Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Transforming Health Over 50: Maxim Segouin on Plant-Based Living and FitnessIn this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, we continue our conversation with Maxim Seguin, who delves deeper into the mindset shifts, daily habits, and powerful stories that have enabled countless individuals to transform their health through a plant-based lifestyle and physical movement. Seguin shares invaluable insights on the importance of protein and fiber, mindset barriers, and the benefits of strength training, especially for individuals over 50. He also highlights the role of community support and practical strategies for integrating fitness and healthier eating into one's life. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and actionable advice for anyone looking to improve their well-being.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:43 Protein vs. Fiber: What's More Important?01:54 Mindset and Coaching Strategies05:00 Success Stories and Transformations08:47 Key Habits for Health After 5010:53 Why Focus on People Over 50?12:29 The Importance of Strength Training17:12 Debunking Fitness and Nutrition Myths20:10 Overcoming Barriers to Change22:13 The Power of Supportive Relationships24:28 Fit Vegan Program and Community33:51 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Maximizing Vitality: Movement, Nutrition, and Mindset In this episode of Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, Dr. Michael Lenz discusses the benefits of movement for chronic pain and fatigue with Maxim Sigouin, host of the Fit Vegan Podcast. They explore overcoming exercise fears, pacing, recognizing soreness, and balancing nutrition with plant-based diets. Key takeaways include starting small, listening to your body, and celebrating progress. Ideal for those with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or anyone looking to improve strength and energy.00:00 Introduction to Conquering Fibromyalgia01:23 Meet Maxim Sieging: A Journey to Plant-Based Living02:49 Transformative Stories and Starting Small05:03 Finding the Right Balance in Exercise09:24 Understanding Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)12:46 Pacing and Assessing Your Fitness Level21:58 The Role of Nutrition in Fitness and Health27:04 Vegan vs. Whole Food Plant-Based Diets30:13 Practical Meal Ideas for a Plant-Based Diet33:10 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Beyond Weight Loss: Chuck Carroll's Transformative Journey with Chronic Pain and Invisible IllnessIn this episode, we share a compelling and deeply personal interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room Podcast, originally featured on the Fit Vegan Podcast. Known as the Weight Loss Champion, Chuck's journey extends far beyond shedding over 200 pounds. He discusses his experiences with addiction, trauma, and invisible illnesses including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and disorders of gut-brain interaction. Chuck's story sheds light on the complex relationship between diet, chronic pain, and mental health, touching on his struggles with binge eating and the limitations of conventional treatments. Through candid recounting and medical insights, Chuck highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the ongoing battle many face in their search for wellness.00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight00:20 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles01:03 Living with Chronic Pain: Chuck's Personal Battle02:37 The Reality of Binge Eating and Early Health Struggles04:39 Considering Gastric Surgery: A Desperate Measure06:49 Post-Surgery Realizations and Dietary Changes08:52 The Shift to a Plant-Based Diet14:11 Facing New Health Challenges: Gut-Brain Disorders17:25 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil19:29 Navigating Chronic Pain and Seeking Answers35:00 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms38:12 Conclusion: Resilience and Advocacy Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Reality of 'The Biggest Loser': A Medical PerspectiveWatch the video hereDr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and Lifestyle medicine physician, reviews the Netflix documentary 'The Biggest Loser' from a medical perspective. He discusses the extreme and often dangerous tactics used on the show, the emotional and psychological consequences for contestants, and the implications for long-term health. Dr. Lenz highlights evidence-based treatments for weight loss and related conditions like binge eating disorder and ADHD. Through clips from the show and interviews with experts, he stresses the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care for sustainable health changes.00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:26 The Reality of The Biggest Loser01:33 Personal Struggles and Insights03:33 Medical Perspectives on Weight Loss07:02 Extreme Measures and Their Consequences09:53 Emotional and Psychological Impact11:04 Temptations and Traps14:39 Medical Conditions and Personal Stories18:32 Long-Term Health and Sustainability23:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Golden Girls and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lessons from Dorothy's JourneyDr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and lifestyle medicine physician, explores the depiction of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia through the character Dorothy from the Golden Girls. Reflecting on specific scenes from the 1989 episodes, Dr. Lenz highlights how experiences with these conditions are often dismissed by the medical community, yet remain profoundly debilitating for patients. The episode illustrates the importance of compassionate, holistic care and validates the real suffering behind such invisible illnesses. Dr. Lenz also shares the backstory of how these episodes were inspired by the show creator Susan Harris' real-life experience.00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain Syndromes00:15 Dorothy's Struggle Begins01:59 Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome03:09 Medical Dismissal and Patient Frustration04:24 The Impact of Personal Stress06:15 The Role of Psychiatry in Chronic Illness09:31 Family Support and Validation11:47 The Medical Maze and Specialist Referrals22:57 A Compassionate