The Science Behind the Symptoms with Howard Schubiner, MD & Rebecca Kennedy, MD

About The Science Behind the Symptoms with Howard Schubiner, MD & Rebecca Kennedy, MD

Join Howard Schubiner, MD & Rebecca Kennedy, MD, as they dive into the research behind fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, POTS, and talk to guests who experienced these symptoms.

Publisher

Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Oct 2025

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

3 of 13 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: Itching, histamines, MCAS and multiple chemical sensitivity with Joe

   Joe shares his journey from chronic itching to widespread pain, explaining how he navigated histamine reactions and MCAS to regain his health in this interview with host Howard Schubiner, MD.

2. 

   31 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: Postconcussive syndrome with Dr. Crisman and Campbell Miller

   Dr. Sara Crisman and Campbell Miller discuss the science behind persistent post-concussive syndrome, offering insights into recovery by understanding the brain and nervous system.

3. 

   8 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: PGAD/Urethral Pain

   Host Howard Schubiner, MD interviews Laura about her journey with persistent genital arousal disorder and pelvic pain, highlighting the power of neuroplasticity for healing.

4. 

   11 Mar 2026

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: EDS and Hypermobility

   Dr. Howard Schubiner and Dr. Becca Kennedy sit down with Gigi Cockell to discuss her experience living with EDS and hypermobility and the chronic symptoms she experienced. Gigi shares her journey of searching for answers and how learning about neuroplastic symptoms helped her understand the role the brain can play in generating real physical pain and other conditions. Her story offers a hopeful perspective for others with EDS and hypermobility who may feel stuck in ongoing symptoms and are looking for a new way to approach recovery.Fransiska Malfait et al., “Classic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,” in GeneReviews®, ed. Margaret P.Adam et al. (University of Washington, Seattle, 1993), http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1244/.Anne De Paepe and Fransiska Malfait, “The Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome, a Disorder with ManyFaces,” Clinical Genetics 82, no. 1 (2012): 1, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0004.2012.01858.x.Mark Scheper et al., “The Association between Muscle Strength and Activity Limitations in Patientswith the Hypermobility Type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: The Impact of Proprioception,”Disability and Rehabilitation 39, no. 14 (2017): 1391–97, https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1196396.Cortney Gensemer et al., “Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Complex Phenotypes, ChallengingDiagnoses, and Poorly Understood Causes,” Developmental Dynamics: An Official Publication of theAmerican Association of Anatomists 250, no. 3 (2021): 318–44, https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.220;Sabeeha Malek et al., “The Beighton Score as a Measure of Generalised Joint Hypermobility,”Rheumatology International 41, no. 10 (2021): 1707–16, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-021- 04832-4.Able Lawrence, “Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome,” Indian Journal of Rheumatology, SoftTissue Rheumatism, vol. 9 (2014): S33–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injr.2014.09.009.Gere Luder et al., “THU0622-HPR Discriminating Conditional and Functional Factors for WomenWith and Without Hypermobility—an Observational Study,” Poster Presentations, Annals of theRheumatic Diseases 74, no. Suppl. 2 (2015): Suppl 2, https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2015- eular.1742.Peter R. Reuter and Kaylee R. Fichthorn, “Prevalence of Generalized Joint Hypermobility, MusculoskeletalInjuries, and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain among American University Students,”PeerJ 7 (2019): e7625, https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7625.Leslie N. Russek and Deanna M. Errico, “Prevalence, Injury Rate and, Symptom Frequency inGeneralized Joint Laxity and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome in a ‘Healthy’ College Population,”Clinical Rheumatology 35, no. 4 (2016): 1029–39, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-015-2951-9.Darcisio Hortelan Antonio and Claudia Saad Magalhaes, “Survey Joint Hypermobility inUniversity Students Aged 18-25 Years Old,” Advances in Rheumatology 58, no. 1 (2018): 3,https://doi.org/10.1186/s42358- 018- 0008-x.

