This week the team sat down and spoke to Ruth Taylor about her Crohn’s journey and the events that lead to her getting her colostomy - who is called Mike. You may have seen Ruth a few years ago on Channel 4’s First Dates so we also cover what it’s like to date with Crohn’s. Ruth speaks about her journey in such an open an honest way it is so refreshing to hear. Whether you’ve got Crohn’s, Colitis, colostomy or no colostomy, you will see things in a different light after you hear this story.

Episode 2 or 2 for World IBD Day. The ITG team answer some listener questions that have been sent in to us over the weeks. We cover lots of topics including tips for the newly diagnosed, managing stress and what should be in your hospital bag. We really enjoyed answering these and hop you enjoy listening! If there are any more questions you want us to tackle, please send them in the DM’s

Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod

Darren - @darrendoesjokes

Christine - @the.bright.sideee

Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

Emma - @emmarieox

Darren, Jake & Emma talk to musician Tom Speight. We talk about Tom’s IBD diagnosis and how he manages things on a day to day basis. We also question Tom on how he manages to survive a 2 hour gig on stage without the need to rush off . . !

Tom’s new album ”Everything’s Waiting For You” will be released on 24th September 2021 but you can pre order NOW! Visit www.tomspeightmusic.com for details.

This is episode 1 of 2 that we are releasing today to celebrate World IBD Awareness Day - Once you have finished with this one, go on to the next where we answer some questions from our listeners :)

Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod

Tom - @tomspeightmusic

Darren - @darrendoesjokes

Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

Emma - @emmarieox

On this episode, Darren & Jake sit down and talk to powerlifter - Ali Jawad. Ali has represented Team GB at 3 Paralympics and won silver at the 2016 games in Rio. He has a diagnosis on Crohn’s disease and it is amazing to hear how he has battled it whilst competing at an elite sporting level. This is a fascinating insight and we hope you enjoy listening to it. We also share another embarrassing story that has been sent in by a listener.

Find us on Instagram

@ittakesgutspod

Ali - @alijawadpowerlifter

Darren - @darrendoesjokes

Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

This week it’s Christine’s turn to share her story. She has been dealing with IBD and other health complications associated with it since the age of 5! This is another very open and honest account of the journey. It is also a highly emotional one and all of us had to take a few deep breaths during the recording. Christine is a true warrior and credit to her for sharing this amazing story.

This week it’s Darren’s turn to share his IBD story and how his diagnosis of Crohn’s came to be. Another honest account of the struggles face before, during and after diagnosis. In Darren’s case though, things are looking up and we hope that this story gives you different view of IBD and the treatments available.

This episode sees the first Embarrassing Story which has been sent in by a listener! #shithappens

Yes that’s right, it’s Andy from Channel 4’s The Circle! He sat down with Darren & Christine to discuss his time on the show and all things IBD as Andy is a fighter against Ulcerative Colitis. This is another very open and honest interview but we do lighten the mood with the standard embarrassing stories which are very funny this time around.

You can catch up on all episodes of The Circle which are available now on All4.

Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod

Andy - @andysmith_twobeans

Darren - @darrendoesjokes

Christine - @the.bright.sideee

This episode Jake shares his IBD story and how his Crohn’s diagnosis came about. This is a very raw and honest episode from Jake and as you will hear, he tells the uncut, unedited version. As a stand up comedian, Jake likes to find the funny side of his battle and you can see this on the Crohn’s & Colitis charity page on the socials where he has been dressing up in fancy dress to attend his Infliximab infusion appointments. He’s a true fighter.

In this episode our social media expert Emma tells her IBD story. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s and has had surgery and medication to help manage this. She’s the first of us to talk openly and honestly about living with IBD. We hope it encourages other to do the same :)

Welcome to the first episode of the It Takes Guts Podcast. Thanks for joining us for this exciting project. Christine, Darren, Emma and Jake give you an insight into what this podcast will all be about whilst also sharing a few stories at the same time. We hope you enjoy and please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you!

Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod

Darren - @darrendoesjokes

Christine - @the.bright.sideee

Jake - @jakesteerscomedy