Dr. Jason Klop & Dr. Shaina Cahill
Episode Description:
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is emerging as a breakthrough treatment for patients who’ve exhausted conventional and functional medicine options. Dr. Pedram Shojai sits down with Dr. Jason Klop and neuroscientist Dr. Shaina Cahill to explore how this ancient practice—dating back to 4th century China—is now backed by modern science and delivering remarkable results for conditions ranging from IBS and IBD to autism, Parkinson’s, and beyond.
This conversation reveals why the gut microbiome is the foundation of whole-body health, how FMT works by transplanting an entire healthy ecosystem rather than isolated probiotic strains, and what rigorous donor screening and manufacturing processes ensure both safety and efficacy. The discussion covers who benefits most from FMT, proper preparation protocols, and the critical lifestyle factors needed to maintain results long-term.
For those suffering from chronic gut conditions who’ve been told they’re “probably crazy” by conventional medicine, this episode offers hope through science-based solutions that address root causes rather than managing symptoms.
Listen to the episode on Spotify here or on your favorite podcast platform and check out the Urban Monk Academy here.
Podcast show notes:
Key Topics & Timestamps
Introduction to FMT [00:00 – 02:00]
- What is Fecal Microbiota Transplant and why it’s gaining attention
- Historical context: 4th century Chinese medicine to modern applications
- Initial FDA approval for C. difficile infections
- Expanding applications for IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, and mental health conditions
Dr. Jason Klop’s Journey into FMT [02:00 – 05:00]
- Background as naturopathic doctor specializing in digestive health
- The patient who changed everything: exhausted all options including holistic care
- Sold everything to create toxin-free environment, still suffering
- Urgent need for accessible FMT treatment drove program creation
- Starting in Mexico in 2018, now expanding globally
Dr. Shaina Cahill’s Research Perspective [05:00 – 08:00]
- PhD neuroscientist studying non-traditional medicines and brain plasticity
- The gut-brain connection: why treating conditions in isolation fails
- Parkinson’s case study: 80% show GI issues 10-15 years before diagnosis
- Paradigm shift: asking the right questions about disease origins
The Microbiome Ecosystem [08:00 – 15:00]
- Why probiotics and single strains don’t work like FMT
- The “jungle vs. trees” analogy: transplanting complete ecosystems
- Biofilms and why some bacterial colonies resist displacement
- Synergy of bacteria, fungi, metabolites working together
- The rhizosphere comparison: underground fungal networks in soil
Rigorous Donor Screening [15:00 – 20:00]
- Only 1% of applicants accepted into donor program
- Testing requirements: blood, urine, stool for infectious diseases
- Beyond infection screening: family medical history matters
- Eliminating donors with autism in family due to microbiome connections
- Sleep issues, allergies, BMI, diet, antibiotic history all considered
- Example: vaginal birth, breastfeeding, physical fitness as factors
Manufacturing & Safety [20:00 – 26:00]
- GMP licensed facility by Health Canada
- Filtering out waste products, concentrating beneficial microbes
- Oral powder: colorless, odorless, tasteless (patented technology)
- Double encapsulated capsules with enteric coating
- Not bacteria alone: fungi, metabolites, complete ecosystem preserved
- Why DIY approaches are dangerous
Clinical Applications & Results [26:00 – 31:00]
- IBS: 52-week sustained improvements
- Ulcerative Colitis: Over 50% achieve remission
- Crohn’s Disease: Variable results (15-80% depending on protocol)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: GI improvements followed by behavioral changes
- Multiple Sclerosis: Sustained remission maintenance
- Parkinson’s Disease: Early interventions showing promise
- Anxiety & Depression: Neurotransmitter production stabilization
- Cancer: Non-responders to immunotherapy becoming responsive after FMT from responders
- Longevity: Animal models showing lifespan, cognition, frailty improvements
Treatment Protocols [31:00 – 36:00]
- Preparation phase: antibiotics combined with antifungals
- Why “nuking” the system works better than herbal antimicrobials alone
- Addressing mold issues with specific antifungal protocols
- Bowel prep using magnesium citrate to create optimal environment
- Binders (charcoal) used pre-treatment but avoided during FMT
- Longer protocols (maintenance phase) showing superior outcomes
Success Factors & Maintenance [36:00 – 39:00]
- Lifestyle changes essential: diet, sleep, exercise, stress management
- Feeding new microbes with diverse, prebiotic-rich foods
- Avoiding environmental toxins, alcohol, smoking
- Treatment as foundation, not cure-all
- Microbiome changes within 24 hours of dietary shifts
Who Should Consider FMT [39:00 – 42:00]
- Patients exhausted conventional and functional medicine options
- Chronic gut conditions: IBS, IBD, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, SIBO
- Neurological conditions with gut-brain connection
- Autoimmune diseases
- Those told they’re “crazy” by conventional medicine
- Early intervention better than waiting for severe disease progression
Key Takeaways
- FMT transplants ecosystems, not isolated strains – The synergy of complete microbiome communities creates lasting change that single probiotics cannot achieve
- Safety through rigorous screening – 99% of donor applicants rejected; extensive testing for infectious diseases, family history, lifestyle factors
- Chronic disease requires longer protocols – Extended maintenance phases (daily capsules) allow better engraftment and lifestyle adaptation
- Preparation matters – Combining antibiotics with antifungals creates optimal environment for new microbiome to take root
- Lifestyle changes are non-negotiable – Diet, sleep, stress management, exercise essential for maintaining results long-term
- Early intervention is key – Don’t wait until disease is severe; body gives early warning signals through gut symptoms
- Hope for the “hopeless” – For patients who’ve tried everything, FMT offers evidence-based alternative when conventional medicine fails
Resources & Next Steps
FMT Candidate Questionnaire: Complete the screening questionnaire to see if FMT may be right for you: https://theurbanmonk.typeform.com/to/AhnnLHTS
Clinical Trial: Limited spots available for comprehensive data tracking including cardiometabolic panels, GI maps, and long-term outcome monitoring
Consultation: Trained PA available to review questionnaires and triage appropriate candidates for FMT treatment
More Information: Visit theurbanmonk.com/podcast for additional resources
Guest Information
Dr. Jason Klop – Naturopathic doctor specializing in digestive health, founder of FMT program with clinics worldwide
Dr. Shaina Cahill – PhD neuroscientist researching gut-brain connections, medical affairs specialist in non-traditional medicinesrching gut-brain connections, medical affairs specialist in non-traditional medicines
This episode is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult with qualified healthcare practitioners for personalized guidance.
www.theurbanmonk.com