The Most Painful Podcast

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Martina Alberani, Chair of the Young Women’s Health Group, public health researcher, and women’s health advocate, for an eye‑opening conversation on gender bias in pain care.

Together, they explore how women’s pain is often perceived, assessed, and treated differently—highlighting the persistent underestimation of symptoms and the tendency to attribute pain to psychological rather than medical causes. Drawing on research, advocacy, and real‑world experience, Dr. Alberani sheds light on the systemic gaps that continue to shape women’s healthcare experiences.

This episode challenges long‑standing assumptions and calls attention to the need for more equitable, evidence‑based approaches to understanding and treating pain—offering insight, validation, and a path toward change.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, a physician based in Ottawa, for an important and often overlooked conversation on menstrual pain and its impact on daily life.

Building on her previous appearances discussing postmenopausal symptoms and the role of muscle mass in longevity, Dr. Vadeboncoeur brings clinical insight and clarity to a topic that affects many but is too often misunderstood or minimized.Together, they explore how menstrual pain can influence physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as the broader implications for quality of life.

From common misconceptions to gaps in care and recognition, this episode sheds light on why menstrual pain deserves greater attention—and what can be done to better support those experiencing it.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Umair Majid for a thoughtful discussion on the complex relationship between identity, the military mindset, and chronic pain.

Drawing on research and lived experience, the conversation explores how identity—shaped by service, purpose, and structure—can be deeply impacted by injury and the transition out of military life. Dr. Majid shares insights into how identity loss and shifting roles can influence the experience of chronic pain, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with redefining one’s sense of self.

This episode sheds light on an often overlooked dimension of chronic pain, offering perspective, validation, and a path forward for those navigating life after service.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Christine Korol, a registered psychologist at drchristinekorol.ca, for an in‑depth discussion on the complex relationship between insomnia and chronic pain.

The conversation also explores the unique and often overlooked challenges of parenting a child who lives with chronic pain. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and compassion, this episode sheds light on how disrupted sleep and caregiving demands affect both physical and emotional well‑being—and what families can do to navigate these challenges.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Kim Foster, a former family physician turned author and identity‑based transformation expert.

Together, they explore what it truly takes to create meaningful, long‑lasting behaviour change—moving beyond quick fixes to shifts that endure. Dr. Foster shares her journey from clinical medicine to helping people transform how they see themselves, and how identity plays a critical role in building healthier habits, especially for those living with chronic pain.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Jessi Beyer to explore the often unseen world of invisible pain and its deep connection to mental health.

Jessi brings a unique perspective as a crisis mental health clinician working with law enforcement, fire services, and a regional SWAT negotiation team. Together, they discuss the challenges of living with chronic pain that others can’t see, the intersection of pain and mental health, and what it means to navigate this invisible world both personally and professionally.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Ashwin Juneja to explore the growing field of pharmacogenetics and its role in chronic pain management.

Following up on our recent discussion about High‑Intensity Interval Training, this conversation shifts to how genetics can influence the way individuals respond to medications. Dr. Juneja explains what pharmacogenetics is, why medications work differently for different people, and how this science can help ensure patients receive the right medication at the right dose to better manage chronic pain symptoms.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

Dr. Martin Gibala returns to The Most Painful Podcast after his popular Season 6 appearance on High‑Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

In this episode, Tom Hoppe dives into new and emerging research on HIIT, exploring what’s changed, what we’re learning, and how these insights can help you train smarter and improve health outcomes. Whether you’re new to HIIT or already using it in your routine, this conversation brings the latest evidence‑based updates you won’t want to miss.

Website: www.realexercisescience.com
FB, TT, IG, YT, Threads handle: @realexercisescience
X and BlueSky: @realexscience


For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

Welcome to Season 7 of The Most Painful Podcast.

We want to kick off the new season by thanking listeners from Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Europe for their continued support and feedback, which helps shape the topics that matter most to you.

In this premiere episode, Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Philippe Fournier to explore the latest research on tinnitus—a condition that affects millions and can significantly impact quality of life. Drawing from both science and lived experience, we discuss what tinnitus is, what causes it, and why it’s often misunderstood.

Season 7 continues the show’s mission of delivering evidence‑based, practical insights to help you better manage your health, with upcoming episodes covering topics like high-intensity interval training, behaviour change, and sustainable lifestyle improvements.
--
Subscribe now to stay up to date—and as always, stay safe and keep the hope alive.

All Ears Audiology - https://www.youtube.com/@LEXA-lab

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

In this encore episode of The Most Painful Podcast, host Tom Hoppe welcomes back Dr. Brenda Lau, a renowned pain specialist from Vancouver, BC. Together, they unpack how reframing women’s health and chronic pain leads to better outcomes not only for women, but for all genders. Dr. Lau shares insights on the gaps in current approaches, the importance of inclusive research, and how broadening our understanding of pain can improve health for everyone.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
X  https://x.com/chronicpainCOE
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicpain_coe/