In this episode of IC You, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist and YouTube creator Dr. Brianne Grogan to talk about self love when your body feels like it has turned against you. We explore what it is like to live with bladder pain, urgency, frequency, pelvic floor symptoms, or prolapse and how easy it is to start seeing yourself as broken or defined by a diagnosis.
We also dig into nervous system protection, perfectionism, comparison on social media, and why healing is rarely a straight line. Dr. Bri shares simple somatic tools, mirror work, and grounding practices so you can feel safer in your body and move through flares with more curiosity and compassion instead of blame.
What You’ll Learn:• How feelings of body betrayal show up with IC, OAB, pelvic pain, prolapse, and other bladder symptoms• Why attaching your identity to a diagnosis can keep you stuck and how to gently step out of that role• The link between nervous system protection, perfectionism, and symptom flare ups• Practical self image and self love tools including movement, breath, sound, mirror work, and bone based grounding• How to view setbacks and flares as information rather than failure so you can stay compassionate and keep going
Connect with Dr. Bri:
Work with Callie:
Enroll in Road To Remission Self-Study
Connect with Callie:
What starts as a well-meaning attempt to “eat clean” or “cut out bladder triggers” can quickly turn into a fear-driven cycle of food avoidance, isolation, and worsening symptoms.
In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren Smith, MS, RD, LDN—a Philadelphia-based eating disorder dietitian and founder of Lauren’s Balanced Bites—to talk about the dangers of long-term dietary restriction, especially in the IC and chronic illness space.
We discuss:
The slippery slope from symptom tracking to disordered eating
The emotional and physical consequences of cutting out too many foods
How restriction affects digestion, mood, and nutrient levels
Common signs of under-fueling (even when you think you're eating “healthy”)
Why one-size-fits-all food protocols rarely work
How to differentiate between disordered eating and a clinical eating disorder
The mind-body connection that impacts symptom flares and recovery
This episode is especially important for anyone who’s been told to “just follow the list,” only to find themselves stuck in a cycle of fear, confusion, and second-guessing every bite. We also talk about what reintroducing foods can look like—and why real healing requires more than just symptom management.
If you're tired of trying to do it perfectly and want a more sustainable path forward, this conversation will give you clarity, validation, and next steps.
Connect with Lauren:
Work with Callie:
Enroll in Road To Remission Self-Study
Follow Callie on socials
Have you ever wondered if mold was the reason for your chronic symptoms?
Maybe you tested positive. Maybe someone in a Facebook group swore it was the missing link. Maybe you're spending hours Googling “mold toxicity” and wondering if this is finally the answer for your bladder pain, fatigue, food sensitivities, or interstitial cystitis.
If that sounds familiar, this episode is going to hit home. I’m joined by nervous system coach Grace Secker for a deep dive into mold, medical fear spirals, and why so many people with chronic bladder issues end up wasting time, energy, and money chasing the wrong root cause. Grace shares her own story of going all in on mold protocols, what didn’t work, and the emotional work that actually moved the needle on her symptoms.
In the episode, we discuss:
Whether mold is actually behind bladder flares, urgency, or chronic IC symptoms
What it means when your mold test comes back positive (and why that’s not the full story)
How fear of mold, food, or infection can fuel nervous system dysregulation
Why "doing everything right" and still flaring doesn’t mean you’re broken
The deeper emotional patterns Grace had to shift to feel safe and symptom-free again
CONNECT WITH GRACE:
Follow the Heal With Grace podcast
Work with Grace inside her program: Mind-Body Healing (it's on sale through 12/31!)
CONNECT WITH CALLIE:
Work with me in Road To Remission
Road To Remission Self-Study (for the DIY-er)
The Pelvic Floor and TMJ Connection Explained
If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between pelvic floor dysfunction and TMJ, this episode breaks it down clearly. Callie sits down with jaw focused physical therapist Dr. Liana Sved to explain how jaw pain, teeth grinding, TMJ issues, bladder symptoms, and pelvic health are all linked through the nervous system, fascial lines, and common movement patterns.
You will learn:
• Why TMJ and jaw pain often show up alongside pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder symptoms
• How tongue posture, tongue ties, and swallowing patterns affect both the jaw and pelvic floor
• Everyday habits that worsen TMJ and teeth grinding
• How stress, shallow breathing, and poor sleep fuel jaw tension and pelvic floor tension
• Why Botox, night guards, and splints may help short term but don’t fix the root of TMJ pain
• First steps to improve jaw function, pelvic health, and overall nervous system regulation
Perfect for anyone dealing with TMJ, pelvic floor dysfunction, teeth grinding, or bladder symptoms who wants to understand how these issues overlap and what to do next.
