Butts & Guts: A Cleveland Clinic Digestive Health Podcast

Intestinal transplants are saving lives, and the field has never been more advanced. Masato Fujiki, MD, Surgical and Program Director of the Intestinal Transplant Program at Cleveland Clinic, breaks down why rejection rates have dropped dramatically, and how transplant oncology is opening doors for cancer patients.

Chronic pelvic pain affects millions of people, but its deep connection to digestive health is often overlooked. Dr. Ashley Gubbels, Director of the Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain at Cleveland Clinic, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explore how conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, and gut microbiome imbalances can interact with and amplify pelvic pain. Listen to learn how patients are finding relief — and hope.

In this episode of Butts & Guts, Kristin Louden, an Obesity Medicine nurse practitioner at Cleveland Clinic, cuts through the noise surrounding GLP-1 weight loss medications. She clears up common myths from social media, discusses the results patients can realistically expect and shares what other options are available if GLP-1 medicines aren’t a good fit.

Dr. Alejandro Pita, director of Living Donor Liver Transplantation at Cleveland Clinic's Transplant Center, joins Butts & Guts to talk about advancements in living donor liver transplants. He covers new innovations in the field, the growing role of robotics, qualifications for becoming a living donor and the benefits of receiving a liver from a living donor.

Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon Dr. Anna Spivak returns to the Butts & Guts podcast to break down everything you need to know about rectal prolapse. Dr. Spivak discusses warning signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, when it’s time to see a doctor and available treatment options. Listen to learn how you can reduce your risk of rectal prolapse.

Dr. Michael Valente, colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to discuss advances in rectal cancer care. He explores the key differences between rectal and colon cancer, why rectal cancer requires a unique clinical approach, and the current treatment options available for rectal cancer patients. Listen to learn why early screening and detection can make all the difference in rectal cancer outcomes.

Dr. Joseph Trunzo, colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to share key strategies for reducing your risk of colorectal cancer. He discusses the importance of early screening and detection, lifestyle modifications, knowing your family history, and how to identify symptoms of colorectal cancer. Join us to learn about the latest advancements in treatment, and why rates of colorectal cancer continue to rise among young adults. 

At age 43, Tim Beckner was a healthy young father and husband.  After a mild case of diverticulitis, he scheduled a colonoscopy at his doctor's recommendation. Tim was shocked by the results of the screening. He had colorectal cancer, even though he had no symptoms of the disease. Tim joins Dr. Steele and his colorectal surgeon, Dr. Ajaratu (AJ) Keshinro on this episode of Butts & Guts to share his inspiring story and advice he shares with others about the importance of getting screened.

Menopause can bring many changes to your body, including your digestive health. Cleveland Clinic Ob/Gyn, Dr. Catherine Caponero, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explain why and how menopause (and perimenopause) often causes digestive issues like bloating, constipation, heartburn, food sensitivity and more. She also discusses helpful tips for feeling better during this transition.

Dr. Anthony de Buck, Section Head of IBD for the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts & Guts to discuss the latest surgical advances for treating Crohn's disease. Dr. de Buck explains when surgery might be needed, what new techniques are available and how these improvements help patients recover faster with better outcomes. Listen to learn what’s on the horizon to treat this chronic inflammatory disease.