The Chronic Comeback

Phil Hadfield

Welcome to the Chronic Comeback Podcast channel. This podcast was set up by me, Phil Hadfield, as a way of focusing on the positives and steering away from the negatives of chronic illness. Comebacks are totally possible in any situation and in fact, your life can become better as a result of your setback and this podcast is all about interviewing those who have proven this... 

  1. 16/05/2025

    Stop Chasing Pain: Dr. Perry Nickelston on Inflammation, Lymphatics, and Healing Chronic Illness

    In this episode, Dr. Perry Nickelston — also known as The Lymph Doc and founder of Stop Chasing Pain — returns to the podcast to share his groundbreaking approach to healing chronic illness when nothing else seems to work. We explore why inflammation, poor lymphatic flow, and a dysregulated nervous system are often the true root causes behind chronic symptoms — even when your scans and blood tests come back “normal.” Perry breaks down his three-step process for healing: calming the nervous system, moving the body’s fluids, and creating the conditions the body needs to repair itself. This isn’t about adding more overwhelming protocols — it’s about going back to the foundational systems that most people (and practitioners) overlook. We also talk about the emotional side of healing, how stress and past trauma can feed physical symptoms, and why many people are unknowingly stuck in fight-or-flight. If you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, autoimmune issues, persistent pain, or unexplained symptoms, this episode will give you a new perspective — and real, practical hope. FOLLOW PERRY NICKELSTON ▶ Website -  https://www.stopchasingpain.com/ ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/stopchasingpain/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL ▶ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/TheChronicComeback/ ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thechroniccomeback/ CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL ▶ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicComeback Healing is not just possible—it’s inevitable. And remember, the comeback is always greater than the setback 💪💪💪 #thechroniccomeback #healingispossible #recoveryispossible #chronicillness  #drperrynickelston #stopchasingpain #inflammation #lymphatics

    1h 6m
  2. 14/03/2025

    The Slow Path to Healing: How Sophie Overcame Chronic Fatigue, Found Balance, and Rebuilt Her Life

    When Sophie Reynolds first fell ill, she thought it was just a virus. But what was supposed to be a short-term setback turned into a years-long battle with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). With no clear answers from doctors and no quick fix, she found herself navigating an overwhelming world of uncertainty, frustration, and isolation. In this episode, Sophie shares her five-year journey of learning to manage and recover from chronic illness. She reflects on how her high-stress, high-achieving lifestyle as a prison officer and master’s student may have contributed to her health collapse. She opens up about the emotional toll of chronic illness, the challenges of navigating the traditional healthcare system, and how she eventually found her own path to healing. She talks about the turning points in her recovery, from discovering the power of slow, mindful movement through Pilates to shifting her mindset around productivity and success. She also shares how changing her environment, working on nervous system regulation, and building a more balanced life played a crucial role in her improvement. FOLLOW SOPHIE REYNOLDS ▶ Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/sophiereynoldspilates/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL ▶ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/TheChronicComeback/ ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thechroniccomeback/ CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL ▶ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicComeback Healing is not just possible—it’s inevitable. And remember, the comeback is always greater than the setback 💪💪💪 #thechroniccomeback #healingispossible #recoveryispossible #chronicillness  #foodlies #briansanders #healingthroughnutrition #healingjourney #innerhealing

    43 min
  3. 28/02/2025

    Escaping the Food Lies: Brian Sanders on How to Eat for Optimal Health, Longevity, and Recovering from Chronic Illness

    In this episode, Brian Sanders, filmmaker behind Food Lies and host of Peak Human podcast, joins me to discuss the biggest diet myths keeping people stuck in cycles of poor health, chronic inflammation, and weight gain. He shares his own transformation story, how he reversed his declining health in his 30s, and what he’s learned after interviewing hundreds of top doctors and researchers on nutrition. We get into the real reasons so many people struggle with chronic illness, why the debate isn’t about carbs vs. fat but rather processed vs. whole foods, and how to eat for longevity, peak energy, and optimal health. Brian also explains why mindset, lifestyle, and community play a crucial role in healing and breaks down the five essential pillars of human health.  FOLLOW BRIAN SANDERS ▶ Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/food.lies/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL ▶ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/TheChronicComeback ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thechroniccomeback/ CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL ▶ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicComeback Healing is not just possible—it’s inevitable. And remember, the comeback is always greater than the setback 💪💪💪 #thechroniccomeback #healingispossible #recoveryispossible #chronicillness  #foodlies #briansanders #healingthroughnutrition #healingjourney #innerhealing

