I've Got Guts!

I've Got Guts!

Welcome to I’ve Got Guts! A podcast about living, surviving, and thriving with chronic illness. Hosted by Stefanie and Lauren, two friends who understand that navigating life with chronic health issues can be challenging, isolating, and sometimes just plain exhausting. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be. I’ve Got Guts! is a space for community, honesty, and laughter, a place to talk about the tough stuff without leaving you feeling more overwhelmed.

  1. Season 2 Wrap-Up: Healing Through Chronic Illness, Cancer, Infertility & Grief | Biggest Lessons We Learned

    10h ago

    Season 2 Wrap-Up: Healing Through Chronic Illness, Cancer, Infertility & Grief | Biggest Lessons We Learned

    In our season two finale, we're reflecting on the biggest lessons we've learned while navigating chronic illness, infertility, grief, achalasia, and breast cancer. We discuss why healing isn't linear, how joy and grief can coexist, and why you don't have to wait until everything is fixed to fully live. Together, we discuss: • Chronic illness, cancer, infertility, and grief
• Boundaries, happiness, and emotional healing
• Medical advocacy and holistic healing
• Why joy and grief can coexist
• Living fully, even in hard seasons
• What we're looking forward to in season 3 We're not going anywhere, though! Join us all summer long for IGG Extras every other week, where we'll be sharing health updates, books, shows, life adventures, and whatever else we're loving before season 3 returns this fall. 💛 You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Purple Horizon Boutique: Use code PURPLE10 at checkout for 10% off at https://purplehorizonboutique.com/ If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Lauren's Course: https://laurenoreilly.org/register981831-8383 Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    27 min
  2. The Grief No One Talks About: Chronic Illness, Cancer, Infertility & Losing Your Old Life

    Jun 15

    The Grief No One Talks About: Chronic Illness, Cancer, Infertility & Losing Your Old Life

    When people hear the word grief, they often think about death. But what about grieving the life you thought you would have? In this episode, Stef and Lauren explore the hidden grief that comes with chronic illness, cancer, infertility, disability, and major life changes. They share their own experiences with breast cancer treatment, achalasia, infertility, and the heartbreak of watching your body, relationships, and future plans change in unexpected ways. Together, they discuss: • Grieving your health and the person you used to be • The emotional impact of chronic illness • Infertility and IVF grief that often goes unseen • Invisible losses like independence, identity, friendships, and spontaneity • Why grief can look like anger, guilt, exhaustion, or isolation • Healthy ways to process grief and move forward without pretending everything is okay • Finding hope, community, and meaning while life is still unfolding If you've ever felt like you're mourning a version of yourself that still exists, but has been forever changed, this conversation is for you. You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 When Life Blows Up: https://laurenoreilly.org/register981831-8383 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Purple Horizon Boutique: Use code PURPLE10 at checkout for 10% off at https://purplehorizonboutique.com/ If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    24 min
  3. The Science of Happiness: How Epigenetics, Mindset & Daily Habits Can Improve Mental Health

    Jun 8

    The Science of Happiness: How Epigenetics, Mindset & Daily Habits Can Improve Mental Health

    What if happiness isn't something you're born with, but something you can influence every day? In this episode of I've Got Guts!, Stef and Lauren explore the science behind happiness, mental health, and epigenetics. We discuss how your daily habits, relationships, environment, and mindset can impact not only how you feel…but even how your genes are expressed. We break down the research behind gratitude, movement, mindfulness, social connection, sleep, nature, and purpose…and why these simple practices can have a powerful impact on wellbeing. • What epigenetics is and why your genes are not your destiny • How daily habits influence mental and physical health • The connection between chronic illness, stress, and happiness • Science-backed ways to boost mood and build resilience • Why small changes can make a big difference over time Because happiness isn't about pretending life is perfect, it's about creating more moments of connection, purpose, and joy, even in life's hardest seasons. You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Purple Horizon Boutique: Use code PURPLE10 at checkout for 10% off at https://purplehorizonboutique.com/ If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    28 min
  4. Why Are Women Taught to Suffer in Silence?

    May 18

    Why Are Women Taught to Suffer in Silence?

    In this emotional and honest episode of I’ve Got Guts!, Stef and Lauren unpack a question so many women quietly carry: Why are women taught to suffer in silence? From infertility, chronic illness, mental health struggles, breast cancer, and the pressure to always “stay strong,” the girls explore why so many women feel forced to minimize their pain and protect everyone else’s comfort. Stef opens up about navigating IVF, breast cancer, and chemotherapy, while Lauren reflects on generational conditioning and the expectations placed on women. In this episode, they discuss: • The pressure women feel to “hold it together” • IVF, chronic illness, and invisible struggles • Why women’s pain is often dismissed • Endometriosis and medical gaslighting • Curated vulnerability on social media • The fear of being “too much” • Why silence creates shame and isolation • Learning to let people support you This conversation is raw, validating, and relatable for anyone who has ever felt pressure to suffer quietly. Because maybe strength isn’t staying silent. Maybe strength is finally letting yourself be seen.You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Purple Horizon Boutique: Use code PURPLE10 at checkout for 10% off at https://purplehorizonboutique.com/ If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    33 min
  5. Celiac Disease Awareness Month: The Conversations Every Family Should Be Having

