Hollister x LeeAnne

When I first came home from surgery, everything felt new, overwhelming, and honestly a little scary. I was learning how to live with my ostomy, trying to understand my new body, and doing my best to stay strong for my family. Even with a loving husband, kids, and friends, I still felt this quiet feeling of being the only one going through something like this.

Two weeks after surgery, something inside me said, share this.
So I did

On the May 28th episode of the Beautiful Bag Podcast, LeeAnne Hayden sits down with Sandra Mannon to discuss her remarkable journey with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, and her decision to undergo an ileostomy. Sandra’s story is one of courage, resilience, and transformation, A true testament to the power of self-advocacy and mindset in the face of life-changing health challenges.

Life with a chronic illness is never easy, and Yvonne Holly knows this better than most. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 11 years old, she has spent decades navigating the unpredictable challenges that come with managing a lifelong condition. In this week’s episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, Yvonne—known as @CrohnsMummy on Instagram—opens up about her incredible journey, sharing the struggles, triumphs, and lessons she has learned along the way.

In this episode, I interview Raina O’Dell about her journey with an ostomy and her book 'Bare'. Raina shares her experiences with ulcerative colitis, her decision to get an ileostomy, and her subsequent journey with a J-pouch.

She discusses the role of social media in her life and how it has helped her connect with others. Raina also talks about the challenges of dating with an ostomy and the importance of being open and honest about her condition.

In this week’s episode, Chloe Moody shares her unique ostomy journey, which began moments after her birth. A story of lifelong adversity, this episode is a testament for anyone who has ever felt as if they don’t fit in with the “typical”ostomy story. As our conversation unfolds, Chloe intimately recounts her childhood with an ostomy and what it was like growing up “different.”

In the realm of podcasts, few things match the genuine conversations you'll find on "The Beautiful Bag," hosted by yours truly, LeeAnne Hayden. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderful Cass Roberts, and let me tell you, it was a conversation you won't want to miss. We dove deep into the realities of living with chronic illness, finding strength in the face of adversity, and embracing life's unexpected twists.