
Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 9, 2022 • 23min
Ep 68. Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Fibro. Sleep and Fibromyalgia Part 1.
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the first part of a more in-depth discussion on sleep and fibromyalgia that I spoke at on November 5th for the virtual Fibromyalgia Care Conference. This week you'll hear an in-depth discussion on restless leg syndrome and periodic limb disorder, which are common in those with fibro, but typically not recognized, let alone diagnosed or treated. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. 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.* ...

Nov 2, 2022 • 24min
Ep 67. Adam's journey from Chronic Lyme Diagnosis to Fibromyalgia and recovery. Part 3
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the third part of a 3 part series of an interview with Adam, a patient of mine who went through 8 challenging years after being originally diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease and seeing no improvements. His subsequent journey will resonate with many, but the reversal of his fibromyalgia inspires and offers hope for those stuck in despair. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. 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.* ...

Oct 26, 2022 • 25min
Ep 66. Adam's journey from Chronic Lyme Diagnosis to Fibromyalgia and recovery. Part 2
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the second part of a series of an interview with Adam, a patient of mine who went through 8 challenging years after being originally diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease and seeing no improvements. His subsequent journey will resonate with many, but the reversal of his fibromyalgia inspires and offers hope for those stuck in despair. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. 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.* ...

Oct 19, 2022 • 29min
Ep. 65 "Maybe I don't have Chronic Lyme." Adam's 8 year journey from a diagnosis of Chronic Lyme to Fibromyalgia and then Recovery. Part 1
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This week we start a series with an interview with Adam, a patient of mine who went through 8 challenging years after being originally diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and seeing no improvements. His subsequent journey will resonate with many, but the reversal of his fibromyalgia inspires and offers hope for those stuck in despair. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 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.* ...

Oct 12, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 64. Chronic Lyme. Real Answers. Real understanding. Real hope. Part 4
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we hear some of the struggles people with Chronic Lyme identify with. A study from John Hopkins Lyme Research Center on the development of post-Lyme Treatment Syndrome after acute Lyme is discussed. A fair number have persistent symptoms despite appropriate treatment. We also discuss cytokines, the molecules that are released when our immune system is activated, and their impact on chronic symptoms.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition and individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listene Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 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.* ...

Oct 5, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 63 Chronic Lyme and Post Treatment Lyme disease Syndrome. Part 3
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we discuss some claims about Chronic Lyme taking a deep dive into some of the science. What is Post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome? Is it related to Long Haul COVID Syndrome? Is there a connection between these and fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition and individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 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.* ...

Sep 28, 2022 • 28min
Ep. 62 Lyme disease Part 2. Acute and Late Lyme and discussion about Chronic Lyme.
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions On this week's episode we discuss acute and late Lyme and the discuss a condition called by some Chronic Lyme. Chronic Lyme is nebulous and many feel those who have been diagnosed meet the criteria for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.The topic of Lyme disease is relevant to fibromyalgia because many people have been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease or post-Lyme treatment syndrome. Many have been diagnosed through methods not approved by the FDA or CDC. Their symptoms overlap with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. That begs the question, are these the same entities? We will discuss this in more detail in subsequent episodes. I hope you have enjoyed the podcast. If you think you have Lyme disease, make sure you discuss this with your doctor. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 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.* ...

Sep 21, 2022 • 29min
Ep.61 Lyme disease. Part 1. Medical training, history of Lyme disease, and Acute Lyme.
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, I interview Dr. Zac Telfer to discuss medical training, the history of Lyme disease, and how and who discovered it. We then discuss acute Lyme disease.Lyme disease, in many aspects, is very straightforward, but in others, it can be confusing and even controversial. Living in Wisconsin, I have seen many with acute Lyme disease and helped them get better. However, there is a chronic Lyme disease and a separate post-Lyme treatment disorder, shrouded in a cloud of mystery and confusion. These include diagnosis, testing, and treatments. Many of the symptoms overlap with fibromyalgia. Research is ongoing, and many who have been diagnosed have been through ongoing struggles. Many have felt abandoned by traditional medical providers. In that vacuum, alternative medicine has attempted to find meaningful answers and solutions. We will unpack these using an evidence-based medical approach to offer helpful and meaningful insights. The topic of Lyme disease is relevant to fibromyalgia because many people have been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease or post-Lyme treatment syndrome. Many have been diagnosed through methods not approved by the FDA or CDC. Their symptoms overlap with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. That begs the question, are these the same entities? We will discuss this in more detail in subsequent episodes. I hope you have enjoyed the podcast. If you think you have Lyme disease, make sure you discuss this with your doctor. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 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.* ...

Sep 14, 2022 • 31min
Ep. 60. Pain, Suffering, Meaning, and Metanarrative. Part 3 of the conversation with Luke Thompson
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Living with fibromyalgia affects the mind, body, and spirit. This week discusses finding existential meaning in life and the concept of a metanarrative. Luke Thompson, a philosophy professor and pastor, shares wisdom and insights into the problems of pain and suffering. Medical doctors and scientists often don't talk about faith and spirituality with their patients. Still, it affects everybody, and taking a whole-person approach to caring for others includes not only the body but also the mind and faith/spirituality. It often isn't until life is forced to slow down due to medical struggles that these deeper questions about life are contemplated. The quote from George Foster Wallace, "everybody worships something," is also discussed this week.Luke can be reached through his email, l.george.thompson@gmail.com if you have any questions. You can get a copy of his book here.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it to even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@ Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 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.* ...

Sep 7, 2022 • 25min
Ep. 59 Hope for the "Least." Part 2 of the Conversation with Luke Thompson
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Living with fibromyalgia affects the mind, body, and spirit. Those with fibromyalgia can feel like the "least of these," often feeling overlooked, invalidated, and in great despair. This series discusses finding meaning in life with Luke Thompson, a philosophy professor and pastor, as he shares wisdom and insights into the problems of pain and suffering. According to Luke, there are different attempts to find meaning in life, but these fall "under the sun," providing limited short-term meaning. It may be through curiosity and science or through pleasure. This week we discuss the perspective of Neil deGrasse Tyson, the scientist, public speaker, and promoter of science and astronomy, as he gives his answer to the meaning of life. Medical doctors and scientists often don't talk about faith and spirituality with their patients. Still, it affects everybody, and taking a whole-person approach to caring for others includes not only the body but also the mind and faith/spirituality. As the late George Foster Wallace wrote, "everybody worships something." Luke can be reached through his email, l.george.thompson@gmail.com if you have any questions. You can get a copy of his book here.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it to even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, 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.* ...