Embarking on a journey through the winding paths of physical pain and emotional turmoil, I reveal the intimate details of my battle with Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS). Grappling with the realization that my lower back pain and relentless cough were not just random afflictions but signs of deeper psychological stress, I take you through the transf…

Embark on an extraordinary exploration of the mind with energy psychology pioneer Dawson Church and discover the transformative effects of EFT Tapping. Our conversation unveils the profound impact this practice has on stress and trauma, offering hope and healing, especially for veterans. Dawson's insights into the default mode network (DMN) reveal …

Ever wondered how something as simple as breathing could dramatically shift your health and athletic prowess? Prepare to be enlightened as I, Dana Jones, team up with the insightful Danika Munro to unpack James Nestor's "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art." We'll take you on a laughter-filled but eye-opening tour of how your breath, a basic life…

When Alec Kassin shared his story of how chronic back pain almost stole his college years, it struck a chord with me, Dana Jones, your host of the Pain-Free Athlete Podcast. We weave a tale of struggle, introspection, and ultimately triumph as we unpack the complex relationship between chronic pain and the pivotal moments of life. Alec's insights i…

Ever wondered how to tackle your next race season with the gusto of a champion while still savoring every step? I'm Dana Jones, and I'm here to guide you through the maze of athletic training and racing, tailored to your personal intensity. In this episode, we dissect the psyche of various athlete archetypes – from the ultra-detailed warriors to th…

Ever wondered how changing your daily habits can transform your life goals? Tune in as I dissect my tailored daily reading routine, influenced by Jim Kwik's wisdom, where I match book genres with my energy peaks throughout the day—fueling creativity in the morning with gems like "Atomic Habits," sharpening practical skills in the afternoon, and win…

Have you ever felt the pulsing energy of a story that resonates with your own search for wholeness? Our guest, Jessica Webb, a relentless explorer of the world's diverse mind-body healing practices, returns with tales that promise to ignite a flame of curiosity within you. Embarking on a narrative odyssey, we traverse the common threads of healing …

Stepping into Disneyland for the first time nearly a decade past half a century, I, Dana Jones, was met with more than just childhood nostalgia. The physical toll was a surprise contender for the most memorable aspect of my visit, as the extensive walking and lengthy queues easily rivaled the toughest moments from my half marathons and triathlons. …

Ever wondered how a whisper from your body can become a guide toward ultimate wellness? Join me, Dana Jones, as we explore the transformative insights of Reflective Wellness with the remarkable Courtney Hawk Angel. Our conversation touches on deep self-awareness, the power of asking the right questions, and turns the concept of pain into a pivotal …

Ever zipped through a stack of books with newfound speed only to stumble upon a story that's like looking into a heartwarming, hilarious mirror? That's exactly what happened to me with "The Slow AF Run Club" by Martinus Evans. The latest episode is a rollercoaster of laughs and earnest moments as I recount the lessons and laughter in Martinus' odys…

When Grete Strunz, a remarkable therapist in pain reprocessing therapy, joined me on the show, we didn't just recount our triumphs over chronic pain—we dissected the intricacies of the mind-body synergy that led us there. As Grete narrated her pivot from a different career into healing others and overcoming her own back pain, and I opened up about …

I'm Dana Jones, your host and late-bloomer in the swimming world, here to share a laugh about the universal struggle with resolutions and then take a deep plunge into how I went from splashing around to mastering the art of total immersion swimming. On the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, we talk about not just overcoming the challenges of picking up swi…

Join forces with me, Dana Jones, as we uncover the heartfelt mission of Sonya McVay on the latest episode of The Pain Free Athlete Podcast. Sonya is the founder of The Six Foundation where she provides First Responders, Police Officers, Firefighters and Veterans with a safe place to work out. This facility offers Post traumatic fitness and rehabili…

When my father finally extinguished his last cigarette after decades of a pack-a-day habit, I became a believer in the profound power of hypnosis. That belief turned into curiosity, and now, I'm thrilled to share a conversation with Bernard Tewes, a hypnotherapist and brainchild behind HypnoBox, who unveils the transformative potential of hypnother…

Ever wondered how the fitness fads of yesteryear have sculpted the way we sweat today? Step into your time machine with me, Dana Jones, your guide on this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, as we sprint through decades of fitness evolution. Imagine twirling a hula hoop with the same fervor as '58, or feeling the burn with Jane Fonda. We're n…

Navigating the festive season often feels like trying to sprint through a marathon with ankle weights; it's a seasonal struggle we've all faced, and I'm no stranger to it. This episode is a candid reflection on my journey—balancing teaching, staying fit, and forging time for self-care amidst the holiday hustle. I'll share the raw realities of tunin…

