This episode of I'm Fine is proudly sponsored by the Medical Research Foundation. The Medical Research Foundation is at the forefront of tackling often-overlooked health challenges, from chronic pain to areas of medical health that don’t receive the attention they deserve. Your support can help fund groundbreaking medical research to transform lives.

In today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lauren Heathcote, a senior lecturer in Health Psychology at King’s College London. Funded by the Medical Research Foundation, Dr. Heathcote and her team are leading one of the first-ever behavioral interventions aimed at reducing the impact of chronic pain in childhood cancer survivors.

Dr. Heathcote delves into the science of pain, explaining how it’s both a sensory and emotional experience shaped by our bodies and minds. She also shares insights on her cutting-edge work developing digital tools to reshape young survivors’ beliefs about their bodies, fostering resilience and empowering them to live fuller lives despite chronic pain.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:19 Sponsor Message: Medical Research Foundation

00:59 Meet Dr. Lauren Heathcote

02:03 Understanding Pain in Cancer Survivors

05:37 Biopsychosocial Model of Pain

06:32 Cancer Treatment Success Stories

08:30 Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors

10:12 Psychological Impact of Cancer

11:41 Core Beliefs About the Body

20:27 Digital Health Interventions

28:39 Influence of Medical Language

29:38 The Psychological Impact of Post-Cancer Monitoring

30:48 Research on Doctor-Patient Communication

31:36 Mindset and Cancer Recovery

32:44 Exploring Body Resilience

34:15 Positive Psychology and Flow State

35:41 Balancing Positivity and Realism

37:14 Mind-Body Connection in Pain Management

47:03 Interoception and Pain Perception

48:09 A Scientist's Journey

51:51 Supporting Cancer Pain Research

52:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

Get Involved: Join us in supporting the Medical Research Foundation to help fund research like Dr. Heathcote's. Visit https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/ to learn more.

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Sponsored by: Medical Research Foundation

Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Dr. Lauren Heathcote

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella

Jean sits down with Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation and renowned Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher, whose students include Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld & Martin Scorsese. Bob shares his personal journey from a politically charged upbringing to discovering the power of TM and becoming an advocate for its transformative effects. The conversation dives deep into how TM can help individuals manage chronic stress, trauma, PTSD, and pain, making it a crucial tool for healing both the mind and body.

Bob recounts his early skepticism towards meditation and how a trusted friend introduced him to TM, which led to a profound sense of inner calm and relaxation. He discusses how TM benefits groups ranging from veterans and first responders to students and fashion models, helping people from all walks of life handle the pressures of modern existence.

Listeners will hear Bob's reflections on the unique impact of TM on both physical and emotional health, touching on concepts like post-traumatic growth, resilience, and the importance of cultivating a calm mind to navigate life's challenges. The episode also explores how TM offers a gateway to deep relaxation, reduces cortisol levels, and fosters inner equanimity, even in the face of stress and pain.

Jean and Bob delve into the history and mission of the David Lynch Foundation, an organization that brings TM to underserved communities, including veterans, students, and survivors of domestic violence. Bob highlights the foundation’s work to integrate TM into healthcare systems and its vision for making this practice accessible to everyone.

The David Lynch Foundation, founded in 2005, has a mission to provide TM to at-risk populations, including inner-city students, veterans suffering from PTSD, and women and children who have endured trauma. Their goal is to incorporate TM into global healthcare systems, making this powerful practice accessible to all.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural, and effortless technique practiced for 20 minutes twice a day. It allows the mind to settle into a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting mental clarity and resilience. Unlike other forms of meditation that require concentration or mindfulness, TM focuses on transcending ordinary thinking to access a state of restful alertness.

Key Takeaways:

• TM helps manage chronic stress, trauma, and pain by fostering a state of deep relaxation.
• The David Lynch Foundation is working to integrate TM into healthcare systems and make it accessible to all, especially underserved communities.
• TM promotes post-traumatic growth, resilience, and emotional healing, making it a powerful tool for managing both physical and emotional pain.

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation

00:45 Early Life and Political Aspirations

01:56 Discovering Transcendental Meditation

03:41 Impact of Transcendental Meditation

04:25 Personal Experiences with Trauma

07:54 Understanding PTSD and Complex PTSD

10:46 Transcendental Meditation and Healing

15:17 Meditation in Modern Healthcare

19:12 The Science Behind Different Meditations

25:38 Expanding the Window of Tolerance

27:52 Meditate America Initiative

29:13 The Pandemic of Chronic Stress

30:29 Meditate America: A Lifeline Program

32:00 The Mind-Body Connection

35:26 The Role of Pain in Our Lives

39:10 Personal Journey with Transcendental Meditation

50:18 The David Lynch Foundation

52:12 Timeless Wisdom for a Calm Mind

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Bob Roth

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella

In this episode, Jean is joined by Dr. James Kustow, psychiatrist, adult ADHD specialist, and author of the new book How to Thrive with Adult ADHD. Dr. Kustow shares insights from his decades of experience in the field, offering a fresh perspective on ADHD and how it affects both the mind and body. He dives into the emotional, physical, and social challenges that people with ADHD face and explains how understanding the disorder can lead to transformative change.

