The Pain Factor

A Project Fourtress Podcast
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What is pain? Where does it come from? Is there anything we can do to control it, overcome it, even leverage it?This podcast is a comprehensive exploration of physical, mental, and emotional pain. Through shared information, personal narratives, and professional insight, we aim to understand this complex reality. We want to be clear: this is not a self-help podcast. It is about fostering accountability while maintaining a human approach to sensitive issues. Religion, mysticism and positive thinking are things we purposefully, and adamantly, distance ourselves from. Before facing the challenge, we get to know it better. This is what this podcast is about.Join us on this essential quest for understanding, empowerment, and ultimate freedom.

  1. 5H AGO

    TPF #29: Dr. Jeffrey Bone - The uninvited guest: Understanding chronic pain

    Dr. Jeff Bone holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kenyon College, as well as a doctoral and master's degrees in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. He has authored two collections of poetry, multiple coloring books, and two chronic illness journals. He's the host of the podcast "To The Bone: Conversations on Pain, Illness, and Meaning." Dr. Bone has over two decades of experience specializing in aspects of the human chronic pain and illness, focusing on helping individuals manage the challenges that come with long-term debilitating health issues and helping to rebuild their sense of self and relationships after medication-driven behaviors have resulted in adverse events in their lives  In this insightful interview, Dr. Jeffrey Bone shares his personal journey through chronic pain, the emotional and psychological impacts, and how creativity and community can aid in managing suffering. Discover practical advice on navigating chronic illness, the importance of grief, and fostering solidarity. Learn more about Dr. Bone's work at https://www.drbone.live/ The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    1h 3m

  2. MAY 15

    TPF The Right Forest

    Most of us are rushing through life, desperately trying to cross hurdles without first understanding which "forest" we actually need to cross. What if the biggest challenge isn’t the obstacle itself but the clarity — or confusion — about whether we are crossing the right one? In this episode of The Pain Factor, we discuss why rushing into action often leads us down the wrong path—and how pinpointing the "right forest" can save us years of wasted effort and prevent burnout. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    14 min

  3. MAY 8

    TPF #27: Adriene Caldwell - From Trauma to Triumph: Healing from Childhood Abuse

    Adriene Caldwell is the Author of “Unbroken: Life outside the lines”, a story of destruction and discovery - of darkness given free rein and an innate light that refuses to dim. In this compelling interview, Adrian shares her inspiring journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, loss, and mental health struggles to a life of hope, resilience, and purpose. She discusses the importance of understanding trauma, the power of forgiveness, and the need for societal change to better support foster children and trauma survivors. Follow Adriene: on Instagram: #unbrokencaldwellon Facebook: facebook.com/UnbrokenCaldwelLearn more about Adriene at www.unbrokencaldwell.comThe Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    51 min

  4. MAY 1

    TPF #26: Nancy Deyo - From perfectionism to pain to true freedom

    Nancy Deyo is a former Silicon Valley CEO, author and speaker, and a Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow. Her forthcoming memoir, Perilous Ascent, chronicles a fifteen-year journey through misdiagnosis, chronic pain, opioid dependence, mania, and a marriage pushed to its limits.​ In this episode, Nancy shares her 15-year journey through chronic pain, opioid dependence, and personal transformation after a life-changing Kilimanjaro climb. Discover insights on pain, resilience, and redefining success beyond failure. Follow Nancy: on Substack: "Life inside pain" -  @nancydeyoThe Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    1h 3m

  5. APR 24

    TPF #25: Jeff Armine - Chronic illness: Overwhelmed, not broken

    Dr. Jess Armine is a functional medicine practitioner with nearly 50 years of clinical experience. He specializes in Long COVID, post-viral syndromes, and complex chronic illness. His work focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and nervous system imbalance, helping patients recover when conventional approaches fall short. He’s also a researcher, educator, and podcast host dedicated to translating complex science into practical healing strategies. In this insightful interview, Dr. Jess Armine shares his extensive experience in functional medicine, focusing on chronic illness, pain management, and the importance of understanding the body's systems. Discover how a holistic, individualized approach can transform health and recovery. Follow Dr. Jess Armine: on Instagram: #drjessarmine724on Facebook: facebook.com/jess.armine.2025on YouTube: youtube.com/@DrJessArmineLearn more about Dr. Armine's work at www.drjessarmine.com. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    1h 10m

  6. APR 17

    TPF #24: Brian Desroches - Why Your Brain Protects You from Change

    Brian Desroches, PhD, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, neuroscientist, and author of Living a Triggered Free Life. In this eye-opening episode, Brian DesRoches reveals how your brain’s survival bias keeps you stuck in self-sabotage, anxiety, and old habits—and how, with specific techniques, you can harness neuroscience to create lasting change. You’ll discover how emotional memories—both past and “of the future”—shape your reactions and why triggers aren’t just random, but neural networks stored deep in your brain. Purchase Brian's book here. Learn more about Brian's work at www.briandesroches.com. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    58 min

  7. APR 10

    TPF #23: Linda Feig Knipe - Therapy, or why asking for help works

    Linda Feig Knipe has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the State University of UNY at Potsdam, and a Master's Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Counselor Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She's also the author of “Braving Therapy”, a compelling memoir about the Triumphant Journey Over PTSD, where she delves into the profound journey of healing and self discovery. In this conversation, Linda Feig Knipe shares her profound journey through trauma and therapy, discussing the complexities of PTSD, the importance of finding the right therapist, and the challenges of addressing mental health issues. She emphasizes the need for vulnerability in therapy, the distinction between pain and suffering, and the significance of self-compassion in the healing process. Linda's insights provide a roadmap for those navigating their own journeys of healing and self-discovery. Follow Linda: on Instagram: #l._feig_knipeon Facebook: facebook.com/linda.z.knipeLearn more about Asher's work at feigknipe.com. Purchase Linda's book here. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    1h 9m

  8. FEB 20

    TPF #22: Asher Lester - Pain and growth

    Asher Lester is a Certified 3rd Degree Krav Maga black belt instructor, with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis. He is also a breathing/meditation coach with 10 certifications in those fields In this conversation, Gustavo and Asher explore the complex relationship between pain, fear, and personal growth. Asher shares his journey through trauma and how it shaped his understanding of pain as a necessary part of life. They discuss the importance of facing challenges, the concept of voluntary suffering, and how mindfulness and meditation can help manage pain and uncertainty. The conversation emphasizes that growth cannot occur without experiencing discomfort and that resilience is built through consistent effort and facing fears head-on. Follow Asher: on Instagram: #nervousapeson Facebook: facebook.com/nervousapesLearn more about Asher's work at www.nervousapes.com. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

    1h 8m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What is pain? Where does it come from? Is there anything we can do to control it, overcome it, even leverage it?This podcast is a comprehensive exploration of physical, mental, and emotional pain. Through shared information, personal narratives, and professional insight, we aim to understand this complex reality. We want to be clear: this is not a self-help podcast. It is about fostering accountability while maintaining a human approach to sensitive issues. Religion, mysticism and positive thinking are things we purposefully, and adamantly, distance ourselves from. Before facing the challenge, we get to know it better. This is what this podcast is about.Join us on this essential quest for understanding, empowerment, and ultimate freedom.

Information

  • Creator
    A Project Fourtress Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Pain Factor
  • Show Website
    The Pain Factor