This is a recording of my free virtual Open House for Road To Remission that occurred on November 18th.
If you'd prefer to watch the Open House with video, click here.
Join ROAD TO REMISSION:
If you have any questions on either program, send me a DM on Instagram
What if your pain isn’t proof that your body is broken... but evidence your brain is stuck in protection mode?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Buglio, mind-body coach and creator of Pain Free You. After living through 13 years of back pain and sciatica, Dan found Dr. Sarno’s work and began healing by shifting his understanding of pain.
Now, with over 120 success stories and a global audience, he helps others do the same, including many with bladder pain and interstitial cystitis.
We talk about what full recovery actually looks like, how fear and "nocebos" keep symptoms alive, why pelvic floor tension is a result, not a root cause, and how anger toward your symptoms can keep you stuck.
Dan also shares incredible stories of people who’ve gone from hopeless to fully healed — including one woman who was once bedridden with IC and is now thriving, traveling, and running her own charity.
If you’ve been told this is a life sentence, this episode is your permission to believe otherwise.
Listen now and learn how to retrain your brain, calm your nervous system, and reclaim your life.
Connect with Dan:
Work with Callie:
FREE Open House for Road To Remission on Nov 18th!
Connect with Callie:
If you’re constantly planning your life around bathroom access, I see you. Not long ago, I would’ve missed half the night standing in line for the bathroom. But last week? I danced front row at the Jonas Brothers and rocked out at Aly & AJ without peeing once.
And no, I didn’t just get lucky. I had a strategy.
In this episode, I’m breaking down how hydration plays a massive role in bladder health, and why most people are getting it totally wrong.
Here’s what I cover in the episode:
I’ll also share:
WORK WITH ME:
Apply to join Road To Remission for relief from interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder symptoms.
Join Road To Remission Self-Study to DIY your journey to relief
Follow me on socials:
What do you do when you're in pain, peeing every 15 minutes, and every doctor says your tests are normal?
In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah, one of my incredible clients from Road to Remission, who shares exactly what it took to go from daily flare-ups and hopelessness to traveling the world, eating freely, and feeling confident in her body again.
Sarah’s story is honest, emotional, and proof that healing is possible, even if you’ve been dismissed, gaslit, and stuck in survival mode for way too long.
We talk about:
The UTI that never showed up on a test
Her cystoscopy horror story (and the doctor who told her it wouldn’t hurt)
What finally led her to find answers outside of the traditional medical system
How she used nervous system work, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture to get real relief
The moment she stopped living in fear of her bladder and started living her life again
Sarah went from flaring 24/7 and obsessing over every food choice to sipping margaritas at music festivals in Hungary without a single symptom. And the best part? Her symptoms weren’t food-triggered, and her healing had nothing to do with a strict diet.
This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, scared, and overwhelmed by the noise online. If you're wondering whether remission is possible for you, listen to this story. It’s the reminder you need.
WORK WITH CALLIE:
Free master class: Find Your Root Cause
Join Road To Remission Self-Study
CONNECT WITH CALLIE:
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
This episode dives into Amanda’s journey to find lasting interstitial cystitis relief through pelvic floor PT, nervous system work, and community support.
When I was first diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC), I felt so alone and hopeless. I know many of you have been there too, left with a list of foods to avoid and told there is nothing that can really help. That is why I am so excited to share this conversation with one of my clients, Amanda.
Amanda’s story is powerful. She went from constant urgency, frequency, and burning to living her life again, eating freely, enjoying holidays, and even going to a football game without fear of flares. In this episode, she opens up about what helped her find lasting IC relief and the turning points that made the biggest difference.
We talk about:
If you have ever wondered if relief is possible, this episode will remind you that healing is within reach.
Work with Callie:
FREE Holiday Master Class on Oct 8th at 7pm EST
Find Your IC & OAB Root Cause (free evergreen master class)
Join Road To Remission to get relief in 3-6 months
Join R2R Self-Study (the same framework without support)
Connect with Callie:
If you’ve ever stared at a pelvic wand or dilator and thought, “What the hell am I supposed to do with this?” Then this episode is for you!
This week I’m joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Rachel Peck, who walks you through tools that actually help with symptom management for interstitial cystitis (IC), pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and pelvic floor tension. We’re talking pelvic wands, dilators, TENS units, cupping, vibration therapy, and how to use these tools without feeling totally overwhelmed or discouraged.
