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In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Lenz introduces Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who discusses the often overlooked aspect of our sensory experiences: interoception. Kelly explains interoception as the body's ability to perceive its internal state, which affects emotions, hunger, pain, and more. She shares insights into how recognizing and fostering interoception can improve life quality, reduce distress, and aid in managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. The conversation also covers the challenges of those with interoceptive differences, particularly in the neurodivergent community, and the importance of personalized approaches to therapy. Kelly and Dr. Lenz also touch on the scientific backing of interoception and its relevance in both understanding oneself and navigating healthcare interactions more effectively.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Introducing Occupational Therapy and Interoception
00:47 Meet the Host: Dr. Michael Lens's Background and Disclaimer
01:13 Introducing Kelly Mahler: The Occupational Therapist's Journey
01:33 Understanding Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing
02:44 Diving Deep into Our Senses: Beyond the Basic Five
04:34 Exploring Interoception: The Internal Sense
05:08 Kelly's Personal and Professional Discovery of Interoception
05:57 The Impact of Interoception Differences on Daily Life
13:39 Investigating the Causes of Interoception Differences
16:39 The Real-life Consequences of Interoception Differences
22:12 Improving Interoception: Strategies and Mindfulness
25:04 Raising Interoception Awareness: Education and Advocacy
31:27 Final Thoughts and Resources for Interoception

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A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.