5. 

   25 Feb 2026

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: Back Pain

   Malissa's full recovery from years of chronic, debilitating back painIn this episode of The Science Behind the Symptoms, Howard Schubiner, MD, and Becca Kennedy, MD, discuss Malissa’s story and examine the science behind how chronic back pain, diagnosed by multiple specialists as stemming from real degenerative findings on MRI, can completely resolve without medicines, procedures, external devices or surgery.   As Malissa began searching for answers beyond what the specialists had told her and uncovered the true reasons her brain was trying to protect her, her pain began to shift.   This conversation connects the science of learned neural pathways with the courage to change relational patterns, offering evidence-based hope for anyone living with chronic pain.Sources:Brinjikji et al. MRI Findings of Disc Degeneration are More Prevalent in Adults with Low Back Pain than in Asymptomatic Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015 Dec;36(12):2394-9. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4498. Epub 2015 Sep 10. PMID: 26359154; PMCID: PMC7964277.Slater et al. "Sit Up Straight": Time to Re-evaluate. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2019 Aug;49(8):562-564. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0610. PMID: 31366294.https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/04/13/in-a-growing-share-of-u-s-marriages-husbands-and-wives-earn-about-the-same/

6. 

   11 Feb 2026

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: Placebos and Nocebos

   In this episode, Becca Kennedy, M.D., and Howard Schubiner, M.D., examine how placebo and nocebo effects shape real health outcomes. They discuss how expectations can drive real physiological change, for better or worse, and why understanding these effects matters in medical care.

7. 

   6 Feb 2026

   The Science Behind the Symptoms, Episode 7: POTS

   In this episode, Dr. Howard Schubiner and Dr. Becca Kennedy examine POTS through the framework of neuroplastic symptoms. They explore the science behind how symptoms can develop and persist, and why approaching POTS with curiosity can create new possibilities for healing. The conversation offers clarity, hope, and insight into emerging research and neuroplastic recovery therapies for those living with POTS.

8. 

   28 Jan 2026

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: Epstein–Barr, Chronic Fatigue/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

   In this episode, Dr. Howard Schubiner and Dr. Becca Kennedy unpack the science behind Rebecca Tolin’s recovery from 13 years of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis. Although she was told that Epstein–Barr virus (among many other diagnoses) was the reason for her CFS/ME, she actually recovered through neuroplastic recovery therapies. Dr. Schubiner and Dr. Kennedy describe the scientific studies that break down why EBV is not a valid explanation for persistent symptoms. Together, they illustrate how Rebecca fully healed by addressing the learned patterns in her brain—and what her story reveals about the true mechanisms behind many chronic symptoms.🛜 Visit our website www.symptomatic.me🧑💻 Experiencing chronic pain or illness?Learn more from the 12-Question Self Assessment. https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz🧠 Knowledge becomes healingExplore common conditions: https://www.symptomatic.me/commonconditions📚 Start your recoveryFree public resources: https://www.symptomatic.me/treatment-plan🧑⚕️ For practitioners and studentsClinical tools and guidance: https://www.symptomatic.me/learningprogram🎤 Share your storyBe featured on the podcast: https://form.jotform.com/243224080632043👩🏻🏫 Advantages of Membership in theATNS Community: https://www.symptomatic.me/membership💵 Support the missionDonate to expand awareness: https://givebutter.com/XJtTyC💡About ATNSThe Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the science of chronic pain and illness. Led by volunteer clinicians, researchers, and advocates, ATNS provides education, tools, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroplastic conditions. We bridge research with real-world care—helping people reclaim their lives.

9. 

