034 - The Diseased Man: What Is He Worth? IBD, Masculinity & Identity - Owen Lancelot & Oliver Achard Ravn

In this World IBD Day special episode of The Survival Project, I’m joined by Owen and Oliver for a deeply honest conversation about the male experience of living with IBD.We talk about Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, stoma surgery, masculinity, identity, relationships, intimacy, body image, fear, shame, depression, and the pressure men feel to stay strong while living with chronic illness.This episode goes into the parts of IBD that are often left unspoken: the fear of rejection, the uncertainty of the future, the emotional impact of surgery, the pressure to be the provider, and the difficulty of opening up when your body has changed.Owen shares his experience with ulcerative colitis, stoma surgery, endurance running, and preparing for another major surgery.Oliver shares his experience with Crohn’s disease, flares, anxiety, relationships, dating, and the fear of what the future may hold.This is a conversation about IBD, but it is also a conversation about men’s mental health, vulnerability, resilience, and rebuilding identity after illness.Thank you to Owen and Oliver for their honesty.This is part one of our World IBD Day double episode week. On Thursday, Sarah O’Connor and Terri Brannigan join me for a powerful conversation on the female experience of living with IBD.