Butts & Guts: A Cleveland Clinic Digestive Health Podcast

Episodios

• Trouble Swallowing? It Could Be Dysphagia 07.07.2026 21m

  Do you have trouble swallowing or feel like food gets stuck when you eat? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Fady Asslo, gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida, explores dysphagia, a common swallowing disorder. He discusses dysphagia symptoms (including choking and coughing while eating), causes, the latest treatment options and when swallowing difficulties may be a sign of a more serious condition.
• FiberMaxxing: The Truth About Fiber, Your Gut Microbiome and Digestive Health | Julia Zumpano 23.06.2026 20m

  Is fibermaxxing just a social media trend, or is dietary fiber truly the key to better gut health? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic Registered Dietitian Julia Zumpano separates fact from hype, covering the gut microbiome, fiber-rich foods, fiber supplements, bloating, constipation, IBS and why most Americans aren't getting nearly enough fiber to support their digestive health.
• From Medications to Meaningful Care in IBD 09.06.2026 15m

  Explore how Shubha Bhat, PharmD, an clinical pharmacist at Cleveland Clinic, helps inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients navigate a complex and evolving landscape of treatments, from traditional medications to advanced biologics and specialty therapies. Learn how pharmacists play a critical role by improving access, guiding treatment decisions and helping patients achieve better outcomes.
• Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency 26.05.2026 11m

  Dr. Robert Naples, general surgeon for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to break down exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). He discusses who is most at risk, current treatment options, the importance of early detection and why it can be so difficult to diagnose this often misunderstood condition.
• Advancements in Intestinal Transplants 12.05.2026 17m

  Intestinal transplants are saving lives, and the field has never been more advanced. Masato Fujiki, MD, Surgical and Program Director of the Intestinal Transplant Program at Cleveland Clinic, breaks down why rejection rates have dropped dramatically, and how transplant oncology is opening doors for cancer patients.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain and the Effects on Digestive Health 05.05.2026 15m

  Chronic pelvic pain affects millions of people, but its deep connection to digestive health is often overlooked. Dr. Ashley Gubbels, Director of the Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain at Cleveland Clinic, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explore how conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, and gut microbiome imbalances can interact with and amplify pelvic pain. Listen to learn how patients are finding relief — and hope.
• GLP-1 Medications: Separating Science from Social Media 21.04.2026 15m

  In this episode of Butts & Guts, Kristin Louden, an Obesity Medicine nurse practitioner at Cleveland Clinic, cuts through the noise surrounding GLP-1 weight loss medications. She clears up common myths from social media, discusses the results patients can realistically expect and shares what other options are available if GLP-1 medicines aren’t a good fit.
• Advances in Living Donor Liver Transplantation 07.04.2026 16m

  Dr. Alejandro Pita, director of Living Donor Liver Transplantation at Cleveland Clinic's Transplant Center, joins Butts & Guts to talk about advancements in living donor liver transplants. He covers new innovations in the field, the growing role of robotics, qualifications for becoming a living donor and the benefits of receiving a liver from a living donor.
• The Bottom Line on Rectal Prolapse 24.03.2026 22m

  Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon Dr. Anna Spivak returns to the Butts & Guts podcast to break down everything you need to know about rectal prolapse. Dr. Spivak discusses warning signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, when it’s time to see a doctor and available treatment options. Listen to learn how you can reduce your risk of rectal prolapse.
• Advances in Rectal Cancer Treatment 10.03.2026 15m

  Dr. Michael Valente, colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to discuss advances in rectal cancer care. He explores the key differences between rectal and colon cancer, why rectal cancer requires a unique clinical approach, and the current treatment options available for rectal cancer patients. Listen to learn why early screening and detection can make all the difference in rectal cancer outcomes.
• Reducing Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer 24.02.2026 12m

  Dr. Joseph Trunzo, colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to share key strategies for reducing your risk of colorectal cancer. He discusses the importance of early screening and detection, lifestyle modifications, knowing your family history, and how to identify symptoms of colorectal cancer. Join us to learn about the latest advancements in treatment, and why rates of colorectal cancer continue to rise among young adults.
• Patient Perspectives: Healthy Father Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer at 43—With Zero Warning Signs 10.02.2026 21m

  At age 43, Tim Beckner was a healthy young father and husband. After a mild case of diverticulitis, he scheduled a colonoscopy at his doctor's recommendation. Tim was shocked by the results of the screening. He had colorectal cancer, even though he had no symptoms of the disease. Tim joins Dr. Steele and his colorectal surgeon, Dr. Ajaratu (AJ) Keshinro on this episode of Butts & Guts to share his inspiring story and advice he shares with others about the importance of getting scree...
• Navigating Digestive Issues During Menopause 27.01.2026 17m

  Menopause can bring many changes to your body, including your digestive health. Cleveland Clinic Ob/Gyn, Dr. Catherine Caponero, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explain why and how menopause (and perimenopause) often causes digestive issues like bloating, constipation, heartburn, food sensitivity and more. She also discusses helpful tips for feeling better during this transition.
• Surgical Advances for Crohn's Disease 13.01.2026 22m

  Dr. Anthony de Buck, Section Head of IBD for the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts & Guts to discuss the latest surgical advances for treating Crohn's disease. Dr. de Buck explains when surgery might be needed, what new techniques are available and how these improvements help patients recover faster with better outcomes. Listen to learn what’s on the horizon to treat this chronic inflammatory disease.
• Are You At Risk? Cleveland Clinic Tool Predicts Early Onset Colorectal Cancer 30.12.2025 14m

  On this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist, Carole Macaron, MD, discusses a new tool designed to calculate the risk of early onset colorectal cancer, helping identify those who may develop the disease before age 45. Dr. Macaron explains how this Cleveland Clinic-developed risk predictor works, and why early detection is crucial in combating the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
• Incidental Adrenal Nodules 16.12.2025 17m

  Dr. Matthew Peebles, a general surgeon for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, discusses incidental adrenal nodules (usually discovered by accident) and why many people have them without knowing. Listen to learn more about incidental adrenal nodule symptoms, risk factors, which nodules are potentially dangerous and when treatment might be necessary.
• Understanding the Gut-Endometriosis Connection 02.12.2025 15m

  Dr. Cara King, section head of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Medical Gynecology at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to explore the relationship between gut health and endometriosis. She discusses why improving your gut health may help reduce symptoms and explains why endometriosis is so underdiagnosed and misunderstood.
• Understanding Barrett's Esophagus 18.11.2025 16m

  Cleveland Clinic Florida gastroenterologist, Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explore Barrett's Esophagus, a condition where chronic acid reflux causes changes to the esophageal lining that can increase cancer risk. Listen in as he discusses the warning signs, why early detection matters, and the latest treatment options that can help patients manage this condition effectively.
• Healthy Eating for the Holidays 04.11.2025 17m

  Cleveland Clinic dietitian, Julia Zumpano, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to share expert tips on eating healthy for the holidays without sacrificing flavor or the joy of seasonal favorites. Learn how to balance indulgence with healthy choices and make simple swaps to keep your nutrition goals in check this holiday season.
• Pancreatic Cysts 21.10.2025 18m

  Dr. Tilak Shah is an interventional endoscopist and medical director of the Pancreas Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida. He joins this episode of Butts & Guts to discuss pancreatic cysts. Listen to learn more about what causes pancreatic cysts, how they are diagnosed and treated, and what types have the potential of turning into cancer.