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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

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

July 1, 2026

Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment Options | How to Reduce Esophageal Cancer Risk

After a Barrett’s esophagus diagnosis, many patients ask: What happens next—and do I need treatment? In this episode, foregut surgeon Dr. Caitlin Houghton of Keck Medicine of USC explains how Barrett’s esophagus is treated in the United States and how doctors work to reduce the risk of progression to esophageal cancer. In this episode, you’ll learn: – How doctors decide when treatment is needed – The role of reflux control, medications, and lifestyle changes – When endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) may be recommended – When surgery may be considered – Why ongoing surveillance is important for long-term care If you or someone you love has Barrett’s esophagus, chronic GERD, or long-term acid reflux, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help you better understand your options. This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced by Gastro Girl in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

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.

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.

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.

June 17, 2025

Barrett’s Esophagus: What Patients Need to Know to Take Action

In the final episode of our 4-part series on GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, we move beyond awareness to focus on action. What should patients actually do after diagnosis—and how can they take charge of their care journey? We’re joined by Tedra Gray, a seasoned Advanced Practice Provider, who shares real-world examples and practical advice for patients navigating chronic reflux, Barrett’s Esophagus, or treatment follow-up. You’ll learn: – Why early diagnosis and follow-up matter – What can happen if Barrett’s Esophagus is left untreated – How shared decision-making helps build the right care plan – The different approaches for patients at low, moderate, or high risk Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing long-term reflux, this episode offers compassionate, expert-backed guidance to help you feel informed and empowered. Missed the earlier episodes? Scroll to the bottom of this page to listen or watch now. This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers committed to improving patient outcomes.

June 10, 2025

Managing Barrett’s Esophagus: Treatments & Risk Reduction

In Part 3 of our 4-part series on GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, we’re joined by Dr. Caitlin Houghton, a foregut surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC, to discuss what happens after Barrett’s Esophagus is diagnosed—and how patients can reduce their cancer risk and manage the condition effectively. From reflux control to endoscopic eradication therapy (EET), and in some cases, surgery, Dr. Houghton breaks down the latest treatment strategies and what patients need to know. This episode offers practical advice, expert insights, and real hope for those navigating life with Barrett’s. Topics include: – What Barrett’s Esophagus is and why it matters – How doctors decide when and how to treat – The role of EET, medications, and lifestyle changes – When surgery may be necessary – Tips for patients to advocate for their care Missed the earlier episodes? Scroll to the bottom of this page to listen or watch now. This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers committed to improving patient outcomes.

June 3, 2025

Barrett’s Esophagus: The Hidden Risk of Chronic Heartburn

In part 2 of our 4-part series on GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, we take a closer look at what Barrett’s esophagus is, how it develops from chronic acid reflux, and why early detection is essential to reducing the risk of esophageal cancer. We’re joined by Dr. Raman Muthusamy, a nationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy, who explains how Barrett’s is diagnosed, the latest tools and technologies involved, and how a team-based approach improves outcomes. If you or someone you care about struggles with long-term heartburn or GERD, this episode offers critical insights to help you take action before it becomes something more serious. Missed Part 1? Scroll to the bottom of this page to listen or watch now. This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving patient care and outcomes.

May 27, 2025

From Reflux to Risk: How Heartburn and GERD Could Lead to Esophageal Cancer

Is your heartburn more dangerous than you think? In this first episode of our 4-part patient-focused series, we break down the serious risks of untreated acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—including its connection to Barrett’s esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer. Dr. Dan Lister, a leading Foregut Surgeon and founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, joins us to explain: – How GERD can progress silently over time – Why Barrett’s esophagus matters—and how it’s detected – What red flags to look out for (including when reflux suddenly disappears) – The latest treatment options that could help prevent cancer Whether you’ve been living with reflux for years or are newly diagnosed, this episode is packed with life-saving insights. This special 4-part series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

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