Discover
Beyond The Pain
Beyond The Pain
Author: Leigh Brandon
Subscribed: 23Played: 650Subscribe
Share
© Leigh Brandon
Description
Beyond The Pain is your guide to uncovering the real root causes of chronic pain and reclaiming a life without limits. Hosted by Leigh Brandon—Functional Medicine Practitioner, CHEK Faculty Instructor, and author with nearly 30 years of experience—this show explores the physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental drivers of pain. Through expert interviews and solo insights, you’ll discover holistic strategies that heal, empower, and transform where conventional methods fall short.
182 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon is joined by psychotherapist and yoga teacher Catia Batalha to explore the deeper meaning behind chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and psychosomatic symptoms.Catia shares her personal journey with autoimmune illness and how it led her to investigate the powerful relationship between the mind, body, and intuition. Together, they discuss why symptoms are not random, how the body communicates through pain and illness, and why ignoring early warning signs can lead to persistent or chronic conditions.This conversation explores:Why chronic pain and autoimmune symptoms often persistThe mind–body connection in psychosomatic conditionsHow intuition and awareness play a role in healingWhy symptoms are signals, not mistakesEmpowerment, responsibility, and listening to the bodyKarma, life experiences, and the interconnected nature of healthIf you’ve tried treating symptoms without lasting relief, this episode offers a deeper perspective on how healing begins with awareness — and learning to listen to what your body is trying to tell you.Connect with Catia Batalha:Website: https://catiabatalha.org/Book – Echoes of the Timeless: https://catiabatalha.org/echoes-of-the-timeless/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.catiabatalhaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.catiabatalhaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author.catiabatalhaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@author.catiabatalhaWork with Leigh BrandonBeyond The Pain 14-Day Programme:https://bodychek.co.uk/beyond-the-pain-programme/Free Pain-Free Plate Guide:https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/Book a Consultation:https://bodychek.co.uk/consultation/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/
In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh is joined by DK Kang for a deeply honest and insightful conversation about chronic pain, resilience, and personal transformation.DK shares his own journey through long-term pain and how it became a powerful teacher in his life — guiding him to make necessary changes in mindset, nutrition, habits, and perspective. Rather than viewing pain as something to simply fight or suppress, DK explains how learning to listen to pain can reveal what needs to change for true healing to occur.The conversation explores:How pain can act as a teacher rather than just a symptomThe importance of mindset and personal responsibility in recoveryThe role of nutrition and daily habits in managing painWhy gratitude can be a powerful catalyst for healingPractical strategies for people currently struggling with painHow starting small and embracing failure can lead to lasting changeThe value of education, reading, and mentorship on the healing journeyThis episode is ideal for anyone living with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or wanting a more grounded, empowering perspective on health and healing.🔗 Connect with DK KangWebsite: https://www.dkkang.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dae.k.kangInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkkangtkd/🔗 Connect with Leigh BrandonBeyond The Pain Programme: https://bodychek.co.uk/beyond-the-pain-programme/Book a Consultation: https://bodychek.co.uk/consultation/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/
In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon is joined by Inna Segal, a pioneer in intuitive healing and mind–body awareness.Inna shares her personal journey through chronic digestive issues, back pain, and psoriasis — experiences that led her to explore the emotional, energetic, and ancestral roots of physical illness. What began as a search for symptom relief became a deeper understanding of how the body communicates through pain.Together, Leigh and Inna explore:Why pain is meaningful, not randomHow emotional and ancestral trauma can manifest physicallyThe stages of healing and why symptoms shift over timeMisconceptions about intuitive and energy healingThe role of self-awareness in recoveryWhy embracing pain can become a catalyst for growthThis episode is essential listening for anyone living with chronic pain, unexplained symptoms, or feeling stuck — and for practitioners looking beyond purely physical models of health.🔗 Connect with Inna Segal🌐 Website: https://www.innasegal.com/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnaSegalAuthor📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innasegalauthor/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/innasegalauthor/🔗 Connect with Leigh Brandon🌐 Consultations & Resources: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation/🥗 Free Pain-Free Plate Guide: https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/🧠 StickABility Course – Learn How to Stick to Healthy Habits: https://stickabilitycourse.com/📸 Instagram: @BeyondThePainPodcast
