This Headache Journey

Adam Flaherty
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

This Headache Journey is a podcast for those who suffer from chronic headache and migraine, and who’ve reached their limit of bouncing from provider to provider, investing ample time and money in each new intervention suggested to them, hoping the next one will finally be the one that works. Hosted by chronic headache patient Adam Flaherty, the podcast takes a refreshingly honest look at many of the treatments and modalities used to treat chronic headaches and migraine. In each episode, Adam breaks down a different intervention, candidly sharing his firsthand experience with it, and bringing in top experts to unpack why that intervention works for some, who it's best suited for, and how it fits into the bigger picture of managing chronic headaches and migraine. No hype. No miracle cures. Just real experiences, real science, and practical insight to help you advocate for your own wellbeing. If chronic headaches or migraine have been controlling your life for far too long, This Headache Journey is about taking your power back—one informed step at a time. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 6d ago

    Trying Cannabis for Chronic Headaches

    In our season finale of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty addresses the use of cannabis (THC/CBD) for headache relief. He candidly shares his experience obtaining a medical cannabis card, purchasing products, and his experience trying them. Then, he welcomes Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a board-certified family medicine physician and cannabis specialist from CED Clinic in Needham, MA, to provide education on the plant and the science behind it. The episode covers topics including: Adam's journey to getting a medical card and navigating dispensaries. How the endocannabinoid system works and how cannabis can provide pain relief. The evolution of our understanding of migraines. Differences between THC, CBD, and their non-psychoactive counterparts—and what that means for people who don’t want to feel high. Practical advice for choosing products, finding the right formulation (smoke, topical, edible, tincture?), and the importance of starting slow. The surprising benefits of cannabis topicals for headache sufferers—and how to find an effective one. Potential concerns, common myths, long-term effects, and how the social stigma around cannabis is starting to shift. Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about Dr. Benjamin Caplan, sign up for his newsletter, and explore his many free resources at http://cedclinic.com   Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator   The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #tensionheadaches #cannabis #medicinalcannabis #headacherelief Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying Cannabis for Chronic Headaches

  2. Aug 28

    Trying Medications for Chronic Headaches

    For those of us who have had chronic headaches and migraines for years, we’ve likely tried a number of different medications in hopes of reducing the frequency and intensity of our pain. And when multiple medications don’t seem to work, it can be incredibly discouraging. In this episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty welcomes Dr. Fred Cohen, a headache specialist, to educate us on the various types of medications available, how recommendations are made, and the future of headache medicine. Here’s what you’ll learn about in this episode: ·       The difference between “legacy” treatments and newer options. ·       Why medications designed for other conditions can actually help with headaches and migraines. ·       The risk of side effects of headache medications ·       How insurance policies and individual health profiles influence which meds might get recommended first. ·       The risks and benefits of long-term medication use. ·       How a headache specialist decides which medications to recommend to patients. ·       An explanation of what CGRP is, how these new treatments work, and why they’re such a breakthrough for many people. ·       Promising future treatments that are currently in clinical trials. ·       And more   Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about Dr. Fred Cohen at http://headache123.com and on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@fredcohenmd   Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator   The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.   #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #headachemedication #cgrp #migrainemeds #painrelief Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying Medications for Chronic Headaches

  3. Jul 24

    Trying Sleep Treatment for Chronic Headaches

    Ever wondered if your headaches could have something to do with how well (or poorly) you sleep? In this episode, host Adam Flaherty shares his experience being diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea, being prescribed a CPAP, and how it's impacted his life. He's then joined by Dr. Alison Kole, (also known as the Sleep MD), a physician specializing in sleep medicine. Dr. Kole breaks down the fascinating link between sleep quality and chronic headaches and migraines. Here’s what you’ll learn about in this episode: Dr. Kole’s top three pillars for optimal sleep health—consistency, duration, and qualitySurprising ways poor sleep quality (not just how many hours you get) can impact headaches and overall wellbeingCommon but often undiagnosed sleep disorders and why they matter for headache sufferersThe modern world of sleep studies and testingWhat’s actually happening when your airway closes while you're asleepAlternative options to CPAP and the rapidly evolving landscape of sleep treatment technologyWhy getting your sleep checked is easier, less invasive, and more beneficial than most people think Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about Dr. Kole at AskTheSleepMD.com and listen to her podcast Sleep Is My Waking Passion Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #sleepapnea #sleepdisorders #sleepheadaches #cpap #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying Sleep Treatment for Chronic Headaches

