Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star: Logan Popelka’s Gluten-Free Journey to the Olympic Trials

From the Soccer Field to the Doctor's Office: Baylee Simmelink on Growing Up with Celiac Disease

When Baylee Simmelink was nine years old, she was sick every night before bed — stomach cramps, vomiting, real pain. For a while, the adults around her thought she was just trying to avoid bedtime. Sound familiar? For so many people living with chronic and invisible illness, getting someone to believe you is half the battle. In this episode of Invisible Strength, Karin sits down with Baylee — a college soccer player at Northwest Missouri State University and elementary education major — who was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 9. Baylee shares what it was like growing up gluten-free before there were options, navigating birthday parties and school snacks with a “special drawer” her mom arranged with the teacher, and pushing through the intimidating world of college dining halls as a Division II athlete. Her mom also has celiac, which gave Baylee something most newly diagnosed people don’t have: someone who truly gets it. This one is for anyone who has ever cried in a restaurant because there was nothing on the menu they could eat. Anyone raising a child with celiac. Anyone who has had to advocate for themselves when they were terrified to do it. Baylee’s journey — from a tearful nine-year-old in a doctor’s office to a college soccer player managing her condition with confidence — is a reminder that the hard things we’re forced to go through often become the things that shape us most. Listen and hit subscribe now! Start here ➡ Take the free 2-min Your Journey Quiz [https://form.typeform.com/to/IyQPAqvM?typeform-source=invigorateyourjourney.com] 🌐 Check out Community Resources HERE [https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com]. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

Can You Live a Full Life With Lupus? Emma's Honest Answer | Invisible Strength Podcast

Lupus nearly took everything from Emma in her early 20s.She was hospitalized, struggling to walk, losing her hair, and unsure what her future would look like. Doctors didn’t know if life would ever feel “normal” again.23 years later?She’s a mom, works full-time, runs for her mental health, and has learned how to live WITH lupus instead of constantly fighting against her body.In this episode, Emma gets brutally honest about: * What lupus REALLY feels like * The invisible side of chronic illness nobody sees * Why “pushing through” made things worse * Her biggest lupus flare-up triggers * The mental battle of looking “fine” when you’re not * Running, movement, and rebuilding trust with her body * The grief, fear, and resilience that come with autoimmune disease If you’re living with lupus, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, fatigue, burnout, or invisible illness… this conversation will make you feel less alone.⏱️ WATCH IF YOU’VE EVER:✔️ Wondered if life can still be meaningful after diagnosis✔️ Felt misunderstood because you “don’t look sick”✔️ Struggled with flare-ups, exhaustion, or body changes✔️ Tried to balance health, work, relationships, and goals✔️ Needed hope from someone who truly gets it💜 FREE RESOURCES & SUPPORTTake your journey quiz, download a free guide, explore top community picks, and shop Invisible Strength merch:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa295SkpMYW81eUJvOEwxaXp6aklENkFfUWgwUXxBQ3Jtc0trS2ZrSkNOdHFDTmlGOWhRM2Y1RE5uZHExUl8wM3JSQ3pCbWgta3dQTzU0UExaZEQyVkJNLWRRYVRtMXBiODFscEpQd3Z2ZzlWX2JaN2pDUjVxYTRLQ1RkT09iWldUOFY2QklDOFBFOVNJRjdXV2F0aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.invigorateyourjourney.com%2F&v=DRhpB9PfnRA]🎧 Subscribe for real conversations around:Lupus, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, healing, fatigue, mindset, movement, resilience, and invisible illness support.💬 COMMENT BELOW:What’s something people don’t understand about living with chronic illness?#Lupus [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lupus] #ChronicIllness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chronicillness] #AutoimmuneDisease [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/autoimmunedisease] #InvisibleIllness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/invisibleillness] #LupusWarrior [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lupuswarrior] #LupusAwareness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lupusawareness] #HealingJourney [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/healingjourney] #ChronicFatigue [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chronicfatigue] #ChronicIllnessSupport [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chronicillnesssupport] #AutoimmuneSupport [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/autoimmunesupport] #InvisibleStrengthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/invisiblestrengthpodcast]⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

From Life Support to Lupus Warrior: How Semi Found Strength, Self-Advocacy & Hope | Invisible Strength Podcast