In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon is joined by Beth, a health coach specialising in bio-energetic testing, for a deep and thoughtful conversation about listening to the body’s signals and understanding pain beyond the purely physical.Beth shares her journey from mechanical engineering into health and energy medicine, and explains how shifting from a mechanical view of the body to one that honours its innate intelligence transformed both her own health and her work with clients.Together, Leigh and Beth explore:What bio-energetic testing is and how it worksWhy pain is often a message rather than a malfunctionThe role emotions play in physical symptoms and chronic painHow technology can support energetic and holistic healingWhy lasting health requires a whole-person approach — physical, emotional, and energeticThis episode invites you to rethink pain, trust your body’s wisdom, and take a more empowered role in your own healing.Beth is a health coach specialising in bio-energetic testing and energy-based approaches to healing, helping people reconnect with their body’s innate intelligence.🌐 https://yourhealthwithbeth.com/Leigh Brandon is a CHEK Practitioner and Functional Medicine Practitioner, specialising in helping people uncover and resolve the root causes of chronic pain.🌐 https://www.bodychek.co.uk📅 Book a consultation: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation/Download Leigh’s Pain Free Plate — a simple guide showing the foods most likely to fuel inflammation and pain, and what to replace them with.👉 https://www.bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate🔗 Connect with Beth🔗 Connect with Leigh Brandon🧩 Free Resource: The Pain Free Plate
Gout is often treated as a simple problem of high uric acid — take medication, avoid a few foods, and carry on.But for many people, that approach leads to recurrent flare-ups, worsening symptoms, and long-term health issues.In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon is joined by Spiro Koulouris to unpack what’s really driving gout and why medication alone is rarely enough.Spiro explains:Why gout is fundamentally a lifestyle and metabolic conditionHow relying solely on medication can allow uric acid levels to keep risingThe role of diet, hydration, stress, and daily habits in gout progressionCommon misconceptions that prevent people from truly resolving goutWhat needs to change if someone wants long-term relief, not just symptom suppressionThis conversation challenges the conventional narrative around gout and offers a more complete, root-cause perspective on managing — and potentially preventing — future flare-ups.🔗 Find Spiro Koulouris onlineWebsite: https://goutandyou.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDDWAtAuiibJTKsICF32TkgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoutandYouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goutandyou/🔗 Find Leigh BrandonWebsite: https://www.bodychek.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod🎁 Free guide:Pain-Free Plate – https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/
In this powerful conversation, Leigh speaks with Doc Malik, a former orthopaedic surgeon whose journey from a working-class upbringing in Glasgow to the operating theatre offers a unique perspective on the limitations — and possibilities — of modern healthcare.Together, they explore:• Why Doc Malik became disillusioned with the NHS• The importance of a holistic approach to foot and ankle conditions• The relationship between surgery, conversion rates, and patient outcomes• How emotional stress and personal history influence physical pain• The role of proper footwear and when orthotics help — or hinder• How alignment, body mechanics, and mindset shape long-term healingThis episode is a deep dive into the interconnected nature of the body and mind — and a reminder that pain never exists in isolation.Where to find Doc Malik:Website — https://docmalik.comWhere to find Leigh:Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/Pain-Free Plate Lead Magnet — https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/Website — https://www.bodychek.co.uk
