In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, host Dana Jones speaks with Charlie Merrill, a physical therapist and founder of Merrill Performance. They discuss the integration of mind-body therapy in treating pain, particularly for athletes. Charlie shares his journey into this field, influenced by the works of John Sarno and Howard Schubiner, and emphasizes the importance of belief in recovery. The conversation explores the psychological aspects of pain, the role of neuroplasticity, and the need for athletes to unlearn harmful narratives about their bodies. Charlie also highlights the significance of understanding the emotional impact of training and racing, and how this knowledge can empower athletes to manage their pain effectively.takeaways

• Charlie Merrill emphasizes the importance of creating a niche in physical therapy.
• Belief in recovery is crucial for positive outcomes.
• Pain is a normal part of athletic life and serves as a protector.
• Neuroplasticity allows for change in how we perceive pain.
• Athletes often prefer physical explanations for pain over psychological ones.
• Understanding the emotional aspects of training can help manage pain.
• The brain plays a key role in regulating physical sensations and pain.
• Unlearning harmful narratives about pain is essential for recovery.
• Nutrition and mental state significantly impact athletic performance.
• The rise of ultra-endurance sports highlights the need for mental resilience.

Charlie's Bio:

Charlie Merrill is a Physical Therapist and the founder of ⁠Merrill Performance⁠ in Boulder, CO. He's synthesized treatment of the mind and body for over 25 years to support people in returning to a high level of performance in their lives. In his practice, Charlie combines traditional hands on manual therapy and movement with a novel mind-body approach to treat a wide range of clients including some of the best runners, cyclists, rock climbers, and CrossFitters in the world. In addition to being a master clinician, Charlie is an educator, clinical mentor, clinical consultant with ⁠Lin Health⁠, and a content creator and influencer in the chronic pain space.

Charlie co-created the course "⁠Beyond Pain Education⁠" with Dr Howard Schibiner, MD to educate and mentor clinicians who are traditionally body oriented how to transition toward a more psychosocially informed approach to pain and function. He runs a 12 week immersive course for athletes looking to unlearn and overcome chronic symptoms called ⁠Unlearning Pain For Athletes⁠. Charlie created and teaches a 6 week course for body oriented clinicians in collaboration with the ⁠Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center⁠. He’s a content creator appearing on ⁠Podcasts⁠, his channel on ⁠YouTube⁠, and is active on ⁠Instagram⁠ supporting people in pain. Charlie is actively involved in clinical research and consults in the digital health technology space. He also serves on the medical advisory board for "⁠The Better Mind Center⁠". Charlie is a lifelong competitive athlete in a variety of disciplines and lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and three teenage kids.

Dana’s Links:

⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, host Dana Jones speaks with Rachel Robertson, a kinesiologist and Pilates specialist, about her journey in helping individuals recover from injuries through movement. Rachel shares her insights on the importance of Pilates in injury recovery, the emotional aspects of healing, and how to empower clients to take an active role in their recovery process. The conversation delves into the significance of body awareness, posture, and the connection between physical and emotional health in the journey towards pain-free movement.

About Rachel

Rachel Robertson is a kinesiologist and Pilates specialist with over a decade of experience helping others overcome physical limitations and rebuild trust in their bodies. She blends science and movement artistry to support injury recovery and sustainable strength.

A two-time World Kettlebell Champion and community wellness advocate, Rachel also educates fellow kinesiologists through workshops and webinars. She holds a Kinesiology degree from the University of Western Ontario and is a recognized member of BCAK.

Her passion for movement, shaped by her athletic background and personal journey, continues to inspire clients and professionals alike.

Free Resource for Listeners

Title: Online Mat Classes

Description: A mat Pilates playlist of workouts for building inner and outer strength.

Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHLQU2Z6w_-C3FyRf7d9yi8wb3d5tdI5L&si=bBZcL2VJTtCwhVQa

https://returntoform.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/returntoformkinesiology/

https://www.facebook.com/ReturntoFormKinesiologyPilates/

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode, Dana Jones welcomes Dr. Raeeda Gheewala, also known as "The Kidney Queen," to discuss the vital connection between kidney health and athletic performance. Dr. Gheewala is a board-certified nephrologist and founder of Sports Nephrology, the only international sports clinic dedicated to athlete kidney health. They explore:

• Why athletes are at unique risk for kidney injuries, including conditions like rhabdomyolysis and exercise-associated hyponatremia.
• The impact of NSAIDs and pain medications on kidney function and best practices to protect your kidneys during recovery.
• Practical hydration strategies and why athletes need more than just water—electrolytes matter.
• How protein intake relates to kidney workload and individualized recommendations for athletes and active adults.
• The importance of getting a health baseline before starting or ramping up training.
• Key advice for parents, youth athletes, and coaches on supporting hydration and electrolyte balance for performance and safety.

Dr. Raeeda Gheewala is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Nephrology with over two decades of clinical experience. She is one of the few specialists in Sports Nephrology, combining her deep knowledge of kidney health with a passion for athletic performance and wellness.

Her work focuses on helping athletes and active individuals optimize hydration, recovery, and kidney function to achieve peak performance while reducing the risk of injury and long-term complications.

A strong advocate for prevention and proactive health, Dr. Gheewala empowers others to protect their kidneys and overall wellbeing through informed lifestyle choices. Her patient-centered, holistic approach has earned her respect among both medical professionals and athletes.

Through her clinical practice, public speaking, and digital platforms, Dr. Gheewala continues to educate and inspire, showing that pain-free, sustainable performance begins with healthy kidneys and balanced living.

Dr. Raeeda Gheewala’s Links:

Website: sportsnephrology.com

Instagram: @thekidneyqueenmd

Email: info@sportsnephrology.com

Here’s the link to the Free Protein Quiz, which provides listeners with their personalized protein target and a high-protein meal plan when they subscribe to the newsletter: Protein Quiz

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

This episode features a deep dive into unconventional training with Shawn Richardson, inventor of the BAMF Hammer—a versatile tool designed to build rotational strength, power, and mobility across all athlete backgrounds. Shawn shares his journey from an acting career to fitness innovation, and Dana explores how functional movement supports injury prevention and lasting resilience.​

Shawn is the founder of BAMF Hammer, combining a lifelong passion for movement, comic book inspiration, and practical training experience. After transitioning from acting to fitness, he developed the BAMF Hammer to fill gaps he noticed in mainstream gym equipment and methods, particularly around rotational strength.

• Find Shawn on Instagram: @bamfhammer

• Join his free coaching school for sustainable fitness resolutions and rotational training tips—contact him via Instagram for details.

  
  

  Dana’s Links:

  ⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

  
  

  ⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

  
  

  Podcast Disclaimer:

  The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

• 
  

  
  

This roundtable dives into women's health and performance, with leading guests discussing how female athletes break barriers in sports and overcome challenges tied to training, nutrition, mental health, and identity. Host Dana Jones moderates a lively panel with Dr. Abbey DeBruin (orthopedic surgeon), Alex Larson (dietitian and endurance athlete), and Katie Armstrong (hormone health coach), exploring topics such as the unique needs of women's physiology, cycle tracking, injury prevention, and the power of positive role models. The conversation wraps with practical advice for athletes at all stages—championing muscle-building, balanced nutrition, and embracing authentic self-expression on the journey to lifelong health and athletic longevity.

About Dr. Abbey DeBruin

Dr. Abbey DeBruin is an orthopedic surgeon based in Green Bay and a Kaukauna native. She trained at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Virginia, where she served as a team doctor for UVA and James Madison University.

She treats athletes of all ages, specializing in ACL and multi-ligament knee injuries, meniscus tears, patellofemoral instability, AC joint separations, shoulder instability, and female-athlete injuries. Her surgical expertise includes osteotomies, rotator cuff and labral repairs, knee replacements, shoulder replacements, and the MISHA procedure for early knee arthritis.

