Jack The Silly-Yak: Coeliac Life & Creativity with Alex Mangano

A Gluten Free PodcastEpisode 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 journeyCreating Jack The Silly-Yak for kids with coeliacThe impact of art and performance on health and identityThe ABC Heywire Trailblazer experienceRaising coeliac awareness through creative storytelling🔗 Links & Resources📘 Jack The Silly-Yak Website📸 Jack The Silly-Yak on Instagram📬 Connect with me Instagram: @a.gffamily Email: [email protected] 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.Head to happytummies.com.au & use our code GFCHRISTMAS to save 20% off Free From Family Co everyday range! Valid from 8th Nov - 25th December, 2025.  Up to 25% discounts on Bask & Co products site-wide and with NO discount codes required! FREE shipping on orders over $99. Only while stocks last! Shop here🥣 Celiac Cruise - a 100% gluten free vacation cruise is setting sail on two Australian cruises in 2026: one to the South Pacific and the other to New Zealand. There'll of course be awesome 100% gluten free food onboard, heaps of fun stuff to do, educational talks and a community of people who understand each other. Buy your tickets here & see ya onboard gluten free fam! 

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