Welcome to Pain-Bytes, a bite-sized extension of The Pain Game Podcast! Hosted by our wild and crazy, Lyndsay Soprano, these drop every Friday and serve up small but mighty dose of real talk. Whether it’s chronic pain, emotional chaos, unexpected wins, or everything in between—this is the space to say it out loud and be heard. 

Each Pain-Byte lets you in on a moment (or meltdown) from your week—because pain “bytes” but also…life bites back.  

Lyndsay is also calling on YOU—our VIPs—to submit your wins, losses, struggles, celebrations, and everything in between. Whether it’s a DM, email, or voice memo, let’s share the load and spread some light.

Because here, you are seen, heard, and held—even if it’s just for a byte.

Getting a diagnosis should feel like the beginning of healing—but for many living with chronic illness, it's just the start of a much longer, messier road.

In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Angel Parker from the Netflix documentary Diagnosis, for a raw, honest conversation about what it really means to live with chronic pain and illness. From the emotional exhaustion of being dismissed by doctors to the quiet heartbreak of not being believed by the people closest to you, this conversation doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. They talk about what happens when your body betrays you, when your mind starts to spiral, and when your world gets smaller because of pain.

But this isn’t just about struggle—it’s about survival. About building your own village when the system fails you. About learning to advocate for yourself, even when your voice shakes. About navigating the anxiety, the food triggers, the family dynamics, and the invisible weight you carry every single day.

Lyndsay and Angel also touch on the global gaps in healthcare, the mental toll of feeling alone in your illness, and the little things—like community, connection, and shared experience—that make all the difference. It's not tied up in a bow. It's real. And it just might make you feel a little more seen.

Find Angel Parker Online Here:
Instagram: @angelbangelll
Instagram: @evolvetherapylv

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast
Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast
LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Healing
(02:35) The Journey to Diagnosis
(10:18) Living with Chronic Pain: Personal Stories
(16:45) Mental Health and Chronic Illness
(20:32) Navigating Healthcare Systems
(26:49) Understanding CPT2 and Dietary Needs
(31:22) The Power of Community and Support
(37:23) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

What do you do when your pain becomes so intense, so overwhelming, that the only place left to turn is the emergency room—and even that doesn't feel safe?

In this raw and revealing episode, Lyndsay Soprano opens up about her own lived experience with chronic pain, including CRPS and Lyme disease, and the harsh reality of seeking help in an emergency medical system that often doesn’t know what to do with people like her. The ER isn’t always a place of comfort—it can be cold, dismissive, and downright dangerous when you’re already at your breaking point.

She’s joined by Dr. Jim Keany, an emergency physician who brings honesty and insight to the conversation. Together, they unpack the disconnect between chronic pain patients and emergency care providers, the emotional toll of pain that goes far beyond the physical, and the desperate need for a healthcare system that sees people as whole humans—not just symptoms.

Lyndsay and Dr. Keany discuss the deeper layers of chronic pain—how trauma can amplify it, how isolation can worsen it, and how the system often misses the mark. They touch on the struggles of medication management, the power of journaling, and how tools like hypnosis can actually help. Most of all, they stress the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. With empathy, advocacy, and even a little hope, healing becomes more possible.

If you've ever felt dismissed, gaslit, or broken by your pain—or by the people meant to help you, this episode is for you.

Find Dr. Jim Keany Online Here:
LinkedIn: Dr. Jim Keany

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast
Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma
(03:04) Emergency Situations and Pain Management
(05:54) The Role of Emergency Medicine in Chronic Pain
(08:48) Understanding Pain: Psychological and Physical Aspects
(12:00) Navigating the Healthcare System
(14:57) Alternative Pain Management Strategies
(17:51) The Importance of Whole Person Care
(21:00) Supporting Loved Ones in Chronic Pain
(23:54) The Role of Journaling in Pain Management
(26:50) Global Perspectives on Pain and Suffering
(30:03) Hope and Future in Pain Management

Welcome to Pain-Bytes, a bite-sized extension of The Pain Game Podcast! Hosted by our wild and crazy, Lyndsay Soprano, these drop every Friday and serve up small but mighty dose of real talk. Whether it’s chronic pain, emotional chaos, unexpected wins, or everything in between—this is the space to say it out loud and be heard. 

Each Pain-Byte lets you in on a moment (or meltdown) from your week—because pain “bytes” but also…life bites back.  

