In this slow-burn but deeply enriching episode of Repeat That Again Please, host Genelle Aldred is joined by behavioural scientist Dr. Lucía Macchia to explore the often-overlooked connection between chronic, invisible stress and physical pain that has no clear medical explanation.

Dr. Lucía’s academic expertise spans psychology, behavioural economics, and wellbeing research, making this conversation both intellectually grounded and deeply human.

If you’ve ever felt like your inner peace is just out of reach, or that your body is carrying tension you can’t explain—this episode is for you.

What begins as a discussion on the research between stress and physical pain evolves into a powerful conversation about why so many of us feel "not quite right"—even when we’re doing all the “right” things for our wellbeing. 

From the societal pressures we absorb to the low-level stressors we barely notice, Genelle and Dr. Lucía unpack how our bodies respond to the emotional weight we carry.

Together, they explore:

• How socioeconomic and social pressures quietly shape our health
• Why rest, mindfulness, and self-care sometimes still aren’t enough
• The science behind stress-related pain and disconnection
• What community, belonging, and gratitude really do for our nervous systems

They discuss the importance of acknowledging stress, utilising active rest, and fostering a sense of community and belonging as strategies to mitigate stress. 

The conversation offers actionable insights and academic research on managing and understanding the pervasive, low-level stress that many experience in daily life.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

03:23 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lucía Macchia

05:29 Understanding Physical Pain and Stress

11:11 Societal and Personal Factors of Stress

22:27 Strategies to Alleviate Stress

32:01 The Role of Wellness Culture

36:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join me, Genelle, in a daily GRATITUDE practice that boosts wellbeing and connection.

The With Gratitude app has become a regular part of my routine—my space to pause, reflect, and write down 5 to 10 things I’m grateful for daily. It’s a small act that makes a big difference in how I feel and show up in the world.

If you want to feel more grounded, positive, and present, come join me here:

👉 https://link.withgratitude.app/GENELE

Let’s build the habit—together.

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Here is a peer reviewed papers by Dr. Lucía Macchia, you can access more via her website below

Global trends in emotional distress

About Dr. Lucía Macchia

I am a behavioural scientist with an interdisciplinary background. My work involves quantitative research on human happiness, physical pain, and behaviour. Integrating methods from psychology and behavioural economics, I explore how psychosocial and socioeconomic factors shape mental and physical wellbeing. I am currently a Lecturer at City, University of London; a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics; and a Research Affiliate in the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

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The Confident Mindset Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pR2fvIL0lHexgumzIEJXA?si=vbntZAJzR42yRvQJqdvDUA