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

In each episode, Jacqueline Gaulin, longtime patient advocate and the Founder of Gastro Girl, 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

June 22, 2026

Barrett’s Esophagus Explained | Diagnosis, Testing & Cancer Risk (Part 2)

What exactly is Barrett’s esophagus—and how do doctors determine who may be at higher risk? In Part 2 of this 4-part patient education series, leading gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist Raman Muthusamy explains how Barrett’s esophagus develops from chronic GERD and how it’s diagnosed and evaluated in clinical practice in the United States. In this episode, you’ll learn: – What Barrett’s esophagus is – How chronic acid reflux can affect the esophagus – How Barrett’s is diagnosed during endoscopy – How doctors assess risk for progression to cancer – Why early detection matters – How GI specialists guide treatment and follow-up care If you or someone you love experiences long-standing heartburn, reflux, or GERD symptoms, this episode provides trusted, expert-backed information to help you better understand Barrett’s esophagus and what comes next. 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.

June 17, 2026

Colonoscopy Prep Explained: Why Bowel Preparation Matters for Colon Cancer Screening

Preparing for a colonoscopy may not be anyone’s favorite part of colorectal cancer screening, but proper colonoscopy prep is one of the most important factors in detecting precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer early. In this episode, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with leading gastroenterologist Dr. Fola May to answer common questions about bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Why is colonoscopy prep necessary? What happens if the bowel isn’t cleaned properly? Have preparation options improved over the years? And what can patients do to make the process easier? As a co-author of the latest U.S. Multi-Society Task Force recommendations on bowel preparation for colonoscopy, Dr. May explains how colonoscopy prep has evolved to become more effective and patient-friendly. She discusses lower-volume bowel prep options, updated dietary recommendations, and practical strategies to help patients achieve a high-quality prep and avoid repeat procedures. In this episode, you’ll learn: – Why bowel preparation is essential for an effective colonoscopy – How poor prep can impact polyp and cancer detection – Newer low-volume colonoscopy prep options – Updated diet recommendations before a colonoscopy – Tips for improving your colonoscopy prep experience – How proper prep helps improve colorectal cancer screening outcomes Whether you’re preparing for your first colonoscopy or looking for the latest guidance on bowel preparation, this episode provides expert insights to help you feel more confident and informed. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.

June 10, 2026

IBS-C Treatments Not Working? What to Do Next

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) feel frustrated when symptoms persist despite treatment. But when treatments don’t work, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s really going on. In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. William D. Chey, world-renowned gastroenterologist at the University of Michigan and President of the American College of Gastroenterology, to discuss what patients should do when IBS-C treatments fail. Dr. Chey explains why some patients continue to struggle, what conditions may be overlooked, and how to work with your healthcare provider to develop a more effective plan. In this episode, you’ll learn: – Why IBS-C treatments may not always work as expected – When it’s time to rethink your diagnosis – The role of pelvic floor dysfunction and other overlooked conditions – Questions to ask your healthcare provider – How to take the next step toward better symptom control – Why you don’t have to settle for ongoing symptoms Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with IBS-C for years, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with confidence. Learn more at GastroGirl.com. This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.

June 2, 2026

Blood Test or Colonoscopy? What Patients Need to Know About New Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently updated its colorectal cancer screening recommendations, adding new stool-based and blood-based screening options. What’s changed in the new American Cancer Society screening recommendations – New stool DNA and stool RNA screening tests – The role of blood-based cancer screening tests – Why colonoscopy remains the gold standard – Why a follow-up colonoscopy is still needed after a positive screening test – Screening recommendations for adults ages 45–75 – The rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults and what patients should know The most important takeaway? Colorectal cancer is highly preventable, and the best screening test is the one that gets completed. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

May 6, 2026

Why IBS-C Treatments Work Differently for Everyone: What Patients Should Know

Why does one IBS-C treatment work for someone else—but not for you? In this episode of the Gastro Girl podcast, leading gastroenterologist Darren M. Brenner. MD, FACG, of Northwestern Medicine, explains why treating IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation) is not one-size-fits-all. Using a real-world patient scenario, Dr. Brenner breaks down what may actually be happening inside the body—from gut motility and visceral sensitivity to the brain-gut connection—and why different therapies target different symptoms and pathways. In this episode, you’ll learn: – Why some IBS-C treatments don’t work—or stop working over time – How over-the-counter and prescription therapies differ – What newer treatment approaches are designed to do – Why bloating, pain, and constipation may require different strategies – The role of diet, pelvic floor therapy, and gut-brain interventions – How patients can work with their healthcare team to find the right treatment plan If you’ve ever felt frustrated, stuck, or unsure about your IBS-C treatment journey, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your options and feel more empowered in your care. This episode is part of an educational program made possible by support from Ardelyx.

