What happens when your education and your intuition tell you one thing, but the medical system tells you another? Today on Chronic Brew, we’re sitting down with Amanda Hewitt—a trauma survivor, advocate, and the force behind the Chronic Illness Crew.

Amanda lives with a complex "alphabet soup" of conditions, including MCAS, PTSD, endometriosis, and chronic pain. But instead of letting medical gaslighting dim her fire, she leaned into what she calls her "audacity" to reclaim her narrative.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Audacity" Factor: How to trust your gut when doctors second-guess your reality.

• Mastering the Pivot: Why shifting your outlook isn't "giving up"—it's an essential survival skill.

• Community as Medicine: How Amanda’s virtual book club, Chronic Illness Crew, creates a sanctuary where nobody has to explain their symptoms.

• Finding Peace: Practical ways to protect your energy while advocating for yourself and others.

Whether you’re listening from bed, a waiting room, or your favorite cozy corner, this conversation is a reminder that you are the expert on your own body. Grab your favorite brew and join us!

• Join the Crew: @chronic.illness.crew.bookclub

• Follow Amanda on Instagram: @little.miss.undiagnosed

• Website: linktr.ee/little.miss.undiagnosed

• Follow us on Instagram: @mrcoolbeans2889

• Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mrcoolbean2

• Subscribe: Don’t forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast app!

In honor of National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day, The Chronic Brew is proud to present a conversation that defines the very heart of kidney advocacy. While the world turns its attention to the statistics of CKD this March, we are zooming in on the human spirit with our guest, LaVise McCray.

LaVise is a retired Special Education teacher and Sociology scholar who navigated a staggering 7.5-year marathon on dialysis. Her journey is a testament to the "long game" of kidney health. In this intimate "coffee table" session, she shares the raw reality of navigating the dialysis chair while grieving the loss of her husband three years prior to receiving her life-saving transplant in March 2023.

In this special Kidney Month feature, we discuss:

• Advocacy in Action: How LaVise uses her background in Psychology and Sociology to change the patient experience.

• The Power of Compliance: Finding the "inner grit" to stay on track during a 7.5-year wait.

• Grief and the Kidney Warrior: Navigating a health crisis after the passing of a spouse.

• Breaking the Silence on CBS: Bringing vital awareness to Charles Bonnet Syndrome (visual hallucinations) and its impact on those with vision loss.

• The Global Mission: Why LaVise’s work with the NJ Sharing Network and KidneyLyfe is essential for the future of transplant equity.

Whether you are listening during our March awareness events or discovering this years later, LaVise’s message is universal: Even when things feel impossible, hope is a practice.

Connect with our Guest:

• Mentor/Community Work: NJ Sharing Network, Quality Insights, & Lyfebulb.

• Follow LaVise: Instagram: @LDYBUG97 Facebook: @LaVise Ldybug McCray LinkedIn: @LaVise McCray

Celebrate National Kidney Month with us: If LaVise’s story inspired you, please help us spread awareness. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share this episode to help a fellow kidney warrior find their voice.

#WorldKidneyDay #NationalKidneyMonth #KidneyTransplant #DialysisWarrior #TheChronicBrew #OrganDonation #CKDAdvocacy #CharlesBonnetSyndrome #KidneyAction

What happens when the athlete’s body you’ve always relied on suddenly changes the rules?”

In today’s episode of Chronic Brew, we’re pulling up a chair with Tamie Gangloff—a therapist, educator, and author who navigates life with a unique "double-lens." Tamie joins us to share her powerful journey from competitive athlete to chronic illness patient, and her hard-won recovery from eating disorders, alcoholism, and mental health challenges.

We dive deep into the messy middle of healing, discussing:

• The Identity Shift: How to grieve your "former self" when chronic illness takes the lead.

• Rebuilding Body Trust: Making peace with a body that feels like it’s "glitching."

• The Wounded Healer: How lived experience transforms the way Tamie sits across from her clients.

• Redefining the Win: Why a "successful day" looks different when you're playing the long game of chronic recovery.

Whether you're in the thick of your own "wreckage" or looking for a spark of resilience, this conversation is the perfect brew of clinical expertise and raw human heart.

• Instagram: @authortamiegangloff
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamiegangloff/

• Website: TamieGangloff.com

• Resources & Books: Browse Tamie’s resilience-focused tools and recovery guides.

☕️ SPECIAL OFFER: Tamie is generously offering our listeners a discount on her resources! Use code COOL BEANS at checkout to save on your purchase.

