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Colitis Unfiltered

Franck Tabouring

With Colitis Unfiltered, I explore the many ways ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and chronic illnesses impact individuals, relationships, work and daily living. We don't talk enough about inflammatory bowel disease. It's time to change that. To raise awareness. To crush stigma. It's time to talk sh*t. Literally.

For more stories from the bathroom floor, visit www.colitisunfiltered.com

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20 episodes
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Avg 38 min
English

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S1 · E24
Thursday · 58 min
IBD, intimacy and self-worth: Trina’s mission to rebuild confidence
🎙️ In episode 24 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Trina, whose years of severe gastrointestinal symptoms eventually led to a life-threatening bowel perforation, emergency surgery, and the removal of 75% of her large intestine. After initially struggling to accept an ileostomy, she spent the next decade trying to avoid another one before ultimately choosing a permanent ostomy and reclaiming her life. 💜 Trina opens up about body image, scars, touch starvation, sex and the fear of feeling undesirable after IBD surgery. Now an intimacy coach, she shares practical strategies for rebuilding confidence and connection, from visualization and positive self-talk to non-sexual touch, communication, and navigating intimacy with an ostomy. You can find Trina at https://www.intimateostomate.com and follow her journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimateostomate/ For more inspiring stories from the bathroom floor, visit colitisunfiltered,com
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S1 · E23
July 30 · 32 min
IBD, an ostomy and a new purpose: Alicia's path to advocacy
🎙️ In episode 23 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Alicia, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 14 after years of unexplained stomach pain, bleeding, and symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed. Within months of her diagnosis, her condition became so severe that she lost her colon and woke up from emergency surgery with an ostomy she never had the chance to prepare for. 💜 Diagnosed as a teenager and later re-diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Alicia talks about navigating body image, multiple surgeries, a J-pouch, and the emotional journey of learning to accept a permanent ostomy. She reflects on finding strength through community, rebuilding confidence, and how finally receiving the right treatment transformed her quality of life. 👥 Today, Alicia is the acting president of Girls With Guts, one of the largest support communities for women living with IBD and ostomies. Through storytelling, advocacy, and education, she helps thousands of women navigate body image, relationships, motherhood, and life with chronic illness, proving that even the most difficult diagnosis can become a source of purpose and hope. For more inspiring stories from the bathroom floor, visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E22
July 16 · 33 min
Pain, Crohn’s and perspective: Victoria’s seasonal IBD flares
🎙️ In episode 22 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Victoria, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 24 after years of brushing off bloating, cramping and changes in her bowel habits. Despite having a brother with Crohn’s, Victoria never imagined she could have the same disease until the pain became so severe she could barely walk. 💉 After blood tests revealed high levels of inflammation, a CT scan and colonoscopy finally confirmed Crohn’s disease, along with a nearly connecting fistula in her bowel. Victoria talks about starting Remicade, navigating recurring flares, fatigue and medication side effects, and the complicated reality of relying on a treatment that helps control her Crohn’s while creating other challenges for her body. 🧠 Now a mental health counselor and outspoken IBD advocate, Victoria shares how Crohn’s disease has changed her relationship with fitness, friendships, mental health and her own body. Through social media, she challenges dangerous misconceptions about treating IBD without medication and uses her experience to remind others that chronic illness affects far more than just the gut. For more inspiring stories from the bathroom floor, visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E21
July 1 · 31 min
Crohn’s, motherhood and advocacy: Harriet’s fight to reclaim her life
In episode 21 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Harriet, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 22 after years of believing she simply had IBS. With a family history of Crohn’s, blood in her stool led to a colonoscopy, years of uncertainty, and eventually a diagnosis that would completely change her life. After trying multiple medications, developing allergic reactions, losing response to biologics, and struggling through pregnancy with active disease, Harriet reached the point where emergency stoma surgery became the only option. She opens up about living with anxiety, body image, motherhood, and the fear of surgery, before discovering that her stoma gave her back the freedom she’d been missing for years. Today, Harriet is in remission on biologic treatment and has become a passionate advocate for the IBD community. Through her honest and unapologetic social media presence, she challenges misconceptions about Crohn’s disease, surgery, and life with a stoma, proving that sometimes the treatment you fear most can become the reason you get your life back. For more inspiring storied from the bathroom floor, visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E20
June 4 · 40 min
Crohn’s, motherhood and resilience: Liesel’s refusal to give up
