding, TMJ issues, bladder symptoms, and pelvic health are all linked through the nervous system, fascial lines, and common movement patterns.You will learn:• Why TMJ and jaw pain often show up alongside pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder symptoms• How tongue posture, tongue ties, and swallowing patterns affect both the jaw and pelvic floor• Everyday habits that worsen TMJ and teeth grinding• How stress, shallow breathing, and poor sleep fuel jaw tension and pelvic floor tension• Why Botox, night guards, and splints may help short term but don’t fix the root of TMJ pain• First steps to improve jaw function, pelvic health, and overall nervous system regulationPerfect for anyone dealing with TMJ, pelvic floor dysfunction, teeth grinding, or bladder symptoms who wants to understand how these issues overlap and what to do next.

If you’re constantly planning your life around bathroom access, I see you. Not long ago, I would’ve missed half the night standing in line for the bathroom. But last week? I danced front row at the Jonas Brothers and rocked out at Aly & AJ without peeing once.And no, I didn’t just get lucky. I had a strategy.In this episode, I’m breaking down how hydration plays a massive role in bladder health, and why most people are getting it totally wrong.Here’s what I cover in the episode:What actually happens in your body when you drink waterWhy restricting fluids to pee less usually makes things worseHow hydration protects your bladder lining (and keeps urgency down)The signs you’re underhydrated or overhydratedIC-safe hydration options (teas, foods, electrolytes, etc.)Tips to sip smarter without triggering urgencyI’ll also share:My go-to hydration formulaHow to know if your pee is “normal”The hydration mistake I see most IC clients makeWhat to do if drinking water hurts or triggers frequencyWORK WITH ME:Apply to join Road To Remission for relief from interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder symptoms.Join Road To Remission Self-Study to DIY your journey to reliefFollow me on socials:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube

What do you do when you're in pain, peeing every 15 minutes, and every doctor says your tests are normal?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah, one of my incredible clients from Road to Remission, who shares exactly what it took to go from daily flare-ups and hopelessness to traveling the world, eating freely, and feeling confident in her body again.Sarah’s story is honest, emotional, and proof that healing is possible, even if you’ve been dismissed, gaslit, and stuck in survival mode for way too long.We talk about:The UTI that never showed up on a testHer cystoscopy horror story (and the doctor who told her it wouldn’t hurt)What finally led her to find answers outside of the traditional medical systemHow she used nervous system work, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture to get real reliefThe moment she stopped living in fear of her bladder and started living her life againSarah went from flaring 24/7 and obsessing over every food choice to sipping margaritas at music festivals in Hungary without a single symptom. And the best part? Her symptoms weren’t food-triggered, and her healing had nothing to do with a strict diet.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, scared, and overwhelmed by the noise online. If you're wondering whether remission is possible for you, listen to this story. It’s the reminder you need.WORK WITH CALLIE: Free master class: Find Your Root CauseJoin Road To RemissionJoin Road To Remission Self-StudyCONNECT WITH CALLIE:Follow me on InstagramFollow me on TiktokBe my Facebook friendSubscribe to my Youtube ChannelRead my BLOG

If you’ve ever stared at a pelvic wand or dilator and thought, “What the hell am I supposed to do with this?” Then this episode is for you!This week I’m joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Rachel Peck, who walks you through tools that actually help with symptom management for interstitial cystitis (IC), pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and pelvic floor tension. We’re talking pelvic wands, dilators, TENS units, cupping, vibration therapy, and how to use these tools without feeling totally overwhelmed or discouraged.We also talk about what it actually looks like to build a symptom management toolkit that fits into your life and gives you more control over your healing.Whether you’re just starting pelvic PT or are in your DIY-healing era, this episode will help you feel more confident, more resourced, and less alone.Connect with Rachel:Follow her on InstagramFollow her on TiktokRachel's websiteWork with Callie:FREE Holiday Master Class on Oct 8th at 7pm ESTFind Your IC & OAB Root Cause (free evergreen master class)Join Road To Remission to get relief in 3-6 monthsJoin R2R Self-Study (the same framework without support)Connect with Callie:Follow on InstagramFollow on TiktokBe Facebook friendsFollow my Youtube channel

If you’ve ever held your bladder during a meeting, a flight, or a road trip because you didn’t want to inconvenience anyone, this episode is for you.In this episode, I’m walking you through what it means to advocate for yourself and the IC community, and why staying quiet might be protecting other people’s comfort at the expense of your own truth.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why we’ve been trained to shrink our stories and play smallThe mindset shift that helped me stop apologizing for my symptomsSmall ways to talk about IC in everyday life (even if it feels awkward)A story about the coworker who surprised me with "I have IC too"Tangible steps to advocate for funding and researchHow sharing your story online actually moves the needleIf you've ever told yourself, “I don’t want to make people uncomfortable,” or “What’s the point, no one gets it,” I want you to really tune in. This isn’t just about becoming an advocate. It’s about refusing to gaslight yourself just to keep the peace.Whether you're explaining IC to a friend or emailing your senator, your voice matters. Your story matters. And every step you take to get a little more visible makes a difference.TAKE ACTION:Share your story on social media and tag me @callieknutritionWant help explaining IC in plain language? Go back and listen to Episode 102. It gives you actual scripts and examples for talking to loved ones.Advocate to your legislators: Check out the ICA's Advocacy Toolkit to make it easier to reach out to your state reps and join the movement for more research and funding.

