A MEDICAL & LIFE-STORIES PODCAST
Gut & Grit
Honest conversations. Practical wisdom. Always improving.
Hosted by Dr. Chris Dainiak — gastroenterologist, endurance athlete, and entrepreneur — Gut & Grit explores the intersection of medicine, resilience, performance and meaning through long-form, unscripted conversations.
Guests include physicians, surgeons, athletes, innovators and people with extraordinary life stories — all united by a commitment to excellence and authenticity.
Episodes
Keith Trexler
How One Man Transformed an Abandoned Quarry
Keith Trexler is the founder of Stonehaven Arts and the man behind the extraordinary transformation of a vandalized, abandoned New Hampshire granite quarry. What began as a cleanup Keith thought might take a few weekends became a decades-long journey of restoration, engineering, stone carving and creativity and a remarkable lesson in what vision, resilience and sheer persistence can accomplish.
Resources (5)
- Stonehaven Arts — Keith Trexler’s official site, including Stonehaven, its history, gardens, quarry photographs and Keith’s sculpture work:
Stonehaven Arts - Andres Institute of Art — particularly relevant because Keith describes discovering outdoor sculpture there and how that experience helped lead him toward stone carving:
Andres Institute of Art - Milford Historical Society — useful background for readers interested in the history of Milford and the region Keith discusses:
Milford Historical Society - U.S. Treasury Building — background on the historic Washington, D.C. building discussed during the episode:
https://home.treasury.gov/about/history/treasurys- historic-association/treasury- building?utm_source=chatgpt. com - New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources — broader information about historic preservation and New Hampshire’s historic resources:
https://www.dncr.nh.gov/historic-preservation?utm_ source=chatgpt.com
Cheryl Alden (part 2)
Fitness Expert: The Secret to Living Longer
In Part 2 of the Gut & Grit Podcast conversation with Dr. Christopher Dainiak, physical therapist, Pilates expert, business owner, and endurance athlete Cheryl Alden explores a deceptively simple question: What does it actually take to remain strong, mobile, independent, and engaged as we get older?
Resources (6)
- Symmetry Pilates Center — Cheryl Alden
This should be the primary guest link. Cheryl is listed as the owner and a physical therapist, with her background in outpatient orthopedics, STOTT PILATES, rehabilitation, and instructor training.
Symmetry Pilates Center - Peter Attia — Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
Directly relevant to the discussion of healthy aging, exercise, healthspan, and the Centenarian Decathlon.
Outlive by Peter Attia, MD - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Physical Activity Guidelines
An excellent authoritative companion link for the discussion of aerobic exercise, strength training, balance, and maintaining mobility with age.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - U.S. Masters Swimming — Adult Learn-to-Swim
Very appropriate because Cheryl learned to swim as an adult and eventually became an accomplished open-water swimmer and triathlete. USMS specifically supports adult beginners, including people who have difficulty with breathing or fear of the water.
U.S. Masters Swimming — Adult Learn-to-Swim - Jim Murphy — Inner Excellence
Directly discussed in the episode in relation to competition, anxiety, performance, and becoming comfortable performing under pressure.
Inner Excellence - Hit Play Not Pause
Cheryl specifically recommends this podcast for active women navigating perimenopause and menopause. It is hosted by Selene Yeager and focuses on training, nutrition, recovery, hormones, and maintaining performance through midlife.
Hit Play Not Pause
Dr. Doug O’Brien (part 2)
ENT Surgeon: What Patients Need To Know
In this episode of Gut & Grit, Dr. Christopher Dainiak and ENT surgeon Dr. Doug O’Brien explore the substantial overlap between gastroenterology and ear, nose, and throat medicine.
Resources (6)
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) — American College of Gastroenterology
Learn about Eosinophilic Esophagitis
GERD and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) — ENT Health, American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Learn about GERD and LPRDysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) — American College of Gastroenterology
Learn about DysphagiaModified Barium Swallow / Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study — American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Learn about Swallowing StudiesZenker’s Diverticulum — ENT Health, American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Learn about Zenker’s DiverticulumAchalasia — American College of Gastroenterology
Learn about Achalasia
Dr. Ron Schneebaum (part 2)
Vaccines, Sugar & Social Media. The Tough Health Conversations We Need to Have
In Part 2 of Gut & Grit, Dr. Christopher Dainiak continues his conversation with pediatrician Dr. Ron Schneebaum, shifting from his personal journey to some of the most important—and often controversial—health issues facing families today.
Resources (5)
Vaccines & Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines & Immunizations
American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org Vaccines
Nutrition & Sugar
Social Media & Children
American Psychological Association – Social Media and Youth Health Advisory
Recommended Link
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Official website: The Anxious Generation
This book explores:How the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood has affected children and adolescents.
The rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among young people.
The effects of smartphones, social media, and algorithm-driven platforms on attention and development.
Practical recommendations for parents, schools, and communities to foster healthier childhood development.
Obesity & Healthy Living
CDC Healthy Weight Resources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Weight Management
Mentioned in the Conversation
Robert Lustig — “Sugar: The Bitter Truth” lecture
Sugar: The Bitter Truth (YouTube)
Dr. Doug O’Brien (part 1)
Can You Prevent Dementia? Swimming, Brain Health, Longevity & One Doctor's Personal Story
The episode begins with Doug’s personal journey—from meeting his future wife, Susan, at age 12 through competitive swimming, medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, and eventually returning to Masters swimming later in life.
