Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano

What happens when the voice that takes you to some of the world’s biggest stages is also the one you’re still learning to claim as your own? Singer, songwriter, educator, and author Machan Taylor has spent a lifetime navigating the space between performance and identity. Born in post-war Japan to a Japanese mother and American father, Machan was uprooted at four years old and brought to New Jersey, leaving behind her language, family, culture, and the only home she knew. Years later, she would recognize that experience as an early trauma that quietly shaped her sense of belonging. In this episode of Giving Pain Purpose , Machan and Lyndsay explore the complicated journey of finding your voice when so much of your life has been spent adapting, performing, and trying to figure out where you fit. Machan shares how music became both sanctuary and identity, eventually taking her to stages with artists including Pink Floyd, Sting, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, and George Benson, all while the woman behind the applause was still wrestling with insecurity, imposter syndrome, family trauma, and the feeling that she wasn’t enough. They talk openly about addiction, abusive relationships, the masks we wear to survive, and the long, nonlinear work of healing. Machan also shares how therapy, Buddhism, meditation, and later psychedelic-assisted therapy helped her reconnect with parts of herself she had left behind, including the little girl who left Japan all those years ago. At its core, this conversation is about more than a remarkable music career. It’s about stripping away the performance, making peace with every version of yourself, and finding the courage to tell your story—naked, out loud. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Machon Taylor's Journey (02:53) From Japan to the World Stage (09:51) Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma (13:24) Music as a Path to Belonging (16:28) Touring with Major Artists and Internal Struggles (19:08) Dealing with Substance Use and Self-Protection (21:43) The Ongoing Search for Identity (27:15) Healing Through Psychedelic Therapy (35:49) Spiritual Practices and Full Circle (39:41) The Power of Sharing Our Stories (43:47) Final Reflections and Words of Encouragement Find Machan Taylor Online Here: Website: machantaylor.com Instagram: @machantaylorofficial Facebook: Machan Taylor LinkedIn: Machan Taylor YouTube: Machan Taylor Official Book: Naked Out Loud From Yokohama to Pink Floyd Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Six years of symptoms. Six years of searching for answers. Six years of a body that kept speaking while no one could—or would—put the pieces together. That's where Rachel Hayden's MS journey began, and it's a story that will sound painfully familiar to anyone who has been dismissed, doubted, or told to wait a little longer. In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Rachel, a type 1 diabetic, MS warrior, podcast host, and founder of the Spoonful of Strength community, to talk about what it really looks like to navigate invisible illness in a world that can't see what you're carrying. They go into the six-year road to diagnosis, the medical gaslighting that came with it, the undiagnosed muscle issues that still affect Rachel's breathing and mobility today, and the mental health spiral that chronic illness quietly creates when nobody is paying attention. But this conversation doesn't stay in the dark. Rachel shares how to learn to speak to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love. It sounds simple. It isn't. And it changes everything. This episode is for anyone tired of being last on their own list. Episode Highlights: (00:01) Lyndsay opens up about the spiral of dread and showing up every day (02:44) Introducing Rachel Hayden (03:37) Rachel's type 1 diabetes diagnosis at 19 (04:43) The first MS symptoms and the ER visit (06:04) Six years of being dismissed and not diagnosed (07:26) "Are they waiting for me to get worse?" (08:36) The self-doubt that medical gaslighting plants in you (09:19) The testing that finally confirmed MS (39:09) What chronic pain has cost Rachel and how she loves herself daily (41:25) Slowing down, saying no and putting yourself first (43:11) Where to find Rachel and The SpoonFulll Show (44:39) Rachel's closing message to speak kindly to yourself Find Rachel Hayden Online Here: Instagram: @spoonfullofstrength Facebook: SpoonFull of Strength YouTube: @TheSpoonFullShow TikTok: @spoonfull.of.strength Podcast: The SpoonFull Show Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

