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.

• 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 regulation influences physical stability.

• You’re seeking hope and tools to help your body feel genuinely strong and supported.

Drew shares how he built a movement system from scratch, blending therapeutic strategies tailored to hypermobile bodies—no one-size-fits-all exercises here.

Discover why variable resistance is a game-changer for preventing joint overload and cultivating real, sustainable strength for EDS warriors.

Explore the often-overlooked link between nervous system regulation and stability, and learn techniques to down-regulate for safer, more effective practice.

Nutrition, environment, and somatic awareness: how each element plays a pivotal role in creating a stable, resilient body.

Drew’s own hypermobility story fuels every facet of his method—because sometimes the deepest expertise comes from firsthand experience.

• 02:54 – Drew’s Story: “I had to figure out what my body actually needed, not what textbooks said.”

• 11:16 – Variable Resistance Breakthrough: Why it shields joints and builds strength where it matters.

• 21:19 – Nervous System Stability: Linking emotional safety to physical integrity—rethink “core strength.”

• 35:14 – Hypermobile Real Talk: Navigating the day-to-day challenges and victories.

• 45:32 – Dynamic Safety: Designing movement experiences that cultivate true confidence in your body.

“Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery.” “Community support enhances the healing journey.” “Innovation happens when we stop accepting ‘this is just how it is’ and start asking, ‘What if there’s a better way?’”

Connect with Drew & The Monkey Body

• The Monkey Body

• IG @themonkeybody

• Youtube @themonkeybody

Topics Covered

• Somatic movement in trauma recovery

• Incremental progression for chronic conditions

• Safe cardiovascular training for EDS

Stay Connected Subscribe to Empowered EDS on your favorite podcast platform, and join our thriving community redefining strength for hypermobile bodies.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome • hypermobility • therapeutic movement • somatic therapy • nervous system regulation • dynamic stability • variable resistance • trauma-informed practice

Every conversation reminds us of our mission: to offer movement that feels empowering, never depleting. Whether you’re new to therapeutic movement or searching for fresh strategies, Drew’s lived experience and innovative method bring hope that your body can feel supported and strong.

Remember: you’re not broken—you just need approaches built for your body.

Lauren, Jason & the Connective Wellness Team Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear how Drew’s insights resonate with your journey—reach out anytime!

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 Dr. Leavell offer practical tools and perspectives on cultivating self-compassion, emotional resiliency, and a deeper sense of hope along the healing journey.

Key Takeaways

• Mind-body therapy can transform how individuals respond to chronic illness.

• Understanding the nervous system fosters hope and clarity.

• Medical trauma and gaslighting are common but often overlooked.

• A strong, supportive care team is essential for long-term healing.

• Self-compassion and mindfulness are powerful tools for navigating pain.

• Emotional awareness helps break cycles of generational trauma—especially in parenting.

• Empathy in healthcare can profoundly impact patient experiences.

Sound Bites

• “I think that’s huge.”

• “I believe you.”

• “It takes practice.”

Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Mind-Body Therapy 02:50 – Understanding Chronic Illness and Pain 06:07 – The Journey to Healing: Personal Experiences 09:02 – Building a Supportive Team 11:53 – The Role of Trauma and Fear in Chronic Illness 15:04 – The Importance of Compassion and Self-Care 17:56 – Psychological Challenges in Chronic Illness 20:58 – Parenting and Generational Trauma 24:52 – Understanding Emotional Development in Children 26:56 – The Impact of Parenting Styles on Emotional Health 28:54 – The Emotional Toll of Medical Gaslighting 32:24 – Navigating the Complex Healthcare System 34:52 – The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare 38:51 – Building Empathy in Medical Practice 42:48 – Tools for Emotional Resiliency and Self-Compassion

Connect with Dr. Jessica Leavell, PhD Website: drjessicafindinglight.com Email: [email protected]

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 form of self-care. You'll also hear about the healing impact of community and the quiet strength found in online support spaces. This heartfelt conversation wraps with a gentle invitation: reach out and create one new connection today.

Key Takeaways:

• Social connection supports both emotional and physical health.

• Chronic illness often brings challenges like isolation and misunderstanding.

• Women tend to seek social connection more than men, but everyone needs it.

• Communicating your needs clearly is essential for sustaining relationships.

