What happens when a gluten-free teen stops navigating the world alone?

In this episode of At the Table, Channon is joined by Megan and Sam, two members of GIG’s Teen Advisory Board and Teen Summit alumni, for a real, unfiltered conversation about growing up with celiac disease.

They share what life looked like before finding community, the quiet loneliness that often goes unspoken, and the moments at Teen Summit that changed how they see themselves. From learning how to advocate at restaurants to building friendships that don’t require explanation, this conversation goes far beyond food.

It’s about confidence. Identity. And what shifts when a teen realizes they’re not the only one.

If you’re a parent wondering how to support your child, or a teen trying to figure out where you fit, this episode offers a clear answer: connection changes everything.

What actually happens behind the scenes at one of the biggest food industry trade shows in the world? In this episode, Channon sits down with the GIG trade show team to reflect on their time at the 2026 Natural Products Expo West. They share what stood out on the show floor, exciting products they discovered, and the trends shaping the future of the gluten-free market.

Behind the scenes at Expo West, the GIG team pulls up chairs and unpacks what they saw, tasted, and learned from one of the biggest natural products trade shows in the country. Recorded live from Anaheim at the end of a long day on the show floor, this episode offers a candid look at emerging gluten-free trends, product innovation, certification conversations, and the growing demand for trust in the marketplace.

From protein-packed everything and personal care products to the continued expansion of the gluten-free category, this conversation gives listeners a real-time snapshot of where the industry is headed and what it could mean for the gluten-free community. Along the way, the team also shares favorite finds, reflections from first-time attendees, and why certified gluten-free products continue to stand out in a crowded market.

Most weeks on At the Table, Channon sits across from a guest listening, asking questions, and creating space for someone else’s story.

This week, she pulled her own chair up.

In this solo episode, Channon shares the path that shaped her. From eight-year-old dreams to a business graduate who helped grow the Gluten Free Certification Organization from three certified companies to over 1,300 brands across six continents.

But the heart of the episode isn’t about growth metrics.

It’s about the moment certification stopped being professional and became personal. When her four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease and learned to look for “Mommy’s logo” before eating at a friend’s house.

It’s about learning that leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about congruence. Showing up the same way, every time.

It’s about integrity.

And friendship.

If you’ve ever wondered why GIG and GFCO hold the line so firmly… or why this community work runs deeper than a job description… this conversation answers that.

Pull up a chair. Now you know who you’re sitting with.