The Gastro Girl Podcast

Barrett's esophagus can develop silently in people with chronic acid reflux (GERD)—and many don't realize their risk until after diagnosis.

In this episode of Gastro Girl, Robin shares her powerful, real-life journey from ongoing reflux symptoms to a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus—and how that moment changed everything.

Like many patients, Robin faced confusion, fear, and unanswered questions about what her diagnosis meant and what to do next. After learning more about Barrett's esophagus, including risk factors, monitoring, and emerging tools like TissueCypher, she felt empowered to take a more active role in her care...

Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer—but it's not the only screening option. So how do you know when to get screened, which test to choose, and what to do next if results come back abnormal?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many people delay screening due to confusion or uncertainty.

In this Gastro Girl Podcast episode, developed in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Patient Care Committee, we're joined by leading gastroenterologist Dr. Aasma Shaukat (NYU Langone Health) and member of the U...

For years, Samantha adapted quietly. She chewed longer, sipped water with every bite, avoided certain foods, and assumed the discomfort was just reflux.

It wasn't.

In this patient voice episode, Samantha shares the moment she realized something more serious was happening — and how that journey led to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

She opens up about the subtle symptoms many people overlook, the daily adjustments she made without realizing it, and what finally pushed her to seek answers.

If swallowing sometimes feels harder than it should, this story may sound fa...

Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people experience frequent bloating without knowing what's causing it, whether it's normal, or when it may signal something more serious.

In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with gastroenterologist David J. Cangemi from the Mayo Clinic to unpack the real reasons behind bloating and what your digestive system may be trying to tell you.

Together, they discuss:

• The difference between occasional bloating and chronic bloating
• Common causes including diet, IBS, and...

Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), sometimes called gut fermentation syndrome, is one of the most misunderstood conditions in digestive health. Patients can experience real symptoms of alcohol intoxication—even when they haven't consumed alcohol—often leading to years of misdiagnosis, stigma, and confusion.

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research published in Nature Microbiology examining how specific gut microbes may produce ethanol inside the body and contribute to auto-brewery syndrome.

Host Jacqueline Gaulin, founder of Gastro Girl, is joined by researcher and co-author Barbara Cordell to break down:

• What auto-brewery syndrome is and how it affect...

Chronic heartburn and GERD are often brushed off as everyday issues—but for some patients, long-term reflux can quietly progress to Barrett's esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer.

In Part 1 of this 4-part U.S.-focused patient education series, foregut surgeon Dr. Dan Lister, Founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, explains how reflux disease can evolve over time and why early recognition matters.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How chronic GERD can progress silently

Why Barrett's esophagus matters—even when symptoms improve or disappear

Key warning sign...

MASH—metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (formerly known as NASH)—is a progressive form of fatty liver disease that often develops silently, without obvious symptoms. Many people don't realize their liver is being damaged until the disease has already advanced.

In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Pooja Singhal, a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, obesity medicine specialist, and founder of the Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness Center.

Dr. Singhal explains:

Fecal incontinence (FI) affects nearly 8% of adults worldwide, yet many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment, confusion, or the belief that nothing can be done. This episode is here to change that.

We're joined by Dr. John William Blackett, gastroenterologist and lead author of "Fecal Incontinence in Adults: New Therapies," published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Dr. Blackett offers a compassionate, patient-centered overview of FI, including common causes, diagnostic testing, and the full range of treatment options available today—highlighting newer and emerging therapies.

If you've experienced unexpected leakage, urgency, staining, or difficulty co...

Living with IBS-C isn't just about managing physical symptoms, it's also about navigating the fear, worry, and emotional toll that often come with the condition. In this powerful episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Sarah Ballou, clinical psychologist and Director of the GI Psychology Service at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to explore how fear shows up along the IBS-C journey and what you can do to face it with confidence and support.

In this episode, you'll learn:

In this follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, host Jacqueline Gaulin welcomes back Dr. Mark Pimentel, Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, to dive deeper into the science behind SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth).

Dr. Pimentel answers listener questions and explains how these complex conditions relate to IBS-D and IBS-M, why methane and archaea matter for gut health, and how motility and the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) play a crucial role in prevention and treatment. You'll also learn about the latest insights and...

In this inspiring episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Mel, an award-winning dog enthusiast from Valrico, Florida, who has earned more than 40 American Kennel Club titles with her beloved Schnauzers.

