Is what you eat making your pain worse? In this episode, I sit down with Chloe McLeod, founder of Verde Nutrition Co, Accredited Practising Dietitian, and Advanced Sports Dietitian with over 16 years of experience. Chloe is one of Australia's leading experts in gut health, food intolerance, and autoimmune conditions. Chloe  has been featured in Women's Health, Body & Soul, and House of Wellness. We unpack the real connection between nutrition and chronic pain, whether gut health is all hype and what you can actually do to start feeling better. If you live with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or persistent pain, this one's for you.

RESOURCES

 * Pain Coach: Find Lifestyle Targets for Treating Chronic Pain  [https://paincoach.online?utm_src=pcpchloe]
 * Verde Nutrition [https://verdenutrition.co/] 

KEY TOPICS & TIME STAMPS

00:00:53 — Introduction to Chloe McLeod & Verde Nutrition

02:02 — The connection between pain and what we eat

03:37 — Nutrition's impact on fibromyalgia & rheumatoid arthritis

05:19 — Is gut health just a craze?

05:49 — The gut-brain axis explained

07:04 — Case study: How 7 days of fast food changed a man's microbiome

09:20 — How to know if your gut is healthy

11:25 — Microbiome testing: Is it worth it?

16:42 — Big ticket items for improving gut health (water & fibre)

18:39 — Resistant starch hack: Cook, cool, and reheat pasta/potatoes

20:32 — Meat, dairy, and gluten: Do you need to eliminate them?

22:26 — Intermittent fasting and chronic pain

25:38 — Processed meat: No safe level of consumption

27:25 — Food chemical sensitivity and pain

29:22 — Added sugar: How much is too much?

31:07 — Omega-3s and extra virgin olive oil as "liquid gold"

32:03 — Working with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis & osteoarthritis

33:11 — Plants for Joints study and plant-based eating

36:34 — Navigating nutrition with eating disorder history

39:57 — Case study: Fibromyalgia client success with multidisciplinary care

45:36 — The research connecting gut health and fibromyalgia

47:10 — Excitotoxins (artificial sweeteners, MSG) and fibromyalgia

49:05 — The role of supplements in pain management

50:14 — Supplements are "sprinkles on the icing on the cake"

52:23 — Top supplements: Omega-3s, collagen, magnesium

54:40 — Curcumin, probiotics, glucosamine: Second-tier supplements

56:49 — Supplement quality and contamination risks

58:33 — How to screen for quality supplements (Informed Sport, HASTA)

01:00:36 — Final advice for someone struggling with chronic pain


You Don't Know How Good You Can Feel (Until You Do This) | Chloe McLeod 

Dr. Dan Bates, is a sports and exercise medicine specialist, director of the Back, Neck and Joint Clinic in Melbourne, and former head doctor for both Melbourne and North Melbourne AFL teams. Dr. Bates has developed an innovative, algorithmic approach to chronic pain that's helping patients reclaim their lives.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most controversial topics in pain management: what happens when patients are told their pain is "in their head." Dr. Bates reveals why this messaging - even when well-intentioned - can drive hopelessness, helplessness, and suicidal ideation. He shares the simple phrase that makes his patients tear up with relief and teaches the powerful two-word question that gives patients their power back.

You'll learn practical strategies for managing pain amplifiers within your control: how catastrophizing language physically amplifies pain, why depression and anxiety are normal responses to chronic pain (and how they make it worse), and the importance of taking ownership. Dr. Bates reveals his clinical algorithm to determine how he treats his pain patients. 

 Dr. Bates offers hope for those in despair: your pain is real, you're not imagining it, and just because we can't find the cause doesn't mean there isn't one.


RESOURCES 

 * Back, Neck and Joint clinic [https://www.backneckandjoint.com.au/]
 * Dr. Bates' podcast: "It's Not In Your Head" [https://www.iniyh.com/]
 * Free Trial of Pain Coach  [https://paincoach.online/?utm_src=drdanpod]

KEY TOPICS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 - 03:02 Dr. Bates' Journey into Chronic Pain Medicine

03:52 - 07:26 The "It's In Your Head" Problem

07:26 - 13:18 Medical History of Blaming Patients

13:34 - 21:30 Understanding Pain Mechanisms

21:30 - 27:25 Pain Amplifiers You Can Control

27:25 - 32:09 The Two-Word Power Move

32:09 - 37:44 Why Doctors Struggle to Say "I Don't Know"

38:05 - 42:47 The Shocking Truth About Medication Effectiveness

42:47 - 49:36 Getting More Specific with Diagnosis

49:36 - 56:45 The Algorithmic Approach to Treatment

56:45 - 59:59 Final Words for Those in Despair



Why This Doctor's Patients Cry: Two Words That Change Everything | Dr Dan Bates

In this episode, Lachlan Townend sits down with world-renowned pain researcher and clinician Professor Peter O’Sullivan - a man whose work has completely reshaped how we understand and treat back pain. 

