Life Shouldn't Hurt

Grant Fedoruk

Pain & injury are part of our life experience.  A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

  1. 3D AGO

    Teeth Shouldn't Hurt: Functional Dentistry with Dr. Mandeep Johal

    Welcome, friends! I’m Grant Fedoruk, and on this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, we are exploring the surprising and powerful connections between your daily habits and your overall well-being. From Broken Glasses to Brain Fog: A Lesson in Pacing Ourselves To kick things off, I open up and share a recent, somewhat embarrassing personal story with you. After breaking my favorite pair of glasses, I was forced into wearing a backup pair of progressives while MCing a major event, and let me tell you, the resulting brain fog and dizziness felt exactly like a hangover! But that comical, painful experience reminded me of a profound truth: whenever we introduce something new to our bodies, whether it's breaking in new foot orthotics or changing our health routines, we have to pace ourselves. Introducing Dr. Mandeep Johal: Shifting Perspectives on Oral Health To help us take those small, impactful steps, I am thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Dr. Mandeep Johal. As a functional dentist, Dr. Johal looks far beyond your teeth to connect the dots between your mouth, your breathing, your stress levels, and your entire body. Her insights completely shifted my perspective—in fact, during our conversation, I was stunned to discover I’ve been making a massive teeth-brushing mistake for my entire 50 years of life! Powerful Micro-Habits to Transform Your Daily Health Routine This episode is packed with actionable wisdom and micro-habits you can seamlessly weave into your daily life. We explore: The Magic of "Water Shadowing": Discover why taking a simple swish of water after your coffee, holiday treats, or carbonated drinks is the absolute easiest way to rinse away bacteria and protect your enamel.The 30-Minute Brushing Rule: I learned the hard way that brushing immediately after eating actually damages porous enamel; you should always wait 20 to 30 minutes!The Power of Your Breath: We uncover how simple, mindful nasal breathing can prevent nighttime dry mouth, stop tooth decay, and dramatically improve your health."Dental Treats" for Humans: Learn how snacking on hard, crunchy foods like celery and carrots acts as a natural cleanser to sweep away plaque.Busting Massive Health Myths: Dr. Johal sets the record straight on why pregnant women must see the dentist, and why your gums should never, ever bleed—as one expert joked, they should only bleed as much as your eyeballs!Consistency Over Perfection: Take Control of Your Wellness My goal with this show is always to empower you with the tools and evidence-based strategies to live a brighter, pain-free life. You don't have to be perfect; it's the simple, consistent changes that will truly transform your health. If you are curious and motivated to upgrade your wellness routine, I highly encourage you to tune in to the full conversation. Please make sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss out on these life-changing strategies. Together, we can prove that life—and your teeth—shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  2. MAY 15

    Breaking the Cycle: The Science of Weight Management and Joint Pain

    Welcome to Life Shouldn't Hurt. I’m your host, Grant Fedoruk, and this week we are unpacking a topic that affects nearly every household: weight management. In my practice, I constantly see patients caught on a heartbreaking merry-go-round. They are in too much joint pain to be active, which leads to weight gain, which then prevents them from meeting the required Body Mass Index (BMI) to get the joint replacement surgery that would finally relieve their pain. It is a deeply frustrating cycle, and my goal with this episode is to offer you real hope, scientifically backed insights, and actionable solutions to help you break free. Understanding the Biology of Weight Loss To help us shatter the myths surrounding weight, we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Akshay Jain, a leading endocrinologist and triple board-certified obesity medicine expert. If you have ever felt judged or blamed yourself for struggling to lose weight, you need to hear this episode. Dr. Jain completely changes the conversation by explaining that obesity is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Instead, he reveals the fascinating science behind our neurobiology, explaining that our brain has a "thermostat" regulating our weight, and when that thermostat breaks, it constantly fights against our efforts to lose pounds. Practical Strategies for Sustainable Health Throughout the show, we share a wealth of practical advice you can apply directly to your own life: Pain-Free Activity: My co-host Anita Cassidy and I explore alternative exercises for those suffering from joint pain. We discuss how aquatic therapy unloads your joints through buoyancy while actually burning more calories due to water resistance. We also talk about zero-gravity treadmills and stationary bikes to help you safely build cardiovascular health.Community and Healing: We highlight the incredible GLA:D program, a guided exercise system designed for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis. My own mom participated in it, and she absolutely loved the social aspect! It gave her a beautiful sense of community and motivation while preparing her body for a healthier future.The Truth About Medication: Dr. Jain sheds light on modern weight loss medications. He explains that they aren't "magic wands" that melt off fat, but rather vital tools used alongside individualized nutrition to quiet hunger hormones, reduce cravings, and help your body finally enter a fat-burning mode.Ditching the Scale: We explore better ways to track your health beyond just the bathroom scale or BMI. Dr. Jain shares a highly practical tip: focus on your waist-to-height ratio, aiming to keep your waist circumference at less than half of your height to reduce your risk of chronic disease.Empowering Your Health Journey This episode is all about stripping away the shame, honoring your personal struggles, and empowering you with the medical science to take control of your health. You do not have to fight your biology alone. If you or a loved one has ever felt defeated by weight management, I highly encourage you to tune in to our full conversation to hear these life-changing insights firsthand. Please follow and subscribe to Life Shouldn't Hurt on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode, and join us as we continue to uncover the truths about living a healthier, more vibrant life! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  3. APR 16