Lyndsay is also calling on YOU—our VIPs—to submit your wins, losses, struggles, celebrations, and everything in between. Whether it’s a DM, email, or voice memo, let’s share the load and spread some light.

Because here, you are seen, heard, and held—even if it’s just for a byte.

Let’s be real—grief doesn’t clock out, healing isn’t linear, and sometimes life punches you in the gut when you’re already down. In this raw return to The Pain Game Podcast, Lyndsay Soprano opens up about the time she's spent off the mic—where she’s been emotionally, mentally, spiritually—and why the silence was necessary.

From the heartbreak of loss to the messiness of personal growth, Lyndsay doesn’t hold back. This isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about showing up anyway—cracked wide open, heart on sleeve, and fiercely committed to the power of real talk.

She reflects on the messages and stories listeners have shared—those navigating trauma, divorce, chronic illness, and the fallout of broken relationships shaped by clashing beliefs. Every single one of them matters. And this podcast? It’s here to hold that space.

There’s also light—like the kind that comes from celebrating love, marriage, and the moments that remind us life isn’t just pain. It’s the mix. The hard and the soft. The bitter and the beautiful.

This episode lays the groundwork for a new season—one that’s unapologetically honest, deeply human, and rooted in community. No filters. No bullshit. Just truth, connection, and the shared grit it takes to keep going.

Find Lyndsay Soprano-Handel Online Here:
Instagram: @lyndsaysoprano
LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast
Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the Pain Game Podcast
(03:31) Life Updates and Personal Growth
(08:38) Navigating Grief and Loss
(12:00) Creating a Safe Space for Healing

What does it take to confront addiction and reclaim your identity? Lyndsay Soprano and Lauren Fay unravel their deeply personal journeys of healing, touching on the complex roles of alcohol, childhood trauma, and the challenge of rebuilding trust with oneself. Their conversation sheds light on the seductive allure of alcohol as a coping mechanism and the double lives many lead while struggling in silence.

Lauren shares insights into the delicate balance of fitting in and managing social expectations, while Lyndsay reflects on the anxiety and sleeplessness that pushed her toward alcohol at an early age. Together, they reveal how healing involves much more than sobriety—it’s about courageously addressing past traumas, recognizing the power of community, and discovering strength through vulnerability. What does it mean to face awkwardness in sobriety and find self-worth beyond a substance? 

Their stories inspire us to reframe recovery, embrace empathy, and recognize the impact of openly sharing our experiences—not only for ourselves but also for those who may still be suffering in silence.

Find Lauren Fay Online Here:
Instagram: @laurenfaycoaching
LinkedIn: Lauren Fay
Website: www.laurenfaycoaching.com

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma
(01:51) Early Encounters with Alcohol
(04:37) The Journey to Sobriety Begins
(09:19) Rock Bottom and Realizations
(12:26) Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
(15:42) Reclaiming Power and Identity
(21:21) Steps to Recovery and Support
(24:08) Spiritual Awakening and Self-Discovery
(25:33) Facing the Fear of Dying and Chronic Pain
(31:15) From Victimhood to Empowerment
(37:29) The Journey of Self-Discovery and Coaching
(44:29) Reclaiming Identity Beyond Alcohol
(49:19) The Importance of Community and Support

What does it take to break free from conventional medical norms and truly advocate for your health? In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano and Dee Davidson unpack the transformative journey of reclaiming health through functional medicine. Their discussion pulls back the curtain on the ways traditional healthcare often overlooks individual needs, especially for women facing unique challenges like hormone imbalances and perimenopause. How can you ensure that your body’s signals aren’t dismissed—and instead, become your most powerful guide?

Dee Davidson brings insight into the world of functional health, sharing strategies for building a personalized approach that connects mind, body, and spirit. Together, they discuss why it’s crucial to navigate health with a deep understanding of your identity, emotional well-being, and the hidden stressors that often go ignored. If stress is manifesting as physical issues, how can you begin to unpack the root causes?

This conversation inspires us to question how we can regain control, tap into resilience, and invite positive change into our wellness journeys.

