Life Shouldn't Hurt

Grant Fedoruk

Pain & injury are part of our life experience.  A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

  1. 4d ago

    Kidney Transplants and Music with Mat Cardinal

    Welcome, everybody! I’m Grant Fedoruk, and I am so thrilled to share one of our most inspiring episodes of Life Shouldn’t Hurt with you. This isn’t just a conversation about physical health; it’s a moving exploration of resilience, the reality of living on the road, and the incredible healing power of finding your passion. My fantastic co-host, Anita Cassidy, and I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Mat Cardinal, the incredibly talented lead singer of the rising country band Prairie States. But before you assume this is just a peek behind the curtain of a musician’s life, let me assure you—Mat’s story is so much more profound. A Journey of Resilience: From Kidney Disease to Country Music In this episode, we explore what it really means to thrive after facing massive, life-altering health challenges. Mat opens up about his deeply personal journey: Diagnosed with kidney disease at just ten years old.Enduring daily dialysis through crucial developmental years.Receiving a life-saving kidney transplant from his dad at age 23.He also shares the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Eli, and how leaning into music and songwriting became his lifeline, ultimately leading him to form his band. His storytelling is a beautiful, emotional reminder that there can be a positive new direction to every bad thing that crosses our path. Actionable Wisdom: Post-Operative Recovery Strategies Beyond the inspiration, we make sure to pack this episode with actionable wisdom that you can apply to your own daily life. Anita bravely shares her own experience of losing muscle mass rapidly after undergoing three abdominal surgeries while pregnant, emphasizing just how critical these elements are for post-operative recovery: Early mobilizationSafe stretchingPacing your bodyA Blueprint for Staying Healthy on the Road We also get Mat’s practical blueprint for staying healthy while touring in a cramped van and managing the demands of the stage. You’ll walk away with highly practical takeaways, including: The Power of Hydration: Mat prioritizes his vocal hygiene and overall health by drinking 3 to 4 liters of water every single day.Fueling Your Body: How to skip the greasy fast-food traps on the road by stopping at grocery stores for simple, nutritious options like almonds, veggies, and hummus.Protecting Your Mental Health: Why Mat carves out time for solo 5K runs to reset his mind, release natural endorphins, and ward off stress and depression.Safe Lifting: We even sneak in some quick physio advice on why you should never hold your breath (avoiding the Valsalva maneuver) when lifting heavy objects, whether you’re hauling music equipment or just doing chores around the house.Take Charge of Your Well-Being Life is full of unexpected obstacles, but this episode is a powerful testament to the fact that we can always find our way forward. I promise you will leave this conversation feeling grounded, uplifted, and motivated to take charge of your own well-being. If you want to feel inspired to get out there, stay active, and find the positive in your own journey, please follow and subscribe to Life Shouldn’t Hurt. Tune in, take these lessons to heart, and join our community today! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  2. Jul 17

    Children's Mental Health with Bonnie Blakley

    Welcome to a very special episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt. I'm your host, Grant Fedoruk. Early in my career as a physiotherapist, I realized something profound: I learn far more from truly listening to the real-life stories of my patients than I ever did from reading textbooks. The lived experiences of the people in our communities hold incredible wisdom, and that is exactly why I am so passionate about exploring the real challenges we face together. Today, my co-host Anita Cassidy and I explore a topic that touches almost every family and is closer to my heart than ever: children's mental health. We are joined by the incredible Bonnie Blakeley, the CEO of CASA, an organization that is profoundly changing how we support our youth in Alberta and beyond. Understanding the "Missing Middle" in Youth Mental Health In this episode, Bonnie and I unpack what she calls the "missing middle"—the crucial gap in mental health care between a standard visit to the family doctor and a crisis trip to the emergency room. You will hear exactly how CASA is bridging this gap by bringing care directly to where kids naturally are, integrating medical and mental health professionals right inside school classrooms. We also tackle the complex, double-edged sword of cell phones and social media, discussing how constant connectivity can sometimes isolate our kids while bombarding them with unrealistic standards. Practical Actionable Takeaways for Parents and Families But what makes this conversation truly unmissable is the wealth of actionable wisdom you can apply in your own home today. Here are just a few of the practical takeaways we cover: Ask the Right Questions: Bonnie reminds us that just as we ask our kids how they feel when they have a physical cough, we need to make it a habit to directly ask them how they are doing mentally.The Power of Connection: One of the most powerful, research-backed tips Bonnie shares is incredibly simple: eat supper with your family on Sundays. Taking that time to connect changes the entire trajectory of how we engage with our children.Movement is Medicine: We discuss the biopsychosocial model of health and the immense mental well-being benefits of getting kids involved in sports and physical activities to foster resilience and social connection.Build Your Own Resilience: Bonnie opens up about her personal tools for staying strong, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing sleep, getting outside for an hour daily, and finding pure joy in the simple things, like family and pets.Tune In and Support Our Youth You won't want to miss the emotional resonance and practical insights packed into this conversation. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or just someone who wants to see the next generation thrive, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to make a difference. Please tune in to hear the full story, and be sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss out on these powerful conversations. Remember, we are all in this together, and life shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  3. Jun 21

    Pickleball with Gary Fletcher

    Hi everyone, I’m Grant Fedoruk, host of Life Shouldn't Hurt, and I am so excited to share our latest episode with you. Have you ever wondered what a jar of pickles has to do with the fastest-growing sport in the world? Aside from some hilarious banter with my co-host Anita about our shared love for garlic dills, the answer is absolutely nothing. But that lighthearted start opens up a fascinating conversation about pickleball, an incredibly inclusive and social game that is capturing hearts across the globe. My ultimate message to you is simple: if you want to live a healthy, long life, you have to keep moving, and finding an activity you actually enjoy is the key. Warm-Ups and Injury Prevention in Pickleball While pickleball is fantastic because people of all ages and skill levels can pick it up quickly, it is still a physical sport that requires respect for your body. Anita learned this the hard way; she joined me on the show to confess that she played for two solid hours without warming up, leaving her completely immobilized with a raging case of forearm tendonitis. That leads right into the actionable wisdom of this episode: I break down exactly why you should skip the old-school static stretching before a game. Instead, I share how active, cardiovascular warm-ups—like leg swings and torso rotations—are the true secret to boosting your performance and preventing common racket sport injuries like ankle sprains and tennis elbow. From Tennis Pro to Pickleball Coach: Insights from Gary Fletcher To take our understanding of the game to the next level, I sat down with my good friend Gary Fletcher, a former elite tennis professional who has seamlessly transitioned into a highly sought-after pickleball coach. Gary brings such a unique, strategic perspective to the court, explaining why this game is less about sheer power and more about chess-like patience. He walks us through the unique lingo—from hitting soft "dink" shots to navigating the "kitchen" and even pulling off an "Ernie". The Importance of Multi-Sport Development for Young Athletes Beyond the technical skills, Gary shares some incredibly profound advice for parents and young athletes: do not specialize in just one sport. We discuss how playing a variety of sports builds brain health, enhances physical creativity, and protects growing bodies from repetitive strain injuries. It was an emotional full-circle moment for me to thank Gary on the air, as his brilliant coaching taught my own daughters life lessons they will carry forever. Tune In to Life Shouldn't Hurt Whether you are a seasoned racket player, a beginner looking for a fun way to burn calories, or a parent wanting the best for your young athlete, this episode is packed with warmth, humor, and expert guidance. I highly encourage you to tune in to the full conversation and let it inspire you to pick up a paddle. Please follow and subscribe to the show so we can continue to explore all aspects of health, lifestyle, and well-being together. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  4. Jun 6

