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The Art of Manliness · April 7, 2026 · 49m 42s

You’ve Been Pooping Wrong — Here’s How to Do It Better

Harvard gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha discusses the often-ignored but vital topic of bowel movements, from what healthy stool looks like to the hidden dangers of smartphone use on the toilet. She explains the color and consistency guide for assessing digestive health, why the urge to go sometimes strikes in bookstores (the Mariko Aoki phenomenon), and the superiority of bidets. The conversation covers laxatives, a food more effective than prunes for regularity, and tips for pooping comfortably while traveling. It’s a practical, shame-free look at a universal bodily function.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

The Stool Color Guide00:06:48
Dr. Pasricha explains what the color of your stool indicates about your digestive health, providing a practical color guide.
Why Poop Floats00:12:58
She discusses why some stools float, often reflecting gas content or malabsorption issues.
The Mariko Aoki Phenomenon00:30:26
Dr. Pasricha explains the Mariko Aoki phenomenon — the sudden urge to have a bowel movement upon entering a bookstore.
Smartphone Use on the Toilet and Hemorrhoids00:35:07
She warns that prolonged sitting on the toilet with a smartphone contributes to hemorrhoids.
The Bidet’s Hygiene Case00:44:52
Dr. Pasricha makes a case for using a bidet as a more effective and gentler cleaning method than toilet paper.
The Better-Than-Prunes Food for Regularity00:48:41
She shares a particular food that is even more effective than prunes for promoting regular bowel movements.

References

You've Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a JoyDr. Trisha PasrichaHer book on the topic

Misc

The Mariko Aoki phenomenon: everyone has experienced the sudden urge to poop when entering a bookstore.
Smartphone use on the toilet is a modern hazard for hemorrhoids.
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