  4. Jul 10

    Trying a Nutrition Reset for Chronic Headaches

    In this episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty shares candidly about his experiences trying the Standard Process 21 Day Purification program in an attempt to reduce the frequency and intensity of his chronic daily headaches. His review of the detoxification diet includes recorded "check ins," documenting his journey over the three week program.Adam welcomes Nicole Flaherty, NTP, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and founder of Natural Nutrition and Wellness based in North Andover, Massachusetts. Nicole brings her expertise in holistic nutrition and nutrition response testing to explore the critical link between what we eat and chronic headaches or migraines. They take a compassionate dive into how dietary changes can reduce inflammation, support the body, and possibly lead to fewer headaches and a better quality of life. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode: Adam’s personal journey with a 21-day purification program—why he tried it, what it felt like, and whether it helped his headaches Nicole’s take on “silent inflammation,” what foods most often cause it, and her simple rule for label reading How poor blood sugar regulation can trigger headaches and which foods stabilize those “Hawaiian wave” blood sugar levels Common dietary headache triggers: gluten, dairy, sugar, grains, caffeine, and inflammatory oils, plus swaps Nicole recommends Why hydration and minerals matter—and an easy way to upgrade your water Tips for meal planning and staying accountable to realistic, nourishing changes Cutting back on caffeine and the power of community support during an elimination diet Real success stories from Nicole’s own life and her clients—plus the first steps she suggests for anyone starting this journey Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about Nicole Flaherty and Natural Nutrition and Wellness at https://naturalnutritionwellness.com/Learn more about the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program at: https://naturalnutritionwell.standardprocess.com/products/purification-kit-sp-complete-choc-vanilla-wffStandard Process has a web portal called Patient Direct which allows you to purchase highest quality supplements & have them shipped directly to your home. You can use the link below to register for your free account. You'll need to use the following code to create your account: XX2ZUYhttps://my.standardprocess.com/Patient-Direct/patient-registration Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #inflammation #nutrition #bloodsugar #purificationprogram #detoxificationdiet Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying a Nutrition Reset for Chronic Headaches

  5. May 1

    Trying EMDR Therapy for Chronic Headaches

    In this episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty sits down with the insightful Elizabeth Bardwell, LCPC, NCC, MS, a Clinical Professional Counselor from Tide Meadow Counseling in York, Maine. Elizabeth specializes in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and shares her expertise on how this modality can help people not just with emotional pain, but with physical complaints like chronic headaches and other types of pain. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode: What is EMDR and how does it work? How mental health and physical pain are connected What is an EMDR session like? What issues or symptoms can EMDR treat? EMDR vs. hypnosis and other therapies Real-world EMDR success stories Could EMDR be a fit for you? Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about Elizabeth Bardwell and Tide Meadow Counseling at https://elizabeth-bardwell.clientsecure.me Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #emdr #emdrtherapy Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying EMDR Therapy for Chronic Headaches