In this episode of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Liesel, who started experiencing swollen knees, extreme fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain while in college. It would take nearly two years before blood in the toilet finally led to a colonoscopy and a Crohn’s diagnosis. Liesel talks about navigating life with a chronic illness long before online communities and social media existed. She reflects on the isolation, anxiety, and depression that followed, as well as the devastating flare that led to emergency surgery just months after the birth of her first child. From living with an ileostomy to facing sepsis, multiple surgeries, osteoporosis, and even cancer linked to long-term immunosuppression, her journey has been anything but easy. Today, Liesel is a doctor, educator, mother, and passionate advocate who uses her experience with Crohn’s disease to help others navigate illness and adversity. Her story is one of resilience, perspective, and hope, showing that even after decades of setbacks, it is possible to build a meaningful and fulfilling life beyond IBD. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E19
May 21 · 24 min
Ulcerative colitis, gut health and remission: Kylie’s naturopathic IBD journey
In episode 19 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Kylie, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 35 after suddenly experiencing urgency, bleeding, and symptoms she immediately knew were not normal. What started shortly before her daughter’s first birthday quickly turned into a confusing diagnosis, unanswered questions, and years of feeling alone in a system that never seemed to fully listen. Diagnosed while raising three young children, Kylie talks about navigating steroids, failed medications, and the emotional toll of constantly being stuck on the toilet while trying to be present as a mom. Frustrated by a lack of answers, she eventually turned to a gut health naturopath, changing her diet, treating underlying gut issues, and ultimately reaching remission after years of trial and error. Now balancing motherhood, work, and the reality of occasional flares, Kylie shares how stress, food, and self-advocacy shaped her colitis journey. Her story is honest, hopeful, and a reminder that healing with ulcerative colitis is not always linear, and sometimes the right path looks very different for everyone. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E18
May 8 · 34 min
Crohn’s at nine, control and letting go: Kyle’s IBD evolution
In episode 18 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Kyle, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just nine years old after months of vomiting, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and exhaustion. What began as a confusing childhood illness quickly turned into a lifelong battle with active inflammation, failed medications, and a body that never seemed to fully cooperate. Diagnosed in elementary school and never fully reaching remission, Kyle talks about growing up embarrassed by his symptoms, hiding his disease from others, and pushing his body beyond its limits through school, college, travel, and intense work environments. He reflects on years of Remicade, methotrexate, prednisone, and the emotional toll of feeling like his own body was constantly working against him. Today, Kyle uses his experience with Crohn’s disease to advocate for others living with chronic illness and co-founded Tummy, a platform helping patients better understand how food and lifestyle impact their symptoms. His story is honest, introspective, and deeply hopeful, showing that even without full remission, it’s still possible to build a meaningful life beyond IBD. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E17
April 23 · 41 min
Flares, denial and acceptance: Jaime’s J-Pouch journey
In this episode of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Jaime, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 25 after months of severe symptoms she initially ignored, despite correctly self-diagnosing herself online. What started as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue quickly escalated into hospitalizations, failed medications, and a body breaking down faster than she could process. Diagnosed in adulthood and thrown into a relentless cycle of flares, steroids, and biologics, Jaime talks about spending over a month in the hospital, being fed through IV, and reaching a point where surgery became the only option left. She opens up about fear, denial, body image, and the emotional weight of facing an ostomy at a young age. Now living with a J-pouch after multiple surgeries, Jaime shares how that decision ultimately saved her life. From learning how to live in her body again to building a family she once feared she couldn’t have, her story is raw, resilient, and deeply hopeful. A powerful reminder that even the hardest IBD journeys can lead to a life rebuilt. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com And do not miss out on Jaime's IBD journal. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD2JGZCY
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S1 · E16
April 8 · 35 min
Colitis diagnosis, surgery and survival: Clare’s IBD turning point
In episode 16 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Clare, who was diagnosed with indeterminate colitis after a sudden and severe onset of symptoms that landed her in the hospital. With no clear diagnosis and little information available at the time, she was thrown into a confusing and frightening start to life with inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosed as a teenager and navigating years of flares, steroids, and uncertainty, Clare shares what it was like to grow up with IBD while trying to live a normal life. After more than a decade of remission, her condition came back aggressively, leading to emergency surgery and a life-changing ostomy. She opens up about fear, complications, mental health struggles, and the reality of starting over after major surgery. Today, Clare lives with a stoma and ongoing complications, but also with perspective, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. She speaks honestly about body image, advocacy, and why surgery should not always be seen as a last resort. Her story is raw, complex, and a powerful reminder that life with IBD doesn’t end, it changes. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E15
March 26 · 39 min
IBD, surgery and acceptance: Jess’ long colitis battle
