

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

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 8min
From Root Cause to Relief: A Holistic Approach to Pain with Jason Gilbert
In this episode of Beyond the Pain, I sit down with Chiropractor Jason Gilbert for a powerful conversation about what pain really is, how to uncover its true root causes, and how to eliminate it through a truly holistic approach. We explore why taking responsibility for your actions and being willing to make the necessary — and sometimes challenging — lifestyle changes is essential to alleviating pain and reclaiming your quality of life.A quick note: Jason’s internet connection wasn’t the most stable during our chat, so the audio and video fade a little at times, and I did need to cut out some sections. But the insights he shares are absolutely worth staying with, and I look forward to welcoming him back on the show in the future for a clearer, even deeper conversation.You can find Jason @:https://jasongilbert.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/jasongilbertofficial/ 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/

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
Concussions, Headaches & Brain Recovery – How Neuroplasticity Heals Chronic Pain with Nate Pope
Concussion headaches and lingering pain don’t have to be a life sentence. In this episode, neurological occupational therapist Nate Pope reveals how individualized therapy, neuroplasticity, and holistic rehab at NCX Brain Recovery are helping patients overcome post-concussion syndrome and reclaim their lives.You can find Nate @:https://www.ncxbrainrecovery.com/LinkedInYouTube ChannelInstagramYou 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/

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 29min
Iron Overload, Copper Deficiency & Chronic Pain: Morley Robbins Explains the Hidden Connection
What if the root of your chronic pain and fatigue isn’t a structural issue or a lack of iron—but actually too much of it? In this eye-opening episode, Morley Robbins reveals why iron overload and low copper are at the heart of modern chronic health conditions, including persistent pain.We dive into why standard blood tests often miss the real story, how stress and inflammation distort iron metabolism, and why copper and ceruloplasmin are essential for regulating both iron and oxygen. If you’ve struggled with pain, fatigue, or mystery symptoms, this conversation could completely change how you view your health.You can find Morley @:morleyrobbins@gmail.comhttps://therootcauseprotocol.com/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/

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 2min
Neural Retraining: A New Path Out of Pain with Lori Clemmons
In this episode, Lori Clemmons shares her journey from chronic illness to becoming a life coach specializing in helping others with chronic pain. She discusses the impact of chronic pain on daily life, the importance of understanding the limbic system, and how self-compassion plays a crucial role in healing. Lori emphasizes the significance of finding joy and relaxation as part of recovery and explains the concept of neural retraining. She provides insights into recognizing signs of limbic system overdrive and offers practical advice for those feeling overwhelmed by their symptoms. The conversation concludes with a focus on taking small steps towards healing and the power of visualization.You can find Lori @:https://loriclemmons.com https://loriclemmons.com/resourceshttps://www.youtube.com/@LoriClemmonshttps://rewireyourwellness.com/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/

Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 7min
Breaking Free from Chronic Pain: A Rockstar’s Journey to Real Healing with Jam Alker
In this episode of Beyond the Pain, Jam Alker shares his powerful journey from the rock star lifestyle to wellness advocate. He opens up about living with chronic pain, navigating a broken medical system, and the power of self-advocacy. Jam reveals how diet, exercise, sleep, and holistic practices transformed his health, and offers hope, discipline, and inspiration for anyone on a healing path. He also previews his new wellness center, HEAL, dedicated to helping others reclaim their lives.You can find Jam @:https://www.heal4wellness.com/https://www.facebook.com/JamAlkerIII/https://www.instagram.com/jam_alker/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/

Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 20min
Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain: Tanya Borowski on Endometriosis
In this episode, I speak with Tanya Borowski and we delve into the complexities of women's health, focusing on chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. In this episode, you’ll discover insights into integrative approaches, the role of environmental factors, and the importance of understanding hormonal health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these often-misunderstood conditions. Chapter Titles:[00:00] Introduction to Women's Health[05:30] Tanya's Journey into Nutritional Therapy[12:15] Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain[20:45] The Role of Hormones in Women's Health[30:00] Integrative Approaches to Endometriosis[40:20] Environmental Factors and Health[50:00] Bridging Medical and Integrative Practices[60:30] Conclusion and Future Directions You can find Tamara @:https://www.tanyaborowski.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tanyaborowski/https://www.amritanutrition.co.ukDon't forget to leave a Rating for the podcast! 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/

Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 59min
Pain Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Signal: Why I Went All-In on Chronic Pain
In this very first episode of Beyond The Pain, I flip the script and share my story through the lens of a powerful conversation with Stretch Rainer on his Midlife Mavericks podcast. Together, we explore the real reason I’ve rebranded the podcast and why chronic pain deserves to take centre stage.I open up about my personal journey from partying in Ibiza to becoming a leading voice in holistic pain recovery, and how my own brush with debilitating pain reshaped my identity—and my life's mission. We dig into why so many people are stuck in pain despite seeing physios, chiropractors, or even having surgery, and how real healing requires going far deeper.We explore:The emotional toll of losing your identity to painWhy traditional approaches often miss the markHow nutrition, biomechanics, and nervous system regulation all play a roleAnd how chronic pain might just be your body’s way of calling for your attentionIf you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.Don't forget to leave a Rating for the podcast!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/

