Gut & Grit

About Gut & Grit

Gut & Grit is a long-form interview medical podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Dainiak, a gastroenterologist, endurance athlete and entrepreneur. Through thoughtful, unscripted conversations, Dr. Dainiak explores the intersection of medicine, resilience, performance, and meaning. From digestive health and longevity, to leadership, adversity, and personal growth, each episode goes beyond surface-level advice to uncover what truly shapes well-being. Honest conversations. Practical wisdom. Always improving.

Publisher

Dr. Chris Dainiak

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Mar 2026

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   ENT Surgeon: There are very few things in life as motivating as fear and I fear dementia

   In this third installment of the Gut & Grit conversation with ear, nose, and throat physician Dr. Doug O’Brien, Dr. Christopher Dainiak and Dr. O’Brien bring their two specialties together to explore one of the areas where gastroenterology and ENT frequently overlap: the throat, esophagus, and the complex process of swallowing.Swallowing is something most of us rarely think about—until it stops working normally. A symptom as seemingly simple as food sticking, difficulty getting food down, regurgitation, coughing, or discomfort with swallowing can originate from very different parts of the swallowing pathway. Determining where the problem begins is often the key to determining which specialist, diagnostic test, and treatment a patient needs.Dr. O’Brien explains the ENT perspective on swallowing and the anatomy of the throat, including how the swallowing mechanism normally functions and how abnormalities in the upper portion of the swallowing tract can produce significant symptoms. The discussion illustrates why patients with swallowing complaints may initially be evaluated by an ENT physician, a gastroenterologist, or sometimes both.Dr. Dainiak then brings the conversation farther down the digestive tract and into the esophagus. The two physicians discuss achalasia, an uncommon disorder in which normal esophageal motility and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter are impaired. Patients may experience progressive difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, the sensation that food is not passing normally, and other symptoms that can sometimes initially be mistaken for more common conditions such as reflux.The conversation also explores eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an increasingly recognized inflammatory disease of the esophagus. EoE can cause difficulty swallowing and episodes of food becoming lodged in the esophagus and is an important diagnosis to consider, particularly in patients with persistent or recurrent swallowing symptoms.Another important condition discussed is Zenker’s diverticulum, in which a pouch can develop near the junction of the throat and esophagus. Food can collect within the pouch, potentially leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, coughing, or the sensation that food is becoming trapped.Chris and Doug explain why identifying the cause of swallowing problems sometimes requires more than simply looking at the throat or performing an upper endoscopy. Tests such as esophageal manometry can evaluate the muscular contractions and coordination of the esophagus, while pH testing can help determine whether reflux is actually contributing to a patient's symptoms.The discussion highlights an important distinction between the specialties. An ENT examination can provide valuable information about the throat, larynx, vocal cords, and upper swallowing structures, while gastroenterologists can directly evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestinal tract through upper endoscopy and perform specialized testing of esophageal function.Rather than viewing ENT and gastroenterology as completely separate specialties, this episode demonstrates how the two often intersect. Symptoms involving the throat, reflux, swallowing, and the esophagus don't always fit neatly into a single medical category. In some patients, arriving at the correct diagnosis requires understanding the entire swallowing pathway and collaboration between specialists.Through a practical physician-to-physician conversation, Drs. Dainiak and O’Brien help patients understand why swallowing problems occur, what symptoms deserve further evaluation, and how physicians determine whether the problem originates in the throat, the esophagus, or somewhere in between.

2. 