Resources (1)
- Mel Robbins – The Let Them Theory
https://www.melrobbins.com - Alzheimer’s Association – Brain Health
https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health - U.S. Masters Swimming
https://www.usms.org - American Academy of Otolaryngology – Patient Health Information
https://www.enthealth.org - CDC – Safe Water for Nasal Rinsing and Neti Pot Use
https://www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html
Cheryl Alden
The Hidden Core: Why Your Back, Breathing & Stability Matter
In this episode of the Gut & Grit Podcast, Dr. Christopher Dainiak sits down with Cheryl Alden, PT, DPT, founder of Symmetry Pilates Center, experienced physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and endurance athlete, for an in-depth conversation about movement, core stability, breathing, and lifelong health.
Resources (1)
Symmetry Pilates Center: https://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/alt…
Email: ALTS@usmastersswimming.org
Ironman New Zealand: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-new-…
David Philips (part 2)
The Next Chapter After Unimaginable Loss
In Part 2 of the Gut & Grit Podcast conversation with David Phillips, the discussion moves beyond the tragedy of losing a child and focuses on what came next.
Resources (1)
Fabian Schmidt (part 2)
Held by Ice
Fabian Schmidt is a German-born legal permanent resident who has lived in the United States since his teens, building a life as a master electrician, husband, father, and mentor to people struggling with addiction. His life changed dramatically after returning from a trip to Germany, when he was detained by immigration authorities and ultimately held for weeks while fighting to preserve his legal status and return to his family.
Dr. Ronald Schneebaum
The Making of a Doctor
Dr. Ronald Schneebaum is a retired pediatrician, educator, and author with more than 40 years of clinical experience helping children, families, and medical trainees navigate both physical and emotional health.
Resources (1)
David Philips (part 1)
Helping Families Through Grief
In this episode, Dr. Chris Dainiak speaks with David Phillips about the loss of David’s daughter, Aine, and how that experience shaped his life and led to the creation of Friends of Aine, an organization that supports grieving children and families.
Resources (1)
Fabian Schmidt (part 1)
Overcoming Addiction
Dr. Dainiak talks with Fabian Schmidt, a lawful permanent resident of NH that was detained by ICE at Logan International Airport on March 7, 2025 after visiting family in Europe.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Chris Dainiak
Gastroenterologist, endurance athlete & entrepreneur, Bedford Gastroenterology
Gut & Grit
Honest conversations. Practical wisdom. Always improving.
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.
Guests include physicians, surgeons, athletes, innovators, and individuals with extraordinary life stories, all united in a commitment to excellence and authenticity.
Whether you are a patient seeking clarity, a medical professional striving for purpose, or someone pursing a stronger mind and body, Gut & Grit delivers insight grounded in science and strengthened by lived experience.
Vaccines, Sugar & Social Media | The Tough Health Conversations We Need to Have
In Part 2 of Gut & Grit, Dr. Christopher Dainiak continues his conversation with pediatrician Dr. Ron Schneebaum, shifting from his personal journey to some of the most important—and often controversial—health issues facing families today.
Additional Resources
Vaccines & Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines & Immunizations
American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org Vaccines
Nutrition & Sugar
Social Media & Children
American Psychological Association – Social Media and Youth Health Advisory
Recommended Link
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Official website: The Anxious Generation
This book explores:How the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood has affected children and adolescents.
The rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among young people.
The effects of smartphones, social media, and algorithm-driven platforms on attention and development.
Practical recommendations for parents, schools, and communities to foster healthier childhood development.
Obesity & Healthy Living
CDC Healthy Weight Resources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Weight Management
Mentioned in the Conversation
Robert Lustig — “Sugar: The Bitter Truth” lecture
Sugar: The Bitter Truth (YouTube)
Can You Prevent Dementia? Swimming, Brain Health, Longevity & One Doctor's Personal Story
Dr. Christopher Dainiak sits down with ENT surgeon Dr. Doug O’Brien for a wide-ranging conversation about healthy aging, movement, and the habits that shape a long, meaningful life.
Additional Resources
- Mel Robbins – The Let Them Theory
https://www.melrobbins.com - Alzheimer’s Association – Brain Health
https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health - U.S. Masters Swimming
https://www.usms.org - American Academy of Otolaryngology – Patient Health Information
https://www.enthealth.org - CDC – Safe Water for Nasal Rinsing and Neti Pot Use
https://www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html
The Hidden Core: Why Your Back, Breathing & Stability Matter
What if the key to preventing pain, improving athletic performance, and aging well isn’t simply becoming stronger—but learning to move better?
Additional Resources
Symmetry Pilates Center: https://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/alt…
Email: ALTS@usmastersswimming.org
Ironman New Zealand: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-new-…
The Making of a Doctor
Dr. Ronald Schneebaum is a retired pediatrician, educator, and author with more than 40 years of clinical experience helping children, families, and medical trainees navigate both physical and emotional health.
Additional Resources
Helping Families Through Grief
David Phillips is Co-Founder of Friends of Aine, a New Hampshire based nonprofit dedicated to providing free peer-to-peer grief support for children and families.
Part 1
Part 2
Additional Resources
Community Events Link
Overcoming Addiction
Dr. Dainiak talks with Fabian Schmidt, a lawful permanent resident of NH that was detained by ICE at Logan International Airport on March 7, 2025 after visiting family in Europe.
Part 1
Part 2
Additional Resources
The Making of a Doctor
Dr. Ronald Schneebaum is a retired pediatrician, educator, and author with more than 40 years of clinical experience helping children, families, and medical trainees navigate both physical and emotional health.
Additional Resources
Helping Families Through Grief
David Phillips is Co-Founder of Friends of Aine, a New Hampshire based nonprofit dedicated to providing free peer-to-peer grief support for children and families.
Part 1
Part 2
Additional Resources
Community Events Link
Overcoming Addiction
Dr. Dainiak talks with Fabian Schmidt, a lawful permanent resident of NH that was detained by ICE at Logan International Airport on March 7, 2025 after visiting family in Europe.