After life-changing surgery that left her with a permanent colostomy, Mel refused to let fear or stigma hold her back. She shares how she reclaimed her confidence, advocated for her own healthcare, and found strength through her passion for dogs.

This episode offers hope and insight for anyone learning to live fully after surgery—and a reminder that resilience, lo...

Starting a new IBS-C treatment can bring a mix of hope and uncertainty. How soon will it work? What if side effects appear? Should you keep going or call your doctor?

Host Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. Brian Lacy, gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, to answer the real questions patients ask when starting treatment.

In this episode, we discuss:
• What patients can realistically expect in the first days and weeks of treatment
• What "feeling better" truly means for each individual
• Common challenges and side effects patients may experience
• How to s...

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common—and misunderstood—digestive conditions, yet many patients still suffer in silence. In this candid, patient-focused episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with Mitch Guttenplan, MD, FACS, a general surgeon and Medical Director for the CRH O'Regan System, to break the stigma and share clear, evidence-based guidance about hemorrhoids.

Dr. Guttenplan explains the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids, how to recognize common symptoms, and which lifestyle changes can help reduce discomfort and prevent recurrence. He also walks through current treatment options—including the CRH O'Regan System—so patients can better understand what's a...

Gravity keeps us grounded—but it also shapes our bodies, minds, and even our gut health in surprising ways.

In this fascinating episode, Dr. Brennan Spiegel, Director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai and author of PULL: The Science of Gravity and How It Shapes Our Health and Happiness, joins Jacqueline Gaulin, host of the Gastro Girl Podcast, to explore how gravity influences digestion, mood, metabolism, and mental resilience.

Discover what "gravity resilience" means, why astronauts help us understand life on Earth, and how this invisible force could hold the key to living longer, standing st...

When a child has trouble eating, gaining weight, or explaining discomfort while swallowing, it can be heartbreaking for parents and confusing for the child. These may be early signs of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) — a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus that affects how food moves through the digestive tract.

In this episode, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Joshua B. Wechsler from Northwestern Medicine shares what families need to know about recognizing EoE early, getting an accurate diagnosis, and navigating treatment options. He also offers guidance on helping children manage EoE at school, during meals, and in social settings — so they...

What happens when physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) truly work as a team in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jennifer Seminerio, Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Megan Pearce, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, from the AdventHealth IBD Clinic in Orlando, FL. Together, they share how collaborative APP/MD relationships enhance patient trust, streamline care, and support shared decision-making for those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

We'll explore:

How APP/MD teamwork improves patient experiences

Practical tips to...

What's it really like for a child to live with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jeni and her son Joshua, who share their family's journey navigating the challenges of pediatric EoE. From the earliest warning signs to Joshua preparing for life at college, their story sheds light on the resilience it takes to manage this condition day-to-day.

Together, we explore:

Why getting the right diagnosis can take time

The pros and cons of today's treatment options

How parents can interpret symptoms when children struggle to...

What does preventive care really mean for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? In this episode, we break down the latest ACG Clinical Guideline Update: Preventive Care in IBD with two of its lead authors, Dr. Francis Farraye (Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL) and Dr. Freddy Caldera (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health).

Together, we explore:

Why preventive care is critical in IBD management

Key vaccination recommendations for IBD patients

How to prioritize cancer and bone health screening

The role of mental health and lifestyle in...

Living with IBS-C often requires more than just medications. In this episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Kumkum Patel, a board-certified gastroenterologist in Newport Beach, CA, who specializes in treating IBS patients (find her at kumkumpatelmd.com or @dr.gut_motility). Together, they explore how to integrate complementary therapies into your care plan to help you feel and function better.

You'll learn:

How nutrition can support IBS-C management—and where to start

Why stress can make symptoms worse

What emerging research says about the gut microbiome and probiotics

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis sound alike but are very different conditions—and knowing the difference is key to protecting your digestive health. In this episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin welcomes Dr. Lisa Strate, Professor and Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Wisconsin, and one of the nation's leading experts in diverticular disease. Together, they clear up common questions and misconceptions about diverticulosis and diverticulitis, including:

What causes these conditions and who is most at risk

The symptoms and warning signs patients should watch for

Whether it's possible to have one without the ot...

In this episode, we share Wendy's story of living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). She takes us through the confusing early symptoms, the long road to getting a diagnosis, and how she manages her condition today. With honesty and hope, Wendy offers a patient's perspective on what it means to live with EoE.