We also talk about what it actually looks like to build a symptom management toolkit that fits into your life and gives you more control over your healing.
Whether you’re just starting pelvic PT or are in your DIY-healing era, this episode will help you feel more confident, more resourced, and less alone.
Connect with Rachel:
Work with Callie:
FREE Holiday Master Class on Oct 8th at 7pm EST
Find Your IC & OAB Root Cause (free evergreen master class)
Join Road To Remission to get relief in 3-6 months
Join R2R Self-Study (the same framework without support)
Connect with Callie:
If you’ve ever held your bladder during a meeting, a flight, or a road trip because you didn’t want to inconvenience anyone, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m walking you through what it means to advocate for yourself and the IC community, and why staying quiet might be protecting other people’s comfort at the expense of your own truth.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
If you've ever told yourself, “I don’t want to make people uncomfortable,” or “What’s the point, no one gets it,” I want you to really tune in. This isn’t just about becoming an advocate. It’s about refusing to gaslight yourself just to keep the peace.
Whether you're explaining IC to a friend or emailing your senator, your voice matters. Your story matters. And every step you take to get a little more visible makes a difference.
TAKE ACTION:
In this episode of IC You, I sit down with my client Jess to talk about her journey with interstitial cystitis (IC) and how nervous system work helped her find relief.
Jess shares:
How her bladder pain started and why multiple tests gave her no answers
The health anxiety spiral that made her symptoms worse
Why regulating her nervous system was the missing piece in her healing
How Road to Remission gave her tools, support, and confidence to move forward
If you’re navigating IC, bladder pain, or constant flares, Jess’s story will give you both hope and practical strategies for relief.
Links from the episode:
Work With Me:
Join Road To Remission - where you can meet other IC or OAB Warriors, like Jess!
Join R2R Self-Study - this is for you if you want to DIY your journey to relief.
CONNECT WITH ME:
Ever felt pelvic heaviness, pressure, or pain that doctors can’t explain or keep misdiagnosing?
You’re not imagining it, and it might be pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). It’s one of the most overlooked causes of chronic pelvic pain, especially in people living with bladder symptoms, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, endometriosis, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Julie Sarton, a pelvic floor physical therapist with over 30 years of experience and founder of Sarton Pelvic Healing.
On this episode, we talk about:
Connect with Julie:
WORK WITH CALLIE:
Join Road To Remission, the program that's helped 200+ people get relief from IC and OAB.
Join the Self-Study version of Road To Remission to DIY your journey to relief.
Connect with Callie on socials:
Happy Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month! This episode focuses on providing support for loved ones of individuals with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). In the episode, I discuss what IC is, its symptoms, and the importance of understanding and supporting those affected. I offer practical advice on how to help, including validating your loved one's experiences, learning about the condition, and creating a supportive environment. Additionally, I highlight common triggers for IC symptoms and emphasize the need for empathy and encouragement while avoiding harmful behaviors.
More IC Resources:
Interstitial Cystitis Association
Success stories (halfway down the page)
Connect with Callie on socials:
In this episode of IC You, I sat down with my client Heidi to share her powerful story of living with interstitial cystitis (IC) for over 20 years.
Heidi opens up about what it was like to be misdiagnosed with endless UTIs, trying every supplement and medication under the sun, and feeling completely alone in her struggle. She also shares the turning point when things began to shift — discovering pelvic floor therapy, nervous system regulation, and the support of a community that finally gets it.
Inside our conversation, you’ll hear:
How Heidi went from constant bladder pain and fear of flare-ups to living a full, active life again
Why nervous system work and pelvic floor PT were game-changers in her healing
The relief of finding a supportive IC community
How she’s redefined “remission” and what healing really means to her
If you’re navigating interstitial cystitis and wondering if things can ever get better, Heidi’s story is a reminder that progress and healing are absolutely possible.
WORK WITH ME:
Join Road To Remission here (this is the program that helped Heidi get relief)
Join the Self Study version of Road To Remission (for you if you want to DIY your journey to relief)
Let's connect!
IC You has officially reached 100 episodes with more than 68,000 streams.
When I first started this podcast in 2022, I never expected it would become such a trusted space for people living with interstitial cystitis (IC) and overactive bladder (OAB). In this special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on what has changed since day one and sharing the most important lessons from my own journey and from working with hundreds of clients.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
How my perspective on IC and OAB has evolved
The nervous system work that transformed my own healing and my clients’ results
Why the IC diet isn’t the complete answer for most people
The four versions of Road to Remission and how the program has grown
The top five most-streamed episodes and my personal favorite episodes of IC You
If you’re navigating the daily challenges of bladder pain, urgency, or frequency, this episode will help you see new possibilities for healing beyond restrictive diets or quick fixes.
