In this powerful episode of the Midlife Mavericks Podcast, I sits down with Leigh Brandon, CHEK Practitioner, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Strength & Conditioning Coach, to explore the misunderstood world of chronic pain.

Leigh shares his personal journey into health after a major wake-up call and explains why chronic pain isn’t just about age or injury, it’s a message from the body that needs to be understood, not silenced.

Together, they unpack the physical, nutritional, and emotional root causes of pain and how most conventional approaches miss the mark. From the impact of gut health and food toxins to the emotional weight men carry in silence, this episode will challenge the way you think about healing and what’s possible in the second half of life.

Connect with Leigh:

Website: https://www.bodychek.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radicalhealthrebel

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxqjgF7oEddNbvYYS8hLaMQ

Key Takeaways:

• Chronic pain is not a life sentence — it’s a signal, not a sentence.
• Leigh’s personal health scare sparked a lifelong mission to help others heal.
• Pain is a conversation between the body and brain; shutting it down doesn’t solve the problem.
• True healing requires addressing structural, nutritional, and emotional components.
• Gut health and inflammation play a major role in persistent pain.
• Common foods and toxins can quietly contribute to chronic inflammation.
• Emotional stress, unresolved trauma, and belief systems influence physical pain.
• Movement is essential, even when it’s uncomfortable — the body needs stimulus to heal.
• Recovery begins when men believe they can heal and are willing to explore beyond the surface.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journeys

03:42 Mission and Passion for Health

06:39 The Journey into Health and Fitness

12:44 Understanding Chronic Pain

18:36 Empathy Through Personal Experience

22:36 The Importance of Learning and Qualifications

28:17 Assessing and Addressing Pain

34:15 Case Studies: Structural Issues and Solutions

41:05 The Role of Physiotherapy and Acupuncture in Recovery

50:25 Understanding Nutrition's Impact on Pain

01:05:35 The Power of Food: Healing Through Nutrition

01:17:56 The Flaws in the Current Medical System

01:19:08 The Role of Nutrition and Supplements

01:25:12 Understanding Neurological Pain

01:40:31 Finding Solutions for Chronic Pain

01:51:43 Taking Control of Your Health