Diagnosis28:31 The Backstory of the Golden Girls Episodes29:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Checkout the video here.Opioids and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Risks and AlternativesIn this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, the host delves into the complex and often controversial topic of using opioids for treating fibromyalgia. The discussion is anchored around a comprehensive review from the Mayo Proceedings and explores why opioids, despite being widely prescribed, are not effective for fibromyalgia patients and may even be harmful. The podcast also covers the mechanisms of fibromyalgia, how it differs from other pain disorders, and why alternative treatments such as FDA-approved medications, exercise, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional medical advice before making any changes to their treatment plans.00:00 Introduction to Opioids and Fibromyalgia01:23 Understanding Fibromyalgia and Opioid Use03:18 Medical Guidelines and Opioid Efficacy05:39 Neuroimaging Insights and Opioid Hyperalgesia07:28 Expert Opinions and Alternative Treatments08:28 Reasons for Continued Opioid Prescriptions09:27 Psychological and Social Factors10:26 Moving Forward: Multidisciplinary Care12:14 Guidance for Current Opioid Users16:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Building Trust and Effective Communication in Chronic Pain Care with Michelle MakosIn part two of this enlightening conversation, Michelle Makos shares practical strategies for building trust and effective communication between patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of validating patients' experiences. Michelle discusses the innovative peer method that is helping transform pain care, reflecting on the complexities in the patient-provider relationship. She offers valuable insights into understanding patients' values and addresses the essential role of self-efficacy and motivation in managing chronic pain. Through her work with Moving Through Chronic Pain and the pain management commission in Oregon, Michelle is dedicated to improving care and education for both patients and providers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone dealing with or treating chronic pain.00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One00:21 Building Trust and Effective Communication03:14 Understanding Patient Values and Experiences08:56 The Role of Peer Support in Chronic Pain Management19:56 Functional Assessment and Validation29:47 Conclusion and How to Get Connected Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Chronic Pain: Insights and Support with Michelle Marikos: Part 1In this episode, we transition from clinical perspectives on fibromyalgia to the lived experiences of chronic pain sufferers. Special guest Michelle Marikos shares her profound journey through chronic pain, surgeries, and the challenging world of opioid treatment. Highlighting the importance of peer support and clear communication, Michelle discusses her work with the PEER method, which supports both patients and healthcare providers. Her story underlines the interconnectedness of chronic pain with family and community, advocating for empathy and effective communication in managing pain. This conversation offers vital insights for both patients and providers, emphasizing that while a cure may not be immediate, there are ways to live a meaningful life alongside chronic pain.00:00 Introduction to Michelle's Journey00:49 Meet Michelle Marikos02:42 Michelle's Early Life and Injury04:02 The Struggle with Chronic Pain10:05 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact15:03 The Role of Family in Chronic Pain17:28 The PEER Method and Provider Training19:35 Expectations and Misunderstandings in Chronic Pain28:14 Reflections on Medical Training and Communication31:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Children: Insights with Dr. William FryeIn this episode, Dr. William Frye delves into practical strategies for families and clinicians to help children manage chronic pain. Building on the challenges discussed in part one, he emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches, including sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines, alongside mental health. Dr. Frye highlights the significance of tracking headaches, establishing functional goals, and reducing catastrophizing thoughts through psychoeducation. Additionally, he shares success stories and offers hopeful perspectives for families navigating chronic pain management.00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One00:21 Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain00:57 Non-Pharmacological Approaches04:52 Importance of Sleep and Healthy Routines07:02 Tracking and Understanding Headaches11:49 Focus on Functionality Over Pain Reduction17:03 Psychoeducation and Pain Catastrophizing19:51 Success Stories and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we explore the complexities of pediatric chronic pain with Dr. William Frye, a pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Dr. Frye discusses the extended journeys families often undertake before reaching specialized care, the prevalence and challenges of polypharmacy, and the significant role non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches play in managing pediatric chronic pain. The episode also delves into the importance of mental health, comprehensive patient assessment, and individualized treatment strategies. Dr. Frye emphasizes the need for holistic care, citing high rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among patients, and sheds light on the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face. Stay tuned for part two, where practical strategies for managing chronic pain will be discussed.00:00 Introduction to Dr. William Frye01:27 Dr. Frye's Background and Journey into Pain Psychology02:24 Overview of the Headache Study03:33 Key Findings and Surprising Results05:41 Challenges in the Healthcare Journey08:05 Balancing Medication and Non-Medication Treatments14:47 Mental Health's Role in Chronic Headaches20:16 Unique Challenges for Neurodevelopmental Conditions24:11 Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care26:19 Conclusion and Preview of Part Two Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...