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.

• 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.

Ready to dive deeper into Carlijn’s world and her "Superwoman" community?

• Website: Superwoman.cc

• Instagram: @carlijnkrijger

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!

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

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