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It's characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Dr. James Kustow and his new book How to Thrive with Adult ADHD.
• Global statistics: ADHD affects about 5% of the population worldwide.
• The emotional and physical challenges of living with ADHD.
• How ADHD goes beyond attention issues, including emotional dysregulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Dr. Kustow's unique approach to managing ADHD, focusing on both body and mind.
• Why understanding and managing ADHD can lead to real, positive change in one’s life.

Resources:

• Dr. James Kustow’s Book: How to Thrive with Adult ADHD
• The Grove Practice: https://www.thegrovepractice.com/about/about-us/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Dr. James Kustow

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella

In this compelling episode of I'm Fine, Jean is joined by Rachel Hill, thyroid patient advocate and founder of The Invisible Hypothyroidism. Rachel shares her journey with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and how she turned her personal struggles into a mission to educate and support others dealing with thyroid conditions. This episode delves into the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of living with chronic illness and offers valuable insights on how to manage hypothyroidism and its impacts on daily life.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease? Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and affects around 90% of hypothyroid patients. Over time, the damage to the thyroid gland causes it to produce insufficient levels of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, and muscle pain. While there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, the condition is managed through thyroid hormone replacement therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system.

What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, often referred to as an underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, and muscle pain, as bodily processes slow down. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland. Managing hypothyroidism typically involves lifelong medication to replace the missing thyroid hormones and various lifestyle changes to mitigate symptoms.

About Rachel Hill: Rachel Hill is a leading advocate for thyroid health and the creator of The Invisible Hypothyroidism, an online platform dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those with thyroid disorders. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease after years of unexplained symptoms, Rachel has become a trusted voice in the thyroid community, sharing her experiences through her blog, social media, and books. Her advocacy work aims to empower thyroid patients and provide them with the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.

Rachel's book Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate is available here

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Understanding Thyroid Conditions

03:04 Rachel's Personal Journey

04:48 Diagnosis and Early Symptoms

07:36 Creating a Supportive Community

11:19 Navigating Treatment Options

14:45 Diet and Lifestyle Changes

18:31 Small Steps to Better Health

19:51 The Importance of a Balanced Diet

21:19 Struggles with Body Image and Eating Disorders

21:53 Impact of Thyroid Condition on Life

24:45 Grieving the Loss of Health

28:01 Finding Hope and Community Support

29:55 Managing Energy and Lifestyle Adjustments

34:56 Balancing Parenthood and Health

36:52 Support Systems and Community

38:54 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

40:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Rachel Hill

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella

In this episode, Jean sits down with Francesca Hayward, the principal dancer at the Royal Opera House, to discuss one of the most significant challenges she has faced in her illustrious career—burnout. Ballet may look graceful and effortless on stage, but behind the scenes, it demands immense physical, mental, and emotional strength. Francesca opens up about how pushing herself to the limit for years led to a period of deep exhaustion, both physically and emotionally, shedding light on the often-hidden struggle with burnout in high-performance careers.

Burnout is defined as a state of extreme emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, typically brought on by prolonged stress. It can leave a person feeling detached, drained, and unable to perform even the simplest of tasks. While it’s often associated with corporate jobs, burnout affects all kinds of professions—especially those, like ballet, that require intense dedication and discipline. Recent studies show that nearly 52% of workers feel burned out, and in high-pressure environments like the arts, this can manifest in serious physical and emotional symptoms.

For Francesca, the intense preparation for her debut as the lead in Swan Lake—a dream role for any ballerina—was the tipping point. Eventually, she sought help from a therapist, who diagnosed her with burnout and recommended physical therapy to release the tension she had been holding in her body for so long. Francesca’s story highlights how burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s about being stretched beyond your limits, often to the point where recovery feels impossible. But with the right support, recovery is possible. Her experience reminds us that even in the pursuit of greatness, taking care of ourselves must come first.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Francesca Hayward

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella

In this candid episode, UK-based creative director Grace Margetson joins us to discuss her deeply personal journey through vaginismus, a condition that affects 20% of women but remains largely taboo and underdiagnosed. Grace shares her experience of living with the condition, the struggles she faced in getting a diagnosis, and the emotional and physical toll it took on her relationships, work, and mental health. She also sheds light on the process of healing, the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system, and the support that helped her finally overcome the condition.

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily tighten, often causing severe pain during any attempt at vaginal penetration, such as during sex, pelvic exams, or tampon use. This reflexive contraction of the pelvic floor muscles is out of the person's control and can be highly distressing, both physically and emotionally.

