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.

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Earlier this season, we interviewed Dr. Maggie Benham from Chosen Spot Chiropractic Care, and then we did something unexpected…we booked appointments ourselves.

In this follow-up episode, we’re sharing our real experiences with upper cervical chiropractic care, muscle testing, and CBCT (Cone Beam CT) imaging…and how it connects to chronic illness, vagus nerve function, swallowing issues, and nervous system regulation.

We talk about:

• What our first chiropractic appointments were actually like

• The muscle testing that left us speechless

• Why we chose to get CBCT 3D imaging

• What our scans revealed

• How this relates to vagus nerve dysfunction, swallowing issues, motility problems, and chronic illness

• Why this felt validating…not scary

This isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about understanding structure, supporting nervous system communication, and breaking chronic patterns from a place of empowerment.

As always, this is our lived experience, not medical advice, ust two women navigating complex health out loud.

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.

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If you’ve used spoon theory to explain your energy, this episode explores what comes next.

We’re talking about the shift to energy economics: a physiological lens on chronic illness that looks at nervous system load, immune demand, hormones, inflammation, GI function, and pain as real energy costs.

Because this isn’t just fatigue. It’s biology.

We break down how energy economics shows up in gastroparesis, celiac disease, endometriosis, fertility treatment, and chronic inflammation…and why pushing through often leads to flares, crashes, and longer recovery.

This episode covers:

• The biology behind chronic illness fatigue

• Why pushing through backfires

• Nervous system and immune energy demand

• GI symptoms as an energy budgeting issue

• The emotional identity shift of living with limits

• What pacing actually looks like in real life

• How to explain your energy (spoons vs energy scale)

Your energy isn’t laziness. It’s physiology, and learning to work with it may be one of the most powerful forms of advocacy there is.

Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 percent off (Only until February 28, 2026) with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

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In this episode, we break down the science and lived experience behind surgery recovery with chronic illness. From immune suppression and autoimmune responses to stress, inflammation, and emotional support, healing doesn’t look the same when your body is already working overtime.

We talk about:

• Why surgery is trauma to the body…even when it’s considered “minor”

• How chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and fatigue impact healing timelines

• The role of inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system stress

• Why some people take longer to recover…and why that’s not a failure

• The emotional toll of comparing your healing to others

• How caregivers and support systems directly affect recovery outcomes

• What it means to trust your body’s timeline instead of rushing it

This conversation blends medical insight with real-life experience to validate what so many people feel after surgery: recovery with chronic illness is different. Slower. More layered. More complex. But still real healing.

If your body hasn’t “bounced back” the way people expected…this episode is for you.

Recovery isn’t a race. Your timeline is valid. And needing more time doesn’t mean your body is failing, it means it’s working harder than most people can see.

When Things Feel Heavy/A Place to Land: http://Laurenoreilly.org/register

Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

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Living with chronic or invisible illness often means constantly having to prove you’re “sick enough” to be believed…by doctors, workplaces, and even the people around you. In this episode, we talk about medical gaslighting, delayed diagnoses, workplace challenges, and the emotional toll of navigating life in a body that doesn’t always cooperate.

We share real experiences with gastroparesis, endometriosis, IVF, and intermittent flares, and why invisible doesn’t mean imaginary.

In this episode, we cover:

• Chronic illness and the pressure to prove symptoms

• Medical gaslighting and delayed diagnosis in women

• Invisible illness in the workplace and accommodations

• The gut–brain connection without minimizing physical illness

• Navigating gastroparesis, endometriosis, and IVF while working

• Why intermittent illness is still real, and deserving of support

You’re not exaggerating. You’re not alone. And you deserve to be believed.

Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 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:

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Surgery isn’t just physical…it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to prepare for surgery when fear, anxiety, and medical trauma are part of the experience.

Whether you’re facing surgery yourself, supporting someone who is, or carrying past medical experiences in your body, this conversation is for you.

We cover:

• How medical trauma and chronic illness affect the nervous system

• Why “rare complications” still leave real emotional scars

• Preparing for surgery mentally, emotionally, and physically

• The pressure to “bounce back” and why rest is part of healing

• Practical pre-op tips for calming anxiety and creating safety

• Mind–body tools for surgery (breathing, grounding, visualization)

• How therapy and mental health support can improve recovery

• Creating routines and small wins after surgery

This episode is a reminder that fear doesn’t mean you’re weak…it means your body is trying to protect you. And healing isn’t about being brave. It’s about being supported.

Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

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In this episode of Ive Got Guts!, Stef and Lauren sit down with Dr. Jason B. Carter, a board-certified urologist, to explore the powerful connection between gut health, bladder function, and hormone balance and why so many people struggle when these systems are not looked at together.

We dive into:

• How the gut and bladder connection works
• Why hormone balance is essential, especially for women
• The role of hormone therapy in overall well-being
• What gets missed when medicine only looks at one system
• Lifestyle habits that make the biggest difference long-term

You can find out more information about Dr. Jason B. Carter at the links below:

https://aeroflowurology.com/ https://aeroflowurology.com/jason-b-carter https://www.facebook.com/AeroflowUrology/ https://www.instagram.com/aeroflow_urology/

If you are navigating chronic symptoms or want a more complete view of your health, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight.

Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 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:

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Have you ever opened up about how hard things really are, only to hear, “Just stay positive” or “At least it’s not worse” , and walked away feeling shut down or guilty?

In this episode, we break down toxic positivity…what it is, why it shows up so often in chronic illness, healing, and personal growth spaces, and how it can quietly block emotional regulation and real healing.

We’re not here to cancel positivity. We’re here to make it real.

In this episode, we cover:

• What toxic positivity actually looks like

• How “good vibes only” can feel emotionally dismissive

• Why suppressing emotions creates shame, guilt, and anxiety

• Why pain doesn’t need to be “the worst” to be valid

• Healthier ways to support others…and yourself

• Simple tools to process hard emotions safely

Because real healing isn’t about pretending everything is fine…it’s about honesty, safety, and support. 💛

We are officially Cozy Earth obsessed. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are next-level soft — true luxury comfort.

✨ Get 41% off (their biggest discount anywhere!) with code IGG at CozyEarth.com. Plus: free shipping over $50, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, make sure to join our email list here:

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In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Tori (@toritriesit on TikTok), whose medical journey began before she was even born…and who wasn’t diagnosed with cystic fibrosis until her twenties. Tori shares what it was like growing up sick without answers, finally receiving a life-changing diagnosis, and navigating chronic illness while raising two children with their own medical challenges.

You may also recognize Tori from The Weakest Link, The Perfect Line (which she won!), and The Drew Barrymore Show…moments that reflect her humor, strength, and resilience.

This conversation is for anyone navigating:

• chronic illness

• late or missed diagnosis

• medical gaslighting

• motherhood and caregiving

• feeling overwhelmed, dismissed, or alone in their health journey

Tori’s story is a reminder that showing up, even when it’s hard, is its own kind of courage. 💛

We are officially Cozy Earth obsessed. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are next-level soft — true luxury comfort.

✨ Get 41% off (their biggest discount anywhere!) with code IGG at CozyEarth.com. Plus: free shipping over $50, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, make sure to join our email list here:

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If the new year has you feeling tired instead of inspired, this episode is for you.

We’re letting go of “New Year, New You” energy and choosing something far more sustainable…compassion, realignment, and gentle forward movement. Whether you’re navigating infertility, chronic illness, shifting relationships, burnout, or simply feeling unsure of what comes next, this conversation offers a grounded, supportive place to land..

In this episode, we talk about:

• Choosing compassion over correction

• Letting go of expectations, timelines, and old identities

• Setting boundaries without guilt

• Honoring your body, energy, and nervous system

• Moving forward without abandoning yourself

• Creating vision and alignment without shame or pressure

You don’t need to fix yourself.

You don’t need to rush.

You are not behind, you are becoming.

We are officially Cozy Earth obsessed. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are next-level soft — true luxury comfort.

✨ Get 41% off (their biggest discount anywhere!) with code IGG at CozyEarth.com. Plus: free shipping over $50, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, make sure to join our email list here:

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