    Pelvic Health and the Emsella Chair with Kristen Fitzgerald

    Solving Hip Pain and Pelvic Floor DysfunctionHey everyone, Grant Fedoruk here. If you’ve been living with a lingering, unexplained hip ache or secretly struggling with pelvic health issues like incontinence, I want you to know right now: you are not alone, and there is hope. In our latest episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, we explore two conditions that tend to sneak up on us and cause unnecessary, silent suffering: trochanteric bursitis and pelvic floor dysfunction. Understanding Trochanteric Bursitis: That Pain in the Side of Your Hip We start by unpacking trochanteric bursitis—a literal pain in the side of your hip. I share a wild story about a cyclist who took a hard fall and ended up with a fluid-filled bursa so swollen it looked like a "third bump". But bursitis doesn't just happen from major accidents; sometimes it's as simple as sleeping on a terrible houseboat mattress. I share some crucial, actionable advice for anyone dealing with this pain: don't just rely on cortisone shots to mask the inflammation. If you aren't addressing the root causes, like a tight IT band or weak glutes, the pain is just going to come back. Rule of Thumb: If a problem hasn't gone away on its own in two weeks, it's time to get it checked by a professional. Breaking the Stigma Around Pelvic Health In the second half of the show, I sit down with Kristen Fitzgerald, a compassionate physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience, to shed light on a topic millions suffer from but are often too embarrassed to discuss: pelvic health. We break down the heavy stigma surrounding this area, making it clear that pelvic floor dysfunction isn't just an issue for women who have gone through childbirth—it profoundly impacts men as well. The insights Kristen brings are truly eye-opening. Did you know that chronic lower back or hip pain can actually stem from an overactive or underactive pelvic floor? Daily Habits to Reduce Incontinence Kristen also provides immediate wisdom you can apply to your daily life, explaining why simple habits can significantly reduce urgency and incontinence: Staying properly hydratedAvoiding common bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweetenersThe emotional resonance of this work is incredible; Kristen shares how patients often experience profound relief and a renewed sense of confidence just from finally understanding what is happening in their bodies. A Breakthrough in Pelvic Healthcare: The Emsella Chair Finally, we discuss a total breakthrough in pelvic healthcare that I even tested out myself: the Emsella chair. Imagine sitting completely fully clothed, reading a book for 30 minutes, while a chair uses focused electromagnetic energy to safely perform nearly 12,000 perfect Kegel contractions for you. It’s a non-invasive game-changer for treating urinary and fecal incontinence, rebuilding the brain-body connection, and even improving intimate wellness and erectile dysfunction. Tune In to Reclaim Your Comfort This episode is packed with empathy, education, and true solutions that can help you reclaim your comfort and your confidence. Please tune in to hear the full conversation, and make sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an update. Remember, life shouldn’t hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  5. May 30

    Understanding Burnout with Dr. Mat de Moissac

    Welcome to Life Shouldn't Hurt. I'm Grant Fedoruk, and if you’ve been feeling like you are running on fumes, this episode is exactly what you need. Too many of us are living with pain and pushing past the yield signs our bodies are desperately waving. In our latest conversation, my co-host Anita Cassidy and I sit down with registered psychologist Matt Demoisac to explore the heavy reality of burnout. The Mind-Body Connection in Pain As a physiotherapist with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how profound the mind-body connection truly is. I often see patients whose chronic back issues, like bulging discs, suddenly tip over the edge—not because of a bad lift, but because of a massive life stressor. I even share my own unexpected experience with hidden stress: right before my wedding, I felt completely calm mentally, but I developed an inexplicable, stubborn rash around my stomach. The very day after we tied the knot, the rash vanished completely. It’s a powerful reminder that when we don't listen to our minds, our bodies will force us to pay attention. Redefining Burnout with Mat de Moissac Mat brings incredible expertise, sharing his own vulnerable journey of facing a panic attack disorder after pushing his nervous system too hard in his twenties. Together, we bust the myth that burnout comes purely from working too many hours. Instead, Mat explains that true exhaustion happens when there is a severe disconnect between the time we invest and the fulfillment we get back, especially when we aren't living in alignment with our true values. When you wake up deeply connected to your "why," you can tap into boundless energy without burning out. Actionable Wisdom to Reclaim Your Spark We also equip you with simple, actionable wisdom to reclaim your spark: Acknowledge your feelings: Mat and I discuss why simply uttering the words "I'm not okay" to the people in your support system can significantly drop your cortisol and epinephrine levels.Create a morning pause: A short, two-to-five-minute moment of mindfulness at the start of your day—before the doom-scrolling begins—can reset your nervous system and put you back in control.Unplug in nature: I share my favorite prescription of taking a walk outside without earbuds, letting the natural sound waves of a forest or ocean physically heal and restore your body.Listen and Subscribe You don't have to suffer in silence, and this conversation is a lifeline meant to bring you comfort, validation, and hope. Please follow and subscribe to Life Shouldn't Hurt on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember—life shouldn't hurt. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  6. May 22

