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.

 

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 latest tools and technologies involved, and how a team-based approach improves outcomes.

If you or someone you care about struggles with long-term heartburn or GERD, this episode offers critical insights to help you take action before it becomes something more serious.

Missed Part 1? Listen or watch  now:From Reflux to Risk: How Heartburn and GERD Could Lead to Esophageal Cancer https://bit.ly/3Fvzf4o

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

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 Center, joins us to explain:

• How GERD can progress silently over time

• Why Barrett’s esophagus matters—and how it’s detected

• What red flags to look out for (including when reflux suddenly disappears)

• The latest treatment options that could help prevent cancer

Whether you’ve been living with reflux for years or are newly diagnosed, this episode is packed with life-saving insights.

This special 4-part series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

 

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 health education dog—leading the way to help kids better understand their gut health and overall wellness.

Join host Jacqueline Gaulin, expert guest Dr. Neil Stollman, and Oliver,  as they explore belly bugs (a.k.a. the gut microbiome), explain how food fuels good gut health, and take on the “Battle of the Bugs” in true superhero style.

This episode blends science, storytelling, and silliness to make health education fun for kids—and the grown-ups who love them.

Special thanks to John Kennedy, the incredible puppeteer and voice behind Oliver Super Beardie, whose creativity and heart bring our superhero pup to life in every adventure.

 

 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 Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, to explore the Vibrant capsule—a new non-drug treatment that uses gentle vibrations to stimulate natural gut motility.

Tune in as we discuss:

• What makes Vibrant different from traditional constipation treatments

•  Who may benefit most from this new approach

• How it works with the body—not against it

• What this could mean for the future of constipation care

As always, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if the Vibrant capsule is right for you.

 

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 Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Ballou shares insights from her groundbreaking research on what IBS-C patients are willing to sacrifice for symptom relief—and why the answer often lies in the gut-brain connection.

We also explore the power of multidisciplinary care in IBS-C management. For many patients, the best outcomes come from combining medications, nutrition strategies, and gut-brain behavioral therapy—a team-based approach that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Dr. Ballou explains how GI psychologists work alongside gastroenterologists, dietitians, and other specialists to create personalized care plans that help patients feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Whether you’re living with IBS-C or supporting someone who is, this episode offers real hope, expert guidance, and practical strategies for managing symptoms without giving up the things you love.

Sponsored by Ardelyx.