Dr. Benjamin Cohen is the co-section head and clinical director for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Cleveland Clinic. He joins this episode of the Butts and Guts podcast to share updates in advanced therapies to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Learn how these treatments are improving outcomes for IBD patients.
Jul 15, 2025•19 min
On this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon, Haniee Chung, MD, discusses current treatment options for recurrent colorectal cancer. Dr. Chung also explores the factors that influence the likelihood of colorectal cancer returning.
Jul 01, 2025•16 min
On this episode of Butts and Guts, Dr. Steele sits down with Kendra Weekley, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, to explore the latest research surrounding optimal nutrition for gut health. They also discuss the influence our gut microbiome has on brain function, mood regulation, immune system strength and more!
Jun 17, 2025•19 min
Jessica Woodford, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. She joins this episode of the Butts and Guts podcast to discuss the emotional impacts of living with a stoma. Listen to learn more about the importance of mental health care for stoma patients, as well as the programs Cleveland Clinic offers to provide emotional support.
Jun 03, 2025•24 min
Due to the rising rates of obesity and diabetes, about 30% of the population now has nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, now known as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease). Dr. Sobia Laique, gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts and Guts to discuss this disease along with exciting new advances in treatment and management of the condition.
May 20, 2025•19 min
Dr. Jacob Kurowski, a pediatric gastroenterologist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to discuss juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), a genetic disorder causing polyps in the digestive tract. Explore the symptoms, diagnosis and current treatment options for JPS and learn why ongoing monitoring (from childhood through adulthood) is crucial to keeping this condition under control.
May 06, 2025•20 min
Is metabolic and bariatric surgery right for you? On this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic general surgeon, Dr. Rickesha Wilson, discusses current surgical options for health and weight improvement. Listen in to learn what to expect before, during and after these weightless procedures.
Apr 22, 2025•21 min
Join Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon Dr. Olga Lavryk, MD, as she discusses J-Pouch and redo J-Pouch surgery. This reconstructive procedure allows normal bowel movements for patients who have had their whole colon removed due to serious disease. Join this episode of Butts & Guts to learn about the benefits, side effects and risks associated with J-Pouch and redo J-Pouch surgery.
Apr 08, 2025•14 min
On this episode of Butts and Guts, Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Christine Lee breaks down everything you need to know about preparing for a colonoscopy. This important screening doesn't have to be intimidating. Dr. Lee walks you through the entire process with clear explanations and will put your mind at ease. Whether you're scheduled for your first colonoscopy or looking for ways to make your next one easier, this podcast provides compassionate, practical advice to help you navigate ...
Mar 18, 2025•17 min
Dr. Gloria Gonzalez, a renowned pediatric general surgeon and leader of the surgical oncology practice at Cleveland Clinic Children's, joins Butts & Guts to discuss pediatric hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer impacting around 500 children each year. Discover the origins of this disease, explore the latest treatment options, and hear about groundbreaking innovations that give hope and healthier futures to kids facing this diagnosis.
Mar 11, 2025•16 min
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a comprehensive approach to addressing issues related to the pelvic floor, including incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, constipation, and more. Erika Lydon, PT, DPT, a pelvic floor physical therapist at the Rehab & Sports Therapy Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic joins this episode of Butts & Guts to share more about how physical therapy can help those looking to build or maintain a healthy pelvic floor.
Feb 25, 2025•17 min
Should everyone live a gluten-free lifestyle? Tune in to this episode of Butts & Guts as Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Claire Jansson-Knodell dives into the world of celiac disease. Discover the key differences between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, understand the body's autoimmune response to gluten, and get the scoop on the latest research and potential new treatments.
Feb 11, 2025•16 min
Join Cleveland Clinic Florida general surgeon Dr. Eric Owings, MD, as he discusses hernia symptoms, severity, and diagnosis. Plus, learn about larger and more complex hernias of the abdominal wall and cutting-edge advancements in treatment.
Jan 28, 2025•19 min
On this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Steele is joined by Senthilkumar Sankararaman, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist and Co-Director of Intestinal Rehab and Pediatric Nutritional Support at Cleveland Clinic Children's. Dr. Sankararaman tackles the pressing questions and challenges parents face in raising healthy kids. From common nutritional issues to vital nutrients and strategies for managing picky eaters, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice.
Jan 14, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Butts & Guts, dietitian Julia Zumpano introduces the Cleveland Clinic Diet app, a groundbreaking mobile application designed to support sustainable lifestyle and dietary changes. Developed by the Cleveland Clinic, the app features content from doctors, nutritionists, and behavioral health specialists. Tune in to learn how this app can help you achieve your health goals, and take advantage of the free 7-day trial.
Dec 31, 2024•11 min
On this episode of Butts and Guts, Dr. Steele is joined by Dr. Emanuela Alvarenga, a colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida Tradition Hospital, to discuss obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS). Discover the different types of constipation, common symptoms, and the latest treatment options available.
