In this episode, I’m joined by pelvic floor occupational therapist Paige Genova to talk about something that comes up constantly in the interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder space: why symptoms often continue even after the body has healed.We break down how the nervous system and pelvic floor work together, how neuroplastic symptoms can develop after things like a UTI or stressful life events, and why focusing only on muscles or biomechanics can keep people feeling stuck. Paige shares how her Pelvicology framework blends brain and body work to help people move toward lasting relief.We cover:The difference between pelvic floor PT and pelvic floor OTHow fear and hypervigilance can amplify bladder sensationsWhy bladder diaries, trigger tracking, and over monitoring can sometimes backfireHow to understand the role of neuroplasticity in IC, bladder pain, and OABWhat it looks like to treat both tissue factors and the nervous system togetherIf you’ve ever wondered why your symptoms linger, started “out of nowhere,” or have not improved with traditional pelvic floor therapy alone, this episode will help you see your symptoms through a new lens.Connect with Paige:Paige's websiteFollow Paige on Instagram Work with Callie:Watch my FREE master classJoin Road To Remission Join R2R Self-Study (men are welcome)Connect with Callie:Follow me on IGFollow me on TiktokLet's be Facebook friendsFollow my Youtube channel

In this episode, I’m joined by therapist Vanessa Blackstone to talk about something I see all the time in the interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder space: the belief that our bodies are too fragile to handle life.We break down how this mindset shows up through food fear, exercise avoidance, social isolation, and hypervigilance. Vanessa explains how this protective response forms, why it makes so much sense, and what to do when it’s no longer helping.We cover:How the nervous system gets stuck in fear loopsThe connection between trauma and bladder symptomsWhat you’re actually telling your body when you avoid certain triggersHow to build safety and flexibility without pushing too hardVanessa’s 4-step process to work through fear and feel more freeWe also share personal stories (including one about poop on a plane) to show that healing can include humor too.If you’ve been feeling limited, scared to live outside your routine, or unsure how to start challenging your symptoms, this one’s for you.

If you’re dealing with interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia, or just stuck in the chronic symptom spiral, this episode ft Dr. Howard Schubiner is a must-listen.We dig deep into how your brain and nervous system play a huge role in symptoms like urgency, frequency, pain, burning, fatigue, dizziness... you name it. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s “in your head.” It means your brain and body are in constant conversation, and when your nervous system’s on high alert, your symptoms follow.Here’s what we get into:What neuroplastic pain actually is and why it mattersWhy the traditional way interstitial cystitis is diagnosed and treated is flawedWhat the research says (including the Boulder back pain study)Why having Hunner’s lesions or “angry bladder” findings doesn’t rule out neuroplastic symptomsHow to use the FIT criteria to evaluate your own symptomsEmotional patterns like perfectionism, people pleasing, and needing to fix it ASAPWhat Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) actually look like in practiceConnect with Howard:His websiteRead his book (new version coming out in May)Follow him on InstagramListen to his podcast: The Science Behind The SymptomsWork with Callie:Join Road To RemissionJoin R2R Self Study Watch my FREE master classFollow Callie on socials:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube

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 goingConnect with Dr. Bri:YoutubeInstagramWebsiteWork with Callie:Join Road To Remission Enroll in Road To Remission Self-StudyConnect with Callie: InstagramTiktokYoutube

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 eatingThe emotional and physical consequences of cutting out too many foodsHow restriction affects digestion, mood, and nutrient levelsCommon signs of under-fueling (even when you think you're eating “healthy”)Why one-size-fits-all food protocols rarely workHow to differentiate between disordered eating and a clinical eating disorderThe mind-body connection that impacts symptom flares and recoveryThis 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: Follow her on InstagramWork with Lauren & her teamWork with Callie:Join Road To Remission Enroll in Road To Remission Self-StudyFollow Callie on socialsInstagramTiktokYoutube

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 symptomsWhat 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 dysregulationWhy "doing everything right" and still flaring doesn’t mean you’re brokenThe deeper emotional patterns Grace had to shift to feel safe and symptom-free againCONNECT WITH GRACE:Follow Grace on InstagramFollow 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)InstagramTiktokFacebook

The Pelvic Floor and TMJ Connection ExplainedIf 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 regulationPerfect 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:Join the full version of Road To Remission Join the Self-Study version of Road To RemissionIf 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:Dan's websiteDan's Youtube channelDan's success storiesWork with Callie:FREE Open House for Road To Remission on Nov 18th!Join Road To Remission Connect with Callie:InstagramTiktokYoutube

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:What actually happens in your body when you drink waterWhy restricting fluids to pee less usually makes things worseHow hydration protects your bladder lining (and keeps urgency down)The signs you’re underhydrated or overhydratedIC-safe hydration options (teas, foods, electrolytes, etc.)Tips to sip smarter without triggering urgencyI’ll also share:My go-to hydration formulaHow to know if your pee is “normal”The hydration mistake I see most IC clients makeWhat to do if drinking water hurts or triggers frequencyWORK 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 reliefFollow me on socials:InstagramTiktokFacebookYoutube