Back in Control with David Hanscom, MD

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Miriam Gauci Bongiovanni, Pain Coach and MindBody Practitioner.  She shares her journey with chronic pain,

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Miriam Gauci Bongiovanni is a Trauma-informed Pain Coach and MindBody Practitioner. She made a remarkable recovery from a range of chronic symptoms by tapping into the mindbody connection. Today, she educates

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Michelle May, LPC, chair of the Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Core Training

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Sachit Egan, an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter.  He talks about the physiological and psychological aspects of his pain and emphasizes what he learned about the body's ability to heal and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He also discusses the process he used for overcoming pain, including the role of persistence in healing, and the significance of challenging one's beliefs about pain management.

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Sachit Egan is an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. In his early twenties, Sachit was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and bulging discs that caused him severe low back and sciatic

pain. A half-dozen doctors recommended that Sachit get immediate multi-level spinal fusion surgery, but a visit with Dr. Hanscom convinced Sachit to reconsider the surgical route. Today, Sachit resides in Seattle, WA where he and his partner enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and cliff jumping in the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors.

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Sachit Egan, an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. He discusses his back pain and the various treatments he had undergone. He had been experiencing back pain for many years, with the pain becoming more severe in 2013. He had seen multiple doctors, including surgeons, who all recommended immediate spinal fusion.

However, Sachit decided to wait and read David's book, Back in Control, which led him to seek David's help. After seeing David, Sachit made the decision to forgo spine surgery and take control of his own healing.

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Sachit Egan is an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. In his early twenties, Sachit was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and bulging discs that caused him severe low back and sciatic

pain. A half-dozen doctors recommended that Sachit get immediate multi-level spinal fusion surgery, but a visit with Dr. Hanscom convinced Sachit to reconsider the surgical route. Today, Sachit resides in Seattle, WA where he and his partner enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and cliff jumping in the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors.

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In her follow-up interview with Dr. David Hanscom, Brenda Stockdale explores the profound impact of reducing chronic stress on healing and managing illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders. She shares insights from pioneers like Dr. Lawrence LeShan, whose approach encouraged terminally ill patients to live authentically and passionately, often resulting

in unexpected recoveries. She highlights the importance of behavioral medicine techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and self-awareness, in promoting safety physiology and allowing the body to heal. She underscores universal principles of healing—connecting with oneself, letting go of stress, and finding purpose and meaning in life.  

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As the Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers, Dr. Stockdale synthesizes relevant research into clinical practice through the design and implementation of evidence-based biobehavioral programming. As a result of this rigor, her work is nationally recognized and endorsed by leading specialists in multiple disciplines. For two-decades her programs have been implemented in major cancer centers and other healthcare organizations. In addition to her private practice, Stockdale is a consultant for corporate and health care organizations and developed a health psychology program for primary care settings specializing in preventive medicine, autoimmunity and stress-related

conditions. She is the author of “You Can Beat the Odds: Surprising Factors Behind Chronic Illness and Cancer.”  For more information, visit: https://www.brendastockdale.com

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Brenda Stockdale, Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers. She explores her innovative work in health psychology, focusing on helping individuals manage chronic pain and overcome

serious illnesses through techniques like psychoneuroimmunology. She discusses her involvement with Bernie Siegel’s Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECAP) program, highlighting the transformative impact of fostering self-mastery, commitment, and the ability to view challenges as turning points. In addition, she shares her personal journey with lupus, illustrating how principles like relaxation, gratitude, and self-compassion facilitated her recovery. She

emphasizes the physiological underpinnings of stress and healing, underscoring how tools like breathwork, imagery, and emotional reframing can stimulate the body's healing mechanisms.

Download the transcript.

As the Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers, Dr. Stockdale synthesizes relevant research into clinical practice through the design and implementation of evidence-based biobehavioral programming. As a result of this rigor, her

work is nationally recognized and endorsed by leading specialists in multiple disciplines. For two decades her programs have been implemented in major cancer centers and other healthcare organizations. In addition to her private practice, Stockdale is a consultant for corporate and health care organizations and developed a health psychology program for primary care settings specializing in preventive medicine, autoimmunity and stress-related

conditions. She is the author of “You Can Beat the Odds: Surprising Factors Behind Chronic Illness and Cancer.”  For more information, visit: https://www.brendastockdale.com

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Mags Clark Smith, a specialist in somatic work and mindfulness, and a contributor to a textbook on psychophysiological disorders. She highlights how guided movement can alleviate chronic pain by reducing fear and anxiety, which amplify pain responses. She emphasizes creating safety and trust to help

individuals reconnect with their bodies and overcome resistance to movement. Her work has proven particularly impactful in areas like pregnancy-related pelvic pain, where fear worsens discomfort. She explains how her approach combines reducing fear and fostering movement to promote healing, setting it apart from traditional pain management methods that often overlook the emotional and neurological dimensions of chronic pain.