    May 11

    Celiac Disease Awareness Month: The Conversations Every Family Should Be Having

    May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and in this special resource episode, Stef and Lauren revisit one of the topics closest to their hearts: celiac disease. Lauren shares her 17-year path to diagnosis, Connor’s testing journey, and how their family navigates life with celiac disease. The girls also discuss hidden symptoms, family testing, cross contamination, school accommodations, gluten-free kids, and the importance of community support. They also highlight Beyond Celiac and point listeners toward past celiac episodes for more support and resources. Topics discussed: • Celiac disease symptoms adults and kids often miss • Why family testing for celiac disease matters • Cross contamination and hidden gluten • Life after a celiac disease diagnosis • Gluten-free kids, school accommodations & 504 Plans • Beyond Celiac resources and advocacy • Rapid-fire celiac tips for newly diagnosed families • Finding support and community while living gluten-free Whether you’re newly diagnosed, questioning symptoms, parenting a child with celiac disease, or looking for Celiac Awareness Month resources — this episode is for you. https://www.beyondceliac.org/ You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    36 min
  6. How to Stay Positive During Hard Times: Mindset Shifts for Cancer, Chronic Illness & Life Challenges

    May 4

    How to Stay Positive During Hard Times: Mindset Shifts for Cancer, Chronic Illness & Life Challenges

    In this raw and honest episode, Stef and Lauren talk about what it really looks like to navigate life when everything changes overnight. From Stef’s experience going through cancer treatment to the mindset shifts that help them keep showing up, this conversation is real, practical, and deeply relatable. After Stef returned to work and was asked, “How are you still smiling?”, it sparked a bigger conversation about mindset, resilience, and how we move through hard seasons. This episode isn’t about toxic positivity…it’s about learning how to meet difficult moments with intention and choice. ✨ We cover: • Staying positive without ignoring reality • Real-life mindset tools that actually help • “I wake up to…” and “I get to” shifts • Taking life one moment at a time If you’re in a hard season, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, and you’re more powerful than you think. You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 T-Shirt link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKNp17ynIFXUjSd8wDzrr5mkN9gDyIC9hME9FITS2jrg9sDA/viewform Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    40 min
  7. The Power of Friendship: Why Community Is Essential for Your Mental Health

    Apr 27

    The Power of Friendship: Why Community Is Essential for Your Mental Health

    Friendship isn’t just something we have…it’s something we have to nurture. In today’s episode, we’re talking about community, connection, and the powerful impact friendships have on your mental health and overall well-being. Because let’s be real..life gets busy, and friendships can quietly fade without us even realizing it. We’re diving into: • Why adult friendships can feel harder to maintain • The impact of loneliness on mental and physical health • The science behind connection (and why it’s essential) • What real friendship actually looks like (hint: it’s not perfect) • Simple ways to stay connected, even when life feels overwhelming We also share our own experiences with friendship and what it means to have a supportive “village” that shows up in every season. Because those small moments…texts, coffee dates, quick check-ins…they’re not just extras. They’re the things that hold you together when life feels heavy. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or craving deeper friendships, this episode is your reminder: you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to reach out or start again. At the end of the day…life is just better when you don’t have to do it alone. You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    34 min
  8. The Conversation That Could Save Your Life: Breast Cancer, Genetic Testing & Early Detection

    Apr 20

    The Conversation That Could Save Your Life: Breast Cancer, Genetic Testing & Early Detection

    After an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, Stef shares the story that changed everything…from early warning signs and ignored screening, to the role of genetic testing in understanding her diagnosis. While Lauren shares her testing journey as well. We break down what genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and BARD1 mean, how family history plays a role, and why early detection matters more than ever. This episode is your reminder: being proactive isn’t fear, it’s self-love. Action steps you can take today: • Perform regular self-breast exams • Schedule yearly mammograms • Ask about dense breast tissue • Talk to your doctor about your family history • Consider genetic testing if recommended If you’ve been putting something off…this is your sign to check. You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2 Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 21 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here: https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast Follow us on social media to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast Listen to the podcast worldwide: iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/ Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

    29 min
5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Welcome to I’ve Got Guts! A podcast about living, surviving, and thriving with chronic illness. Hosted by Stefanie and Lauren, two friends who understand that navigating life with chronic health issues can be challenging, isolating, and sometimes just plain exhausting. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be. I’ve Got Guts! is a space for community, honesty, and laughter, a place to talk about the tough stuff without leaving you feeling more overwhelmed.

You Might Also Like