Pain can reshape a life without ever showing on the surface. Michelle sits down with Kristin Hass—a mother, wife, former personal trainer, and caregiver—to unpack what fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, and TMJ actually feel like day to day, and how she found strength and boundaries that make life livable. This is a candid, practical talk through misdiagnosis, self-advocacy, and the gritty tools that keep her moving.

We explore how symptoms first showed up as “flu-like” aches, collided with thyroid nodules and jaw dysfunction, and intensified during menopause. Kristen shares the moment a doctor dismissed her pain, the relief of finding a team that believed her, and how procedures like biopsies and arthrocentesis (her “jaw oil change”) ripple through her body for days. She walks us through the coping stack: Epsom salt baths that release the sting, stretching for seconds of relief, acupuncture and TENS with realistic expectations, sleep strategies, and brain fog workarounds using phone notes and spoken reminders.

What stands out is her mindset. She enters each day “armored,” paces tasks before sitting, and refuses to give pain too much oxygen. Babysitting two young kids provides purpose and motivation; short nature walks reset her mood; animals offer wordless support. Kristin also talks about setting firm boundaries, assembling a supportive “tribe,” and teaching her daughters to respect their limits. Her YouTube channel, The Best Blessed Life, extends that mission with simple recipes, movement ideas, and positive affirmations aimed at sustainable health.

If you’re navigating fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, TMJ, or any invisible illness, you’ll find support, meaningful connection, and practical solutions here: pacing that prevents crashes, rituals that calm the nervous system, and language for standing up to dismissive care.

Listen, share with someone who needs to feel seen, and leave a review to help more people find these stories.

Karen Duncan's Story: 

Living with an invisible illness often brings relentless self-doubt: “Am I really sick, or just being lazy?” Through my experience, I’ve learned that embracing your limitations is not a sign of weakness—it’s a crucial step toward managing chronic health effectively.

One key lesson: focus on just three important tasks a day—prioritize them, and treat everything else as extra. This simple approach completely changed how I navigate life with chronic illness while running a business.

In this conversation, I share how my life shifted when Covid altered my body’s abilities, taking away basic functions like proper breathing and pain-free movement. I found strength by using digital tools to turn the “spoon theory” into concrete data, helping me make wiser decisions and maintain balance.

As co-host of the "Three Spoonies" podcast, I discuss how entrepreneurs managing chronic illness can succeed by setting clear boundaries, building strong support systems, and communicating openly.

If you’re on a health journey or supporting someone who is, this talk offers practical tips, heartfelt insight, and encouragement to live well within new limits. Tune in to discover how adapting can unlock unexpected strength and new opportunities.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/m_mW_CyeKro 

How much could you overcome when life is stacked against you from the beginning? Meet Castera Charles. Taken into child slavery in Haiti and physically branded (under 5 yrs old!), he defied the odds and built a new life in America—becoming a college football player and a dedicated sports coach and mentor, inspiring youth across the country. 
Castera’s story is unforgettable. Join us as we talk about how he turned every pain into strength, showing what it really means to not just survive, but thrive.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/7y34QmBnV0Y

Eva's story is one of resilience and transformation, shaped by military service, profound friendship, loss, addiction, and recovery. Joining the Army in 1976 to escape an abusive relationship, Eva served in Korea, where she formed a deep bond with Janice, a fellow servicewoman. Their friendship continued over the years, until Janice's disappearance in 1981. Authorities largely dismissed Eva's concerns, but one detective believed her, leading eventually to the discovery of Janice's body. Grieving, Eva struggled with addiction for years. In 2019, a reconnection with the detective inspired her sobriety and the writing of her memoir, "When Tough Cookies Crumble." Now, Eva is planning a military burial for Janice and channels her energy into healing and honoring her friend, showing that transformation is achievable at any stage of life.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/yCbVLrUvQ4g

Geena Hymer is a woman who fought binge eating disorder stemming from childhood trauma, including her parents' divorce and sexual abuse. Food became her escape, especially after a sexual assault at 20. This led her to gain weight as a form of protection. Her struggles included self-harm and suicide attempts. After reaching 320 pounds, she decided on bariatric surgery, which helped her lose 150 pounds. Geena now leads a healthier life and is writing a memoir to inspire others. Her journey emphasizes that recovery is about personal growth and intention, highlighting resilience and hope through faith and therapy.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/_nzQWkKZs5I

Healing from trauma is a complex experience that is different form individual to individual. This challenging journey was the key focus in our recent podcast episode.  You will hear the realities of healing from narcissistic abuse with a focus on somatic therapy and personal empowerment. My guest, Darla Ridilla, is a relationship coach and survivor of narcissistic abuse. She shares her journey from despair to strength, illustrating the powerful connection between body sensations and emotional healing. She reveals how recognizing these sensations can unlock a pathway to understanding and overcoming past trauma. 

