Next up on Gusty - Professor Richard Russell, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist. 
Professor Russell is a leading clinical researcher in Paediatric IBD with an especially strong interest in the dietary treatment of Crohn’s Disease. He has published hundreds of research papers, the vast majority of them focused on advancing care for children with IBD. 📄
He chairs crucial committees, sits on European societies, provides global guidelines. The list is endless as he’s unfalteringly enthusiastic about all things IBD in children. Topping his long list of achievements, Professor Russell has now made it to the Gutsy podcast! 🎙️
Please welcome Richard by tuning in this week – where he joins Derek chatting about, you guessed it – Paediatric IBD! It’s one not to be missed. 💜

We’re back with another Ask The Experts episode! This time Derek is joined by two of the world’s leading minds in Inflammatory Bowel Disease research: Professor Gwo-Tzer Ho and Professor Konstantinos Gerasimidis. 🧠🎙️Professor Konstantinos Gerasimidis, a clinical nutritionist, has spent the past two decades in Glasgow investigating the role of diet in the cause and management of IBD - from the CD-TREAT diet to cutting-edge microbiome research. 🍽️Professor Gwo-Tzer Ho brings a powerful dual perspective as both a practicing consultant gastroenterologist and a scientist, recently appointed Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Glasgow. 🥼This episode takes you inside the world of IBD research - demystifying what is happening behind the scenes and why it matters to you, all while answering questions from you. 💜💡You asked - and our experts delivered. Whether you’re newly diagnosed and know nothing about research, or very interested and keen to get involved, this episode is for you. Tune in. Get informed. Feel seen.#GutsyPodcast #IBDpodcast #IBDresearch #Crohns #Colitis

This week we are enlightened to be joined by CJ Hoey who chats in depth to Derek about his IBD journey, mindset and resilience. CJ opens up about living with Crohn’s Disease - how it has made him the person he is today, how it has challenged him and pushed him to achieve things that me may never have otherwise. 💪

From globe-trotting adventures to fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a ski instructor, CJ proves that IBD has not held him back - it has actually fuelled him along the way. ⛷️

Hear the raw truth about his toughest moments, like when his meds failed just before a major trip to Australia, and how the unexpected care he encountered abroad positively changed his perspective. CJ contrasts his medical experiences at home vs overseas, offering eye-opening insights. 🌎

In this episode he shares tales about rumours in high school that he had passed away and him selling Buckfast in the Alps. CJ’s story is uplifting and proof that sometimes the hardest battles shape us into who we’re meant to become. 💜

This week we are inspired to chat to the wonderful Steven Sharp: Director of football and top-notch IBD Advocate. ⚽️
 
From Fauldhouse to Downing Street, Steven has made it his mission to raise awareness and shine a floodlight on the importance of early diagnosis.

Turning his pain into purpose, he personally took that message to the Prime Minister, he’s even met Queen Elizabeth II. 👑

Diagnosed with Crohn’s at just 12 and undergoing life-saving stoma surgery as a teen, Steven’s impact is widespread and his story is one of resilience, determination and relentless advocacy.

A proud Fauldhouse local and Director of Football at Fauldhouse United FC, he’s leading by example every day, on and off the pitch. 

Don’t miss this purpose-driven episode of GUTSY – tune in to hear Steven’s powerful story of strength, community and his fight for change. 💜

