Beyond The Pain

Leigh Brandon
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Alternative Health
  • Weekly

Beyond The Pain is your guide to uncovering the real root causes of chronic pain and reclaiming a life without limits. Hosted by Leigh Brandon—Functional Medicine Practitioner, CHEK Faculty Instructor, and author with nearly 30 years of experience—this show explores the physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental drivers of pain. Through expert interviews and solo insights, you’ll discover holistic strategies that heal, empower, and transform where conventional methods fall short.

  1. 2d ago

    Sciatica Relief: Why Traditional Treatments Fail & What Works Differently | Dean Volk

    What if the key to overcoming sciatica isn't stretching, massaging or treating the painful side of your body, but working on the opposite side instead? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon is joined by physical therapist and sciatica specialist Dean Volk, MPT, who shares how he transformed his approach to treating persistent sciatic pain after discovering a method that challenged much of what he had learned during his clinical training. Dean explains why conventional treatments sometimes provide only temporary relief, how the body develops compensatory movement patterns in response to pain, and why focusing exclusively on the painful area may overlook important contributing factors. Leigh also shares his personal experience of recovering from a severe lumbar disc herniation, foot drop and debilitating sciatic symptoms, highlighting the importance of patience, persistence and understanding the role of the nervous system in recovery. In this episode, you'll discover: Why sciatica can persist despite physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, injections or surgery. How Dean's unconventional approach focuses on the less painful side of the body. Why compensatory movement patterns and muscular imbalances may contribute to persistent symptoms. How the brain and nervous system influence pain, protective guarding and movement. Why disc bulges and degenerative changes don't necessarily mean lifelong pain. The importance of individual assessment rather than generic sciatica exercises. How understanding your body can help you take a more active role in recovery. Whether you've been experiencing sciatica for weeks, months or years, this conversation offers a different perspective on persistent pain and the possibilities for recovery. Connect with Dean Volk Sciatica Relief Now:https://sciaticareliefnow.net/ Free 3-Day Sciatica Proof Lab:https://sciaticaprooflab.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SciaticaReliefNow Connect with Leigh Brandon Beyond The Pain book:https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Beyond The Pain 14-Day Programme:https://bodychek.co.uk/beyond-the-pain-programme/ Consult with Leigh:https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/ 🎁 ART NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFER If you're based near Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, you can book an Active Release Techniques (ART) session at Leigh's previous treatment rate until 30th November 2026. Discount code: ARTNov Book here:https://bodychekschedule.as.me/ART1Hour Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical assessment or treatment. Persistent or worsening neurological symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

  2. Nov 2

    Biofeedback for Chronic Pain: How the Mind-Body Connection Can Help You Heal | Cindy Perlin

    What if changing the way your nervous system responds to stress and pain could help you experience less suffering? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with chronic pain survivor, author and certified biofeedback practitioner Cindy Perlin about her remarkable journey from debilitating back pain to discovering the power of biofeedback and the mind-body connection. Cindy shares how her life changed when she began to understand that fear, worry and emotional stress could influence her experience of pain. After years of unsuccessful treatments, she discovered biofeedback and learned how relaxation, self-awareness and changes in her physiological responses could support her recovery. We explore why pain isn't always a reliable indicator of tissue damage, how the nervous system can amplify pain signals, and why understanding the relationship between thoughts, emotions and physical sensations can be an important part of overcoming persistent pain. Cindy also discusses a separate fourteen-year struggle with foot pain, highlighting why chronic pain is complex and why psychological and physical factors both deserve consideration. If you're living with persistent pain and feel frustrated by treatments that haven't worked, this conversation offers a different perspective on understanding pain and becoming an active participant in your recovery. In this episode, we discuss: Cindy's personal journey through years of debilitating chronic back pain. How Norman Cousins' book changed her perspective on healing. What biofeedback is and how it can help people regulate physiological responses. The relationship between fear, stress, the nervous system and pain. Why pain is not always a direct measure of physical damage. How relaxation and self-awareness can influence pain perception. The importance of recognising potential physical contributors to persistent pain. Why a whole-person approach may offer more options for recovery. Connect with Cindy Perlin Alternative Pain Treatment Directory:https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thetruthaboutchronicpaintreatments/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@PainTreatmentDirectory Connect with Leigh Brandon Beyond The Pain book:https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Book a consultation:https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/ 🎁 ART NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFER If you're based near Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, you can book an Active Release Techniques (ART) session at my previous treatment rate until 30th November 2026. Discount code: ARTNov Book here:https://bodychekschedule.as.me/ART1Hour If you found this conversation valuable, please follow Beyond The Pain, share the episode with someone who may benefit, and leave a review to help more people discover a different approach to understanding persistent pain.

