Beyond Pain and Fatigue

Vive Pain & Fatigue
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MEDICINE

"Beyond Pain and Fatigue" is a podcast that delves into the complexities of chronic pain, fatigue, and invisible illnesses. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking for insights to better support your patients, or someone living with pain or fatigue wanting to learn more, this podcast is for you. Join host Sophie Shephard (Titled Pain Physio & Researcher) and her invited guests, as they bring together research, professional insights, and patient experiences, exploring different perspectives and new ways of thinking about pain and fatigue to help transform care. For written episode summaries, further resources, and information about our clinical services, access our website at vivepainfatigue.com.au. We’d love to hear from you! If you have suggestions for topics you’d like us to cover or questions you want answered on the podcast, drop an email to podcast@vivepainfatigue.com.au Please note: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your treating health professionals for recommendations suitable to your own circumstances. 

Episodes

  1. Episode 9: Dr Marie-Claire Seeley - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

    FEB 8

    Episode 9: Dr Marie-Claire Seeley - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

    In this episode, Soph is joined by Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, clinician-researcher and CEO of the Australian POTS Foundation, for a discussion about all things POTS. In this must-listen ep, Dr Seeley brings not just her clinical and research expertise but also her lived experience to give a comprehensive overview of what POTS is, how it can be assessed and diagnosed, and perhaps most importantly, what we can do to manage it. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of poor health care experiences and medical gaslighting.If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. State of the Art Review Article (mentioned in episode): Lau, D. H., Fedorowski, A., Raj, S. R., Schild, C., Pace, L. A., Blitshteyn, S., Raj, V., Boris, J. R., Kavi, L., Seeley, M. C., & Gallagher, C. (2026). Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A State-of-the-Art Review. Heart, lung & circulation, S1443-9506(25)01654-3. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2025.09.004 You can find Dr Seeley here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcseeley/Churchill Fellowship (Instagram): @autonomicjourneysAustralian POTS Foundation:• Instagram: @australianpotsfoundation• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianPOTSFoundation• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-australian-pots-foundation• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AustralianPOTSFoundationAustralian POTS Foundation Converge Conference4–5 Junehttps://www.apfconference.com.au/

    1h 10m
  2. Episode 8: Dr Jason Lam - Medical Uncertainty and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

    JAN 15

    Episode 8: Dr Jason Lam - Medical Uncertainty and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

    In this episode, Soph is joined by GP Dr Jason Lam for a discussion about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, along with a deeper chat about medical uncertainty when working with complex invisible illnesses. We discuss what MCAS is, challenges with diagnosis, and how we might take a pragmatic approach to clinical assessment and management for patients experiencing overlapping symptoms and conditions. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of poor health care experiences and medical gaslighting.If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. You can find Jason here: https://www.drjasonlam.com.au/References/links: Afrin, L. B., Ackerley, M. B., Bluestein, L. S., Brewer, J. H., Brook, J. B., Buchanan, A. D., Cuni, J. R., Davey, W. P., Dempsey, T. T., Dorff, S. R., Dubravec, M. S., Guggenheim, A. G., Hindman, K. J., Hoffman, B., Kaufman, D. L., Kratzer, S. J., Lee, T. M., Marantz, M. S., Maxwell, A. J., McCann, K. K., … Molderings, G. J. (2020). Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2". Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany), 8(2), 137–152. https://doi.org/10.1515/dx-2020-0005Afrin, L. B., Butterfield, J. H., Raithel, M., & Molderings, G. J. (2016). Often seen, rarely recognized: mast cell activation disease--a guide to diagnosis and therapeutic options. Annals of medicine, 48(3), 190–201. https://doi.org/10.3109/07853890.2016.1161231

    52 min

  3. JAN 14 · BONUS

    An update for 2026

    Soph shares a few reflections and behind-the-scenes updates for 2026, including an announcement that Ollie is stepping back as co-host, and what listeners can expect from the podcast schedule going forward.

    3 min
  4. Episode 7: Dr Oli Meredith - Neurodivergence, Authenticity and Intersectionality

    11/10/2025

    Episode 7: Dr Oli Meredith - Neurodivergence, Authenticity and Intersectionality

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Soph and Ollie are joined by Dr Oli Meredith (she/they), a public health academic from Charles Sturt University, for a discussion about neurodivergence. We chat about the experiences of Autistic and ADHD women and gender diverse folk captured within Dr Oli's research, the interplay between experiences of neurodivergence and chronic pain/fatigue symptoms, and the burden of masking. We also discuss the need for an intersectional lens to understand how bias and inequity shapes research and experiences of health care. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of mental health, trauma, and racism/sexism within medical and research settings. BeyondBlue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support. You can find Dr Oli here: https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/persons/oli-meredith/https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-community-healing-podcast-with-dr-oli/id1766044802

    1h 5m
  5. Episode 6: A 'crash' course in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

    08/07/2025

    Episode 6: A 'crash' course in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

