Have you ever looked in the toilet bowl and wondered, ‘Is that normal?’ Well, you’re not alone — and according to neurogastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha, it’s time to talk about poop. 

Pasricha says understanding what’s normal about your bowel movements isn’t just a silly or squeamish conversation, but one that can be lifesaving. Digestive issues affect millions of Americans, yet many of them are scared to discuss them, even with their doctors. Meanwhile, the rate of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number of young people dying from colon cancer is rapidly increasing.

On this episode, we talk with Pasricha about her new book, “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy.” She answers our embarrassing yet universal questions — from why no one poops normally on vacation to how childhood trauma can haunt your gut today. She also digs into what researchers are learning about the gut-brain relationship and how it shapes digestion.