• Friendships naturally evolve; not all are meant to last forever.

• Releasing toxic relationships creates space for nourishing ones.

• Online communities can be lifelines of understanding and support.

• Even one small act of connection can be deeply meaningful.

Sound Bites:

"We need connection." "Loneliness is an epidemic." "You don't look sick."

Chapter Guide: 00:00 – Why Social Connection Matters 03:37 – Chronic Illness and the Experience of Isolation 05:56 – Gender and Social Connectivity 09:33 – Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity in Friendship 15:05 – Community as a Key to Well-being 20:57 – How Social Media Shapes Our Connections 25:32 – What Builds a Genuine Relationship 28:49 – Emotional Needs and Relationship Dynamics 31:12 – Getting Clear on Personal Needs & Boundaries 34:32 – How to Communicate More Openly 37:44 – From Isolation to Connection 40:53 – Releasing Toxic Relationships 44:07 – Finding and Cultivating Supportive Community 47:48 – Taking the First Step to New Connections 54:26 – Self-Discovery Through Authentic Relationships

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 better sleep was the missing link in your wellness journey? In this illuminating episode, Lauren Prince and Dr. Jason Cole take a deep dive into the often-overlooked pillar of health: sleep. Together, they unpack the impact of disrupted sleep on people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), share actionable strategies to improve sleep hygiene, and highlight how fatigue can become a chronic companion without proper rest.

Whether you’re tossing and turning every night or wondering how to set up the perfect sleep environment, this conversation offers compassionate, real-life guidance and introduces a new sleep specialist who’ll bring fresh expertise to future episodes.

• Sleep is foundational to recovery, health, and daily function.

• Non-restorative sleep is a common struggle for people with EDS.

• Simple sleep hygiene practices (like routine and environment tweaks) can make a big impact.

• Your sleep environment—temperature, light, noise—matters more than you think.

• Magnesium and other natural supplements may support better sleep.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can offer long-term help for insomnia.

• Tracking your sleep can reveal patterns and triggers worth addressing.

• Addressing underlying health concerns is vital for sleep quality.

• Small, consistent lifestyle changes lead to big improvements over time.

00:00 – The Importance of Sleep 11:14 – Challenges of Sleep in EDS 15:31 – Improving Sleep Quality 24:15 – Common Sleep Challenges for Chronic Illness 31:04 – Addressing Fatigue and Sleep Disorders 33:21 – Introducing a Sleep Specialist 35:02 – Welcome to Empowered EDS 35:06 – Health and Wellness Insights

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, personalized wellness strategies, and how to tune into your body’s unique sensitivities and thresholds.

Whether you’re navigating mast cell activation, chronic fatigue, or simply trying to reduce your toxic load, this episode offers empowering, real-life tools to help you move toward balance.

You’ll walk away with insight, clarity, and a deeper understanding of how mindful shifts in your daily environment can support your nervous system, lower inflammation, and foster a more resilient body.

Key Takeaways:

• Substances like tobacco and alcohol can worsen chronic symptoms and hinder healing.

• The total body burden concept explains how cumulative exposures—from air quality to skincare—can affect connective tissue disorders like EDS.

• Environmental toxins and histamines often add to invisible health stressors.

• Identifying personal triggers is essential for managing chronic inflammation.

• A gentle, low-tox lifestyle supports nervous system regulation and long-term wellness.

• Small, consistent changes often lead to sustainable progress.

Sound Bites:

• “Water can be a risky substance too.”

• “Air quality in our homes matters.”

• “Cumulative burden affects our health.”

Chapter Breakdown: 00:00 – Social Navigation: Birthday Parties & Community Connections 00:25 – Lifestyle Health & Understanding Risky Substances 17:58 – Total Body Burden: Environmental & Product-Based Toxins 27:52 – Balance Over Perfection: Personalized, Sustainable Wellness 32:51 – A Look Ahead: Empowered EDS Insights & Reflections

SEO-Friendly Title Options:

• Reducing Toxins with EDS: Total Body Burden & Chronic Illness Tips

• Chronic Illness & Low-Tox Living: A Functional Health Approach

• EDS, Alcohol & Histamine: Exploring Invisible Triggers

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 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:

• Stress management is foundational in lifestyle medicine, especially for EDS and chronic conditions.

• Individuals with EDS often face invisible and compounding stressors that deserve validation.