Pelvic pain, endometriosis, and fertility challenges affect millions of women — yet far too many are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or left searching for answers on their own.In this powerful conversation, Kelly shares her harrowing journey through a life-threatening medical emergency that resulted in emergency surgery. She describes the fear, the uncertainty, and the heartbreaking moment she said goodbye to her husband, unsure if she’d survive the operation.But this episode is also about resilience, intuition, and rebuilding after trauma. We explore why pelvic pain is so often minimised, how endometriosis can impact fertility, and what women can do to advocate for themselves when the healthcare system falls short.Whether you’re navigating pelvic pain yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand this condition on a deeper level — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Where to find Kelly:Website (Elysium Wellness): https://thisiselysium.com.au/Website (Lumaflex): https://lumaflex.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_is_elysium_wellnessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaflexauWhere to find me:Website: https://bodychek.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/Pain-Free Plate (Free Guide): https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/Book a Consultation: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation/
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Pain, I’m joined by Dr. Sean McCaffrey, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring lawyer to dedicated healer — a path shaped by personal loss, intuition, and a family legacy in medicine.Sean breaks down the true nature of chronic pain and why it’s never just about the tissues. He explains how lasting healing requires addressing the mechanical, emotional, and nutritional components of the body — and why conventional approaches so often miss the mark.We explore the role of toxicity and inflammation, the healing potential of nutritional strategies and fasting, and the profound influence of the subconscious mind in either amplifying or reducing pain. Sean also shares incredible success stories from his clinic, demonstrating what’s possible when you address the real root causes instead of chasing symptoms.If you’ve ever doubted your ability to heal, this episode will challenge your beliefs — and inspire new hope.Connect with Sean McCaffreyWebsite: https://www.mccaffreyhealth.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCaffreyHealthCenter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.seanmccaffrey4616Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drseanmccaffrey/?utm_source=qr#X: https://x.com/mccaffreyhealth?t=lqPanXvg9PwZaH_1hRtlVAConnect with LeighWebsite: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Pain-Free Plate (Free Guide): https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh’s Courses:StickAbility: https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (for practitioners):https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
In this episode, I sit down with chronic pain specialist Vanessa Leone for a deep and refreshing look at what people in pain truly need — to be heard.Too many people are rushed, dismissed, or handed assumptions about their symptoms. Doctors, surgeons and even allied health professionals often jump straight to solutions without ever asking the most important question: “Why are you here, and what do YOU feel is going on?”Vanessa explains why listening is the foundation of pain recovery, how reflection helps people uncover their own motivations and patterns, and why persistent pain is rarely caused by a single event. We also explore stress, emotional load, fear, lifestyle patterns and learned pain responses — and how chronic pain begins to unravel when someone is finally given the space to share their story.If you’ve ever felt unheard by the medical system, or you work with people in pain, this conversation offers a compassionate and practical perspective on what truly helps.Where to find Vanessa:Website: https://vlmovementtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlmovementtherapist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-leone-2055b86a/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjQ4ywdXvi41RGgqX31AKwWhere to find Leigh:Website: https://www.bodychek.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpodPodcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondThePainPodcastConsultations: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation/Free Pain-Free Plate guide: https://bodychek.co.uk/pain-free-plate/
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Leigh Brandon sits down with Mario Mancini to explore the real science and clinical wisdom behind acupuncture. Far from being a last-resort therapy, Mario explains how acupuncture acts as a powerful “signal amplifier,” helping the body regulate, reset, and repair.They break down how acupuncture influences the nervous system, immune function, endogenous pain-relief pathways, and meridian systems — as well as how lifestyle, digestion, inflammation, and stress can amplify chronic pain. You’ll also hear why breathwork and self-regulation practices enhance treatment results and why genuine connection is a core part of the healing process.What We Cover in This Episode:• How acupuncture optimises the body’s healing systems• M1 → M2 macrophage switching and immune modulation• Why acupuncture enhances other therapies• How meridians relate to modern physiology• The role of endogenous opioids in pain relief• Using acupuncture post-surgery to improve tissue regeneration• Why chronic pain often isn’t about the original injury• How diet, digestion and stress amplify persistent pain• How breathwork supports regulation and recovery• The biopsychosocial model and whole-person healingConnect with Mario ManciniWebsite: https://manciniacupuncture.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manciniacupunctureFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforIntegrativecare/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@centerforintegrativecareConnect with Leigh BrandonWebsite: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Download Leigh’s Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh’s courses:StickAbility – https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (Professional Course) – https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