#GutsyPodcast #IBDPodcast #IBD #Crohns #Colitis #Football#Advocacy

This week GUTSY is ecstatic to welcome Hayley Edwards – Writer, Performer and Creator of the solo play Shitbag. 
Hayley’s multi-award-winning show tells the story of Crohn’s disease, mania, and casual sex, following a young genderqueer person through an IBD diagnoses, hypo-manic episodes, colostomy bag fears, sex, shit, blood, laughter—and tears. This summer, Hayley brought Shitbag to the Edinburgh Fringe, delivering the story with unflinching honesty, humour, and heart. 💜
Off the stage, Hayley is a passionate advocate for mental health and chronic illness awareness, as well as being a children’s hospital worker. Unafraid to tackle the messy, awkward, and hilarious sides of life, in this episode Hayley opens up about the stories, struggles, and sparks of joy that fuel their work, sharing honest, funny, and unexpected moments from both life and the stage.
Tune in this week for a unique conversation filled with courage, humour, and entertaining insights – dropping this week on GUTSY. 💜
#GutsyPodcast #IBDPodcast #HayleyEdwards #Shitbag #Crohns#Colitis #IBD #edinburghfringe

This week GUTSY is thrilled to be joined by the effervescent Lorna Carson - Ironman, personal trainer and IBD advocate.💪

Blazing a trail on and off the track Lorna literally walks the talk. From the West Highland Way to Catherine McEwan Foundation Wellness Walks, she raises awareness, funds and spirits. 🏃‍♀️

Listen in and laugh along with Lorna in this joyful and life affirming episode. 💜

This week Gutsy is saying hello and welcome to Catriona Mill – mum of 2, diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 5 years ago and powerhouse behind @colitiswithcatriona - a vibrant and widely followed voice in the IBD community. Drawing from her own experience living with UC, Catriona shares honest insights and practical guidance for those on a similar path.

Her bold approach encourages listening to your body and making empowered choices that suit you. She speaks openly about intimacy, motherhood, mental health, and the everyday realities of living with a chronic condition—sparking conversations that many shy away from, but so many need.

This month Catriona joins the Catherine McEwan Foundation Wellness Walk team, expanding the programme to the North of Scotland.

Tune in on Friday for raw truth, real talk, practical tips, candid reflections.

This week we are thrilled to welcome Liam Robertson - a published writer, dedicated martial artist, and powerful voice in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease community. Using his own journey with Ulcerative Colitis, Liam sparks connection, empowers others and challenges stigma.

Through his impactful writing, including his book More Than Meets the Eye: Living With Ulcerative Colitis, and his inspiring presence on Instagram @livingwithulcerativecolitis, Liam offers both practical advice and emotional support.

He reminds us that taking charge of our health isn’t just about managing symptoms - it’s about finding community, reaching out to others for help and embracing each day, one at a time.

Next up on Gutsy The IBD Podcast we are joined by passionate fitness enthusiast and foodie, Alex Pope. 

Alex, AKA, @youcancallme_a_ uses her platform to raise awareness and share her real and relatable journey with IBD - alongside a mix of fitness content, home cooked meals, food reviews and recommendations.   

In the early days of her diagnosis, while navigating the physical and emotional toll of IBD, Alex set herself a bold goal: to complete Hyrox, when she was ready. This year Alex did exactly that - smashing her goal and raising money to help improve the lives of people living with IBD. 

In this inspiring and motivational episode Alex opens up about her diagnosis story, the path to reclaiming her strength and shares empowering advice and top tips for people living with IBD. Her story is a reminder that IBD doesn’t have to define you or hold you back. Tune in for a powerful, uplifting conversation not to be missed. 

We’re back — and bolder than ever. In the electrifying first episode of Season 2, GUTSY welcomes not one, but two of Scotland’s most respected voices in Gastroenterology. Dr. John Paul Seenan and Dr. Jonathan MacDonald, with over three decades of combined experience in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, join host Derek McEwan for a no-holds-barred conversation that puts you, the GUTSY community, at the heart of it all.This is more than just a Q&A — it’s an empowering, myth-busting, deeply human discussion about living with IBD. From tackling flares and the role of steroids, to unpacking the gut-brain connection and mastering self-management, this episode dives deep into the real questions you’ve been asking — and delivers the answers you deserve.Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long time patient, or supporting someone on their journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and the kind of expert guidance that can truly make a difference.🔥 Tune in, get informed, and feel seen. This is GUTSY — where your voice matters, and knowledge is power.