The Chronic Brew

Ep.31- Life in the Gray Zone (feat. Brittany Curry)

Nine years. That is how long Brittany Curry lived in medical limbo, navigating three different misdiagnoses before a kidney biopsy finally revealed she was battling IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) and Minimal Change Disease (MCD).
In this episode of The Chronic Brew, things get incredibly close to home. As a stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease warrior myself, Brittany and I dive deep into what we call "The Gray Zone"—that heavy, exhausting space where you aren’t on dialysis or a transplant list, but you are locked in a daily battle with symptoms, fatigue, and the physical limitations of your own body.
Brittany opens up about the reality of being an active-duty Army wife, a mom, and a civilian vet assistant, holding onto massive dreams of vet school while learning to take life entirely day by day. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, balancing ambition with physical boundaries, and redefining what it means to live a truly "full and rich life."
Grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let's get into it.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The 9-Year Search: The psychological toll of being unseen by the medical system and the relief of a final diagnosis.
Living in the Gray Zone: Navigating life with high-stage kidney disease before end-stage interventions.
The Identity Tug-of-War: Managing big career ambitions when your body pulls the emergency brake.
The Military & Motherhood Layer: How chronic illness reshapes the dynamic of a military household and parenting.
A Full Life Regardless: Brittany’s refreshing perspective on why her current circumstances are only temporary.
Connect with The Guest:
Follow Brittany on Instagram: @chronicallydeterminedjourney
Support The Chronic Brew:
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or a fellow chronic illness warrior. Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave us a review, and go back to check out our previous pours!
Disclaimer: Mr. Cool Beans and the guest of The Chronic Brew are sharing personal experiences and perspectives on living with chronic illness. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your own medical condition and treatment plan.

Ep. 30- Rewriting Your Health Narrative (feat. Terri Chrisman)

When life throws you a catastrophic curveball, how do you handle the aftershocks?
In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we are joined by Terri Chrisman, a Master of Human Nutrition and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine professional. Terri’s path into the world of clinical health was forged through a profound personal tragedy—the sudden, public loss of her father to a massive heart attack at just 51 years old.
Faced with her own subsequent health battles, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight management, Terri chose to look beyond the standard medical playbook. Today, she is on a mission to advocate for patients and help individuals drastically reduce their risk of non-communicable diseases through tailored lifestyle modifications.
In this episode, we dive into:
The First Sip: We play a fun, rapid-fire round of "Sweet or Bitter" to get Terri’s hot takes on common wellness trends (including her surprising view on kale smoothies).
Tragedy as a Catalyst: How losing her father redefined her relationship with preventative health.
The Metabolic Fingerprint: Why standard clinical guidelines often fail to account for individual metabolic variability—and how to find what works for your unique body.
The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: Shifting the narrative from "a pill for every ill" to true, sustainable daily advocacy.
The Espresso Shot: A high-energy, rapid-fire segment breaking down the worst nutrition myths and uncovering a 60-second habit you can start today.
Whether you feel trapped by your family health history or completely overwhelmed by your latest lab results, Terri’s story is a powerful reminder that your genetics do not have to be your final destination.
Grab a brew, pull up a chair, and let’s get into it.
Connect with Terri:
Website: https://fabuloushealth.net/
Social Media: Instagram: @fabuloushealthtlc
Connect with The Chronic Brew:
Instagram: @mrcoolbeans2889
Substack: Check out my brand new newsletter, The Afterbrew, for personal reflections, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and deeper deep-dives into our episodes: [Insert Substack Link]
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medical treatment.

Ep.29- System Overload: Redefining Migraines (Feat. Dr. Jonothan Taves)

