Hi, I’m Olivia. I’m a student at York St John University, and I’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease since July 2019. My journey with Crohn’s has been anything but easy, but over the years I’ve come to learn that sharing my experiences is both healing and empowering – not just for myself, but for others facing similar challenges. That’s why I decided to start my podcast, Gut Instinct, a space where I can openly talk about what it’s like to live with Crohn’s.
When I was first diagnosed, I was 13 and had never even heard of Crohn’s or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It made me feel overwhelmed and isolated. I didn’t know anyone my age who had Crohn’s, and I found that the influencers online who talked about it openly were all adults. I struggled to find personal stories from young people navigating school/ university, friendships, and general life with an unpredictable chronic illness.
After years of remission, I had another flare-up towards the end of 2024, which landed me in hospital. After coming out of the hospital I felt isolated yet again and searched for some support online. I found that still, there is a really limited amount of young people talking about this condition online. That gap in conversation made me feel even more alone, and I knew that others must feel the same way. So, I started my podcast as a way to bridge that gap and create a platform where younger voices with IBD can be heard.
Why a podcast?
There’s something powerful about hearing someone else’s voice, knowing they truly understand what you’re going through. I wanted to create that same sense of connection for people who may be struggling with their IBD diagnosis, unsure of what the future holds, or simply needing reassurance that they are not alone.
In the episodes, I talk about the realities of living with Crohn’s. I discuss symptoms, treatments, hospital stays, and flare-ups (with many more topics to come)! I want my listeners to feel seen and understood, whether they’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with IBD for years.
The challenges of being a young person with Crohn’s
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing university life with my condition. Studying at YSJ has been an amazing experience, but it comes with a completely new set of difficulties when you have a chronic illness. There are so many things that students with invisible illnesses have to consider that others might not even think about. I talk about all of this on my podcast, hoping to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of what it’s really like to be a young person with Crohn’s.
Social life is another aspect that can be tough. It’s hard explaining to friends why you have to cancel plans at the last minute or why you might not be able to eat the same foods as everyone else. There’s also the emotional toll of dealing with a condition that is often so misunderstood. People assume that Crohn’s is just stomach ache and going to the toilet a lot, but in reality, it affects so much more than that – your energy levels, your mental health, and even your confidence. By sharing my story and my experiences, I hope to break down some of the misconceptions and encourage more empathy towards those living with IBD.
Helping myself and others
Creating this podcast has been so therapeutic for me so far. Talking openly about my experiences helps me to process everything I’ve been through and reminds me how far I’ve come. But more importantly, it’s about helping others. I want people to listen and feel like they have a friend who understands what they’re going through.
I’ve already received messages and comments from listeners who have told me that my podcast has made them feel less alone. That’s exactly why I do this. Not many people talk about IBD from a younger perspective, and I want to change that.
Young people with IBD deserve to have their voices heard, their struggles acknowledged, and their victories celebrated.
Looking forward
As I continue with the podcast, I hope to invite guests to share their insights and experiences. I want to keep expanding the conversation around IBD, making it more accessible and relatable for young listeners. My goal is to create a supportive community where people feel safe to talk about their struggles and find strength in knowing that they are not alone.
Living with Crohn’s disease isn’t easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my podcast, I want to empower others to embrace their journey, seek support, and never feel like they have to face this battle on their own.
If you or someone you know is navigating life with IBD, I’d love for you to tune in and be a part of this conversation.
Watch/listen to the Gut Instinct Podcast here