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Mags draws on her extensive knowledge of the body through dance, psychology and non-verbal communication to empower people to move with confidence and resolve chronic pain. Mags offers one-to-one Resolving Chronic Pain consultations and Body Control Pilates classes, as well as taking part in chronic pain research and giving guest talks and lectures on

chronic pain. Mags lectures on University Edinburgh Dance Science Masters course. For more information, visit: https://www.resolvingchronicpain.com/teaching-movement

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Mags Clark Smith, a specialist in somatic work and mindfulness, and a contributor to a textbook on psychophysiological disorders. She discusses her unique approach to chronic pain and body awareness. Inspired by identifying her twin brothers through their gaits, she developed a fascination with movement, realizing early

on how subtle physical cues can reveal individuality and inform body awareness, a theme central to her current work. As a lecturer at Lancaster University, she used somatic methods, including guided movement exercises and mindfulness practices, to help rugby players and individuals with eating disorders connect with their bodies through internal awareness. By focusing on movement quality and sensations, she encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodies, reducing stress and fostering self-awareness, which are key to achieving both

mental and physical healing.

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Mags draws on her extensive knowledge of the body through dance, psychology and non-verbal communication to empower people to move with confidence and resolve chronic pain. Mags offers one-to-one Resolving Chronic Pain consultations and Body Control Pilates classes, as well as taking part in chronic pain research and giving guest talks and lectures on chronic pain. Mags lectures on University Edinburgh Dance Science Masters course. For more

information, visit: https://www.resolvingchronicpain.com/teaching-movement

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Dr. Susanna Calvert, founder and executive director of the Foundation for Family and Community Healing and Sanctuary of Earth. She explains the themes of healing, authenticity, and spirituality that her foundations focus on. She explores the significance of teaching self-regulation and emotional processing skills to children, to help them avoid the long-term effects of mental rigidity. She also emphasizes the need for mindfulness and the development of essential skills for processing adversity and nurturing joy – e.g., being more open as a way to change beliefs; accepting what we can’t change and addressing what we can; listening at a deep level; and developing the relationship between ourselves, the Earth and the Divine.

Following a 26-year career in higher education,  Dr. Susanna (Sanna) Wu-Pong Calvert, MAPP, PhD is the Founder and Executive Director of two 501(c)3 nonprofits, the Foundation for Family and Community Healing (www.HealingEdu.org) which fosters resilience and wellbeing skill development, and Sanctuary of Earth (www.SanctuaryOfEarth.org), whose mission is to actualize human spiritual potential.  She is a consultant, reiki master/energy healer, soul medium, tarot reader, and intuitive coach (www.SusannaCalvert.com). 

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In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Dr. Susanna Calvert, founder and executive director of the Foundation for Family and Community Healing and Sanctuary of Earth. She shares her personal narrative as a Chinese American who followed a traditional path to success, culminating in a tenure-track position at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, she faced a crisis of fulfillment upon achieving tenure, realizing that societal expectations did not equate to personal happiness. This led her to implement significant life changes, including relinquishing her tenure and embarking on a new career path. Her journey reflects her commitment to personal growth and the importance of balancing emotional and cognitive intelligences.

Following a 26-year career in higher education,  Dr. Susanna (Sanna) Wu-Pong Calvert, MAPP, PhD is the Founder and Executive Director of two 501(c)3 nonprofits, the Foundation for Family and Community Healing (www.HealingEdu.org) which fosters resilience and wellbeing skill development, and Sanctuary of Earth (www.SanctuaryOfEarth.org), whose mission is to actualize human spiritual potential.  During her career, she has published almost 100 journal articles, books, book chapters, and abstracts, and has written hundreds of blogs including for Psychology Today.  She is a consultant, reiki master/energy healer, soul medium, tarot reader, and intuitive coach (www.SusannaCalvert.com). 

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