Meet Your Host

If you’re one of the 1 in 4 people who is living with a chronic digestive health condition , you’re not alone. Whether you’re just diagnosed, in remission, or trying to learn what is happening in your body and what you can do about it, then this podcast is for you.

 

Jacqueline A. Gaulin

Founder, Chief Strategy Officer

In each episode, Jacqueline Gaulin, longtime patient advocate and the Founder of Gastro Girl, Inc. and GI OnDEMAND, will tackle topics that go beyond the basic mainstream coverage of GI health to educate, inform and empower patients and their caregivers. If you crave the inside scoop on the latest news, research and resources related to gastroenterology, and want it all delivered in an engaging, friendly, nonjudgmental and educational way that features leading GI experts, inspiring patients and positive vibes, this podcast is also for you.

Gastro Girl, an official patient-education partner of The American College of Gastroenterology, is committed to providing actionable and evidence-based health information to help empower patients to better health.

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Podcast Episode Archive

March 17, 2026

“I Couldn’t Even Swallow a Pill”: Samantha’s EoE Story

For years, Samantha adapted quietly. She chewed longer, sipped water with every bite, avoided certain foods, and assumed the discomfort was just reflux. It wasn’t. In this patient voice episode, Samantha shares the moment she realized something more serious was happening — and how that journey led to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). She opens up about the subtle symptoms many people overlook, the daily adjustments she made without realizing it, and what finally pushed her to seek answers. If swallowing sometimes feels harder than it should, this story may sound familiar. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms or condition. This educational initiative was developed with support from Takeda.

March 10, 2026

Why Am I Always Bloated? A GI Doctor Explains

Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people experience frequent bloating without knowing what’s causing it, whether it’s normal, or when it may signal something more serious. In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with gastroenterologist David J. Cangemi from the Mayo Clinic to unpack the real reasons behind bloating and what your digestive system may be trying to tell you. Together, they discuss: – The difference between occasional bloating and chronic bloating – Common causes including diet, IBS, and gut-brain disorders – How constipation and motility issues contribute to bloating – When bloating may be linked to conditions like IBS, food intolerances, or SIBO – Warning signs that should prompt medical evaluation – Practical, evidence-based strategies to safely reduce bloating If bloating is affecting your daily comfort or quality of life, this episode offers trusted, physician-guided insights to help you better understand your symptoms and know when to seek care. This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.

February 25, 2026

Auto-Brewery Syndrome: When Your Gut Produces Alcohol

Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), sometimes called gut fermentation syndrome, is one of the most misunderstood conditions in digestive health. Patients can experience real symptoms of alcohol intoxication—even when they haven’t consumed alcohol—often leading to years of misdiagnosis, stigma, and confusion. In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research published in Nature Microbiology examining how specific gut microbes may produce ethanol inside the body and contribute to auto-brewery syndrome. Host Jacqueline Gaulin, founder of Gastro Girl, is joined by researcher and co-author Barbara Cordell to break down: – What auto-brewery syndrome is and how it affects patients – Why this condition has historically been difficult to diagnose – What new microbiome research reveals about microbial ethanol production – How this science may help validate patient experiences – What clinicians and patients should know moving forward This evidence-based, patient-focused conversation sheds light on a condition that has long been misunderstood—and offers hope for clearer recognition, research, and support.

February 13, 2026

Barrett’s Esophagus in the U.S.: How GERD Increases Cancer Risk

Chronic heartburn and GERD are often brushed off as everyday issues—but for some patients, long-term reflux can quietly progress to Barrett’s esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer. In Part 1 of this 4-part U.S.-focused patient education series, foregut surgeon Dr. Dan Lister, Founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, explains how reflux disease can evolve over time and why early recognition matters. In this episode, you’ll learn: – How chronic GERD can progress silently – Why Barrett’s esophagus matters—even when symptoms improve or disappear – Key warning signs patients should never ignore – How Barrett’s is detected and risk is assessed in the U.S. – Treatment approaches that may help reduce cancer risk Whether you’ve lived with reflux for years or are newly diagnosed, this episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance to help you take reflux seriously—and take action. This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

January 14, 2026

MASH Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Testing, and What Patients Need to Know

MASH—metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (formerly known as NASH)—is a progressive form of fatty liver disease that often develops silently, without obvious symptoms. Many people don’t realize their liver is being damaged until the disease has already advanced. In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Pooja Singhal, a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, obesity medicine specialist, and founder of the Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness Center. Dr. Singhal explains: – The difference between MASLD and MASH – Why MASH is frequently missed or diagnosed late – Why testing—not symptoms—is the only reliable way to assess liver health – Who is at risk for developing MASH – How MASH is diagnosed and what liver testing involves – Why fibrosis (liver scarring) matters – Current treatment, prevention, and long-term management strategies – How early identification can help reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer This episode focuses specifically on MASH, the progressive form of fatty liver disease. MASLD is discussed only to help listeners understand how MASH develops and why timely testing matters. Designed to reduce confusion, raise awareness, and empower patients, this conversation equips listeners with the knowledge they need to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers. Thank you to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals for supporting this episode.

December 16, 2025

Understanding Fecal Incontinence in Adults: What Patients Need to Know

Fecal incontinence (FI) affects nearly 8% of adults worldwide, yet many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment, confusion, or the belief that nothing can be done. This episode aims to change that. We’re joined by Dr. John William Blackett, gastroenterologist and lead author of the recent article “Fecal Incontinence in Adults: New Therapies,” published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Dr. Blackett shares a compassionate, patient-centered perspective on FI—covering common causes, diagnostic testing, and the full spectrum of treatment options available today, including newer therapies. If you’ve experienced unexpected leakage, urgency, staining, or difficulty controlling bowel movements—or if you support someone who has—this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical guidance. Effective treatments exist, and help is available. This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.

December 16, 2025

How Fear Impacts IBS-C and Strategies to Take Control

Living with IBS-C isn’t just about managing physical symptoms, it’s also about navigating the fear, worry, and emotional toll that often come with the condition. In this powerful episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Sarah Ballou, clinical psychologist and Director of the GI Psychology Service at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to explore how fear shows up along the IBS-C journey and what you can do to face it with confidence and support. In this episode, you’ll learn: – The most common fears IBS-C patients experience and how they influence daily life and treatment decisions – Why fear can sometimes hold you back from finding relief – Practical tools to help you feel more in control, confident, and hopeful – How to talk openly with your provider about the fears that affect your care Whether you’re newly diagnosed or feeling stuck after years of symptoms, this episode offers real-world guidance, emotional validation, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey. This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.

November 13, 2025

SIBO and IMO: Understanding Gut Overgrowth, Methane, and Archaea

In this follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, host Jacqueline Gaulin welcomes back Dr. Mark Pimentel, Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, to dive deeper into the science behind SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth). Dr. Pimentel answers listener questions and explains how these complex conditions relate to IBS-D and IBS-M, why methane and archaea matter for gut health, and how motility and the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) play a crucial role in prevention and treatment. You’ll also learn about the latest insights and therapeutic approaches that can help patients find lasting relief. Produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee, this evidence-based discussion helps you better understand the “why” behind SIBO and IMO—and what steps you can take toward better gut health.

October 30, 2025

From Surgery to Show Ring: How Mel Found Confidence Living with a Colostomy

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.

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