    Teeth Shouldn't Hurt: Functional Dentistry with Dr. Mandeep Johal

    Welcome, friends! I’m Grant Fedoruk, and on this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, we are exploring the surprising and powerful connections between your daily habits and your overall well-being. From Broken Glasses to Brain Fog: A Lesson in Pacing Ourselves To kick things off, I open up and share a recent, somewhat embarrassing personal story with you. After breaking my favorite pair of glasses, I was forced into wearing a backup pair of progressives while MCing a major event, and let me tell you, the resulting brain fog and dizziness felt exactly like a hangover! But that comical, painful experience reminded me of a profound truth: whenever we introduce something new to our bodies, whether it's breaking in new foot orthotics or changing our health routines, we have to pace ourselves. Introducing Dr. Mandeep Johal: Shifting Perspectives on Oral Health To help us take those small, impactful steps, I am thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Dr. Mandeep Johal. As a functional dentist, Dr. Johal looks far beyond your teeth to connect the dots between your mouth, your breathing, your stress levels, and your entire body. Her insights completely shifted my perspective—in fact, during our conversation, I was stunned to discover I’ve been making a massive teeth-brushing mistake for my entire 50 years of life! Powerful Micro-Habits to Transform Your Daily Health Routine This episode is packed with actionable wisdom and micro-habits you can seamlessly weave into your daily life. We explore: The Magic of "Water Shadowing": Discover why taking a simple swish of water after your coffee, holiday treats, or carbonated drinks is the absolute easiest way to rinse away bacteria and protect your enamel.The 30-Minute Brushing Rule: I learned the hard way that brushing immediately after eating actually damages porous enamel; you should always wait 20 to 30 minutes!The Power of Your Breath: We uncover how simple, mindful nasal breathing can prevent nighttime dry mouth, stop tooth decay, and dramatically improve your health."Dental Treats" for Humans: Learn how snacking on hard, crunchy foods like celery and carrots acts as a natural cleanser to sweep away plaque.Busting Massive Health Myths: Dr. Johal sets the record straight on why pregnant women must see the dentist, and why your gums should never, ever bleed—as one expert joked, they should only bleed as much as your eyeballs!Consistency Over Perfection: Take Control of Your Wellness My goal with this show is always to empower you with the tools and evidence-based strategies to live a brighter, pain-free life. You don't have to be perfect; it's the simple, consistent changes that will truly transform your health. If you are curious and motivated to upgrade your wellness routine, I highly encourage you to tune in to the full conversation. Please make sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss out on these life-changing strategies. Together, we can prove that life—and your teeth—shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  7. May 15

