At The Table

In this episode, Channon talks with Kelly, a pediatric nurse who still knew nothing about celiac disease until it hit her own house, twice. In this episode she shares her family's 2015 diagnosis journey (mystery leg pain, a trick-or-treat night that changed everything, a celiac panel added almost as an afterthought), plus eleven years of lunch-packing, team sports, road trips, and mentoring another family through their own daughter's diagnosis. Her advice: you can't know what you don't know, perfection was never the goal, and you take it one day at a time.Reach out to Kelly [email protected] a question or a story of your own? Reach us at [email protected], we'd love to hear from you.

In this episode, Channon sits down with Laura Allred, a PhD immunologist from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), to chat about what it really takes to keep our food safe. Laura pulls back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes world of gluten testing, sharing how factories manage shared spaces and use strict cleaning protocols to keep cross-contact at bay. This massive effort pays off, as GFCO's strict testing programs stop more than 50 potential product recalls every year before the food ever hits store shelves.They also break down how gluten test kits actually work, explaining the difference between a basic yes-or-no qualitative test and a quantitative test that measures the exact amount of gluten present. Laura offers a great reality check on why these kits can be so finicky, noting that everyday things like heavy spices, high fat, or highly acidic ingredients can totally throw off a test strip's accuracy. Because of these quirks, bringing home test kits to a restaurant doesn't really work, swirling a mix of different foods together on a plate usually just gives you false or confusing results rather than real peace of mind.gfco.org

This week on At the Table, we are joined by Kelly Okun: the founder of Fairway to Green, a retired pro-golfer, and a woman with celiac disease.Kelly breaks down her unconventional celiac diagnosis, how she advocates for celiacs and women in sports, and how she started her women-focused social media company.Pull up a seat, because you’re always welcome At the TableIG @kellyokungolfhttps://fairwaytogreen.com/The Gluten-Free Openhttps://gluten.org/gluten-free-open/

Have you ever wondered why packaged foods are required to label known allergens, but prescription drugs and medicines aren’t?In this episode of At the Table, Channon sits down with the Togal family as they share their story, insights, and glimmers of hope for the future of medical safety.Meet Adina, the 15-year-old behind The ADINA Act: a bill that will require the FDA to label allergens on prescription drugs. After a deeply frightening experience with their teen, parents Jen and Seth sought out answers and found themselves with only more questions. The Minnesota-based family decided to take action and seek congressional help to ensure what happened to Adina wouldn’t happen to any other person in the country.Follow and support The ADINA Act:https://www.adinaact.com/https://www.instagram.com/the_adina_act_efforthttps://www.facebook.com/people/The-ADINA-Act-Effort/61570634556837https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3821/text

Trust your gut. Butterflies in your stomach. That felt like a gut-punch.You’ve probably heard one or maybe all of these expressions before. But did you know there is a science behind these phrases? This week on At the Table, Channon sits down with Dr. Alyse Bedell, a Gastro-Psych specialist, to discuss the research and nuance of the brain-gut connection for gluten-free people from gastro-presenting symptoms to neurological.So pull up a chair and listen to this week’s informative episode.https://gluten.org/dr-alyse-bedell-bio/

(Content Warning for eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Listener’s discretion advised)On this special Teen Takeover episode of At the Table, Megan and Madeline sit down to talk with Lauren Murawski from Eat Gluten Free With Me. Since her celiac disease diagnosis at age 17, Lauren has had to be her own best advocate. From navigating multiple autoimmune disorders, to developing and overcoming her eating disorder, Lauren opens up about how she has trudged her own path and made a career for herself through content creation, community building, and advocacy.Follow Lauren:@eat.glutenfreewithmehttps://laurenmurawski.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@eatglutenfreewithme

What do teens really think about living with celiac disease? And what do they wish everyone else understood?In this special Teen Advisory Board takeover episode, Megan, Madeline, Katie, and Addysen take the mic to break down the biggest myths about living gluten-free. From “just eat a salad” to “a little gluten won’t hurt,” they’re sharing honest, unfiltered perspectives on what life is actually like navigating school, friendships, food, and social situations.You’ll hear real conversations about:The emotional ups and downs of diagnosisMisconceptions about gluten-free diets and health trendsCross-contact, labeling confusion, and hidden glutenNavigating restaurants, school events, and social pressureWhat it feels like when people don’t quite get it (and when they do)With both celiac and non-celiac voices in the conversation, this episode brings humor, honesty, and clarity to a topic that’s often misunderstood.Whether you’re living with celiac, supporting someone who is, or just curious, this episode is your myth-busting guide, straight from the next generation.

