It Takes Guts

Join us for the final episode of the season. Jake, Ruth and Christine pretty much chat shit for an hour, discuss a very important question, drop some major news and of course finish on a funny story courtesy of Jake.

All the gang is back together to talk about a popular subject, DATING! Having IBD and dating can be a mind field, never knowing how to explain your illness, when to bring it up and the anxiety it can bring.

On Episode #8 Ruth and Jake chat with Liam Robertson about his journey with Colitis. He only went and wrote a book about it! Liam's book is available to order on Amazon - More Than Meets The Eye: Living with Ulcerative Colitis.

An episode to get your teeth in to! Join Ruth, Christine and guest Ziyad (The Grumbling Gut) covering an array of subjects. Ziyad really dishes out some interesting facts about disordered eating, difficult diagnosis, medical wisdom, miss information on the internet, support networks and help educating the IBD community. Settle in for a jam packed episode! @thegrumblinggut @mike_and_me7717 @the.bright.sideee

This week Christine and Ruth sit down to chat about another taboo topic, periods and how they impact IBD. From delayed puberty, periods poops, endometriosis, awkward examinations with doctors, bum pain, and uterus repositioning…these pair don’t hold back on this topic! Please note, the girls had some technical issues when recording, so sorry for some sound fluctuation. Reach out to us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod or individually if you wish: Christine - @the.bright.sideee Ruth - @mike_and_me7717

After a short break, the team are back discussing how to deal with IBD at work. Everything from day to do management to opening up to your employer. If nothing else, this recording really helped one member of the team figure some stuff out at work! Reach out to us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod or individually if you wish: Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy Ruth - @mike_and_me7717  

Ever felt like you've forgotten something? Or like you have trouble focusing? This is likely to be due to what is known as brain fog. In this episode Christine explains all and the team discuss their personal experience with this subject. We recorded this episode in an evening instead of our usual morning and . . . . it shows! We're all tired and our thought patterns have seen better days. It was ironic that we chose this subject in an evening but it worked out well as you can hear brain fog in all it's glory Reach out to us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod or individually if you wish: Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

It's the first interview of season 2 and its with the Man of the moment, Craig Weaver. Known best in the community for his Instagram page @driventofightuk Darren & Ruth sat down with Craig to discuss all things from symptoms & diagnosis, mental wellbeing and of course, how Craig raises awareness in such a unique fashion. Another open and honest account of the journey that so many of us have suffered in silence through. Let Craig's story inspire you to take more positive steps in your own life. Reach out to us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod or individually: Craig - @driventofightuk Darren - @darrendoesjokes Ruth - @mike_and_me7717

Jake , Christine & Darren discuss who are the people that help them through living with IBD and who they think are the best people to reach out to if you need advice or someone to listen to you. This is a shorter episode than usual but we wanted to put it out as a standalone episode because its such an important topic. Reach out to us if you need us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

The first episode of season 2 and the first with all 4 co hosts - Darren, Christine, Jake & Ruth We discuss when we each had difficulties talking about what we were living through but also how we each got to a place in our journeys where we have the confidence to talk openly and share on the internet. We hope  that this episode gives you the encouragement to open up and talk to someone about what life is like with Crohn's, Colitis or any long term illness for that matter. Reach out to us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod or individually if you wish: Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy Ruth - @mike_and_me7717  

We're back on Tuesday 4th January! We just wanted to put this little trailer out there to get you excited for season 2. Just a brief update as to why we've been away for so long and what you've got to look forward to in the coming months. We can't wait to be back in your ear holes bringing knowledge and laughter. 

It's Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week 2021 and It Takes Guts and Crohn's & Colitis UK have teamed up to bring you this very special episode to help spread awareness. Darren sat down with Andy Smith to have another discussion about all things Crohn's & Colitis. We talk about dealing with the mental side of these conditions and Andy offers Darren some tips on being a new dad and managing IBD. As always, an embarrassing story and lots of laughs too. Thanks to Crohn’s & Colitis UK for setting this up and thanks to Andy for his time as always Remember that your story matters – you can head to https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/awareness-week-2021 to see everything that’s happening across the week, and share your story with the Crohn’s & Colitis UK community at https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/share-your-story

Darren sits down and talks to MMA fighter, bare knuckle boxer and tri-athlete, Rico Franco. Rico has a diagnosis of Colitis and has had surgery which has resulted in a stoma and colostomy bag. Rico talks about his elite mindset about how he managed to get be BKB World Super Middleweight Champion. Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Rico - @ricofrancobkb Darren - @darrendoesjokes

This week the team sat down and spoke to Ailish Evans AKA Little Miss Colitis. They heard Ailish's IBD journey, how her diagnosis came about and how she ended up with a stoma. This is another feel good and positive episode which is centred around what essentially is very turbulent battle. To keep you all smiling, Ailish shares a couple of embarrassing stories and reveals something we guarantee no one has ever thought to do with a stoma! Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Ailish - @littlemisscolitis Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

Jake & Darren sit down with Liam Lambert to talk about his IBD story. Liam has a diagnosis of Crohn's and has recently had his large bowel removed (just 4 weeks ago!). He will be taking part in the Great North Run in September so please show him your support. Liam also shares a few embarrassing stories which we always love. Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Liam - @ibdliam Jake - @jakesteerscomedy Darren - @darrendoesjokes  

Darren & Christine answer more of your questions. Everything from how to deal with bloating to staying motivated. We also read out another embarrassing story sent in  from a listener. Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee

This week the team sit down and talk to Annabel about her journey with UC. She has very recently had a subtotal colectomy and speaks very openly, honestly and positively about it which is so inspiring to hear. As standard she also shares an embarrassing story which we don't think we will hear anything like again!  Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Annabel - @body_by_belle Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

This week the team sit down Sarah O'Connor and hear her story. Sarah is recently diagnosed with indeterminate IBD but her mum has been battling Crohn's Disease since the late 90's so she has a lot of experience with IBD in her day to day life. She has recently done some amazing fundraising work for The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn's Disease by walking 5k per day throughout the month of May raising over €1000. She also shares a customary embarrassing story which doesn't disappoint. Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Sarah - @saraho_connor_ Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

*A few audio issues on this episode but bear with it, it’s worth it* Jake, Darren & Christine discuss how to deal with the fatigue that comes along with IBD. They talk about what they individually do to help and also there is some input from listeners via Instagram. In this episode, Jake also reveals that he has visited some very questionable doctors in his time. Listen to the end of the episode to find out how to be in with a chance to win your very own It Takes Guts Podcast T-Shirt! Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee Jake - @jakesteerscomedy

Christine & Darren talk about how diet can affect the symptoms of IBD. They also discuss what foods trigger their own symptoms and how the best way may be to find your own. Whether you use the trail and error method or seek the advice of a dietician, your diet is an important part of your journey with IBD. Keep an eye on what you are consuming and take note when something doesn't agree with you. Find us on Instagram @ittakesgutspod Darren - @darrendoesjokes Christine - @the.bright.sideee