Beyond Pain and Fatigue

About Beyond Pain and Fatigue

"Beyond Pain and Fatigue" is a podcast that delves into the complexities of chronic pain, fatigue, and invisible illnesses. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking for insights to better support your patients, or someone living with pain or fatigue wanting to learn more, this podcast is for you. Join host Sophie Shephard (Titled Pain Physio & Researcher) and her invited guests, as they bring together research, professional insights, and patient experiences, exploring different perspectives and new ways of thinking about pain and fatigue to help transform care. For written episode summaries, further resources, and information about our clinical services, access our website at vivepainfatigue.com.au (http://vivepainfatigue.com.au). We’d love to hear from you! If you have suggestions for topics you’d like us to cover or questions you want answered on the podcast, drop an email to podcast@vivepainfatigue.com.au (mailto:podcast@vivepainfatigue.com.au) Please note: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your treating health professionals for recommendations suitable to your own circumstances.

Publisher

Vive Pain & Fatigue

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Dec 2024

Latest episode

14 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Episode 12: Sharon Hennessey - "Not Just Bendy"... Hypermobility Disorders and EDS Explained

   In this episode, Soph is joined by Sharon Hennessey, expert physiotherapist and founder of The Hypermobility Project and Not Just Bendy, to discuss the diagnosis, common comorbidities and management of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). We discuss the diagnostic challenges and changing terminology used to describe these conditions, the frequent overlap of other complex symptoms and comorbidities, and some of the misconceptions that continue to contribute to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care. Together, Soph and Sharon explore the current diagnostic framework for HSD and hEDS, the importance of looking beyond joint hypermobility to recognise the multisystem nature of these conditions, and how physiotherapists may be placed to help support patients presenting with these conditions. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of diagnostic delay, chronic illness, and challenging healthcare experiences. If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. You can find Sharon, access additional resources, and sign up for upcoming courses and events here: The Hypermobility Project (https://hypermobilityproject.com/ (https://hypermobilityproject.com/)) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypermobilityproject/ (https://www.facebook.com/hypermobilityproject/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilityproject/ (https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilityproject/) Not Just Bendy: https://www.notjustbendy.com/ (https://www.notjustbendy.com/) LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sharon-hennessey-b0324266 (https://au.linkedin.com/in/sharon-hennessey-b0324266) For more information about the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders, visit The Ehlers-Danlos Society: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ (https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/)

2. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Episode 11: Anne Wilson (Emerge Australia) - ME/CFS, Medical Bias, and the Costs of Not Listening

   In this episode, Soph is joined by Anne Wilson, CEO of Emerge Australia, the leading patient organisation for people living with ME/CFS in Australia. Drawing on her extensive experience in health advocacy, policy, and systems leadership, Anne discusses the realities of living with ME/CFS, including the profound impact the condition can have on quality of life, the challenges many people face in obtaining a diagnosis, and the stigma and invalidation that continue to shape patient experiences. Together, Soph and Anne explore the recent joint communiqué from Australian clinicians, researchers, and advocacy organisations, unpacking what post-exertional malaise (PEM) actually is, why it is a defining feature of ME/CFS, and why outdated approaches such as graded exercise therapy have remained so influential despite longstanding concerns from the patient community. The conversation also examines broader issues of medical bias, whose symptoms are believed, and the importance of ensuring that people living with ME/CFS are meaningfully involved in shaping research, policy, and healthcare services. Anne shares her thoughts on what needs to change at a systems level to improve outcomes for the hundreds of thousands of Australians living with ME/CFS. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of poor healthcare experiences, medical gaslighting, stigma, and disability. If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. You can learn more about Emerge Australia and access resources for people living with ME/CFS, Long COVID, carers, and health professionals via: https://www.emerge.org.au/ (https://www.emerge.org.au/) You can find Emerge Australia here: Read the recent joint communique (https://emerge.org.au/themencode-pdf-viewer/?file=https://emerge.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Communique-clinical-May-2026-website.pdf#zoom=auto&pagemode=none) Website: https://www.emerge.org.au/ (https://www.emerge.org.au/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergeaustraliainc (https://www.facebook.com/emergeaustraliainc) Instagram: @emergeaustraliainc (instagram.com/emergeaustraliainc/)

3. 

