EP293: Chronic Pain with Dr. Howard Schubiner

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Dr. Howard Schubiner, a clinical professor and pioneer in the treatment of chronic pain. Dr. Schubiner shares his groundbreaking insights on the science behind chronic pain and how addressing the brain’s role can lead to lasting relief for patients.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Brain’s Role in Pain: How predictive processing influences pain and why understanding this can revolutionize treatment.
• Unlearning Pain: Why pain isn’t always linked to structural damage and how neural circuits in the brain contribute to chronic pain.
• Effective Therapies for Chronic Pain: An introduction to Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) and other neuroscience-based treatments.
• Diagnosing Neuroplastic Pain: How to differentiate between structural and brain-generated pain using the FIT criteria.
• Hope for Chronic Pain Patients: Empowering approaches to offer relief and optimism to those struggling with chronic conditions.

“Pain is a brain-generated phenomenon. That’s what pain is, and that is mind-boggling.”

“Stress and emotions activate the exact same parts of the brain as does a physical injury. So the pain is real—all pain is real—all pain is generated by the brain.”

“Pain can be unlearned when there’s no physical injury to account for the pain.”

Dr. Howard Schubiner is an internist and Clinical Professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. With over 100 publications in scientific journals and books, he is a leading voice in chronic pain research and treatment. Dr. Schubiner co-developed Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), a novel and highly effective psychological treatment for chronic pain. He is the author of three books: Unlearn Your Pain, Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression, and Hidden From View (co-authored with Dr. Allan Abbass). Dr. Schubiner sees patients virtually worldwide through Cormendi Health.

• Dr. Howard Schubiner’s Books: Visit UnlearnYourPain.com for resources and to purchase his books.

• Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET): Learn more about this innovative approach to pain management.

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website.

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Nan Saysana, a life coach and former English teacher turned bodybuilding enthusiast. Nan shares her insights on how food plans can help individuals achieve their health goals and create a healthier, happier relationship with food.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What is a Food Plan?: How food plans differ from traditional diets and why they focus on flexibility and sustainability.
• Overcoming External and Internal Challenges: Strategies for managing real-world setbacks and personal obstacles to sticking to a food plan.
• The Importance of Planning Ahead: How pre-decisions and planning help eliminate food cravings and build trust in oneself.
• Cravings Coaching vs. Weight Loss Coaching: Why Nan focuses on cravings management rather than prescribing diets.

• “Learning to trust yourself feels even better than fitting into small jeans.”
• “Plan ahead of time so that all the negotiations and debates are over before you start eating.”
• “Life is 50-50. There are ups and downs, and part of the plan is to expect what might go wrong.”

Nan Saysana was once an English teacher in Paris who struggled with binge eating as a response to stress. Her personal transformation led her to become a certified life and weight-loss coach. Now 50 years old, Nan has achieved her dream of becoming a bodybuilder and helps clients worldwide overcome cravings and stick to food plans that support their health goals. For the past five years, Nan has coached over 50 clients weekly online through The Life Coach School, working from her Paris flat alongside her adorable cat, Eva.

• 3 Easy Steps to Stick to Your Chocolate Plan Today: Get the Freebie.

• Nan Saysana’s Website: thecravingscoach.fr

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website.

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Eric D’Agati, a veteran coach and trainer with over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Eric shares his insights on blending the science and art of fitness coaching to create personalized, effective training programs and discusses how fitness professionals can elevate their practices by breaking free from their silos.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Breaking Free from Silos: How fitness professionals can expand their skills by stepping out of narrowly defined niches.

• Key Questions for Program Success: Why asking the right questions during client consultations is critical to building trust and effective programs.

• Balancing Individualized and Scalable Programming: How to meet clients where they are and scale programs to their abilities.

• The 1% Difference: What separates the top fitness professionals from the rest of the industry.

• Holistic Coaching: Addressing movement, nutrition, recovery, and mindset for optimal results.

• “The best assessment is a great conversation.”

• “If you're not addressing the big three—move, fuel, reset—then you're missing the full picture.”

• “You can’t just give workouts; you need to create programs that meet clients where they are and guide them to where they want to be.”