What happens after a celiac diagnosis, and where do you turn when everything suddenly feels overwhelming?Welcome to Season 2 of At the Table. In this episode, Channon Quinn (COO of GIG & CEO of GIG Cares) sits down with Outreach Manager, Devyn, to pull back the curtain on what real support in the gluten-free community looks like. From long-standing community groups to mentorship programs, teen summits, and food access initiatives, they break down how GIG and GIG Cares are working to make life safer, more connected, and more equitable for those living gluten-free.They share the “why” behind every program, whether it’s helping newly diagnosed families feel less alone, ensuring access to certified safe food, or creating life-changing experiences for kids and teens. It’s an honest look at the challenges facing the community, and the people working every day to meet them.

Before we dive into Season 2, we’re opening the mic on something a little different.This special retrospective episode of At the Table pulls back the curtain on Season 1, bringing you the moments you didn’t hear, the ones you couldn’t forget, and the stories that shaped everything.From bloopers and behind-the-scenes chaos (including surprise appearances from Tater, the Great Dane, and a few farm animals) to laugh-out-loud one-liners and unforgettable guest moments, this episode is a reminder that the best conversations are often the realest ones.But in between the laughter, there are the moments that stay with you:Stories of belonging, advocacy, and growing up gluten-freeFamilies navigating celiac disease and finding connectionThe impact of simple, everyday actions that make someone feel safe at the tableAt its core, this episode is about community, the people who show up, support one another, and keep raising the standard for what gluten-free living can look like.Whether you’re here for the laughs, the heart, or the mission behind it all, this one is for you.

Karen Hertz survived two cancers, went gluten-free, and went looking for a beer she could actually drink. She came up empty. So she built Holidaily Brewing: the largest dedicated 100% gluten-free brewery in the US.In this episode: the science behind why gluten-reduced beer isn't safe for celiac consumers, what GFCO certification actually requires, how the category is growing fast, and what Karen says directly to anyone grieving a new diagnosis.Plus, the consultant who told her it would never work, and the drive home from Fort Collins that started everything.Find Holidaily at holidailybrewing.com. Follow At the Table wherever you listen.

In this episode, Channon sits down with Dr. Chrissie Ott for a deeply honest conversation about medicine, burnout, whole-person healing, and navigating complex health journeys.Dr. Ott shares her path from professional dance and nutrition studies to becoming a dual board-certified physician, coach, speaker, and advocate for physician well-being. Together, they explore the emotional realities of healthcare, the importance of compassionate listening between doctors and patients, and what happens when clinical knowledge collides with lived experience.The conversation also dives into Dr. Ott’s personal experience supporting her daughter through pediatric obesity treatment, the complexity of food relationships, and why reducing suffering, not perfection, has become the guiding principle behind her work.For the gluten-free and celiac community, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and a reminder that healing is rarely linear. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to feel better in your body, this conversation centers on curiosity, community, and finding joy even in difficult seasons.About Dr. Chrissie Ott:Dr. Chrissie Ott is a dual board-certified integrative pediatrician and internist with an undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science. She has extensive experience in primary care and hospital medicine across the lifespan and frequently incorporates integrative healing modalities while remaining grounded in evidence-based medicine. She serves as the medical director of a long-term care skilled nursing facility for children and young adults with medical complexity and also supports clinicians through coaching and well-being advocacy.Listen to her podcast, Solving for Joy, https://solvingforjoy.transistor.fm/connect with her https://chrissieottmd.com/ or https://inclusahealthandwellness.com/

Join us as we explore the evolution of gluten-free certification, the science behind GFCO standards, and the impactful journey of Sara Boswell from food scientist to industry leader. Discover how her personal experience with celiac disease drives her mission to improve gluten-free products and supply chains.