Struggling with chronic pain that won’t shift?In this episode, Leigh speaks with Liz Wong, whose work in Neuro-Affective Touch reveals how pain can be a communication tool from the body — and why healing often requires more than stretching, strengthening, or managing symptoms.Liz shares how touch, presence, and relational safety can help release stored trauma, calm the nervous system, and reconnect people with the parts of themselves that have been shut down for years.If you feel stuck, unheard, or like you’ve “tried everything,” this conversation offers hope, clarity, and a completely different pathway out of pain.You can contact Liz:http://www.somaticwellness.co.ukYou can contact Leigh:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
After months of debilitating migraines and post-concussion syndrome, Ethan Reisboard discovered an unexpected path to recovery — hypnotherapy.In this episode of Beyond the Pain, Ethan shares how he went from chronic pain and frustration to complete healing by working with the subconscious mind. We explore how hypnotherapy helps reprogram pain responses, calm the nervous system, and create lasting change beyond surface-level relief.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of pain and nothing seems to work — this one’s for you.⏱️ What You’ll Learn:00:00 – Introduction and announcement03:10 – Ethan’s journey from post-concussion syndrome to recovery10:45 – What hypnotherapy really is and how it works18:30 – How the subconscious mind influences pain perception26:20 – Techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce pain38:10 – Real client success stories47:00 – How you can start using these principles today💡 Key Takeaways:Hypnotherapy can help break the body’s chronic pain loopThe subconscious mind plays a major role in pain perceptionYou can retrain your brain for calm, balance, and healing🎧 Be sure to subscribe to the channel, hit the notification bell, and leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you enjoy the show.You can find Ethan @:EthanReisHypnotherapy.comIf you previously followed Leigh on Facebook or Instagram, you can now re-follow — the new details are:instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583282725889You can also find Leigh @:Leigh's website - bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
In this episode, Leigh Brandon speaks with Kris Rice, founder of ChillPod, about the surprising power of cold therapy to transform both body and mind.Kris takes us through her journey from avoiding cold water to embracing it as a daily tool for recovery, resilience, and emotional balance. Together they explore:The science of cold exposure and its effects on the nervous systemHow cold therapy can reduce pain, inflammation, and speed up recoveryThe mental and emotional health benefits of cold plungingWhy accessibility and safety are key to sustainable cold therapy practicesThe future of cold immersion in the wellness and recovery worldWhether you’re managing pain, recovering from injury, or simply curious about the hype around cold plunging, this conversation will help you understand why stepping into the cold could be one of the warmest decisions you ever make for your health.You can find Kris @:https://thechillpod.co/https://www.instagram.com/thechillpod.cohttps://www.instagram.com/krisricewellnessYou can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
Former collegiate golfer and musician Brooke McPoyle joins me to share her journey from living in pain to helping others heal through breathwork and fascia. We dive into the powerful link between breath and brain function, the role of fascia in pain and recovery, and why stress and emotions can keep you stuck in pain.Brooke also introduces her fascia flow techniques, showing how simple practices with breath, hydration, and awareness can reduce pain, speed up healing, and even improve performance. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain or looking to optimise your body, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you feel and move better.You can find Brooke @:Website Instagram YouTube LinkedInFacebook You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