Hear Wendy discuss:

Feeling drained by IBD—physically and emotionally? Discover how to reclaim your strength beyond the flare with proven strategies from leading clinical psychologist and resilience expert Dr. Laurie Keefer.

Living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis isn't just about managing physical symptoms—it's about coping with the emotional, social, and mental toll that IBD can take. From how you see yourself, to how you eat, connect with others, and face the unknown, the impact can be profound.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Keefer—author of the groundbreaking American Journal of Gastroenterology article "Beyond Depression and Anxiet...

We're welcoming back Dr. Ali Navidi, a licensed clinical psychologist, and co-founder of GI Psychology.  Today, Dr. Navidi is here to tell us all about the IBD Therapy Group—offered in partnership with the American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. This 8-week, nationwide, virtual therapy program is designed for patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and uses two proven approaches—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy—to help manage stress, anxiety, and inflammation, which can all contribute to IBD flare-ups. 

Hear Dr. Navidi discuss…

The brain-gut connection and how it can impact...

Living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)—a chronic, often misunderstood condition—can make eating and even swallowing a daily challenge. In this inspiring episode, patient advocate Matt shares his personal journey navigating life with EoE.

From the struggle of getting an accurate diagnosis, to identifying and managing daily food triggers, to finding a treatment plan that works, Matt offers an honest look at the physical, emotional, and social realities of living with this condition. His story sheds light on the resilience, trial-and-error, and determination it takes to keep moving forward.

In this episode, we discuss how to:<...

Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure! Oliver Super Beardie, our fearless furry hero and member of the Woof Chat Kids, is back on the case—this time to solve a mysterious throat trouble affecting his buddy Sam. Why is swallowing so hard? What's causing the pain? Oliver's on the trail… and he's sniffing out answers!.

Joining Oliver is brilliant expert guest Dr. Sophia Patel, a leading Pediatric Gastroenterologist from Cleveland Clinic. Together with host Jacqueline Gaulin, they'll follow the clues to uncover what's really going on inside Sam's esophagus—and introduce kids (and grown-ups!) to a condition called...

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have transformed treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight loss — but they can also cause digestive side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and stomach pain that leave many patients confused or worried.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Catherine Hudson from LSU Health New Orleans to separate fact from fiction and provide clear, evidence-based guidance. Dr. Hudson breaks down:

How GLP-1 receptor agonists work

Common digestive side effects—and how to manage them

Why lifestyle changes still matter

What you...

IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation) is a chronic condition that disrupts how your gut works—causing abdominal pain, bloating, and infrequent, hard-to-pass stools. It can seriously impact your quality of life, and finding the right treatment is often a journey filled with ups and downs.

So, how do you get relief from IBS-C symptoms without feeling like you're back at square one?

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Bryan Curtin, Director of The Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Ce...

In the final episode of our 4-part series on GERD and Barrett's Esophagus, we move beyond awareness to focus on action. What should patients actually do after diagnosis—and how can they take charge of their care journey?

We're joined by Tedra Gray, a seasoned Advanced Practice Provider, who shares real-world examples and practical advice for patients navigating chronic reflux, Barrett's Esophagus, or treatment follow-up.

You'll learn:

Why early diagnosis and follow-up matter

What can happen if Barrett's Esophagus is left untreated

How shared decision-making helps build the right ca...

In Part 3 of our 4-part series on GERD and Barrett's Esophagus, we're joined by Dr. Caitlin Houghton, a foregut surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC, to discuss what happens after Barrett's Esophagus is diagnosed—and how patients can reduce their cancer risk and manage the condition effectively.

From reflux control to endoscopic eradication therapy (EET), and in some cases, surgery, Dr. Houghton breaks down the latest treatment strategies and what patients need to know. This episode offers practical advice, expert insights, and real hope for those navigating life with Barrett's.

Topics include:

What Ba...

In part 2 of our 4-part series on GERD and Barrett's Esophagus, we take a closer look at what Barrett's esophagus is, how it develops from chronic acid reflux, and why early detection is essential to reducing the risk of esophageal cancer.

We're joined by Dr. Raman Muthusamy, a nationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy, who explains how Barrett's is diagnosed, the latest tools and technologies involved, and how a team-based approach improves outcomes.

If you or someone you care about struggles with long-term heartburn or GERD, this episode offers critical insights to help...

Is your heartburn more dangerous than you think?