If you’ve ever been told your spine is fragile, your core is weak, or your pain always means damage - this episode will change the way you see back pain forever. 

Peter’s research and clinical leadership led to the creation of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) - a revolutionary approach that helps people break free from fear, overprotection, and the belief that pain always equals damage.

Together, Lachlan and Peter explore:

 * Why so many of us have been taught to fear movement and “protect” our backs
 *  How Peter’s own experience with pain changed the way he treats patients
 * The science behind CFT and how it helps people reclaim confidence in their bodies
 *  The role of stress, sleep, exercise, social connection and nutrition
 *  Why posture, scans, and “core stability” might not be what really matters

Resources: 

 * Free trial of Pain Coach [https://paincoach.online/]
 * Book a consultation with Lachlan  [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/]
 * Evoolve Pain Care Academy [https://evoolvepaincare.academy/clinician-resources]
 * Cognitive Function Therapy (3 year follow-up) paper [https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(25)00135-3/abstract]
 * Body Logic  [https://bodylogic.physio/professor-peter-osullivan/]





The Real Reason Your Back Still Hurts (It’s Not What You Think) | Professor Peter O'Sullivan

In this episode of Pain Coach, physiotherapist, researcher, and TEDx speaker Joshua Pate joins us to unpack the complexity of pain - especially how children and adults make sense of it and why our beliefs matter so much for recovery. Josh shares powerful metaphors, practical strategies, and inspiring patient stories that highlight the balance between short-term relief and long-term change.

We discuss how pain science can transform healthcare, everyday coping strategies, and even prevention - starting as early as schools. Whether you’re living with pain, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how the brain and body work together, this conversation offers hope, validation, and tools to help you move from the backseat to the driver’s seat of your healing journey.

Resources 

 * Pain Coach: Helping Clinicians Take The Guesswork Out Of Pain Treatment [https://paincoach.online/]
 * Connect with Lachlan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-townend/]
 * Book an appointment with Lachlan  [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/]
 * Joshua Pate’s website & resources [https://joshuawpate.com/]
 * Zoe and Zac’s Pain Hacks children’s book series [https://joshuawpate.com/books/]
 * Josh’s TEDx: The mysterious science of pain [https://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_w_pate_the_mysterious_science_of_pain]
 * The “One Thing” Project [https://onething.painsci.org/]
   
   Key Topics & Timestamps
 * 00:00 – Introduction
 * 06:38 – Josh’s journey: From physiotherapy clinics to pain research and children’s books
 * 10:48 – Myths about pain: Why pain isn’t just about “damage”
 * 23:42 – Turning down the pain “volume”: The Lego Experiment 
 * 40:47 – Validating pain: Why “hurt ≠ harm” isn’t always helpful
 * 46:15 – Practical Tip #1: Making sense of your own pain and how others see it
 * 49:26 – Practical Tip #2: Multidisciplinary support and short vs. long-term strategies
 * 52:11 – The ladder analogy: Small wins build toward big change
 * 55:25 – Inspiring patient story: From toilet-seat struggles to the Great Wall of China
 * 58:47 – Driver’s seat vs. backseat: Balancing agency and support
 * 01:03:08 – The “One Thing” project: Messages of hope for people in pain
 * 01:05:00 – Closing reflections: The importance of curiosity, validation, and prevention
   

Why We Should Teach Every Child About Pain | Joshua Pate

In this episode, Lachlan Townend is joined by Professor Mark Hutchinson to explore the complexities of pain from the cellular level through to lived human experience.

Mark shares his personal journey with chronic back pain, including the challenges of navigating healthcare as both a patient and a pain scientist. He discusses his cutting-edge research into how blood biomarkers could transform pain diagnosis and treatment - bringing us one step closer to precision, personalised medicine for pain.

We also dive into practical strategies like sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and cold-water therapy, connecting them to the molecular science of how pain develops and persists. With passion and authenticity, Mark sheds light on why  there’s more hope now than ever before.

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or someone living with pain, this conversation offers science, story, and hope in equal measure.

Links & Resources:

 * Pain Coach: Lifestyle tracker to take the guesswork out of pain relief.  [https://paincoach.online/]
 * Professor Mark Hutchinson's LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarkhutchinson/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAGr4IMBwFtZjtDDKdXyvkSEnw0oMZDWUfE]
 * Book an appointment with Lachlan  [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/]

Precision Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Think | Prof. Mark Hutchinson

In this episode, Lachlan talks with Jerar (@thepainillusion), an Exercise Physiologist who used to deal with long-term back pain. He shares what he learned from his own struggles and why pain doesn’t always mean something is badly wrong.

They talk about why scan findings can be unnecessarily alarming, how some advice from health professionals can actually hinder recovery and why getting stronger doesn’t always mean your pain will go away.

If you’ve ever had pain that won’t go away - or want to help someone who does - this conversation will help you see pain in a new light.

What you’ll hear:

 * Why pain isn’t always a sign of damage
 * What “The Pain Illusion” really means
 * Why scans and back problems don’t always match up
 * How to think differently about strength and movement

Links & Resources:

 * Pain Coach App offer - 1 month free with an initial online consultation [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/book-physio-with-lachlan-townend]
 * Pain Coach app: take the guesswork out of pain relief [https://paincoach.online/]
 * The Pain Illusion  [https://www.instagram.com/thepainillusion/?hl=en]
 * Your MRI & Persistent Lower Back Pain: A Modern Day Horror Movie by Oliver Davis [https://www.chronicallyfit.co/blog/your-mri-amp-persistent-lower-back-pain-a-modern-day-horror-movie?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacciTkcWzMKimKukwUWayor3sbkAaYPcMjD4tP5X1bvxldhbyMNTOHq-NG6vQ_aem_IQ9fQFWhjYqKpq4FdF3KrQ]
 * Why do ineffective treatment seem helpful? A Brief Review by Steve Hartman [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19822008/]

Jerar Lahoud: Fighting Back Against Bad Back Pain Advice

Today on Pain Coach, we’re joined by Jessica Maguire. Jessica is a trauma-informed physiotherapist, TEDx speaker, and author of The Nervous System Reset. Jessica has helped over 20,000 people understand and regulate their nervous systems. Her mission is to create true freedom from nervous system dysregulation and all its painful side effects.

Resources:

Jessica Maguire's Website [https://www.jessicamaguire.com]
Lachlan's Pain Relief App [https://paincoach.online/]

Follow Lachlan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-townend/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/physiopaincoach/]

Book [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/book-physio-with-lachlan-townend] a Clarity Call with Lachlan


Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to neuroplasticity and bioplasticity

01:15 – Jessica’s journey from physio to nervous system educator

03:00 – Vagus nerve stimulation and chronic pain research

06:00 – Burnout, emotional stress, and pain

08:00 – Why the nervous system—not just the brain—matters

12:20 – Personal story of grief, dysregulation, and healing

17:20 – How dysregulation fuels chronic pain and inflammation

23:00 – Signs of dysregulation in the body

27:00 – The gut-brain connection & IBS reclassification

31:00 – Inflammation and nervous system biomarkers

33:45 – What to do if you think you're dysregulated

37:00 – The danger of using the wrong tool (e.g., meditation vs movement)

41:30 – Processing emotions through safe expression

46:00 – Expanding your “window of regulation”

51:30 – The role of media and overconsumption of threat cues

55:00 – Thinking brain vs survival brain

58:30 – The 5 pillars of health and their link to pain relief

01:04:00 – Why connection and community matter

01:06:00 – Final message of hope for those living with chronic pain





Jessica Maguire: How Nervous System Dysregulation Fuels Pain

“To say that many surgeries we do shouldn’t be done is a bold statement”—and today’s guest stands firmly behind it. In this episode of Pain Coach, we’re joined by Dr. Howard Luks, a leading orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulders and knees. Dr. Luks brings decades of clinical experience and personal insight to a conversation that challenges conventional thinking around pain, aging, and the role of surgery.

Dr. Luks understands firsthand what it means to move through pain. He shares how his own journey helped him reevaluate long-held medical advice—like bed rest for back pain—and shaped his belief that movement is not only safe but essential for long-term relief and recovery.

This episode dives into how physical activity, not inactivity, fosters healing and resilience. We explore the disconnect between imaging findings and actual pain, the link between metabolic health and joint degeneration, and why fear-avoidant behaviour often does more harm than good. Dr. Luks also explains why surgery isn’t the quick fix many believe it to be—and how empowering patients with the right education can change lives.

If you’re navigating persistent pain or questioning the next steps in your care, this episode offers both hope and clarity from a voice of experience and reason.

RESOURCES:

 * Dr. Luks' Website [https://www.howardluksmd.com/]
 * Lachlan's Pain Relief App [https://paincoach.online/]
 * Follow Lachlan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-townend/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/physiopaincoach/] 
 * Book [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/book-physio-with-lachlan-townend] a Clarity Call with Lachlan

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

1:10 – Introduction to Dr. Howard Luks and his background

3:00 – Living with chronic back pain: personal insights

6:40 – The link between metabolic health and joint pain

8:30 – Movement as medicine: The science behind pain relief

14:00 – Myths vs. real lifestyle interventions

16:20 - Lachlan's pain relief app 

19:25 – Gut health and joint pain

26:35 – Should we run with arthritis? 

32:00 – When surgery is necessary—and when it’s not

36:39 – Joint replacement decisions

46:00 – MRIs, joint abnormalities, and pain perception

54:00 – Longevity Simplified: Tips for those in chronic pain

1:00:00 – Final thoughts: There is hope—and help

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any of the information within this podcast.


Dr. Howard Luks: The Surgeon Who Says We Do Too Much Surgery

In this powerful episode of Pain Coach, Lachlan Townend sits down with Dr. David Clarke, a pioneer in treating chronic pain without a clear visible injury. They dive deep into the world of neuroplastic symptoms — real, often debilitating pain driven by changes primarily in the nervous system rather than structural damage. Dr. Clarke shares groundbreaking insights from decades of work with over 7,000 patients, stories of transformation, and the science behind how our brains and life stresses shape our health. Learn why hope is very real for those feeling lost in the traditional medical system.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any of the information within this podcast.

RESOURCES:

 * Quiz at Symptomatic.me [https://www.symptomatic.me/]
 * Follow Lachlan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-townend/]and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/physiopaincoach/] 
 * Book a Clarity Call [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/book-physio-with-lachlan-townend]with Lachlan

KEY TOPICS WITH TIMESTAMPS:

 1. Introduction to Neuroplastic Pain & Dr. David Clark’s Journey (00:00)
 2. The Scope of Stress-related Illness (07:00)
 3. Neuroplastic Pain Explained (12:00)
 4. Adverse Childhood Experiences & Chronic Pain (20:00)
 5. Boulder Back Pain Study (34:00)
 6. Gut-Brain Axis and Chronic Pain (49:00)
 7. Hope and Resources for Chronic Pain Sufferers (1:01:40)
    
    

Dr. David Clarke: The Approach That Has Helped Over 7,000 Patients

Oliver Crossley is an integrative Physiotherapist for complex pain and invisible illness. Oliver is the founder of Yogic Physio, where he blends ancient practices and modern science-backed rehabilitation to provide a holistic service. Oliver is a yoga and meditation teacher who is passionate about bringing these ancient practices into modern pain care. 


DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any of the information within this podcast.

REFERENCES:

 * Yogic Physio [https://www.yogicphysio.com/] 
 * Follow Lachlan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-townend/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/physiopaincoach/] 
 * Book [https://www.physiopaincoach.com.au/] a Clarity Call with Lachlan

KEY TOPICS WITH TIMESTAMPS:

(check back soon)

Oliver Crossley: Listen to your body before it yells at you

Welcome to Pain Coach, the podcast designed to empower you to regain control of your pain treatment journey.

In each episode, Lachlan Townend shares inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome the obstacles of pain, along with insights from health professionals dedicated to helping you reclaim your life. This podcast offers practical tools and guidance for those who refuse to let pain dictate their lives or steal their dreams.

Pain Coach encourages you to find a health professional who acts as a coach—not a 'magic healer'—supporting you in your recovery journey. It’s time to step back into the driver’s seat and reclaim what pain has taken from you.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any of the information within this podcast.

Lachlan Townend

Shows