Like Mind, Like Body

Eric Ledke, co‑founder of Curable who recovered from Lyme‑like symptoms and chronic hand pain using brain‑centered methods. John Grubbin, co‑founder who overcame long‑term back pain with mind‑body approaches. They trace mysterious diagnoses, the moment they learned the brain drives chronic pain, and how reframing and self‑regulation sparked gradual recovery and advocacy.

Beth Darnall, PhD, pain psychologist and Stanford clinical professor who leads opioid tapering research. She recounts her journey from early chronic pain to ditching opioids. Talks cover how trauma and thoughts shape pain biology. Explains patient-centered, slow opioid tapering and tests combining tapering with behavioral supports. Urges wider use of digital and psychological pain treatments.

David Hanscom, MD, a spine surgeon turned advocate for non-surgical chronic back pain care, shares his journey from surgery to neuroscience-informed recovery. He discusses why fusion often fails, the central role of sleep and nervous system calming, and the power of prehab, self-directed frameworks, and family rules in transforming pain without surgery.

Dr. Tim Flynn, a board-certified physical therapist and passionate researcher, discusses the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to pain management. He challenges the reliance on medical imaging and the over-prescription of opioids. Flynn highlights the role of pain neuroscience education and emphasizes the value of breathing exercises and graded activity. He shares insights on improving patient trust, adapting education for different pain types, and the need for clinicians to embrace non-pharmacologic treatments for better outcomes.

Alan Gordon has spent his entire career helping people to overcome pain they’ve been told is incurable. How? By looking at it from a different perspective: as a neural pathway problem. His approach has been successful enough to build the foundation for the Pain Psychology Center: a Los Angeles-based treatment facility that employs 19 therapists. But before Alan treated these incurable pain conditions, he lived through them. 22 different types of unexplainable symptoms, to be exact. Join us to hear more about Alan’s personal struggles with pain, how he helps his patients through their symptoms, and upcoming research that may change the way the medical system approaches pain.

Dr. Alicia Batson, a double-boarded physician in internal medicine and psychiatry, shares her intense journey through debilitating chronic pain that sidelined her career. She reflects on the widespread effects of her symptoms and the emotional toll they took. After exhausting various medical treatments, she discovered the power of the mind-body connection and TMS. Through targeted therapy, she experienced a remarkable recovery, which not only relieved her pain but also transformed her understanding of stress and health. Her inspiring patient success stories highlight the potential for healing.

Susan Brown, a San Francisco attorney, shares her inspiring journey of battling chronic migraines and finding hope through the Curable app. She candidly discusses her extensive struggle with traditional treatments, emphasizing the emotional toll of her pain. Susan reveals how mind-body techniques and the app's unique features transformed her approach to pain management. The power of shared experiences and supportive communities plays a crucial role in her recovery, offering insight into alternative solutions for chronic pain sufferers.

Aaron's life took a dramatic turn after he developed debilitating foot pain that led him through a maze of medical treatments. From using a scooter and battling depression to discovering the mindbody approach, he found hope in unexpected places. He shares his journey of gradual recovery through group support, journaling, and confronting deep-seated emotions. Ultimately, Aaron embraces running again, discovering joy and a new perspective on pain and healing. His insights encourage others to seek emotional causes and not just physical solutions.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Stephen Post, a leading researcher on altruism, argues that giving not only benefits society but also enhances our own health. He shares fascinating data showing that volunteering boosts happiness and reduces stress, revealing biological mechanisms at play. Dr. Post explores how even small amounts of volunteering can yield significant health benefits, especially for those in caregiving roles. He also highlights how meaningful service can aid in chronic pain management and improve workplace morale.

Dr. Howard Schubiner, a renowned physician and founder of the MindBody Medicine program, dives deep into fibromyalgia and chronic pain. He shares his unique journey into mind-body medicine, revealing how emotional triggers can sustain chronic pain. With insightful anecdotes, he explains why the brain misinterprets danger signals and discusses the resistance many face when embracing mind-body theories. His impressive clinical outcomes and a compelling patient recovery story highlight the transformative potential of addressing emotional awareness for pain relief.