Dr. DeBruin’s passion is helping people stay active—whether returning athletes to sport or getting older adults back to the activities they love.

https://osmsgb.com/doctors/abbey-debruin-md/

About Katie Armstrong

Katie Armstrong is a lifelong athlete and women’s performance coach who guides midlife women through the hormonal transitions of perimenopause and menopause with a focus on strength, metabolic health, and longevity. As a former triathlete and yoga teacher, she brings a unique blend of grit, grace, and evidence-based insight to the conversation.

https://www.inspiredliving.coach/

IG: @katie_armstrongfitness

About Alex Larson

Alex Larson is a Minnesota-based registered dietitian who felt her calling the moment she crossed the finish line of Ironman Wisconsin and has leaned into this mission of serving endurance based athletes.. She works with endurance athletes on fueling for improved performance and body composition through a flexible eating style. She has worked with athletes from all over the U.S. and in over 15 different countries and her herself has completed 20+ triathlons including Ironmans and multiples 10K and half marathons. Her clients fall back in love with their sport and life again.

https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/

IG: @alexlarsonnutrition

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

About William Person

William Person is a former nine-year Team USA Bobsled athlete whose career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE. At his lowest point, he could barely get up off the floor, lost in confusion, depression, and deteriorating brain. Hope came when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity in his thinking, color to his vision, and purpose to his life. Today, William is on a mission to raise awareness of brain damage in sports, the importance of protecting and healing the brain, and he’s on a mission to open a nonprofit CTE Recovery Center to help athletes and veterans heal at no cost to them.

William’s GoFundMe is: https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e

To raise funds to purchase a medical grade hyperbaric oxygen chamber for a free CTE Recovery Center for athletes, military veterans, and civilians battling CTE like symptoms. By removing the burden of cost, William hopes to give quality of life back to as many people as possible, but he needs help to do it.

Links to William’s Social Media: @onemanwithachamber

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/william.person.792233

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-person-4072b417/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/willp1234567?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQC

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1_

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, host Dana Jones speaks with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, a physical therapist and expert in running medicine. They discuss Dr. Mihevc Edwards' personal journey with a rare heart condition, ARVC, and how it has shaped her identity as an athlete and a parent. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of being a runner, the importance of emotional support during recovery, and the introduction of the Run Source app, designed to assist runners in managing injuries and improving their training. The episode emphasizes the need for understanding the mental health aspects of athletic injuries and the importance of finding supportive healthcare providers.

Kate Mihevc Edwards, PT, DPT, OCS (http://www.katemihevcedwards.com/), physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic specialist who practices running medicine. She has over 15+ years of experience working with high performers, CEOs, runners and athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to Olympians. She is the founder of Precision Performance Running Medicine Clinic (http://www.precisionpt.org/) in Atlanta, GA, RUNsource app (http://www.fastbananas.com/). And co-host of the Interdisciplinary Case MIles Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interdisciplinary-case-miles/id1837802044). She is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team supporting Atlanta Track Club Elite. Dr. Edwards has served as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine and is a published author and speaker, contributing extensively to education, research and the advancement of sports medicine for runners.

Follow her at: @katemihevcedwards @FBrunsource @precisionpt_atl

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, host Dana Jones speaks with Andrew Colsky, a behavioral sleep clinician, about the critical role of sleep in overall health, particularly in relation to chronic pain and anxiety. They discuss various techniques for improving sleep quality, the impact of technology on sleep, and the importance of sleep hygiene. Colsky also addresses common misconceptions about melatonin and offers insights into navigating sleep challenges across different life stages.

Andrew's Bio:

Andrew Colsky, a distinguished attorney and licensed mental health clinician, is a pioneering force in the field of sleep science, behavioral therapy, and mental health advocacy. Known widely as "The Sleep Science Guy," Andrew brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, therapeutic insight, and compassionate advocacy to his work, making him one of the leading voices in sleep health and wellness. As the host of the “Sleep Science Today” radio show and founder of the National Sleep Center, Andrew’s mission is clear: to democratize access to high-quality sleep science and promote sleep as an essential pillar of well-being.

Andrew's Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/sleepsciencetoday/
• https://www.facebook.com/sleepsciencetoday/
• https://www.youtube.com/@SleepScienceToday
• https://www.pinterest.com/SleepScienceToday/?actingBusinessId=1021754371618341477

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠

⁠⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠ ⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.