Aug 18, 2025 • 2h 24min
170 - Rethinking Germ Theory, Parasites, Fungus & the Microbiome with Daniel Roytas
In this thought-provoking episode of The Radical Health Rebel Podcast, I welcome back author and health researcher Daniel Roytas for a deep dive into some of the most foundational – and controversial – beliefs in modern health. We explore the origins and flaws of germ theory, the misunderstood roles of mold, fungus, and parasites, and why the terrain – not the invader – might hold the real answers to chronic illness.Daniel shares why he walked away from a successful career in naturopathy and academia, and how his years of research have led him back to nature, simplicity, and the body’s innate intelligence. We challenge the mainstream view of “pathogens,” examine the overlooked role of environmental toxicity, and question everything from probiotics to fiber to functional medicine protocols.If you’ve ever wondered whether bacteria, parasites, and even inflammation are actually part of the problem—or part of the solution—this episode will open your mind in the best way.🎙 This is the final episode of The Radical Health Rebel Podcast before we rebrand to Beyond The Pain. And what a blockbuster to go out on! It’s bold, eye-opening, and the perfect way to close this chapter and step into a new era focused on chronic pain and its root causes.📺 Dan also shares some visuals in this episode, so I highly recommend watching on YouTube or Rumble for the full experience.Whether you’re a health practitioner or someone questioning the mainstream narrative, this episode offers powerful insights grounded in curiosity, honesty, and deep inquiry.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Personal Reflections05:30 – Daniel’s Awakening & Back to Basics Philosophy12:30 – Indigenous Wisdom vs. Modern Sickness17:00 – Rethinking Fungus, Mold & Environmental Toxicity24:00 – Mycotoxins, Mold Spores & the Ice Cream Machine Analogy32:30 – Parasites as Protectors, Not Predators40:00 – Do Parasites Come from Within? Spontaneous Generation & Pleomorphism48:00 – Functional Medicine Frameworks Under the Microscope56:00 – The Microbiome: A Consequence, Not a Cause?01:04:30 – Is There One Right Diet or Microbiome?01:10:30 – Redefining Pathogens, Commensals & Gut Ecology01:17:00 – Inflammation, LPS & the Blame Game01:22:30 – Injury, Ice & the RICE Protocol Myth01:26:00 – Is Fibre Always Good for You?01:32:30 – Final Thoughts & What the Future DemandsYou can find Dan at:https://www.humanley.comDan's Book:"Can You Catch A Cold"Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to leave a Rating for the podcast!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/

Aug 11, 2025 • 59min
169 - Healing Sjogren's Disease: Divya's Journey with Divya Dhawan
In this episode of the Radical Health Rebel podcast, Divya Dhawan shares her personal journey with Sjogren's disease and how it led her to become a functional health practitioner. She discusses the importance of gut health, the role of diet and lifestyle in managing autoimmune conditions, and the need for movement in maintaining joint health. Divya emphasizes that joint pain is not an inevitable part of aging and that holistic approaches can lead to healing. She also provides practical steps for listeners to break the cycle of pain and improve their overall health.Chapters:00:00 Divya's Journey to Health Coaching05:01 Understanding Sjogren's Disease and Treatment Options07:17 Education and Training in Functional Health09:00 Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine17:43 The Myth of Aging and Joint Pain24:18 Movement and Joint Health26:16 Harnessing Energy Through Movement27:35 The Power of Belief in Healing30:20 Understanding Inflammation and Joint Health32:41 The Gut-Joint Connection35:49 Dietary Impact on Inflammation37:47 The Carnivore Diet Debate42:27 Practical Steps for Pain Relief45:40 Finding the Right Movement for You51:02 Creating a Ripple Effect in Health AwarenessYou can find Divya @:https://www.sjogrenssolution.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sjogrensqueenhttps://www.facebook.com/divya.dhn https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-dhawan-b645791b6/Send us a textSupport the showDon't forget to leave a Rating for the podcast!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/

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
168 - The Mind-Body Connection in Pain Management with Ben O'Loghlin
In this episode of the Radical Health Rebel podcast, Leigh Brandon interviews Ben O'Loghlin, an expert in the Alexander Technique. They discuss Ben's personal journey with chronic pain and how he discovered the Alexander Technique as a solution. The conversation delves into the role of the brain in muscle tension, the importance of active engagement in healing, and the misconceptions surrounding chronic pain. Ben emphasizes the significance of self-management and the mind-body connection in pain perception. They also explore how the Alexander Technique can benefit musicians by enhancing their performance through improved posture and relaxation. The episode concludes with Ben sharing his future plans for an online course and innovative approaches to teaching the Alexander Technique.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Alexander Technique03:03 Understanding the Alexander Technique05:58 Active vs Passive Treatments08:46 Challenging Age-Related Pain Myths11:40 Misconceptions About Back Pain14:44 The Role of the Medical Model17:38 Exploring Modalities for Pain Relief20:51 The Mind-Body Connection in Pain23:46 Navigating Automatic and Voluntary Systems33:43 Understanding Automatic Postural Control40:39 The Role of Directions in Alexander Technique47:42 Personal Transformations Through Alexander Technique54:28 Posture, Movement, and Performance in Musicians01:00:37 Engineering Perspective on Body Mechanics01:04:18 Future Directions and Innovations in Alexander TechniqueYou can find Ben @:https://www.backrepublic.comhttps://youtube.com/@benologhlinhttps://facebook.com/ben.ologhlinSend us a textSupport the showDon't forget to leave a Rating for the podcast!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/


