Rephonic
Artwork for Unpacking Pain
Chronic Pain
Social Factors In Pain
Biopsychosocial Model
Neuroscience Of Pain
Mind-Body Connection
Psychology Of Pain
Pain Management Strategies
Resilience
Pain Management
Trauma and Pain
Psychological Factors In Pain
Biology Of Pain
Empathy
Central Sensitization
Nervous System
Social Support
Pain Science
Shoulder Surgery
Stress
Deborah Caust

Unpacking Pain is a podcast about chronic pain - what causes it, how it affects our lives, and what we can do about it. Hosted by a pain scientist and a pain sufferer, it blends evidence-based science with lived experience to offer support, education, and empowerment. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your pain journey, know that you are not alone. Join us on Unpacking Pain as we peel back the layers ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes19Founded9 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MedicineEducationHealth & FitnessSelf-Improvement

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Artwork for Unpacking Pain

Latest Episodes

Why does pain fade for some people but persist for others long after an injury?

Dr. Derrick Sueki joins Holly and Megan to explain how memory, associative learning, and emotional cues can influence chronic pain. Using examples from Pavlov’s conditio... more

Chronic pain can change how you see your body, connect with a partner, and experience sex, but it doesn’t mean intimacy is over.

Licensed sex therapist and clinical sexologist Dr. Deborah Caust joins Holly and Megan to explain how pain, stress, body... more

What if stress isn’t something to eliminate, but a signal your body can learn to navigate?

Stress scientist and leadership advisor Dr. Alexandra Crosswell joins Holly Osborne and Dr. Megan Steele to explore the connection between chronic stress and ... more

Why do sexual minority youth and young adults report significantly higher rates of chronic pain - even when there may be nothing “biologically different” about sexual orientation itself?

Pain researcher and nurse Dr. Ian A. Lane (“The Gay Pain Guy”)... more

What if pain relief isn’t only about fixing tissue, but also about restoring flow, energy, attention, and trust in your body?

Acupuncture, Qigong, and physical therapy experts explore how Chinese medicine approaches chronic pain. Learn how qi is des... more

Every pain you’ve ever felt is sent by, communicated through, or interpreted by your nervous system - so when pain becomes chronic, the nervous system often becomes the main story, not just the injured tissue.

Dr. Megan Steele breaks down how the ne... more

What if 7 minutes of birdsong could measurably reduce muscle tension and help you think more clearly when pain or stress is running the show?

Chronic pain can shrink your world fast: sleep gets disrupted, stress stays high, and it becomes harder to ... more

Pain can show up even when scans look “fine,” and severe arthritis can exist with little to no pain - so what should you do when the usual explanations don’t add up?

Holly puts Dr. Megan on the hot seat for a listener-driven lightning round, tacklin... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Deborah Caust
Licensed sex therapist; clinical sexologist
San Francisco clinic
Episode: Unpacking: Sex, Sensuality, and Chronic Pain
Dr. Alexander Crosswell
Stress scientist and leadership advisor
Independent/consultant
Episode: Unpacking: Stress and Chronic Pain
Ian Lane
Nursing license holder and PhD, pain researcher
Connecticut Children's; Rhode Island context
Episode: Unpacking: Pain among Sexual Minority Youth and Young Adults
Kirsten Lindquist
Licensed acupuncturist
Energy Matters, Acupuncture, and Qigong
Episode: Unpacking: Chinese Medicine and the Role of Qi in Healing
Gail Whang
Qigong teacher
Energy Matters, Qigong
Episode: Unpacking: Chinese Medicine and the Role of Qi in Healing

Hosts

Dr. Megan Steele
Host and pain scientist with clinical and research expertise; co-host of the show.
Holly Osborne
Chronic pain sufferer with extensive lived experience; co-host of the show.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Unpacking: Sex, Sensuality, and Chronic Pain
Q: How can couples shift out of caretaker dynamics to reintroduce intimacy?
Establish clear communication outside the bedroom, set boundaries that separate caregiving from sexual interaction, and use a shared scale to express comfort and arousal levels so both partners feel valued and involved.
Unpacking: Sex, Sensuality, and Chronic Pain
Q: What is the first step someone should take if their chronic pain has disrupted their sex life?
Start with compassionate conversation with your partner about what feels safe and begin with non-sexual bonding activities, then gradually reintroduce touch and closeness without pressure or a goal of sex.
Unpacking: Stress and Chronic Pain
Q: What are the practical starting points for someone dealing with chronic stress and pain in daily life?
Start with fundamentals—movement, sleep, nutrition, and limiting alcohol—and set small, daily goals to support well-being; tailor strategies to the individual rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Unpacking: Stress and Chronic Pain
Q: What role does stress play in pain, and how similar is pain management to stress management?
Both fields show that stress can amplify or prolong experience rather than be the sole cause of pain; managing stress involves approaches like reappraisal, behavioral changes, and sleep optimization, which also support pain management.
Unpacking: Stress and Chronic Pain
Q: How did you get into the field of stress science, and what sparked your interest in chronic stress and pain?
Crosswell describes a long-standing curiosity sparked by observing how life events like divorce and illness influence biology, leading to investigations into psychoneuroimmunology and how stress affects disease progression, and ultimately focusing on practical applications for leaders and individuals.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Unpacking Pain

What is Unpacking Pain about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A medically informed, warmly candid show that blends scientific research on pain with deeply personal experience. Across episodes, the hosts explore the biological underpinnings of chronic pain, the mind-body connection, and the social and emotional factors that shape pain journeys. They tackle practical topics from surgical decisions and non-pharmacological pain management to gender differences, trauma-informed care, and the role of social context, offering actionable strategies and resources for listeners navigating persistent pain. A standout aspect is the yin-yang pairing of a pain science expert with a long-time pain sufferer, creating a credible, empathetic space that validates lived experience while translating science into everyday ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Unpacking Pain?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Unpacking Pain:

1. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
2. Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

How many episodes of Unpacking Pain are there?

Unpacking Pain launched 9 months ago and published 19 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Unpacking Pain?

Recent guests on Unpacking Pain include:

1. Dr. Deborah Caust
2. Dr. Alexander Crosswell
3. Ian Lane
4. Kirsten Lindquist
5. Gail Whang

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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