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Beyond Weight Loss: Chuck Carroll's Transformative Journey with Chronic Pain and Invisible Illness

In this episode, we share a compelling and deeply personal interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room Podcast, originally featured on the Fit Vegan Podcast. Known as the Weight Loss Champion, Chuck's journey extends far beyond shedding over 200 pounds. He discusses his experiences with addiction, trauma, and invisible illnesses including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and disorders of gut-brain interaction. Chuck's story sheds light on the complex relationship between diet, chronic pain, and mental health, touching on his struggles with binge eating and the limitations of conventional treatments. Through candid recounting and medical insights, Chuck highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the ongoing battle many face in their search for wellness.

00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight
00:20 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles
01:03 Living with Chronic Pain: Chuck's Personal Battle
02:37 The Reality of Binge Eating and Early Health Struggles
04:39 Considering Gastric Surgery: A Desperate Measure
06:49 Post-Surgery Realizations and Dietary Changes
08:52 The Shift to a Plant-Based Diet
14:11 Facing New Health Challenges: Gut-Brain Disorders
17:25 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil
19:29 Navigating Chronic Pain and Seeking Answers
35:00 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms
38:12 Conclusion: Resilience and Advocacy

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International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers.

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

The Reality of 'The Biggest Loser': A Medical Perspective

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Dr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and Lifestyle medicine physician, reviews the Netflix documentary 'The Biggest Loser' from a medical perspective. He discusses the extreme and often dangerous tactics used on the show, the emotional and psychological consequences for contestants, and the implications for long-term health. Dr. Lenz highlights evidence-based treatments for weight loss and related conditions like binge eating disorder and ADHD. Through clips from the show and interviews with experts, he stresses the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care for sustainable health changes.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose
00:26 The Reality of The Biggest Loser
01:33 Personal Struggles and Insights
03:33 Medical Perspectives on Weight Loss
07:02 Extreme Measures and Their Consequences
09:53 Emotional and Psychological Impact
11:04 Temptations and Traps
14:39 Medical Conditions and Personal Stories
18:32 Long-Term Health and Sustainability
23:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Golden Girls and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lessons from Dorothy's Journey

Dr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and lifestyle medicine physician, explores the depiction of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia through the character Dorothy from the Golden Girls. Reflecting on specific scenes from the 1989 episodes, Dr. Lenz highlights how experiences with these conditions are often dismissed by the medical community, yet remain profoundly debilitating for patients. The episode illustrates the importance of compassionate, holistic care and validates the real suffering behind such invisible illnesses. Dr. Lenz also shares the backstory of how these episodes were inspired by the show creator Susan Harris' real-life experience.

00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain Syndromes
00:15 Dorothy's Struggle Begins
01:59 Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
03:09 Medical Dismissal and Patient Frustration
04:24 The Impact of Personal Stress
06:15 The Role of Psychiatry in Chronic Illness
09:31 Family Support and Validation
11:47 The Medical Maze and Specialist Referrals
22:57 A Compassionate Diagnosis
28:31 The Backstory of the Golden Girls Episodes
29:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Checkout the video here.

Opioids and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Risks and Alternatives

In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, the host delves into the complex and often controversial topic of using opioids for treating fibromyalgia. The discussion is anchored around a comprehensive review from the Mayo Proceedings and explores why opioids, despite being widely prescribed, are not effective for fibromyalgia patients and may even be harmful. The podcast also covers the mechanisms of fibromyalgia, how it differs from other pain disorders, and why alternative treatments such as FDA-approved medications, exercise, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional medical advice before making any changes to their treatment plans.

00:00 Introduction to Opioids and Fibromyalgia
01:23 Understanding Fibromyalgia and Opioid Use
03:18 Medical Guidelines and Opioid Efficacy
05:39 Neuroimaging Insights and Opioid Hyperalgesia
07:28 Expert Opinions and Alternative Treatments
08:28 Reasons for Continued Opioid Prescriptions
09:27 Psychological and Social Factors
10:26 Moving Forward: Multidisciplinary Care
12:14 Guidance for Current Opioid Users
16:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Building Trust and Effective Communication in Chronic Pain Care with Michelle Makos

In part two of this enlightening conversation, Michelle Makos shares practical strategies for building trust and effective communication between patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of validating patients' experiences. Michelle discusses the innovative peer method that is helping transform pain care, reflecting on the complexities in the patient-provider relationship. She offers valuable insights into understanding patients' values and addresses the essential role of self-efficacy and motivation in managing chronic pain. Through her work with Moving Through Chronic Pain and the pain management commission in Oregon, Michelle is dedicated to improving care and education for both patients and providers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone dealing with or treating chronic pain.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One
00:21 Building Trust and Effective Communication
03:14 Understanding Patient Values and Experiences
08:56 The Role of Peer Support in Chronic Pain Management
19:56 Functional Assessment and Validation
29:47 Conclusion and How to Get Connected

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Navigating Chronic Pain: Insights and Support with Michelle Marikos: Part 1

In this episode, we transition from clinical perspectives on fibromyalgia to the lived experiences of chronic pain sufferers. Special guest Michelle Marikos shares her profound journey through chronic pain, surgeries, and the challenging world of opioid treatment. Highlighting the importance of peer support and clear communication, Michelle discusses her work with the PEER method, which supports both patients and healthcare providers. Her story underlines the interconnectedness of chronic pain with family and community, advocating for empathy and effective communication in managing pain. This conversation offers vital insights for both patients and providers, emphasizing that while a cure may not be immediate, there are ways to live a meaningful life alongside chronic pain.

00:00 Introduction to Michelle's Journey
00:49 Meet Michelle Marikos
02:42 Michelle's Early Life and Injury
04:02 The Struggle with Chronic Pain
10:05 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact
15:03 The Role of Family in Chronic Pain
17:28 The PEER Method and Provider Training
19:35 Expectations and Misunderstandings in Chronic Pain
28:14 Reflections on Medical Training and Communication
31:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Children: Insights with Dr. William Frye

In this episode, Dr. William Frye delves into practical strategies for families and clinicians to help children manage chronic pain. Building on the challenges discussed in part one, he emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches, including sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines, alongside mental health. Dr. Frye highlights the significance of tracking headaches, establishing functional goals, and reducing catastrophizing thoughts through psychoeducation. Additionally, he shares success stories and offers hopeful perspectives for families navigating chronic pain management.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One
00:21 Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain
00:57 Non-Pharmacological Approaches
04:52 Importance of Sleep and Healthy Routines
07:02 Tracking and Understanding Headaches
11:49 Focus on Functionality Over Pain Reduction
17:03 Psychoeducation and Pain Catastrophizing
19:51 Success Stories and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this episode, we explore the complexities of pediatric chronic pain with Dr. William Frye, a pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Dr. Frye discusses the extended journeys families often undertake before reaching specialized care, the prevalence and challenges of polypharmacy, and the significant role non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches play in managing pediatric chronic pain. The episode also delves into the importance of mental health, comprehensive patient assessment, and individualized treatment strategies. Dr. Frye emphasizes the need for holistic care, citing high rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among patients, and sheds light on the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face. Stay tuned for part two, where practical strategies for managing chronic pain will be discussed.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. William Frye
01:27 Dr. Frye's Background and Journey into Pain Psychology
02:24 Overview of the Headache Study
03:33 Key Findings and Surprising Results
05:41 Challenges in the Healthcare Journey
08:05 Balancing Medication and Non-Medication Treatments
14:47 Mental Health's Role in Chronic Headaches
20:16 Unique Challenges for Neurodevelopmental Conditions
24:11 Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care
26:19 Conclusion and Preview of Part Two

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*