Gut Matters: Discoveries & Innovations
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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Belly Bestie Club & Why Connection Matters in IBS
04/20/2026
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, . Gut Matters is produced by 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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Navigating IBS-C and Shared Decision Making: A Patient Perspective
03/09/2026
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 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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 and made possible by Ardelyx. Content Producer: Mishu Nitulescu.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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 and made possible by Ardelyx. Content Producer: Mishu Nitulescu.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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Cultural Nuances in IBS-C Management: A Conversation with Dr. Rosie Frazier
04/23/2025
Cultural Nuances in IBS-C Management: A Conversation with Dr. Rosie Frazier
On this episode, Dr. Andrea Shin and Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, discuss the importance of cultural competence in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome with guest Dr. Rosie Frazier from Mayo Clinic. They explore how cultural backgrounds influence symptom communication, dietary practices, and shared decision-making in patient care. 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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Sex, Gender and Stigma in IBSC
02/26/2025
Sex, Gender and Stigma in IBSC
On this episode of Gut Matters, we’re in conversation with Dr. Kyle Staller, a gastroenterologist at Mass General and Harvard Medical School. They delve into the impact of hormones, chronic stress, and trauma on IBS symptoms, particularly in female patients. The conversation also addresses the role of stigma in healthcare and the importance of effective communication and patient education in managing IBS. Dr. Staller and Dr. Shin emphasize the need for empathy and validation in treating 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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Kickstarting Gut Health in the New Year with Kate Scarlata
01/20/2025
Kickstarting Gut Health in the New Year with Kate Scarlata
On this episode of Gut Matters, Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, and Dr. Andrea Shin kick off the New Year by discussing New Year's resolutions, dietary strategies for managing IBS-C, and featuring special guest Kate Scarlata, a Boston-based GI dietitian. The conversation covers the low FODMAP diet, the importance of dietary diversity, the role of fiber, and tips for maintaining gut health 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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IBS-C and the Brain-Gut Axis: How holiday stress can impact symptoms
12/17/2024
IBS-C and the Brain-Gut Axis: How holiday stress can impact symptoms
On this episode of the Gut Matters podcast, we discuss the impact of the brain-gut axis on IBS symptoms, particularly during the holiday season. The conversation includes practical advice on managing stress-induced gut issues, dietary challenges, and social pressures, with techniques like mindfulness and diaphragmatic breathing. Emphasis is placed on understanding psychological factors and integrating brain-gut behavioral therapies for holistic care. We’ll end with a guided breathing exercise to help you manage stress and maintain health routines amidst the holiday busyness. 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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IBS-C and the Patient’s Voice: Karen’s Story
11/19/2024
IBS-C and the Patient’s Voice: Karen’s Story
On this episode of Gut Matters, hosts Dr. Andrea Shin and Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx are joined by Karen Salem, an IBS patient advocate, who shares her journey with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Karen talks about the challenges and misdiagnoses she faced over a 10-year period before finding the right medical support, which involved pharmaceuticals and cognitive behavioral therapy. Despite initial hopelessness and isolation due to severe symptoms, Karen emphasizes the importance of perseverance and finding the right healthcare partner. Her story highlights the impact of chronic illness on personal life and the significance of holistic treatment approaches that consider both physical and psychological aspects. 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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IBSC and You; Taking the Mystery out of IBSC
10/22/2024
IBSC and You; Taking the Mystery out of IBSC
On this first episode of Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations, hosts Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, and Dr. Andrea Shin dive deep into the complexities of IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation). Together, they dispel myths, discuss common symptoms, and break down what it means to live with this often misunderstood condition. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with IBS-C or are experiencing mysterious digestive issues, this episode offers practical insights on how to navigate your health and feel empowered in your treatment journey. Tune in to learn how abdominal pain, bowel habits, and even the stigma surrounding IBS can impact daily life, and discover ways to manage these challenges for a happier, healthier life. 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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Introducing Gut Matters: Discoveries & Innovations
10/18/2024
Introducing Gut Matters: Discoveries & Innovations
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. 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 Transparency Statement: Gut Matters: Discoveries and Innovations is produced by 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.
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