In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Soph and Ollie are joined by Dr Oli Meredith (she/they), a public health academic from Charles Sturt University, for a discussion about neurodivergence. We chat about the experiences of Autistic and ADHD women and gender diverse folk captured within Dr Oli's research, the interplay between experiences of neurodivergence and chronic pain/fatigue symptoms, and the burden of masking. We also discuss the need for an intersectional lens to understand how bias and inequity shapes research and experiences of health care.

Content warning: this episode includes discussion of mental health, trauma, and racism/sexism within medical and research settings. BeyondBlue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

You can find Dr Oli here:

• https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/persons/oli-meredith/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-community-healing-podcast-with-dr-oli/id1766044802
  
  

In this episode, Soph and Ollie offer a ‘crash’ course in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). They cover the key features and symptoms, including post-exertional malaise, diagnostic criteria, commonly co-occurring conditions, and current management approaches. The episode also explores the controversy surrounding the PACE trial, graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), drawing on both clinical experience and updated guidelines. Whether you're a clinician or someone navigating ME/CFS yourself, this episode offers grounded insights into a complex and often misunderstood condition.

Content warning: discussion of medical trauma/harm

For more information on ME/CFS, check out Emerge Australia: https://www.emerge.org.au/

BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

In this episode, Soph and Ollie are joined by Mitch from Hunter Healing to explore the concept of spirituality, and how it might be more important and relevant to mainstream pain management and health care than you might think. Join us as we discuss a few of the misunderstandings or misconceptions about what 'spirituality' is, and how we can start to integrate it within our own practice or management.

Find Mitch at:

• https://www.hunterhealing.com/
• [email protected]
• Instagram: @_hunterhealing

Check out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Soph and Ollie are joined by Exercise Physiologist Jennifer Smallridge (Invisibly Brilliant & Connection Medicine Co) for a discussion about clinician wellbeing and burnout when working with complex invisible illnesses. We chat about the complexity and the multifactorial influences and challenges that might contribute to burnout, the role that employers, workplaces and broader systems play in wellbeing, share our own lived experiences, and discuss practical strategies that clinicians can use to help support their own wellbeing.

Check out our website at vivepainfatigue.com.au/blog for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support, and health professionals can also access free support and resources via the Black Dog Institute's TEN program for healthcare related burnout. 

You can find Jen here:

• https://www.invisiblybrilliant.com.au/
• https://www.connectionmedicine.co/weekend-workshop
• https://www.connectionmedicine.co/book-now/p/restore-daylesford-retreat
  
  

In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Sophie and Ollie welcome their first guest, passionate Disability Advocate Kylee Black, who shares her experiences living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Kylee discusses the importance of finding hope, community and purpose when living with complex disability, and 'doing what you can with what's in your hands'.  Join us to listen in to Kylee's inspirational story and perspective, and the lessons she shares that all of us can learn from.

Content warning: mental health, suicidal ideation, medical gaslighting

Check out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

You can find Kylee at:

• https://linktr.ee/lovinlifekyles
• https://linktr.ee/Kyleeandco
• www.clipboard.co.nz

In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Sophie and Ollie explore the world of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE). They unpack its foundations, key concepts, and common misconceptions, while sharing real-world clinical insights.  Together, they tackle critical issues like reductionism (both biomedical and neurocentric), the nuances of explaining pain to patients, and the importance of embracing complexity in pain management. Whether you're a clinician or simply curious about pain science, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on reframing how we understand and manage pain.

Content warning: some brief discussion of blood/injury

Check out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources.

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue! In this introductory episode, your hosts, Sophie Shephard and Oliver Crossley, share the story behind the podcast and what inspired them to create a space for meaningful conversations about chronic pain, fatigue, and invisible illnesses. They'll share a bit about their own experiences and background, as well as what's on the horizon for future episodes.