Life Without Leaks

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we're joined by Dr. Barbara Frank of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, along with Alex Fennell, co-founder of Attn: Grace, an innovative manufacturer of incontinence products.

Together, we explore the realities of bladder leaks and pelvic floor health during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause and menopause, and we discuss why more women are finally beginn...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we sit down with Dr. Mia Duncan, a dual board-certified urologist and urogynecologist, to explore the connection between bladder health and longevity. 

Dr. Duncan explains why incontinence is often just the “tip of the iceberg,” and how early bladder symptoms can signal broader health issues. From root-cause diagnosis and bladder diaries to sleep disruption, UTIs, and preventio...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, about one of the most disruptive - and misunderstood - GI symptoms: bowel urgency.

Dr. O’Leary breaks down the difference between IBD and IBS, explaining how Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis differ from non-inflammatory bowel conditions, and why some patients can actually have both. He dives i...

In this deeply honest episode of Life Without Leaks, we talks with Judy, a retired school secretary whose bowel incontinence began after surviving stage three endometrial cancer.

Following chemotherapy, radiation and extensive lymph node removal, Judy gradually developed worsening bowel control issues that now affect nearly every aspect of her life. From constant urgency and frequent accidents to recurring bowel obstructions and eme...

What happens when you’re constantly scanning for the nearest bathroom? When social plans, work schedules and even sleep revolve around the fear of not making it in time?

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we welcome Dr. Ehsan Navabi, the director of the IBD Center and the GI Motility Disorders Lab at United Medical Doctors in California, to take a closer look at one of the most disruptive digestive symptoms patients face: ...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with Andy, a 40-year-old truck driver from Utah, about his 12-year struggle with urgency and bowel incontinence and the turning point that finally led him to seek help.

After years of attempting to mask his symptoms with daily, over-the-counter medication and suffering in quiet isolation, a public accident pushed Andy to have the difficult conversation he had avoided for over a decade....

In this insightful episode of Life Without Leaks, we sit down with veteran nurse and caregiver Ruth Naismith to explore the often-overlooked emotional side of incontinence. Drawing from over 35 years of clinical experience - and a deeply personal caregiving journey - Ruth shares candid insights into the stress, stigma and life-changing impact incontinence can have on both patients and those who care for them.

From navigating sudden ...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we're joined by Dr. Maria Roell, internal medicine resident at the Medical University of South Carolina, about bowel urgency and the conditions that commonly cause it.

Dr. Roell breaks down the often-confusing differences between IBS and IBD, explains what true medical bowel urgency feels like and outlines when symptoms may signal something more serious. She walks listeners through the diagnost...

In this powerful episode of Life Without Leaks, we're joined by Brad, a 44-year-old former Marine and outdoor enthusiast, who opens up about his long and deeply personal journey with bowel and urinary incontinence.

What began as rare, unexplained accidents slowly became more frequent and harder to ignore. Brad reveals the turning point that finally pushed him to say something to his doctor after years of silence. From frustrating di...

In this deeply personal episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with Olivia about her life-altering battle with severe ulcerative colitis.

What began as worsening digestive symptoms in her mid-20s quickly escalated into relentless pain, 30+ bathroom trips a day, extreme blood loss and multiple emergency room visits. After a delayed diagnosis and ineffective treatments, Olivia faced life-threatening complications, including a hemoglo...

In this powerful episode of Life Without Leaks, we welcome world-renowned IBD expert Dr. Marla Dubinsky of Mount Sinai to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. 

Dr. Dubinsky shares why early diagnosis and timely use of advanced therapies can dramatically change a patient’s long-term trajectory — and why too many people are still suffering unnecessarily. Fro...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we're joined by Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, for a deep dive into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Dr. O’Leary breaks down what sets Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis apart from other digestive conditions, explaining how IBD can affect patients at any age, from early childhood to later adulthood, and why diagnosis can sometimes...

In this gripping episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with John, a law enforcement officer, father of two and competitive strongman, about his harrowing journey to a Crohn’s disease diagnosis.

What began as severe abdominal pain during college spiraled into months of weight loss, vomiting, emergency room visits and being repeatedly dismissed as a drug seeker. Despite worsening symptoms - including intestinal rupture and nea...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we sit down with Dr. Maria Roell, an internal medicine resident specializing in gastroenterology, to break down the essentials of inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Roell explains what IBD really is and how it differs from IBS, outlining key warning signs such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and urgency. She also highlights lesser-known symptoms, including joint pain, skin chan...

In this moving patient story, we speak with Gerri, a Crohn's patient, about her journey from debilitating digestive symptoms to complete remission.

Gerri shares what it was like to live in New York City while navigating relentless urgency, severe abdominal pain she describes as “hot lava,” and the constant need to locate the nearest restroom. After months of worsening symptoms and a turning point moment with her mom, she...

Urgency, frequent bathroom trips and unexpected leaks can disrupt daily life, but they’re more treatable than many people realize. Dr. Travis Bullock joins Life Without Leaks to answer questions from his recent webinar, explain the difference between overactive bladder and other forms of incontinence, and discuss new therapies like neuromodulation that can help restore bladder control and quality of life. 

For more inform...

In this episode, Dr. Eric Rovner addresses a common fear that men have about prostate cancer treatment: incontinence. Drawing on his clinical experience, Dr. Rovner explains that treatment does not automatically mean a lifetime of bladder leakage. In fact, only a small percentage of patients experience long-lasting symptoms. He discusses why temporary changes in bladder control can occur, what factors influence recovery and - most ...

With all there is to think about when getting treated for prostate cancer, the idea of incontinence might not be high on your list. But if you're undergoing radiation or surgery, there's a good chance it will be. Incontinence is remarkably common for men following these treatments, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and return to more normal function. Today's guest is a patient who's gone through it all firstha...

Caregiving for someone with incontinence can be challenging, demanding and frustrating at times - but it can also be an expression of love and an opportunity to strengthen a bond with someone you care deeply about. Today's guest is Michele Mongillo, who recently authored Caring with Dignity: A Caregiver's Guide to Incontinence. Michele is Senior Clinical Director for First Quality, a leading manufacturer of personal hygiene product...