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.

Peeps, what do you do when your body feels like a courtroom where you’re constantly losing the case?

In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we sit down with a powerful advocate, known to the chronic illness community as The Thriving Zebra. As a former paralegal and recovering gym addict, our guest was used to "powering through"—until a complex web of diagnoses including POTS, MCAS, EDS, and ME/CFS changed the rules of her life forever.

Today, She joins us to share her "Zebra’s Guide" to navigating the storm. We discuss:

• The Advocacy Edge: How her legal background gave her the tools to fight for answers in a medical system that often dismisses "invisible" illness.

• The Power of Regulation: Why nervous system regulation and hormone health became the keys to managing her flares when traditional medicine fell short.

• Identity & Strength: What it looks like to redefine your worth when you can no longer rely on physical "hustle" or high-intensity workouts.

• Spoonie Parenting: Real talk on managing family life, "chronic guilt," and communicating your limits to the people you love most.

Grab your favorite mug and join us for our new opening segment, "The First Sip," as we dive into the "Sweet and Bitter" moments of the chronic journey.

Connect with our guest: Follow her on Instagram: @TheThrivingZebra

Support The Chronic Brew: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow warrior. Your story is your power.

> Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and advocacy purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for your specific medical needs.

Chronic Illness, POTS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, MCAS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, EDS, ME/CFS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Hashimoto’s, Nervous System Regulation, Self-Advocacy, Women's Health, Hormone Healing, Spoonie Life, Chronic Pain, The Thriving Zebra, The Chronic Brew.