The Gastro Girl Podcast

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 e...

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 car...

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 b...

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...

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: The first signs that something was wrong with her throat How symptom...

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 you...

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 a...

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 ho...

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 Ga...

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 fac...

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 t...

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,...

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 brea...

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 lat...

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 Cente...

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 he...

 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 Northweste...

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 Me...

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 giv...

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 w...

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...

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 Hospit...

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 physic...

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...

Ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through bad news, stress rising with every swipe? You're not alone! In this episode of Gastro Girl Unfiltered, Jacqueline breaks down the science behind doomscrolling, chronic stress, and gut health. Learn how the constant flood of negativity impacts digestion, gut-brain communication, and overall well-being. Plus, Jacqueline shares her personal experience...