   30 Apr 2026

   Episode 10: Rob Nash - Movement & Activity with ME/CFS

   In this episode, Soph is joined by Rob Nash, integrative Exercise Physiologist, for a discussion about the complexities of considering movement, exercise and physical activity for people living with ME/CFS. They will discuss the importance of first 'doing no harm' and highlighting the risks and recommendations against Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) for this group of patients in recent NICE guidelines, and emphasise that ME/CFS cannot be cured with exercise. They will then discuss the nuances of working with patients to best pace, adapt and incorporate safe and meaningful activity to support individual needs and goals. If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. NICE Guidelines for ME/CFS (mentioned in episode): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206 (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206) Emerge Australia Statement on GET and CBT for ME/CFS https://emerge.org.au/gradedexercisetherapyandmecfs/ (https://emerge.org.au/gradedexercisetherapyandmecfs/) You can find Rob here: https://healthrive.com.au/ (https://healthrive.com.au/)

4. 

   8 Feb 2026

   Episode 9: Dr Marie-Claire Seeley - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

   In this episode, Soph is joined by Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, clinician-researcher and CEO of the Australian POTS Foundation, for a discussion about all things POTS. In this must-listen ep, Dr Seeley brings not just her clinical and research expertise but also her lived experience to give a comprehensive overview of what POTS is, how it can be assessed and diagnosed, and perhaps most importantly, what we can do to manage it. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of poor health care experiences and medical gaslighting. If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. State of the Art Review Article (mentioned in episode): Lau, D. H., Fedorowski, A., Raj, S. R., Schild, C., Pace, L. A., Blitshteyn, S., Raj, V., Boris, J. R., Kavi, L., Seeley, M. C., & Gallagher, C. (2026). Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A State-of-the-Art Review. Heart, lung & circulation, S1443-9506(25)01654-3. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2025.09.004 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2025.09.004) You can find Dr Seeley here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcseeley/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcseeley/) Churchill Fellowship (Instagram): @autonomicjourneys Australian POTS Foundation: • Instagram: @australianpotsfoundation • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianPOTSFoundation (https://www.facebook.com/AustralianPOTSFoundation) • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-australian-pots-foundation (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-australian-pots-foundation) • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AustralianPOTSFoundation (http://www.youtube.com/@AustralianPOTSFoundation) Australian POTS Foundation Converge Conference 4–5 June https://www.apfconference.com.au/ (https://www.apfconference.com.au/)

5. 

   15 Jan 2026

   Episode 8: Dr Jason Lam - Medical Uncertainty and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

   In this episode, Soph is joined by GP Dr Jason Lam for a discussion about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, along with a deeper chat about medical uncertainty when working with complex invisible illnesses. We discuss what MCAS is, challenges with diagnosis, and how we might take a pragmatic approach to clinical assessment and management for patients experiencing overlapping symptoms and conditions. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of poor health care experiences and medical gaslighting. If you need support, Beyond Blue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for 24/7 mental health support in Australia. You can find Jason here: https://www.drjasonlam.com.au/ (https://www.drjasonlam.com.au/) References/links: Afrin, L. B., Ackerley, M. B., Bluestein, L. S., Brewer, J. H., Brook, J. B., Buchanan, A. D., Cuni, J. R., Davey, W. P., Dempsey, T. T., Dorff, S. R., Dubravec, M. S., Guggenheim, A. G., Hindman, K. J., Hoffman, B., Kaufman, D. L., Kratzer, S. J., Lee, T. M., Marantz, M. S., Maxwell, A. J., McCann, K. K., … Molderings, G. J. (2020). Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2". Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany), 8(2), 137–152. https://doi.org/10.1515/dx-2020-0005 (https://doi.org/10.1515/dx-2020-0005) Afrin, L. B., Butterfield, J. H., Raithel, M., & Molderings, G. J. (2016). Often seen, rarely recognized: mast cell activation disease--a guide to diagnosis and therapeutic options. Annals of medicine, 48(3), 190–201. https://doi.org/10.3109/07853890.2016.1161231 (https://doi.org/10.3109/07853890.2016.1161231)

6. 

   14 Jan 2026

   An update for 2026

   Soph shares a few reflections and behind-the-scenes updates for 2026, including an announcement that Ollie is stepping back as co-host, and what listeners can expect from the podcast schedule going forward.

7. 