    1h 1m
  4. 14/02/2025

    Shifting your Identity and Rewiring your Nervous System to Heal Chronic Illness, with Dr. Cat King

    Today Dr. Cat King returns for her third conversation, sharing powerful insights into how shifting your identity and rewiring your nervous system can be the key to healing chronic illness. Dr. Cat, founder of the Primal Trust Academy, breaks down the science behind why so many people stay stuck in a cycle of symptoms, the role of trauma and stress responses, and the practical tools that can help retrain your body to move out of survival mode. We discuss the common mistakes people make when trying to recover, the impact of perfectionism and hypervigilance, and why embracing joy and movement is essential.  Topics Discussed: Why nervous system regulation is the missing piece in chronic illness recoveryThe role of identity in healing—why not seeing yourself as "sick" mattersHow hypervigilance and perfectionism can keep you stuckWhy recovery isn’t about protocols, but about how you respond to lifePractical tools to help rewire your brain and retrain your immune system CONNECT WITH DR. CAT KING ▶ Website -   https://www.primaltrust.org/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL ▶ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/TheChronicComeback/ ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thechroniccomeback/ CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL ▶ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicComeback Healing is not just possible—it’s inevitable. And remember, the comeback is always greater than the setback 💪💪💪 #thechroniccomeback #healingispossible #recoveryispossible #chronicillness  #drcatking #chronicfatigue #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing  #healingjourney #innerhealing

    1h 1m
  5. 31/01/2025

    "I Am Healed": How Santa Recovered from Years of Being Bedbound with CFS

    In this episode of The Chronic Comeback Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Santa Wellness, who went from being completely bedridden with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to reclaiming her health and life. After years of searching for answers, facing dismissive doctors, and feeling trapped in a cycle of illness, Santa discovered the power of nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and mindset shifts. She shares how she reframed her identity, let go of perfectionism, and learned to heal from within—ultimately proving that recovery is possible for anyone. Topics Covered: - How Santa’s identity as a “sick child” shaped her mindset The moment her life changed overnight—and she became bedbound for years - Why traditional medicine failed her and how she found alternative paths to healing - The role of brain retraining and nervous system regulation in her recovery - How shifting from “I need to heal” to “I am healed” changed everything CONNECT WITH SANTA WELLNESS ▶ Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/santa.wellness/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL ▶ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/TheChronicComeback ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thechroniccomeback/ CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL ▶ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicComeback Healing is not just possible—it’s inevitable. And remember, the comeback is always greater than the setback 💪💪💪 #thechroniccomeback #healingispossible #recoveryispossible #chronicillness  #santawelless #cfs #cfsrecoverystory #chronicfatiguesyndrome #chronicfatigue #healingjourney #innerhealing

    57 min
  6. 20/01/2025

    Detoxing Duo: How Mold Toxicity Turned Our Lives Upside Down and Our Journey to Recovery

    Today I’m joined by Nic and Del, better known as the The Detoxing Duo, who share their story of overcoming chronic illness caused by toxic mold exposure after they unknowingly moved into a mold-infested apartment.  After years of mysterious debilitating symptoms, countless treatments, and a path of discovery, they’ve not only regained their health but are now helping others heal too, inside and out.  Highlights include: Their initial struggles with mysterious symptoms, and the differing symptoms among housemates,How they discovered the hidden culprit as toxic mold, and how it derailed their livesThe emotional toll and lessons learned through their healing journeys,The transformative role of nervous system work and detoxification in their healingHow chronic illness forced them to rethink their identities and redefine resilience,Their insights into finding joy and purpose even amidst challenges and chronic health issues.  CONNECT WITH THE DETOXING DUO ▶ Instagram -   https://www.instagram.com/thedetoxingduo/ ▶ Website - https://www.thedetoxingduo.com/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL ▶ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/TheChronicComeback/ ▶ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thechroniccomeback/ CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL ▶ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicComeback Remember, the comeback is always greater than the setback 💪💪💪 #thechroniccomeback #healingispossible  #recoveryispossible #chronicillness  #moldtoxicity #detoxingduo #thedetoxingduo #detoxification #moldillness #moldsymptoms #healingjourney #innerhealing #guthealing #nervoussystemregulation

    58 min
4.9
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Chronic Comeback Podcast channel. This podcast was set up by me, Phil Hadfield, as a way of focusing on the positives and steering away from the negatives of chronic illness. Comebacks are totally possible in any situation and in fact, your life can become better as a result of your setback and this podcast is all about interviewing those who have proven this...