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, love, and purpose can shine through even the toughest challenges.

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 stay encouraged and avoid stopping treatment too soon without consulting your doctor

Relief takes time—and you're not alone on this journey.

This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.

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 available and when it's time to seek medical care.

This episode is sponsored by the CRH O'Regan System.

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 stronger, and finding balance in body and mind.

You'll learn: • How gravity affects digestion, circulation, and well-being • The surprising link between gravity, depression, and emotional health • Ways to strengthen your "gravity resilience" through movement, nutrition, and mindfulness

Listen to more expert insights at GastroGirl.com.

Pull is available by visiting Dr. Spiegel's website or wherever books are sold.

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 can live healthier, happier lives.

See related episode

Growing Up with EoE: A Family's Journey from Childhood to College

Resources & Support: Find trusted, evidence-based information and resources on EoE at gastrogirl.com.

This episode is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron.

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 get the most out of clinic visits

• Ways to navigate complex treatment decisions together

Dr. Seminerio and Megan also highlight the inaugural AdventHealth Crohn's and Colitis Patient Education Conference, presented by the AdventHealth IBD Program, happening Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®. This event will bring together patients, caregivers, and experts to share education, support, and community for all impacted by IBD.

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 describe them

• Tips for transitioning from pediatric to adult care

Whether you're a parent, patient, or healthcare provider, you'll walk away with insights, encouragement, and practical takeaways.

Resources & Support: Find trusted information and resources on EoE at gastrogirl.com.

This episode is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron.

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 long-term outcomes

Produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology's Patient Care Committee, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights for both patients and providers.

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

• How to figure out which therapies are right for you

• Why shared-decision making with your healthcare provider is key

This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.

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.