Ever felt pelvic heaviness, pressure, or pain that doctors can’t explain or keep misdiagnosing?You’re not imagining it, and it might be pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). It’s one of the most overlooked causes of chronic pelvic pain, especially in people living with bladder symptoms, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, endometriosis, or pelvic floor dysfunction.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Julie Sarton, a pelvic floor physical therapist with over 30 years of experience and founder of Sarton Pelvic Healing. On this episode, we talk about:What pelvic congestion syndrome actually is (and how it’s different from other pelvic conditions)The two main causes: vascular reflux and compressionOverlapping symptoms with IC, OAB, endo, prolapse, and moreWhy PCS gets missed in the diagnostic process—and what to do about itHow to get an accurate diagnosis (including what kind of specialist to see)Treatment options: embolization, pelvic PT, and integrative careReal patient stories, misdiagnoses, and what full-body healing really looks likeConnect with Julie:Julie's websiteFollow Julie on InstagramFollow Julie on TiktokFollow Julie on YoutubeWORK WITH CALLIE:Join Road To Remission, the program that's helped 200+ people get relief from IC and OAB.Join the Self-Study version of Road To Remission to DIY your journey to relief.Connect with Callie on socials:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube

Happy Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month! This episode focuses on providing support for loved ones of individuals with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). In the episode, I discuss what IC is, its symptoms, and the importance of understanding and supporting those affected. I offer practical advice on how to help, including validating your loved one's experiences, learning about the condition, and creating a supportive environment. Additionally, I highlight common triggers for IC symptoms and emphasize the need for empathy and encouragement while avoiding harmful behaviors.More IC Resources:Interstitial Cystitis AssociationCallie's BlogSuccess stories (halfway down the page)Connect with Callie on socials:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube

In this episode of IC You, I sat down with my client Heidi to share her powerful story of living with interstitial cystitis (IC) for over 20 years.Heidi opens up about what it was like to be misdiagnosed with endless UTIs, trying every supplement and medication under the sun, and feeling completely alone in her struggle. She also shares the turning point when things began to shift — discovering pelvic floor therapy, nervous system regulation, and the support of a community that finally gets it.Inside our conversation, you’ll hear:How Heidi went from constant bladder pain and fear of flare-ups to living a full, active life againWhy nervous system work and pelvic floor PT were game-changers in her healingThe relief of finding a supportive IC communityHow she’s redefined “remission” and what healing really means to herIf you’re navigating interstitial cystitis and wondering if things can ever get better, Heidi’s story is a reminder that progress and healing are absolutely possible.WORK WITH ME:Join Road To Remission here (this is the program that helped Heidi get relief)Join the Self Study version of Road To Remission (for you if you want to DIY your journey to relief)Let's connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on TiktokLet's be Facebook friendsSubscribe to my Youtube channel

IC You has officially reached 100 episodes with more than 68,000 streams.When I first started this podcast in 2022, I never expected it would become such a trusted space for people living with interstitial cystitis (IC) and overactive bladder (OAB). In this special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on what has changed since day one and sharing the most important lessons from my own journey and from working with hundreds of clients.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:How my perspective on IC and OAB has evolvedThe nervous system work that transformed my own healing and my clients’ resultsWhy the IC diet isn’t the complete answer for most peopleThe four versions of Road to Remission and how the program has grownThe top five most-streamed episodes and my personal favorite episodes of IC YouIf you’re navigating the daily challenges of bladder pain, urgency, or frequency, this episode will help you see new possibilities for healing beyond restrictive diets or quick fixes.Thank you for listening and supporting IC You. If this podcast has helped you better understand interstitial cystitis or overactive bladder, please leave a rating and review so more IC warriors can find it and get the support they need.Here’s to the next 100 episodes.WORK WITH ME:Join Road To Remission, my signature program that's helped 200+ women get relief from IC and OAB.Join the Self-Study version of Road To Remission (suitable for men and anyone looking to DIY your healing journey)Connect with me on social media:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube

If you live with interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, or chronic pelvic pain and have wondered if pelvic floor physical therapy could help you, this episode is for you.I’m joined by my friend and pelvic floor PT, Dr. Loren Carver, for a rapid-fire Q&A packed with honest answers and practical tips. We cover everything from “Do I have to get an internal exam right away?” to “Why am I leaking even though my pelvic floor is tight?” to “How long does pelvic floor PT actually take to work?”Inside this episode, we discuss:How pelvic floor dysfunction can mimic bladder conditions like interstitial cystitis and overactive bladderThe truth about internal and rectal exams and why they can be game changersNervous system regulation, bowel health, and other overlooked root causes of bladder painHow to avoid post-PT flares and what to do if they happenGreen flags vs. red flags when choosing a pelvic floor PTTools like pelvic wands vs. dilators and how to know which might be right for youWhy constipation can make interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder symptoms worseHow long it really takes to see results and how to speed up your progressWhether you are brand new to pelvic floor PT or have tried it before without much success, you will leave this episode with clarity, confidence, and a plan for your next steps.Work with Dr. Loren:⁠Work with Dr. Loren at Barbelle Pelvic Health⁠⁠Join The Pelvic Floor Accelerator Waitlist⁠Work with Callie: ⁠Join Road to Remission: ⁠my signature program to help you reduce interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, and pelvic pain symptoms by addressing your root cause.⁠Road To Remission Self-Study:⁠ this option contains the educational framework of R2R without the 1:1 and group support the regular version of the program comes with.