Romance and bathroom habits may not seem like they go together, but somehow bestselling author Susan Mallery managed it in her novel ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY. We talk to Susan and Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Tisha Lunsford to explore irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the accompanying physical, logistical and emotional challenges of managing a chronic gastrointestinal condition. Susan shares her personal connection to her character’s symptoms, while Dr. Lunsford provides clinical insights into IBS diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of patient-centered care. 

The episode was made possible through the generous support of Ken Stevens. 

We talked with:

• Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women's lives — family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree — 40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband.
• Tisha Lunsford, M.D., is a gastroenterologist with specialty interest and expertise in disorders of gut-brain interaction and gastrointestinal motility disturbance. Dr. Lunsford's clinical practice focuses on the treatment of patients with functional bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, fecal incontinence, bloating, functional dyspepsia, visceral pain and nausea and vomiting. Dr. Lunsford is Director of the Motility Section at Mayo Clinic Arizona and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to ongoing holistic care including dietitians, physical therapists and clinical health psychologists.

Purchase ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY:

• From Bookshop.org.
• From Barnes & Noble. 

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