In this episode of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Jess, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 32 after years of being told it was “just IBS.” What began with mucus, bleeding, and exhaustion quickly turned into a relentless cycle of flares, medications, and uncertainty that took a serious toll on her mental health. Diagnosed in adulthood and facing worsening symptoms every year, Jess talks about steroid dependence, failed treatments, chronic fatigue, and the constant fear of when the next flare would hit. She opens up about hitting a breaking point, spending weeks in the hospital, and ultimately undergoing stoma surgery after exhausting every other option. Now living with an ostomy, Jess shares how surgery gave her back her energy, her identity, and her life. From struggling to even look at her stoma to building a support group for others, her story is raw, emotional, and deeply hopeful. A powerful reminder that what once feels like the end can become a new beginning. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E14
March 12 · 36 min
Ambition, Crohn’s and acceptance: Lewis’ new IBD normal
In episode 14 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Lewis, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 23 after waking up one day with relentless diarrhea, bleeding, and inflammation that doctors described as “off the charts.” Fit, healthy, and in the best shape of his life, Lewis had no warning signs before his body suddenly changed overnight. After months of waiting for a colonoscopy through the NHS, Lewis finally saw the damage on screen for himself. What followed was enemas, steroids, a revised diagnosis of Crohn’s colitis, and the mental battle of accepting a new normal. He opens up about health anxiety, joint pain, fatigue, and learning to listen to his body instead of pushing through flares. Now in remission on biologic injections, Lewis shares how chronic illness reshaped his mindset, deepened his compassion, and pushed him to advocate openly about IBD on social media. His story is honest, motivational, and a powerful reminder that life with colitis may be harder, but it is not impossible. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E13
February 26 · 48 min
The long way to diagnosis and recovery: Sarah's ostomy marathon
In episode 13 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Sarah, whose IBD symptoms began at just 15 years old. What followed were eight years of colonoscopies, misdiagnoses, eating disorder accusations, and being told it was “just IBS” before she finally received a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at 23. Through law school stress, repeated flares, and worsening symptoms, Sarah tried to power through until her body forced a breaking point. After multiple hospitalizations and a final severe flare, she underwent emergency ileostomy surgery in July 2024. What was meant to be relief turned into a medical marathon: bowel perforation, ICU, ventilator support, additional surgeries, and months of recovery. Today, Sarah hikes, runs races, and lives without the constant intestinal pain that defined her teenage years and early adulthood. She opens up about medical trauma, body image, stopping medication, and learning that an ostomy didn’t ruin her life, it gave it back. Her story is raw, resilient, and proof that even the longest road to diagnosis can still lead somewhere powerful. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E12
February 12 · 35 min
Crohn’s, loss of control and acceptance: Oktober’s hard IBD reset
In episode 12 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Oktober, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 18 after months of relentless bathroom trips, joint pain, exhaustion, and rapid weight loss. What began during a stressful year quickly escalated into six years of failed biologics, steroid cycles, and a life shrinking around the nearest toilet. After losing response to every available treatment, Oktober faced the reality of stoma surgery. What was meant to be temporary turned into emergency surgery, intensive care, and ultimately a permanent ostomy. She opens up about fear, body image, leaks, panic attacks, and the moment she realized she couldn’t keep living confined to four walls. Now living with a permanent stoma while still managing Crohn’s, Oktober shares how surgery gave her back freedom, travel, and control. She challenges misconceptions about ostomies, speaks candidly about mental health and fatigue, and reminds anyone facing surgery that life with a bag is not the end. In many cases, it’s the beginning. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E11
January 29 · 39 min
Ulcerative colitis, surgery and humor: Janelle’s decision to let go
In this episode of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Janelle, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 25 after years of confusing symptoms, mucus, bleeding, and the constant fear that something was seriously wrong. What began as manageable flares slowly turned into nearly two decades of pain, accidents, and a body that kept pushing her to the edge. Diagnosed in her mid-twenties, Janelle talks about navigating medications, steroids, remission cycles, and the mental toll of living with an invisible illness. She reflects on advocating for herself, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately choosing permanent ostomy surgery after her colon failed beyond repair. Her story covers the realities of surgery, body image, intimacy, and finally getting her life back. Using humor, blunt honesty, and zero shame, Janelle shares how living with an ostomy didn’t end her life. It gave it back. This episode is raw, funny, and deeply real, and a must-watch for anyone living with ulcerative colitis, facing surgery, or trying to survive the mental weight of IBD. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E10
January 15 · 36 min
Childhood IBD, Surgery and an Ostomy: Kristin’s long road forward
