Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

<p><em>When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. In the exam room, time is limited. But the need for understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia is vast. That’s why I created this space: to offer deeper education, validation, and hope.</em></p><p><em>If you’ve been told that fibromyalgia "isn’t real'" or that it’s "all in your head," I want you to know: I see you. I believe you. And you're not alone. This podcast is here to affirm what you’ve lived through and to explain the science behind what you’re experiencing.</em></p><p><em>Whether you're living with fibromyalgia, supporting someone who is, or a healthcare professional seeking to better serve your patients, I hope you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insight drawn from my 28+ years as a medical doctor, pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist.</em></p><p><em>Together, let’s bring compassion and clarity to a condition that’s too often misunderstood—and help make the invisible, visible. You can learn more at www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.</em></p>

Ep 235 What the Princess and the Pea Teaches Us about Chronic Pain

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Princess and the Pea: A Tale of Sensitivity and Neurodivergence Explore the timeless fairytale of 'The Princess and the Pea' through the lens of modern science and neurodivergence. This video reinterprets the story as an early description of heightened sensitivity, similar to conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic pain, ADHD, and autism. Learn about nociplastic pain and how it parallels the experience of those with hypersensitive nervous systems. D...

12-31
06:05

Ep 234 Is There Meaning in Suffering? A Deep Dive with Luke Thompson

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this enlightening episode, we welcome special guest Luke Thompson, who has a diverse background as a philosophy professor, pastor, author, and theology professor. Luke shares his insights on existential questions, particularly focusing on how different worldviews interpret pain and suffering. He delves into the perspectives of renowned philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, contrasting them with Christian viewpoints, especially ...

12-24
01:04:15

Ep 233 The Sound of Relief: Transforming Chronic Pain with Music

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Science Behind Music's Power to Relieve Chronic Pain Feeling trapped by chronic pain and dependent on pills? Discover how music can rewire your nervous system and alleviate pain, anxiety, and depression. Join Dr. Michael Lenz as he delves into robust scientific evidence—from randomized controlled trials to systemic reviews—that highlight music's efficacy in treating chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Learn how self-chosen music, through me...

12-17
12:12

Ep 232 What You Need to Know about Acute and Chronic Pain

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, host Mike introduces the podcast's first medical doctor guest, Dr. Maureen Allen. Dr. Allen shares her extensive journey from being a nurse to becoming a family medicine physician and an emergency medicine expert in Nova Scotia, Canada. The episode dives deep into the complexities of managing chronic pain, explaining how palliative care intersects with chronic pain treatment and the challenge...

12-10
46:35

Ep 231 Wellness Industry Secrets Uncovered

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we welcome Amy Larocca, author of 'How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, one Dubious Cure at a Time'. Amy joins us to discuss the intersection of fashion and wellness, chronic invisible illnesses, and the deceptive allure of the wellness industry. From her observations as a fashion journalist to her personal experiences and deep dive into the world of wellness, Amy reveals the psychological and cultural forces at play. We ...

12-03
46:46

Ep 230 The Science Behind Fibromyalgia: Neurological Insights

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions New Breakthrough: The Neurobiological Basis of Fibromyalgia Pain Revealed Are you or a loved one struggling with widespread pain often dismissed as stress-induced? Dr. Michael Lenz uncovers groundbreaking data showing that such pain is linked to measurable changes in the brain's structure. This episode delves into a massive study involving over 40,000 participants from the UK Biobank, validating the fibromyalgia index (FMI) as a reliable marker for no...

11-26
11:04

Ep 229 Examining the Wellness Industry Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Chronic Pain and Pseudoscientific Treatments: A Deep Dive The podcast episode features a conversation centered around the challenges and misconceptions in treating chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and ADHD. Topics covered include the shortcomings of mainstream medicine, supply issues of necessary medications, and the appeal of pseudoscientific treatments. Discussions extend to alternative therapies like EMDR for PTSD, their scientific v...

11-19
25:44

Ep 228 Examining the Wellness Industry with Jonathon Stea Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Mental Health and Chronic Illness: Cutting Through Pseudoscience with Dr. Jonathan Stea In this episode, clinical psychologist and science communicator Dr. Jonathan Stea joins the show to discuss the intersection of chronic illness and mental health. As an advocate against pseudoscience, Dr. Stea offers insights on identifying and avoiding predatory wellness trends while finding effective, evidence-based treatments. Highlighting the multifa...

11-12
26:06

Ep 227 Chasing Truth in the Wellness Wild West with Scott Carney

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Unmasking Medical Misinformation with Scott Carney In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of health, wellness, and medical misinformation with Scott Carney, a medical anthropologist and investigative journalist. Scott shares his journey from academia to mainstream journalism, exposing fraudulent practices in the wellness industry. The conversation navigates the challenges of differentiating evidence-based medicine from pseudoscientific cla...