Channon chats with Matt Weinstein (known for Glass of Weinstein & Gluten-Free Town Hall) in this easy to listen to, entertaining episode about Matt’s love for cooking, belief that food is life, and passion to help others have confidence in the kitchen. https://glassofweinstein.com/

In this episode, Casey Cromwell, known as Casey the College Celiac, dives into her story about being diagnosed with Celiac at 17. She shares about the struggles she is still navigating on this gluten-free journey and how she is using her platform to support others going through the same things.

In this episode, host Channon sits down with Jill Robbins, founder and CEO of Homefree, to talk about the deeply personal story behind one of the gluten-free and allergen-friendly brands in the GFCO community. Jill shares how her experience as both a mother and clinical psychologist shaped her mission to create treats that make inclusion easier for everyone, especially children navigating food allergies and gluten-free life.The conversation explores the emotional impact of food inclusion, the trust consumers place in certification and what it really takes to build a brand around safety, quality, and belonging. Jill also shares how Homefree approaches allergen control, food service partnerships and why making one cookie for all can mean so much more than just convenience.

In this episode of At the Table, we explore inflammation, how it shows up in everyday life, and how food choices may help support better health. Host, and COO of the Gluten Intolerance Group, Channon talks with Jeff Kitchen, Corporate Culinary Director at GenCare, and Registered Dietitian Alma Nocchi about anti-inflammatory eating, menu planning for senior living residents, and the small changes that can make a meaningful difference. From sugar and processed foods to real-world recipe swaps and resident feedback, this conversation makes nutrition feel practical and hopeful.

In this episode, we hear directly from two members of our Teen Advisory Board, Madeline, and Illuminata, about what life with celiac disease really looks like in high school. From school lunches and social situations to travel challenges, self-advocacy, and 504 plans, this conversation is honest, thoughtful, and full of insight. If you are a teen living gluten-free, or a parent trying to support one, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone.

In this episode of At the Table, we explore the complex connection between celiac disease, food anxiety, and disordered eating, especially for teens and young adults navigating independence for the first time. Joined by dietetic intern Katie, we discuss how medically necessary restriction can evolve into something heavier, and how to recognize when that shift is happening. This episode is meant to bring clarity, normalize the experience, and offer support.*Content note: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders and food anxiety.

What happens when a gluten-free teen stops navigating the world alone?In this episode of At the Table, Channon is joined by Megan and Sam, two members of GIG’s Teen Advisory Board and Teen Summit alumni, for a real, unfiltered conversation about growing up with celiac disease.They share what life looked like before finding community, the quiet loneliness that often goes unspoken, and the moments at Teen Summit that changed how they see themselves. From learning how to advocate at restaurants to building friendships that don’t require explanation, this conversation goes far beyond food.It’s about confidence. Identity. And what shifts when a teen realizes they’re not the only one.If you’re a parent wondering how to support your child, or a teen trying to figure out where you fit, this episode offers a clear answer: connection changes everything.

What actually happens behind the scenes at one of the biggest food industry trade shows in the world? In this episode, Channon sits down with the GIG trade show team to reflect on their time at the 2026 Natural Products Expo West. They share what stood out on the show floor, exciting products they discovered, and the trends shaping the future of the gluten-free market.Behind the scenes at Expo West, the GIG team pulls up chairs and unpacks what they saw, tasted, and learned from one of the biggest natural products trade shows in the country. Recorded live from Anaheim at the end of a long day on the show floor, this episode offers a candid look at emerging gluten-free trends, product innovation, certification conversations, and the growing demand for trust in the marketplace.From protein-packed everything and personal care products to the continued expansion of the gluten-free category, this conversation gives listeners a real-time snapshot of where the industry is headed and what it could mean for the gluten-free community. Along the way, the team also shares favorite finds, reflections from first-time attendees, and why certified gluten-free products continue to stand out in a crowded market.

