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

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