Throughout the episode, we tackle difficult subjects like trauma bonding, the inadequacies often found within the mental health community, and the importance of finding professionals who can empathize with lived experiences. With her experience, Darla provides essential tools and insights for anyone looking to reclaim their power after heart-wrenching experiences. 

This episode is not just about survival; it’s about thriving after pain and discovering the strength you never knew you had. Whether you find yourself in similar circumstances or simply wish to support someone who does, this is an invitation to explore healing on a deeper, more connected level. Tune in, and let’s walk this path together! Subscribe and share so others can find their way to healing.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/EBm63TfyCkY

Growing up amidst family turmoil and feeling lost in a sea of changing dynamics, our guest shares a deeply personal story of resilience and transformation. Despite the stereotypes associated with skateboarding, it became his refuge during those turbulent adolescent years. But life took a sharper turn with a car accident that spiraled into a long-term battle with pain and addiction to painkillers. This episode unravels his candid journey from prescribed medication to heroin, emphasizing the impact of family, identity, and choices on his path.

Lying at the crossroads of physical pain and emotional healing, our conversation navigates through the darkness of addiction and the complex pathways to recovery. The transition from pain management to substance abuse paints a vivid picture of desperation and choices driven by circumstances, including early homelessness and familial illness. Yet amidst the chaos, there's a story of resilience—a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and the power of taking ownership of one's actions.

Now celebrating three years of sobriety, our guest reflects on the journey towards personal growth and happiness. Emphasizing the importance of community support and self-reliance, he shares insights on how skateboarding became a means to inspire the younger generation and how influential figures played a pivotal role in his life. This episode is a moving reminder of the strength found in community and the relentless pursuit of improvement, encouraging listeners to forgive themselves and strive for a better future.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@Stormed96

YOUTUBE link to video interview: https://youtu.be/_chdMSN4Lm0

In a world where many hide behind the masks of daily life, the process of unearthing childhood trauma and embracing vulnerability seems impossible. Yet, for some it is the driving force to heal. Today I am talking with Tina Djuretic, the author of “Finding My Sovereignty”.

 Tina bravely shares her journey of healing from childhood trauma and breaking free from toxic relationships. She opens up about the painful realization of attracting narcissistic partners, similar to her mother, and how a pivotal breakup served as the turning point for her spiritual awakening.
Tina recounts her life in a Christian cult, shedding light on the oppressive control and isolation she endured. Through her storytelling, we gain insight into the bravery required to escape such environments and how past traumas often resurface in toxic situations. 

As we wrap up, Tina and I discuss the transformative journey of self-care and the redefining of selfishness among society’s definition. We highlight the importance of embracing personal triggers as opportunities for growth and the role of forgiveness in healing generational trauma. Tina inspires us with her personal, practical advice, illustrating how peeling back metaphorical masks and aligning with our true values can lead to a more authentic and liberated self. Join us for a conversation that promises to enlighten and empower as we uncover the path to personal sovereignty.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/R-bypXHNeHA

What if overcoming personal hardships could not only heal you but empower you to help others? Join me for an inspiring episode of the Turning Pain into Strength podcast, where I sit down with Jenna Talleda, a registered dietitian who transformed her struggles with ARFID, orthorexia and a heartbreaking divorce into a journey of resilience and empowerment. Discover how Jenna's painful experiences with an excessive focus on food spiraled into a quest for control and self-worth, only to find freedom and strength through intuitive eating.

Our candid conversation with Jenna unravels the complex relationship between eating disorders and the desire for control amidst life's chaos. From financial struggles to emotional upheavals, Jenna shares how she navigated these external pressures and found her way back to self-compassion and body acceptance. This episode challenges societal norms and highlights the importance of fostering a healthier relationship with food, self-worth, and body image. Jenna’s story is a testament to the transformative power of self-compassion and the journey toward healing.

Explore the impact of chronic dieting and the cycle of restriction and binge eating, as Jenna delves into her own experiences growing up in a dieting-focused household. Learn about the role of adequate nourishment and how listening to your body's needs can lead to a balanced, healthier lifestyle. As Jenna shares her valuable insights on breaking free from dieting, she offers listeners a path toward empowerment and recovery through intuitive eating. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and equip you with the tools to embrace a more compassionate relationship with yourself and food.

YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/2TbZQUHipKI

Welcome to my podcast! 

http://www.turningpainintostrength.com