   26 Aug 2026

   ENT Surgeon: What Patients Need To Know

   Have you ever wondered when you should see an ENT specialist? In this episode of The Wellness Connection, Dr. Doug O'Brien breaks down the world of ear, nose, and throat medicine in clear, practical language.From chronic sinus problems and hearing loss to dizziness, sleep apnea, acid reflux, ear tubes, and tonsils, Dr. O'Brien explains the conditions he sees every day—and helps patients understand when symptoms are normal, when they're not, and what treatments actually work.Whether you're dealing with recurring ear infections, chronic nasal congestion, snoring, swallowing problems, or persistent throat symptoms, this conversation provides practical information that can help you make informed decisions about your health.Topics include:When to see an ENT specialistChronic sinusitis and allergiesHearing loss and tinnitusDizziness and vertigoEar infections and ear tubesSleep apnea and snoringLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)Tonsils and adenoidsCommon ENT mythsPreventive ear, nose, and throat careIf you enjoy evidence-based conversations with leading physicians, please like, subscribe, and share this episode.ENT Made Simple, ENT specialist, otolaryngology, ear nose and throat doctor, sinus infection, chronic sinusitis, allergies, nasal congestion, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, BPPV, ear infections, ear tubes, myringotomy tubes, cholesteatoma, sleep apnea, snoring, deviated septum, nasal obstruction, acid reflux, LPR, sore throat, swallowing problems, voice disorders, pediatric ENT, adult ENT, ear health, sinus health, throat health, Dr Doug O'Brien, Wellness Connection podcast, patient education#ENT #EarNoseThroat #otolaryngology #sinushealth #hearingloss #sleepapnea #tinnitus #vertigo #patienteducation #WellnessConnection #medicalpodcast #healthcare #DrDougOBrien

3. 

   18 Aug 2026

   VACCINES, SUGAR & SOCIAL MEDIA

   How do you help people make better health decisions in a world filled with misinformation?In Part 2 of our conversation, Dr. Ron Schneebaum explores some of today's most challenging and controversial health topics. From vaccine hesitancy and the influence of social media on children to the decades-long debate over sugar, fat, and nutrition, this conversation examines why changing minds is so difficult—and how trust, empathy, and communication may matter more than facts alone.Rather than offering simplistic answers, Dr. Schneebaum shares the perspective of a physician who has spent decades caring for children and families, helping listeners better understand both the science and the human side of medicine.In this episode:Vaccine hesitancy and building trustThe impact of social media on children and familiesWhy healthy choices can be so difficultThe history of the sugar vs. fat debateHow physicians communicate evidence without judgmentHelping patients make informed decisionsWhether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in understanding today's most important public health conversations, this episode offers thoughtful insights grounded in decades of clinical experience.Subscribe to Gut & Grit for more conversations where medicine, science, and humanity come together.#GutAndGrit #DrRonSchneebaum #vaccines #pediatrics #childhealth #PublicHealth #nutrition #sugar #healthyliving #socialmedia #parenting #preventivemedicine #medicalpodcast #healthcare #wellness #evidencebasedmedicine #familyhealth #healtheducation #podcast #medicine Dr. Ron SchneebaumGut and Grit Podcastvaccinesvaccine safetyvaccine hesitancychildhood vaccinespediatricianpediatricschild healthparenting advicesocial media and kidssocial media mental healthhealthy childrensugar vs fatnutrition mythspreventive medicineevidence-based medicinepublic healthfamily medicinemedical misinformationdoctor podcasthealthcare podcasthealth podcastnutrition scienceraising healthy kidschildhood wellnessphysician interviewmedical educationhealth communicationwellness podcast

4. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Can You Prevent Dementia? Swimming, Brain Health, Longevity & One Doctor's Personal Story

   Can you prevent dementia? While no one can guarantee prevention, there is growing evidence that lifestyle choices can help support brain health and healthy aging.In this episode, ENT surgeon Dr. Doug O'Brien shares his deeply personal story. After watching both of his parents develop dementia, Doug became passionate about doing everything he could to stay healthy—for himself, his wife, and his three children.We discuss:Brain health and dementia preventionWhy swimming and regular exercise have been lifelong prioritiesThe remarkable story of meeting his wife at age 12Healthy aging and longevityBuilding lifelong habits that support physical and mental healthA physician's perspective on living a longer, healthier lifeDoug's story is one of resilience, purpose, and lifelong movement. Whether you're interested in brain health, healthy aging, or simply living your best life, this conversation offers practical insights and a thoughtful perspective from both medicine and personal experience.If you enjoy conversations about health, longevity, and medicine, be sure to subscribe for future episodes.Can you prevent dementia, dementia prevention, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's prevention, brain health, cognitive health, healthy aging, longevity, exercise and brain health, swimming for health, swimming and longevity, movement is medicine, aging well, healthy lifestyle, memory loss prevention, dementia risk factors, physician podcast, Dr. Doug O'Brien, ENT doctor, ear nose and throat specialist, wellness podcast, health podcast, preventive medicine, exercise benefits, healthy habits, brain exercise, longevity medicine, active aging, living longer, living healthier, doctor interview, medical podcast.#dementia #brainhealth #alzheimers #longevity #healthyaging #swimming #exercise #movementismedicine #healthpodcast #preventivemedicine #wellness #ENT

5. 