Eric D’Agati has spent the past 25+ years in the fitness industry as a coach, trainer, and instructor. Each year, Eric travels the globe teaching and speaking to trainers, coaches, and therapists as a lead instructor for Functional Movement Systems and guest speaker for prestigious organizations, including Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York University Medical, the Navy SEALS, The Mayo Clinic, and major universities. He has appeared in the New York Times bestseller The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss.

Eric’s training clients include Olympic Gold Medalists, All-Americans, National Champions, World Series Champions, and Pro-Bowl athletes. He also works with high-level sports teams and serves on the advisory boards of On Base University, The Baseball Health Network, and Raritan Valley College’s Exercise Science Department. Eric is the creator of Principles of Program Design, an educational workshop series for trainers and clinicians, and hosts The Principles of Performance Podcast, where he interviews leaders in health, fitness, and performance.

• Principles of Program Design Website: principlesofprogramdesign.com

• The Principles of Performance Podcast: Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website.

Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Dr. Heather Kristian Strang, a mystic and metaphysical psychologist. Dr. Strang discusses the intersection of spirituality and health in coaching, offering profound insights into how spiritual coaching can lead to deeper and lasting transformations for clients.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Connection Between Spirituality and Health: How spiritual health impacts physical well-being and why addressing non-physical elements can lead to transformational healing.
• Benefits of Integrating Spirituality into Coaching: Practical ways spiritual coaching creates lasting change for clients, addressing root causes like karmic energy and ancestral patterns.
• Tools for Whole-Life Transformation: How coaches can expand their practices to offer clients comprehensive healing and personal growth.
• Staying Relevant as a Coach: Tips for staying visible and authentic in today’s evolving coaching landscape.

• “If you're connected into your spirit, your health is going to reflect that.”
• “It’s our gift to provide clients with lifelong, lasting healing and transformation by addressing the deeper pieces within.”

Dr. Heather Kristian Strang is a mystic, metaphysical psychologist, and Amazon bestselling author of 13 books. She supports coaches, therapists, healers, writers, and artists in creating their own thriving economies as prosperous coaches and healers through her Love Territory Guide and Sacred Spirituality Coach Certifications. Receive free transmissions and meditations at Sacred-Spirituality.org.

• The Angelics: Afterlife: Released on 5/22/24, available worldwide on Amazon.

• Dr. Heather Kristian Strang’s Books: Explore her collection on Amazon.

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website.

Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this inspiring episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Terry Tucker, a speaker, author, and cancer warrior. Terry shares his journey of purpose, perseverance, and living with intentionality, as well as the foundational “4 Truths” that guide him to lead an extraordinary life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Redefining Purpose Throughout Life: How Terry’s purposes evolved, from being a college athlete to a police officer, to spreading positivity while battling cancer.
• The Power of Hope and Mental Strength: Insights into how hope and mindset play critical roles in overcoming challenges.
• Lessons from a Hostage Negotiator: What Terry learned from his time on the SWAT team and how communication skills translate into life’s challenges.
• The 4 Truths to Living an Extraordinary Life: Practical principles that serve as the bedrock of Terry’s journey.

• “Control your mind, or your mind is going to control you.”
• “What you leave behind is what you weave in the hearts of other people.”
• “As long as you don’t quit, you can never be defeated.”

Terry Tucker is a speaker, author, and international podcast guest on the topics of motivation, mindset, and self-development. He holds a business administration degree from The Citadel (where he played NCAA Division I college basketball) and a master’s degree from Boston University. Over his career, Terry has served as a marketing executive, hospital administrator, SWAT hostage negotiator, business owner, and for the past 12 years, a cancer warrior. He is the author of Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life and a featured author in Perspectives On Cancer: Stories Of Healing, Hope, & Resilience. Terry’s work has been published in Authority, Thrive Global, and Human Capital Leadership magazines, and he was featured in Audaciousness: Your Journey To Living A Bold And Authentic Life by Maribel Ortega and Helen Strong.

• Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life – Available on Amazon.

• Terry Tucker’s Website: motivationalcheck.com

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website

Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Dr. Michelle May, a recovered yo-yo dieter and founder of Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training. Dr. May shares her expertise in mindful eating and how it can transform one’s relationship with food to achieve lasting change.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What Is Mindful Eating? Dr. May explains how mindful eating helps break the “eat-repent-repeat” cycle.