Most weeks on At the Table, Channon sits across from a guest listening, asking questions, and creating space for someone else’s story. This week, she pulled her own chair up. In this solo episode, Channon shares the path that shaped her. From eight-year-old dreams to a business graduate who helped grow the Gluten Free Certification Organization from three certified companies to over 1,300 brands across six continents. But the heart of the episode isn’t about growth metrics. It’s about the moment certification stopped being professional and became personal. When her four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease and learned to look for “Mommy’s logo” before eating at a friend’s house. It’s about learning that leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about congruence. Showing up the same way, every time.It’s about integrity.And friendship. If you’ve ever wondered why GIG and GFCO hold the line so firmly… or why this community work runs deeper than a job description… this conversation answers that. Pull up a chair. Now you know who you’re sitting with.

What does the GFCO certification mark really mean — and how does a product earn it? In this episode, we sit down with Paul to share the story behind the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. From its early days certifying just three companies to becoming a globally recognized certification program, we walk through how the standards were built, how they continue to evolve, and what happens behind the scenes before a product carries the GFCO mark. They also address some of the most common consumer questions and concerns:How strict are the standards?How are companies monitored?What happens if something goes wrong? This conversation offers a transparent look at the integrity, science, and accountability behind the symbol millions of gluten-free consumers rely on every day — and a glimpse into what’s ahead as the program continues to grow.

In this episode of At the Table, we sit down with longtime gluten-free educator and registered dietitian Ronni Alicea to talk about what actually shifts as we age... and what matters most.We cover:Why protein becomes non-negotiableHow gut health impacts more than digestionPortion control vs. restrictionNutrient density over caloriesWhat gluten-free adults should pay attention to long termWhy critical thinking matters in a world full of nutrition noiseThis conversation is practical, honest, and grounded in decades of real-world experience. If you’re 30+, 40+, 50+ (or caring for someone who is) this one is worth your time.Ronni is also leading a free GIG webinar on Healthy Aging & Gluten-Free Nutrition. Details and registration information can be found here.Pull up a chair. Future you will thank you.

What does it really mean to grow up gluten-free? Not just medically, but socially, emotionally, and relationally?In this episode, we are joined by writer and longtime gluten-free advocate Elyn Joy, her daughter Edyth, and the host’s own daughter, Devyn, for an honest, multi-generational conversation about childhood, identity, and learning to advocate for yourself.Together, they talk about the moments people don’t always see: navigating school events and birthday parties, dating and friendships, learning when to speak up (and when you didn’t), and how early food boundaries quietly shape confidence, self-trust, and adulthood.Elyn reflects on the fear that comes with a diagnosis and the unexpected gifts that followed. Edyth and Devyn share what it was like to grow up gluten-free in different eras, how support (or lack of it) landed, and why living gluten-free is just one part of who they are, not the whole story.This is a conversation about parenting without panic, raising capable humans, and trusting kids sooner than we think we should.Pull up a chair. This one matters.Elyn Joy’s books, The Gluten-Free Parent’s Survival Guide and The Gluten-Free Teen’s Survival Guide, created in collaboration with a team of celiac physicians at Colorado Children's Hospital. Her articles and interviews have appeared in Gluten-Free Living, Whole Foods Magazine, Allergic Living, and many GF sites and publications. Elyn has been a featured presenter at national celiac awareness events and offers advice on lifestyle and dietary challenges for parents and children. For more information and contact details, visit https://www.glutenfreeparent.com.Edyth is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, focusing on emergency medicine, global health, and medical education. She served as Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital's Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, where she supported studies and explored new research trials and findings. Edyth was heavily featured in The Gluten-Free Teen’s Survival Guide, offering her experiences and insights to teens facing a diagnosis with celiac disease.

Heart health isn’t a “someday” issue. It’s a now conversation.In this episode, we talk about inflammation, heart health, and the early signals our bodies send long before something feels urgent. From joint pain and fatigue to brain fog and stress, we explore why gluten free is often only part of the picture and how lifestyle and chronic inflammation play a bigger role than most people realize.This is a grounded, practical conversation for anyone who wants to understand their body better without fear or overwhelm.Pull up a chair.

In this episode, meet our host and learn about At the Table.