   10 Nov 2025

   Episode 7: Dr Oli Meredith - Neurodivergence, Authenticity and Intersectionality

   In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Soph and Ollie are joined by Dr Oli Meredith (she/they), a public health academic from Charles Sturt University, for a discussion about neurodivergence. We chat about the experiences of Autistic and ADHD women and gender diverse folk captured within Dr Oli's research, the interplay between experiences of neurodivergence and chronic pain/fatigue symptoms, and the burden of masking. We also discuss the need for an intersectional lens to understand how bias and inequity shapes research and experiences of health care. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of mental health, trauma, and racism/sexism within medical and research settings. BeyondBlue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support. You can find Dr Oli here: https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/persons/oli-meredith/ (https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/persons/oli-meredith/) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-community-healing-podcast-with-dr-oli/id1766044802 (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-community-healing-podcast-with-dr-oli/id1766044802)

8. 

   7 Aug 2025

   Episode 6: A 'crash' course in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

   In this episode, Soph and Ollie offer a 'crash' course in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). They cover the key features and symptoms, including post-exertional malaise, diagnostic criteria, commonly co-occurring conditions, and current management approaches. The episode also explores the controversy surrounding the PACE trial, graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), drawing on both clinical experience and updated guidelines. Whether you're a clinician or someone navigating ME/CFS yourself, this episode offers grounded insights into a complex and often misunderstood condition. Content warning: discussion of medical trauma/harm For more information on ME/CFS, check out Emerge Australia: https://www.emerge.org.au/ BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support.

9. 

   4 Jul 2025

   Episode 5: Mitch Hunter - Spirituality in Health Care

   Mitch Hunter from Hunter Healing discusses spirituality's role in healthcare with hosts Soph and Ollie, clarifying misconceptions and promoting integration into pain management practices in this interview.

10. 

    7 Apr 2025

    Episode 4: Jennifer Smallridge - Clinician Wellbeing and Burnout

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Soph and Ollie are joined by Exercise Physiologist Jennifer Smallridge (Invisibly Brilliant & Connection Medicine Co) for a discussion about clinician wellbeing and burnout when working with complex invisible illnesses. We chat about the complexity and the multifactorial influences and challenges that might contribute to burnout, the role that employers, workplaces and broader systems play in wellbeing, share our own lived experiences, and discuss practical strategies that clinicians can use to help support their own wellbeing. Check out our website at vivepainfatigue.com.au/blog for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support, and health professionals can also access free support and resources via the Black Dog Institute's TEN program [https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/] for healthcare related burnout. You can find Jen here: * https://www.invisiblybrilliant.com.au/ * https://www.connectionmedicine.co/weekend-workshop * https://www.connectionmedicine.co/book-now/p/restore-daylesford-retreat

11. 

    8 Jan 2025

    Episode 3: Kylee Black - Finding Hope, Community and Purpose with Complex Disability (EDS/CRPS)

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Sophie and Ollie welcome their first guest, passionate Disability Advocate Kylee Black, who shares her experiences living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Kylee discusses the importance of finding hope, community and purpose when living with complex disability, and 'doing what you can with what's in your hands'.  Join us to listen in to Kylee's inspirational story and perspective, and the lessons she shares that all of us can learn from. Content warning: mental health, suicidal ideation, medical gaslighting Check out our website [https://vivepainfatigue.com.au/blog] for written episode summaries and additional resources. BeyondBlue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are both available for 24/7 mental health support. You can find Kylee at: * https://linktr.ee/lovinlifekyles * https://linktr.ee/Kyleeandco * www.clipboard.co.nz [http://www.clipboard.co.nz/]

12. 

    16 Dec 2024

    Episode 2: Unpacking Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) - Benefits, Misconceptions and Criticisms

    In this episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue, Sophie and Ollie explore the world of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE). They unpack its foundations, key concepts, and common misconceptions, while sharing real-world clinical insights.  Together, they tackle critical issues like reductionism (both biomedical and neurocentric), the nuances of explaining pain to patients, and the importance of embracing complexity in pain management. Whether you're a clinician or simply curious about pain science, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on reframing how we understand and manage pain. Content warning: some brief discussion of blood/injury Check out our website [https://vivepainfatigue.com.au/blog] for written episode summaries and additional resources.

13. 

    2 Dec 2024

    Episode 1: Welcome to Beyond Pain and Fatigue

    Sophie Shephard and Oliver Crossley share their personal experiences with chronic pain and fatigue, inspiring meaningful conversations about invisible illnesses and the journey ahead.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 2 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

4

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0