Community In IBD: How to Stop Being Isolated Featuring Aaron Blocker

Update: 2025-09-10

Description

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD184

Amber talks with Aaron Blocker, a Crohn’s disease patient and advocate, about the importance of finding and creating community for people touched by IBD. Online and in-person groups offer support and serve as platforms to share practical tips and counter misinformation. Aaron points out that it’s important to find a balance between advocacy, health, and personal life when offering support to others. Both emphasize the value of authenticity and learning from mistakes. The conversation stresses the importance of caring for mental health, the power of connection, and staying true to one’s own reasons for taking part in community.

Topics discussed on this episode:

Importance of community for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Challenges and rewards of sharing disease experiences online
Navigating negative comments and misinformation in online communities
Strategies for engaging with IBD communities and providing support
Balancing community involvement with personal health and family life
Mental health considerations when participating in online discussions
Importance of authenticity and passion in advocacy work
Addressing misinformation and promoting accurate health information within the community

Chapters:

0:05 Intro & Sponsor
1:23 Aaron’s Background & Group Origin
5:30 Power of Community
8:08 Support in Community
11:44 Getting Involved in IBD Communities
15:16 Before Sharing Online
16:15 Motivation & Authenticity
19:10 Combating Misinformation
25:20 Boundaries & Balance
31:52 Mental Health & Selective Sharing
34:55 Handling Criticism & Mistakes
38:11 Referring Out & Collaboration
39:18 Responding to Criticism
40:13 Aaron’s Socials & Closing
41:53 Outro & Credits

Find Aaron Blocker at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

AboutIBD.com: About IBD
Verywell Health: Verywell Health
Facebook: @aboutIBD
Twitter: @aboutIBD
Pinterest: @aboutibd
Instagram: @about_IBD
YouTube: @AboutIBD
Threads: @about_ibd

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
Web: Cooney Studio
Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

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