What if your body isn’t broken, and the symptoms you’ve been fighting are actually trying to tell you something? Physician, author, and educator Dr. Karyn Shanks joins Giving Pain Purpose for a powerful conversation about chronic illness, trauma, the nervous system, and what it means to stop seeing ourselves as problems that need to be fixed. Together, Dr. Shanks and Lyndsay explore how our experiences can shape the way our bodies respond to the world, why creating a sense of safety matters, and how curiosity and self-compassion can change the way we approach healing. They unpack the frustration of living with symptoms that don’t always come with clear answers and the emotional toll of feeling disconnected from—or even betrayed by—your own body. Dr. Shanks shares her holistic perspective on healing, bringing together science, psychology, and lived experience to challenge the belief that illness means something within us has failed. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful shift in perspective: instead of constantly asking, “What’s wrong with me?” what happens when we begin asking, “What is my body trying to tell me?” For anyone living with chronic illness, navigating trauma, or searching for answers after feeling dismissed or defeated, this episode is a reminder that you are more than your symptoms, and healing may begin when you stop fighting your body and start listening to it. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Karyn Shanks and the show's focus (01:53) The disconnect in modern medicine and the root of trauma (04:12) Dr. Shanks' personal health journey and realization (06:53) Understanding the body's organization and response to trauma (10:59) The importance of listening to the body's messages (15:00) Pain and suffering as portals for healing (18:04) The role of safety and connection in recovery (21:55) Holistic, systemic approach to chronic illness (24:00) The significance of storytelling and safety in healing (27:49) Western medicine's limitations and the need for integration (29:58) Closing thoughts and resources Find Dr. Karyn Shanks Online Here: Website: karynshanksmd.com Instagram: @karynshanksmd Facebook: Karyn Shanks MD LinkedIn: Karen Shanks, MD Book: UnBroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

What happens when someone finally believes the story you’ve spent years carrying alone? Board-certified polygraph examiner David Goldberg joins Giving Pain Purpose for a powerful conversation about truth, trauma, validation, and the profound impact of finally feeling heard. With more than 30 years of experience investigating abuse, assault, and complex trauma, David shares how his work goes far beyond determining whether someone is telling the truth. Together, David and Lyndsay explore why trauma survivors can struggle to trust their own memories, the lasting damage of being dismissed or disbelieved, and how validation can become an unexpected part of the healing process. They also unpack common misconceptions about polygraph testing and its role in relationships, personal healing, and the pursuit of justice. At its heart, this conversation isn't really about a machine or a test. It's about what happens when someone is given the space to tell their truth—and someone is finally there to listen. For anyone who has ever questioned their own story or carried pain in silence, this episode is a reminder that being heard can be powerful—and your story matters. Episode Highlights: (00:02) Lyndsay opens up about lying, truth and self-protection (03:17) Introducing David Goldberg (04:19) What a polygraph actually is and how it works (06:04) How your body reveals the truth (07:27) What happens if you're nervous during a polygraph (08:09) How examiners reduce anxiety before testing (09:45) Who polygraphs are really for (16:00) Polygraphs for sexual assault survivors and victims (22:00) False accusations and how polygraphs protect the innocent (27:00) How polygraph results hold up legally (35:42) Advice for anyone who has been dismissed or not believed (36:05) What a professional examiner's job really is (37:45) Polygraphs for people in abusive relationships (38:28) How to find David and closing thoughts Find David Goldberg Online Here: Website: www.executiveprotectiongrp.com Instagram: @thedavidgoldberg Facebook: Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service YouTube: @the_davidgoldberg Podcast: Inside The Polygraph with David Goldberg LinkedIn: David Goldberg Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Lyndsay Soprano sits down with spiritual counsellor, energy healer, and author Chris Wasko for a heartfelt conversation about trauma, narcissistic abuse, old souls, and the lifelong journey of healing. Together, they explore how childhood experiences shape our nervous systems, why so many survivors remain stuck in survival mode, and what it means to reconnect with the truest version of yourself. Chris shares her own story of growing up in a narcissistic family, the path that led her to spiritual healing, and how inner child work, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness can help us move from simply surviving to truly living. This episode is compassionate, deeply validating, and a reminder that healing happens one layer at a time—and that even after profound pain, peace is still possible. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and episode overview (03:23) Chris Wasko's background and expertise (04:07) Traumatic upbringing and narcissism spectrum (06:30) Recognizing narcissism in family and its effects (08:23) Healing abilities emerging through trauma work (09:23) Covert vs overt narcissism explained (12:14) Connection between narcissism and old souls (13:29) Understanding the old soul and Spicy Old Souls test (14:55) Healing old souls and vibrational energy (17:57) Impact of pain on nervous system and trauma response (22:32) Healing ripple effects and collective consciousness (24:49) Regulating the nervous system for trauma recovery (29:21) The wayfinder archetype and exploration energy (33:02) Personal insights on movement and safety (41:01) The significance of safe spaces and inner chaos (41:38) Introduction to the book An Old Soul's Journey Find Chris Wasko Online Here: Website: chriswasko.com Facebook: @chriswaskomedium YouTube: @energyhealingwithChris Book: An Old Soul’s Journey Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

In this powerful episode of Giving Pain Purpose , Lyndsay Soprano sits down with entrepreneur, filmmaker, and psychedelic wellness advocate Zappy Zapolin for a conversation about trauma, chronic pain, and the evolving world of psychedelic-assisted healing. Together, they explore why so many people continue to struggle despite years of traditional treatments and how emerging research is changing the way we think about healing the mind and body. Zappy shares his own transformational journey and offers insight into the unique roles different psychedelic medicines may play in addressing trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Throughout the episode, Lyndsay reflects on her own healing journey and the hope that can emerge when we're willing to explore new possibilities. This conversation is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that healing isn't always about finding another treatment—sometimes it's about discovering an entirely new path forward. Episode Highlights: (00:01) Lyndsay opens up about anxiety, alcohol, and ketamine therapy (02:48) Zappy's vision for psychedelic healing (04:15) Introducing Zappy Zapolin (05:13) Zappy's first psychedelic experience (06:15) From Wall Street to the jungle (08:00) The Reality of Truth and 25 million views (09:30) Meeting God in the jungle (11:00) How ibogaine works and what to expect (14:00) Ayahuasca, psilocybin, and combo explained (20:00) Lois's story from near death to fully healed (26:00) The caterpillar death spiral (32:00) How to start with microdosing (37:00) The CRPS community and why plant medicine matters (38:02) Finding perspective through a mushroom journey (40:21) Don't wait for your doctor (41:04) Where to find Zappy and closing thoughts Find Zappy Zapolin Online Here: Website: psychedelicconcierge.com Instagram: @zappyzapolin YouTube: @PsychedelicConceirge LinkedIn: Zappy Zapolin Podcast: Psychedelic Concierge Podcast Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Content Note: This episode contains open conversations about chronic pain, trauma, medication, addiction, suicidal thoughts, and medical gaslighting. These experiences are shared with honesty, hope, and the intention of helping others feel less alone. Please listen gently and take the space you need. In this raw and inspiring episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with fellow CRPS warrior, executive coach, and author Alesia Briggs to share the realities of living with chronic pain—and the strength it takes to keep choosing hope. Together, they share the realities of living with chronic pain, fighting to be believed, navigating difficult diagnoses, and learning to advocate for themselves in a healthcare system that doesn't always have the answers. Alesia opens up about her journey through CRPS, the challenges of medication, spinal cord stimulation, and the unexpected moments that changed the course of her healing. Throughout the conversation, Lyndsay and Alesia explore the importance of finding the right medical team, protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and leaning on the people who continue to show up when life feels impossible. They remind us that healing isn't about pretending everything is okay—it's about adapting, asking questions, and refusing to let pain write the ending of your story. This episode is raw, validating, and filled with hope for anyone navigating chronic illness, trauma, or the uncertainty of an invisible condition. Because even on the hardest days, there is always another page waiting to be written. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Lyndsay and Alicia Briggs (04:04) Alesia’s early struggles with diagnosis and medication (07:00) The dangers of medication side effects and mental health (09:52) Alesia’s experience with hallucinations and medication risks (12:58) The importance of mental health support and therapy (17:02) Managing energy and workplace communication (20:45) Sharing health issues at work and building trust (27:01) The journey with spinal cord stimulators (34:01) Alesia’s story of pregnancy and nerve rewiring (40:13) Hope, resilience, and community support (43:07) Closing thoughts and resources Follow Alesia Briggs Online Here: Website: www.coachbriggs.com Instagram: @coach.briggs LinkedIn: Alesia Briggs Book: Finding the Off Switch: There is Another Page Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Welcome to Season 5—and welcome to Giving Pain Purpose !! In this deeply personal episode, Lyndsay Soprano shares the story of the podcast's evolution, why The Pain Game Podcast became Giving Pain Purpose , and the mission that now drives every conversation. After nearly a decade of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and navigating the realities of chronic pain, trauma, medical gaslighting, and emotional exhaustion, Lyndsay opens up about what she's learned through her own healing journey. She reflects on the moments that nearly broke her, the people who helped her keep going, and why purpose—not pain—is the story she wants to tell moving forward. This episode is an invitation to anyone who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or dismissed by the healthcare system, by loved ones, or even by themselves. It's a reminder that your diagnosis does not define you, your story deserves to be heard, and you don't have to carry your pain alone. Whether you're living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or searching for hope after trauma, welcome. You're exactly where you're meant to be. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Giving Pain Purpose and Lyndsay's Mission (00:29) The Heart of the Show: Chronic Pain and Healing (01:15) Lyndsay's Diagnosis: CRPS and Its Impact (03:06) Understanding CRPS and Its Pain Scale (04:33) Medical Gaslighting and Challenges in Healthcare (06:01) Living on the Edge: The Emotional Cycle of Pain (07:01) Empowerment and Community Support (08:28) New Initiatives: Merch and The Pain Hub Community (09:24) Invitation to Join the Pain Hub and Final Thoughts Find Giving Pain Purpose Online Here: Website: givingpainpurpose.com Instagram: @givingpainpurpose Facebook: The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: @givingpainpurpose Shop: thegivingpainpurposeshop.com Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Some seasons change you. This one did. Season 4 of The Pain Game Podcast — The Aftermath — was built around a question Lyndsay has been living with for a decade: what happens to the people left standing after the unimaginable? Not the headlines. The human beings behind them. The survivors, the families, the professionals who carry these stories inside their bodies long after the cameras are gone. In this season finale, Lyndsay closes out The Aftermath with a reflection on everything this limited series uncovered — and everything it confirmed. That behind every crime, every loss, every headline is a pain that deserves purpose. That healing is not linear. And that the only way out is through. This episode is also home to some big news. After four seasons, The Pain Game Podcast is becoming The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast — because that's exactly what this show has always been. The mission hasn't changed. The conversations haven't changed. The name finally caught up. If you're new here, this episode is your entry point to everything Season 4 had to offer. If you've been here all along — thank you. You made this season what it was. Season 5 of The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast is coming. Don't miss it. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Lyndsay's Journey with CRPS (00:51) Living in Trauma and Finding Resilience (02:17) The Purpose of the Series and Human Stories Behind Trauma (03:41) Season Highlights: True Crime and Trauma Survivors (05:38) Stories of Sex Trafficking, Grief, and Advocacy (07:34) Healing, Trust, and Reprogramming the Mind (08:56) Personal Stories: Annie Lisa and the Power of Connection (10:21) The New Name and Mission: Giving Pain Purpose (11:48) Community, Merch, and Upcoming Initiatives Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