   6 Jul 2026

   The Hidden Core: Why Your Back, Breathing & Stability Matter

   What if the key to reducing pain, improving movement, and building lifelong strength isn't your six-pack—but the muscles you can't even see?In this episode of the Bedford Gastroenterology Podcast, Dr. Christopher Dainiak sits down with physical therapist and Pilates expert Cheryl Alden, PT, DPT, owner of Symmetry Pilates Center, to explore the science behind the body's "hidden core."Together they discuss:- What the core really is—and why it's much more than your abdominal muscles- How the diaphragm, pelvic floor, multifidus, and transversus abdominis work together to stabilize the spine- Why breathing mechanics play a critical role in posture, back pain, and movement- The surprising reason small stabilizing muscles often stop working after an injury- How Pilates can improve strength, mobility, balance, and recovery- Why movement quality matters more than simply getting strongerWhether you're recovering from an injury, trying to stay active as you age, or simply want to understand how your body works, this episode offers practical insights you can apply to everyday life.Resources mentioned in this episode:• Symmetry Pilates Center: https://www.symmetrypilatescenter.com• Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy:https://www.innerexcellence.com• Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD:https://peterattiamd.com/outlive• U.S. Masters Swimming – Adult Learn to Swim (ALTS):https://www.usms.org/alts-central/alts-initiativesEmail: ALTS@usmastersswimming.org• Ironman New Zealand:https://www.ironman.com/races/im-new-zealandIf you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue bringing conversations that empower people to live healthier, more active lives.#Pilates #CoreStrength #BackPain #PhysicalTherapy #Breathing #Mobility #HealthyAging #Longevity #Movement #Wellness #BedfordGastroenterology #CherylAlden

6. 

   22 Jun 2026

   The Next Chapter After Unimaginable Loss

   After the loss of his daughter Aine, David Phillips faced a question that has no easy answer: What comes next?In Part 2 of our conversation, David shares how he and his family transformed unimaginable grief into purpose through the creation of Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children and Families. He discusses the challenges of moving forward while carrying profound loss, the impact Friends of Aine has had on children and families, and how Aine's legacy continues to inspire acts of kindness, support, and hope.This episode is not about forgetting. It's about honoring a life, supporting others, and finding meaning after tragedy. David's story is a powerful reminder that even in life's darkest moments, purpose can emerge.In this episode:• The creation of Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children and Families• Finding purpose after the loss of a child• Grief, healing, and resilience• Family, community, and legacy• Turning tragedy into service• Keeping a loved one's memory aliveIf Part 1 explored the heartbreak of losing a child, Part 2 explores what it means to carry that love forward.Subscribe for more conversations about resilience, health, adversity, personal growth, and the human spirit.Keywords:grief, child loss, loss of a child, coping with grief, bereaved parents, grief journey, resilience, overcoming tragedy, finding purpose, personal growth, mental health, family loss, inspirational stories, Friends of Aine, David Phillips, Gut and Grit Podcast, grief support, nonprofit foundation, healing after loss, legacy, hope after tragedy, parenting, community service, life after lossHashtags:#GutAndGrit #DavidPhillips #FriendsofAine #Grief #ChildLoss #Resilience #Purpose #Hope #MentalHealth #Podcast #Inspiration #Legacy #PersonalGrowth #Healing #CommunityDavid Phillips, Aine Phillips, Friends of Aine, grief, child loss, loss of a child, coping with grief, resilience, overcoming adversity, finding purpose, personal growth, inspirational podcast, mental health, parenting, family loss, grief support, legacy, nonprofit, hope, Gut and Grit Podcast, Chris Dainiak, tragedy, healing, motivation, life lessonsDavid PhillipsChief Financial OfficerFriends of Aine Center for Grieving Children and Families

7. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Held By ICE: Fabian Schmidt (Part 2)

   What happens when a legal resident suddenly finds himself detained by ICE?In this powerful episode of the Bedford Gastroenterology Podcast, Fabian Schmidt shares the deeply personal story of his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the uncertainty that followed, and the long road to regaining his freedom.Fabian discusses the emotional toll of detention, the impact on his family and community, the legal challenges he faced, and the support that helped him persevere through one of the most difficult periods of his life. His story raises important questions about due process, immigration enforcement, and the human consequences of government decisions.This is not a political debate. It is a firsthand account of resilience, perseverance, and the determination to move forward in the face of overwhelming adversity.#Immigration #ICE #Detention #FabianSchmidt #PersonalStory #Resilience #Podcast #BedfordGastroenterologyPodcast #HumanStories #DueProcess

8. 