Have you ever felt like your body was completely failing you? If you’ve spent years dealing with chronic headaches or migraines—cycling through endless medications, injections, and dead-end scans—it is easy to internalize the idea that your system is just broken.
Today on The Chronic Brew, we are sitting down for a deep, fireside-style conversation with Dr. Jonothan Taves, a Mayo Clinic–trained Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Novera: Headache Center.
Jono is here to completely flip the script on how we view chronic symptoms. Instead of viewing pain as a defect, he explains why it’s actually a safety signal from a system that is simply overloaded. In this episode, we trace his journey from traditional medicine to root-cause healing, breaking down:
The "Overloaded, Not Broken" Philosophy: Why chronic symptoms are often the result of cumulative load (physical, neurological, and environmental) rather than a defective body.
The Three-Spoke Process: Novera’s structured framework for evaluating the interconnected drivers of chronic headaches.
The Silent Driver: Why the upper cervical spine and neck mechanics are so frequently overlooked in traditional migraine care.
Moving from Fear to Strategy: How to tune into your body's signals, reclaim your confidence, and step out of the loop of endless symptom-chasing.
Whether you are currently dealing with chronic pain or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a practical, hopeful roadmap to help you understand your system better.
Connect with Dr. Jonathan Taves & Novera:
Website: https://www.theheadachedoctor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noveraheadachecenter
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1343245
Connect with The Chronic Brew Podcast:
Subscribe & Follow: https://www.youtube.com/@Thechronicbrewpodcast
Instagram: @mrcoolbeans2889
Disclaimer: The thoughts, opinions, and healing frameworks expressed in this episode are for educational and informational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your own physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any chronic pain or medical routines.

Ep. 28- The Fight of a Lifetime (feat. Marc Coronel)

In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we are sitting down with Marc Coronel—a former boxer, TEDx speaker, and healthcare consultant who has taken his fight from the ring to the dialysis chair, and ultimately, to a life-saving transplant.
Marc isn’t just sharing a story of survival; he’s sharing a blueprint for sustainable advocacy. We go deep into the "unfiltered" side of chronic illness that doctors don't always talk about: the identity crisis of leaving a career, the financial strain of long-term treatment, and the heavy lifting required to be influential while battling kidney disease.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Fighter’s Mindset: How boxing prepared Marc for the relentless rounds of CKD and dialysis.
The EKG Metaphor: A deep dive into Marc’s powerful TED Talk imagery regarding the highs and lows of the patient journey.
Turning Strain into Strategy: How to pivot from "public vulnerability" to professional advocacy that actually sustains your life.
The "Brass Knuckle" Message: What policymakers and the healthcare system need to hear from those of us on the front lines.
Fatherhood & FSGS: Navigating the emotional toll of illness while showing up for your family.
Whether you are currently on dialysis, navigating a transplant, or just trying to find your voice in a system that often feels deaf, Marc’s "raw and unfiltered" perspective is the shot of caffeine (and courage) you need today.
Connect with Marc Coronel:
Watch the TEDx Talk: How I found an organ donor through digital storytelling
Listen to the Nephluence Project: Nephluence on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Social: @KidneyFighter
Official Website: MarcCoronel.com
Join The Chronic Brew Community:
Subscribe: Never miss an episode of the brew.
Share your story: Use the link in our bio to apply to be a guest.
Support the Show: [buymeacoffee.com/mrcoolbean2]
#CKD #KidneyWarrior #PatientAdvocacy #Dialysis #TransplantLife #TheChronicBrew #ChronicIllnessSupport

Ep.27- The Art of Subtraction (feat. Carlijn Krijger)

Flight 27 is now boarding. Today, we are crossing the Atlantic to the Netherlands to sit down with Carlijn Krijger—a former medical student who seemingly had it all: the grades, the look, and a bright future in traditional medicine. But beneath the surface, her body was sounding the alarm.
In this "coffee talk" chronicle, Carlijn opens up about the terrifying year she lost her health, her identity, and her joy. We discuss why the "kindergarten" phase of self-help isn't always enough and why true healing often comes from removing the things that aren't yours, rather than just adding more to your to-do list.
☕ What’s Brewing in this Episode:
The "Superwoman" Crash: How high-achievers mask chronic symptoms until the body forces a shutdown.
Beyond Kindergarten Wellness: Why journaling and basic routines are great starters, but deep evolution requires a "quantum leap."
The Power of Subtraction: Learning to let go of the lies and false ideas we hold onto about our health.
Bridging Science & Spirit: How Carlijn used her medical background to navigate unorthodox health protocols and authentic spirituality.
The Espresso Shot: A high-energy "This or That" round where we see the "un-Superwoman" side of Carlijn.
✈️ Connect with our Guest:
Ready to dive deeper into Carlijn’s world and her "Superwoman" community?
Website: Superwoman.cc
Instagram: @carlijnkrijger
🎙️ Join the Flight Crew:
If this episode spoke to your journey, don't let the conversation end here!
Support the Brew: Loving the show? You can help keep the beans grinding and the episodes flowing by buying me a coffee! Every cup helps support the production of these conversations: [buymeacoffee.com/mrcoolbean2]
Follow the Host: Catch behind-the-scenes content and chronic health tips on Instagram @MrCoolBeans2889.
Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed Flight 27, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe on your favorite platform. Your reviews help other "passengers" find us!
Disclaimer: The views and protocols discussed in this episode are based on personal experience and do not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health routine.
Thanks for flying Chronic Brew Airlines. See you on the next flight!