This week on Beyond The Pain, I’m joined by Rob Brinded, a movement specialist and coach who has dedicated his career to helping people overcome pain and performance challenges.Rob introduces the concept of the “hamster wheel” — those repetitive cycles of thought and behavior that can keep us trapped in suffering. We dive into the connection between emotional and physical health, and why true healing starts with self-awareness and personal responsibility.Through real-life stories and powerful examples, Rob shows how a shift in mindset can create lasting changes in both body and mind. This is a conversation that will challenge the way you think about pain and open new doors to healing.You can find Rob @:https://www.robbrinded.com/https://www.glitchthebook.co/You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
In this episode of Beyond the Pain, Leigh Brandon sits down with Helen Hindley, who shares her remarkable journey from the world of finance into nutrition and cutting-edge Cold Atmospheric Plasma technology.Helen introduces the Human Regenerator, a pioneering device designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. She explains how it works, its potential benefits for pain relief and recovery, and shares inspiring client success stories. Together, Leigh and Helen explore how this technology compares to more familiar wellness modalities such as infrared saunas, red light therapy, and cryotherapy, as well as what new users can expect in their very first session.Before this conversation, Leigh hadn’t yet tried the Human Regenerator himself — but stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear his very first experience with the device.If you’re curious about innovative approaches to overcoming pain and supporting long-term health, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.You can find Helen @:https://www.regenifyhealth.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/regenifyhealthhttps://www.facebook.com/regenifyhealthukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hindleyYou can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
In this episode of Beyond the Pain, I sit down with Chiropractor Jason Gilbert for a powerful conversation about what pain really is, how to uncover its true root causes, and how to eliminate it through a truly holistic approach. We explore why taking responsibility for your actions and being willing to make the necessary — and sometimes challenging — lifestyle changes is essential to alleviating pain and reclaiming your quality of life.A quick note: Jason’s internet connection wasn’t the most stable during our chat, so the audio and video fade a little at times, and I did need to cut out some sections. But the insights he shares are absolutely worth staying with, and I look forward to welcoming him back on the show in the future for a clearer, even deeper conversation.You can find Jason @:https://jasongilbert.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/jasongilbertofficial/ You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
Concussion headaches and lingering pain don’t have to be a life sentence. In this episode, neurological occupational therapist Nate Pope reveals how individualized therapy, neuroplasticity, and holistic rehab at NCX Brain Recovery are helping patients overcome post-concussion syndrome and reclaim their lives.You can find Nate @:https://www.ncxbrainrecovery.com/LinkedInYouTube ChannelInstagramYou can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
What if the root of your chronic pain and fatigue isn’t a structural issue or a lack of iron—but actually too much of it? In this eye-opening episode, Morley Robbins reveals why iron overload and low copper are at the heart of modern chronic health conditions, including persistent pain.We dive into why standard blood tests often miss the real story, how stress and inflammation distort iron metabolism, and why copper and ceruloplasmin are essential for regulating both iron and oxygen. If you’ve struggled with pain, fatigue, or mystery symptoms, this conversation could completely change how you view your health.You can find Morley @:morleyrobbins@gmail.comhttps://therootcauseprotocol.com/You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/
In this episode, Lori Clemmons shares her journey from chronic illness to becoming a life coach specializing in helping others with chronic pain. She discusses the impact of chronic pain on daily life, the importance of understanding the limbic system, and how self-compassion plays a crucial role in healing. Lori emphasizes the significance of finding joy and relaxation as part of recovery and explains the concept of neural retraining. She provides insights into recognizing signs of limbic system overdrive and offers practical advice for those feeling overwhelmed by their symptoms. The conversation concludes with a focus on taking small steps towards healing and the power of visualization.You can find Lori @:https://loriclemmons.com https://loriclemmons.com/resourceshttps://www.youtube.com/@LoriClemmonshttps://rewireyourwellness.com/You can find Leigh @:Leigh's website - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/Chronic Pain Breakthrough Blueprint - https://www.bodychek.co.uk/freepainguide/Leigh's courses:StickAbility - https://stickabilitycourse.com/Mastering Client Transformation (professional course) - https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/mastering-client-transformation/




