Finding Your Body’s True Strength with Drew Ricciardi of The Monkey Body
Empowered EDS
Finding Your Body’s True Strength with Drew Ricciardi of The Monkey Body When conventional workouts leave hypermobile bodies feeling weaker, not stronger, Drew Ricciardi’s personal journey led him to The Monkey Body Method—a holistic approach that honors the unique needs of EDS bodies. Who This Episode Is For You’ve been told to “just strengthen,” but you still feel unstable or hurt. Traditional gym routines make hypermobility symptoms worse. You want movement practices that work with your body’s flexibility, not against it. You’re curious about how nervous system...
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Healing Through Understanding: Mind-Body Therapy
Empowered EDS
Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered EDS Podcast, Lauren and Jason sit down with Dr. Jessica Leavell, PhD—a therapist and chronic illness advocate—to explore the complex connection between the mind and body in the context of long-term illness and pain. Dr. Leavell shares her personal journey with chronic illness and how it has deeply influenced her therapeutic approach. Together, they unpack the psychological toll of chronic conditions, the role of trauma and medical gaslighting, and the power of building a supportive care team. With honesty and empathy, Lauren and...
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The Power of Social Connections
Empowered EDS
Title: The Power of Social Connections Episode Summary: In this episode of Empowered EDS, we dive into the powerful role of social connection in supporting resilience and well-being—especially for those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other chronic illnesses. From navigating isolation to communicating emotional needs, the hosts explore the highs and lows of building and sustaining relationships when managing a chronic condition. Together, they unpack how gender may influence social connectivity, how friendships shift over time, and why letting go of toxic dynamics can be a...
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Sleep & EDS: How to Improve Sleep Quality and Fight Chronic Fatigue Naturally
Empowered EDS
Struggling with sleep while living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Empowered EDS Podcast, Dr. Jason Cole and Lauren Prince explore the essential connection between quality sleep and overall health—especially for those navigating chronic fatigue and complex conditions like EDS. From understanding why sleep feels elusive to uncovering practical lifestyle medicine approaches, this episode offers science-backed strategies, tips, and fresh insights (including an introduction to our new sleep specialist!) to help you reclaim restorative rest. What if...
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Risky Substances & Total Body Burden in EDS
Empowered EDS
Episode Title: Risky Substances & Total Body Burden in EDS Episode Summary: In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren Prince explores how everyday exposures—from tobacco and alcohol to household products and environmental toxins—can increase the total body burden for those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), chronic illness, and invisible conditions. Through the lens of holistic wellness and functional health, Lauren shares how even small, consistent exposures can lead to inflammation, dysregulation, and symptom flare-ups. She dives into the histamine bucket theory,...
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Navigating Stress and Self-Care with EDS
Empowered EDS
In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren Prince explores the deeply personal and often overlooked connection between stress, chronic illness, and healing. Through the lens of lifestyle medicine and mental health, Lauren dives into the unique stressors faced by those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and chronic illness. Together, we unpack how chronic stress impacts the body on a physiological level—fueling pain, inflammation, and emotional fatigue. Lauren shares how cultivating awareness, supportive relationships, and individualized self-care strategies can help shift how we carry...
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The Power of Nutrition in EDS & Chronic Illness
Empowered EDS
Empowered EDS Podcast 🎙️ Episode Title: The Power of Nutrition in EDS & Chronic Illness Episode Summary In this episode, Lauren Prince, Jason Cole, and Jess Toomey dive into the transformative role of nutrition in managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other chronic conditions. They introduce the Total Gut Reset program, explaining how elimination diets and personalized nutrition can help uncover food triggers and improve gut health. This conversation highlights the interconnectedness of diet, mental well-being, and lifestyle, reinforcing the importance of listening to your...
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Physical Activity for Chronic Illness Management
Empowered EDS
Managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other chronic conditions comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to staying active while avoiding pain, joint instability, and fatigue. But movement is essential—it strengthens muscles to stabilize joints, improves circulation, and boosts overall well-being. In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren and Jason, break down the role of physical activity in chronic illness management, offering practical, evidence-based strategies for incorporating safe, effective movement into daily life. Whether you're dealing with limited mobility,...
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The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine – A Holistic Approach to Managing EDS
Empowered EDS
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Why EDS Patients Deserve Better: A New Approach to Care
Empowered EDS
Did you know the average Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patient waits over 10 years for a proper diagnosis? If you've ever felt unheard by the medical community or struggled to find real solutions, you're not alone. In this inaugural episode of Empowered EDS, hosts Lauren Prince, MSW, FDN-P, and Jason Cole, DPT, introduce their mission to bring validation, education, and hope to those living with EDS and related conditions. Lauren shares her deeply personal journey—from years of unexplained symptoms to finally finding answers—while Jason reveals how his physical therapy practice evolved to...
info_outlineIn this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren Prince explores the deeply personal and often overlooked connection between stress, chronic illness, and healing. Through the lens of lifestyle medicine and mental health, Lauren dives into the unique stressors faced by those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and chronic illness.
Together, we unpack how chronic stress impacts the body on a physiological level—fueling pain, inflammation, and emotional fatigue. Lauren shares how cultivating awareness, supportive relationships, and individualized self-care strategies can help shift how we carry and respond to stress.
This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn't about pushing through—it’s about honoring what you need. Tune in for compassionate insights on managing stress, reframing resilience, and embracing the full spectrum of your emotional experience.
Key Takeaways:
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Stress management is foundational in lifestyle medicine, especially for EDS and chronic conditions.
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Individuals with EDS often face invisible and compounding stressors that deserve validation.
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Chronic stress isn’t just emotional—it creates real physiological responses that can increase pain and inflammation.
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Awareness is the first step in transforming your relationship with stress.
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Self-care is not one-size-fits-all—your body knows what it needs.
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Meaningful, supportive relationships can act as a buffer against daily stress.
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Even “positive” stress can take a toll on your body.
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You don’t need to earn rest or wellness through resilience.
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Happiness isn’t a choice—it’s a journey rooted in compassion, context, and connection.
Sound Bites:
“It’s not just in your head.”
“We shouldn’t just squash it all down.”
“It’s okay to feel every emotion.”
Chapters:
02:56 – The Impact of Chronic Illness on Stress
09:03 – The Complexity of Chronic Pain
14:54 – Building Positive Relationships for Stress Management
20:38 – Navigating Relationships with Chronic Illness
29:37 – The Burden of Resilience
37:43 – Choosing Happiness vs. Reality
42:50 – Introduction to Empowered EDS
42:55 – Health and Wellness Insights