• Chronic stress isn’t just emotional—it creates real physiological responses that can increase pain and inflammation.

• Awareness is the first step in transforming your relationship with stress.

• Self-care is not one-size-fits-all—your body knows what it needs.

• Meaningful, supportive relationships can act as a buffer against daily stress.

• Even “positive” stress can take a toll on your body.

• You don’t need to earn rest or wellness through resilience.

• 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

Empowered EDS Podcast 🎙️ Episode Title: The Power of Nutrition in EDS & Chronic Illness

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 body’s cues. The hosts discuss food preparation techniques, the role of collaborative care, and why teaching children about nutrition is key to lifelong health.

The episode wraps up with an inspiring call to prioritize self-care and embrace the ongoing journey of understanding your unique health needs.

✅ Nutrition is foundational—it’s often the first focus in EDS care. ✅ Elimination diets can reveal food triggers and promote gut health. ✅ The Total Gut Reset program offers tailored nutrition support. ✅ How you prepare food matters—it can impact gut health and symptoms. ✅ Listening to your body is key to managing nutrition effectively. ✅ Rest and recovery are just as vital as diet in overall wellness. ✅ Educating children about nutrition fosters long-term health. ✅ Collaborative care leads to better outcomes in chronic illness management. ✅ Personalized nutrition is essential—what works for one person may not work for another. ✅ Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

🎧 "Listen to your body's cues." 🎧 "Food is medicine." 🎧 "Self-care is not selfish."

⏱️ 00:00 | Introduction to Nutrition and Chronic Illness ⏱️ 00:52 | The Total Gut Reset Program ⏱️ 05:42 | Understanding Elimination Diets ⏱️ 10:47 | The Role of Food Preparation ⏱️ 15:29 | Listening to Your Body’s Cues ⏱️ 20:06 | Nutrition as Medicine ⏱️ 25:25 | Demystifying Dietary Changes ⏱️ 34:57 | Understanding Gut Health and Nutrition ⏱️ 42:47 | Collaborative Care in Health and Nutrition ⏱️ 48:19 | The Individuality of Nutrition and Health ⏱️ 53:42 | Navigating Hormonal Health ⏱️ 53:43 | The Impact of Early Health Decisions ⏱️ 01:02:53 | The Importance of Rest and Self-Care ⏱️ 01:09:09 | Introduction to Empowered EDS ⏱️ 01:09:13 | Health and Wellness Insights

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, chronic pain, or fatigue, this episode provides adaptable exercise recommendations that work with your body, not against it.

Show Notes: 

Physical activity is an essential part of managing chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), but for many, movement can feel overwhelming due to chronic pain, joint instability, and fatigue. In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren and Jason, explore how to incorporate movement in a way that supports, rather than stresses, the body.

The discussion explores the importance of finding pain-free movement, the mental health benefits of staying active, and how to integrate exercise with other lifestyle pillars like nutrition and sleep. We also highlight the role of proprioception in reducing dislocations and improving stability, and share practical strategies for adapting movement to different ability levels.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why movement matters for chronic illness management ✔️ How to find safe, pain-free movement that supports joint stability ✔️ The mental health benefits of physical activity for EDS ✔️ Proprioception—what it is and how it helps prevent dislocations ✔️ How to adapt movement routines during flare-ups without losing progress ✔️ The importance of an individualized approach—why tailored exercise programs work best ✔️ How to create simple, sustainable movement habits that fit into daily life

✅ Physical activity is essential for managing chronic conditions, but it must be adapted to the individual. ✅ Finding pain-free movement is crucial—never push through pain. ✅ Gentle engagement is still beneficial, even during flare-ups. ✅ Mental health improves with regular physical activity. ✅ Movement works best when integrated with nutrition, sleep, and stress management. ✅ Proprioception training helps improve body awareness and prevent dislocations. ✅ Small movements make a big difference—starting simple increases long-term consistency. ✅ Adapting movement routines during flare-ups helps maintain progress without causing setbacks.

🔹 00:00 – The Importance of Physical Activity in Chronic Illness Management 🔹 07:51 – The Mental Health Benefits of Movement 🔹 11:34 – Understanding Proprioception & Its Role in EDS Management 🔹 17:22 – How Exercise Can Help Manage Dislocations & Subluxations 🔹 20:18 – Individualized Assessment & Tailored Movement Plans 🔹 23:34 – Creating Sustainable Routines for Physical Activity 🔹 27:50 – Adapting Movement During Flare-Ups 🔹 32:33 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement to Start Small

🎙️ "Never push through pain." 🎙️ "Keep it simple." 🎙️ "Try something small this week."

🔔 Next Episode Preview: Next week, we dive into nutrition for EDS, discussing how the right foods can support connective tissue health and inflammation management. Don’t miss it!

📢 If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this information!

Did you know that small, daily lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on managing chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren Prince, MSW, FDN-P, explores Lifestyle Medicine—an evidence-based approach that prioritizes holistic, long-term health strategies over symptom management alone. She breaks down the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, explaining how nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connection can help EDS patients feel stronger, more resilient, and more in control of their health.

Lauren shares personal insights and real-world applications of these pillars, offering practical strategies for those looking to improve their well-being despite the challenges of a chronic condition.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What Lifestyle Medicine is and how it differs from traditional medical approaches ✔️ How anti-inflammatory nutrition supports connective tissue and reduces symptoms ✔️ The role of low-impact, strength-focused movement in pain management ✔️ Why restorative sleep is a game-changer for chronic illness ✔️ How stress and inflammation are connected—and simple techniques to manage them ✔️ The impact of social connection on mental and physical health ✔️ Why avoiding risky substances (like alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications) is crucial for EDS management

✅ Lifestyle Medicine is a science-backed, whole-person approach to chronic illness management. ✅ The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine provide a powerful framework for improving health and quality of life with EDS. ✅ Nutrition plays a foundational role in reducing inflammation and supporting connective tissue. ✅ Movement matters, but it must be tailored to each individual’s needs—gentle, low-impact, and designed for EDS-friendly strength-building. ✅ Restorative sleep is essential for healing and managing fatigue. ✅ Stress management techniques (like mindfulness and breathwork) can dramatically reduce symptom flares. ✅ Avoiding harmful substances (including certain medications) can prevent worsening symptoms. ✅ Community and connection play a huge role in emotional and physical resilience. ✅ Small, sustainable changes lead to significant long-term health benefits. ✅ Understanding your individual triggers is key to effective EDS management.

🔹 00:00 – Introduction to Empowered EDS 🔹 00:25 – Understanding Lifestyle Medicine & Why It Matters 🔹 05:45 – The Importance of Physical Activity in EDS Management 🔹 17:12 – Nutrition’s Role in Connective Tissue Health 🔹 25:01 – How Nutrition Impacts Inflammation & Pain 🔹 27:19 – Why Restorative Sleep is Essential for Healing 🔹 33:11 – Stress Management Techniques to Reduce Symptoms 🔹 38:14 – Avoiding Risky Substances & Their Impact on Chronic Illness 🔹 41:51 – The Power of Social Connection & Emotional Well-Being 🔹 45:53 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps

🎙️ "The gut is your core." 🎙️ "You can't just eat a salad." 🎙️ "Sleep is a form of torture."

🔔 Don't Miss Future Episodes! Next week, we’re diving deep into nutrition for EDS, exploring how specific nutrients support connective tissue health and reduce inflammation. Don’t miss it!

📢 If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this information!

Links:

American College of Lifestyle Medicine 

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 address the unique needs of hypermobility patients. Together, they founded Connective Wellness, a pioneering clinic offering integrative, patient-centered care for complex connective tissue disorders. In this episode, they break down their holistic approach to managing EDS, centered on six core lifestyle pillars: ✔️ Plant-based nutrition ✔️ Appropriate physical activity ✔️ Stress management ✔️ Restorative sleep ✔️ Social connection ✔️ Avoiding harmful substances 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why it takes so long for EDS patients to get a diagnosis—and how we can change that ✔️ How Lauren and Jason’s personal and professional experiences shaped Connective Wellness ✔️ The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and why they’re crucial for managing EDS ✔️ A sneak peek into future episodes covering topics like fatigue management, pain relief strategies, and expert interviews 🔔 Don't Miss Future Episodes! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs it. Many patients call Empowered EDS "the resource I wish I'd found years ago." ✨ Next week, we’ll take a deep dive into The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and how they can help you thrive with EDS.