Some common causes of vaginismus include past sexual trauma, anxiety, fear of pain, or even certain medical procedures. Additionally, cultural or religious teachings around sex, which may instill feelings of shame or guilt, can also contribute to its development.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of vaginismus, its impact on women’s health, and the paths available for treatment. Grace's vulnerability in sharing her story creates a space for others to feel seen and heard, offering hope and encouragement to those who may be suffering in silence.

Key Topics:

• What vaginismus is and how it manifests
• The emotional challenges of living with an under-recognized condition
• The societal and cultural taboos surrounding women's sexual health
• The long journey to diagnosis, including the barriers within the healthcare system
• Grace’s healing process and the role of pelvic floor therapy, mindfulness, and physiotherapy
• Why it’s important to break the silence and destigmatize conversations around women’s health

Statistics Mentioned:

• Vaginismus affects about 20% of women at some point in their lives.
• Around 80% of women with vaginismus can fully recover with appropriate treatment.
• On average, it can take 5-7 healthcare providers before receiving an accurate diagnosis for vaginismus.

Resources Mentioned:

• NHS Vaginismus Information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/
• Helen Forth (Pelvic Health Specialist): https://www.helenforthphysio.com/
• Maria Elliott: www.mariaelliottphysiotherapyservices.co.uk (http://www.mariaelliottphysiotherapyservices.co.uk/)
• Diane Daly: https://www.central-health.com/ourpeople/diane-daly/ (https://www.central-health.com/ourpeople/diane-daly/
• Tracy Matthews: www.whitehartclinic.co.uk (http://www.whitehartclinic.co.uk/)
• Recommended therapies: Yin yoga, pelvic floor exercises, diaphragmatic breathing

Vaginismus is a highly treatable condition, and with the right support, you can move through it and regain control of your body. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of advocating for your health.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Grace Margetson

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella

In this episode, Jean sits down with the incredibly resilient singer-songwriter Debbie. Debbie opens up about her experiences growing up in a household where she and her sister were often left alone and had to become independent at an early age. She shares haunting memories of emotional and physical abuse, both at home and in school, and how these experiences shaped her worldview and identity.

Debbie discusses how her early life of isolation and trauma led to her diagnosis of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and the impact it had on her journey into adulthood. We explore what C-PTSD is, its symptoms, and how it differs from PTSD. Complex PTSD develops in response to prolonged, repeated trauma—often starting in childhood—and can manifest in emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting others, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. According to studies, approximately 13% of people who experience trauma develop PTSD, and for many who experience long-term trauma, C-PTSD is the more accurate diagnosis.

Debbie candidly talks about how music became both an escape and a healing tool for her. She touches on her journey to accept herself, including navigating her identity and relationships in the aftermath of her parents’ death, all while pursuing her passion for music. Throughout the conversation, Debbie’s strength and vulnerability shine through as she shares the ways she has found support in therapy, spirituality, and self-compassion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Debbie’s Early Life: The challenges she faced growing up, including neglect and abuse, which led to early independence.
2. Complex PTSD: Definition, symptoms, and statistics surrounding the condition.
3. Music as Healing: How Debbie’s connection to music has been a source of empowerment and healing.
4. Finding Support: Therapy, spirituality, and self-care practices that helped Debbie navigate her grief and trauma.

You can follow Debbie on Instagram @debbie_

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Debbie

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach, Wicked Child Studio

Composer: Eduardo Vella

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Jean welcomes Nicole Pedra, a model, actress, influencer, and motivational speaker who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the tender age of 10. Nicole shares her remarkable journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood with MS, offering an honest look into the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness.

While MS is typically diagnosed in adults, it is exceedingly rare in children. Only about 3-5% of MS cases are diagnosed before the age of 16, making Nicole’s early diagnosis at just 10 years old a particularly uncommon and challenging journey. Pediatric MS differs in its progression from adult MS, often marked by more frequent relapses and more intense flare-ups. However, the brain’s plasticity in children allows for better compensation and recovery from nerve damage, which can make their long-term outcomes more hopeful.

Nicole recounts her early experiences with pediatric MS, from the intense physical symptoms to the emotional struggles of feeling isolated and misunderstood. Despite these hardships, she found strength in her resilience, which has guided her through the ups and downs of managing her health, relationships, and career.

Together, Nicole and Jean explore topics such as:

• The unique challenges of pediatric MS versus adult MS.
• How Nicole's early symptoms were misdiagnosed and her subsequent journey to find answers.
• The importance of finding community and support, even if it takes time.
• The emotional toll of keeping her diagnosis secret and how it affected her relationships.
• Her decision to embrace her condition publicly, becoming a voice for others living with chronic illness.
• The power of resilience and how adversity has shaped Nicole into the empowered woman she is today.
• Practical strategies Nicole uses to manage her health, balance her life, and keep a positive mindset.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Nicole Pedra

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella