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In this episode, I'm joined by Distinguished Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley, one of Australia's most cited medical researchers and a global leader in neurogastroenterology, mucosal immunology, and disorders of gut–brain interaction. Professor Talley shares his expertise on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an emerging immune-mediated condition changing how we understand gut inflammation, diet, and the microbiome.We'll explore what causes EoE, how it's diagnosed and treated, and what the latest research reveals about its connection to diet and environmental factors.  Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or simply interested in gut health, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights into a rapidly evolving field. Please enjoy my conversation with Professor Nicholas Talley.

Talking Gut is taking a short break over the holidays! Thank you for an incredible year of learning, curiosity, and gut health insights. We'll be back in the new year with fresh episodes and standout guests including experts like Prof Nicholas Talley, A/Prof Jessica Biesiekierski, Prof Ted J. Kaptchuk and more. Stay tuned and enjoy the break!

In this episode, I'm joined by Allison Bryant, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist and expert in bowel mechanics, pelvic floor dysfunction, constipation, and incontinence. Together, we take a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into how to actually poo correctly—because most people are doing it wrong! We explore: What healthy bowel habits really look like (frequency, consistency, effort) Why bowel movements should be painless, quick, and completely strain-free How stool type reveals what's happening in the gut and pelvic floor The importance of responding to the "call to stool" Early signs something isn't normal (urgency, leakage, excessive wiping, incomplete emptying) Why leakage is not always about weak muscles The role of the pelvic floor and why learning to relax, not just strengthen, is crucial How posture, mechanics, and toilet positioning can transform your bowel routine Evidence-based treatments like biofeedback and how they retrain bowel coordination Fibre, laxatives, stool consistency, and practical tips people can start using today Why multidisciplinary care is essential for long-term gut and pelvic health This episode is packed with practical, clear, and often eye-opening guidance that every human needs to hear. Whether you're a clinician, someone with bowel problems, or simply curious about your gut, this conversation is both empowering and genuinely life-changing. Enjoy my chat with Allison Bryant.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kate Lane, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, and specialist in the crossover between nutrition, mental health and gut health. With a background in dietetics, counselling, and the biopsychosocial model of care, Kate brings a compassionate and evidence-based approach to eating disorders and Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction. We'll explore the role of dietitians in eating disorder treatment, how they work within multidisciplinary teams, and the common misconceptions about recovery and nutrition. Kate shares insights into restrictive eating, bingeing, orthorexia, emotional eating, and how body image, social media, and gut health influence behaviour. We also discuss practical strategies for patients and families from meal support and structure to rebuilding a healthy relationship with food and what true recovery looks like in the long term. Whether you're a clinician, carer, or someone navigating disordered eating yourself, this episode offers compassionate, practical and deeply human insights into food, body and healing. Please enjoy my conversation with Kate Lane.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Stephanie Pirotta, Accredited Practising Dietitian, adjunct research fellow at Monash University, and founder of Womanly Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr Pirotta's research and clinical work centre on women's health, with expertise in PCOS, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. She combines evidence-based nutrition with compassionate care to support women living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and other hormone-related conditions. We discuss the role of diet and gut health in managing chronic pelvic pain, the links between the microbiome, inflammation, and hormone balance, and the science behind approaches like the Mediterranean and Low FODMAP diets. Stephanie also shares insights on trauma-informed nutrition care, addressing disordered eating, and building sustainable, personalised strategies for long-term wellbeing. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or someone managing pelvic pain yourself, this conversation offers clear, practical, and empowering guidance for navigating the intersection of food, hormones, and gut health. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr Stephanie Pirotta.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Alexandra Fuss, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Alexandra previously served as Director of Behavioral Health in Digestive Diseases and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale, and is a National Scientific Advisor for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and Associate Editor of Crohn's & Colitis 360 Journal. Together, we unpack the topic of medical gaslighting and invalidation in gastrointestinal care, what it is, why patients with gut–brain disorders are particularly vulnerable, and how subtle or systemic factors can leave patients feeling dismissed. Alexandra also shares practical strategies clinicians can use to build trust, improve communication, and ensure patients feel genuinely heard and cared for. Whether you've ever felt your symptoms weren't taken seriously, or you're a clinician wanting to better support your patients, this episode offers insightful and actionable guidance you won't want to miss. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Alexandra Fuss.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Gina Trakman, course coordinator of La Trobe University's Master of Dietetics and research dietitian with expertise in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Sports Nutrition. Gina shares her insights from leading international research on diet, gut microbiota, and Crohn's disease, and breaks down how food can influence inflammation and symptom management. We'll explore common misconceptions, practical strategies for navigating flares and remission, and the role of personalised nutrition in IBD care. Whether you live with IBD, support someone who does, or are simply curious about gut health, this conversation offers evidence-based and practical guidance for everyday life. So whether you're curious, concerned or just keen to learn more, this episode is full of insights you won't want to miss. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr Gina Trakman.

In today's episode, we'll be diving into the world of colorectal health, breaking down both functional conditions like pelvic floor disorders and chronic constipation, and biological conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and more. Dr Chris Gillespie shares his personal journey into the field of colorectal surgery, and we take a behind the scenes look at what patients can expect when referred to a colorectal surgeon, such asDr Chris Gillespie, from diagnosis and non-surgical treatments to surgical approaches. Dr Chris Gillespie walks us through the step by step process of care.- We'll also bust some common myths, explore preventative tips for maintaining colorectal health, and talk about exciting innovations in the future of his speciality. So whether you're curious, concerned or just keen to learn more, this episode is full of insights you won't want to miss. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr Chris Gillespie.

In this episode of The Talking Gut Podcast, we're joined by Professor Doug Drossman and  Johannah Ruddy to discuss their two powerful books, Gut Feelings. We explore the history of mind-body medicine, the importance of the doctor–patient relationship, and the emotional and clinical complexity of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). A must-listen for both patients and healthcare providers seeking deeper understanding, empathy, and change in the way we approach chronic gut disorders. Whether you're curious, concerned, or just keen to learn more, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Welcome back to another episode of Talking Gut! Today, we're joined once again by the legendary Professor Doug Drossman, a pioneer in the field of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), such as IBS. You may remember Dr. Drossman from Episode 13, where we explored the biopsychosocial model of care, and Episode 18, where we discussed communication strategies to strengthen the provider–patient relationship. In this episode, we shift focus to neuromodulators medications that can play a key role in managing symptoms of DGBI. Dr. Drossman helps us unpack what these medications are, how they work, the science behind their use, and why they're often misunderstood. We also talk about their role in treating both pain and motility symptoms, their impact on mood and gut function, and how they can be tailored to each patient's needs. Whether you're a patient exploring treatment options or a clinician looking to enhance your knowledge and confidence in prescribing these therapies, this conversation offers a wealth of evidence-based insight, practical guidance, and empathy. Dr. Drossman's vast experience from his research and clinical work to his leadership in education and training makes this a rich and informative discussion. So whether you're new to the world of neuromodulators or seeking a deeper understanding, we hope you enjoy this enlightening and empowering episode with Dr. Doug Drossman.

After a brief break, Talking Gut is back and better than ever. Hosted by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jim Kantidakis, this podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of gut health, the gut-brain connection, and everything in between. Expect insightful conversations with leading experts, real stories, and evidence-based discussions on topics like IBS, hypnotherapy, mental health, the gut microbiome, and the latest science shaping our understanding of the gut. Whether you're a health professional, someone living with gut issues, or just curious about how your gut affects your overall wellbeing, this podcast is for you. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn by searching @thegutcentre to ask questions, suggest topics, or connect.

Paediatric gastroenterologist Professor Marc Benninga. Prof Benninga or Marc as he prefers to be called, studied medicine at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After receiving his Medical degree he worked as a research fellow at the department of paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam. He performed extensive research on constipation and faecal incontinence in childhood. Subsequently he was trained in paediatrics at the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands. After his paediatric training he performed research at The Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia with Geoff Davidson and Taher Omari. During his stay in Adelaide his research focussed on maturation of upper gastrointestinal motility in very young infants. In 1999 he became a staff member in the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam and currently he is the head of the department paediatric gastroenterology & Nutrition. The focus of his current clinical and research work is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, recurrent abdominal pain, constipation, functional non-retentive faecal incontinence and inflammatory bowel disease in childhood. He also played in the Dutch National hockey team and competed at the Olympics in 1988, Seoul. In todays podcast episode we had a really interesting conversation about pediatric functional abdominal pain, childhood constipation, and fecal incontinence diagnosis and treatments. We even talked about his interest and research in Gut Directed hypnotherapy. Lots and lots to learn. I hope my talk with Marc as interesting and helpful as I did. Please you enjoy my talk with Prof Marc Benninga.

