In today’s powerful episode, I’m joined by Steph Hauser—writer, ultrarunner, and NICU mom of four—whose son Zev was born at just 23 weeks with only a 1% chance of survival. Steph opens up about what it was like to spend 147 days in the NICU, how she turned that pain into purpose through her nonprofit 4Those, and the healing journey that led her to run 147 miles—one for each day her son fought to live. We talk about the emotional toll of medical uncertainty, the unexpected crossover with the T1D community, and how a simple question—“Tell me what’s good?”—can help shift even the darkest moments. Steph’s story is a reflection of what’s possible when we choose to rise, not just for ourselves but for others walking similar paths. Her voice is a reminder that even if it feels like the end, your story still has so much life, strength, and hope left to unfold. 

Timestamps:

• [01:19] Introduction to today’s episode and guest 
• [06:08] The NICU journey: Zev’s birth story 
• [07:29] “We can hold both the grief and the joy.” 
• [10:39] Facing the impossible: Decisions in the NICU 
• [13:55] “Tell me what’s good” 
• [20:39] What kept them going & hopeful
• [49:40] Steph’s next challenge: 1,470 miles for hope 
• [53:09] Running for a cause: The journey of endurance 
  
  

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 
3. Follow Steph’s Journey: https://www.4those.org/ & on Instagram! 
4. To simplify your supply ordering process, learn more about Byram Health HERE or contact them at: 866-884-0857 

In this episode of Reclaim Your Rise, I sit down with the legendary Dr. Jay Skyler, whose six decades of work have profoundly shaped the world of type 1 diabetes care. From challenging outdated pregnancy guidelines in the 1970s to pioneering immune intervention and islet transplantation trials, Dr. Skyler’s story is a living blueprint of how far we’ve come. We discuss the early days of research, the development of insulin dosing algorithms, and the quiet revolutions that transformed the lives of people with T1D. This conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of persistence, legacy, and striving for something greater than ourselves.

Quick Takeaways:

• Pioneering some of the most profound research & advancements in T1D: From shifting outdated pregnancy guidelines to developing foundational insulin dosing algorithms.
• Future directions for the care and management of type 1 diabetes: What’s next in research, treatment, and patient-centered innovation.
• The closest update we have on a cure: What’s holding us back—and how each of us can play a role in moving the needle forward.

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 
3. Stay connected to Dr. Skyler & DRI’s latest cure-focused research by subscribing to their newsletter HERE. 

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with someone who’s been here since day 1 and one of my biggest sources of love and strength—my Grandma Jane. We talk about what it was like for her when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven, and how she and my grandpa stepped in with so much courage and care, despite not knowing anything about T1D at first. Grandma shares the moments that shaped her experience—learning to give me shots, treating lows, and being a constant advocate by my side. Whether you’re a grandparent, a parent, or simply someone who loves a T1D warrior, I know this conversation will truly touch your heart.

Quick Takeaways:

• The impact a type 1 diabetes diagnosis has on the *entire* family 
• Learning to be a T1D grandparent (and accepting it) 
• How to cope with the mental + emotional struggles that come along with a T1D diagnosis in the family 

Timestamps:

• [02:57] Meet Grandma Jane & her profound backstory 
• [12:53] “It's a different world today… We were expected to be adults, to move out, and start our lives.”
• [17:06] “Mommy was on the phone crying telling me that you got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes…” 
• [19:31] Navigating the early days post diagnosis 
• [20:33] Learning to be a T1D grandparent: “I made up my mind, nope, this is it. I'm going to learn how to do this.”
• [26:37] The nightmare of their first Thanksgiving as a T1D family 
• [41:32] “More than anything I wanted a cure”
• [43:45] Grandma Jane’s advice for other T1D grandparents 

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Coach Lindsey from the Risely team to uncover nine surprising reasons why people with type 1 diabetes often feel exhausted—even when they're doing everything “right.” From hidden blood sugar variability and subtle dehydration to nutrient deficiencies and the cognitive fatigue of nonstop diabetes management, we dive into the physical, mental, and emotional tolls of T1D. Coach Lindsey shares real client experiences and practical insights to help you identify what might be draining your energy. We also explore how overlooked factors like morning caffeine habits, thyroid issues, and burnout can quietly sap your strength. If you're ready to stop guessing and start feeling more energized, this episode will point you toward the clarity and support you need.

