EPISODE · Feb 21, 2026 · 57 MIN
The Hidden Hurts of Chronic Pain Ft. Kim Fuller w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy
from Purposeful Empathy with Anita Nowak · host Anita Nowak
Invisible pain can reshape an entire life. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this inspiring episode featuring Kim Fuller, a self-described “incurable optimist” whose life was upended three years ago when she began experiencing chronic pain.Kim shares the moment her health changed overnight—landing in the hospital after pushing through an important work commitment—and what followed next: years of testing, shifting diagnoses, misdiagnosis, and still living without clear answers. She also pulls back the curtain on the exhausting reality of living with chronic pain—and why being believed is one of the most powerful expressions of empathy.Together, we discuss:The “Spoon Theory” and the constant math of energy, pacing, rest, and flare-upsHow to redefine success and embrace self-compassion when your identity is that of a high-performing professionalWhat workplaces can do differently to support employees living with chronic illnessHow family and friends can be supportive by respecting limits and offering help without trying to fix thingsThis conversation invites us to listen without minimizing, resist the lure of quick fixes, and consider what real empathy looks like for someone with chronic pain.00:00 Preview01:22 Introduction 03:18 About Kim Fuller 06:41 Kim’s backstory08:38 The mental strain of ongoing medical testing13:04 The “Seven Stages of Grief” in chronic illness17:48 Why belief matters more than fixing chronic pain23:34 The importance of self-empathy when you can’t keep up with daily life27:17 What is the “Spoon Theory”?31:59 Why being believed matters so much34:50 How to help someone in chronic pain?39:09 The mental adjustment to chronic pain44:17 The power of support groups in managing chronic illness50:05 Practical accommodations for chronic pain at work54:37 Kim Fuller’s Purposeful Empathy storyCONNECT WITH KIM✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkfuller/✩ Website https://www.phil.ca/ ✩ Social Transformation https://www.socialtransformation.ca/ ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kimfuller4good/ ✩ Podcast, Philanthropy in Action spoti.fi/43hO8NYCONNECT WITH ANITA✩ Email [email protected] ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.socialVideo edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio
What this episode covers
Invisible pain can reshape an entire life. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this inspiring episode featuring Kim Fuller, a self-described “incurable optimist” whose life was upended three years ago when she began experiencing chronic pain.Kim shares the moment her health changed overnight—landing in the hospital after pushing through an important work commitment—and what followed next: years of testing, shifting diagnoses, misdiagnosis, and still living without clear answers. She also pulls back the curtain on the exhausting reality of living with chronic pain—and why being believed is one of the most powerful expressions of empathy.Together, we discuss:The “Spoon Theory” and the constant math of energy, pacing, rest, and flare-upsHow to redefine success and embrace self-compassion when your identity is that of a high-performing professionalWhat workplaces can do differently to support employees living with chronic illnessHow family and friends can be supportive by respecting limits and offering help without trying to fix thingsThis conversation invites us to listen without minimizing, resist the lure of quick fixes, and consider what real empathy looks like for someone with chronic pain.00:00 Preview01:22 Introduction 03:18 About Kim Fuller 06:41 Kim’s backstory08:38 The mental strain of ongoing medical testing13:04 The “Seven Stages of Grief” in chronic illness17:48 Why belief matters more than fixing chronic pain23:34 The importance of self-empathy when you can’t keep up with daily life27:17 What is the “Spoon Theory”?31:59 Why being believed matters so much34:50 How to help someone in chronic pain?39:09 The mental adjustment to chronic pain44:17 The power of support groups in managing chronic illness50:05 Practical accommodations for chronic pain at work54:37 Kim Fuller’s Purposeful Empathy storyCONNECT WITH KIM✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkfuller/✩ Website https://www.phil.ca/ ✩ Social Transformation https://www.socialtransformation.ca/ ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kimfuller4good/ ✩ Podcast, Philanthropy in Action spoti.fi/43hO8NYCONNECT WITH ANITA✩ Email [email protected] ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.socialVideo edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio
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The Hidden Hurts of Chronic Pain Ft. Kim Fuller w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy
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