As AI continues to evolve and integrate into more areas of healthcare, many clinicians are asking: will we be replaced? In this episode, Mark Kargela and Ben Whybrow have a frank conversation about how AI is affecting clinical work, what it can (and can’t) do well, and why the human…
When someone’s living with persistent pain, it’s easy for healthcare to become a never-ending loop of appointments, tests, and interventions—with little space to ask: Is this really helping me get back to what matters? In this video, we talk about how clinicians can use guided discovery and ACT-informed conversations to…
We’ve built a healthcare system where specialists focus so narrowly on their piece of the puzzle, they miss the whole picture. Chronic pain isn’t isolated to a single system—it’s an emergent experience shaped by biology, psychology, and life context. It’s time to start telling the story of the forest, not…
🎁 Download the FREE Patient Reflection Tool: https://modernpaincare.com/reflect Many patients are doing something about their pain—but they’re still not living the life they want. In this episode of The Modern Pain Podcast, Dr. Mark Kargela breaks down how to help patients zoom out and reflect on whether their care is…
Life throws all of us difficult thoughts, moments, and emotions. In this short, I share why having conversations with others and reflecting on your own behavior helps you stay grounded in your values—even when it feels like you’re struggling. 🌱 Key Insight: It’s normal to have hard days. What matters…
Are you battling thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “This will fail”? You’re not alone. In this short clip, I share how even the most successful mentors I’ve learned from have faced these same voices of self-doubt—and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you navigate them. 💬…
Are you feeling stuck because you’re trying to make massive life changes all at once? You’re not alone. In this short clip, I share why taking small, sustainable steps beats drastic overhauls every time—whether it’s in your fitness journey, patient care, or everyday habits. 💡 Key Insight: Big leaps often…
Are you battling self-doubt and endless distractions that keep you from creating something that matters? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, I share how I spent six months fighting my own inner critic and finally took action on a project I deeply care about. We’ll…
What if the most under-recognized part of chronic pain… is grief? In this clip, Matt Erb shares how guided mindbody practices—focused on body awareness, breath regulation, and emotional permission—can unlock profound shifts in those living with pain. He recounts a moment when a simple question led a patient to tears……
Is pain all in the tissues—or all in the brain? That’s the wrong question. In this clip, Matt Erb outlines a non-dual approach to chronic pain, where biology and psychology are not in opposition, but in constant interplay. While he remains hopeful for biomedical breakthroughs, he emphasizes the necessity of…
What if stress, trauma, and even your social relationships aren’t just “mental health” issues—but biological ones? In this short clip, mindbody expert Matt Erb explains how the psychological and social domains of our lives are deeply rooted in neurophysiology. He references Naomi Eisenberger’s groundbreaking research showing how our social environments…
In pain care, it’s not just about what patients know – it’s about what they need to know. Sometimes, a clinical study isn’t what they need to hear. It might be a simple story, a personal anecdote, or a practical strategy like pacing or mindfulness that truly makes the difference.…
In chronic pain care, many people find themselves trapped in the medical merry-go-round – trying one thing after another without moving closer to the life they want. That’s where values clarification can change everything. In this short, I share how our pain program helps patients identify what truly matters and…
Pain Practice OS Waiting List - https://modernpaincare.com/painprogram Matt Erb returns to the show for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation on the future of physical therapy. We cover the limitations of the biopsychosocial model, practical mindbody strategies, billing within the system, trauma-informed care, and how clinicians can advocate for real change—both…
In this episode, I sit down with Ben Whybrow, a pain specialist physio in the UK and new community manager for Modern Pain Care, to discuss the critical role of communication in modern healthcare. We break down why the traditional, paternalistic approach to patient interaction falls short and explore how…
Healthcare often pathologizes normal human experiences like sadness, anger, and struggle. Instead of focusing only on fixing problems, we need to teach people how to thrive in the presence of life’s challenges. In this short, I share why building psychological flexibility is crucial for both clinicians and patients – and…
Healthcare education still relies on outdated, siloed models that separate professionals into isolated categories. But real change happens when we break down these barriers and embrace a more integrated, flexible approach. In this short, I share why psychological flexibility is a foundational skill for clinicians – one that not only…
“Pain relief is just the beginning. True clinicians guide patients beyond rehab into long-term health and wellness.” In this clip, Mark Kargela challenges clinicians to move beyond offering short-term fixes — and build practices centered on coaching, guidance, and true patient empowerment. 🎯 Differentiate yourself by helping patients reclaim their…
In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Faller, co-founder of the Institute of Contextual Health, to discuss the future of healthcare. We explore the challenges of traditional, siloed care models and why a more interconnected, person-centered approach is essential for better patient outcomes. Cameron shares insights on process-based care,…
“If you truly believe your services can change a life — it’s your obligation to sell them confidently. Sales isn’t manipulation. It’s alignment.” In this clip, Mark Kargela reframes how clinicians should think about sales: not as a dirty word, but as an exchange of value that honors the time,…
In today’s episode, we tackle one of the biggest tensions modern clinicians face: How do you keep your schedule full and patients engaged without fear-mongering or overselling? I share how to reframe “sales” from manipulation to alignment, why selling your services is an ethical obligation, and how to transition from…
She asked me if I knew a good pain physician… When I found out I’d be #14, it hit me. This wasn’t a lack of effort—it was a system problem. A pattern that says “life begins after the fix.” But what if pain relief isn’t the only path forward? What…
We’re not here to bash treatments. Some tools may help patients move toward what matters. But others — even the well-meaning ones — can become escape strategies that keep people stuck. Creative Hopelessness helps patients map their efforts and discover which strategies are actually helping them build a meaningful life.…
What if more treatment isn’t the answer? In this episode, we explore Creative Hopelessness—an ACT-based exercise that helps patients with persistent pain reflect on the real impact of their symptom management strategies. You’ll learn how to guide patients to see their patterns, validate their efforts, and gently open the door…