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:

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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

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Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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After an unexpected break, this episode explains why.

Stef shares her breast cancer diagnosis, walking through the full timeline...from finding the lump, to testing, biopsies, and mammograms, to the call that changed everything. She also opens up about what came next, including putting a pause on her and Anthony's IVF Journey, port placement, starting chemotherapy, and what the first weeks of treatment have been like physically and emotionally.

This is a deeply personal “thorn & rose” episode...honest about the shock, grief, and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, while also highlighting the incredible support, love, and community that has shown up along the way.

You can donate to Stef and Anthony here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stef-strong-fighting-breast-cancer-together-3s9k2

Get your Stef Strong shirt here (deadline 4/17): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8Gcw-mxesgUZs5PphCtfoWDBrzTa5vXsy3jK2_PRYqNbBoA/viewform

Stef's Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3S3UIOXHPLYVT?ref=cm_sw_sm_r_un_un_t4jSaxtQHpyeL

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

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March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and in this episode of I've Got Guts, Stef and Lauren break down what endometriosis actually is…and why it’s still so misunderstood.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people worldwide, yet the average diagnosis takes 7–10 years. We talk about why diagnosis takes so long, common misconceptions doctors still have, and how symptoms can go far beyond painful periods.

In this episode we cover:

• Endometriosis symptoms many people don’t expect

• The gut health connection (IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)

• Why imaging often doesn’t detect endometriosis

• Excision vs ablation surgery and why the difference matters

• Insurance barriers and access to proper care

• Stef’s personal diagnosis and fertility journey

The more we talk about endometriosis, the more people can recognize symptoms, seek answers sooner, and advocate for proper care.

Endometriosis Foundation of America - https://www.endofound.org

Endometriosis Association - https://endometriosisassn.org

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

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