An intro to 'Hypermobility Happy Hour': A Podcast Shining a light on the Hypermobile Community

For those navigating the complex world of hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and related conditions, Hypermobility Happy Hour offers a beacon of hope and knowledge. Hosted by Kerry Gabrielson, a former commercial litigator turned health advocate, this podcast dives deep into the realities of living with hypermobility disorders.

About the Host: Kerry Gabrielson

Kerry Gabrielson, who was diagnosed with EDS in 2016, brings a unique perspective to the podcast. In 2021, Gabrielson told Ehlers-Danlos News that her own long journey to diagnosis inspired her to start the podcast. “I saw that there were a lot of other people out there like me, who had been either misdiagnosed for years or just not diagnosed at all or had kind of given up on seeing doctors for a period just due to the experience,” Gabrielson said. “I saw a need for some content that focused on what we can do in this situation.”

Her journey through misdiagnoses and the eventual discovery of multiple related conditions, including Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), inspired her to use her skills as an attorney to explore and discuss the complexities of these disorders.

Gabrielson’s background as a commercial litigator—where meticulous research and thoughtful questioning are key—has equipped her to conduct in-depth interviews with experts and advocates. These discussions not only shed light on the latest research but also offer practical advice for managing the day-to-day challenges of hypermobility.

The Podcast’s Mission

Hypermobility Happy Hour was born out of Gabrielson's desire to create a supportive space where individuals with hypermobility can find reliable information and inspiration. Unlike much of the content available on EDS, which often focuses on the limitations and difficulties, this podcast emphasizes what can be done to improve quality of life.

Episodes cover a broad range of topics—from the importance of gut health and animal studies on EDS to disability accommodations and nervous system regulation. With each episode, Gabrielson aims to empower her listeners by sharing actionable insights and fostering a community where people feel understood and supported.

Highlighted Episodes

The podcast has featured numerous experts who bring valuable perspectives on managing hypermobility. Here are some standout episodes:

• Episode 37 (December 31, 2021): Candidate Gene for hEDS? featuring Dr. Russell Norris and Cortney Gensemer. In this episode, they discuss their groundbreaking research at the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina, where they identified a potential gene associated with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). This discovery could pave the way for better diagnostic tools and treatments in the future.
• Episode 29 (December 15, 2019): Genetic Pearls with Dr. Paldeep Atwal of the Atwal Clinic. Dr. Atwal shares his expertise in genetic disorders, focusing on the complexities of diagnosing and managing EDS and related conditions. His insights into the genetic underpinnings of hypermobility provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the condition and its hereditary aspects.
• Episode 75 (July 3, 2024): Whealth: Hypermobile Couple Katie Goss and Andrew Dettelbach. This episode features Katie Goss and Andrew Dettelbach, a couple who have built a community around managing hypermobility through their platform, Whealth. They discuss their journey of overcoming pain and helping others navigate life with hypermobility, offering practical tips and motivational advice.

A Growing Impact

Since its launch, Hypermobility Happy Hour has reached listeners in over 50 countries, providing crucial support and education to those who may otherwise feel isolated in their experiences. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many listeners expressing gratitude for the podcast’s role in their health journeys.

Gabrielson’s work extends beyond the podcast. She has contributed to medical textbooks and is currently writing a book based on her personal experiences with hypermobility. Her mission is clear: to educate, inspire, and help others navigate the often confusing and challenging world of hypermobility disorders.

Featured Guests on Hypermobility Happy Hour

Gabrielson has hosted an incredible number of guests on the show! Below we list of these guests and the topics they discussed on the show. For a complete list of episodes and guests, visit the Hypermobility Happy Hour website by clicking here

1. Dr. Russell Norris & Cortney Gensemer - Candidate gene for hEDS.
2. Dr. Paldeep Atwal - Genetic pearls and insights into EDS.
3. Katie Goss & Andrew Dettelbach - Managing pain as a hypermobile couple.
4. Celest Pereira - Yoga for hypermobility, chronic pain management.
5. Allysa Seely - Medical gaslighting, advocacy for invisible illnesses.
6. Andy Hsieh - Movement approaches, nervous system regulation.
7. Dr. Rita White, DPT - Nervous system regulation, pelvic health.
8. Dr. Brian Cunningham, DPT (The Swim Doc) - Swimming and hypermobility.
9. Jo Southall - Pacing, patient advocacy, and occupational therapy.
10. Punteha van Terheyden - Remembering Stephanie Aston and medical advocacy.
11. Dr. Brit Harmon (PT) - Hormones, pelvic floor health, and hypermobility.
12. Donna Irene - Highly sensitive persons, neurodivergency, ADHD, and advocacy.
13. Donna Sullivan (TCAPP) - Supporting children and families impacted by EDS.
14. Mitch Martow - Advocacy, EDS awareness, and the Bend or Break documentary.
15. Taylor Goldberg - Chiropractic approaches to hypermobility.
16. Savita Sandhu - Diet, POTS, and hypermobility (two-part series).
17. Dr. Alysse Cruz - Diagnosing and treating hypermobility across the lifespan.
18. Camille Schrier - Advocacy and awareness in the EDS community.
19. Dr. Melissa Koehl (PT) - Comprehensive treatment of hypermobility.
20. Fiona Sullivan & Danielle Humphreys - Zinc and hypermobility.
21. Doug Kremer - Learning and treating hypermobility later in life.
22. L Tuthall and Audre Wirtanen - Reimagining hypermobility.
23. Victoria Daylor - Transitioning from a dancer to a pre-med student with hEDS.
24. Dr. Pradeep Chopra - Headaches in EDS and their various causes.
25. Dr. Angelina Vera - Hip health and hypermobile genetics.
26. John Ferman - Advocacy and education through EDS Awareness.
27. Christie Cox - Holding it all together when you’re hypermobile.
28. Hannah Ensor - HMSA, Stickman Communications, and more.
29. Isobel Knight - Narrative medicine in managing joint hypermobility.
30. Emily Rich (OT) - Occupational therapy for EDS/POTS.
31. Libby Hinsley - Yoga and hypermobility.
32. Kate Skinner (PT) - Physical therapy perspectives on hypermobility.
33. Lilian Holm - A comprehensive model of EDS care.
34. Dr. Heather Gray-Edwards and Dr. Abby McElroy - Research on EDS in animals.
35. Dr. Megan Barker - Physical therapy and health coaching for hypermobility.
36. Ryann Mason - Advocacy in the disability community.

How to Listen

Hypermobility Happy Hour is available on major streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing your condition for years, this podcast offers valuable insights and a sense of community for everyone in the hypermobility spectrum.

For more information and to listen to the latest episodes, visit the Hypermobility Happy Hour website.

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