Dec 17, 2024•18 min
At age 35, John Johnson believed he was in peak physical condition. As a runner, he trained diligently for the 2023 Cleveland Marathon. However, just a few weeks later, the young father received devastating news: he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. John joins Dr. Steele and his colorectal surgeon Dr. David Rosen on this episode of Butts & Guts to share his inspiring story, the warning signs he noticed, and advice he shares with others about his experience.
Dec 03, 2024•28 min
What should you do if diet and exercise are not enough to lose weight? Should you jump straight to bariatric surgery or try a GLP-1 medication first? Natalie Larson, APRN, a nurse practitioner within the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, shares more about the complexities of obesity, the treatment options available, and how to discover the path that's right for you on this episode of Butts & Guts.
Nov 19, 2024•15 min
Anthony Lembo, MD, a gastroenterologist and Director of Research for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts & Guts to highlight the new Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center and explore the interaction between the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Listen to learn more about common symptoms of neuro-GI disorders, such as bloating, pain, constipation, and diarrhea, common triggers, and treatment options available.
Nov 05, 2024•20 min
Is the low histamine diet right for everyone? Amanda Igel MS, RD, LD, a registered dietician at Cleveland Clinic, joins Dr. Steele on Butts & Guts to share more about what histamine is, how an intolerance impacts the digestive system, and the importance of working with a registered dietician to develop a personalized nutrition plan.
Oct 22, 2024•14 min
On this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Steele sits down with Dr. Brian Chen from the Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorder Center to explore the intriguing link between sleep and digestive health. They discuss the critical role sleep plays in overall wellness and how inadequate rest can negatively impact gut function. Join them as they uncover the latest research and practical insights on how sleep affects our digestive system.
Oct 09, 2024•17 min
On this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Steele is joined by Dr. Jessica Caldwell, Director of the Women’s Alzheimer's Movement Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic, to explore the intriguing connection between gut health and brain health. Discover how the gut-brain axis influences Alzheimer’s disease, the impact of lifestyle and diet on cognitive function, and what current research reveals about managing and preventing neurodegenerative conditions. Tune in to learn how caring for ...
Sep 24, 2024•22 min
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are only a few of the side effects patients undergoing cancer treatment may experience. Dr. Renato Samala, a physician within the Department of Palliative and Supportive Care at the Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to share more about why these side effects occur, the impact on the digestive system, and how palliative care goes beyond symptom control to address the physical, emotional and psychological effects o...
Sep 10, 2024•13 min
Bret Lashner, MD, a gastroenterologist in the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts & Guts this week to discuss fecal transplants. This cutting-edge procedure is used to combat severe gut infections, repair the gut microbiome, and restore the quality of life for patients battling a range of conditions. Listen to learn more about how the procedure has evolved and advancements on the horizon.
Aug 27, 2024•12 min
This week on Butts & Guts, we welcome back Dr. Mike Leonis of Cleveland Clinic Children's to discuss the latest updates in the diagnosis and treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). Listen to learn everything you need to know about ALF in children, including the symptoms, diagnosis, and how treatment of this life-threatening condition continues to evolve.
Aug 13, 2024•17 min
Dr. Choon H David Kwon, Director of Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery at Cleveland Clinic, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to discuss histotripsy, a non-invasive liver tumor treatment recently approved by the FDA. Listen to learn more about how this technology works, who is a candidate, and the future of non-invasive liver tumor treatment.
Jul 30, 2024•14 min
Dr. Lynn Woo, Center Director for Pediatric Urology, and pediatric surgeon Dr. Anthony DeRoss, join Butts & Guts this week to discuss the new Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Center at Cleveland Clinic, which offers multidisciplinary care for children with colorectal and pelvic disorders. Listen to learn more about how the center provides various treatments for chronic conditions and aims to streamline care for patients and their families.
Jul 16, 2024•19 min
According to the Administration for Community Living, the population of Americans aged 85 and older is projected to more than double from 6.6 million in 2019 to 14.4 million in 2040. On this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Mark Horattas, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Kelly Bahr, RN, Geriatric Surgery Coordinator in the Department of General Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, join Dr. Steele to discuss how surgical care evolves as we age. Li...
Jul 02, 2024•18 min
Madison Simons, PsyD, is a gastrointestinal (GI) psychologist in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Cleveland Clinic. She joins this episode of the Butts & Guts podcast to discuss the psychological effects that patients with GI disorders often experience. Listen to learn more about the gut-brain connection and treatment options available to those with motility disorders.
Jun 18, 2024•13 min
On this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Lauren Kopicky, a breast surgeon at Cleveland Clinic shares more about the goldilocks mastectomy surgery, an alternative breast reconstruction option for cancer patients who do not desire a traditional approach. Listen to learn more about this surgery, who may be a candidate, and the importance of exploring all options with your doctor.
Jun 04, 2024•13 min