   25 May 2026

   The Making of a Doctor

   In this episode of Gut & Grit, Dr. Christopher Dainiak sits down with retired pediatrician, educator, and author Dr. Ronald Schneebaum for a deeply personal conversation about the experiences that shaped his life and career in medicine.From growing up in Brooklyn, to living in Alaska, to returning to Manhattan for medical training, Dr. Schneebaum reflects on the journey that ultimately led him to become a physician. Along the way, he shares stories about family, education, mentorship, purpose, and the emotional lessons that influenced both his approach to medicine and his understanding of happiness and human connection.The conversation also explores themes from Dr. Schneebaum’s book, Bigger Hearted: A Retired Pediatrician’s Prescriptions for Living a Happier Life, including compassion, resilience, self-worth, and what it truly means to care for others.This is the first of a three-part conversation with Dr. Schneebaum.Learn more about Dr. Schneebaum and his work:https://www.biggerhearted.com/#GutAndGrit #Podcast #Medicine #Pediatrics #PhysicianLife #MedicalSchool #Brooklyn #Alaska #BiggerHearted #Healthcare #PersonalGrowth

9. 

   7 May 2026

   He Lost His 8-Year-Old Daughter... What Came After The Unthinkable (Part 1)

   David Phillips lost his 8-year-old daughter.What he chose to do next is something most people never have to think about, but it will stay with you.In this episode, we explore what grief really looks like, what doesn’t get talked about, and how one family turned unimaginable loss into something that continues to help others.This is not about easy answers.It’s about what remain and what you do with it.Topics: grief, loss of a child, resilience, purpose after tragedy, parenting, foundation work, coping with loss, mental strength, personal growth, Gut & Grit podcast

10. 

    4 Mar 2026

    Part 1: Fabian Schmidt: From Europe to California Cowboys, Addiction, and the Fentanyl-Laced Drug Economy

    In the inaugural episode of the Gut and Grit Podcast, host Dr. Chris Dainiak interviews Fabian Schmidt about growing up in Germany, England, Denmark, and time spent in South Africa before moving to California in 2007 due to his stepdad’s tech work. Fabian describes feeling uprooted, rebelling, and moving out at 17, when a cowboy named Travis took him in to work on a horse property, where he embraced Western values but drank heavily; later, Tony and Theresa offered stability. He became a union journeyman electrician by 23, then recounts first encountering cocaine in a nightclub and explains its effects, how alcohol can become a social crutch, and why modern cocaine is especially dangerous due to fentanyl lacing. He frames drug dealing as an intentional business driven by profit and return addiction, references overdose deaths, and introduces a later immigration detention ordeal involving ICE and fears of deportation away from his American family. 00:00 Breaking Down in the Truck 01:59 Meet Fabian Schmidt 02:54 Growing Up in Germany 04:42 Divorce and Move to England 08:05 Denmark and South Africa Detour 12:33 Sharks and Culture Shock 15:25 Move to Silicon Valley 18:25 Housing Bubble and Hard Times 19:54 Rebelling and Leaving Home 29:25 Cowboy Mentors and Union Path 33:45 Whiskey Mornings and Lessons 36:49 Cowboy Drinking Culture 38:55 Addiction vs Dependence 42:20 Alcohol Risks and Myths 46:33 Social Crutch of Drinking 51:08 First Cocaine Encounter 55:55 Cocaine High Explained 01:02:34 Cocaine Dangers Today 01:07:15 Fentanyl Lacing Business 01:17:46 Drug Trade and Prison Reality 01:21:00 Root Causes and Immigration Cliffhanger More information about Fabian’s story: https://www.themarshallproject.org/records/19113-fabian-schmidt (https://www.themarshallproject.org/records/19113-fabian-schmidt) https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/06/17/he-thought-a-decade-old-misdemeanor-was-behind-him-then-he-took-a-vacation-in-europe/ (https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/06/17/he-thought-a-decade-old-misdemeanor-was-behind-him-then-he-took-a-vacation-in-europe/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.