More New Zealanders die from bowel cancer than prostate and breast cancer combined. Yet most of us still feel uncomfortable talking about it.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alice Fitzgerald, CEO of the Gut Foundation, for a conversation that could quite literally save your life.

We break down:

1. Why NZ has some of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world
2. The simple signs you should never ignore
3. Why embarrassment is costing lives
4. The alternative to colonoscopy most people don’t know about
5. How 30 grams of fibre a day can dramatically reduce your risk

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness, empowerment, and simple actions that make a massive difference.

If you care about your health — or someone else’s — this episode matters.

Talking about poo might feel awkward.

But as you’ll hear… talking sh*t saves lives.

00:40 Meet Alice Fitzgerald, CEO of the Gut Foundation

02:05 Alice’s journey from real estate to gut health advocacy

07:22 What the Gut Foundation does: research, education and awareness

11:34 Gut health explained simply

12:34 Explaining gut health to kids: “gut buddies”

15:54 What unhealthy gut health can look like day to day

16:26 Why checking your poo matters

19:49 What changes in your poo to watch for

22:45 Tim’s story: blood, fear and getting checked

25:46 Why men are at greater risk

27:02 Why acting early matters

28:24 Real story: delayed testing and stage 4 bowel cancer

30:31 Why bowel cancer is rising in younger people

33:17 Why New Zealand’s bowel cancer rates are so high

34:33 The good news: bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught early

35:21 What stops people from going to the doctor

38:10 Public vs private care and long waitlists

39:15 CT colonography vs colonoscopy

42:45 Why you need to advocate for your own health

46:27 The Gut Check campaign: self-check, professional check, social check

48:56 Other warning signs beyond bowel changes

50:34 The power of fibre for gut health

52:14 30 plants a week and easy ways to get more diversity

54:32 Simple food swaps and breakfast ideas for fibre

58:48 Gut health misinformation, diet trends and diversity

01:00:52 Lifestyle factors: exercise, stress and meditation

01:03:07 The gut-brain connection

01:04:40 Why gut health is highly personal

01:09:23 Gut health for kids and fussy eaters

01:10:27 Why gut issues are becoming more common

01:11:48 Ultra-processed foods, advertising and willpower

01:17:35 Personal responsibility vs food environment

01:20:49 Focus on adding good foods, not eliminating everything

01:22:30 Final takeaways: review your poo, get checked, eat more fibre

01:25:35 Closing thoughts and thanks to Alice

01:26:16 Outro: Follow OStudio and learn more