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About IBD

About IBD

Written by: Amber J Tresca
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 Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease) are about more than diarrhea: they affect the whole person. About IBD focuses on health and lifestyle issues important to people living with Crohn's or colitis. IBD patients, doctors, therapists, and care partners give their tips and advice on topics including diet, nutrition, treatments, mental health, family dynamics, and sexuality as it relates to living with IBD.©2025 Mal and Tal Enterprises; ©2025 Cooney Studio Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman

    How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman
    Feb 13 2026
    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. Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD195 Get Dr Stacy's book "Confessions & Lessons of a Sexpert: The Ultimate Guide to Intimacy and Better Sex" Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction and Episode Overview 03:10 — Dr. Stacy's IBD Journey 05:30 — Sex and Intimacy Coaching Explained 07:44 — Body Image and IBD 09:59 — Fear, Embarrassment, and Communication 12:26 — Intimacy Beyond Sex 14:32 — Communication and Relationship Dynamics 17:18 — Trust and Emotional Safety in Relationships 17:49 — Embracing Unpredictability 20:38 — Disclosing IBD or Ostomy to Partners 22:53 — Personal Stories of Disclosure 25:12 — Sex Coach vs. Sex Therapist 27:09 — Who Benefits from Sex Coaching 28:51 — Getting Started with Sex Coaching 30:43 — Changing Mindsets About Intimacy 31:32 — What to Expect from Coaching Sessions 33:37 — Resources and The Purple Passion Project 35:13 — Pelvic Floor Therapy and Additional Support 36:54 — Closing Remarks and Appreciation 38:01 — Outro and Credits Key Topics Impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on intimacy and relationships Personal experiences of living with ulcerative colitis Effects of IBD on mental health and body image Communication and trust in relationships for individuals with IBD Navigating dating and intimacy challenges related to IBD Importance of open discussions about medical conditions with partners Strategies for building supportive and understanding relationships Redefining intimacy beyond sexual intercourse Role of sex coaching versus sex therapy in addressing intimacy issues Resources and support available for individuals seeking to improve intimacy and relationships while managing IBD Find Dr Stacy Friedman on: Web: DrStacyFriedman.com Apple Podcasts: Purple Passion Project Spotify: Purple Passion Project YouTube: @DrStacyFriedman TikTok: @drstacyfriedman Facebook: @drstacyfriedman Instagram: @drstacyfriedman LinkedIn: @drstacyfriedman Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: 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 Web: Cooney Studio YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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    39 mins
  • How to Protect Yourself in the Age of AI

    How to Protect Yourself in the Age of AI
    Jan 20 2026

    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.

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD194

    Find Brenden Tresca at:

    • LinkedIn: Brenden Tresca
    • WHNU 88.7: Tech Fest radio show

    Find Amber J Tresca at:

    • AboutIBD.com: About IBD
    • Verywell Health: Verywell Health
    • Facebook: @aboutIBD
    • Twitter: @aboutIBD
    • Pinterest: @aboutibd
    • Instagram: @about_IBD
    • YouTube: @AboutIBD
    • https://www.threads.net/@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.

    These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • How to Bring an Intention to Your 2026

    How to Bring an Intention to Your 2026
    Dec 30 2025
    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. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD193 Chapters: 00:05 — Introduction to Intentions Clip Show 01:14 — Why Intentions Over Resolutions 02:31 — Lisa: Prosper and Uplift 04:48 — Rachel: Discipline, Accountability, Generosity 06:46 — Stacey: Grounded Goals and Consistency 10:57 — Jen Hubley: Give Yourself a Break 12:06 — Episode Wrap-Up and Call to Action Find Lisa Zawrotny of Positively Productive Systems at: Web: Positively ProductiveLinkedIn: Positively Productive SystemsFacebook: Positively ProductiveTwitter: Positively LisaInstagram: Positively LisaYouTube: Positively LisaTikTok: Positively LivingPinterest: Positively Productive Find Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero at: Web: InfusionHero.comLinkedIn: Rachel BeeFacebook: @infusionheroInstagram: @infusion_heroTikTok: @infusion.hero Find Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN at: Web: Stacey Collins NutritionTwitter: @staceynellc_rdInstagram: @staceynellc_rdLinkedIn: @stacey-cutler-collins Find Jen Hubley Luckwaldt and The Job Hopper at: Web: The Job HopperBluesky: @jenlucky.bsky.socialSubstack: Old Mom ThingsLinkedIn: @jen-hubley-luckwaldt Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBDVerywell Health: Verywell HealthFacebook: @aboutIBDTwitter: @aboutIBDPinterest: @aboutibdInstagram: @about_IBDYouTube: @AboutIBDThreads: @about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposerInstagram: @maccooneycomposerYouTube: @MacCooneyComposerWeb: Cooney StudioTheme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
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