• The Differences Between Restrictive and Instinctive Eating: How understanding your eating patterns can create balance and freedom.

• The Role of Mindful Eating in Healthcare: Why weight-inclusive care is critical for long-term success.

• Practical Tools for Health Professionals: Learn about the Am I Hungry? training program and resources for your clients.

• First Steps to Mindful Eating: Simple questions to ask yourself and your clients to better understand their eating habits.

• “Self-care makes your life bigger. It gives you lots of options, and the goal of self-care is to feel better—not to be good.”

• “When you feel like eating, pause and ask yourself, ‘Am I hungry?’ Check in. Look for physical signs of hunger and also notice anything else that might be contributing to your desire to eat.”

Dr. Michelle May is a recovered yo-yo dieter and former family physician. She is the founder of Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training, which has trained over 800 wellness professionals worldwide. Dr. May is the author of the Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat book series, which teaches mindful eating to resolve mindless and emotional eating. She is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University and co-authored a paper on weight-inclusive healthcare. Through her work, Dr. May helps individuals and professionals transform their relationships with food and live vibrant lives.

• Am I Hungry? Free Chapter: Download Chapter 1 of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat.

• Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat Series: Purchase the books.

• Am I Hungry? Website: amihungry.com

• Weight-Inclusive Healthcare Paper: Read the Study

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Cathy speaks with Carly Pepin, an international speaker and consultant specializing in human behavior. Carly shares her insights on how mindset shapes financial destiny, addressing the balance of pride and shame in leadership, and strategies to create a fulfilling life by aligning with your purpose.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Turning Your Vacation Into Your Vocation: How to design a life and business aligned with your purpose.

• Shifting Mindset for Financial Growth: The role of mindset in creating wealth and overcoming self-doubt.

• The Importance of Charging Your Worth: Why charging appropriately empowers clients and improves accountability.

• Balancing Pride and Shame: Insights into achieving neutrality and growth as a leader.

• Creating a Clear Business Strategy: The significance of planning and structure in personal and professional success.

• “When you align with your purpose, your work becomes a source of energy, not exhaustion.”

• “Charge what you’re worth—it’s not just for you; it’s for your clients to value and commit to the process.”

Carly Pepin is an international speaker and consultant with a specialized focus on human behavior. She shares the message that regardless of one's background, occupation, or origin, every individual encounters personal and professional challenges stemming from their own perceived flaws. Carly emphasizes that the key to living a fulfilling life lies in how you utilize and transform these stories. Through her expertise, she guides individuals in looking beyond the surface and delving into the core essence of their being. Carly enables her clients to design their lives with purpose, rather than succumbing to a life dictated by duty.

• Carly Pepin’s Website: carlypepin.com

• Traits of the Great Workshop: priorityinstitute.com

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora sits down with Epiphany Jordan, MPH, CPH, to explore the fascinating topic of rebranding human touch. Epiphany shares her insights on the benefits of touch, the need for a cultural shift in how touch is perceived, and actionable ways to bring nurturing touch into our lives.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Human Touch Needs a Rebrand: How our current perceptions of touch limit its accessibility and benefits.

• The Three Brand Archetypes of Touch: Exploring touch as a lover, a caregiver, and a villain.

• Benefits of Reimagining Touch: Insights into how touch can lower stress, improve health, and create meaningful connections.

• Practical Tools for Coaches: Epiphany shares simple ways health coaches, life coaches, and other wellness practitioners can help clients incorporate more touch into their lives.

• “Touch has the power to heal, soothe, and connect, but it needs to be rebranded to make it accessible to more people.”
• “Learning to ask for touch with vulnerability and consent is the first step toward bridging the gap between people.”

Epiphany Jordan, MPH, CPH, is on a mission to rebrand human touch. From 2013-2020, she provided platonic touch therapy in a ritualized setting with her Austin-based business, Karuna Sessions. She is the author of Somebody Hold Me: The Single Person's Guide to Nurturing Human Touch, which addresses the touch deficit singles face and offers multiple solutions. Epiphany has appeared on several podcasts discussing human touch and spoke about solving loneliness with touch at Austin’s SXSW Interactive Festival in 2019. In 2023, she earned her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Social Marketing from the University of South Florida, where she researched rebranding human touch. Her diverse background includes roles as a journalist, event planner, professional tarot reader, and more.

