Explore every episode of the podcast Episodes

Welcome to Episode 2 of “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

Join us on this episode as we delve into the Why's and How's of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome with Dr. Bruno Chumpitazi, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and current Division Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Duke University School of Medicine. Explore CVS as a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), unpacking its strong links to migraine biology, the role of triggers like stress and diet, and why factors like sleep are critical for management. Dr. Chumpitazi also addresses the challenges of diagnosis, the reasons behind the pediatric-to-adult transition, and the impact of hormones.

For Resources See: https://www.cvsaonline.org/

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EP 1 of “Episodes”  a podcast by CVSA.

Welcome to Episode 1 of “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

Join us on this episode as we do a little bit of a deeper dive into Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome with Dr. Athos Bousvaros, Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and past president of NASPGHAN (North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition). Dr. Bousvaros discusses why CVS is syndrome and he provides some important things to know about CVS. We ask him about why CVS is referred to as a functional disorder.

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An introduction to “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). Our goal is to foster crucial conversations, increase vital awareness, and ultimately change the way CVS is seen and understood.

This episode explains how the idea for the podcast came about and briefly introduces you to our Mother-Son Host Duo, CVSA President, Blynda Killian and Jacen Killian, a CVS patient.

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Welcome to Episode 3 of “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

Join us on this episode as we explore the CVS Action Plan with
Dr. Patrick Reeves. He’s a triple Board Certified General Pediatrician, an Obesity Medicine Specialist, and a Pediatric Gastroenterologist with advanced care in the management of children with medical complexity, tube feeding needs and rare gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Patrick Reeves is an associate professor of pediatrics at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, Texas and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He is also an associate professor of military medicine at Texas A&M University Health Science Center in College Station, Texas. Dr. Reeves is also the CEO of his consulting firm, Wild Child Medicine, PLLC.

For Resources Discussed in this Video Please See Below: https://www.cvsaonline.org/
https://sites.google.com/view/clinical-action-plans/home-clinical-action-plans
https://sites.google.com/view/wildchildmedicine/home

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Welcome to Episode 4 of “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

On this episode of “Episodes”, we sit down with our host, Blynda Killian, President of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association, and her on-again, off-again co-host and co-developer of the podcast her son Jacen. Together, they share how their personal journeys with cyclic vomiting syndrome have shaped very different perspectives on living with, caring for, and advocating around CVS.

Through an honest conversation rooted in lived experience, they explore how those differences have influenced their ideas surrounding the podcast, understanding of the condition, the gaps in care, and the importance of listening to diverse CVS voices. By sharing their stories and viewpoints, they highlight how lived experience can deepen awareness, foster understanding, and help others impacted by CVS feel seen, informed, and less alone.

For Resources and More Visit: https://www.cvsaonline.org/

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Welcome to Episode 5 of “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

In this episode, host Blynda Killian (CVSA) talks to Robin Dover (CVSA UK) about how their own lived experiences with cyclic vomiting syndrome turned personal pain into motivation to make a change. With International CVS Awareness Day (March 5th) just around the corner, they discuss the potential impact if just one person took one action to make a difference.
From sharing a brochure to lighting up your home or garden, see how the smallest act, taking just minutes, can create a ripple effect that can lead to someone else finding a diagnosis, a treatment, or just finding comfort in knowing that they aren't alone.

For Resources and More Visit:
https://www.cvsaonline.org/
https://cvsa.org.uk/

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In this special Podcasthon episode, we share the story behind the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA) and how a small group of families searching for answers helped build a global network supporting patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.

Through our host, Blynda Killian’s personal caregiving journey, we explore the challenges of the diagnostic process, the importance of finding organizations like CVSA, and the role patient advocacy plays in improving awareness and care.

Learn more about CVS at cvsaonline.org

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Welcome to Episode 7 of “Episodes,” the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

In this episode, host Blynda Killian (CVSA) talks with Nina Hellebakken Hagen (CVSA Nordic Leader and Norwegian contact person) about the often unseen mental health toll of living with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Together, they explore the emotional impact of navigating a condition that is frequently misunderstood, dismissed, or not believed, and what that can mean for patients who are already enduring significant physical suffering.
As the conversation unfolds, they reflect on how validation, awareness, and connection can play a powerful role in changing that experience. With International CVS Awareness Day (March 5th) just behind us, they consider what could happen if each of us chose to take one small action.
Nina also shares how her own determination to better understand CVS led her to build CVSA Nordic, helping create pathways for patients and families to access reliable information and support more easily. A few minutes of awareness could help someone find a diagnosis, access care, or feel seen in a way they may never have before.

For Resources and More Visit:
https://www.cvsaonline.org/
https://cvsanordic.net/

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Welcome to Episode 8 of "Episodes," the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). 

Join us on this episode as we explore and discuss the 2025 Pediatric CVS Treatment Guidelines with Dr. Katja Karrento. She is a Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Director of Research and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Programs at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Wisconsin. A leading expert in pediatric CVS, Dr. Karrento was instrumental in developing the first-ever dedicated treatment guidelines for CVS in children. In this conversation, she walks us through this landmark milestone in CVS care, what makes these guidelines different from prior consensus statements, and how they were designed to be accessible and actionable for clinicians caring for pediatric patients with CVS. 

For Resources Discussed in this Episode Please See Below: https://www.cvsaonline.org/  

Link to the Treatment Guidelines: https://www.cvsaonline.org/for-health-providers/treatment-guidelines/ 

Support the show here and more: https://www.cvsaonline.org/get-involved/donate-to-cvsa/

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Welcome to Episode 9 of "Episodes," the official podcast of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). A trusted source for patient stories, medical insight, and meaningful advocacy on all things Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

Join our hosts on this episode as they explore and discuss experiences they learned about traveling with CVS. See how considering triggers, sleep disruption, staying hydrated, nutrition, and more can impact the way you travel with CVS. Learn from the experience and insight from the perspective of a parent and patient with CVS.

For Resources Discussed in this Episode Please See Below: https://www.cvsaonline.org/  

Link to the Treatment Guidelines: https://www.cvsaonline.org/for-health-providers/treatment-guidelines/ 

Support the show here and more: https://www.cvsaonline.org/get-involved/donate-to-cvsa/

Support the show