The Modern Pain Podcast

Rethinking pain changes outcomes.Treating tissues alone leaves people behind.In this clinician-focused conversation, Mark Kargela flips the script with Pete Moore (Pain Toolkit) to unpack what modern, human-centered pain care looks like in real clinics.You’ll learn:Why a tissue-only approach misses 10–30% of cases—and what to do insteadPractical ways to “shut up and listen” to the story beneath the painHow stress, HPA-axis load, IBS/migraine, and sensitization intertwine with painA workable “driving instructor” model for self-management and shared expertiseHow to use patient narratives to align biology with lived experienceEducation that actually lands—with patients and with students/colleaguesWhere AI/tech can help (and where it can de-humanize care)If you’re ready to move beyond procedures and protocols toward care that restores function and confidence, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more evidence-aware, practical conversations. Want to go deeper? Check the links below for Pete’s resources, upcoming self-management events, and the Modern Pain Podcast.The Pain ToolkitLearn how to deliver this type of care - Pain Practice OS*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

What happens when “fix me” fails—and you still hurt every day?Keith Meldrum shares how validation and willingness replaced a decades-long fight with pain to rebuild a meaningful life.What you’ll learn • Why pain is always biological—but rarely only biomedical • How stigma, dismissal, and “it’s in your head” worsen outcomes • The pivotal power of “We believe you” in the clinic • Practical reframes: from fighting pain to willingness and pacing • Stress–pain loops: noticing, de-escalating, and regaining control • Navigating procedures (nerve blocks, neuromodulation consults) without chasing magic bullets • Protecting relationships and energy when pain is constantKeith’s story equips clinicians to lead with compassion and equips patients with actionable mindsets to reduce suffering and reclaim function. If this helped, subscribe and share with a colleague who treats complex pain.Find Keith online:A Path Foward - Facebook PageLearn how to help people like Keith in our Pain Practice OS Course*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

When pain makes life small, fighting harder isn’t always the answer.Former firefighter Joletta Belton shares how she stopped “going to war” with pain and rebuilt a bigger life around it.  What you’ll learn: • Why the “fix pain first, live later” plan keeps people stuck • How acceptance/willingness differs from “just live with it” • Practical ways to reconnect with values when activity is limited • Using relationships and peer support without feeling like a burden • Managing the inner critic with self-compassion that actually sticks • Whole-person care: biology matters—and so do context and meaningIf you work with complex pain—or you’re living it—this conversation offers a humane, evidence-aware path forward.Next steps: Subscribe, share with a patient or colleague, and see links below to join our community and explore Pain Practice OS for clinical tools that blend science with lived experience.Pain Practice OS  Joletta's Substack  *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Compassion is not just being “nice”—it’s a clinical superpower. Learn how inner compassion can transform both patient care and your resilience as a clinician.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why compassion is a contextual wisdom, not just basic kindness. • How self‑compassion supports your regulation, quality of care, and longevity. • Real-world client story: a chronic pain patient’s breakthrough through compassionate guidance. • Research shows compassionate care → patient activation and better outcomes. • Overcoming inner critic myths: self‑compassion builds strength, not softness.This episode delivers actionable insight for modern pain clinicians seeking depth and impact. Subscribe to stay connected, explore how you can cultivate compassionate care, and become part of our evidence-informed, clinician-led community. Links to tools and Shelly’s resources are below.Shelly's WebsiteKristen Neff's website *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Fighting pain made things worse. Acceptance gave him his life back.Tom's Facebook GroupIn this powerful episode, Tom Bowen shares how chasing a cure for chronic pain left him anxious, depressed, and stuck. Only when he shifted focus—from fixing pain to living well—did real change begin.• How endless referrals and surgeries fueled hopelessness• The mental shift that helped him reclaim control• What “acceptance” really means (and doesn’t mean)• Practical strategies that became second nature• How purpose and advocacy pulled him forwardReady to go deeper? Subscribe for weekly clinician insights -  @ModernPainPodcast Be notified when we re-open enrollment for Pain Practice OS so you can learn how to help people like Tom - *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Dr. Mark Lumley, a leading researcher in Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, delves into the vital connection between emotions and chronic pain. He discusses how unprocessed feelings can exacerbate pain and the barriers to emotional expression in healthcare. Listeners learn about the differences between Emotional Awareness and Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Lumley also shares practical strategies for integrating emotional understanding into pain management, emphasizing the need for holistic care that addresses both the mind and body.

Are you tired of surface-level solutions in pain care? In this episode, Mark Kargela pulls back the curtain on the massive gap in pain programming and why our current clinical education models are failing both patients and providers.Mark introduces the Pain Practice OS—a structured, mentored, and market-ready program to help clinicians finally deliver meaningful, psychologically informed care.Whether you’re a physical therapist, chiropractor, or coach working with people in pain, this episode is your call to step up, lead, and transform your community.✅ Learn the flaws in traditional continuing education✅ Why marketing and financial literacy are essential skills✅ How to build a scalable, ethical pain program✅ Tools, mentorship, and real patient footage to accelerate learning✅ Why it’s time to stop waiting and start building👉 Join the waitlist for Pain Practice OS🎙️ Know someone changing the game in pain care? Let’s feature them! Reach out to Mark directly.*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into more areas of healthcare, many clinicians are asking: will we be replaced? In this episode, Mark Kargela and Ben Whybrow have a frank conversation about how AI is affecting clinical work, what it can (and can’t) do well, and why the human elements of care—empathy, presence, collaboration—remain irreplaceable.You’ll hear how we’re using AI tools like ChatGPT in our content creation and case planning, the limitations we’ve seen in clinical decision-making, and why now is the time for clinicians to lean into the “soft” human skills that no algorithm can replicate.👇 Join our waitlist to learn how to build your future-proof skillset*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Many patients are doing something about their pain—but they’re still not living the life they want.In this episode of The Modern Pain Podcast, Dr. Mark Kargela breaks down how to help patients zoom out and reflect on whether their care is truly moving them toward what matters most—or just keeping them stuck in a cycle of appointments and short-term relief.You’ll learn:✅ Why “the medical merry-go-round” fails patients with complex pain✅ How to use simple questions to promote reflection and agency✅ A free download you can use in your next session to support these conversations🎁 Download the FREE Patient Reflection Tool: https://modernpaincare.com/reflect👇 Drop a comment: How do YOU guide patients to evaluate their care path?🧠 Join our movement to change the story around pain. Subscribe, share, and connect at modernpaincare.com*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Are you battling self-doubt and endless distractions that keep you from creating something that matters? You’re not alone.In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, I share how I spent six months fighting my own inner critic and finally took action on a project I deeply care about.We’ll talk about:✅ Why even experienced clinicians feel like imposters sometimes✅ The small, practical steps that helped me beat procrastination✅ Tools and habits I’m using to stay focused and off the doomscrolling hamster wheel✅ How these same principles apply to helping patients living with persistent pain🛠️ Tools mentioned:Brick Cold Turkey 🎯 What you’ll learn: • Real-world tips for breaking through perfectionism and fear • How to use tools like Pomodoro timers, productivity apps, and mindset shifts • Why your “inner critic” isn’t telling the truth (and what to do instead!)*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness