As the new year begins, it’s time to reflect, reset, and refocus. On the January 1st episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden makes a triumphant return after a seven-month hiatus. With her signature authenticity and passion, LeeAnne takes listeners on a journey through her experiences in 2024 and sets the stage for a transformative 2025. Here’s a deeper dive into her reflections, goals, and insights for the year ahead.

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.”

his week’s podcast episode is all about Hydration and Wellness. It seems to be a topic I speak about a lot. Hydration with an ostomy is so tricky. Just like nutrition everyone is so specific on their needs. It is different for someone who has an ileostomy vs someone like me who has a colostomy and all the in-betweens.

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.

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards better health and vitality? Look no further than LeeAnne Hayden, your guide to nourishing your body, staying hydrated, and thriving in life! In this enlightening podcast episode, LeeAnne shares invaluable insights into balancing nutrition, managing fluid intake, dining out healthily, and embracing social dining with confidence.

In a world where challenges often test our resolve, Nikki's journey stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Her story begins with the unexpected twists of surgery, where waking up revealed a different path than anticipated. Despite the initial shock, Nikki embraced her new reality with courage and determination. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, she focused on what was, finding strength in the face of uncertainty.

Hey there, it's LeeAnne Hayden, your host from the Beautiful Bag podcast. I wanted to share something really close to my heart with you today. Recently, I came across a comment on YouTube that truly touched me. It was from someone struggling with self-esteem after undergoing surgery and living with a stoma. Their words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of self-love, especially in the face of challenges.

I hope you're all doing well and staying strong. Today, I want to share with you an absolutely amazing conversation I had with the incredible Jenny Harrison from Girls with Guts.

Our chat was like a breath of fresh air, filled with laughter, insights, and a deep sense of connection. Jenny's journey with IBD and ostomies is nothing short of remarkable, and I'm beyond excited to share some of the highlights with you.

In this week's episode, LeeAnne opens up about her relationship with her husband and the challenges they've faced along the way. From blending families to overcoming a cancer diagnosis and ostomy surgery, LeeAnne shares candid insights into the ups and downs of their journey.

In the latest episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," we are introduced to an extraordinary guest, Tori Judson, who brings to light the realities of living with a rare condition known as HSAN IV and being a double ostomate. LeeAnne delves into Tori's life, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her world.

In the quiet of a snowy New Hampshire, "The Beautiful Bag Podcast" takes us on a journey to discover the wide-reaching world of the global ostomy community. Hosted by LeeAnne Hayden, this latest episode shares some surprising numbers that reveal how large and diverse our community really is. Learning that around 13.5 million people worldwide live with an ostomy highlights just how many of us are sharing this experience, even though it might not always be visible.

Traveling can be daunting for anyone, but for those of us living with an ostomy, it presents a unique set of challenges. As your host LeeAnne of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," I've experienced firsthand the intricacies of navigating different modes of transport, managing supplies, and ensuring comfort on the go. In this post, I'll share personal anecdotes and advice to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

As we step into another year together, I am thrilled to share a milestone that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy. 'The Beautiful Bag' podcast has officially entered its fourth year! It’s been a journey of inspiring stories, shared resilience, and personal growth, not just for me but for each one of you who has been part of this incredible community.

In this week’s solo episode, I delve deep into what these four years have meant and the transformative journey I’ve undergone, both personally and through the experiences shared by our amazing guests.

Sara Levitt, whose story we unravel in this episode, opens up about her life with an ostomy. She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at a very young age, a condition that led her down a path filled with medical challenges and personal trials. Her journey is not just a tale of physical endurance, but also one of psychological strength and social adaptation.

It's LeeAnne here, and I'm thrilled to take you on a journey into my life – a life that has seen its share of challenges and triumphs. Today, I want to share a deeply personal experience, one that involves living with an ostomy and the occasional hurdle I've had to face: blockages.

Crystal, a double ostomate and sarcoma cancer survivor also battling Crohn's disease, shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey that began in February 2022. Her ordeal started with an emergency room visit due to an inability to urinate, leading to the shocking discovery of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, a consequence of her NF1 condition. This diagnosis set her on a path of rigorous medical treatments, including chemotherapy and extensive surgery, resulting in a colostomy, urostomy, and partial hysterectomy.

Two years ago, Raphaela's life took an unexpected turn. A veteran flight attendant with 29 years of experience, her life was upended first by the global COVID-19 pandemic and then by a personal health crisis. During a time when her career came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic, Raphaela faced another challenge – a diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer.

At the age of 50, Kristi's life took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing troubling symptoms such as rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements, and unexplained fatigue. Despite the challenges of navigating the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristi persisted in advocating for herself and the need for a colonoscopy.

Nadia's journey began with the life-altering diagnosis of UC at just 15 years old. The challenges of navigating chronic illness at such a young age are truly remarkable, but she faced them with determination.