   21 Nov 2025

   The Science Behind the Symptoms: Neuroplastic Recovery Treatments

   This episode breaks down the emerging noninvasive therapies that move people beyond coping and into full resolution of neuroplastic symptoms. Dr. Schubiner and Dr. Kennedy explain how these methods work, why they outperform standard management approaches, and what current research reveals about lasting recovery.🛜 Visit our website www.symptomatic.me🧑💻 Experiencing chronic pain or illness?Learn more from the 12-Question Self Assessment. https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz🧠 Knowledge becomes healingExplore common conditions: https://www.symptomatic.me/commonconditions📚 Start your recoveryFree public resources: https://www.symptomatic.me/treatment-plan🧑⚕️ For practitioners and studentsClinical tools and guidance: https://www.symptomatic.me/learningprogram🎤 Share your storyBe featured on the podcast: https://form.jotform.com/243224080632043👩🏻🏫 Advantages of Membership in theATNS Community: https://www.symptomatic.me/membership💵 Support the missionDonate to expand awareness: https://givebutter.com/XJtTyC💡About ATNSThe Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the science of chronic pain and illness. Led by volunteer clinicians, researchers, and advocates, ATNS provides education, tools, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroplastic conditions. We bridge research with real-world care—helping people reclaim their lives.

10. 

    13 Nov 2025

    The Story Behind the Symptoms: "No one is coming to save me."

    Isabelle suffered numerous symptoms for well over 30 years. Then she found the insights that changed everything.🛜 Visit our website www.symptomatic.me🧑💻 Experiencing chronic pain or illness?Learn more from the 12-Question Self Assessment. https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz🧠 Knowledge becomes healingExplore common conditions: https://www.symptomatic.me/commonconditions📚 Start your recoveryFree public resources: https://www.symptomatic.me/treatment-plan🧑⚕️ For practitioners and studentsClinical tools and guidance: https://www.symptomatic.me/learningprogram🎤 Share your storyBe featured on the podcast: https://form.jotform.com/243224080632043👩🏻🏫 Advantages of Membership in theATNS Community: https://www.symptomatic.me/membership💵 Support the missionDonate to expand awareness: https://givebutter.com/XJtTyC💡About ATNSThe Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the science of chronic pain and illness. Led by volunteer clinicians, researchers, and advocates, ATNS provides education, tools, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroplastic conditions. We bridge research with real-world care—helping people reclaim their lives.

11. 

    5 Nov 2025

    The Science Behind the Symptoms: The Placebo Effect

    In this episode, Becca Kennedy, MD, and Howard Schubiner, MD, discuss how belief can trigger real physiological changes via the placebo effect. They unpack the neuroscience of expectation, the brain’s role in symptoms, and how this understanding can transform the way we think about pain, chronic illness, and the healing process.🛜 Visit our website www.symptomatic.me🧑💻 Experiencing chronic pain or illness?Learn more from the 12-Question Self Assessment. https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz🧠 Knowledge becomes healingExplore common conditions: https://www.symptomatic.me/commonconditions📚 Start your recoveryFree public resources: https://www.symptomatic.me/treatment-plan🧑⚕️ For practitioners and studentsClinical tools and guidance: https://www.symptomatic.me/learningprogram🎤 Share your storyBe featured on the podcast: https://form.jotform.com/243224080632043👩🏻🏫 Advantages of Membership in theATNS Community: https://www.symptomatic.me/membership💵 Support the missionDonate to expand awareness: https://givebutter.com/XJtTyC💡About ATNSThe Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the science of chronic pain and illness. Led by volunteer clinicians, researchers, and advocates, ATNS provides education, tools, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroplastic conditions. We bridge research with real-world care—helping people reclaim their lives.

12. 

    15 Oct 2025

    The Science Behind the Symptoms: "The Future of Pain Management is evolving."

