Living with Endometriosis in Hospitality | Ciji Castro on Pain, Advocacy, and Showing Up

What does it look like to keep showing up when your body is working against you? In Episode 195, Ciji Castro returns to the show for one of the most personal conversations we've had. Ciji is currently battling stage four endometriosis, a disease that affects millions of women, yet remains widely misunderstood, especially in high-pressure industries like hospitality. And still, she shows up. Still cooking. Still creating. Still pushing forward. This episode goes beyond the plate. We talk about what endometriosis actually feels like on a daily basis, the gap between what people see and what's really happening, and the emotional and physical toll of navigating a career, motherhood, and life while dealing with chronic pain. Ciji also opens up about advocacy, what it takes to be heard in a system that often dismisses women's health, and the importance of support, especially from those closest to you. Her husband Miguel joins the conversation, offering a real look at what it means to support someone through this kind of fight, not just emotionally, but as an advocate. And through it all, food remains part of the story. Not as an escape, but as a way to connect, to ground, and to bring people together, even in difficult moments. This is a conversation about resilience, awareness, and making space for the stories that don't always get told in this industry. Franki is built around that idea. It connects restaurants with real diners and turns those experiences into user-driven video content that continues to work long after the visit. No upfront cost. No long-term contracts. Just measurable traffic and real visibility. They're also covering your first $250 in-store to get started. It's a different approach and one we're paying attention to. Check it out here: http://frankiapp.com/walkintalk   KEY TAKEAWAYS Endometriosis is widely misunderstood, especially in demanding industries like hospitality Many people in foodservice are dealing with invisible challenges while still performing at a high level Advocacy is critical when navigating chronic illness and healthcare systems Support systems, especially partners and family, play a major role in resilience The hospitality industry often overlooks the human side behind performance Food can still be a grounding force during difficult moments Awareness leads to better understanding, both inside and outside the industry   BRAND PARTNERS Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens. RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation. Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors. Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partner