    Fuelling Your Engine: Nutrition Science with Dr. Scott Forbes

    Hey everyone, Grant Fedoruk here. Welcome back to Life Shouldn't Hurt. Have you ever stopped to think about how you fuel the only vehicle you get for this entire journey of life—your body? In our latest episode, we explore exactly that. Expert Insights with Dr. Scott Forbes To help us separate scientific fact from social media fiction, I sat down with Dr. Scott Forbes, a leading researcher in sports nutrition and human performance from Brandon University. We explore the science behind what we consume and how it directly impacts how we feel, think, and perform every single day. Whether you are training for a marathon, carrying heavy grocery bags, or just trying to stay sharp and energized at work, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you can apply right now. Key Takeaways to Tune Up Your Routine We uncover some incredible insights to help you optimize your health: The Truth About Pre-Workout: Spoiler alert—you don't need expensive pre-workout supplements. Dr. Forbes explains exactly how to time everyday carbs and protein to naturally power your body.Creatine's Hidden Superpowers: I used creatine back in my university rugby days, but we learned it's not just for bodybuilders. It actually has amazing benefits for your brain, helping combat mental fatigue, and even strengthens your bones.Aging Strong: Discover why older adults actually need to consume more protein than younger folks to maintain crucial muscle mass and stay actively moving through life.Busting Nutrition Myths: We put an end to persistent rumors, like creatine causing muscle cramps or hair loss, and remind ourselves of the one incredibly simple food we all need to eat more of to live longer (hint: it's green).Science-Backed Health for Everyday Life My ultimate goal is to empower you with reliable, science-backed information so you can make confident decisions that help you live a healthier, happier life. This conversation is all about practical, everyday steps to tune up your engine so you can enjoy every single moment. Subscribe & Join the Community If you are curious about how to unlock your best self, tune in to this episode! Please follow and subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss out on these insights. Join our growing community, share our story with your friends, and let's keep moving forward together—because as you know, life shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  4. MAR 11

    Lung Cancer Survivorship and the Power of Rehabilitation with Dr. Nathalie Daaboul

    Welcome to another deeply personal episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt. I'm your host, Grant Fedoruk, and today we are tackling a topic that touches almost every single one of us: cancer. Whenever I speak about this, it brings up memories of my dad and his long, brave battle—a journey that still brings tears to my eyes. Because of him, and the countless patients we see in our cancer rehab clinics, this conversation is incredibly close to my heart. Exploring the Missing Piece: Cancer Survivorship In this episode, Anita Cassidy and I are honoured to sit down with Dr. Nathalie Daaboul, a compassionate hematologist-oncologist who is shifting the way we look at lung cancer care. We move past the medical treatments to explore a massive missing piece in the healthcare puzzle: survivorship. Surviving cancer is a medical marvel, but what happens after the chemo and radiation? We unpack the incredible, evidence-based role of specialized rehab in helping patients safely overcome lingering issues like: Nerve numbness (neuropathy)Swelling (lymphedema)Chronic fatigueYou shouldn't just be thankful to be alive; you deserve the absolute best chance at living a vibrant, active life. Actionable Wisdom for Your Health This conversation is packed with actionable wisdom you can apply to your life today, even if cancer hasn't directly impacted your family: Listen to your body's "Check Engine" light: I share a humbling story from my own clinic about a patient whose persistent, non-responsive shoulder pain turned out to be lung cancer. We outline the subtle symptoms you should never ignore and why advocating for early screening is life-saving.Protect your home from Radon: Did you know that odorless, invisible radon gas creeping into our basements is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? Anita and I explain exactly how easy and affordable it is to test your home and mitigate this risk to protect your kids and family.The Power of Mindset: We explore the profound, physical impact that hope, belief, and community support have on your health outcomes and longevity.Empowerment and Hope In life, pain and obstacles are part of the journey, but you don't have to face them alone. Whether you are currently navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to proactively protect your family's health, this episode will leave you empowered, informed, and filled with hope. Support the Mission If you find value in our mission to help people move, live, and age without unnecessary pain, please follow and subscribe to our show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with someone you care about, because the more people we reach, the more lives we can help. Thank you for trusting us with your time—tune in, and let's learn together! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  5. FEB 27