Find Dee Davidson Online Here:
Instagram: @confidently_love_yourself
Facebook: Dee Viveiros Davidson 
LinkedIn: Dee Davidson
Podcast: Confidently Balance Your Hormones
Website: https://confidentlyloveyourself.com

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma
(03:00) Transitioning from Western to Functional Medicine
(06:13) The Journey of Holistic Health and Hormone Balance
(09:57) Understanding the Role of Hormones in Health
(14:06) The Importance of Personal Advocacy in Health
(18:10) Navigating Identity and Health Challenges
(21:56) Building a Supportive Community for Healing
(26:04) Conclusion and Resources for Self-Love and Healing

Self-advocacy in healthcare can mean the difference between living in chronic pain and finding a path to true healing. Dr. Shadi Vahdat joins Lyndsay Soprano to uncover how childhood trauma, cultural beliefs, and generational experiences shape our health—right down to our DNA. Dr. Vahdat shares insights on why trauma manifests in physical symptoms and explains how functional medicine bridges the gap where conventional approaches fall short.

The conversation shines a light on managing complex chronic illnesses like Lyme disease and CRPS, stressing the importance of a strong, supportive healthcare team and the role of emotional healing in physical recovery. Dr. Vahdat reveals what it takes to prepare for health emergencies and navigate a healthcare system that’s often unequipped to help chronic pain patients.

From building your own “health board of directors” to understanding the power of patient advocacy, this episode is packed with strategies for taking charge of your health and making sure your voice is heard.

Find Dr. Shadi Vahdat Online Here:
Instagram: @drshadivahdat
Facebook: Shadi Vahdat, MD
LinkedIn: Shadi Vahdat, MD
Book: The Roadmap To Hospital Care: Insights On Preparing For Health Emergencies & Hospital Stays With Confidence
Website: https://livewellintegrative.com/

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Advocacy
(03:02) The Healthcare System and Personal Experiences
(05:53) Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
(09:03) Generational Trauma and Health
(11:53) The Role of Trauma in Healing
(14:45) Integrating Conventional and Holistic Medicine
(18:05) Navigating Healthcare and Personal Advocacy
(23:14) Navigating the Healthcare System
(30:02) Chronic Pain Management Strategies
(36:04) Preparing for Health Emergencies
(42:14) Advocacy in Healthcare

Tailoring cannabis and CBD to your DNA has the potential to transform your health. Len May, CEO of EndoDNA, shares his groundbreaking journey from using cannabis to manage ADD to becoming a global authority on medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. He explains how understanding your unique genetic makeup can help you avoid negative side effects and get the most out of your cannabis experience.

This episode delivers a deep dive into personalized medicine, revealing how cannabis can be a tool to enhance longevity and improve quality of life. Whether you’re experienced with cannabis or just starting, Len’s insights offer a fresh perspective on using DNA to make cannabis work better for you.

Find Len May Online Here:
Instagram: @lenmaydna
Facebook: Len May
YouTube: Len May DNA
Book: Making Cannabis Personal
Podcast: Everything is Personal
Website: EndoDNA.com

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Cannabis
(02:31) Personalized Medicine and Cannabis
(06:45) Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
(10:58) The Role of DNA in Cannabis Use
(19:15) The Process of DNA Testing for Cannabis
(28:53) Precision Wellness and Healthcare Collaboration
(36:32) Empowering Patients Through Knowledge

Esther Gokhale, the creator of the Gokhale Method, joins Lyndsay Soprano to share her transformative approach to back pain and posture. Drawing from her own experience with debilitating pain during pregnancy, Esther sheds light on the root causes of spinal discomfort, focusing on how modern habits have distorted natural postures. 

Instead of labeling the human body as flawed, Esther explains how our misuse of it is the real issue. Her method emphasizes techniques like "stretch sitting" to naturally realign the spine and relieve pressure. Simple adjustments in daily routines can create lasting relief, showing that pain management is within reach for everyone.

Listeners will find practical steps to regain control over their bodies and reclaim a pain-free life through these thoughtful, anthropological insights into posture and structural health.

Find Esther Gokhale Online Here:
Instagram: @gokhalemethod
Facebook: Gokhale Method
YouTube: Gokhale Method
Book: 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, by Esther Gokhale
Website: www.gokhalemethod.com

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Healing
(02:33) Understanding Back Pain and Its Impact
(04:53) Esther Gauklai's Journey with Back Pain
(09:57) The Gokhale Method: A New Approach to Pain Relief
(17:49) Posture, Movement, and Emotional Health
(26:09) Hope and Healing: A Message for Chronic Pain Sufferers