In this episode of the Talking Sh*t podcast, I speak with Kristin, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just nine years old after months of severe diarrhea, urgency, weight loss, and bleeding. What followed was an 87-day hospital stay, a long stretch of steroid dependence, and a childhood shaped by chronic illness long before she could understand what it meant. Diagnosed in elementary school and facing surgery as a teenager, Kristin opens up about growing up with IBD, missing school, struggling with identity, and living through colectomy, a J-pouch, and eventually a permanent ostomy. She reflects on the emotional toll of being labeled “strong,” the anger she was never allowed to express, and the moment she finally learned it was okay to grieve her body. Now living a full life with an ostomy and decades of perspective, Kristin shares how community, support, and purpose helped her rebuild after years of trauma. Her story is raw, compassionate, and deeply hopeful. A powerful listen for anyone navigating IBD, surgery, or life after surgery. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E9
Dec 29, 2025 · 35 min
Ulcerative colitis, surgery and a stoma: Ant’s life with a bag
In episode 9 of the Talking Sh*t podcast, I speak with Ant, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 19 in the UK. What began as worsening diarrhea, pain, and blood was repeatedly dismissed, until a colonoscopy finally revealed severe colitis and the start of a long, exhausting treatment journey. After more than a decade of medications, steroids, biologics, and cycling in and out of remission, Ant made the difficult decision to undergo a colectomy and now lives with a stoma. In this conversation, he opens up about the fear surrounding surgery, the realities of stoma life, and how gaining his quality of life back reshaped his perspective on health, identity, and resilience. Today, Ant uses his platform to normalize ostomy life and raise IBD awareness, showing that life after surgery isn’t an ending, but a restart. Honest, reflective, and deeply empowering, this episode is for anyone navigating colitis, surgery decisions, or life with a stoma. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E8
Dec 18, 2025 · 43 min
Childhood Crohn’s, ostomy and nursing: Leah’s long way back
In this episode of the Talking Sh*t podcast, I speak with Leah, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just nine years old after months of fatigue, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea. What began as a frightening childhood illness quickly became a life shaped by hospital stays, international moves, failed treatments, and major surgeries. Diagnosed during her early school years and living with an ostomy from her teens, Leah reflects on navigating flares, isolation, and body image through adolescence. She talks candidly about undergoing multiple surgeries, adapting to life with an ostomy, and learning to accept a body that often dictated her limits. Now living well and working as a certified ostomy nurse, Leah shares how her experience with Crohn’s shaped her empathy, resilience, and career path. Through her work, she supports patients facing the same fears she once lived with, turning a childhood diagnosis into a source of purpose, perspective, and connection. For more on colitis, IBD and chronic illness, check out colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E7
Dec 4, 2025 · 46 min
Motherhood, IBD and PhD: Kelli’s long road to remission
In this episode of the Talking Sh*t podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kelli DuBois, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 22, following months of hidden bleeding, escalating pain and one humiliating ER visit. Newly married and caring for a one-year-old, she had to navigate a disease she’d never heard of and a medical system that didn’t prepare her for what life with IBD would really mean. Kelli opens up about the emotional fallout that followed. She talks through the years of failed medications, cycles of hope and disappointment, the guilt of parenting through illness, and the deeply isolating instinct to suffer in silence. She shares how exercise, education and a brutally honest look at her own coping patterns finally pushed her toward small, sustainable changes that rebuilt her confidence and helped her reclaim parts of her life she thought were gone for good. Now in long-term remission, Kelli reflects on the fear of losing it, the compassion her illness carved into her, and the pressure of rebuilding identity after trauma. She also explains the turning point that led her to speak openly about her disease, pursue a PhD focused on IBD self-management, and ultimately devote her work to coaching others who feel lost in the space between doctor’s appointments. For more on ulcerative colitis, IBD and chronic illness, check out colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E6
Nov 20, 2025 · 25 min
From high school to the hospital: Kinsey's life with a J-pouch
In this episode of the Talking Sh*t podcast, I speak with Kinsey, who started experiencing stomach pain, fatigue, weight loss and bloody stool soon after a big family move. It would take nearly a year before Kinsey finally got a colonoscopy and a clear answer. Diagnosed with colitis at just 15 years old, and now living with a J-pouch, Kinsey talks about navigating treatments, and the impact of her condition on her teenage years. She reflects on her surgeries, the importance of a supportive medical team, and how her experiences have shaped her resilience and empathy Kinsey uses sarcasm to advocate for herself and others, raising IBD awareness on social media while keeping a positive attitude as she handles school and part-time work. For more on colitis, IBD and chronic illness, check out colitisunfiltered.com
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S1 · E5
Oct 30, 2025 · 47 min
From PhD to IBD: Yasmin’s scientific Crohn’s journey
In this episode of the Talking Sh*t podcast, I speak with Yasmin, who didn’t expect her gut to become the biggest disruptor when she relocated to Los Angeles. We dive into her powerful and personal journey from the lab to the hospital. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease on her 31st birthday, Yasmin opens up about the rapid unraveling of her health, the emotional toll of living with an invisible illness, and the road to reclaiming her life with clarity and purpose. Yasmin is a passionate immunologist, and we also dive deeper into biologics, autoimmunity, the future of IBD treatments, and the hope for a potential cure. This is an episode you definitely do not want to miss. For more on colitis, IBD and chronic illness, check out colitisunfiltered.com
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