Beyond Pain and Fatigue

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 Emerge Australia Statement on GET and CBT for ME/CFShttps://emerge.org.au/gradedexercisetherapyandmecfs/You can find Rob here:https://healthrive.com.au/

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.2025.09.004You can find Dr Seeley here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcseeley/Churchill Fellowship (Instagram): @autonomicjourneysAustralian POTS Foundation:• Instagram: @australianpotsfoundation• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianPOTSFoundation• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-australian-pots-foundation• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AustralianPOTSFoundationAustralian POTS Foundation Converge Conference4–5 Junehttps://www.apfconference.com.au/

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/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-2020-0005Afrin, 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

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.

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://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-community-healing-podcast-with-dr-oli/id1766044802

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/harmFor 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.

In this episode, Soph and Ollie are joined by Mitch from Hunter Healing to explore the concept of spirituality, and how it might be more important and relevant to mainstream pain management and health care than you might think. Join us as we discuss a few of the misunderstandings or misconceptions about what 'spirituality' is, and how we can start to integrate it within our own practice or management.Find Mitch at: https://www.hunterhealing.com/ [email protected] Instagram: @_hunterhealingCheck out our website 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.

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 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

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 gaslightingCheck out our website 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

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/injuryCheck out our website for written episode summaries and additional resources.

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond Pain and Fatigue! In this introductory episode, your hosts, Sophie Shephard and Oliver Crossley, share the story behind the podcast and what inspired them to create a space for meaningful conversations about chronic pain, fatigue, and invisible illnesses. They'll share a bit about their own experiences and background, as well as what's on the horizon for future episodes.