Empowered EDS
Empowered EDS
Podcast Description
Empowered EDS: Your Path to Living Well with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Chronic Illness
For those of you living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and other chronic health conditions or supporting someone who does, you know it’s more than just a diagnosis—it’s a journey. Hosted by Lauren Prince, MSW, FDN-P, and Jason Cole, DPT, founders of Connective Wellness, Empowered EDS is here to provide compassionate, expert guidance for managing EDS symptoms and the complex realities of living with a connective tissue disorder.
Lauren intimately understands the personal challenges of EDS, having spent decades navigating symptoms without answers and struggling to understand her own body. Jason, a specialist in hypermobility and EDS care, brings deep professional expertise and a passion for helping patients better understand how to care for themselves. Together, they blend personal experience with in-depth training and evidence-based insights to offer you a new perspective on living well with EDS!
Each episode of Empowered EDS explores holistic, sustainable approaches to chronic illness, from lifestyle medicine and pain management to mental health support and community-building. We’ll cover topics like finding the right EDS treatment options, coping with chronic pain and fatigue, understanding the EDS diagnosis process, and creating a personalized path to resilience. Expect to hear from medical experts, community members, and advocates who share tips, strategies, and heartfelt stories for thriving with EDS.
Empowered EDS isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about empowering you to take control of your health and connect with others who understand. Join us on this journey toward greater well-being, because no one should have to face EDS alone.
Subscribe to Empowered EDS for actionable insights, uplifting stories, and a supportive community dedicated to helping you live your best life with EDS!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on holistic, sustainable approaches to managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, with episodes covering topics such as physical activity for chronic illness management, the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, nutrition for connective tissue health, and the emotional aspects of living with chronic pain. Theme examples include practical exercise strategies tailored for EDS and the integration of lifestyle modifications to improve overall well-being.
Empowered EDS: Your Path to Living Well with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Chronic Illness
For those of you living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and other chronic health conditions or supporting someone who does, you know it’s more than just a diagnosis—it’s a journey. Hosted by Lauren Prince, MSW, FDN-P, and Jason Cole, DPT, founders of Connective Wellness, Empowered EDS is here to provide compassionate, expert guidance for managing EDS symptoms and the complex realities of living with a connective tissue disorder.
Lauren intimately understands the personal challenges of EDS, having spent decades navigating symptoms without answers and struggling to understand her own body. Jason, a specialist in hypermobility and EDS care, brings deep professional expertise and a passion for helping patients better understand how to care for themselves. Together, they blend personal experience with in-depth training and evidence-based insights to offer you a new perspective on living well with EDS!
Each episode of Empowered EDS explores holistic, sustainable approaches to chronic illness, from lifestyle medicine and pain management to mental health support and community-building. We’ll cover topics like finding the right EDS treatment options, coping with chronic pain and fatigue, understanding the EDS diagnosis process, and creating a personalized path to resilience. Expect to hear from medical experts, community members, and advocates who share tips, strategies, and heartfelt stories for thriving with EDS.
Empowered EDS isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about empowering you to take control of your health and connect with others who understand. Join us on this journey toward greater well-being, because no one should have to face EDS alone.
Subscribe to Empowered EDS for actionable insights, uplifting stories, and a supportive community dedicated to helping you live your best life with 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 regulation influences physical stability.
You’re seeking hope and tools to help your body feel genuinely strong and supported.
In This Conversation The Monkey Body Method
Drew shares how he built a movement system from scratch, blending therapeutic strategies tailored to hypermobile bodies—no one-size-fits-all exercises here.
Variable Resistance Training
Discover why variable resistance is a game-changer for preventing joint overload and cultivating real, sustainable strength for EDS warriors.
Nervous System + Movement
Explore the often-overlooked link between nervous system regulation and stability, and learn techniques to down-regulate for safer, more effective practice.
Beyond Movement: Holistic Support
Nutrition, environment, and somatic awareness: how each element plays a pivotal role in creating a stable, resilient body.
The Power of Lived Experience
Drew’s own hypermobility story fuels every facet of his method—because sometimes the deepest expertise comes from firsthand experience.
Don’t Miss These Moments
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.
Standout Quotes
“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?’”
Resources & Next Steps
Connect with Drew & The Monkey Body
- 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.
Episode Timeline Timestamp Topic 00:00 Intro to The Monkey Body approach 02:54 Drew’s hypermobility journey 05:01 Incremental movement: why it matters 07:11 Safe cardiovascular endurance 11:16 Variable resistance training 17:12 Dynamic vs. rigid stability 21:19 Nervous system’s role in stability 28:06 Self-care as healthcare 35:14 Working with hypermobile bodies 38:15 Active body awareness practices 41:53 Integrating somatic approaches 45:32 Creating safety through movement Keywords for EDS Warriors
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome • hypermobility • therapeutic movement • somatic therapy • nervous system regulation • dynamic stability • variable resistance • trauma-informed practice
A Note from Your Hosts
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!
Disclaimer
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