Quick Takeaways:

• Understanding your energy levels is crucial for managing T1D 
• Impact of coffee (and cortisol) on blood sugar levels 
• The ‘non-clinical’ things contributing to exhaustion (that are in your control) 
• How to know if your tiredness is an underlying autoimmune condition  
• Diabetes burnout: How to know if you’ve hit that point and what to do if so

Timestamps:

• [01:11] Breaking down today’s conversation 
• [07:26] Prolonged high blood sugars + insulin resistance 
• [11:16] Blood sugar variability, even when you have a good A1C
• [16:00] How your morning coffee is impacting your BG 
• [20:43] What nutrients your body might be missing as a T1D 
• [24:18] Underlying autoimmune conditions or ‘sister conditions’ 
• [26:15] Constantly being tired doesn’t mean something is ‘clinically wrong’ with you
• [27:43] Are you dehydrated even if you are drinking water?  
• [30:12] The cognitive load + mental fatigue of T1D 
• [37:55] “The life burnout that happens that leads to diabetes exhaustion”

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 
3. Listen to Episode 121: T1D + Thyroid Health Dr. Sandra Sobel 

Being out of routine doesn’t have to mean being out of range—but it does require a more intentional approach, especially when it comes to managing blood sugars. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing 3 tips to help you keep your blood sugars more stable with food, even when you’re outside your kitchen. Whether it's a vacation, a golf trip, a bachelorette weekend, a backyard barbecue, or a shift from school to summer break for your child with T1D, these changes can make nutrition and blood sugar management more complex. We're here to remind you that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about making progress, staying intentional, and learning your patterns so you can move from a reactive to a proactive mindset. The #1 thing we hope you take away from this episode is that feeling good about your blood sugars while living with freedom and flexibility is absolutely possible.

Quick Takeaways:

• Lauren’s top three tips for keeping a stable blood sugar when she’s out of routine 
• How to identify your Minimum Viable Carb Count (MVC) 
• Living in a place of possibility versus limitation (and how to get there) 
• Being strategic with meal and snack/treat times to prevent BG spikes 
• Mindset shifts that are crucial for managing T1D out of your routine 

Timestamps:

• [02:43] #1. Defining your ‘MVC’ 
• [07:32] #2. Time the treats 
• [09:10] When you feel like T1D has made you the “no person” (or parent)
• [10:19] “Living more in possibility versus limitation" 
• [10:43] #3. Giving yourself permission slips 
• [13:34]  “If you feel like you are trying too hard to blend in…” 

What to do now:

1. Want to learn how to navigate diabetes distress with more clarity and support? Register here for our free webinar featuring Dr. Molly Tanenbaum, a clinical psychologist from Stanford University Medical School.

2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.

3. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

4. If you want to hear another episode like this: Listen to #75 (5 Tips for Optimal Blood Sugars When You're Out of Routine) 

If you've ever sat in a therapy session and thought, I love my therapist, but they just don't get diabetes–this episode is for you. Lauren sits down with Beth Leanna for a conversation that so many of you have been waiting for—what to do when your therapist doesn’t fully understand your Type 1 diabetes experience. Beth brings a rare blend of clinical and emotional insight, having worked for over a decade in endocrinology before becoming a therapist & starting her own practice. We talked about why the disconnect happens in therapy, how to advocate for yourself when you feel unseen, and what to look for in a provider who’s either T1D-informed or open to learning. We also explored the power of support beyond traditional therapy, like coaching, community, and education, and how those fill the gaps so many T1Ds experience. Whether you’re navigating an underwhelming therapy dynamic or just beginning your mental health journey, this episode is your reminder that your lived experience matters, and you deserve care that truly sees you. 

