HeadWise

National Headache Foundation
  • 4.8 (29)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

A podcast about the latest news on migraine disease and headache disorders.

  1. APR 29

    April Migraine Research News: PACAP Treatments, Exercise & Cannabis Studies ft. Tim Smith, MD

    In this week’s episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, and Tim Smith, MD, break down the latest migraine research news. They discuss a new PACAP-targeting migraine treatment in development, research on exercise and migraine frequency, “false non-responders” to CGRP therapies, and new findings on THC/CBD and vaporized cannabis for migraine treatment. Listen now for a closer look at emerging migraine research and what these studies could mean for future migraine care.

  2. APR 15

    Behavioral Therapies for Migraine ft. Dawn Buse, PhD

    Behavioral therapies can play a key role in migraine care. In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by Dawn Buse, PhD, to break down approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, relaxation training, mindfulness, and ACT. Learn how these strategies help regulate the nervous system, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life for people living with migraine.

    41 min

  3. APR 1

    Blood Sugar and Migraine ft. Laurel Short, DNP

    Blood sugar may play a bigger role in migraine disease than many people realize. In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, and guest Laurel Short, DNP, explore how blood sugar fluctuations, insulin, and meal timing may impact headache and migraine, along with simple strategies to help keep levels more stable throughout the day.

    23 min

  4. MAR 11

    Why Do You Get Headache Attacks When You're Sick? ft. Fred Cohen, MD

    In this episode, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by headache medicine specialist Fred Cohen, MD, director of Headache Intervention in New York City and assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, to discuss why headache attacks commonly occur during viral illnesses like the flu, COVID, and other infections. They explore how inflammation and immune responses during illness can trigger headache attacks, why some people experience migraine attacks when they are sick, and why headache attacks can sometimes continue even after the infection has resolved. They offer guidance on recognizing different types of headache attacks and understanding when to seek medical evaluation.

    10 min

  5. FEB 11

    Exercise Tips for Migraine and Headache Disorders ft. Sam Kelokates

    In this episode, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by Sam Kelokates, PT, DPT, founder of Kelos Physical Therapy, to discuss how people living with migraine and other headache disorders can approach exercise safely and effectively. They explore how physical activity can both trigger and help prevent migraine, what the research currently shows, and how to build an exercise routine that supports long-term headache management. The conversation focuses on practical strategies—like setting realistic goals, pacing intensity, planning around triggers, and adapting workouts during different phases of migraine. Topics covered include: - How exercise affects migraine frequency, disability, and quality of life - When it’s safest to exercise in relation to migraine attacks - Why the nervous system—not just muscles—matters in exercise tolerance - The “rule of too’s”: too much, too soon, too often, too hard - How to use pain thresholds to guide activity - Adapting workouts on bad days and planning for consistency - Environmental and sensory triggers to consider during exercise - Treating exercise as part of a long-term migraine management plan This episode offers practical guidance for people living with migraine, headache disorders, and clinicians supporting them who want to incorporate movement in a safe, sustainable way.

    19 min

  6. JAN 22

    How Exercise Affects Migraine ft. Laurel Short, DNP

    In this episode, Laurel Short, DNP and host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, break down the science behind aerobic exercise, strength training, and yoga—and how each can influence migraine frequency, intensity, and overall wellbeing. They also discussion the difference between primary exercise headache and migraine, and why it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider when head pain is triggered by physical activity. You’ll learn: How moderate and high-intensity exercise may reduce migraine frequency and severity Why exercise can sometimes act as a migraine trigger—and what factors like hydration, temperature, and fueling have to do with it The difference between migraine and primary exercise-induced headache How strength training and posture can support people living with migraine and neck pain The role of movement in mental health, stress, and mood regulation Practical, SMART goal strategies for starting—or restarting—an exercise routine safely Watch the full episode to explore how to build a personalized, sustainable movement plan that supports both migraine care and overall health.

    22 min

  7. JAN 18

    Understanding Pain Psychology in Migraine Treatment ft. Dawn Buse & Katy Oakley

    In this episode, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by Dr. Dawn Buse, a psychologist specializing in headache and migraine, and Katie Oakley, who shares her personal journey living with chronic and post-traumatic headache. Together, they explore the role of behavioral therapies in migraine care and how these approaches can support prevention, quality of life, and safer treatment options for people living with migraine—both on their own and alongside standard medical care. On this episode, they discuss: • Why referrals to headache or pain psychology can feel challenging for patients • What research shows about who benefits most from behavioral migraine therapies • How biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation approaches work • The role of behavioral care for youth, adults, and people with medical risk factors • How these therapies can complement medications and neuromodulation treatments • Using coping and self-regulation skills in daily life and social settings • Adapting behavioral approaches for different types of chronic pain and headache conditions

    30 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    Meet the New CEO of the National Headache Foundation ft. Katy Oakley

    In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, welcomes Katy Oakley, the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Headache Foundation (NHF). Katy shares her personal journey living with post-traumatic headache and chronic migraine following a traumatic brain injury in her twenties and how years of daily head pain, delayed diagnosis, and difficulty accessing care shaped her path to leadership within the headache community. Drawing from both her lived experience and professional background in marketing and mission-driven organizations, Katy discusses how she plans to expand NHF’s reach, empower people living with headache and migraine, and strengthen education and certification for healthcare providers—especially in primary care. In this conversation, they explore: - Living with post-traumatic headache and chronic migraine - The emotional and practical toll of daily head pain - Barriers to care, step therapy, and treatment access - Why patient-centered leadership matters - Katy’s vision for the future of the National Headache Foundation - How HeadWise listeners can help shape future episode topics This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership guiding NHF forward—and a reminder that people living with headache and migraine are not alone.

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

A podcast about the latest news on migraine disease and headache disorders.

Information

  • Creator
    National Headache Foundation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    243
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 HeadWise National Headache Foundation
  • Show Website
    HeadWise

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