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 other

• How diet and lifestyle affect treatment and prevention

This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

 

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 symptoms disrupted her eating, social life, and mental health
• The coping strategies she unknowingly developed along the way
• What it was like to finally receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan

Resources & Support:Learn more about EoE and find trusted resources at gastrogirl.com.

This episode was made possible with support from Sanofi and Regeneron.

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 Anxiety in IBD: Forging a Path Toward Emotional Healing”—shares what it truly means to heal beyond the flare.

You’ll learn:

• What emotional resilience really looks like for people living with IBD

• How trauma, disordered eating, and adjustment disorders can surface with chronic illness

• How to start building emotional strength today using Dr. Keefer’s Resilience5™ framework

This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

 

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 IBD

• The benefits and patient outcomes of CBT and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

• What patients can expect from the IBD Therapy Group 

The IBD Therapy Groups starts on August 14. To learn more, see if you qualify, or sign up for a free consultation, visit https://www.gipsychology.com/ibdgroup/.

 

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:

• Overcome the challenges of getting a proper EoE diagnosis

• Tackle daily triggers and make smart dietary changes

• Fine-tune a treatment plan to get real results

• Navigate the emotional and social toll of a chronic swallowing condition

Whether you’re living with EoE, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand this condition better, you’ll gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a sense of hope from Matt’s journey.

Resources & Support: Learn more about EoE and find trusted resources: gastrogirl.com

This episode was made possible with support from Sanofi and Regeneron.

 

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 Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).

You’ll learn what symptoms to watch for, how EoE is diagnosed, and what steps can help kids like Sam feel better—all in a fun, kid-friendly way that mixes science and heart.

A huge shout-out to the incredible John Kennedy, the puppeteer and voice behind Oliver Super Beardie, whose creativity and heart make every episode unforgettable.

This special episode is brought to you by Dupixent.

 

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 need to know before surgery or GI procedures when taking these medications

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the GLP-1 journey with confidence.

This episode is presented in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

 

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 Center in Baltimore, MD. Together, we discuss:

• Why managing IBS-C often requires some trial and error

• What to do when progress isn’t perfect

• Signs it might be time to adjust your treatment plan

• Practical tips to prepare for your next appointment—so you can have more productive conversations with your provider

This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.

 

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 care plan

• The different approaches for patients at low, moderate, or high risk

Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing long-term reflux, this episode offers compassionate, expert-backed guidance to help you feel informed and empowered.

Missed the earlier episodes? Catch up here: Part 1 – From Reflux to Risk: How Heartburn and GERD Could Lead to Esophageal Cancer https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/from-reflux-to-risk-how-heartburn-and-gerd-could-lead-to-esophageal-cancer/

Part 2 – Barrett’s Esophagus: The Hidden Risk of Chronic Heartburn https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/barretts-esophagus-the-hidden-risk-of-chronic-heartburn/

Part 3 – Managing Barrett’s Esophagus: Treatments and Risk Reduction https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/managing-barretts-esophagus-treatments-risk-reduction/ 

This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers committed to improving patient outcomes.

 

 

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 Barrett’s Esophagus is and why it matters

• How doctors decide when and how to treat

• The role of EET, medications, and lifestyle changes

• When surgery may be necessary

• Tips for patients to advocate for their care

Missed the earlier episodes? Catch up here: Part 1 – From Reflux to Risk: How Heartburn and GERD Could Lead to Esophageal Cancer https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/from-reflux-to-risk-how-heartburn-and-gerd-could-lead-to-esophageal-cancer/

Part 2 – Barrett’s Esophagus: The Hidden Risk of Chronic Heartburn https://gastrogirl.com/podcast/barretts-esophagus-the-hidden-risk-of-chronic-heartburn/

This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers committed to improving patient outcomes.