  3. Oct 26

    Crohn's Disease Recovery: How Diet, Lifestyle & Functional Medicine Changed Jen Germain's Life

    What if being diagnosed with a lifelong chronic illness didn't mean giving up hope of feeling healthy again? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with functional medicine health coach Jen Germain about her remarkable journey from being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to transforming her health through nutrition, lifestyle changes and a more personalised approach to wellbeing. In 2020, Jen was experiencing debilitating digestive symptoms, extreme fatigue, brain fog and joint pain. After being told she would likely need medication for the rest of her life, she began exploring functional medicine and working with a health coach to address the lifestyle factors that might be contributing to her symptoms. By changing her diet, adopting an autoimmune protocol and focusing on her overall wellbeing, Jen experienced significant improvements in her energy, digestion and quality of life. She shares how she subsequently came off medication and has remained free from flare-ups according to her own account. Together, Leigh and Jen explore the relationship between gut health, inflammation and persistent pain, the importance of personalised nutrition, and why taking an active role in your health can make such a difference. Jen also explains how her experience inspired her to become a certified health coach, helping others navigate their own health challenges. In this episode, you'll discover: How Jen's Crohn's disease diagnosis changed her life. The connection between gut health, inflammation, fatigue and joint pain. Why Jen decided to explore functional medicine. How dietary and lifestyle changes affected her symptoms. The value of personalised health coaching and ongoing support. Why sustainable health improvements involve more than managing symptoms. If you're living with persistent pain, digestive problems or chronic illness, this conversation offers a personal perspective on recovery, self-responsibility and the potential benefits of making meaningful lifestyle changes. Connect with Jen Germain Website: https://www.compasshealthcoachingllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergermain/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compasshealthcoachingllc/ Connect with Leigh Brandon Book — Beyond The Pain: https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Consult with Leigh: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/ Disclaimer: This episode shares an individual's experience and is intended for educational purposes. Crohn's disease requires appropriate medical monitoring, and changes to prescribed medication should always be discussed with the treating healthcare team.

  4. Oct 19

    How the Hypothalamus Affects Chronic Pain, Hormones & Stress | Deborah Maragopoulos

    How the Hypothalamus Affects Chronic Pain, Hormones & Stress | Deborah Maragopoulos Could a tiny part of your brain be playing a much bigger role in your chronic pain than you realise? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon is joined by Deborah Maragopoulos, an integrative family nurse practitioner and neuroendocrinology specialist known as the "Hormone Queen", to explore the fascinating relationship between the hypothalamus, hormones, stress and persistent pain. Deborah shares her remarkable personal journey, beginning with the birth of her premature child and the challenges that inspired her to investigate the complexities of the hormonal system. Together, Leigh and Deborah explore how the hypothalamus helps regulate the body's stress response, hormonal balance, metabolism and pain processing — and what might happen when these systems become disrupted. They also discuss the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the relationship between chronic stress and pain sensitivity, and why understanding the connections between the brain, body and emotions may be important for people struggling with persistent pain. In this episode, you'll discover: What the hypothalamus is and why it matters for pain. How the hypothalamus influences hormones and the body's stress response. Why pain is more complex than simply a response to tissue damage. The relationship between chronic stress, the HPA axis and persistent pain. How hypothalamic dysfunction may relate to conditions such as fibromyalgia. Why emotional health and lifestyle factors matter in understanding pain. The importance of a whole-person approach to pain recovery. If you've been struggling with persistent pain and feel that there's more to your condition than you've been told, this conversation offers another perspective on the complex systems influencing your experience. CONNECT WITH DEBORAH MARAGOPOULOS Website: https://genesisgold.com/ Hypothalamus Handbook - https://genesisgold.com/books/hypothalamus-handbook/beyond Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahmaragopoulosfnp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehormonequeen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-maragopoulos-mn-fnp-422b8014 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwDjUWkxsANSmh2wF5ltSg CONNECT WITH LEIGH BRANDON Book – Beyond The Pain (Paperback, Kindle & Audiobook):https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Consult with Leigh:https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation Podcast Website:https://www.bodychek.co.uk/podcast ABOUT BEYOND THE PAIN Beyond The Pain explores the deeper influences behind persistent pain, bringing together insights from science, clinical practice and personal experience to help people better understand their bodies and take an active role in recovery. This episode is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice.

  5. Oct 12

    Chronic Pain, CFS & Long COVID: How to Rebuild Trust in Your Nervous System | Miguel Bautista

    What if persistent pain, fatigue and other unexplained symptoms aren’t simply signs that your body is damaged — but signs that your nervous system has become increasingly protective? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with Miguel Bautista, founder of CFS Recovery, about his extraordinary journey from being a highly driven 19-year-old personal trainer to becoming so unwell that he was bedridden, unable to feed himself and eventually admitted to hospital. After years of appointments, investigations and treatments failed to provide answers, Miguel met a doctor who introduced him to the idea of a hypersensitive nervous system and neuroplasticity. That encounter completely changed the way he understood his symptoms — and became the starting point for his recovery. Miguel and Leigh explore how fear, symptom monitoring, excessive Googling and constantly searching for the next diagnosis or treatment can sometimes reinforce a cycle of stress and symptoms. They also discuss why both pushing through symptoms and excessive rest can become problematic, and how gradually rebuilding activity may help people regain confidence in their bodies. Miguel explains his concepts of “adjustment periods” and “progress cycles”, why a flare-up doesn’t necessarily mean someone has gone back to square one, and how education can help reduce the fear surrounding pain, increased heart rate, fatigue and other physical sensations. They also discuss symptom rotation, Dr John Sarno’s “symptom imperative”, the importance of supportive communities, and why rebuilding trust in the body often begins with very small, manageable wins. In this episode, you’ll discover: Miguel’s journey from personal trainer to becoming completely bedridden Why being told that his nervous system was hypersensitive gave him hope How fear can amplify pain and other physical symptoms The cycle between symptoms, fear, stress and further symptoms Why continually Googling symptoms can sometimes make recovery harder How to avoid the boom-and-bust cycle of doing too much and then completely resting Miguel’s “adjustment period” and “progress cycle” approach How gradually rebuilding activity can help restore trust in the body Please note: Miguel’s approach is discussed in the context of people who have already undergone appropriate medical investigation to identify or rule out other causes for their symptoms. Contact Miguel Bautista / CFS Recovery - Website:https://www.cfsrecovery.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cfsrecovery LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-bautista-85a188a9/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@cfsrecovery TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@cfs.recovery Contact Leigh Brandon - Beyond The Pain book:https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Beyond The Pain 14-Day Programme:https://bodychek.co.uk/beyond-the-pain-programme/ Consult with Leigh:https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/

  6. Oct 5

    The Vagus Nerve and Chronic Pain: Can Neuromodulation Help Regulate the Nervous System? | Jon Hacker

    What role does the vagus nerve play in chronic pain, nervous system regulation and our ability to recover? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with biomedical engineer and StarSplit founder Jon Hacker about the emerging world of vagus nerve stimulation and neuromodulation. Jon shares how his own struggles with OCD and feeling unable to control his nervous system led him into the development of technology designed to influence nervous system function. He explains why his team moved from exploring direct brain stimulation towards the vagus nerve, and how they began investigating ultrasound as a non-invasive approach to neuromodulation. The conversation also explores some of the bigger challenges surrounding medical research. Jon discusses why study design matters, why published research should not automatically be accepted at face value, and how funding structures, commercial interests and academic incentives can influence which treatments are investigated and how evidence is produced. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of chronic pain, nervous system regulation, neuroscience and emerging medical technology. In this episode, we discuss: How the vagus nerve may influence chronic painThe relationship between nervous system dysregulation and persistent symptomsWhy Jon became interested in neuromodulationVagus nerve stimulation versus direct brain stimulationThe emerging use of ultrasound in neuromodulationProblems with the quality and design of some medical researchHow research funding can influence scientific progressThe future of neurotechnology for chronic pain and nervous system regulationIf you live with persistent pain, this conversation may help you better understand why pain involves far more than simply the area of the body where symptoms are felt. Connect with Jon Hacker: Website: https://zenbud.health/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenbudhealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenbudhealthTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zenbudhealthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hacker/ Connect with Leigh Brandon: Beyond The Pain — Book & Audiobook:https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Consult with Leigh:https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/

  7. Sep 28

    Persistent Pain Explained: Why Pain Is More Than Tissue Damage

    What if your pain is completely real, but the explanation you’ve been given for it is incomplete? For decades, persistent musculoskeletal pain was largely viewed through a structural lens: if your back hurt, there must be something wrong with your back; if your neck hurt, the problem must be in your neck. But modern pain neuroscience paints a much more complex picture. In this solo episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon explores why pain cannot always be explained by tissue damage, scans or biomechanics alone. He looks at how the nervous system, stress, sleep, emotions, beliefs and our wider environment can all influence the pain experience. You’ll also discover why two people with very similar findings on an MRI can experience dramatically different levels of pain, why symptoms can fluctuate depending on what is happening in your life, and why persistent pain does not necessarily mean that your body is continuing to suffer damage. Importantly, adopting a broader mind-body understanding of pain does not mean ignoring pathology, dismissing symptoms or suggesting that pain is imaginary. It means recognising that pain is a protective experience influenced by multiple systems within the body and brain. Leigh also explores the enormous impact persistent pain can have on work, relationships, exercise, social connection and even a person’s sense of identity — and why understanding pain differently may open up new possibilities for recovery. If you've been living with persistent pain and feel as though you've tried everything, this episode may help you start looking at your symptoms through a very different lens. Beyond The Pain explores the physical, biochemical, neurological and emotional influences that can contribute to persistent pain — and what you can do to participate more actively in your recovery.

  8. Sep 21

    Chronic Pain, Emotions and the Body: How Somatics Can Support Healing | Alexandra Beller

    What if persistent pain is not merely something to eliminate, but also something we can learn to understand? In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with movement analyst, choreographer and somatic educator Alexandra Beller about the relationship between chronic pain, physical sensations, emotions and identity. Alexandra shares her journey from professional dancer to somatic educator and explains how movement became a way for her to better understand herself. Having lived with pain from multiple injuries, she also offers a deeply personal perspective on how persistent pain can influence the way we see our bodies, ourselves and the world around us. Alexandra describes somatic work as a form of “couples therapy for the mind and body.” By slowing down and paying attention to physical sensations, we may begin to access information and feelings that the conscious mind has overlooked or struggled to process. Leigh and Alexandra explore how pain can gradually become a filter through which we experience life—and why fighting, ignoring or resenting the painful part of ourselves may deepen the conflict within us. Alexandra compares this part to a distressed toddler who needs patience, safety and understanding rather than criticism or rejection. This compassionate approach can help us rebuild trust with the body and develop a different relationship with persistent pain. In this episode, you’ll discover: What somatic work is and how it connects the body and mind How physical sensations can communicate emotional information Why persistent pain can become entwined with identity How fear, frustration and mistrust can affect our relationship with the body Why slowing down may help us recognise what our pain needs How movement can support self-awareness and emotional processing Why compassion can be more helpful than fighting against the body How rebuilding trust in your body may support the healing process This conversation does not suggest that pain is imaginary or “all in your head.” Instead, it explores how physical, neurological and emotional experiences continually influence one another—and how listening to the body may provide another valuable path towards recovery. CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA BELLER Website:https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org Online courses:https://alexandrabellerdances.thinkific.com/collections Anatomy of Art:https://www.anatomy-of-art.com/ CONNECT WITH LEIGH Beyond The Pain book:https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg Beyond The Pain 14-Day Programme:https://bodychek.co.uk/beyond-the-pain-programme/ Consult with Leigh:https://bodychek.co.uk/consultation/

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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Beyond The Pain is your guide to uncovering the real root causes of chronic pain and reclaiming a life without limits. Hosted by Leigh Brandon—Functional Medicine Practitioner, CHEK Faculty Instructor, and author with nearly 30 years of experience—this show explores the physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental drivers of pain. Through expert interviews and solo insights, you’ll discover holistic strategies that heal, empower, and transform where conventional methods fall short.

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Brandon
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    221
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Leigh Brandon
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Pain

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