The Rest and Digest Podcast

Scott Rower PhD
  • 5.0 (6)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

This podcast is for anyone with a GI disorder looking to learn effective mind-body concepts and skills based on the science of GI psychology. Hosted by Dr. Scott Rower, a psychologist with Crohn's Disease, it delves into the crucial connection between your brain and digestive system, aka the gut-brain connection.

Episodes

  1. 11/11/2025

    Three Types of People Who Benefit Most from Mind-Body Tools for Gut Health

    Many people with digestive issues sense a connection between stress and their symptoms but aren’t sure what to do about it.  In this episode, Dr. Scott Rower breaks down three types of people who benefit most from mind-body tools for gut health and explains why these approaches can be a key missing piece in recovery. If you’ve ever wondered whether stress or your nervous system plays a role in your digestive symptoms, you’ll likely recognize yourself in one of these groups. 🔗 Learn more about GI psychology, the gut-brain connection, and free resources to support your healing at 👉restanddigest.org ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or psychological advice or treatment, nor is it a substitute for professional care. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

    10 min

  2. 04/14/2025

    How to Get Through a GI Symptom Flare | A Plan That Works

    This episode introduces a simple but powerful tool to support you during flares of digestive symptoms - The Flare Recovery Plan. This personalized, written guide helps you know what to do when you’re in a flare, offering structure & clarity when you need it most. What to Expect: ✅ The two typical types of emotional dysregulation that make it hard to think clearly during a symptom flare ✅ How having a plan reduces panic, reactivity & decision fatigue ✅ How it can improve communication & support from others in your life ✅ Why focusing on a shift in mindset is essential when a flare hits ✅ A breakdown of the 4 Pillars of my personal Flare Recovery Plan 🔗 Explore More: For more details, including guidance on making your own Flare Recovery Plan check out this comprehensive guide ➤ How to Get Through a GI Symptom Flare More resources & info to deepen your understanding of the gut-brain axis found here ➤ RestAndDigest.org ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only.  It does not constitute medical or psychological advice or treatment nor is it a substitute for professional treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance. The Rest & Digest podcast and its creators are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or application of the information discussed.

    23 min

  3. 03/10/2025

    Guided Breathing Practice | Breathing to Soothe Digestive Symptoms

    This episode is a gentle, guided breathing practice designed to help address a common root cause of GI symptoms—gut-brain dysregulation. By following along, you’ll activate your body's natural "rest and digest" response, promoting nervous system balance and supporting a healthier gut-brain connection. ➤ What to Expect: Each episode features a combination of effective, evidence based relaxation techniques.  In this episode diaphragmatic breathing is combined with passive muscle relaxation. 🔗 Explore More: For additional resources & to deepen your understanding of the gut-brain axis, visit 👉 restanddigest.org ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only.  It does not constitute medical or psychological advice or treatment nor is it a substitute for professional treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance. The Rest & Digest podcast and its creators are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or application of the information discussed.

    21 min

  4. 02/27/2025

    Guided Breathing Practice | Easing GI Pain & Urgency

    In this episode, you'll be guided through a breathing practice designed to ease digestive symptoms, specifically gastrointestinal pain and urgency. As you learn to activate your body's "rest and digest" response, I'll explain how stress affects digestion and why this breathing technique can help manage symptoms and build resilience.

    22 min
  5. GI Disorders are Mind-Body Disorders

    09/21/2024

    GI Disorders are Mind-Body Disorders

    In this episode we explore a key concept - GI disorders (like IBS and Crohn’s Disease) are not just physical, they’re mind-body disorders. This means that most GI disorders are not JUST physical disorders. In addition to the physical part of the disorder they are influenced by psychological factors like stress, emotions, and even past trauma. Understanding the gut-brain connection helps explain why stress often triggers GI symptoms and it also provides a much better roadmap to healing. We’ll talk about three effective, research-backed treatments that can help manage your symptoms. Plus, we’ll explain how simple relaxation techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can calm your gut and support long-term healing.

    15 min

  6. 08/18/2024

    The Rest & Digest Response Explained

    In this episode of the Rest & Digest Podcast, Dr. Scott Rower delves into the "rest and digest" response of the body — a hardwired part of your nervous system that plays a crucial role in both mental health and digestive disorders. The 2nd half of the episode is a guided breathing practice to support you to activate this response in your own body. This is a key skill which can help you to regulate your nervous system and calm GI symptoms.

    22 min

  7. 07/27/2024

    Breathwork for GI Health

    In this episode of the Rest & Digest Podcast we dive into the transformative power of diaphragmatic breathing. We explore what diaphragmatic breathing is & just begin to scratch the surface on the some of the many ways it helps for GI symptoms. Then in order to put this info to use in your own life we go into a step-by-step guided practice of how to do this type of breathing together.

    15 min

  8. 07/27/2024

    Introducing: The Rest & Digest Podcast

    Introducing the Rest & Digest Podcast. Join Dr. Scott Rower, a clinical psychologist as he introduces the fascinating world of GI psychology. Discover the powerful connection between your brain and gut, and learn practical mind-body strategies to manage your digestive health.

    2 min
  9. Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

    07/24/2024

    Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

    The debut episode of the Rest & Digest podcast! Discover the fascinating science of GI psychology and how the gut-brain connection influences your digestive health. Join Dr. Scott Rower, a clinical psychologist with personal experience in managing Crohn’s Disease, as he introduces practical tools and insights to help you understand and manage your digestive symptoms.

    10 min

Trailer

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About

This podcast is for anyone with a GI disorder looking to learn effective mind-body concepts and skills based on the science of GI psychology. Hosted by Dr. Scott Rower, a psychologist with Crohn's Disease, it delves into the crucial connection between your brain and digestive system, aka the gut-brain connection.

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