The Bowel Chronicles

About The Bowel Chronicles

"The Bowel Chronicles" is a podcast dedicated to bowel health, featuring candid conversations with individuals grappling with various conditions and illnesses. Guests share raw realities, illuminating resilience and courage. As host, I've connected with many through my own journey shared on social media, fostering community support. Together, we amplify advocacy, providing a platform for voices often unheard. Join us as we inspire through shared experiences. Follow the host on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok - Nicky Kilpatrick Coach

Publisher

Nicky Kilpatrick

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Apr 2024

Latest episode

20 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

70 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Feb 2026

   Behind the Scenes of the Ostomy Cube: Innovation, Independence & the Vision Changing Ostomy Care

   In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Bowel Chronicles I sit down with Carolyn Houlihan from Cork, the incredible mind and heart behind a groundbreaking new ostomy innovation: the Ostomy Cube. The Ostomy Cube is a compact, self-contained ostomy care unit designed to be installed within any existing bathroom environment. Without the need for major structural changes, it allows ostomates to adapt standard toilet facilities to meet their specific needs - both at home and in public spaces. The unit connects directly to standard hot and cold water supplies and to the waste outlet of a bathroom sink, making installation simple using conventional plumbing fittings. This conversation goes far beyond product design. Carolyn shares the deeply personal journey that led to the creation of the Ostomy Cube, a time during pregnancy when severe carpal tunnel syndrome caused her to lose strength and function in both hands, stripping away her independence with stoma care. Through self-reflection, she began asking a powerful question: What do ostomates truly need when independence is taken away? From that question, the Ostomy Cube was born. After five rigorous years of design, development, and translating her original 3D concept into a fully realised product, the Ostomy Cube is now ready to go to market. We talk openly about the upcoming pilot scheme launching in the next few weeks, what this means for the ostomy community, and Carolyn’s long-term vision for more inclusive, accessible facilities worldwide. This episode is a must-listen for anyone living with a stoma, supporting someone who is, working in healthcare, or passionate about accessibility, independence, and innovation driven by lived experience. Behind the scenes. Behind the vision. Behind a product that could truly change lives. To find out more about the Ostomy Cube join the private community here https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DaF9WQQg2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

2. 

   30 Jan 2026

   Pain, Perseverance & Hope: Ailidh’s Journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and an Ileostomy

   In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I’m joined by the incredible Ailidh — just 28 years old and already carrying a lifetime of resilience, strength, and hard-won hope. Ailidh lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, primarily hypermobile EDS, and now an ileostomy — but her journey to answers was anything but straightforward. From birth, her bowels caused her significant issues, yet as a young teenager, her pain was misunderstood. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with anorexia, when in reality eating caused her abdomen excruciating pain. What followed was a deeply traumatic chapter — admission to a mental health facility at such a young age, feeling isolated, unheard, and misunderstood, while her body continued to fail her. Through it all, Ailidh shares how her mum became her fiercest advocate, fighting tirelessly to uncover the truth and stand by her daughter when it felt like no one else would. Years later, exploratory surgery finally revealed the reality of what her body had been enduring, leading to a subtotal hysterectomy and ultimately an ileostomy — a turning point that changed everything. In this raw, honest, and deeply touching conversation, Ailidh opens up about the emotional toll of medical trauma, the loneliness of being dismissed, and the healing that can come when answers are finally found. She also shares the beauty of life on the other side of stoma surgery — including finding love with her life partner, who is also an ostomate. This episode is real, emotional, and incredibly inspiring. A reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can still exist — and sometimes, a stoma truly is the beginning of life. Tune in for a very real, very raw, and truly inspiring episode.

3. 

   10 Oct 2025

   Living with a Stoma: Prevention, Support & Life After Surgery with Maria Manousi from SuportX

   In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with Maria Manousi, Business Development Manager at SuportX, a very well known brand in the ostomy world for support garments. Together, we have an open and honest conversation about stoma surgery, the risk of hernias, and what can be done to both prevent and support them. Maria shares invaluable insights into life post-surgery, the range of support garments available, and how they can make a huge difference to comfort, confidence, and quality of life. If you’re preparing for stoma surgery, adjusting to life after surgery, or have concerns about hernias or parastomal hernias, this episode is full of knowledge, reassurance, and practical advice. Tune in for a supportive, empowering discussion that every ostomate and caregiver should hear. SuportX https://suportx.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOophHq_W_xvu274VQlF6XnSV7TtHSDJU9FFlm5CKAeeboqSlGBKO (https://suportx.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOophHq_W_xvu274VQlF6XnSV7TtHSDJU9FFlm5CKAeeboqSlGBKO) https://www.instagram.com/suportx?igsh=MTE5eG5iNThoamk4dw== (https://www.instagram.com/suportx?igsh=MTE5eG5iNThoamk4dw==)

Who has been a guest on The Bowel Chronicles

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Summer Griffith
• Nikki Matthews
• Laura Mackenzie
• Carrie Hellman
• Jodie Ireland

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

73

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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