What if the pain you’ve been carrying isn’t just physical? What if your body has been trying to speak to you this whole time? Soreya James has spent 35 years answering that question. A trauma survivor, spiritual rebel, and creator of a precise healing technology that blends ancient yogic science with modern therapeutic tools, Soreya has led over 30 global retreats, survived three near-death experiences, and sat with people at the very edge of life. What she brings to this conversation isn't theory, it's a life lived all the way through. In this episode, Lyndsay sits down with Soreya to talk about what it really takes to transcend pain and suffering. They go into her early encounter with trauma at 19, how she found her calling in a room full of people the world had written off, and the years she spent in India studying with masters, yogis, and gurus. They also get into the harder things — sexual abuse, the cost of forgiveness, being targeted as a cult leader, and what women in midlife actually need to hear. But at the heart of this episode is one core message: you are not broken. Your body is communicating. And healing may begin the moment you finally get still enough to hear it. Tune in for a powerful discussion on trauma, consciousness, chronic pain, subconscious healing, and what it really means to come home to yourself. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to the Pain Game Podcast (02:30) The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Chronic Pain (10:15) Shape-Shifting Identities and Seeking Validation (15:50) Soreya's Journey and the Turning Point Event (22:10) The Power of Silence and Listening to the Body (30:45) Navigating Menopause and Societal Narratives (37:20) Authentic Intelligence vs. AI (45:00) The Importance of Personal Responsibility in Healing (52:30) Soreya's Interactive Book and Upcoming Podcast Find Soreya James Online Here: Website: soreyajames.com Instagram: @soreyajames LinkedIn: Soreya James Book: Metamorphosis Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Most people experience grief as an ending. Annie Lisa walked into hers and found a beginning. After her sister, Dr. Teresa Sievers, was brutally murdered in 2015, Annie left a 20-year career in marketing. She opened her practice, Annie Lisa Life — a space rooted in the science of the subconscious mind. She sits down with Lyndsay to talk about the day the call came, the signs and messages that started arriving from her sister afterward, and PSYCH-K®, the modality she now uses to help clients rewrite the patterns running 95% of their lives. This conversation doesn't stay in the dark. Annie and Lyndsay get into the work of Bruce Lipton and Greg Braden, the question almost no one wants to sit with: who would you actually be without your pain? And why energy medicine isn't woo, it's the physics most of us were never taught. They dig into secondary gain, epigenetics, signs from departed loved ones, and the quiet subconscious loops that keep the same chapter playing on repeat. Who murdered Dr. Teresa Sievers? You will have to buy the book to find out the rest of her story! Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to the Pain Game Podcast (01:43) Personal Loss and Grief (03:55) The Impact of Trauma on Healing (09:52) The Subconscious Mind and Its Influence (17:16) Changing Subconscious Programs for Healing (24:07) Understanding Chronic Pain and Subconscious Influence (28:53) The Fear of Letting Go of Pain (33:54) The Power of the Subconscious Mind (37:07) Energy Medicine: The Science Behind Healing (40:56) Collective Responsibility for Change (44:30) The Journey of Healing and Transformation Find Annie Lisa Online Here: Website: annielisalife.com Instagram: @annielisalife Facebook: Annielisalife LinkedIn: Annie Lisa TikTok: AnnieLisaLife YouTube: Annie Lisa Book: What My Sister Told Me After She Was Murdered Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Content warning: this episode contains discussions of sex trafficking, child abuse, and trauma. Most people choose one world. Eric Robinson chose both and then spent a career inside the darkest corners of what people do to each other. A retired FBI agent and former pastor, Eric sits down with Lyndsay to talk about what it really takes to investigate sex trafficking and child abuse — the gap between rescuing a victim and actually helping them heal, the emotional toll it takes on the people doing the work, and the coping mechanisms that get you through when the work follows you home. This conversation doesn't stay in the dark. Eric also talks about the cases that gave him hope and why communities have a bigger role in preventing trafficking than most people realize. This episode is difficult, necessary, and ultimately about what it means to keep showing up for people in their worst moments. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:51) From Pulpit to FBI: A Unique Journey (07:06) The Dark World of Teenage Prostitution (11:22) The Role of Manipulation in Trafficking (16:21) Coping with Anger and Trauma (21:11) Rescue Operations and Their Impact (25:35) The Aftermath: Support for Victims (30:24) Storytelling as Healing (36:46) Hope and Recovery: Success Stories (40:22) Looking Ahead: The Book and Future Plans Find Eric Robinson Online Here: Instagram: @_eric_robinson LinkedIn: Eric Robinson Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Letting go of control is terrifying when control has been the only thing keeping you together. That's where Beth McDonough was, using alcohol to manage what she couldn't say out loud, couldn't process, and couldn't put down. What started as a way to cope with trauma became something with a grip of its own. And working in crime reporting only made it harder to put the weight down at the end of the day. In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Beth McDonough for one of the most honest conversations the show has had about addiction, shame, and what recovery actually looks like when you're in the middle of it. Not the cleaned-up version. The real one. This episode is for anyone who has ever used something — anything — to survive a version of themselves they didn't know how to face. Recovery is not a straight line. Beth's story is proof that it doesn't have to be. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Coping Mechanisms (02:52) The Impact of Crime Reporting on Mental Health (05:41) Personal Stories of Trauma and Coping (08:12) The Journey Through Alcoholism (11:14) The Role of Shame in Addiction (13:57) Reconstructing Life After Addiction (16:40) The Importance of Seeking Help (19:44) Empowerment Through Shared Experiences (22:30) Conclusion and Call to Action Find Beth McDonough Online Here: Website: bethmcdmedia.com Instagram: @bemcdn Facebook: Beth McDonough YouTube: Beth McDonough LinkedIn: Beth McDonough Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Dating today isn’t just confusing; it can be dangerous if you don’t know what to look for. In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Justin Smith to talk about the darker side of modern relationships and why so many people miss the warning signs until it’s too late. Justin shares his personal experience with emotional abuse and how ignoring his gut led him into a toxic relationship. That experience became the catalyst for creating Cray, an app designed to help people spot red flags early and protect themselves before things escalate. They talk about manipulation, trauma, and the long road back to trusting yourself again. But this isn’t just about what goes wrong; it’s about what you can do differently. From learning to recognize patterns to prioritizing your safety, this conversation is about taking your power back in a dating world that doesn’t always feel safe. If you’ve ever second-guessed your instincts or stayed longer than you should have, this episode will resonate. Tune in for a real conversation about dating, awareness, and protecting yourself in today’s world. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:35) Understanding Red Flags in Relationships (05:21) The Impact of Manipulative Relationships (08:27 )The Journey of Healing and Recovery (11:11) Introducing the Cray Dating Safety App (14:17) How the Cray App Works (17:05) Target Audience and Future Plans (19:43) Final Thoughts on Healing and Recovery Find Justin Smith Online Here: Website: cray.app Instagram: @cray.app LinkedIn: Justin Smith Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Some betrayals don’t happen all at once. They unfold slowly, until one day you realize nothing was real. In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Heather Rovet to unpack a relationship built on manipulation, deception, and a hidden criminal past. Heather shares how love turned into confusion, control, and eventually a full unravelling of the truth. From gaslighting and emotional abuse to online deception and romance fraud, she walks through the red flags, the breaking point, and what came after. This conversation doesn’t stop at the relationship. It goes into the aftermath, the PTSD, the self-doubt, and the frustration of navigating a system that doesn’t always protect victims. But more importantly, it’s about reclaiming your voice. Through therapy, self-care, and advocacy, Heather shows what it looks like to take your power back. If you’ve ever questioned your reality or ignored your gut, this episode will hit home. Tune in for a story of truth, resilience, and rebuilding after betrayal. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview (03:08) Meeting Jason: The Beginning of Deception (06:37) Building Trust and Falling for the Con (11:04) Red Flags and Early Warning Signs (14:56) Discovering the Online Deception (18:31) The Impact of Betrayal and Isolation (23:23) Legal Battles and Criminal Justice Challenges (28:17) Healing, Self-Compassion, and Moving Forward (37:41) Lessons Learned and Advice for Others (42:14) The Power of Sharing and Advocacy Find Heather Rovet Online Here: Website: heatherrovet.com Instagram: @heatherrovet Facebook: Heather Rovet LinkedIn: Heather Rovet Amazon Prime Documentary: ROMCON: Who the F**k is Jason Porter? Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you can’t explain, this episode will hit home. In this conversation, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Matt Johnson to unpack how much of our lives are actually being run by the subconscious mind and how trauma quietly shapes the way we think, feel, and respond. Matt shares how tools like NLP and hypnosis can help uncover and release emotional baggage that’s been sitting beneath the surface for years. They talk about the real reason willpower alone doesn’t work, how the body holds onto past experiences, and what it takes to actually create lasting change. This isn’t about surface-level mindset shifts. It’s about understanding the root of your behaviors and learning how to work with your mind instead of against it. They also touch on the importance of self-care, especially for those who are constantly showing up for others, and how small shifts in awareness can start to change everything. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional overwhelm, or patterns that keep repeating, this episode offers a different way to look at healing—one that starts from the inside out. Tune in to this bonus episode if you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start understanding what’s really driving your life. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to The Pain Game Podcast (08:25) Rethinking PTSD Beyond Just Soldiers (11:40) What NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Actually Is (15:53) How the Subconscious Influences Chronic Pain (21:02) 95% of Daily Behavior is Subconscious (26:39) Healing Unresolved Trauma at the Root (32:08) The Body Keeps the Score and Its Impact (34:10) Insights from a Berkeley Study on Mental Health (36:08) The Ongoing Work of Healing (37:09) Transformation is Possible When You Refuse to Give Up Find Matt Johnson Online Here: Website: mattjohnsonnlp.com Instagram: @mattjohnson7455 Facebook: Matt Johnson LinkedIn: Matt Johnson YouTube: Rewire and Rise with NLP Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

What does it take to spend a career staring into the darkest corners of human behavior? In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with retired Alaskan police officer Doug Fifer for a candid and often unsettling look at the reality behind true crime. Doug spent decades working on cases that most people can barely imagine. From deviant sexual crimes to the psychological patterns behind violent offenders, he shares what it’s really like to investigate crimes that push the limits of human understanding. They also talk about the unique challenges of policing in Alaska, a place where the vastness of the land can sometimes give criminals the anonymity they seek. But this conversation isn’t just about crime. Doug opens up about the toll the work takes on law enforcement officers and the coping strategies that keep them going. Humor, strong support systems, and the ability to compartmentalize trauma often become survival tools when your job requires witnessing the worst of humanity. Lyndsay and Doug also discuss his book, 50 Shades of True Crime, which pulls back the curtain on cases that rarely make headlines and exposes the gaps in a legal system that often struggles to keep up with the complexity of certain crimes. This episode offers a raw, unfiltered look at the realities behind true crime and the people tasked with confronting it. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the human side of policing, trauma, and truth. Content Warning: This episode discusses violent crime, disturbing criminal behavior, and the psychological realities of investigating serious offences. Some listeners may find these topics difficult to hear. Please listen with care. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Content Disclaimers (01:00) Travelling Through Alaska and Its Dark Secrets (02:08) Doug Pfeiffer's Career in Law Enforcement (04:19) Why Alaska Attracts Criminals (05:13) Writing '50 Shades of True Crime (10:46) The Depths of Human Depravity (12:10) The Most Shocking Stories (13:33) Handling Trauma and Emotional Detachment (14:54) Memories and Writing the Book (16:14) Structure of the Book and Crime Solving (17:39) Laws Against Bestiality and Societal Changes (19:00) The Dark World of Paraphilias (23:52) Interrogation Techniques and Human Psychology (27:58) Dealing with Victims' Families (29:21) The Emotional Toll of Police Work (37:16) Closing Remarks and Resources Find Doug Fifer Online Here: Website: dougfifer.com Instagram: @fiftyshadesoftruecrime Facebook: Fifty Shades of True Crime LinkedIn: Doug Fifer YouTube: Doug Fifer Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Not all trauma comes from direct experience. Sometimes, it builds slowly from holding space for others, from advocacy, from caring so deeply it drains you. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Elizabeth Gaines to unpack the emotional toll of showing up for survivors—while trying to stay afloat. Elizabeth opens up about her work in the nonprofit space, the burnout that followed, and how functional diagnostic testing helped her uncover the hidden stressors wreaking havoc on her health. Together, they talk about the blind spots in conventional medicine, the necessity of rest, and why survivors and supporters alike deserve agency in their healing. This conversation is a reminder that being strong doesn't mean being self-sacrificing. That healing requires boundaries, support, and the courage to choose yourself, even when you're used to choosing everyone else. Tune in if you’ve ever felt stretched thin by caring too much, and are ready to reclaim your energy—without guilt. C ontent Warning: This episode includes discussion of human trafficking and exploitation. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:52) The Impact of Trauma on Individuals and Communities (05:30) Working in Nonprofit Trauma Recovery (08:34) Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Workers (11:15) The Journey to Functional Medicine (13:53) Understanding Functional Diagnostic Testing (16:35) The Role of Lifestyle in Health (19:46) The Importance of Rest and Recovery (22:20) Navigating the Healthcare System (25:33) The Need for Comprehensive Health Solutions (28:11) Finding the Right Health Practitioner (31:15) The Importance of Community and Support (33:50) Conclusion and Call to Action Find Elizabeth Gaines Online Here: Website: www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com Instagram: @fdntraining LinkedIn: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition YouTube: FDN | Functional Lab Training Program Podcast: The Health Detective Podcast Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

In this deeply moving episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Erika Mahoney for a conversation that cuts to the heart of what it means to survive the unimaginable. They talk candidly about chronic pain, grief, and the emotional wreckage left in the wake of gun violence—specifically the loss of Erika’s father in a mass shooting. Together, they explore what healing really looks like when the trauma is layered and ongoing. Erika opens up about life after tragedy and how storytelling and letter writing became tools for processing the pain. It’s a conversation rooted in truth, compassion, and the shared human experience of suffering. They touch on how resilience doesn’t always look like toughness—it can also appear as softness, such as showing up when you don’t want to, and giving yourself and others grace along the way. Lyndsay and Erika remind us that community support isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. And that in speaking about grief, we help others feel just a little less alone in theirs. Tune in for an episode that makes space for loss, honors the complexity of healing, and shows us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is write it down and speak it aloud. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Content Warning (00:23) Living with Chronic Pain and Trauma (02:52) Introducing Erica Mahoney and Her Story (04:11) The Day of the Tragedy (09:27) The Aftermath of Loss (13:07) Navigating Grief and Community Support (20:15) The Impact of Gun Violence (27:30) Finding Purpose Through Pain (33:39) The Healing Power of Writing (45:44) Reflections on Resilience and Healing Find Erika Mahoney Online Here: Website: www.erikamahoney.com Instagram: @erika_mahoney_ LinkedIn: Erika Mahoney YouTube: Erika Mahoney Podcast: Senseless with Erika Mahoney on Lemonada Media Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Season four of The Pain Game Podcast opens with a shift. Lyndsay Soprano returns to the mic to share where she’s been, what this podcast has meant to her, and why this next chapter is taking a new direction. This season moves into the world of true crime, but not in the way you might expect. The focus isn’t on shock or spectacle. It’s on the people left behind. The survivors. The professionals who sit with trauma every day. The families whose lives are split into before and after. Lyndsay reflects on personal milestones, the growth of the podcast community, and the deeper purpose behind this new season. The heart of The Pain Game Podcast remains the same: giving pain purpose and holding space for the stories that shape us. Throughout Season 4, listeners will hear from survivors, investigators, advocates, and experts who understand what happens after tragedy. These are conversations about grief, resilience, justice, and the long road back to living. This is not just a new season. It is a new lens. Tune in to the Season 4 opener and step into a season of truth, resilience, and the stories that refuse to be forgotten. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Season 4 Preview (00:47) Reflecting on Season 3 Highlights (02:09) Personal Milestones and Gratitude (04:04) Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries (05:51) Shifting Focus to True Crime and Trauma (07:17) Exploring Human Resilience and Healing (08:44) Community Engagement and Season 4 Goals (09:12) Closing Remarks and Call to Action Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now! Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone. ++ Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show