Zebra Talks: Living Your Best Bendy Life

Eating Disorders and Hypermobility: An Embodied Recovery Approach with Heidi Andersen

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Heidi Andersen, a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor and founder of Reclaiming Beauty, to discuss eating disorders and their overlap with hypermobility syndromes. Heidi describes shifting from traditional CBT/DBT-focused treatment toward Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders, reframing disordered eating and chronic tension as adaptive responses shaped by nervous system regulation, sensory processing, trauma, attachment history, and underlying health issues, including hypermobility syndromes and related comorbidities.
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:41 Meet Heidi Andersen
02:45 From Burnout to Embodied Recovery
06:58 Hypermobility and Nourishment Clues
08:08 Why This Overlap Is Trending
11:07 Eating Disorder Definitions
15:41 Age of Onset and Diagnostic Confusion
18:16 Research on Anorexia and Hypermobility
21:23 Containment Safety and Proprioception
23:09 Strength Training Grounding
24:25 Developmental Movement Push
27:15 Reframing Restriction Wisdom
28:06 Autism Sensory Overlap
31:21 Treatment Window Tolerance
33:43 Medical Motility Referrals
34:55 Vagus Nerve Compression
38:07 Somatic Tools Boundaries
39:00 Directories Closing Resources
 
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Reclaiming Beauty
Follow Heidi Andersen at Reclaiming Beauty on Instagram @reclaimingbeauty
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Learn more about Dr. Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List
Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook
Leave a review on iTunes

POTS, MCAS, and Pelvic Venous Disease: Dr. Alexis Cutchins on the “Bendy, Itchy, and Dizzy” Trifecta

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins, who left Emory after 13 years to open a private practice in New York City with the goal of building a multidisciplinary center for hypermobility spectrum disorders. Dr. Cutchins describes how curiosity led her into treating patients with POTS, dysautonomia, long COVID, EDS, and MCAS, and explains that MCAS can both drive and be triggered by POTS physiology. She also explains pelvic venous disease/left iliac vein compression as a frequent contributor to pooling, reduced cerebral perfusion, and orthostatic symptoms, sometimes treated mechanically with venous stenting.
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr Alexis Cutchins
02:13 Why She Focuses on POTS
04:24 Leaving Emory for NYC
05:09 Building a Center of Excellence
06:40 Hypermobility in POTS Patients
07:44 MCAS and Connective Tissue Link
08:35 How MCAS Worsens POTS
12:24 Treating MCAS Stepwise
14:56 Do POTS Subtypes Matter
16:30 Tilt Table Test Debate
19:07 Stigma Around POTS Diagnosis
20:04 Stigma And Awareness
20:27 Primary Care POTS Care
20:51 Heart Rate Reassurance
22:11 MCAS Symptom Overlap
23:55 Why Mast Cells Trigger
26:04 Pelvic Venous Disease
27:51 Iliac Compression Explained
31:14 Symptoms And Red Flags
33:19 Stents And Treatment
35:39 Where To Find Dr. Cutchins
36:34 Telehealth And Wrap
 
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Cutchins Cardiovascular Medicine
Follow Dr. Alexis Cutchins, MD on Instagram @drcutchins
Follow Dr. Alexis Cutchins, MD on YouTube @DrCutchins
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook
Learn more about Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List
Leave a review on iTunes

Genetic Testing and hEDS: The Risks of Direct-to-Consumer Tests with Dr. Poorvi Desai