"Are you your own worst critic?" If so, this episode is a must-listen as it offers practical strategies to shift that mindset. I delve into the power of supportive self-talk and its role in building self-confidence. Drawing from personal experiences, I explore the effects of constant apologies on self-esteem and how mindfulness of our words can mak…

Ready to elevate your health and fitness game through the power of self-advocacy? I highlight the importance of self-education, clear communication, and finding the right fitness environment that resonates with your personality and goals. I underline the pivotal role of asking questions about recovery timelines and preparation for procedures in the…

Ever wondered why we eat what we eat, and why we exercise how we exercise? Are our food and fitness choices really our own, or are they shaped by societal pressures and norms? I continue my conversation with AMFT, Danika Munro. Together, we explore the importance of listening to our bodies, the impact of trauma on our body perception, and how socie…

Join me and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Danika Munro as we have a very candid conversation about the societal standards of beauty and how they influence our perception of body image. We discuss body positivity and wellness and how they are not determined by size, shape, or ability level. We share our personal narratives, discuss the de…

Ever been stuck in that holiday traffic, or argued over the dinner table during a family feast, and felt a twinge of physical pain surging through your body? I have personally been through the grind and am here to discuss the relation between these stressful situations and a condition known as tension myocytus syndrome (TMS). In this talk, I reflec…

Imagine being trained by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Better yet, envision an AI that can create workouts inspired by Schwarzenegger's routine, designed to match your fitness level and goals. This episode is all about exploring the awe-inspiring potential of AI in personalized workout designs. I will take a look at how this evolving technology can whip u…

Ever felt like you were going mad because of chronic pain? You're not alone. Join me, Dana Jones, as I reveal the untold story of my journey with chronic foot pain. With my quest to 'fix' my pain, I ended up spending thousands on treatments and supplements. But in this pursuit, I discovered the symptom imperative - a concept rooted in our instinctu…

Ever wondered why some exercises work better than others? Get ready to have your questions answered! As a certified personal trainer, I've racked up a list of my top 10 favorite exercises that have consistently delivered results for me and my clients. Together, we'll explore each one - from the classic squat (with a twist of the ATG system and knee…

Ever felt like you're out of sync with your fitness goals? It's easy to lose that spark, especially when life gets in the way. But fear not, this episode is your rescue remedy! I am diving into the world of fitness motivation, giving you the tools to keep going even when the going gets tough. We'll talk about the importance of setting clear, achiev…

Ever felt that the road to fitness is a long, uphill battle? What if we have the right tips to make this journey not just effective but truly enjoyable? As a certified fitness trainer, I, Dana Jones, assure you that fitness can indeed be fun and not just a chore! This episode is a treasure chest of practical, doable tips to turn your workout routin…

I'm Dana Jones, and in this edition of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, I peel back layers of my own personal story, a journey from a child suppressed of emotions to an adult understanding the neuroplasticity of fear and its influence on chronic pain. The second part of this episode digs into actionable steps to fight anxiety and fear. Based on the b…

What if the chronic pain you've been carrying isn't just physical, but deeply rooted in your emotions? Join me as I navigate the groundbreaking work of Dr. John Sarno and his pioneering concept of the Mind-Body connection. Together, we'll explore book-based healing, and the journey that led me to uncover my own deeply repressed feelings. Through di…

Ever pondered about the omnipresent diet culture and its impact on our body image? Join me, Dana Jones, as I converse with Kelli Ruderman, a registered dietitian turned intuitive eating counselor about the pervasive fatphobia and diet industry's influence. We dissect the multi-billion dollar wellness industry, and Kelli shares her journey from a di…

Get ready to unlock the hidden benefits of stretching. Prepare to be astounded by the power of this simple fitness practice that can transform your physical and mental wellbeing. Focusing on various stretching techniques, from the commonly used static and dynamic methods to the specialized isometric and PNF stretching, this episode provides you wit…

Prepare for an enlightening discourse with Carrie Jackson, our esteemed guest and a powerhouse of knowledge in the realm of performance and mental training. Carrie, co-host of the Injured Athletes Club podcast, is a beacon in the athletic world, helping sportspeople at all levels navigate their mental and emotional hurdles. Her unique insights into…

What is it like to bounce back from COVID and get back into your fitness routine? Well, let me, Dana Jones, take you through my personal journey battling the virus, and more importantly, my recovery process. From being bedridden to restarting a light exercise routine based on guidelines from the Cleveland Clinic, this journey has been nothing short…

