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

• Website & social links

• Deep dive into variable resistance training for hypermobility

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: dr.jessicaleavell@gmail.com

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