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Dr. Poorvi Desai, a board-certified hematologist-oncologist living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and comorbidities. Dr. Desai explains genetic testing basics (single-gene, exome, and whole-genome sequencing), distinguishing somatic testing from germline inherited testing used for hereditary connective tissue disorders. She notes that 13 of 14 EDS subtypes have identified single-gene causes, but hEDS does not. They warn that direct-to-consumer genetic tests can be misleading, produce uncertain results, and may require retesting, emphasizing clinician-ordered, validated testing mainly to exclude other conditions like vascular EDS, and expressing hope for updated 2026 criteria and improved evidence-based care.
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:36 Meet Dr Poorvi Desai
01:14 Poorvi’s Hypermobility Journey
03:47 Genetic Testing Basics
06:00 Germline vs Somatic Testing
08:24 How Sequencing Works Today
10:10 Why HEDS Lacks a Gene
10:37 HEDGE Study Findings
15:05 Polygenic Neuroimmune Model
18:05 Direct to Consumer Pitfalls
28:26 Using Testing to Exclude Types
32:08 Access Cost and System Gaps
34:49 Hope New Criteria and Treatments
39:10 Evidence Based Caution
41:10 Where to Find Dr. Desai
42:05 Final Thanks and Goodbye
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Follow Dr. Poorvi Desai, MD on Instagram @drpoorvidesai
Follow Dr. Poorvi Desai, MD on Substack @drpoorvidesai
Follow Dr. Poorvi Desai, MD on YouTube @drpoorvidesai
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook
Learn more about Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List
Leave a review on iTunes

Navigating Life with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Lauren Brown's Journey

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley discusses the challenges and experiences of living with hypermobility syndromes with guest Lauren Brown. Diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS, Lauren shares her long and complicated journey through a diagnostic maze, frequent medical gaslighting, and the significant impact of finding knowledgeable and empathetic healthcare providers.
 
Despite her struggles, Lauren started a YouTube channel, POTS Zebra, to raise awareness and support others facing similar conditions. This episode highlights the importance of community, persistence, and self-advocacy in managing chronic illnesses.
 
Highlights of this episode include: 
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Lauren Brown: A Journey with EDS and POTS
01:44 Early Signs and Misdiagnoses
04:13 High School Struggles and a Breakthrough
06:29 College and Beyond: Continued Challenges
12:45 A Lifesaving Diagnosis
13:46 Ongoing Health Battles and Advocacy
19:11 Finding the Right Doctor
19:45 Sharing the Journey
22:02 Medical Gaslighting and Bias
23:11 The Importance of Diagnosis
27:19 Building a Support Network
30:10 Starting a YouTube Channel
33:11 Resources and Support
36:02 Final Thoughts and Community

Green and Red Flags: Strength Coaching for Bendy People with Dena Mellick

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley, physical therapist and author of 'Yoga for Bendy People,' talks with guest Dena Mellick, a barbell coach and founder of Strength Equity. 
 
Dena shares her journey from chronic illness and pain management to becoming a strength coach. They delve into the intricacies of training clients with hypermobility syndromes (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), emphasizing the importance of resistance training and collaborative approaches for managing pain and improving quality of life.
 
Dena explains the benefits of strength training, particularly in combating age-related muscle loss, and offers practical tips for finding the right coach, avoiding common red flags, and accommodating individual needs. They also discuss the significance of progressive overload, appropriate equipment, and the critical role of protein in muscle recovery and maintenance.
 
Highlights of this episode include: 
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dena Mellick: Strength Coach and Lifter
01:47 Dena's Journey to Lifting
03:30 The Importance of Strength Training
06:19 Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting Explained
09:04 Training Hypermobile Clients
16:26 Finding the Right Coach or Trainer
19:46 Resources for Training with Pain
22:30 Training with Hand Injuries
23:26 Green Flags in a Strength Coach
23:50 Red Flags to Avoid in a Coach
25:07 Importance of Proper Equipment
28:32 Personal Experiences with Coaching
30:08 One-on-One vs Group Training
32:25 Adapting Training to Life Stressors
35:17 Encouraging Barbell Use at Home
38:12 Getting Started with Resistance Training
40:43 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Heart Rate Variability: a Tool to Manage Spoons with Dr. Derik Anderson

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Dr. Libby Hinsley hosts Dr. Derik Anderson, a chiropractor and expert in soft tissue research and treatment, to discuss various facets of managing hypermobility syndromes.
 
Dr. Anderson shares his journey into treating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, insights on fascia differences in bendy bodies, and the role of heart rate variability (HRV) in energy management. They also delve into the importance of joint stabilization, nutrition, and innovative approaches like vibration therapy to improve the quality of life for those with hypermobility.
 
