Too Flared to Funk - A Long Covid Conversation with Caryn Zaner, PsyD

Welcome to Season 3 of A Friend for the Long Haul! This podcast amplifies the voices of those impacted by Long Covid, including patients, caregivers, allies, and the broader Covid Conscious community.

In this episode, host Beth sits down with Caryn Zaner, PsyD, a Clinical Psychologist based in Oregon specializing in anxiety, identity development, values work, and interpersonal group therapy. Caryn (they/none) provides tele-therapy for adults 18+ and shares their personal experience navigating Long Covid.

Topics covered include:✅ Caryn’s journey with Long Covid and the support group they founded
✅ People-pleasing, grief, coping mechanisms, and emotions
✅ Perfectionism, social media pressures, and self-trust
✅ Listening to your body and intuition when it feels unfamiliar

✅ Comorbidities, chronic illness, and shared experiences

🔔 Content Warning: From 59:45 - 1:14:05, we discuss:

• GLP-1 medications for Long Covid, including Caryn’s experience with tirzepatide
• Strength training, weight lifting, body image, and off-label medication access

If you prefer to skip this section, jump to 1:14:05, where we wrap up with our signature three questions.

Other things mentioned in this episode

My Too Flared to Funk fake band tee shirt for The Social Distanced's "Survive 2025" World Tour.

You can find Caryn on Instagram

Felt Not Fixed: https://www.instagram.com/felt.not.fixed/

Therapy for the Apocalypse: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.for.the.apocalypse/

Caryn's professional website

https://www.carynzanerpsyd.com/

The post that led me to Caryn: Attachment Theory and Still Coviding

Book: Lifting Heavy Things by Laura Khoudari

Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes.

You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392

If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast producers, sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Or like, friends? Family? Anyone.

This podcast does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional healthcare services. If you have any concerns regarding your health or medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information heard in this podcast. Please don't compare yourself to someone else you hear, either. Our illnesses are highly individualized and what works for one person may not work for you.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the content discussed. The podcast and its creators assume no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information presented.

Additionally, this podcast may feature discussions on sensitive topics related to chronic illness. Listener discretion is advised. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.