If you’ve got real passion, you’re signing up for pain.

Pain is inevitable—it’s the cost of chasing something that matters. But it’s not just physical. Pain is multidimensional. It’s mental, emotional, even social.

And when you start to understand that, everything about how you handle it changes.

In this episode, I break down the science of pain and toughness—the way your brain interprets pain, how toughness impacts your reputation, why two players can feel the same injury completely differently, and how you can learn to use pain to become tougher, smarter and grittier on and off the field.

This isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about learning how pain works, why it shows up, and how to make it mean something.

Listen now to understand pain differently -- and don't forget to subscribe and click notifications to catch Part II for specific mindsets and tools to shift from understanding pain to controlling it.

DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event.

00:00 Introduction to Pain and Toughness

01:31 The Importance of Toughness

02:30 Neuroscience of Pain

03:17 The Neuroscience of Pain: Multidimensional & Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence Pain

06:31 Practical Advice for Parents & Coaches

08:21 Distinguishing Pain from Injury

11:26 Gate Control Theory & Pain Inhibition

14:33 Heat & Cold Therapy (The Changing Science, Bad Advice and

18:41 Closing Thoughts & Preview of Part II