In The News

If you’re curious about Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT), you’ll enjoy this episode where we chat with documentary filmmaker, Saffron Cassady, whose film, Designer Sh*t, shows her struggle with ulcerative colitis. After a decade of trying conventional treatments to alleviate her symptoms, Saffron documents her journey to determine if FMT could potentially help her feel better. Saffron gives us an inside look at her documentary, the steps she took to weigh the risks and potential benefits of FMT, and how she’s feeling today. We also welcome Dr. Neil Stollman, a leading gastroenterologist and microbiome expert in Oakland, California, who offers expert insight on FMT and explains what patients need to know about the scientific evidence and future potential of FMT. Check out designershitdocumentary.com to learn more about Saffron’s documentary.

We’re not alone inside our skin. Instead, we’re accompanied by billions of microorganisms. Not only that, when it comes to our health, they’re in charge. Meet your microbiome. In this episode, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the mysteries of this new world within us with microbiologist Brett Finlay. Plus, we meet documentary filmmaker Saffron Cassady who lives with a debilitating chronic condition and took matters into her own hands by doing at-home DIY fecal transplants.

I interviewed Saffron Cassaday who is a documentary filmmaker based in Toronto and Los Angeles. Saffron is enlightened on the power “poo” has to affect our health, happiness and possibly even our physical appearance.The film is set to be released in Spring of 2019.As a disclaimer this is not an endorsement of FMT for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. This is not FDA approved for this condition and at this point is still being actively researched.

Saffron Cassaday directed her first documentary feature film called Cyber-Seniors in 2014. The film followed a group of senior citizens as they learned about the internet from teenage mentors and the connections made both on and offline. The film has been broadcast in 40 countries including on PBS, Netflix and CBC in North America. Cyber-Seniors screening events were supported by over 900 partners including AARP Foundation, Best Buy Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield Mn, and hundreds of schools, universities, and libraries.