  6. Apr 10

    Trying Acupuncture for Chronic Headaches

    Anyone up for a "needle nap?" In episode 7 of This Headache Journey, we explore acupuncture for headache and migraine relief. Adam Flaherty shares his personal experiences with acupuncture which span many years. He describes the sensation and the results he's gotten from committing to recurring acupuncture sessions. Additionally, he sits down with Emily Pendergast, a licensed acupuncturist at Wild Roots Acupuncture and Wellness in Dover, New Hampshire, to demystify what acupuncture really is, and how it can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of chronic headaches and migraines. Topics include: What acupuncture is—through both the lens of traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western science What a typical acupuncture session looks like What the needle injections really feel like How treatments are individualized for each person, especially when it comes to headaches and migraine How acupuncture works differently from (and sometimes overlaps with) dry needling and trigger point injections Treatment schedules, and why consistency matters Who benefits most from acupuncture Other conditions acupuncture can help with, from sleep and emotional wellness to allergies, hormonal balance, and preventive health Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about Emily Pendergast and Wild Roots at http://www.wildrootsnh.org/ Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #clusterheadaches #acupuncture #dryneedling Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying Acupuncture for Chronic Headaches

  7. Mar 27

    Trying Botox Injections for Chronic Headaches

    Are your headaches or migraines so frequent and so intense that you'd consider being injected in the head and neck more than two dozen times in the course of just a few minutes? In this episode of This Headache Journey, Adam Flaherty shares his personal experience trying Botox injections as a treatment for his for chronic headaches. Adam sits down with nurse practitioner Brooke Phenicie to dig into how and why Botox can be so effective for many people who struggle with headaches and migraine. Brooke brings her unique perspective as both a headache patient and an expert provider—she’s the founder of Renew Migraine and Wellness Center in Glenview, Illinois, and has helped countless patients reclaim their lives from debilitating head pain. Here’s what you’ll learn: How Adam's own Botox experiences went (the needles, the recovery, and the results) The history of Botox: from cosmetics to pain relief What makes a headache or migraine patient a candidate for Botox What Botox costs and how insurance typically handles coverage A step-by-step walkthrough of what it’s actually like to get Botox for headaches—including how many injections, where they go, and what to expect for discomfort and side effects Why the treatment locations matter The success rates Brooke has seen in her clinic Answers to common questions about long-term safety Learn more about Renew Migraine & Wellness Center at www.renewmigraine.comSeason 1 of This Headache Journey is sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator.Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life! The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #headacherelief #botoxinjections #botoxformigraines Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying Botox Injections for Chronic Headaches

  8. Mar 13

    Trying Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Headaches

    In episode 5 of This Headache Journey, we dive into the world of vagus nerve stimulation for headache and migraine relief. Host Adam Flaherty sits down with Dr. Peter Staats, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of electroCore—the innovative company behind gammaCore, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device. During the interview, Adam shares his experience using the gammaCore device so that listeners have a clear understanding of what it feels like, and Dr. Staats brings both clinical expertise and personal passion to the table. Topics include: What the vagus nerve is, and how it's connected to headaches and migraine The science of vagus nerve stimulation Which headache types gammaCore is approved for, and why clinical studies drive those distinctions How you use gammaCore, and how it works How to try gammaCore for yourself (with the endorsement of your doctor) Success stories and the global impact of this product Risks & caveats: Dr. Staats shares the main situations where caution is needed (like for patients with pacemakers), and emphasizes the device’s overall safety profile. Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!Learn more about gammaCore at http://gammacore.com Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. #headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #clusterheadaches #vagusnervestimulation #gammacore Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Trying Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Headaches
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This Headache Journey is a podcast for those who suffer from chronic headache and migraine, and who’ve reached their limit of bouncing from provider to provider, investing ample time and money in each new intervention suggested to them, hoping the next one will finally be the one that works. Hosted by chronic headache patient Adam Flaherty, the podcast takes a refreshingly honest look at many of the treatments and modalities used to treat chronic headaches and migraine. In each episode, Adam breaks down a different intervention, candidly sharing his firsthand experience with it, and bringing in top experts to unpack why that intervention works for some, who it's best suited for, and how it fits into the bigger picture of managing chronic headaches and migraine. No hype. No miracle cures. Just real experiences, real science, and practical insight to help you advocate for your own wellbeing. If chronic headaches or migraine have been controlling your life for far too long, This Headache Journey is about taking your power back—one informed step at a time. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Flaherty
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dude Cool LLC
  • Show Website
    This Headache Journey