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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

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.

March 25, 2026

Colorectal Cancer Screening: When to Start, Colonoscopy vs Other Tests

Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer—but it’s not the only screening option. So how do you know when to get screened, which test to choose, and what to do next if results come back abnormal? Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many people delay screening due to confusion or uncertainty. In this Gastro Girl Podcast episode, developed in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Patient Care Committee, we’re joined by leading gastroenterologist Dr. Aasma Shaukat (NYU Langone Health) and member of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Dr. Shaukat breaks down colorectal cancer screening in a clear, practical way so you can make informed decisions and take the right next steps with confidence. What you’ll learn: – When to start colorectal cancer screening—and who should start earlier – Why colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults – How family history affects your screening plan – Colonoscopy vs stool-based tests—what’s the difference – What abnormal or incomplete results actually mean – Why follow-up testing is critical to prevention – How to advocate for the care you nee Why this matters: Early detection saves lives. Completing colorectal cancer screening—including follow-up after abnormal results—can prevent cancer before it starts. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your individual care. Explore more trusted digestive health resources: Visit GastroGirl.com or download the Ask Gastro Girl app for evidence-based digestive health guidance you can trust.

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.

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