Gut Matters: Discoveries & Innovations

BloodStream Media
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations, a podcast dedicated to helping IBS patients take back control of their symptoms and lives. Hosted by Johannah Ruddy, M.Ed., IBS patient advocate and researcher, and Dr. Andrea Shin, a gastroenterologist and IBS expert, this show dives deep into digestive health. Join us as we share inspiring patient stories, chat with guest experts, and deliver the latest insights on managing IBS—all with a dash of humor. Whether you're a patient or a healthcare provider, we've got something for you.

  1. Navigating IBS-C and Shared Decision Making: A Patient Perspective

    MAR 9

    Navigating IBS-C and Shared Decision Making: A Patient Perspective

    In this episode of Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations, Johannah Ruddy, DHSc, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx and Dr. Andrea Shin, practicing Gastroenterologist at UCLA are joined by patient advocate Katherine Wald, who shares her deeply personal journey living telling her story of IBS with constipation alongside multiple autoimmune and autonomic conditions. Katherine reflects on years of misdiagnosis, fragmented care, and the emotional toll of not being believed, while offering practical insight into how honest communication and self-advocacy can change the course of care. Dr. Shin discusses the realities of managing complex IBS-C cases and why coordinated, whole-person care is critical for improving outcomes. Together, the conversation highlights resilience, partnership with clinicians, and hope for patients navigating complicated digestive health journeys. Gut Matters is produced by BloodStream Media and made possible by Ardelyx. Content Producer: Mishu Nitulescu.   At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com   Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

    35 min
  2. Patient Advocacy at the Heart: A Conversation with Dr. Laura Williams

    12/16/2025

    Patient Advocacy at the Heart: A Conversation with Dr. Laura Williams

    On this episode of Gut Matters, we welcome Dr. Laura Williams, Chief Patient Officer at Ardelyx, to discuss the importance of patient advocacy in healthcare and drug development. Dr. Williams shares her journey from clinical practice to the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting how her experiences as a physician, advocate, and patient have shaped her approach to patient-centric care. The conversation explores the impact of patient insights on clinical trials, drug development, and building trust within patient communities.  At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. Gut Matters is produced by BloodStream Media and made possible by Ardelyx. Content Producer: Mishu Nitulescu.

    41 min
  3. A Patient's Journey Living with IBS-C

    11/12/2025

    A Patient's Journey Living with IBS-C

    On this episode of Gut Matters, host Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx and Dr. Andrea Shin, interview Rebecca Kaplan, an IBS-C patient who has lived with the condition for over 15 years. Rebecca shares her personal journey, the challenges she has faced, and how she manages her symptoms. The conversation highlights the importance of patient advocacy and support for those living with chronic digestive conditions. Tune in for an insightful discussion on living with IBS-C and the resources available for patients.   At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com   Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. Gut Matters is produced by BloodStream Media and made possible by Ardelyx. Content Producer: Mishu Nitulescu.

    34 min
  4. Mind Your Gut: Breaking the Cycle of IBS and Emotional Wellbeing

    10/15/2025

    Mind Your Gut: Breaking the Cycle of IBS and Emotional Wellbeing

    On this episode, Dr. Andrea Shin and Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd welcome Dr. Megan Riehl, a leading health psychologist, to discuss the powerful connection between the gut and the brain in IBS with constipation. They explore the emotional impact of IBS, the importance of empathy and validation in patient care, and practical tools like gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Tune in for expert insights, de-stigmatizing conversations, and actionable strategies to improve quality of life for those living with IBS.   At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com   Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

    37 min
  5. Building Resilience: Navigating IBS-C with Strength and Skill

    08/27/2025

    Building Resilience: Navigating IBS-C with Strength and Skill

    In this episode of Gut Matters: Discoveries & Innovations, hosts Andrea Shin, MD and Johannah Ruddy, DHSc. MEd discuss the importance of resilience in managing IBS with constipation (IBS-C) with GI psychologist Dr. Lori Keefer. They explore practical strategies, including Dr. Keefer's GRITT method, and delve into how patients can cultivate resilience to improve their quality of life. The conversation covers acceptance, optimism, self-regulation, social support, and the latest in psychological interventions for chronic GI conditions.   At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com   Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

    42 min
  6. The Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials with Sue Edelstein

    07/30/2025

    The Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials with Sue Edelstein

    On this  episode, Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx and gastroenterologist Dr. Andrea Shin interview Susan Edelstein, Senior VP of Clinical Research at Ardelyx. They discuss the critical role of patient diversity in clinical trials, emphasizing the impact of demographic factors on drug efficacy and the importance of including varied populations to ensure more comprehensive and effective treatments. The conversation also addresses strategies for improving recruitment and building trust with patients to achieve better healthcare outcomes. At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

    31 min
  7. Embrace the Rainbow! Digestive Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community

    06/25/2025

    Embrace the Rainbow! Digestive Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community

    On this Pride Month special episode, Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx and gastroenterologist Dr. Andrea Shin speak to gastroenterologist Dr. Alex Goldowsky about digestive health issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. The discussion covers minority stress, specialized GI care, and the unique health considerations for transgender individuals, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.  At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

    40 min
  8. Navigating IBS: Insights from Patient Advocates and Clinicians

    05/28/2025

    Navigating IBS: Insights from Patient Advocates and Clinicians

    On this episode of, gastroenterologist Dr. Andrea Shin and Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx, Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, host Jeff Roberts and Erica Dermer to discuss their journey and impact in the IBS patient advocacy space. They cover the importance of evidence-based information, the psychosocial aspect of IBS, and the efforts to improve patient-provider communication. Insights from their experiences underscore the critical role of patient advocates in enhancing the quality of care and support for IBS patients.   At Ardelyx®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class medicines that advance care to patients with unmet medical need. Learn more about us at Ardelyx.com   Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by Ardelyx®.  The following Ardelyx®-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

    44 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations, a podcast dedicated to helping IBS patients take back control of their symptoms and lives. Hosted by Johannah Ruddy, M.Ed., IBS patient advocate and researcher, and Dr. Andrea Shin, a gastroenterologist and IBS expert, this show dives deep into digestive health. Join us as we share inspiring patient stories, chat with guest experts, and deliver the latest insights on managing IBS—all with a dash of humor. Whether you're a patient or a healthcare provider, we've got something for you.

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