A Gluten Free Podcast
Do you have coeliac disease or are you gluten free for other health reasons? You've come to the right place: A Gluten Free Podcast! I'm your host Ben & in this is weekly show we'll explore all things gluten free. I share stories of people doing helpful & inspiring things in the gluten free community while sharing my own story along the way. So whether you have coeliac disease like me, you’re gluten free for other reasons or you simply want to learn more about the gluten free diet, this is your show. My aim is to raise coeliac disease & gluten free awareness: one chat at a time! Thanks for being here gluten free fam 💪
* Website: aglutenfreefamily.com.au
* Connect on Instagram @a.gffamily
* Join A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook group
* Send an email to aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com
A Gluten Free Podcast
Jack The Silly-Yak: Coeliac Life & Creativity with Alex Mangano
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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 32
On today’s episode, I chat with Alex Mangano, author and illustrator of the children’s book Jack The Silly-Yak. We talk about her journey with coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions, how she turned her experiences into a creative project to support kids, and her recent recognition as part of the ABC Heywire Trailblazer competition in Canberra.
Diagnosed at just 13 with three chronic autoimmune diseases, Alex found strength through creativity, performance, and connection. For the past 14 years, she’s worked in Newcastle’s theatre and music scene, helping others express themselves through the arts. Her book Jack The Silly-Yak offers an empowering and relatable story for children with coeliac disease—told through fun, illustrations, and heart.
If you’re looking for an uplifting story about resilience, chronic illness, and the power of community and storytelling, this episode is for you.
🎧 In This Episode:
- Alex’s diagnosis and autoimmune journey
- Creating Jack The Silly-Yak for kids with coeliac
- The impact of art and performance on health and identity
- The ABC Heywire Trailblazer experience
- Raising coeliac awareness through creative storytelling
🔗 Links & Resources
📬 Connect with me
Instagram: @a.gffamily
Email: aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com
Read my column ‘Gluten Free Dad’ in The Australian Coeliac magazine (exclusive to Coeliac Australia members).
⚠️ Disclaimer
The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experience and is for general information only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health or dietary concerns.
Well & Good stock a range of gluten free products - baking mixes, flours (which we regularly use), crumbs & more. Well & Good’s Raspberry Coconut Slice Mix has landed in Woolworths and select IGA stores. Grab yourself a packet today and thank us later!
Thanks to our sponsor Happy Tummies! Happy Tummies is a one-stop-shop for allergen-friendly and gluten free products and also stocking their very own brand - Free From Family Co. Check out their awesome Easter range now 🐣
https://happytummies.com.au/collections/easter