Thank you for listening and supporting IC You. If this podcast has helped you better understand interstitial cystitis or overactive bladder, please leave a rating and review so more IC warriors can find it and get the support they need.
Here’s to the next 100 episodes.
WORK WITH ME:
Join Road To Remission, my signature program that's helped 200+ women get relief from IC and OAB.
Join the Self-Study version of Road To Remission (suitable for men and anyone looking to DIY your healing journey)
Connect with me on social media:
If you live with interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, or chronic pelvic pain and have wondered if pelvic floor physical therapy could help you, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by my friend and pelvic floor PT, Dr. Loren Carver, for a rapid-fire Q&A packed with honest answers and practical tips. We cover everything from “Do I have to get an internal exam right away?” to “Why am I leaking even though my pelvic floor is tight?” to “How long does pelvic floor PT actually take to work?”
Inside this episode, we discuss:
Whether you are brand new to pelvic floor PT or have tried it before without much success, you will leave this episode with clarity, confidence, and a plan for your next steps.
Work with Dr. Loren:
Work with Callie:
Join Road to Remission: my signature program to help you reduce interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, and pelvic pain symptoms by addressing your root cause.
Road To Remission Self-Study: this option contains the educational framework of R2R without the 1:1 and group support the regular version of the program comes with.
If you’ve ever felt burning during sex, pain with tampons, or like your urethra is on fire when you pee… this episode is a must listen.
Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified OB-GYN and one of the top specialists in vulvar and pelvic pain. She’s the Director of the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Tampa, Florida, co-author of When Sex Hurts, and a leading voice in the field of vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, and vestibulodynia.
In this episode, we cover:
The difference between the vulva, vagina, and vestibule (and why that matters)
What vulvodynia actually is—and why Dr. Krapf thinks the term might disappear in the future
How tight pelvic floor muscles can block hormone delivery and cause chronic burning
Why it can feel like a yeast infection even when it’s not
The four root cause categories of vulvar pain: hormonal, muscular, inflammatory, and nerve-related
What to do if pelvic floor PT isn’t working
The Q-tip test and why it still matters
Where to find specialists who actually get it
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or searching for answers after years of misdiagnosis, this episode is packed with the science, validation, and hope you deserve.
Listen now and don’t forget to follow the show for more expert interviews and real talk on pelvic and bladder health!
Resources & Links:
When Sex Hurts book: https://www.whensexhurtsthebook.com
Dr. Jill Krapf on Instagram: @jillkrapfmd
National Vulvodynia Association: https://www.nva.org
ISWSH Provider Directory: https://www.isswsh.org
Lichen Sclerosus Support Network: https://www.lssupportnetwork.org
Pudendal Hope: https://www.pudendalhope.info
Connect with Callie:
Work with Callie to get bladder relief inside Road To Remission
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine or medical care. The opinions shared are those of the guests and host and do not reflect any official medical guidance.
In this episode of IC You, I sit down with nervous system therapist Grace Secker to explore the complex link between the nervous system, chronic stress, and food sensitivities—especially for those navigating chronic pain, interstitial cystitis (IC), OAB, and anxiety around food.
Grace and I share our personal healing journeys and unpack why food is not the enemy. From the role of emotional repression in physical symptoms to the power of visualization, we break down how nervous system dysregulation can fuel fear and flare-ups... and how to reintroduce foods safely.
Whether you’ve been stuck in a cycle of elimination diets or you’re afraid of triggering symptoms, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and supported. You’ll walk away with real tools for healing—plus the encouragement to take your next step with compassion and clarity.
What You’ll Learn:
Connect with Grace:
Listen to the Heal With Grace podcast
Connect with Callie:
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine or medical care. The opinions shared are those of the guests and host and do not reflect any official medical guidance.
I just got back from a two-week whirlwind across Lisbon, Morocco, and the Azores, and this episode is the no-filter, full-body download you asked for. From hiking steep Lisbon hills in secondhand Dr. Scholl's to surviving a GI bug (plus a mini bladder flare) in a twin bed with one bathroom—this is the good, the bad, and the WTF moments of international travel with a history of pelvic floor and bladder symptoms.
Inside, I unpack:
Work With Me:
Connect With Me: