

Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
Dr. Michael Lenz MD
When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. In the exam room, time is limited. But the need for understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia is vast. That’s why I created this space: to offer deeper education, validation, and hope.If you’ve been told that fibromyalgia "isn’t real'" or that it’s "all in your head," I want you to know: I see you. I believe you. And you're not alone. This podcast is here to affirm what you’ve lived through and to explain the science behind what you’re experiencing.Whether you're living with fibromyalgia, supporting someone who is, or a healthcare professional seeking to better serve your patients, I hope you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insight drawn from my 28+ years as a medical doctor, pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist.Together, let’s bring compassion and clarity to a condition that’s too often misunderstood—and help make the invisible, visible. You can learn more at www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 30min
Ep 213 Unlocking Overlaps: Dr. Emily Wood on Neurodivergence and Chronic Pain Part 1
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In the first of a three-part interview, Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified psychiatrist and PhD neuroscientist, discusses the complex links between neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism, and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Wood, who heads Spectrum Psych LA, sheds light on why these conditions are often overlooked in high-masking individuals and women and explains the sensory processing differences that contribute to chronic pain. The conversation touches on the shortcomings in traditional psychiatric training and the importance of reevaluating medical education to better serve neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Wood also shares insights from her unique training path and discusses the broader implications of misdiagnosis and lack of understanding in the medical community.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Emily Wood and Her Unique Expertise01:11 Exploring Overlooked Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Women01:55 The Intersection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Chronic Pain02:52 Dr. Wood's Journey and Insights into Psychiatry06:27 Challenges in Medical Training and Diagnosis15:54 Implications of Misdiagnosis and the Importance of Listening26:11 Concluding Thoughts International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Jul 23, 2025 • 30min
Ep 212 Navigating ADHD in Relationships: Insights from Dr. Tamara Rosier Part 2
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, author of 'You, Me, and Our ADHD Family,' shares valuable insights on managing life with ADHD. She discusses emotional regulation, self-awareness, and strategic support, highlighting the pitfalls of following every emotion. She also explores the complexities of romantic relationships involving ADHD, focusing on the importance of personal growth and setting boundaries. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of ADHD coaching, emphasizing its forward-focused and practical problem-solving approach. Listeners are left with a message of hope and the importance of becoming a safe person for others.00:00 Introduction 00:29 The Scorpion and the Skunk Analogy01:21 Emotional Errors and Big Emotions06:02 Navigating Romantic Relationships with ADHD07:52 Misguided Empathy in Relationships09:15 Advice for Those in Challenging Relationships19:04 ADHD Coaching and Therapy25:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Jul 16, 2025 • 31min
Ep 211 ADHD and Relationships with Dr. Tamara Rosier Part 1
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this podcast episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, a renowned ADHD coach and author, discusses her experiences and insights on managing ADHD within families. She highlights the importance of understanding ADHD symptoms as neurological challenges rather than character flaws. Dr. Rosier shares personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of ADHD on her upbringing and family dynamics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. She introduces the 'window of tolerance' concept to help manage emotional regulation, discusses the significance of building healthy familial relationships despite executive function challenges, and underscores the transformative role of medication in widening the window of tolerance. This episode provides valuable strategies for fostering better relationships in ADHD-affected families.Checkout the first of a 3 part interview I did with her 2 years ago.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tamara Rosier01:31 Personal Stories and Family Dynamics03:44 Challenges and Compassion in ADHD Families06:16 Parenting with ADHD: Real-Life Examples10:48 The Window of Tolerance Explained25:21 Medication and Managing ADHD25:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Jul 9, 2025 • 31min
Ep 210 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding the Overlap with ADHD. Dr. Joel Young Part 2
Dr. Joel Young, a physician specializing in mental health, dives deep into the intricate connections between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and ADHD. He highlights the overlapping symptoms such as non-restorative sleep and fatigue, emphasizing the struggles patients encounter during diagnoses. Young discusses the sociocultural implications, the importance of systematic approaches in treatment, and the challenges faced by those with overlapping conditions like autism. Practical advice for managing these intertwined disorders is also shared, aiming to empower both patients and healthcare providers.

Jul 2, 2025 • 32min
Ep 209 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: new research and Clinical Insights with Dr. Joel Young Part 1
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Michael, a pediatrician and author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia,' discusses the connections between ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia with Dr. Joel Young, a psychiatrist and head of the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine. The conversation delves into their shared experiences and research on treating these overlapping conditions, highlighting findings from clinical trials on LDX (Vyvanse) and Sorial (Armodafinil) as treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. They explore the prevalence of ADHD in patients with chronic fatigue and discuss the limitations of traditional neuropsychological testing in diagnosing ADHD. Dr. Young shares insights on the effectiveness of targeted interventions and presents his clinic's innovative diagnostic tool, Mind Metrics, which aids in identifying psychiatric disorders in patients.00:00 Introduction and Background01:17 Guest Introduction: Dr. Joel Young02:02 Dr. Young's Journey and ADHD Focus04:03 Exploring ADHD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome07:00 Clinical Trials and Findings09:47 Patient Experiences and Qualitative Insights10:11 Ongoing Research and Future Directions17:05 Challenges in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome24:16 Discussion on Neuropsychological Testing International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Jun 25, 2025 • 34min
Ep 208 Exploring CFS: NIH Study Sheds Light on Neurological and Immune Dynamics Part 3
Explore groundbreaking findings on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) revealed through functional MRI technology, highlighting hypoactive brain regions. Delve into immune system insights, particularly the phenomenon of immune exhaustion and potential connections to persistent infections. The conversation advocates for interdisciplinary approaches in understanding these invisible illnesses. Additional topics include gut microbiome influences on health, the challenges of holistic treatment, and where cancer research can guide future therapies.

Jun 18, 2025 • 45min
Ep 207 NIH CFS Study: Advancements in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Part 2
Dive into groundbreaking research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) that reveals new diagnostic standards and biological abnormalities. Discover how the Hingston Criteria may change clinical trials and the crucial role of the autonomic nervous system. Hear about 'effort preference' and its implications for muscle strength and cognitive effort in patients. Explore insights on chronic stress and its complex relationship with health, along with previews of future findings from functional MRIs in CFS research.

Jun 11, 2025 • 32min
Ep 206 The Science behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Dr Nath Part 1
Dr. Avindra Nath, a renowned neurologist and clinical director at the NIH, joins to discuss chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and its relationships with fibromyalgia. He shares insights from his extensive research, including the challenges of accurate diagnosis and the criteria for distinguishing both conditions. The conversation addresses common misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of rigorous patient selection in studies. Dr. Nath also touches on personal experiences and the emotional toll of living with these invisible illnesses, shedding light on their complexities.

Jun 4, 2025 • 29min
Ep 205 What If the Problem Isn’t What You Think? with Heather Deangelis Part 2
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Heather addresses the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, particularly the notion that intelligent and successful individuals can't have ADHD. She emphasizes that ADHD can often be the underlying cause of various misdiagnosed conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Heather discusses her evolved therapeutic approach, which involves providing more active coaching and grounding clients to prevent them from feeling like they're spinning without direction. She highlights the importance of self-trust, proactive self-care, and healthier dopamine sources for managing ADHD. The conversation also touches on the role of psychoeducation in relationships, the impact of chronic pain, and the benefits of finding the right type of therapy for ADHD. Heather concludes by encouraging listeners to examine and challenge the stories they tell themselves and to seek therapists who truly understand the ADHD brain.00:00 Addressing Misconceptions About ADHD01:35 The Role of a Therapist in ADHD Treatment02:48 Navigating Therapy for ADHD06:00 The Impact of ADHD on Relationships09:06 Understanding Dopamine and ADHD14:03 Personal Journey and Coping Strategies19:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

May 28, 2025 • 36min
Ep 204 Insights into Binge Eating Disorder with Heather DeAngelis Part 1
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Heather DeAngelis, an APSARD member and ADHD specialist, joins the host to discuss her unexpected journey into the field of ADHD therapy. Heather shares her experiences and insights into managing ADHD and its related conditions, including binge eating disorder. The conversation delves into the importance of Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its applications, particularly for those with chronic pain syndromes and other challenges. Heather emphasizes the necessity of understanding one's brain and behavioral therapies beyond conventional methods. The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the complex relationship between physical and emotional pain, and the significance of an integrated approach to treatment.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Heather's Journey into ADHD Specialization02:00 Understanding ADHD and Co-occurring Conditions03:35 Binge Eating Disorder and ADHD08:47 Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)27:59 Emotional Regulation and ADHD29:42 Integrative Approach to Mental and Physical Health35:03 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...