Quick Takeaways:

• The importance of emotional and mental support with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis (for patients and caregivers) 
• Disconnect between physical and mental health care providers & the power of collaboration in the medical field 
• Dealing with caregiver burnout AND burden: How to balance it all without feeling emotionally + physically drained 
• Finding the root of your T1D triggers
• Finding the right support as a T1D 

Timestamps:

• [02:46] How Beth went from being an endocrine nurse to opening her own therapy practice 
• [04:27] “As a nurse…you can take them so far, right? I needed to help people in a different way…”
• [06:22] What she’s learned about T1D in therapy that nursing never taught her
• [06:43] Overlapping theme seen with ALL the T1Ds in her life 
• [09:11] Disconnect between mental and physical health care providers 
• [11:38] Mental + mindset blocks that are holding T1Ds back 
• [14:41] “There have been times where I'm like, ‘who's gonna take care of me?’... We all feel that way.” 
• [16:33] “You have to put your oxygen mask on first before you can help someone else.”
• [20:48] Living a full life vs. being a ‘good diabetic’ 
• [30:23] The reality of telling a T1D: ‘You can't be perfect all the time. Maybe it's just accepting it in those moments.’

What to do now: 

1.  Get 10% off your first order and try Glow Gummies today for a smarter, more effective way to recover from lows.
2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
3. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 
4. Follow Beth on Instagram & learn more about her therapy practice here.

In this powerful episode, Risely coaching graduate Mary McCauley shares her story of being misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes when she was actually living with adult-onset Type 1 (LADA). From being dismissed by doctors to ending up in DKA and sent home with no insulin, her story highlights just how dangerous misdiagnosis can be. Mary opens up about the emotional toll, the turning point of finally receiving the correct diagnosis, and the journey of reclaiming confidence and ownership over her health. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, unsure of your diagnosis, or like something just isn’t adding up, this episode will empower you to ask the hard questions and trust your gut. You deserve to be heard, supported, and correctly diagnosed. 

Quick Takeaways:

• Navigating misdiagnosis  
• The damage of stereotypes & importance of diabetes education throughout the entire world: medical bias is real  
• Impact of the gaps in our healthcare system on people living with type 1 diabetes 
• How the right support can change everything 

Timestamps:

• [03:11] Mary’s journey begins: The first signs that something wasn’t right 
• [04:00] “I will never know actually when this journey started or how long my honeymoon phase really has been.”
• [08:22] "I was labeled as non-compliant during that time." 
• [10:05] “I still had never talked to an endocrinologist, like an actual endocrinologist, nobody had ever explained to me what all of this meant.” 
• [10:44] “I went home and I didn't ever test my blood sugar again. Because that's what I was told.”
• [17:10] The ER experience: Misdiagnosis & dismissal
• [19:00]"I was losing my vision, what's happening?"
• [27:09] Finally receiving the correct diagnosis 
• [29:53] “Being a LADA type one, it can feel a lot like you're in limbo.”
• [42:55] Advice for someone who thinks they have been misdiagnosed 
• [48:09] "You don't have to suffer more to be valid." 
• [50:58] “When we know better, we do better.” 

What to do now: 

1.  Get 10% off your first order and try Glow Gummies today for a smarter, more effective way to recover from lows.
2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
3.  Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

In this week’s episode, Lauren sits down with Alison Abate Black, a graduate of the DCB coaching program and a Type 1 diabetic of 25 years, for a deeply honest conversation about the fine line between grace and avoidance. Alison opens up about her journey from “winging it” with her diabetes to building real confidence with food—and how food freedom, while empowering at first, eventually started pulling her away from the goals that mattered most. Together, they explore what it means to give yourself too much grace, and how compassion without intention can become a quiet form of self-sabotage. As Alison prepares for pregnancy, she’s learning to redefine grace—not as permission to stay stuck, but as conscious, aligned choices that support her vision for long-term health. This episode is a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t a clean before-and-after—it’s a living, breathing process. If you’ve ever asked yourself whether the self-love you’re practicing is truly serving you, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Quick Takeaways:

• Finding Balance: Weight, Health, and Happiness
• Navigating Emotional Eating and Food Freedom
• Hidden Forms of Self-Sabotage