Welcome to another Episode of Talking Gut. Todays talk is about Entero-stomal Therapy. My two guests today are both Stomal therapy nurses at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond  Melbourne.   Jackie Berryman is one of two Stomal Therapy Nurses at Epworth Richmond. Jackie came to nursing later in life after many years within the corporate world. She utilized her Arts Degree to enter a Masters of Nursing Science which is a 2 year entry to practice course. In 2011, at the age of 48, Jackie did her graduate nursing at Peter MacCallum and then went on to complete the Graduate Certificate of Stomal Therapy Nursing. Jackie has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Melbourne (also completed as a mature age student), a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from Swinburne University of Technology, Masters in Nursing Science and a Graduate Certificate in Stomal Therapy Nursing. She is currently the Treasurer for the Victorian branch of the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses. Renuka Clarke is the other Stomal Therapy nurse at Epworth Richmond. Renuka has been a nurse for 40 years and still loves it.  The last 12 years has been as a Stomal Therapy Nurse. Renuka has a diverse nursing background commencing in Townsville and then a post graduate placement with Mother Teresa in Kolkata, India.  She returned to Melbourne to work in a variety of general nursing roles culminating in Stomal Therapy.   In todays talk we discussed what a stoma is, what's involved in the process of getting a stoma and the role of the nurses that help patients pre and post-surgery. We also discussed some of the challenges individual with Stomas can face and how these incredible nurses help them manage them.

Welcome to another Episode of Talking Gut, and today I have the honour of presenting someone a person I deeply respect, Prof Lin Chang. I met prof Chang many years ago while she was visiting Melbourne to present at ANGMA, The Australasian  Neurogastroenterolgy and Motility Association conference, and again during DDW conference in Chicago and San Diego. Please allow me to introduce Prof Chang Lin Chang, MD is a Professor of Medicine and Vice-Chief of the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She serves as the Co-Director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience at UCLA. She is also Program Director of the UCLA Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. Dr. Chang's clinical and research expertise is in disorders of brain-gut disorders. Her research focuses on the pathophysiology of IBS related to stress, early life adversity, sex differences, and epigenetic factors, and the treatment of IBS. She is currently the Clinical Research Councilor of the AGA Governing Board. She previously served as President of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) and is a member of the Rome Foundation Board of Directors. So…todays talk is about Stress and the Gut We all know stress affects the gut, but how does it all work. Some things you may know, but Im sure you are going to learn so much more. We cover everything from how stress affects the gut from a neurobiological perspective, to how stress affects the microbiota,. There is just so much more and I just want to jump straight into it! Lets go! Please enjoy my conversation with Prof Lin Chang

Welcome to Season 4, of The Talking Gut Podcast show. Wow, It's been a long time and a lot has happened in the world since my last post, but I am excited to say I am back!, Back with new and truly fascinating episodes about the gut. Todays topic is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder or ARFID. Its an episode that has been in the making for some time, and Id like to thank todays guest Dr Helen Burton Murray for her time and patience in bringing this to you. Just alittle background before we dive in… Dr. Burton Murray is a psychologist and the Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at Massachusetts General Hospital within the Center for Neurointestinal Health. She is specializes in the intersection of problematic eating behaviors and disorders of gut-brain interaction, including behavioral treatments to improve patients' nutritional status and eating-related quality of life. Dr Burton Murray has also has published in highly regarded research journals and undertaking fascinating research Massachusetts General Hospital.   In todays podcast we discuss What is ARFID? What is the prevalence, how common is it? What are the potential consequences of ARFID? What is the distinction from classic eating disorders, How do you distinguish ARFID from just Fussy eating and of course, how we discussed evidence based treatments. And of course as always, lots more.!! Please enjoy my conversation with Dr Helen Burton-Murray