    In this episode, Soph and Ollie offer a ‘crash’ course in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). They cover the key features and symptoms, including post-exertional malaise, diagnostic criteria, commonly co-occurring conditions, and current management approaches. The episode also explores the controversy surrounding the PACE trial, graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), drawing on both clinical experience and updated guidelines. Whether you're a clinician or someone navigating ME/CFS yourself, this episode offers grounded insights into a complex and often misunderstood condition. Content warning: discussion of medical trauma/harm For more information on ME/CFS, check out Emerge Australia: https://www.emerge.org.au/ BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

    1h 33m
  6. Episode 5: Mitch Hunter - Spirituality in Health Care

    07/04/2025

    Episode 5: Mitch Hunter - Spirituality in Health Care

    In this episode, Soph and Ollie are joined by Mitch from Hunter Healing to explore the concept of spirituality, and how it might be more important and relevant to mainstream pain management and health care than you might think. Join us as we discuss a few of the misunderstandings or misconceptions about what 'spirituality' is, and how we can start to integrate it within our own practice or management. Find Mitch at: https://www.hunterhealing.com/ hunterhealing@gmail.com Instagram: @_hunterhealingCheck out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

    1h 15m
  7. Episode 4: Jennifer Smallridge - Clinician Wellbeing and Burnout

    04/07/2025

    Episode 4: Jennifer Smallridge - Clinician Wellbeing and Burnout

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Soph and Ollie are joined by Exercise Physiologist Jennifer Smallridge (Invisibly Brilliant & Connection Medicine Co) for a discussion about clinician wellbeing and burnout when working with complex invisible illnesses. We chat about the complexity and the multifactorial influences and challenges that might contribute to burnout, the role that employers, workplaces and broader systems play in wellbeing, share our own lived experiences, and discuss practical strategies that clinicians can use to help support their own wellbeing. Check out our website at vivepainfatigue.com.au/blog for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support, and health professionals can also access free support and resources via the Black Dog Institute's TEN program for healthcare related burnout.  You can find Jen here: https://www.invisiblybrilliant.com.au/ https://www.connectionmedicine.co/weekend-workshop https://www.connectionmedicine.co/book-now/p/restore-daylesford-retreat

    1h 21m
  8. Episode 3: Kylee Black - Finding Hope, Community and Purpose with Complex Disability (EDS/CRPS)

    01/08/2025

    Episode 3: Kylee Black - Finding Hope, Community and Purpose with Complex Disability (EDS/CRPS)

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Sophie and Ollie welcome their first guest, passionate Disability Advocate Kylee Black, who shares her experiences living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Kylee discusses the importance of finding hope, community and purpose when living with complex disability, and 'doing what you can with what's in your hands'.  Join us to listen in to Kylee's inspirational story and perspective, and the lessons she shares that all of us can learn from. Content warning: mental health, suicidal ideation, medical gaslightingCheck out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.You can find Kylee at: https://linktr.ee/lovinlifekyles https://linktr.ee/Kyleeandco www.clipboard.co.nz

    1h 17m
  9. Episode 2: Unpacking Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) - Benefits, Misconceptions and Criticisms

    12/16/2024

    Episode 2: Unpacking Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) - Benefits, Misconceptions and Criticisms

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Sophie and Ollie explore the world of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE). They unpack its foundations, key concepts, and common misconceptions, while sharing real-world clinical insights.  Together, they tackle critical issues like reductionism (both biomedical and neurocentric), the nuances of explaining pain to patients, and the importance of embracing complexity in pain management. Whether you're a clinician or simply curious about pain science, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on reframing how we understand and manage pain. Content warning: some brief discussion of blood/injuryCheck out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources.

    1h 19m
  10. Episode 1: Welcome to Beyond Pain and Fatigue

    12/02/2024

    Episode 1: Welcome to Beyond Pain and Fatigue

    Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue! In this introductory episode, your hosts, Sophie Shephard and Oliver Crossley, share the story behind the podcast and what inspired them to create a space for meaningful conversations about chronic pain, fatigue, and invisible illnesses. They'll share a bit about their own experiences and background, as well as what's on the horizon for future episodes.

    42 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

"Beyond Pain and Fatigue" is a podcast that delves into the complexities of chronic pain, fatigue, and invisible illnesses. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking for insights to better support your patients, or someone living with pain or fatigue wanting to learn more, this podcast is for you. Join host Sophie Shephard (Titled Pain Physio & Researcher) and her invited guests, as they bring together research, professional insights, and patient experiences, exploring different perspectives and new ways of thinking about pain and fatigue to help transform care. For written episode summaries, further resources, and information about our clinical services, access our website at vivepainfatigue.com.au. We’d love to hear from you! If you have suggestions for topics you’d like us to cover or questions you want answered on the podcast, drop an email to podcast@vivepainfatigue.com.au Please note: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your treating health professionals for recommendations suitable to your own circumstances. 

Information

  • Creator
    Vive Pain & Fatigue
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Vive Pain & Fatigue
  • Show Website
    Beyond Pain and Fatigue

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