• Epiphany Jordan’s Book: Somebody Hold Me: The Single Person's Guide to Nurturing Human Touch – Available on Amazon.

• Epiphany Jordan’s Website: nurturinghumantouch.com

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website

Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora speaks with Gina Cavalier, an experienced media executive and the Founder of The Liberated Healer. Gina shares her unique approach to healing and supporting individuals dealing with trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges, drawing on her own journey and experiences.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Shifting Out of Negative Energy: Gina explains how to reconnect with yourself and use energy work to create a more positive outlook on life.

• Understanding Trauma Bonding and Healing: Insights into trauma bonds and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming personal wounds.

• Tools for Coping with Suicidal Ideation: Gina shares practical tips and supportive practices to help individuals manage and move beyond suicidal thoughts.

• The Power of Grounding Techniques: Learn about grounding as a fundamental tool for staying connected and centered in challenging times.

• Empowering Clients through Self-Love: Gina emphasizes the role of self-love in creating sustainable healing and personal growth.

“If you’re feeling disconnected, reconnecting with nature and the beauty around you can help heal and bring joy back into your life.”

“Self-love changes everything. When you love yourself, you set boundaries, make healthier choices, and attract positive energy.”

Gina Cavalier is an author, artist, media executive, and Founder of The Liberated Healer. She is at the intersection of wellness and media, building a brand focused on homeopathic healing and offering guidance for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Gina and her team are currently filming a docu-series exploring suicidal ideation to encourage open conversations and save lives. A media veteran and former entertainment studio executive, Gina has contributed to over 300 film and TV titles, including the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises. She began her speaking career at Warner Bros., organizing events that addressed work-life balance, inclusion, and well-being for hundreds of attendees.

• Gina Cavalier’s Book: Surviving Suicidal Ideation: From Therapy to Spirituality and the Lived Experience – Available on Amazon.

• The Liberated Healer Website: theliberatedhealer.com

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website

Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

In this enlightening episode of Health Coach Conversations, Cathy Sykora welcomes Dr. Lynn Anderson, a renowned naturopath, yoga therapist, and holistic health expert. Dr. Anderson shares her extensive knowledge on holistic health, karma yoga, and the impact of lifestyle choices on well-being, drawing from over 40 years in the field.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What is Holistic Health? Dr. Anderson explains how true health encompasses the mind, body, and soul and the importance of balance in these areas.

• Understanding Karma Yoga: Discover the principles of karma yoga and how our actions impact our health through cause and effect.

• The Role of Diet in Wellness: Dr. Anderson discusses the concept of the “yoga of healthy nutrition” and shares her preference for the Mediterranean diet as a balanced approach to eating.

• Slowing the Aging Process: Tips on how to maintain a quality of life as we age, focusing on lifestyle practices that promote longevity and vitality.

• How to Start with Yoga: Advice for beginners on getting started with yoga, finding a certified instructor, and tailoring practice to individual needs.

“Holistic health is about bringing together the body, mind, and soul. When one part is off-balance, the other parts are affected.”

“Karma is cause and effect. If you want a vibrant life, you have to create the causes that lead to it.”

Dr. Lynn Anderson is a naturopath, yoga nutrition therapist, fitness professional, karma master, published author, international speaker, and video producer with over 40 years of experience in natural health and fitness. She has been featured in Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Huffington Post, Shape, SELF, and various other national publications, TV networks, and podcasts. Dr. Anderson is the author and producer of the Soul Walking Series (Karma, Prosperity, Vitality) and The Naturopathic Wellness Series (The Yoga of Nutrition and Recipes for Health, Sex, Happiness and Love), along with Dr. Lynn’s Proactive-Aging Workouts (DVDs and TV with international distribution). She also authored Burnout – It Happens to All of Us and conducts weekly online Zoom classes and therapy classes at SMH.

• Dr. Lynn Anderson’s Website: Learn more about her holistic health offerings at drlynn.com.

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com

• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.