Enjoyed this brew? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more honest conversations about life with chronic conditions. One sip at a time.

What happens when a top-tier heart surgeon decides that "fixing the plumbing" isn't enough? In this episode of The Chronic, we sit down with Dr. Bilal Ahmed, an interventional and structural cardiologist and the co-founder/CSO of Lylah Health.

Dr. Ahmed pulls back the curtain on the "invisible" gaps in our healthcare system—from the 20-year window where preventative care fails to the "Wild West" of the supplement industry. We discuss his philosophy of "meeting patients in the middle," how he’s bringing clinical rigor to wellness, and why empathy is the most important tool in a surgeon’s kit.

Whether you’re navigating a complex diagnosis or looking for the truth behind health supplements, this "coffee table" conversation offers a rare, human look at the man behind the mask.

• The First Sip: A high-energy game of Sweet or Bitter where Bilal weighs in on everything from biohacking to 15-minute doctor appointments.

• The Structural Gap: Why the medical system is great at emergencies but often leaves chronic patients behind.

• The Supplement Solution: Why Bilal stepped out of the OR to build Lylah Health and how to spot "hard science" vs. marketing hype.

• The Espresso Shot: A 30-second jolt of honesty where we find out the "human" side of a world-class surgeon.

• Final Advice: Bilal’s one piece of truth for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their health journey.

Dr. Bilal Ahmed is a renowned interventional and structural cardiologist. Beyond the operating room, he is a dedicated entrepreneur and the Chief Scientific Officer of Lylah Health, a company focused on bringing transparency and evidence-based science to the supplement space. He is a vocal advocate for patient-centered care and medical empathy.

• Lylah Health: https://lylahhealth.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lylahhealth/

Follow The Chronic Brew for more deep dives into the reality of long-term health. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Bilal Ahmed is a board-certified cardiologist, his appearance on this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship with the listener. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this program.

Conflict of Interest / Financial Disclosure: Dr. Bilal Ahmed is a Co-founder and the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Lylah Health. This podcast is not a sponsored advertisement for Lylah Health; however, listeners should be aware of this professional affiliation when health supplements or specific wellness products are discussed.

How do you navigate a "perfect storm" of health challenges for over 50 years? Today, we are joined by Beverly Meyer, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been a "medical detective" since the 1970s.

Managing her own diagnoses of Celiac, Hashimoto’s, and CVID, Beverly shares her unique perspective on using precision nutrition to handle complex conditions like CKD, MS, and POTS. We dive into the evolution of the Paleo diet, preventing illness progression, and the "no-nonsense" mindset required to stay persistent on the road to wellness.

• The 70s Medical Detective: Navigating chronic illness before the digital age.

• Paleo for Autoimmunity: Why ancestral nutrition is a powerful lever for inflammation.

• The Clinical Tightrope: Tailoring nutrition for the specific needs of CKD and POTS.

• Halting the "Snowball Effect": Using food to prevent the progression of illness.

• The Persistence Mindset: Moving from grief into high-agency research and action.

Please Note: The views and opinions expressed by Beverly Meyer are her own and represent her clinical experience and personal journey. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified medical provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment plan.

• Official Website: DietaryHack.com

• Podcast: Primal Diet – Modern Health

• Supplement Shop: On-Demand Clinical Resources

• Facebook: Beverly Meyer - Dietary Hack

• Instagram: @beverlymeyer_dietaryhack

What happens when your relationship with food becomes a medical battlefield?

For many in the chronic illness community, "normal" eating is complicated by more than just willpower—it’s tangled up in medical restrictions, clinical stereotypes, and a healthcare system that doesn't always see the full picture. In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we sit down with Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDSS, an international leader in the eating disorder field who brings a unique, "human-first" perspective to nutrition.

As an anthropologist and dietitian, Jessica helps us peel back the layers of why we eat the way we do. We dive deep into the intersection of chronic health and dysfunctional eating, exploring how to find a "peaceful" relationship with food when your body feels out of sync.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Anthropological Lens: How understanding our history as a species can remove the shame from our eating behaviors.

• The "Wellness" Trap: Distinguishing between medical necessity and the rise of Orthorexia.

• Advocacy & The Nutrition CARE Act: Why we are fighting to make nutrition counseling a standard, covered service for everyone.

• Medical Gaslighting: Navigating a system that often mislabels physical symptoms as "all in your head."