In this episode, Host Dana Jones discusses how people pleasing has deep roots. Struggling with a constant urge to be the perfect patient and the illogical guilt of unproductivity, she found herself sinking deeper into the cycle of pleasing others. This episode unravels the profound impact of people-pleasing on our mental and physical health – an is…

In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, host Dana Jones discusses the importance of mobility for athletes. She differentiates between flexibility and mobility, emphasizing that while she was always flexible, she found she was not very mobile. She highlights the benefits of mobility, including better mechanics, agility, balance, strength, …

In this episode, Dana discuss the topic of motivation and its fleeting nature. She shares her personal experiences growing up in a time where emotions were not openly discussed and her own struggles with motivation, particularly in relation to fitness and exercise. Dana highlights the importance of understanding one's motivations and finding activi…

In this episode, host Dana Jones interviews Andrea Hall Miller, a HeartMath trainer and author. Andrea discusses the science behind HeartMath, a practice that uses breathing and visualization to bring the heart and brain into coherence. She explains how HeartMath can help people to reduce stress, improve resilience, and increase their overall well-…

In this podcast, Dana talks about how she has experienced anxiety and nervousness before events and also while preparing for a trip to a recent conference. She provides some interesting insights on fear and how it often robs us of our memories and experiences. Here are some key takeaways from the podcast: Anxiety is a common experience. It is possi…

In this episode, Dana discusses the concept of 'No pain, no gain', its origins, and its implications in the fitness world. She also emphasizes that pain should be seen as a warning signal, not a sign of progress. Show Notes: No Pain, No Gain - Wikipedia definition Ben Franklin - Fitness Idioms and Origins - No Pain, No Gain Rhabdomyolsysis - Link P…

In the podcast, Dana hosts Jessica, a physiotherapist from London. Jessica shares her journey from being an actor to a physiotherapist and her experiences in the NHS musculoskeletal outpatients. She discusses her introduction to chronic pain and TMS, and her belief in addressing patients' emotional needs. Jessica also shares her plans about her goa…

In this episode, host Dana Jones shares her personal journey with pain, influenced by her emotional experiences, including a near-drowning incident in her teenage years and the loss of her pets. She discusses the harmful effects of suppressing emotions, a behavior she was raised to adopt. Dana stresses the importance of acknowledging and expressing…

In the Pain Free Athlete podcast, host Dana Jones interviews Julie Hopkins, a nutritional therapist, about their experiences with chronic pain, Dr. Sarno's work, and techniques for managing pain. They emphasize the importance of addressing emotions and stress in relation to physical health, and suggest techniques such as sleep hygiene, breathing ex…

In this episode, I discuss Alan Gordon's film, Pain Brain, which explores somatic tracking as a potential solution for chronic pain. The film highlights the study at University of Colorado at Boulder, on unlearning pain.I also emphasize the need for a paradigm shift in pain treatment and considering alternative approaches, as well as the importance…

In the podcast episode, host Dana Jones interviews Gerry Andrews, a massage therapist, body-mind coach, and reiki practitioner. They discuss Jerry's background, the connection between body and mind, the challenges of addressing emotional issues during massage therapy, and the importance of understanding the whole person when treating pain. The conv…

In this episode, I interview Dr. Patricia Law about her experience with her hip pain and how through my coaching, she was able to move past her pain and become active once again. Please excuse the audio, the wrong setting was used and the interview was too good to delete. :) Here are some of the resources that I used with Patricia as a part of her …

In this episode, I am going to introduce myself through sharing my pain story and how I was able to get to where I am now. Disclaimer: The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psyc…

A quick intro to what I am planning to do. Disclaimer: The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information o…

Welcome dear listener, Be sure to stay up to date for my upcoming courses and training. Next up is the "Embodied Awakening Yoga Training Course", be sure to sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date with the upcoming courses. Today our environment and body is overloaded with toxins. These toxins accumulate in our body and over time manifest as …

Welcome dear listener, Spring is coming which means we need to aware of how, what and when we are eating to stay in balance with natures rhythms. Being aware about not only what you eat, but how you move, exercise, and how well you care for your body affects how you feel. The best measuring stick for this is to check in daily with how you feel. You…

Welcome back dear listener, Spring is coming. Have you felt it? This transition is is very dramatic for the body, moving from light and cold to the eventual wet and warm of spring. Being mindful about how what you eat, how you move, exercise, and how well you care for your body affects how you feel. I have for noticed a shift going on, I noticed ho…

Welcome dear listener, What you resist persist, especially when it comes to thoughts and feelings. What if you could move through them with a different approach? What if those thoughts could evaporate into the ether with a simple question? This is one insight I have recently experienced after trying many different techniques and is the heart of my …