    Breaking the Cycle: The Science of Weight Management and Joint Pain

    Welcome to Life Shouldn't Hurt. I’m your host, Grant Fedoruk, and this week we are unpacking a topic that affects nearly every household: weight management. In my practice, I constantly see patients caught on a heartbreaking merry-go-round. They are in too much joint pain to be active, which leads to weight gain, which then prevents them from meeting the required Body Mass Index (BMI) to get the joint replacement surgery that would finally relieve their pain. It is a deeply frustrating cycle, and my goal with this episode is to offer you real hope, scientifically backed insights, and actionable solutions to help you break free. Understanding the Biology of Weight Loss To help us shatter the myths surrounding weight, we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Akshay Jain, a leading endocrinologist and triple board-certified obesity medicine expert. If you have ever felt judged or blamed yourself for struggling to lose weight, you need to hear this episode. Dr. Jain completely changes the conversation by explaining that obesity is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Instead, he reveals the fascinating science behind our neurobiology, explaining that our brain has a "thermostat" regulating our weight, and when that thermostat breaks, it constantly fights against our efforts to lose pounds. Practical Strategies for Sustainable Health Throughout the show, we share a wealth of practical advice you can apply directly to your own life: Pain-Free Activity: My co-host Anita Cassidy and I explore alternative exercises for those suffering from joint pain. We discuss how aquatic therapy unloads your joints through buoyancy while actually burning more calories due to water resistance. We also talk about zero-gravity treadmills and stationary bikes to help you safely build cardiovascular health.Community and Healing: We highlight the incredible GLA:D program, a guided exercise system designed for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis. My own mom participated in it, and she absolutely loved the social aspect! It gave her a beautiful sense of community and motivation while preparing her body for a healthier future.The Truth About Medication: Dr. Jain sheds light on modern weight loss medications. He explains that they aren't "magic wands" that melt off fat, but rather vital tools used alongside individualized nutrition to quiet hunger hormones, reduce cravings, and help your body finally enter a fat-burning mode.Ditching the Scale: We explore better ways to track your health beyond just the bathroom scale or BMI. Dr. Jain shares a highly practical tip: focus on your waist-to-height ratio, aiming to keep your waist circumference at less than half of your height to reduce your risk of chronic disease.Empowering Your Health Journey This episode is all about stripping away the shame, honoring your personal struggles, and empowering you with the medical science to take control of your health. You do not have to fight your biology alone. If you or a loved one has ever felt defeated by weight management, I highly encourage you to tune in to our full conversation to hear these life-changing insights firsthand. Please follow and subscribe to Life Shouldn't Hurt on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode, and join us as we continue to uncover the truths about living a healthier, more vibrant life! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

  8. Apr 16

    Fuelling Your Engine: Nutrition Science with Dr. Scott Forbes

    Hey everyone, Grant Fedoruk here. Welcome back to Life Shouldn't Hurt. Have you ever stopped to think about how you fuel the only vehicle you get for this entire journey of life—your body? In our latest episode, we explore exactly that. Expert Insights with Dr. Scott Forbes To help us separate scientific fact from social media fiction, I sat down with Dr. Scott Forbes, a leading researcher in sports nutrition and human performance from Brandon University. We explore the science behind what we consume and how it directly impacts how we feel, think, and perform every single day. Whether you are training for a marathon, carrying heavy grocery bags, or just trying to stay sharp and energized at work, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you can apply right now. Key Takeaways to Tune Up Your Routine We uncover some incredible insights to help you optimize your health: The Truth About Pre-Workout: Spoiler alert—you don't need expensive pre-workout supplements. Dr. Forbes explains exactly how to time everyday carbs and protein to naturally power your body.Creatine's Hidden Superpowers: I used creatine back in my university rugby days, but we learned it's not just for bodybuilders. It actually has amazing benefits for your brain, helping combat mental fatigue, and even strengthens your bones.Aging Strong: Discover why older adults actually need to consume more protein than younger folks to maintain crucial muscle mass and stay actively moving through life.Busting Nutrition Myths: We put an end to persistent rumors, like creatine causing muscle cramps or hair loss, and remind ourselves of the one incredibly simple food we all need to eat more of to live longer (hint: it's green).Science-Backed Health for Everyday Life My ultimate goal is to empower you with reliable, science-backed information so you can make confident decisions that help you live a healthier, happier life. This conversation is all about practical, everyday steps to tune up your engine so you can enjoy every single moment. Subscribe & Join the Community If you are curious about how to unlock your best self, tune in to this episode! Please follow and subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss out on these insights. Join our growing community, share our story with your friends, and let's keep moving forward together—because as you know, life shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

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About

Pain & injury are part of our life experience.  A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

Information

  • Creator
    Grant Fedoruk
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life Shouldn't Hurt
  • Show Website
    Life Shouldn't Hurt

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