

Beyond The Pain
Leigh Brandon
Beyond The Pain is your guide to uncovering the real root causes of chronic pain and reclaiming a life without limits. Hosted by Leigh Brandon—Functional Medicine Practitioner, CHEK Faculty Instructor, and author with nearly 30 years of experience—this show explores the physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental drivers of pain. Through expert interviews and solo insights, you’ll discover holistic strategies that heal, empower, and transform where conventional methods fall short.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
“I Said Goodbye to My Husband”: Kelly’s Fight Through Pelvic Pain & Emergency Surgery
Pelvic pain, endometriosis, and fertility challenges affect millions of women — yet far too many are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or left searching for answers on their own.In this powerful conversation, Kelly shares her harrowing journey through a life-threatening medical emergency that resulted in emergency surgery. She describes the fear, the uncertainty, and the heartbreaking moment she said goodbye to her husband, unsure if she’d survive the operation.But this episode is also about resilience, intuition, and rebuilding after trauma. We explore why pelvic pain is so often minimised, how endometriosis can impact fertility, and what women can do to advocate for themselves when the healthcare system falls short.Whether you’re navigating pelvic pain yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand this condition on a deeper level — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Where to find Kelly:Website (Elysium Wellness): https://thisiselysium.com.au/Website (Lumaflex): https://lumaflex.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_is_elysium_wellnessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaflexauWhere to find me:Website: https://bodychek.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/Pain-Free Plate (Free Guide): https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/Book a Consultation: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation/

Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 23min
Healing Pain Beyond the Physical: Toxicity, Emotions & the Subconscious Mind with Dr. Sean McCaffrey
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Pain, I’m joined by Dr. Sean McCaffrey, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring lawyer to dedicated healer — a path shaped by personal loss, intuition, and a family legacy in medicine.Sean breaks down the true nature of chronic pain and why it’s never just about the tissues. He explains how lasting healing requires addressing the mechanical, emotional, and nutritional components of the body — and why conventional approaches so often miss the mark.We explore the role of toxicity and inflammation, the healing potential of nutritional strategies and fasting, and the profound influence of the subconscious mind in either amplifying or reducing pain. Sean also shares incredible success stories from his clinic, demonstrating what’s possible when you address the real root causes instead of chasing symptoms.If you’ve ever doubted your ability to heal, this episode will challenge your beliefs — and inspire new hope.Connect with Sean McCaffreyWebsite: https://www.mccaffreyhealth.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCaffreyHealthCenter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.seanmccaffrey4616Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drseanmccaffrey/?utm_source=qr#X: https://x.com/mccaffreyhealth?t=lqPanXvg9PwZaH_1hRtlVAConnect with LeighWebsite: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Pain-Free Plate (Free Guide): https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh’s Courses:StickAbility: https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (for practitioners):https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 22min
Eliminating Pain Starts With One Thing: Listening to the Patient with Vanessa Leone
In this episode, I sit down with chronic pain specialist Vanessa Leone for a deep and refreshing look at what people in pain truly need — to be heard.Too many people are rushed, dismissed, or handed assumptions about their symptoms. Doctors, surgeons and even allied health professionals often jump straight to solutions without ever asking the most important question: “Why are you here, and what do YOU feel is going on?”Vanessa explains why listening is the foundation of pain recovery, how reflection helps people uncover their own motivations and patterns, and why persistent pain is rarely caused by a single event. We also explore stress, emotional load, fear, lifestyle patterns and learned pain responses — and how chronic pain begins to unravel when someone is finally given the space to share their story.If you’ve ever felt unheard by the medical system, or you work with people in pain, this conversation offers a compassionate and practical perspective on what truly helps.Where to find Vanessa:Website: https://vlmovementtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlmovementtherapist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-leone-2055b86a/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjQ4ywdXvi41RGgqX31AKwWhere to find Leigh:Website: https://www.bodychek.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpodPodcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondThePainPodcastConsultations: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation/Free Pain-Free Plate guide: https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Acupuncture for Pain Elimination: The Science Behind Rapid Healing Explained
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Leigh Brandon sits down with Mario Mancini to explore the real science and clinical wisdom behind acupuncture. Far from being a last-resort therapy, Mario explains how acupuncture acts as a powerful “signal amplifier,” helping the body regulate, reset, and repair.They break down how acupuncture influences the nervous system, immune function, endogenous pain-relief pathways, and meridian systems — as well as how lifestyle, digestion, inflammation, and stress can amplify chronic pain. You’ll also hear why breathwork and self-regulation practices enhance treatment results and why genuine connection is a core part of the healing process.What We Cover in This Episode:• How acupuncture optimises the body’s healing systems• M1 → M2 macrophage switching and immune modulation• Why acupuncture enhances other therapies• How meridians relate to modern physiology• The role of endogenous opioids in pain relief• Using acupuncture post-surgery to improve tissue regeneration• Why chronic pain often isn’t about the original injury• How diet, digestion and stress amplify persistent pain• How breathwork supports regulation and recovery• The biopsychosocial model and whole-person healingConnect with Mario ManciniWebsite: https://manciniacupuncture.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manciniacupunctureFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforIntegrativecare/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@centerforintegrativecareConnect with Leigh BrandonWebsite: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Download Leigh’s Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh’s courses:StickAbility – https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (Professional Course) – https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Hidden Emotional Roots of Chronic Pain: Neuro-Affective Touch with Liz Wong
Struggling with chronic pain that won’t shift?In this episode, Leigh speaks with Liz Wong, whose work in Neuro-Affective Touch reveals how pain can be a communication tool from the body — and why healing often requires more than stretching, strengthening, or managing symptoms.Liz shares how touch, presence, and relational safety can help release stored trauma, calm the nervous system, and reconnect people with the parts of themselves that have been shut down for years.If you feel stuck, unheard, or like you’ve “tried everything,” this conversation offers hope, clarity, and a completely different pathway out of pain.You can contact Liz:http://www.somaticwellness.co.ukYou can contact Leigh:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Nov 10, 2025 • 54min
Healing Chronic Pain with Hypnotherapy – How Rewiring the Mind Can Ease Pain Naturally
After months of debilitating migraines and post-concussion syndrome, Ethan Reisboard discovered an unexpected path to recovery — hypnotherapy.In this episode of Beyond the Pain, Ethan shares how he went from chronic pain and frustration to complete healing by working with the subconscious mind. We explore how hypnotherapy helps reprogram pain responses, calm the nervous system, and create lasting change beyond surface-level relief.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of pain and nothing seems to work — this one’s for you.⏱️ What You’ll Learn:00:00 – Introduction and announcement03:10 – Ethan’s journey from post-concussion syndrome to recovery10:45 – What hypnotherapy really is and how it works18:30 – How the subconscious mind influences pain perception26:20 – Techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce pain38:10 – Real client success stories47:00 – How you can start using these principles today💡 Key Takeaways:Hypnotherapy can help break the body’s chronic pain loopThe subconscious mind plays a major role in pain perceptionYou can retrain your brain for calm, balance, and healing🎧 Be sure to subscribe to the channel, hit the notification bell, and leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you enjoy the show.You can find Ethan @:EthanReisHypnotherapy.comIf you previously followed Leigh on Facebook or Instagram, you can now re-follow — the new details are:instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583282725889You can also find Leigh @:Leigh's website - bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
Pain Relief Through Cold Therapy: The Healing Power of Cold Plunging with Kris Rice
In this episode, Leigh Brandon speaks with Kris Rice, founder of ChillPod, about the surprising power of cold therapy to transform both body and mind.Kris takes us through her journey from avoiding cold water to embracing it as a daily tool for recovery, resilience, and emotional balance. Together they explore:The science of cold exposure and its effects on the nervous systemHow cold therapy can reduce pain, inflammation, and speed up recoveryThe mental and emotional health benefits of cold plungingWhy accessibility and safety are key to sustainable cold therapy practicesThe future of cold immersion in the wellness and recovery worldWhether you’re managing pain, recovering from injury, or simply curious about the hype around cold plunging, this conversation will help you understand why stepping into the cold could be one of the warmest decisions you ever make for your health.You can find Kris @:https://thechillpod.co/https://www.instagram.com/thechillpod.cohttps://www.instagram.com/krisricewellnessYou can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 47min
Healing Pain with Breathwork and Fascia with Brooke McPoyle
Former collegiate golfer and musician Brooke McPoyle joins me to share her journey from living in pain to helping others heal through breathwork and fascia. We dive into the powerful link between breath and brain function, the role of fascia in pain and recovery, and why stress and emotions can keep you stuck in pain.Brooke also introduces her fascia flow techniques, showing how simple practices with breath, hydration, and awareness can reduce pain, speed up healing, and even improve performance. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain or looking to optimise your body, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you feel and move better.You can find Brooke @:Website Instagram YouTube LinkedInFacebook You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 28min
Escaping the Hamster Wheel: Mind–Body Solutions for Pain with Rob Brinded
This week on Beyond The Pain, I’m joined by Rob Brinded, a movement specialist and coach who has dedicated his career to helping people overcome pain and performance challenges.Rob introduces the concept of the “hamster wheel” — those repetitive cycles of thought and behavior that can keep us trapped in suffering. We dive into the connection between emotional and physical health, and why true healing starts with self-awareness and personal responsibility.Through real-life stories and powerful examples, Rob shows how a shift in mindset can create lasting changes in both body and mind. This is a conversation that will challenge the way you think about pain and open new doors to healing.You can find Rob @:https://www.robbrinded.com/https://www.glitchthebook.co/You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/

Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
Cold Atmospheric Plasma Technology for Pain Relief & Healing | Helen Hindley Interview
In this episode of Beyond the Pain, Leigh Brandon sits down with Helen Hindley, who shares her remarkable journey from the world of finance into nutrition and cutting-edge Cold Atmospheric Plasma technology.Helen introduces the Human Regenerator, a pioneering device designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. She explains how it works, its potential benefits for pain relief and recovery, and shares inspiring client success stories. Together, Leigh and Helen explore how this technology compares to more familiar wellness modalities such as infrared saunas, red light therapy, and cryotherapy, as well as what new users can expect in their very first session.Before this conversation, Leigh hadn’t yet tried the Human Regenerator himself — but stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear his very first experience with the device.If you’re curious about innovative approaches to overcoming pain and supporting long-term health, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.You can find Helen @:https://www.regenifyhealth.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/regenifyhealthhttps://www.facebook.com/regenifyhealthukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hindleyYou can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/


