Ep 37 Allison Bryant on How to Poo Correctly!
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
Release Date: 12/05/2025
Ep 37 Allison Bryant on How to Poo Correctly!
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 36 Kate Lane on Dietetics and Eating Disorders
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 35 Dr Stephanie Pirotta on Food & Chronic Pelvic Pain in Females
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 34 Dr Alexandra Fuss on Medical Gaslighting and Medical Invalidation
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 33 Dr Gina Trakman on Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 32 Dr Chris Gillespie on world of Colorectal Health
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 31 Prof Doug Drossman and Johannah Ruddy on "Gut Feelings"
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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Ep 30 Prof Doug Drossman on understanding neuromodulators
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
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I'm Back - New Season !
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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,...
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Ep 29 Prof Marc Benninga on Paediatric Abdominal Pain, Constipation and Incontinence
Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis
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...
info_outlineIn 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.