In this first episode of our 4-part patient-focused series, we break down the serious risks of untreated acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—including its connection to Barrett's esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer.

Dr. Dan Lister, a leading Foregut Surgeon and founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, joins us to explain:

How GERD can progress silently over time

Why Barrett's esophagus matters—and how it's detected

What red flags to look out for (including when reflux sudd...

In this special episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, we're giving listeners of all ages a playful, educational sneak peek into the world of Woof Chat Kids—a  creative kids education initiative from the Giz Kids Foundation.

Now, thanks to a partnership with the Gastro Girl Patient Institute (GGPI), Woof Chat Kids is expanding its mission with Oliver Super Beardie—our fuzzy superhero and digestive health education dog—leading the way to help kids better understand their gut health and overall wellness.

Join host Jacqueline Gaulin, expert guest Dr. Neil Stollman, and Oliver,  as they explore...

 If you've been struggling with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), you know that traditional laxatives don't always work consistently—and they're not always ideal for long-term use. But what if there was a drug-free, FDA-cleared alternative designed to support your body's natural rhythm?

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Darren Brenner, gastroenterologist and motility expert from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, to explore the Vibrant capsule—a new non-drug treatment that uses gentle vibrations to stimulate natural gut motility.

Tune in as we discuss:

What makes Vibrant different from traditional constipation treatments

Living with IBS-C often means silently dealing with more than just constipation. From missing social events to navigating daily stress and anxiety, the emotional toll can feel overwhelming. In this eye-opening episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with Dr. Sarah Ballou, Director of GI Behavioral Health at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Ballou shares insights from her groundbreaking research on what IBS-C patients are willing to sacrifice for symptom relief—and why the answer often lies in the gut-brain connection.

We al...

In this exciting episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, Suzanne Kline, the inspiring founder of the GIZ Kids Foundation, joins us to discuss how Gastro Girl Patient Institute (GGPI) and GIZ Kids have teamed up to make digestive health education fun and accessible for kids through new Woof Chat Kids programs that are focused on health, nutrition, and wellness.

But that's not all. This episode also gives the audience  a sneak peek at Oliver Super Beardie's new role in Woof Chat Kids. Oliver answers real questions from kids and shows just how his playful personality, endless curiosity, a...

In this powerful episode, we share a deeply personal story about the devastating impact of early-onset colorectal cancer—and the urgent need for better screening. Our guest, Dr. George Beauregard, is an internal medicine physician and healthcare executive whose world changed forever in 2017 when his newly married 29-year-old son was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer—just a month after his wedding.

Through his son's courageous fight and advocacy, Dr. Beauregard found a renewed purpose: raising awareness about the alarming rise in early-onset cases and the need for improved screening and research. He also shares insights from his memo...

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—when caught early. Yet, screening rates remain too low, and cases in younger adults are rising at an alarming rate. Disparities in access to screening also put certain communities at higher risk, making awareness and early detection more critical than ever.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, a leading gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins and Chair of the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) Public Relations Committee. She's also a dedicated advocate for improving awareness in the South Asian community through her work with the South Asian IB...

In this episode, we're diving into the latest ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)—a major update that reflects the most current understanding of this chronic, immune-mediated disease.

Joining us to break it all down are two of the experts who co-authored these guidelines:
Dr. Amanda B. Muir, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Dr. Nirmala Gonsalves, Gastroenterologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

What We Cover:

What is EoE? Understanding symptoms and diagnosis
Key updates in the latest guidelines and wh...

Stress affects the body in ways we don't always realize—especially the gut. In this deeply personal episode of Gastro Girl Unfiltered, Jacqueline Gaulin shares how stress and trauma played a role in her IBS diagnosis and what she's learned along the way.

From navigating life's challenges to understanding the gut-brain connection, Jacqueline discusses how emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms and why acknowledging the mind-body link is essential for healing. Whether you're struggling with IBS, dealing with stress, or just looking for reassurance that you're not alone, this episode offers insights, support, and a message of ho...

Finding the right treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) can feel overwhelming, but understanding how different therapies work can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive deep into two key treatment categories: secretagogues and retainagogues—what they are, how they work, and why they matter for IBS-C patients.

Joining us is Dr. Darren Brenner, a leading expert in neurogastroenterology and motility disorders from Northwestern University. He breaks down the science behind these treatments, shares expert insights, and helps us understand when and why providers may recommend them.

Don't miss this expert-led co...