    Dealing with IT Band Pain and Advocating for Accessibility with Sandy Saunders

    Hey everyone, it’s Grant Fedoruk here, your friendly neighbourhood pain whisperer. Welcome back to another episode where we trade stiff upper lips for real talk, because while pain might be a part of life, it certainly doesn’t get to be the boss. In this episode, I’m joined by my "everyday legend" co-host Anita Cassidy to tackle a physical issue that plagues so many of us as we get active this time of year: that nagging, insidious pain on the outside of the knee known as IT Band Friction Syndrome. Myth-Busting IT Band Friction Syndrome If you’ve ever felt that sharp friction while running downhill or even just walking on the beach, you need to hear this. We bust some major myths—specifically, why you can’t actually stretch the IT band (it’s as tough as cheesecloth!) and why taking a metal scraping tool to your leg until you bruise is likely doing more harm than good. We get into the nitty-gritty of why the problem might actually be coming from: Your old shoesIssues with your feetTight hip musclesWe discuss what you should really be doing to fix it and get back to moving pain-free. A Conversation on Resilience with Sandy Saunders The heart of this episode beats in my conversation with our incredible guest, Sandy Saunders. Sandy has been navigating life as a T5 paraplegic since a car accident at age 14 in 1977. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving, community, and the evolution of independence over five decades. Sandy takes us through the reality of accessibility in 2025—from the frustration of snow-covered sidewalks that block wheelchairs to the "low-hanging fruit" that businesses constantly miss. Actionable Wisdom for Business Owners and Neighbours We explore insights that business owners and neighbours need to hear right now. Sandy shares a critical point about parking: with the rise in accessible placards, wheelchair users often can’t find the wide spaces they need to deploy their ramps. Her practical challenge to businesses? Safeguard that one spot closest to the door specifically for wheelchair users so they aren't forced to navigate dangerous parking lots behind vehicles. Living Your Own Journey Sandy also leaves us with a profound piece of life advice that applies whether you are in a wheelchair or not: Stop comparing your journey to others. Focus on yourself, pace yourself, and find your own community—like the inspiring environment Sandy found at the Steadward Center. This conversation is a powerful reminder that accessibility isn't an inconvenience; it’s about basic human rights and dignity. I promise you will leave this episode feeling informed, moved, and ready to look at your community a little differently. Join the Community If you find value in these conversations and want to learn how to move better and feel better, please follow and subscribe to the show. Let’s make sure life doesn’t hurt more than it has to. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  6. FEB 11

    Necks Level Solutions for Chronic Neck Pain

    Life Shouldn’t Hurt: Why Your Pain Isn’t “Normal” — From Feet to Neck Pain Solutions Introduction If you’ve ever tuned in to Life Shouldn’t Hurt, you know that I believe pain shouldn't be your normal state of being—even if my singing voice at the top of the show might cause a little phantom pain for my co-host, Anita Cassidy! Understanding the Kinetic Chain: How Foot Mechanics Influence Knee Pain In this episode, we tackle the aches and pains that literally weigh us down, from our feet all the way up to our heads. We kick things off by looking at the kinetic chain—how your feet might actually be the culprits behind your knee pain. Anita and I break down Patellofemoral Syndrome, a condition where the kneecap tracks incorrectly. If you or your teenagers get sore knees just from sitting through a movie (what we call the moviegoer’s sign), you need to hear this. I even share my own painful history of mowing lawns for the county and how—believe it or not—wearing cowboy boots during the Calgary Stampede taught me a valuable lesson about foot biomechanics. The Epidemic of Neck Pain: From Whiplash to Tech Neck Then, we shift our focus to an epidemic we’re all facing: neck pain. Whether it’s from an old whiplash injury or just “tech neck” from doom-scrolling in bed, our necks are taking a beating. I sit down with physical therapist Dr. Scott Dickinson, the inventor of a game-changing device called NecksLevel. Why Traditional Neck Exercises Fail Scott explains why traditional neck exercises—like awkwardly strapping bands to your head—often fail because of discomfort and compliance issues. We explore his invention, which is essentially a “Pilates reformer for your neck,” allowing you to strengthen those critical stabilizing muscles while lying down, completely eliminating the stress of gravity. We discuss why rotation is the secret weapon for neck health and how to finally get lasting relief from that stiffness that makes shoulder-checking in your car a nightmare. Your Environment Matters: Small Tweaks, Big Impact My biggest takeaway for you? Your environment matters. Whether it's the shoes on your feet or the pillow under your head, small tweaks make a massive difference. And please, for the sake of your neck and your wallet, leave that smartphone in the closet at night! Final Thoughts I hope this episode empowers you to take control of your recovery. If you find value in our conversations, please follow and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Remember, life shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  7. JAN 7

    From Ice to Insight: Marc Kennedy on Pain-Free Performance

    In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, I am thrilled to bring you a blend of medical expertise and Olympic-level wisdom that will completely change how you view your physical longevity. Whether you are an elite athlete or just trying to get through the day pain-free, this episode is packed with tools you can use immediately. Understanding Achilles Pain We start by tackling a problem that brings so many of you limping through my clinic doors: Achilles pain. You might know it as the strongest tendon in the body, but as I explain to Anita, it is also a classic weak spot. We break down the crucial difference between tendonitis (inflammation) and tendinosis (degeneration), because knowing which one you have changes how you treat it. If you have ever felt that stiffness in the morning or pain on the back of your heel, you need to hear why “no pain, no gain” is the wrong approach here. I also share specific, actionable advice on how to stretch properly—specifically why you need to stretch with both a straight leg and a bent knee to target the different muscles that pull on that tendon. Marc Kennedy on the Physical Demands of Curling But the real highlight of this show is my conversation with Canadian curling legend, Marc Kennedy. You might think of curling as a gentle game, but Marc reveals the intense physical toll it takes on the hips and shoulders over a twenty-year career. Marc opens up about the secrets behind his incredible longevity, including his transition to a “glute-focused” training regimen after a chiropractor identified that his hip pain stemmed from weakness there. A Practical Warm-Up Routine for Everyday Athletes We get very practical for the recreational athletes listening: Marc walks us through his 5-minute warm-up routine using foam rollers and resistance bands. I explain the science behind why his method works—how rolling specific spots stimulates a reflex that relaxes the tissue, and how exercises like “monster walks” wake up the muscles you actually need before you play. A Personal Journey Toward Health and Family Legacy Beyond the physical, this episode touches on something deeply personal. Marc shares his powerful decision to eliminate alcohol from his life. He speaks candidly about his father’s battle with alcoholism and how he and his wife chose a healthier path to set an example for their daughters. It is a touching testament to how our lifestyle choices impact not just our performance, but the people we love. In fact, Marc reveals that his dedication to physio and chiropractic care has inspired his own daughter to pursue a career in healing, which put a massive smile on my face. Conclusion: Longevity, Transformation, and Taking Care of Yourself From fixing your heels to thinking like a gold medalist, this episode is about longevity, transformation, and the quiet power of taking care of yourself. I hope you tune in and find something that helps you move better, because life really shouldn't hurt Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    40 min

  8. JAN 5

    Pelvic Health and the Emsella Chair Breakthrough

    In this episode, I wanted to surprise you—and my co-host Anita—by tackling two specific areas of the body that often cause silent suffering: the side of the hip and the pelvic floor. If you have ever woken up with a deep ache after sleeping on your side, or if you find yourself planning your day around bathroom breaks, this conversation is essential listening for you. We start by unpacking a condition that is often confused with sciatica or back issues: Trochanteric Bursitis. It’s a pain that radiates down the leg and screams at you when you try to cross your legs or lie down at night. In this episode, we explain exactly what is happening inside that fluid-filled sac on the side of your hip. But more importantly, I explain why just resting or getting a cortisone shot often isn't enough. We discuss the vital difference between simply stopping the pain and actually fixing the weakness or tightness that caused it in the first place so you can get back to moving freely. Then, we shift gears to have an open, honest, and much-needed conversation about pelvic health. I’m joined by Kristen Fitzgerald, a compassionate expert from our team, to break the stigma surrounding incontinence and pelvic dysfunction. Whether you are a man dealing with the after-effects of surgery, a woman navigating perimenopause, or someone experiencing urgency, you need to know that this is not something you just have to live with. Kristen shares some surprising practical advice, including why drinking more water—not less—is actually the key to calming an irritated bladder. We also debunk the myth that pelvic health is only a concern for new moms; it affects athletes, men, and people of all ages. Finally, we introduce a breakthrough technology that is changing lives: the Emsella Chair. Imagine doing nearly 12,000 kegels in just 30 minutes, all while fully clothed and sitting comfortably reading a magazine. We discuss how this electromagnetic treatment helps retrain your brain and strengthen your muscles to treat incontinence and even improve intimate wellness without surgery or invasive exams. My goal with this episode is to help you realize that you don’t have to settle for discomfort or embarrassment. There are solutions, and often, they are easier than you think. If you find value in these conversations and want to keep learning how to live a pain-free life, please take a moment to follow and subscribe to the show. It helps us continue to bring you expert advice and real solutions. Tune in, get informed, and let’s get you feeling better. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Pain & injury are part of our life experience.  A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

Information

  • Creator
    Grant Fedoruk
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life Shouldn't Hurt
  • Show Website
    Life Shouldn't Hurt

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