• Redefining Food Peace: What it looks like to find a neutral, sustainable way to eat while managing chronic illness.

Whether you're a patient navigating a complex diagnosis or a healthcare professional seeking a more compassionate approach, this "Coffee Talk" session is the jolt of clarity you've been looking for.

• Bio-Behavioral Nutrition: Why your brain chemistry and biology drive your hunger more than your "discipline."

• Access to Care: Breaking down the stereotypes of what an eating disorder "looks like."

• Advocacy: How to support legislation that ensures better recovery protection for all.

• Main Website: JessicaSetnick.com

• Advocacy Platform: IFEDD (International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians)

• Professional Training: Eating Disorders Boot Camp

[Disclaimer: This episode discusses eating disorders and dysfunctional eating behavior. The content is for educational and supportive purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please listen with self-care in mind.]

#ChronicBrew #JessicaSetnick #EatingDisorderRecovery #ChronicIllnessSupport #SpoonieLife #NutritionCareAct #FoodPeace #OrthorexiaAwareness #DietitianAdvocacy

When chronic illness enters a relationship, it often feels like an uninvited guest that takes up all the space at the table. But does a diagnosis have to mean the end of intimacy, joy, and connection?

In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we’re sitting down with Lisa Gray, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of the groundbreaking book, Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness. Lisa brings a unique "double-shot" of perspective to the show: she is a clinical expert in couples therapy and a fellow "spoonie" living with hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).

We dive deep into the first chapter of her book to discuss why communication is the ultimate lifeline, how to break out of the "caregiver vs. patient" trap, and how to protect your identity as a couple when the "how" of your life starts to change.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Sweet or Bitter: Lisa plays our signature icebreaker game, reacting to the relatable highs and lows of chronic life.

• The Communication Filter: Why "Chapter One" communication strategies are a game-changer for couples in crisis.

• Identity Protection: How to remember that your relationship is not your illness.

• The Espresso Shot Round: Rapid-fire advice for navigating flares, maintaining intimacy, and finding resilience.

About Our Guest: Lisa Gray, LMFT, is an author and therapist specializing in helping couples navigate the complexities of chronic illness. After a decade-long career as an air traffic controller, she transitioned into therapy to help others find calm in the turbulence of life. She is the author of Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness and Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple.

Connect with Lisa:

• Website: lisagrayauthor.com

• Clinical Practice: lisagraymft.com

• Instagram: @TherapyBookNook

Grab the Book: https://lisagrayauthor.com/books/thriving-in-a-relationship-when-you-have-chronic-illness-navigate-challenges-and-keep-your-relationship-strong-using-acceptance-and-commitment-therap-lisa-gray/9781648486081

Don't forget to subscribe to The Chronic Brew on Podbean so you never miss a fresh episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, leave us a review—it helps other "chronic couples" find the show!

Keep your spirits high and your coffee hot.

Are you tired of being told your labs are "normal" while you’re struggling to get out of bed? In Episode 17 of The Chronic Brew, Mr. Cool Beans welcomes Beth Mielbrecht, a specialized Health Detective who helps brilliant, intuitive people stop the guessing game.

Beth doesn't just look at symptoms; she investigates the "cold cases" of chronic illness using Digital Muscle Testing to find hidden imbalances. In this deep dive, we discuss how to stop seeing your body as the enemy and start using it as a "Google Map" to lead you back to wellness. If you’ve been searching for the missing piece to your health puzzle, this investigation is for you.

• The Detective’s Origin: How Beth transitioned from a health mystery of her own to helping others solve theirs.

• Digital Muscle Testing 101: A look at the non-invasive "talk" with your body's systems to find what bloodwork misses.

• Intuition as a Tool: Why people with chronic illness are often the best "detectives" of their own bodies.

• The Google Maps Framework: How to determine your "Point A" and draw a direct route to recovery.

• Sweet or Bitter: Beth’s take on the highs and lows of the modern health journey.

• Website: https://yourhealthwithbeth.com/

• Instagram: @yourhealthwithbeth

If this episode helped you find a little more clarity today, please share it with a friend who is currently in the thick of their own health mystery.

• Follow us on Instagram: @mrcoolbeans2889

• Leave a Review: If you're enjoying the brew, please leave us a 5-star review on Podbean or Spotify!

  Disclaimer:

  This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Beth Mielbrecht is a Health Detective and coach; her insights are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.