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. Beyond the Bumper Sticker: What Patient Centricity Really Means

    9h ago ·  Video

    Beyond the Bumper Sticker: What Patient Centricity Really Means

    On this episode of Gut Matters, host Johannah Ruddy sits down with Ardelyx CEO Mike Raab and Chief Patient Officer Dr. Laura Williams to explore what patient centricity truly means in practice, not as a corporate buzzword, but as a guiding principle that shapes company culture, strategy, and decision-making. Mike shares how formative experiences in rare disease at Genzyme inspired his commitment to putting patients first, while Laura recounts how her own health scare and career journey from treating HIV patients to leading advocacy deepened her understanding of the patient experience. Together, they discuss how embedding the patient voice across every function, from clinical trial design to policy advocacy, creates a ripple effect that transforms not just outcomes, but the soul of a company. 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.

    39 min
  2. Finding Your Care Partner: Patient Stories That Break the Stigma

    May 7 ·  Video

    Finding Your Care Partner: Patient Stories That Break the Stigma

    On this special episode of Gut Matters, host Johannah Ruddy is joined on stage at the Ardelyx National Meeting by Chief Patient Officer Dr. Laura Williams and two patients: Erica, who lives with IBS-C and celiac disease, and Chrissy, a kidney transplant patient, for a candid conversation about the power of patient storytelling. They discuss the importance of finding the right healthcare partner, shared decision making, and breaking the stigma around chronic illness and mental health. A bonus backstage conversation with Erica dives deeper into the daily realities of living with IBS, the mental load of managing chronic conditions, and why patient voices must be at the center of advancing care.   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.

    36 min
  3. Belly Bestie Club & Why Connection Matters in IBS

    Apr 20

    Belly Bestie Club & Why Connection Matters in IBS

    This episode of Gut Matters features Johanna Ruddy and Dr. Andrea Shin interviewing Ruthie and Jessica, the founders of Belly Bestie Club, a community-driven supper club for people with IBS, celiac disease, and other digestive health conditions. They discuss how the club creates a safe, stigma-free space where attendees can openly discuss taboo topics while enjoying delicious, restriction-friendly meals together. Ruthie also shares details about Tuut, her upcoming symptom-tracking app designed to help IBS patients turn their daily experiences into actionable data for healthcare providers, emphasizing a holistic approach that captures diet, stress, sleep, exercise, and bowel movements in a user-friendly format. To learn more about the Belly Bestie Club and the tuut app, click here. 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.

    37 min
  4. 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, 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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