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.

What does the GFCO certification mark really mean — and how does a product earn it?

In this episode, we sit down with Paul to share the story behind the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. From its early days certifying just three companies to becoming a globally recognized certification program, we walk through how the standards were built, how they continue to evolve, and what happens behind the scenes before a product carries the GFCO mark.

They also address some of the most common consumer questions and concerns:

How strict are the standards?

How are companies monitored?

What happens if something goes wrong?

This conversation offers a transparent look at the integrity, science, and accountability behind the symbol millions of gluten-free consumers rely on every day — and a glimpse into what’s ahead as the program continues to grow.

In this episode of At the Table, we sit down with longtime gluten-free educator and registered dietitian Ronni Alicea to talk about what actually shifts as we age... and what matters most.

We cover:

1. Why protein becomes non-negotiable

2. How gut health impacts more than digestion

3. Portion control vs. restriction

4. Nutrient density over calories

5. What gluten-free adults should pay attention to long term

6. Why critical thinking matters in a world full of nutrition noise

This conversation is practical, honest, and grounded in decades of real-world experience. If you’re 30+, 40+, 50+ (or caring for someone who is) this one is worth your time.

Ronni is also leading a free GIG webinar on Healthy Aging & Gluten-Free Nutrition. Details and registration information can be found here.

Pull up a chair. Future you will thank you.

What does it really mean to grow up gluten-free? Not just medically, but socially, emotionally, and relationally?

In this episode, we are joined by writer and longtime gluten-free advocate Elyn Joy, her daughter Edyth, and the host’s own daughter, Devyn, for an honest, multi-generational conversation about childhood, identity, and learning to advocate for yourself.

Together, they talk about the moments people don’t always see: navigating school events and birthday parties, dating and friendships, learning when to speak up (and when you didn’t), and how early food boundaries quietly shape confidence, self-trust, and adulthood.

Elyn reflects on the fear that comes with a diagnosis and the unexpected gifts that followed. Edyth and Devyn share what it was like to grow up gluten-free in different eras, how support (or lack of it) landed, and why living gluten-free is just one part of who they are, not the whole story.

This is a conversation about parenting without panic, raising capable humans, and trusting kids sooner than we think we should.

Pull up a chair. This one matters.

Elyn Joy’s books, The Gluten-Free Parent’s Survival Guide and The Gluten-Free Teen’s Survival Guide, created in collaboration with a team of celiac physicians at Colorado Children's Hospital. Her articles and interviews have appeared in Gluten-Free Living, Whole Foods Magazine, Allergic Living, and many GF sites and publications. Elyn has been a featured presenter at national celiac awareness events and offers advice on lifestyle and dietary challenges for parents and children. For more information and contact details, visit https://www.glutenfreeparent.com.

Edyth is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, focusing on emergency medicine, global health, and medical education. She served as Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital's Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, where she supported studies and explored new research trials and findings. Edyth was heavily featured in The Gluten-Free Teen’s Survival Guide, offering her experiences and insights to teens facing a diagnosis with celiac disease.

Heart health isn’t a “someday” issue. It’s a now conversation.

In this episode, we talk about inflammation, heart health, and the early signals our bodies send long before something feels urgent. From joint pain and fatigue to brain fog and stress, we explore why gluten free is often only part of the picture and how lifestyle and chronic inflammation play a bigger role than most people realize.

This is a grounded, practical conversation for anyone who wants to understand their body better without fear or overwhelm.

Pull up a chair.

In this episode, meet our host and learn about At the Table.