Timestamps:

• [03:09] What inspired Lauren to have Alison on: “just because I can dose for it doesn't mean that's what I need all the time.”
• [04:11] The beginning of Alison’s T1D journey 
• [04:39] “I never had a deep sense of control…’
• [05:26] “I kind of was like a status quo diabetic, but it always felt like I wanted to be more than that.”
• [09:58] Emotional eating:  “So I would eat and that would make me feel better…”
• [11:50] What managing eating a challenging meal looks like NOW 
• [16:04] “... Really it's like the diabetes version of a diet trap, right?”
• [20:48] Relatability over advice 
• [21:55] What sustainable changes she made to lower her A1C in the low 6.0’s for the last year & a half 
• [23:38] The conversations around pregnancy that completely changed her perspective

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

Episode Summary: 

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by someone incredibly close to the Risely heart. Bianca Volpetti, from our enrollment team was diagnosed with T1D diagnosis at age 31, just weeks before her wedding. Even though her sister had been living with T1D since childhood and she was in the best shape of her life, Bianca’s diagnosis completely rocked her world. Because matter how “healthy” or informed you are, diabetes changes everything. Like many of us, she tried to DIY her way through it… and learned the hard way just how isolating and overwhelming that path can be. Today, Bianca opens up about her lowest moments, what finally pushed her to say yes to support, and how coaching helped her not just stabilize her numbers—but truly reclaim her life. If you’ve been stuck in the belief that you should be able to figure this out on your own, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to wait until rock bottom to rise. 

Quick Takeaways:

• The importance of seeking support with your T1D (beyond your loved ones) 
• How T1D impacts your personal relationships 
• Navigating an adult diagnosis 
• Accepting the help you need

Timestamps:

• [03:20] Receiving her T1D diagnosis at 31 years old 
• [05:38] “I was in the ICU for four or five days and that is where my journey started.”
• [07:08] Growing up with a T1D sibling/ family member 
• [10:51] Finding Risely… with a plot twist
• [16:24] Hitting her breaking point & deciding it was time for help 
• [31:33] “We kind of allow ourselves to accept mediocrity because we have type one and… this is just how life has to be because I have this... We don't deserve to accept that.”
• [33:25] The most common blocks Bianca hears from other T1Ds 
• [34:32] Believing in yourself 
•  [38:15] Advice for someone on the fence about getting support 

What to do now: 

1.  Get 10% off your first order and try Glow Gummies today for a smarter, more effective way to recover from lows.
2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
3. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

Episode Summary: 

Today we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight—how I handle low time in range blood sugar days. I’m walking you through what happened, what I was feeling, and the 5 things I always do to reset—physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen my CGM graphs when I’m in range after eating pizza or a bagel, and while I love sharing those wins to show what’s possible, it’s just as important to keep it real when things don’t go as planned. We all have days when our numbers aren’t where we want them to be, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean we’re failing—it just means we’re human. If this episode resonates, share it with another T1D—you never know how far a little support can go on the hard days.

Quick Takeaways:

• First and foremost: EVERY T1D has bad blood sugar days, what matters is how you respond 
• How to get to a place where these days are more rare then they are normal   
• Lauren’s five steps for overcoming a bag blood sugar day 
• Why reflecting on these days is important & how to stop procrastinating it 
• Recognizing low TIR days as data to move forward *instead of* a reflection of failure 

Timestamps:

• [01:05] Introduction into today’s episode 
• [02:27] “It was purely a 100 % human error” 
• [03:07] Events leading up 
• [04:46] “Everything was good until Friday night…”
• [08:12] Reflections of the day 
• [09:31] “The thing that drives my A1C below six and my 80 to 90 % time in range is not…”
• [10:27] Debriefing/dissecting the 24-hour graph 
• [12:55] FIVE things that I always do after a tough blood sugar day
• [25:23] The 4 reasons we avoid reflection–and how to recognize them in yourself 

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. If you have blood sugar days like this more often than not and you’re tired of navigating this alone and want support, this is exactly what we can support you on inside our signature Group Coaching Program for women with diabetes–Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.