April 29, 2026

Are You Pooping Wrong? A Gastroenterologist Explains Better Bowel Habits

What if your bowel habits aren’t as healthy as you think? In this episode of Gastro Girl, we’re joined by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy. She breaks down what most people get wrong about bowel movements—and shares simple, science-backed strategies to improve comfort, regularity, and overall digestive health. From daily habits to the brain-gut connection, we explore what truly supports healthy digestion—and when it’s time to seek medical advice. In this episode, you’ll learn: – What actually defines a “normal” bowel movement – Why frequency alone doesn’t tell the full story – How lifestyle factors influence digestion – Practical tips for more comfortable, consistent bowel movements – Red flags you shouldn’t ignore Whether you’re dealing with constipation, irregularity, or just want to better understand your gut, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights you can trust.

April 15, 2026

IBS-C Bloating Explained: Why It Happens & How to Find Relief

IBS-C bloating can feel constant—but why does it happen, and what actually helps? If you’re living with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bloating is often one of the most frustrating symptoms. In this episode of Gastro Girl, leading gastroenterologist Dr. Brian Lacy (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville) explains the real causes of bloating in IBS-C and what patients need to know to find relief. What You’ll Learn: – Why bloating is so common in IBS-C – What’s happening in your gut when you feel bloated – The role of constipation in driving bloating – Common myths about IBS-C and bloating – Treatment options that may help relieve symptoms – Why a personalized approach is key to managing IBS-C Dr. Lacy also breaks down what different therapies can (and can’t) do—and how to work with your healthcare provider to find the right approach. Takeaway: IBS-C bloating is complex—but there are evidence-based ways to manage it. This episode is part of an educational program brought to you with support from Ardelyx.

April 8, 2026

Trouble Swallowing? These Symptoms Could Mean EoE

Does it feel like food gets stuck when you swallow? Or like swallowing takes more effort than it should? These symptoms are often dismissed—but they may be signs of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a condition that frequently goes undiagnosed for years. In this episode of Gastro Girl, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. Neil D. Parikh to break down what these symptoms really mean—and when it’s time to take action. In this episode: – Why food may feel like it’s getting stuck – The difference between reflux and something more – Early warning signs many people overlook – When swallowing problems need medical evaluation – How EoE is diagnosed and why timing matters If you’ve ever adjusted how you eat, avoided certain foods, or felt like swallowing just isn’t right—this episode will help you connect the dots. Produced by Gastro Girl, a trusted digestive health education platform and official patient education partner of the American College of Gastroenterology. This educational initiative was developed with support from Takeda.

April 1, 2026

GERD to Barrett’s Esophagus: A Patient Story That Could Change Your Care

Barrett’s esophagus can develop silently in people with chronic acid reflux (GERD)—and many don’t realize their risk until after diagnosis. In this episode of Gastro Girl, Robin shares her powerful, real-life journey from ongoing reflux symptoms to a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus—and how that moment changed everything. Like many patients, Robin faced confusion, fear, and unanswered questions about what her diagnosis meant and what to do next. After learning more about Barrett’s esophagus, including risk factors, monitoring, and emerging tools like TissueCypher, she felt empowered to take a more active role in her care and have informed conversations with her healthcare team. In this episode, you’ll learn: – What Barrett’s esophagus is and how it relates to GERD – Common symptoms and warning signs patients often overlook – What a diagnosis means for cancer risk and monitoring – How patient education can transform fear into action – Why self-advocacy matters in digestive health care Robin’s story is a reminder that knowledge can change your path—and your outcomes. If you experience chronic heartburn or reflux, this episode offers important insights to help guide your next conversation with your doctor. This educational series is supported by Castle Biosciences. Robin’s story reflects her personal experience. Gastro Girl provides evidence-based information to support informed patient-provider conversations and does not offer medical advice.

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