Ep.26- Behind the Wheels: A New Era of Advocacy (feat. Kelly and Avery)

Grab your favorite mug and settle in, because today’s brew is served extra bold. On this episode of The Chronic Brew, we are joined by the powerhouse duo behind the Wheel Talk Podcast: Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts.
Kelly and Avery aren't just living with an ultra-rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy (Collagen 6)—they are dismantling the world’s perception of it. As "loudspeakers for the whispered," they’ve turned their lived experiences into a global platform for authentic representation and radical disability inclusion.
In this episode, we dive into:
Activation vs. Awareness: Why "awareness" isn't enough and how to actually drive systemic change.
The "Ultra-Rare" Reality: Navigating a medical and social world that wasn't built for your specific diagnosis.
The Proxy Problem: Reclaiming your agency when people try to speak for you instead of to you.
Deconstructing Stereotypes: Moving past the "inspirational" trope to show the fierce, unpolished truth of the disability experience.
Ally-ship in Action: How the chronic illness and rare disease communities can unite to create a more accessible future.
Kelly and Avery bring a masterclass in resilience, wit, and unapologetic advocacy. If you’ve ever felt like your voice was being hushed, this is the episode that will teach you how to turn up the volume.
Connect with our Guests:
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fOMtTCElQ9jz3x6Y0dxJA
Instagram: @thewheeltalkpodcast
Follow The Chronic Brew:
Instagram: @mrcoolbeans2889
Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/mrcoolbean2

Ep. 25 - The Envelope: Surgery, Resilience, & "#BetterThanYesterday" (feat. Dan MacQueen)

What started as a routine trip to the eye doctor for a persistent headache ended with a sealed envelope and a frantic drive to the emergency room. At 28 years old, Dan MacQueen’s life was perfectly on track—until a devastating brain hemorrhage shattered his reality.
In this episode of The Chronic Brew, Dan joins us at the table to share how he navigated two emergency brain surgeries, a coma, and the grueling process of relearning how to walk, talk, and even smile. But this isn't just a survival story; it’s about the "refocused mind." Dan breaks down the practical strategies he used to rebuild his life and return to the fast-paced tech world, proving that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we have total power over how we respond.
Grab your favorite brew and join us as we discuss:
The "Sealed Envelope" Moment: The surreal transition from a normal day to a life-saving surgery.
Relearning the Basics: The humility and ego-work required to practice "simple" human functions.
The #BetterThanYesterday Philosophy: How to find a win when it feels like you're taking three steps back.
Professional Resilience: Tips for returning to a high-pressure career after a major health trauma.
The Quick Espresso Shot: A rapid-fire round covering recovery playlists, victory snacks, and more.
Connect with Dan MacQueen:
Website: https://www.macqueendan.com/
Instagram: @macqueendan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macqueendan/
Keep the conversation going: If Dan’s story resonated with you, tag us on social media with your "First Sip" or your biggest takeaway from the episode. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other members of the chronic community find our table!
#TheChronicBrew #Resilience #BrainInjuryRecovery #BetterThanYesterday #DanMacQueen #ChronicIllnessPodcast

Ep.24- The Audacity to Pivot: Navigating Medical Gaslighting (feat. Amanda Hewitt)

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!
Connect with Amanda:
Join the Crew: @chronic.illness.crew.bookclub
Follow Amanda on Instagram: @little.miss.undiagnosed
Website: linktr.ee/little.miss.undiagnosed
Stay Connected with Chronic Brew:
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!

Ep.23- The Resilience Project: Kidney and Advocacy (ft. Lavise McCray

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: @LDYBUG97Facebook: @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

Ep. 22- Rebuilding the Machine (feat. Tamie Gangloff)

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.
Connect with Tamie:
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.