The Modern Pain Podcast
The Modern Pain Podcast
This isn’t another show about fixing people. Modern Pain Care Beyond the Fix is where clinicians, thinkers, and changemakers come to explore a more human, evidence-aligned, and sustainable approach to helping people in pain. Real conversations. Practical insights. No fluff. If you’re ready to grow beyond protocols and start practicing with more clarity, confidence, and connection—you’re in the right place.
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The Modern Pain Podcast
Latest Episode

Acceptance, Agency & Chronic Headaches: How Benjamin Reclaimed His Life

Chronic pain doesn’t have to steal your purpose. In this episode, Benjamin shares how he’s navigated life with cluster headaches—and how he’s turning his journey into a mission to help others. Key takeaways How Benjamin first experienced his illness and what followedWhy acceptance became a turning point—not surrenderDaily rhythms and small rituals that anchor himRelationship dynamics: the role of honest, nonjudgmental communicationHow lived experience shapes credibility in pain workIntegratin...

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Recent Episodes

Oct. 12, 2025

Acceptance, Agency & Chronic Headaches: How Benjamin Reclaimed His Life

Chronic pain doesn’t have to steal your purpose. In this episode, Benjamin shares how he’s navigated life with cluster headaches—and how he’s turning his journey into a mission to help others. Key takeaways How Benjamin first experienced his illness and what followedWhy acceptance became a turning …
Oct. 5, 2025

5 Steps to Transform Pain Care in Your Community

You’re not powerless to fix the system — you can lead change right where you are. In this episode, Mark Kargela walks you through 5 actionable steps any clinician can take now to transform how pain is treated in your community. What you’ll learn: • Why waiting for the system to change is a trap • H…
Sept. 28, 2025

Chronic Pain Needs Shared Expertise—not a Hero Clinician

Rethinking pain changes outcomes. Treating tissues alone leaves people behind.
Sept. 21, 2025

“We Believe You”: The Moment That Changed Chronic Pain Care

The pivotal power of “We believe you” in the clinic
Sept. 14, 2025

From Fighting Pain to Living Well: Joletta Belton’s Shift

This episode features Joletta Belton, a former firefighter who shares how years of battling hip pain left her life small—and how shifting to acceptance, values, and self-compassion helped her build a bigger life around pain. The conversation highlights practical strategies for clinicians, including…
Sept. 7, 2025

Beyond Kindness: Compassion Skills That Improve Pain Outcomes

Compassion is not just being “nice”—it’s a clinical superpower. Learn how inner compassion can transform both patient care and your resilience as a clinician. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why compassion is a contextua...

About the Host

Mark Kargela Profile Photo

Mark Kargela

Host / Clinician / Faculty / Father / Husband

Mark Kargela is a physical therapist, educator, and founder of Modern Pain Care. With over two decades of clinical experience, Mark brings a refreshing, human-first approach to pain care—one that ditches the fix-it model and empowers both patients and clinicians to engage with complexity, uncertainty, and meaningful change. This podcast is where clinical skill meets real-life context, challenging outdated norms and offering conversations that help you grow your practice, your mindset, and your impact.

Reviews

Treat yourself to this podcast!

"I’ve loved this podcast from its birth and so happy to hear Dr Kargela is not letting it go! The topics are always relevant to my day to day experiences as a physical therapist and I find the discu…"

Feb. 4, 2023 · John Tyschyk

Top Physical Therapy Podcast

"Great, informative podcast. All orthopedic PTs who treat patients with persistent pain should listen."

Feb. 4, 2023 · Christie Pong

Love it!

"The MPC crew consistently provide an up-to-date and nuanced take on the state of pain management and the physical therapy landscape. Highly recommended!"

Feb. 4, 2023 · Zachary Huff

Why I love my career again

"As a recent Chiropractic grad, I am beyond happy I came across this podcast. I have always been skeptical/curious of certain rehab narratives or treatment options as I come from a research background…"

July 22, 2024 · Mitchel Gibson