    🛜 Visit our website www.symptomatic.me🧑💻 Experiencing chronic pain or illness?Learn more from the 12-Question Self Assessment. https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz🧠 Knowledge becomes healingExplore common conditions: https://www.symptomatic.me/commonconditions📚 Start your recoveryFree public resources: https://www.symptomatic.me/treatment-plan🧑⚕️ For practitioners and studentsClinical tools and guidance: https://www.symptomatic.me/learningprogram🎤 Share your storyBe featured on the podcast: https://form.jotform.com/243224080632043👩🏻🏫 Advantages of Membership in theATNS Community: https://www.symptomatic.me/membership💵 Support the missionDonate to expand awareness: https://givebutter.com/XJtTyC💡About ATNSThe Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the science of chronic pain and illness. Led by volunteer clinicians, researchers, and advocates, ATNS provides education, tools, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroplastic conditions. We bridge research with real-world care—helping people reclaim their lives.

13. 

    1 Oct 2025

    The Science Behind the Symptoms: The Brain Creates Our Experiences, Really!

    Becca Kennedy MD and Howard Schubiner MD discuss the role that the brain can play in our everyday life. Do we see with our eyes or with our brain? Do we hear with our ears? Can pain be caused by the brain in the absence of tissue injury? Find these answers in The Science Behind the Symptoms.Books and Articles:Barrett, Lisa Feldman. How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. Mariner Books, 2017.Barrett, Lisa Feldman. “Why Your Brain Creates Trauma”. Big Think, YouTube, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ewfP4BC7RA.Barrett, Lisa Feldman, and W. Kyle Simmons. “Interoceptive Predictions in the Brain.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience 16, no. 7 (2015): 7. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3950.Botvinick, Matthew, and Jonathan Cohen. “Rubber Hands ‘feel’ Touch That Eyes See.” Nature 391, no. 6669 (1998): 756. https://doi.org/10.1038/35784.Clark, Andy. The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality. Pantheon, 2023.Eagleman, David. Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain. Pantheon, 2020.Robson, David. The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World. Reprint edition. Holt Paperbacks, 2023.Van den Bergh, Omer, Michael Witthöft, Sibylle Petersen, and Richard J. Brown. “Symptoms and the Body: Taking the Inferential Leap.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 74 (2017): 185–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.015.Willman, Justin. Magic for Humans: The Rubber Hand Illusion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdxlT68ygt8🛜 Visit our website www.symptomatic.me🧑💻 Experiencing chronic pain or illness?Learn more from the 12-Question Self Assessment. https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz🧠 Knowledge becomes healingExplore common conditions: https://www.symptomatic.me/commonconditions📚 Start your recoveryFree public resources: https://www.symptomatic.me/treatment-plan🧑⚕️ For practitioners and studentsClinical tools and guidance: https://www.symptomatic.me/learningprogram🎤 Share your storyBe featured on the podcast: https://form.jotform.com/243224080632043👩🏻🏫 Advantages of Membership in theATNS Community: https://www.symptomatic.me/membership💵 Support the missionDonate to expand awareness: https://givebutter.com/XJtTyC💡About ATNSThe Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the science of chronic pain and illness. Led by volunteer clinicians, researchers, and advocates, ATNS provides education, tools, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroplastic conditions. We bridge research with real-world care—helping people reclaim their lives.

Inside a recent episode

The Science Behind the Symptoms: Itching, histamines, MCAS and multiple chemical sensitivity with Joe

Published 22 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] The answer is minutes. Minutes. Within a minute or two, it's broken down in the body. It's gone. People say, oh, I had this high histamine food and an hour later I got a reaction. Or the next day I got a reaction. That couldn't possibly be from histamine in the food. The histamine in the food that whatever you absorbed into your body through your gut is gone within a minute or two. So it's really like that just blew my mind. Wow. I did not know that. That's amazing. Yeah. It blew my mind. I'm like, Oh, a little science could go a long way. So, uh, yeah, anyway, I, I just, And, you know, and I'm like conditioner. […]

Who has been a guest on The Science Behind the Symptoms with Howard Schubiner, MD & Rebecca Kennedy, MD

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Joe
• Sara Crisman
• Campbell Miller
• Laura

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

28 ratings

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Questions about The Science Behind the Symptoms with Howard Schubiner, MD & Rebecca Kennedy, MD