11-05
41:36

Ep 226 Transforming Health at any Age with Maxime Sigouin Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Transforming Health Over 50: Maxim Segouin on Plant-Based Living and Fitness In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, we continue our conversation with Maxim Seguin, who delves deeper into the mindset shifts, daily habits, and powerful stories that have enabled countless individuals to transform their health through a plant-based lifestyle and physical movement. Seguin shares invaluable insights on the importance of protein and fib...

10-29
36:01

Ep 225 Revitalize using Movement and Nourishment with Maxime Sigouin Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Maximizing Vitality: Movement, Nutrition, and Mindset In this episode of Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, Dr. Michael Lenz discusses the benefits of movement for chronic pain and fatigue with Maxim Sigouin, host of the Fit Vegan Podcast. They explore overcoming exercise fears, pacing, recognizing soreness, and balancing nutrition with plant-based diets. Key takeaways include starting small, listening to your body, and celebrating progress. Ideal for tho...

10-22
35:54

Ep 224 Invisible Battles: Chuck Carroll's Story of Pain, Healing and Hope

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Beyond Weight Loss: Chuck Carroll's Transformative Journey with Chronic Pain and Invisible Illness In this episode, we share a compelling and deeply personal interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room Podcast, originally featured on the Fit Vegan Podcast. Known as the Weight Loss Champion, Chuck's journey extends far beyond shedding over 200 pounds. He discusses his experiences with addiction, trauma, and invisible illnesses including fibromy...

10-15
41:33

Ep 223 Reaction to Netflix's Biggest Loser Documentary

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Reality of 'The Biggest Loser': A Medical Perspective Watch the video here Dr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and Lifestyle medicine physician, reviews the Netflix documentary 'The Biggest Loser' from a medical perspective. He discusses the extreme and often dangerous tactics used on the show, the emotional and psychological consequences for contestants, and the implications for long-term health. Dr. Lenz highlight...

10-08
26:05

Ep 222 Golden Girls and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lessons from Dorothy's Journey

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Golden Girls and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lessons from Dorothy's Journey Dr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and lifestyle medicine physician, explores the depiction of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia through the character Dorothy from the Golden Girls. Reflecting on specific scenes from the 1989 episodes, Dr. Lenz highlights how experiences with these conditions are often dismissed by the medical community, ...

10-01
31:11

Ep 221 Why Opioids fall short for Fibromyalgia

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Checkout the video here. Opioids and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Risks and Alternatives In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, the host delves into the complex and often controversial topic of using opioids for treating fibromyalgia. The discussion is anchored around a comprehensive review from the Mayo Proceedings and explores why opioids, despite being widely prescribed, are not effective for fibromyalgia patients and may e...

09-24
20:10

Ep 220 Chronic Pain Insights: Bridging the Gap in Patient-Provider Communication

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Building Trust and Effective Communication in Chronic Pain Care with Michelle Makos In part two of this enlightening conversation, Michelle Makos shares practical strategies for building trust and effective communication between patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of validating patients' experiences. Michelle discusses the innovative peer method that is helping transform pain care, reflecting on the complexities in the patient-provider...

09-17
32:14

Ep. 219 From Chronic Pain to Patient Advocate with Michelle Marikos

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Chronic Pain: Insights and Support with Michelle Marikos: Part 1 In this episode, we transition from clinical perspectives on fibromyalgia to the lived experiences of chronic pain sufferers. Special guest Michelle Marikos shares her profound journey through chronic pain, surgeries, and the challenging world of opioid treatment. Highlighting the importance of peer support and clear communication, Michelle discusses her work with the PEER met...

09-10
34:04

Ep. 218 Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Children: Insights with Dr. William Frye Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Children: Insights with Dr. William Frye In this episode, Dr. William Frye delves into practical strategies for families and clinicians to help children manage chronic pain. Building on the challenges discussed in part one, he emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches, including sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines, alongside mental health. Dr. Frye highlights ...

09-03
26:15

Ep. 217 Understanding Pediatric Chronic Pain with Dr. William Frye Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we explore the complexities of pediatric chronic pain with Dr. William Frye, a pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Dr. Frye discusses the extended journeys families often undertake before reaching specialized care, the prevalence and challenges of polypharmacy, and the significant role non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches play in managing pediatric chronic pain. The episode also delves into ...

08-27
28:37

Ep 216 Celebrating Four Years: Reflections, Fibromyalgia Insights, and Practical Tips

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Celebrating Four Years: Reflections, Fibromyalgia Insights, and Practical Tips In this special fourth anniversary episode of the podcast, we reflect on four years of sharing expert interviews, insights, and listener stories. Join us as we celebrate this milestone with a scenic walk around Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, discussing the importance of movement and environment for those living with chronic pain. The episode delves into the science a...

08-20
30:12

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