Turning Pain into Strength

Michelle Eberwein
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "Turning Pain into Strength," podcast where real people share true stories and unforgettable journeys of strength. I’m Michelle Eberwein, and after living with chronic pain from breaking my back, autoimmune diagnosis' & enduring multiple surgeries, I understand the challenges of "pushing through"and navigating a flawed medical system.  I invite you to join me as we share uplifting stories, explore new ideas, and provide hope and encouragement. Together, we’ll uncover tools and strategies on turning pain into strength and empower each other on this journey of healing and personal growth. You are not alone.❤️

  1. May 9

    Meet DeDee Cai: When Fear Is The Doorway Forward

    Fear can feel like a brick wall—until you learn to use it as a door. Join me for a conversation with a first-generation entrepreneur & author, DeDee Cai, who turned anxiety and burnout into strength and clarity. Hear the story of a skydiving leap that changed everything, discover the hidden truth about undercharging as a woman entrepreneur, and learn how to confidently price your worth. Ready to reframe fear and take your next leap? Click play, subscribe, and share—then ask yourself: what fear will fuel your next move? https://fittoprofit.com/

    36 min

  2. Feb 2

    Meet Kristin Hass: The Best Blessed Life

    Pain can reshape a life without ever showing on the surface. Michelle sits down with Kristin Hass—a mother, wife, former personal trainer, and caregiver—to unpack what fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, and TMJ actually feel like day to day, and how she found strength and boundaries that make life livable. This is a candid, practical talk through misdiagnosis, self-advocacy, and the gritty tools that keep her moving. We explore how symptoms first showed up as “flu-like” aches, collided with thyroid nodules and jaw dysfunction, and intensified during menopause. Kristen shares the moment a doctor dismissed her pain, the relief of finding a team that believed her, and how procedures like biopsies and arthrocentesis (her “jaw oil change”) ripple through her body for days. She walks us through the coping stack: Epsom salt baths that release the sting, stretching for seconds of relief, acupuncture and TENS with realistic expectations, sleep strategies, and brain fog workarounds using phone notes and spoken reminders. What stands out is her mindset. She enters each day “armored,” paces tasks before sitting, and refuses to give pain too much oxygen. Babysitting two young kids provides purpose and motivation; short nature walks reset her mood; animals offer wordless support. Kristin also talks about setting firm boundaries, assembling a supportive “tribe,” and teaching her daughters to respect their limits. Her YouTube channel, The Best Blessed Life, extends that mission with simple recipes, movement ideas, and positive affirmations aimed at sustainable health. If you’re navigating fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, TMJ, or any invisible illness, you’ll find support, meaningful connection, and practical solutions here: pacing that prevents crashes, rituals that calm the nervous system, and language for standing up to dismissive care. Listen, share with someone who needs to feel seen, and leave a review to help more people find these stories.

    59 min
  3. Meet Karen Duncan: Learning to Win Without Surrender

    09/23/2025

    Meet Karen Duncan: Learning to Win Without Surrender

    Karen Duncan's Story:  Living with an invisible illness often brings relentless self-doubt: “Am I really sick, or just being lazy?” Through my experience, I’ve learned that embracing your limitations is not a sign of weakness—it’s a crucial step toward managing chronic health effectively. One key lesson: focus on just three important tasks a day—prioritize them, and treat everything else as extra. This simple approach completely changed how I navigate life with chronic illness while running a business. In this conversation, I share how my life shifted when Covid altered my body’s abilities, taking away basic functions like proper breathing and pain-free movement. I found strength by using digital tools to turn the “spoon theory” into concrete data, helping me make wiser decisions and maintain balance. As co-host of the "Three Spoonies" podcast, I discuss how entrepreneurs managing chronic illness can succeed by setting clear boundaries, building strong support systems, and communicating openly. If you’re on a health journey or supporting someone who is, this talk offers practical tips, heartfelt insight, and encouragement to live well within new limits. Tune in to discover how adapting can unlock unexpected strength and new opportunities. YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/m_mW_CyeKro

    59 min
  4. Meet Castera Charles: Surviving and Thriving

    07/13/2025

    Meet Castera Charles: Surviving and Thriving

    How much could you overcome when life is stacked against you from the beginning? Meet Castera Charles. Taken into child slavery in Haiti and physically branded (under 5 yrs old!), he defied the odds and built a new life in America—becoming a college football player and a dedicated sports coach and mentor, inspiring youth across the country.  Castera’s story is unforgettable. Join us as we talk about how he turned every pain into strength, showing what it really means to not just survive, but thrive. YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/7y34QmBnV0Y

    34 min
  5. Meet Eva Nevarez St. John: A Salute to Strength

    04/29/2025

    Meet Eva Nevarez St. John: A Salute to Strength

    Eva's story is one of resilience and transformation, shaped by military service, profound friendship, loss, addiction, and recovery. Joining the Army in 1976 to escape an abusive relationship, Eva served in Korea, where she formed a deep bond with Janice, a fellow servicewoman. Their friendship continued over the years, until Janice's disappearance in 1981. Authorities largely dismissed Eva's concerns, but one detective believed her, leading eventually to the discovery of Janice's body. Grieving, Eva struggled with addiction for years. In 2019, a reconnection with the detective inspired her sobriety and the writing of her memoir, "When Tough Cookies Crumble." Now, Eva is planning a military burial for Janice and channels her energy into healing and honoring her friend, showing that transformation is achievable at any stage of life. YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/yCbVLrUvQ4g

    49 min
  6. Meet Geena Hymer: From Hard Story to Hope Story

    03/17/2025

    Meet Geena Hymer: From Hard Story to Hope Story

    Geena Hymer is a woman who fought binge eating disorder stemming from childhood trauma, including her parents' divorce and sexual abuse. Food became her escape, especially after a sexual assault at 20. This led her to gain weight as a form of protection. Her struggles included self-harm and suicide attempts. After reaching 320 pounds, she decided on bariatric surgery, which helped her lose 150 pounds. Geena now leads a healthier life and is writing a memoir to inspire others. Her journey emphasizes that recovery is about personal growth and intention, highlighting resilience and hope through faith and therapy. YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/_nzQWkKZs5I

    55 min
  7. Meet Darla Ridilla: Voices in the Body

    03/10/2025

    Meet Darla Ridilla: Voices in the Body

    Healing from trauma is a complex experience that is different form individual to individual. This challenging journey was the key focus in our recent podcast episode.  You will hear the realities of healing from narcissistic abuse with a focus on somatic therapy and personal empowerment. My guest, Darla Ridilla, is a relationship coach and survivor of narcissistic abuse. She shares her journey from despair to strength, illustrating the powerful connection between body sensations and emotional healing. She reveals how recognizing these sensations can unlock a pathway to understanding and overcoming past trauma.  Throughout the episode, we tackle difficult subjects like trauma bonding, the inadequacies often found within the mental health community, and the importance of finding professionals who can empathize with lived experiences. With her experience, Darla provides essential tools and insights for anyone looking to reclaim their power after heart-wrenching experiences.  This episode is not just about survival; it’s about thriving after pain and discovering the strength you never knew you had. Whether you find yourself in similar circumstances or simply wish to support someone who does, this is an invitation to explore healing on a deeper, more connected level. Tune in, and let’s walk this path together! Subscribe and share so others can find their way to healing. YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/EBm63TfyCkY

    44 min
  8. Meet Jonathan Sales: From Skateboarding to Sobriety

    02/17/2025

    Meet Jonathan Sales: From Skateboarding to Sobriety

    Growing up amidst family turmoil and feeling lost in a sea of changing dynamics, our guest shares a deeply personal story of resilience and transformation. Despite the stereotypes associated with skateboarding, it became his refuge during those turbulent adolescent years. But life took a sharper turn with a car accident that spiraled into a long-term battle with pain and addiction to painkillers. This episode unravels his candid journey from prescribed medication to heroin, emphasizing the impact of family, identity, and choices on his path. Lying at the crossroads of physical pain and emotional healing, our conversation navigates through the darkness of addiction and the complex pathways to recovery. The transition from pain management to substance abuse paints a vivid picture of desperation and choices driven by circumstances, including early homelessness and familial illness. Yet amidst the chaos, there's a story of resilience—a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and the power of taking ownership of one's actions. Now celebrating three years of sobriety, our guest reflects on the journey towards personal growth and happiness. Emphasizing the importance of community support and self-reliance, he shares insights on how skateboarding became a means to inspire the younger generation and how influential figures played a pivotal role in his life. This episode is a moving reminder of the strength found in community and the relentless pursuit of improvement, encouraging listeners to forgive themselves and strive for a better future. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@Stormed96 YOUTUBE link to video interview: https://youtu.be/_chdMSN4Lm0

    53 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Turning Pain into Strength," podcast where real people share true stories and unforgettable journeys of strength. I’m Michelle Eberwein, and after living with chronic pain from breaking my back, autoimmune diagnosis' & enduring multiple surgeries, I understand the challenges of "pushing through"and navigating a flawed medical system.  I invite you to join me as we share uplifting stories, explore new ideas, and provide hope and encouragement. Together, we’ll uncover tools and strategies on turning pain into strength and empower each other on this journey of healing and personal growth. You are not alone.❤️

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Eberwein
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Turning Pain into Strength
  • Show Website
    Turning Pain into Strength