From life support to lupus advocacy, Semi shares her raw journey with lupus — the grief, the isolation, self-advocacy wins, lifestyle shifts, and how she created a children’s book to help kids understand the disease. A must-listen for anyone navigating autoimmune conditions who needs hope and real talk. Resources & Links:• Semi’s Children’s Book: Luna and the Tiny Superhero → https://amzn.to/4cs1sGY [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm5lTXkzR2lEUHR0WU5lTVptVklnSWVqRU94d3xBQ3Jtc0ttcm1OWjdhTHZRbkM3TkVkYW9qN052VFQxV2lEa0xCTTEzMnBiRzBWYXFWdDJRTFJJUV9hazJOUmNreUl4dktoN2xjX1BDMklTWWZseTN4Y1Z6ZHZ0bmdGVkg5N2JJNkN2UndpdDZXZ1lodmlJb3ZoMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F4cs1sGY&v=ky2k8bfiBaw]• Join our free community: https://invigorateyourjourney.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1IwS2RqX0JVUzhucEQzSE1kdzRGRjJLanJ1d3xBQ3Jtc0trSXdyeDFQaWdPeGRkTkt1NWowaW5SbC0weTNSMDd3anZUTnFudDFoSFR0UjBNNWs2c0xCYTV2bmRNVUg5UWpkQlc1OHMxb0tMT0NkTVJLRnNZU1FYczYyZ2hPRGRfeXYtNWI2R0dSUjBaYUhrbmUzSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Finvigorateyourjourney.com%2F&v=ky2k8bfiBaw]#LupusWarrior #InvisibleIllness #Autoimmune #ChronicIllnessSupport ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. This page contains affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star: Logan Popelka’s Gluten-Free Journey to the Olympic Trials

University of Texas Austin track & field star Logan Popelka shares how he turned a celiac disease diagnosis at age 15 into elite athletic success — including a near-qualification for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Diagnosed with no obvious symptoms, Logan opens up about navigating a strict gluten-free lifestyle while competing at the highest level. From high school social challenges to fueling as a Division I athlete, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real hope. What You’ll Learn: * How Logan went gluten-free in high school and handled social pressure * Training, recovery, and fueling strategies as a celiac athlete * Restaurant tips, cross-contamination safety, and college dining hall hacks * His favorite gluten-free brands, pasta, cauliflower crust pizza & baking tips * The powerful discipline, faith, and “invisible strength” that fuel his success Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease, a gluten-free athlete, or living with any autoimmune condition, Logan’s story will motivate and equip you to thrive. Timestamps: * 00:00 – Welcome & Logan’s unexpected celiac diagnosis * 04:54 – Training & recovery as a celiac Division I athlete * 08:05 – Advice for beginners feeling left out * 10:20 – Eating out safely & restaurant strategies * 15:16 – Favorite gluten-free brands & baking * 25:25 – Running at the Olympic Trials * 29:20 – Faith and mindset shifts * 30:56 – Practical tips: labels, dietitians & educating others 💬 Comment or Review: What’s your biggest challenge going gluten-free? Share below! Don’t forget to show your support: 👍 Leave a 5-star rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🌐 For free resources, workbooks, coaching & community support visit: ➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com [https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com] Hosts: Karin Wagner & Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain) Guest: Logan Popelka – UT Austin Track Athlete & Celiac Warrior #CeliacDisease #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeAthlete #CeliacWarrior #Autoimmune #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllness #GlutenFreeLife #OlympicTrials #AthleteWithCeliac ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

From Devastated Freshman Athlete to Thriving Lupus Warrior | Invisible Strength Podcast

Faith Ring was a driven college swimmer when lupus turned her world upside down. Faith shares how she adapted her training, diet, and mindset — including lessons from Katie Ledecky — and learned to put her health first without quitting her dreams. Raw, honest, and full of practical tips for anyone navigating autoimmune disease while chasing big goals.This episode is for anyone living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Minnesota Lupus Warrior & College Swimmer01:52 – Life before diagnosis as a Type-A athlete02:15 – Massive 180: Diet changes (less dairy/red meat, frequent small meals)04:39 – Katie Ledecky POTS inspiration + internal vs external health07:05 – Military family mindset: Learning to put yourself first10:47 – Letting go of control + back injury crisis13:51 – Journaling advice for high-achievers with chronic illness17:48 – How support networks actually help (not just “have people”)22:22 – Practical routines: Prepping for events, gradual changes, naps33:47 – Faith, 1 Corinthians 13, and reframing anger at God39:57 – What “Invisible Strength” really meansDon't Forget to Show Your Support:👍 Like this video if it resonated💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well🌿 Connection, Guidance, & Supportive Resources:Explore free workbooks and workshops, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: ➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com [https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com]#RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #GymnastLife #InvisibleStrengthPodcast #RAAwareness #MentalHealth #athletestories Special thanks to co-hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton,  @baddestchaplain  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UClTwZdg8kP6oPkFTSQ3Klpw] ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.