The episode emphasizes the significance of a holistic and individualized approach to care, reflecting on the need for managing systemic inflammation and energy levels to enhance recovery and overall health.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:40 Meet Dr. Derik Anderson
01:34 Dr. Anderson's Journey with EDS
05:40 Understanding Fascia in Bendy Bodies
16:23 Heart Rate Variability and Energy Management
28:08 Tools and Techniques for Fascia and Muscle Health
34:40 Nutritional Insights for Bendy Bodies
36:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

Enhancing POTS Management with Blood Flow Restriction Training Featuring Rob West

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley speaks with Rob West, a physical therapist and board certified orthopedic specialist. They discuss the use of blood flow restriction (BFR) training as a tool for improving strength and managing symptoms in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
 
Rob shares his journey from learning about EDS through a classmate to becoming a specialist in treating this population. He provides insights into how BFR works, its benefits, and necessary precautions. Rob also highlights the positive impact BFR and trunk compression with weightlifting belts can have on cerebral perfusion and symptom management for POTS patients. Additionally, he shares inspiring case studies of patients who have significantly improved their quality of life through these training methods. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of these innovative approaches to physical therapy and their practical applications.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Rob West: Physical Therapist and Strength Specialist
02:58 Understanding Blood Flow Restriction Training
05:37 Applying BFR in Clinical Practice
08:29 BFR for POTS Management
27:22 Patient Success Stories with BFR
31:15 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

POTS Diagnosis and Treatment with Dr. David Saperstein

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Libby welcomes Dr. David Saperstein, Director of the Center for Complex Neurology, EDS, and POTS in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Saperstein shares his journey into specializing in EDS and POTS, the complexities of diagnosing and treating POTS, and the importance of staying curious and open-minded in medical practice.
 
They discuss the challenges of diagnosing POTS, the importance of thorough testing, and various treatment strategies, including the critical role of salt and water intake. Dr. Saperstein also emphasizes the need for flexibility in treatment plans to better meet individual patient needs. Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing these complex conditions and hear about Dr. Saperstein's innovative approaches.
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr. David Saperstein
01:45 Dr. Saperstein's Journey into EDS and POTS
03:47 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating POTS
10:00 Understanding POTS and Its Complexities
18:29 Diagnostic Criteria and Testing for POTS
31:06 Treatment Strategies for POTS
36:54 Managing POTS with Lifestyle Changes
41:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

Hypermobility: Not Just a Tissue Difference, with Katy Bowman

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Dr. Libby Hinsley hosts biomechanist and bestselling author Katy Bowman to discuss the unique features of hypermobile bodies. Katy shares her insights on biomechanics, tissue creep, and the importance of proprioception and attentional focus for hypermobile bodies.
They also explore the impact of sedentary culture and strategies for integrating more diverse movements into daily life. Katie explains her evolutionary perspective on movement and emphasizes the need for hypermobile individuals to engage in movement that enhances body awareness and stability.
Practical tips, theoretical insights, and Katie's innovative approach to movement therapy make this a must-listen for those living with hypermobility.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
00:35 Meet Katie Bowman: Biomechanist and Movement Expert
 
01:56 Understanding Biomechanics and Hypermobility
 
09:40 The Impact of Sedentary Culture on Hypermobility
 
17:17 Practical Tips for Managing Hypermobility
 
22:15 The Psychological Aspect of Movement
 
34:00 Final Thoughts and Resources
 

The Making of Bendy & Badass with Libby & Becca Lee

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley is joined by strength and conditioning coach Becca Lee to discuss their collborative innovative strength training class 'Bendy and Badass,' designed specifically for people with hypermobility syndromes.
They share their journey in developing the class, discuss the unique challenges faced by hypermobile individuals, and explain effective strategies and exercises used to help participants build strength and improve quality of life. The conversation also highlights the importance of slow, controlled movements, personalized programming, and the significance of community support within the class setting.
Highlights of this episode include:
00:35 Meet Becca Lee: Strength and Conditioning Coach
01:03 The Journey to Bendy and Badass
01:23 Becca's Coaching Philosophy
03:28 Libby's Personal Training Experience
12:59 The Birth of Bendy and Badass Class
14:23 Class Structure and Community Impact
16:14 Exercise Selection and Programming
23:10 Dumbbells and Progressive Loading
23:34 Four-Week Programming Cycle
28:36 Importance of Slow and Controlled Movements
34:11 Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
40:57 Community and Individual Progress
46:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts