The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano

Lyndsay Soprano
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The Pain Game Podcast is where raw truth, real trauma, and relentless healing collide. Hosted by Lyndsay Soprano, the show dives deep into the lived experience of chronic pain, trauma, disability, and the messy, beautiful process of rebuilding your life when everything hurts. Each week, Lyndsay sits down with survivors, experts, and everyday humans who’ve walked through hell — and chose to rise anyway. These are the conversations most people are too afraid to have: the kind that rip the bandages off, challenge the system, and give pain a purpose. If you’re living with chronic pain, navigating trauma recovery, healing from medical gaslighting, or searching for community in the chaos, you’re in the right place. This podcast was built for the fighters, the feelers, and anyone who refuses to stay silent about what hurts. New episodes every Tuesday at 8am EST. You’re not alone in this fight — and you don’t have to heal quietly.

  1. Sex, Drugs, and Killer Kink

    5D AGO

    Sex, Drugs, and Killer Kink

    What does it take to spend a career staring into the darkest corners of human behavior? In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with retired Alaskan police officer Doug Fifer for a candid and often unsettling look at the reality behind true crime. Doug spent decades working on cases that most people can barely imagine. From deviant sexual crimes to the psychological patterns behind violent offenders, he shares what it’s really like to investigate crimes that push the limits of human understanding. They also talk about the unique challenges of policing in Alaska, a place where the vastness of the land can sometimes give criminals the anonymity they seek. But this conversation isn’t just about crime. Doug opens up about the toll the work takes on law enforcement officers and the coping strategies that keep them going. Humor, strong support systems, and the ability to compartmentalize trauma often become survival tools when your job requires witnessing the worst of humanity. Lyndsay and Doug also discuss his book, 50 Shades of True Crime, which pulls back the curtain on cases that rarely make headlines and exposes the gaps in a legal system that often struggles to keep up with the complexity of certain crimes. This episode offers a raw, unfiltered look at the realities behind true crime and the people tasked with confronting it. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the human side of policing, trauma, and truth. Content Warning: This episode discusses violent crime, disturbing criminal behavior, and the psychological realities of investigating serious offences. Some listeners may find these topics difficult to hear. Please listen with care. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Content Disclaimers (01:00) Travelling Through Alaska and Its Dark Secrets (02:08) Doug Pfeiffer's Career in Law Enforcement (04:19) Why Alaska Attracts Criminals (05:13) Writing '50 Shades of True Crime (10:46) The Depths of Human Depravity (12:10) The Most Shocking Stories (13:33) Handling Trauma and Emotional Detachment (14:54) Memories and Writing the Book (16:14) Structure of the Book and Crime Solving (17:39) Laws Against Bestiality and Societal Changes (19:00) The Dark World of Paraphilias (23:52) Interrogation Techniques and Human Psychology (27:58) Dealing with Victims' Families (29:21) The Emotional Toll of Police Work (37:16) Closing Remarks and Resources Find Doug Fifer Online Here: Website: dougfifer.com Instagram: @fiftyshadesoftruecrime Facebook: Fifty Shades of True Crime LinkedIn: Doug Fifer YouTube: Doug Fifer Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    40 min
  2. Sex Trafficking: When Helping Breaks You

    MAR 24

    Sex Trafficking: When Helping Breaks You

    Not all trauma comes from direct experience. Sometimes, it builds slowly from holding space for others, from advocacy, from caring so deeply it drains you. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Elizabeth Gaines to unpack the emotional toll of showing up for survivors—while trying to stay afloat. Elizabeth opens up about her work in the nonprofit space, the burnout that followed, and how functional diagnostic testing helped her uncover the hidden stressors wreaking havoc on her health. Together, they talk about the blind spots in conventional medicine, the necessity of rest, and why survivors and supporters alike deserve agency in their healing. This conversation is a reminder that being strong doesn't mean being self-sacrificing. That healing requires boundaries, support, and the courage to choose yourself, even when you're used to choosing everyone else. Tune in if you’ve ever felt stretched thin by caring too much, and are ready to reclaim your energy—without guilt. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of human trafficking and exploitation. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:52) The Impact of Trauma on Individuals and Communities (05:30) Working in Nonprofit Trauma Recovery (08:34) Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Workers (11:15) The Journey to Functional Medicine (13:53) Understanding Functional Diagnostic Testing (16:35) The Role of Lifestyle in Health (19:46) The Importance of Rest and Recovery (22:20) Navigating the Healthcare System (25:33) The Need for Comprehensive Health Solutions (28:11) Finding the Right Health Practitioner (31:15) The Importance of Community and Support (33:50) Conclusion and Call to Action Find Elizabeth Gaines Online Here: Website: www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com Instagram: @fdntraining LinkedIn: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition YouTube: FDN | Functional Lab Training Program Podcast: The Health Detective Podcast Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    1h 3m
  3. The Aftermath of Mass Shootings + Gun Violence

    MAR 17

    The Aftermath of Mass Shootings + Gun Violence

    In this deeply moving episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Erika Mahoney for a conversation that cuts to the heart of what it means to survive the unimaginable. They talk candidly about chronic pain, grief, and the emotional wreckage left in the wake of gun violence—specifically the loss of Erika’s father in a mass shooting. Together, they explore what healing really looks like when the trauma is layered and ongoing. Erika opens up about life after tragedy and how storytelling and letter writing became tools for processing the pain. It’s a conversation rooted in truth, compassion, and the shared human experience of suffering. They touch on how resilience doesn’t always look like toughness—it can also appear as softness, such as showing up when you don’t want to, and giving yourself and others grace along the way. Lyndsay and Erika remind us that community support isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. And that in speaking about grief, we help others feel just a little less alone in theirs. Tune in for an episode that makes space for loss, honors the complexity of healing, and shows us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is write it down and speak it aloud. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Content Warning (00:23) Living with Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:52) Introducing Erica Mahoney and Her Story (04:11) The Day of the Tragedy (09:27) The Aftermath of Loss (13:07) Navigating Grief and Community Support (20:15) The Impact of Gun Violence (27:30) Finding Purpose Through Pain (33:39) The Healing Power of Writing (45:44) Reflections on Resilience and Healing Find Erika Mahoney Online Here: Website: www.erikamahoney.com  Instagram: @erika_mahoney_ LinkedIn: Erika Mahoney YouTube: Erika Mahoney Podcast: Senseless with Erika Mahoney on Lemonada Media Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    57 min
  4. True Crime: Living with the Aftermath

    MAR 10

    True Crime: Living with the Aftermath

    Season four of The Pain Game Podcast opens with a shift. Lyndsay Soprano returns to the mic to share where she’s been, what this podcast has meant to her, and why this next chapter is taking a new direction. This season moves into the world of true crime, but not in the way you might expect. The focus isn’t on shock or spectacle. It’s on the people left behind. The survivors. The professionals who sit with trauma every day. The families whose lives are split into before and after. Lyndsay reflects on personal milestones, the growth of the podcast community, and the deeper purpose behind this new season. The heart of The Pain Game Podcast remains the same: giving pain purpose and holding space for the stories that shape us. Throughout Season 4, listeners will hear from survivors, investigators, advocates, and experts who understand what happens after tragedy. These are conversations about grief, resilience, justice, and the long road back to living. This is not just a new season. It is a new lens. Tune in to the Season 4 opener and step into a season of truth, resilience, and the stories that refuse to be forgotten. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Season 4 Preview (00:47) Reflecting on Season 3 Highlights (02:09) Personal Milestones and Gratitude (04:04) Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries (05:51) Shifting Focus to True Crime and Trauma (07:17) Exploring Human Resilience and Healing (08:44) Community Engagement and Season 4 Goals (09:12) Closing Remarks and Call to Action Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    10 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    What Started It All

    ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care and prioritize your safety. In this powerful Season 3 finale, Lyndsay Soprano opens up like never before. She reflects on her own story—navigating trauma, chronic pain, and the often invisible weight of living in a body that refuses to cooperate. From a deeply personal history of sexual assault to the ongoing fight for care and dignity as someone living with disability, Lyndsay doesn’t hold anything back. She shares what it’s been like returning to ketamine therapy, the exhaustion of chasing diagnoses, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when healing feels impossibly far away. But this episode isn’t just about her, it’s about all of us. The ones who are still hurting. The ones in therapy. The ones who are tired. The ones who show up anyway. Season 3 ends not with a neat conclusion, but with a clear message: we must start where we are. We must continue to have the uncomfortable conversations. And we don’t have to do it alone. Tune in to the finale if you need a reminder that your story matters, your pain is valid, and there is real strength in showing up exactly as you are. Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to the Pain Game Podcast (01:25) Lyndsay's Personal Journey with Trauma (09:35) The Frustration of Diagnosis (13:46) Advocacy and Healthcare for the Disabled (15:04) Starting Where You're At (18:40) The Importance of Mind, Body, and Spirit (21:47) Childhood Trauma and Its Effects (24:26) Resilience and Gratitude (28:46) Confronting Suicide Ideation (32:00) Closing Thoughts and Future Directions Episodes and Guests Mentioned Throughout: Episode 119: Angel Parker - Diagnosis Detective Episode 118: Dr. Jim Keany - Outside of the Prescription Pad  Episode 150: Chanda Hinton - Redefining Healthcare for People with Disabilities  Episode 147: Jason Ott - Start Wherever You're At Episode 144: Michael Byrne - Sleep: No More Bed Dread Episode 145: Alreen Haeggquist - Triumph From Trauma Episode 122: Jeannette Tashjian - Surviving the Suicidal Thoughts Storm Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    35 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    You. Supercharged!

    When your body is breaking down, how do you continue to show up with power and purpose? In this inspiring episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Fitz Koehler—a cancer survivor, fitness expert, and fierce advocate for living fully, no matter what life throws your way. Fitz shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, and how she used fitness not just as a physical outlet, but as a mental and emotional anchor. She and Lyndsay discuss the importance of self-examination, the value of integrating Western medicine with holistic care, and why small, intentional shifts can lead to significant, lasting results. They also dive into the importance of community, storytelling, and creating space for both grit and grace in the healing process. Fitz opens up about her new book and podcast, both of which were created to inspire others to move their bodies, take control of their health, and find joy even in the most challenging seasons. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to start prioritizing yourself. You can choose to fight. You can choose to feel strong. And you absolutely deserve to feel good in your body again. Tune in if you're ready to take your power back—one breath, one rep, one step at a time. Find Fitz Koehler Online Here: Website: www.fitzness.com/blog/ Instagram: @fitzness Facebook: Fitz Koehler LinkedIn: Fitz Koehler YouTube: The Fitzness Show TikTok: @fitzness13 Book: You. Supercharged! The Exact Formula for Fitness, Weight Loss, and Longevity  Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:39) Fitz Koehler’s Cancer Journey (05:38) The Importance of Self-Examination (08:23) Navigating Western Medicine and Holistic Approaches (11:24) The Role of Fitness in Health (14:25) Empowerment Through Fitness and Health (17:11) Supercharging Your Life (19:54) Understanding Fitness and Nutrition (23:05) Addressing Gender-Specific Health Issues (25:52) The Impact of Diets on Health (28:27) The Fitness Show and Community Engagement (31:36) Morning Mile Program for Kids (34:35) Closing Thoughts and Encouragement Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    42 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Redefining Healthcare for People with Disabilities

    Living with a disability shouldn’t mean fighting for basic care—but for far too many, it does. In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Chanda Hinton for a raw and powerful conversation about chronic pain, systemic gaps in healthcare, and what it really takes to advocate for change when the system isn’t built for you. Chanda shares her journey of living with a spinal cord injury, navigating a healthcare world that often overlooks those with complex needs, and turning her personal pain into public advocacy. Together, she and Lyndsay dig into the emotional weight of being your own best (and sometimes only) advocate, the role of integrative therapies in real healing, and the urgent need for accessibility—not just in buildings, but in policy, mindset, and care. This conversation is a call to action. It's about moving beyond survival, demanding better, and building community-powered support for those who live with disabilities every single day. Tune in if you’re tired of waiting for the system to change—and ready to help change it yourself. Find Chanda Hinton Online Here: Website: www.chandacenter.org Instagram: @chandacenterforhealth Facebook: Chanda Center for Health LinkedIn: Chanda Center for Health YouTube: Chanda Center for Health Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:09) Personal Experiences with Chronic Pain (06:14) The Journey of Advocacy and Healthcare Reform (16:58) The Chanda Center for Health and Its Mission (26:43) Challenges in the Healthcare System (37:38) The Importance of Advocacy and Community Support Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    44 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Getting Healthy in a Toxic World

    What happens when your body starts screaming louder than your schedule? In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with clinical herbalist Bonnie D’Arcangelo to talk about trading burnout for balance, and why the answers might be growing in the ground, not sitting on a pharmacy shelf. Bonnie shares her journey from a high-stress corporate life to a deep-rooted holistic healing practice, and how she now bridges the gap between science and herbal medicine to help others reclaim their health. They delve into everything from gut health and water quality to why many supplements fail to work and how, when approached with intention, nature can offer genuine solutions. This isn’t about ditching Western medicine—it’s about complementing it. Bonnie introduces cutting-edge tools like silicon plasma technology, while also breaking down the basics: better food, cleaner water, and tuning in to what your body’s been trying to tell you all along. Tune in if you’re ready to stop chasing quick fixes and start working with your body, not against it. Find Bonnie D'Arcangelo Online Here: Website: www.aetherbal.com Instagram: @aetherbal_topicals Facebook: AEtherbal YouTube: AEtherbal Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Blending Science and Herbal Medicine (02:30) Bonnie's Journey from Fashion Design to Herbalism (10:15) The Importance of Gut Health in Healing (18:45) Understanding the Role of Water in Our Bodies (25:00) Overview of Plasma-Based Products (33:10) The Power of Herbal Oxymels and How to Make One (42:00) Final Thoughts on Personalized Healing and Wellness Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | This Is More Than a Podcast Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here:  Be a Guest on The Show

    50 min
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About

The Pain Game Podcast is where raw truth, real trauma, and relentless healing collide. Hosted by Lyndsay Soprano, the show dives deep into the lived experience of chronic pain, trauma, disability, and the messy, beautiful process of rebuilding your life when everything hurts. Each week, Lyndsay sits down with survivors, experts, and everyday humans who’ve walked through hell — and chose to rise anyway. These are the conversations most people are too afraid to have: the kind that rip the bandages off, challenge the system, and give pain a purpose. If you’re living with chronic pain, navigating trauma recovery, healing from medical gaslighting, or searching for community in the chaos, you’re in the right place. This podcast was built for the fighters, the feelers, and anyone who refuses to stay silent about what hurts. New episodes every Tuesday at 8am EST. You’re not alone in this fight — and you don’t have to heal quietly.

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