In this episode, Joseph and Richard sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy, who went from an eight-time All-American swimmer to a young man told he might need a wheelchair after a surfing accident shattered his back. Instead of giving up, Vinny turned his recovery into a lifelong mission: helping others break free from pain by addressing both body and mind.
The conversation explores the limits of traditional rehab, the surprising ways pain can serve as an unconscious ally, and how breathwork, somatic awareness, and nervous system retraining create lasting change. If you’ve ever struggled with chronic pain, mobility issues, or the stories your body carries, this episode offers profound insights — and practical steps forward.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Pain is not just physical — it’s also emotional, neurological, and relational.
- Chronic pain often rewires the brain to process pain differently than acute injuries.
- Our “story” about pain can amplify its intensity and keep us stuck.
- Mobility blocks are often about nervous system safety, not muscle length.
- Healing requires both physiological retraining and emotional regulation.
- Extinction bursts — painful flare-ups — can be powerful opportunities for growth.
- Meeting pain with compassion, curiosity, and play can radically change outcomes.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Products and Tools Mentioned:
- Pain Academy programs – https://painacademy.net
- Conscious Connected Breathwork (Joseph & Richard’s framework)
Further Reading:
- Research on chronic pain neuroplasticity (fMRI studies)
- John Marchese, Neurological doctor (referenced in episode)
- Previous RUNGA Radio episodes about pain:
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.