The Most Painful Podcast

The Most Painful Podcast

Welcome to The Most Painful Podcast! This podcast covers all aspects of chronic pain by presenting evidence-based information that provides better insight into chronic pain. Recent Government of Canada research found that Veterans are twice as likely to suffer from chronic pain compared to others in the Canadian population. We aim to investigate how this impacts Veterans and their families. We explore topics such as cannabis and psychedelics, and do they help treat chronic pain? We also investigate back surgery, military identity and what military and professional athletes have in common with identity. The evidence-based information on the show will help Veterans, clinicians, researchers, and anyone suffering from chronic pain. It is a 360-degree approach to education on chronic pain. https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/ The MOST PAINFUL PODCAST is produced for the Chronic Pain Center of Excellence by Story Studio Network and iContact Productions.

Episodes

December 10, 2025 23 mins
In previous episodes, we've discussed the deep connection between mental health and chronic pain. Today, we take that conversation further with Dr. Venue Karapareddy, a psychiatrist with specialized expertise in brain health, neuroplasticity, and innovative mental health treatments.

Dr. Karapareddy is a clinician and researcher who focuses on complex conditions such as PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and chronic pain. He is ac...
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Today, we welcome back Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, E.P. Taylor Chair in Pain Studies at McGill University, to explore the fascinating world of preclinical pain research—specifically, the role of gender differences.

In this episode, host Tom Hoppe asks Dr. Mogil to explain what preclinical research is and why studying sex differences in animal models, like rats, is critical for understanding how pain is experienced and treated differently in ...
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In Season One, we explored how chronic pain can affect children—and how parental pain may increase the risk of chronic pain in the next generation.

In this episode, host Tom Hoppe welcomes back Dr. Melanie Noel, Principal Investigator of the original study, to discuss her latest research examining the unique needs of Veteran families living with chronic pain. Together, they explore how chronic pain impacts not just individuals, but ...
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How does mindset influence chronic pain, recovery, and treatment outcomes? And what role does identity play in the healing process?

In this episode, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Nicholas Held, Interim Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). Nicholas shares insights from his recent research exploring mindset, identity, and transition during physical rehabilitation and recovery. ...
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Many of you may be familiar with the biopsychosocial model of pain, which recognizes that chronic pain isn’t just physical—it also has psychological and social dimensions.In this episode, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Tim Salomons, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen’s University. They explore the phenomenon of pain flashbacks, treatment options including mindfulness and ketamine, and the complex challeng...
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We’ve often discussed the importance of movement, exercise, and muscle strength on this podcast. But as we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass—a process that can significantly impact chronic pain and overall function.So, how can we slow muscle loss and maintain strength over time?In this episode, host Tom Hoppe welcomes back Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur to explore the science behind muscle loss and the best strategies to preserve ...
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Many people living with chronic pain also experience inflammation, which can significantly affect their quality of life. But what exactly is inflammation, and how can you reduce it?

In this episode, host Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Alexandra Perel-Winkler, a doctor and healer who works out of Clementine Natural Health. Dr. Perel-Winkler brings an integrative approach to health care, focusing on the root causes of illness and empoweri...
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Welcome to Season Six of The Most Painful Podcast!

This season, we’re diving deeper into the science and stories behind chronic pain with evidence-based insights to help improve your health and quality of life. Topics this season include inflammatory burden and how to reduce it, the intersection of sex and chronic pain, supplements for muscle loss, and much more—so be sure to subscribe!In this episode, host Tom Hoppe speaks with Dr...
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July 9, 2025 28 mins
Back by popular demand, Dr. Max Sun—Professor at UBC and Pain Specialist—returns to the podcast to dive deeper into a topic that affects millions: inflammatory arthritis. In Season 4, Dr. Sun gave us a broad overview of arthritis, and since then, we've heard from many listeners wanting to learn more. 

In this episode, Tom Hoppe explores the different types of inflammatory arthritis, how they’re diagnosed, and the latest treatments a...
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In this episode, Tom Hoppe explores how chronic pain research translates into real-world impact. This episode's guest is Cam Kowalski, the Director of Operations at the CPCoE. Cam shares how the CPCoE supports cutting-edge research and what that means for people living with chronic pain. 

Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or someone living with pain, this conversation will give you insight into how research drives better care—a...
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June 11, 2025 27 mins
Today, Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur to discuss a topic that was requested by the audience, postmenopausal symptoms.

This episode will cover what postmenopause symptoms are, how to manage them and some helpful tips.

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur - https://drsarahv.ca/
Dr. Sarah’s Podcast - https://drsarahv.ca/podcast-page/

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook ht...
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In this episode, Tom Hoppe speaks to Dr. Pavlos Bobos, an Assistant Professor in musculoskeletal health and a clinical epidemiologist who received education in physiotherapy. Dr. Bobos has just completed the latest research on regenerative procedures for Osteoarthritis.

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
Twitter https://twitte...
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April 16, 2025 28 mins
In today’s episode, we dive into how brain health plays a crucial role in chronic pain management. Tom Hoppe is joined by Dr. Brenda Lau, the Medical Director and renowned pain specialist at ChangePain in Vancouver, B.C.

ChangePain - https://www.changepain.ca/

For more about the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence visit
https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chronicpainCOE
Twitter https://twitter.com/chroni...
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Accessing healthcare can be challenging for Canadians without a family doctor, and Veterans are no exception. For Veterans, having a family doctor is often essential to navigate Veterans Affairs Canada benefits, as assessments, referrals, and documentation require a physician’s involvement. Unfortunately, many Veterans leaving the Canadian Armed Forces face additional hurdles when they find themselves without primary care.In this e...
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Welcome back to The Most Painful Podcast! We’re wrapping up our Live from Invictus series, bringing you one last inspiring conversation from the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, BC. Today, I have the great opportunity to speak with Oleksandr Androschuk, an athlete competing with the Ukrainian team. He shares his journey of resilience, the challenges of preparing for the Games, and what it means to represent his country on the inte...
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Welcome back to The Most Painful Podcast! We're continuing our Live from Invictus series, bringing you exclusive conversations straight from the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, BC. In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with Marie-Cécile Boeuf, a French athlete with an incredible story to tell. Competing in Skeleton, one of the most extreme winter sports, she shares a hair-raising account of what it’s like to race headfirs...
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Welcome back to The Most Painful Podcast! We're continuing our Live from Invictus series, bringing you exclusive conversations straight from the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, BC. In this episode, I had an unexpected but incredible reunion with Bruce Thompson—we discovered that we had served together in the same unit years ago. Bruce is now dedicating his time to supporting fellow Veterans through his work with Veterans Connect,...
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Welcome back to The Most Painful Podcast! We're continuing our Live from Invictus series, bringing you exclusive conversations straight from the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, BC. In this episode, we sit down with Clara John from the Liìote Nation, who carries a deep-rooted background in traditional medicine passed down from her uncle. Clara shares her personal experiences with the effects of traditional healing practices and th...
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Welcome back to The Most Painful Podcast! We're continuing our Live from Invictus series, bringing you exclusive conversations straight from the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, BC. In this episode, we sit down with Igor Khoeodylo, the medic for the Ukrainian Invictus team. As a former combat medical lead and past Invictus athlete, Igor brings a unique perspective on both the battlefield and the competition. Join us as we discuss ...
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Welcome back to The Most Painful Podcast! We're continuing our Live from Invictus series, bringing you exclusive conversations straight from the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, BC.

In this episode, we sit down with Senator Rebecca Patterson, a former Rear Admiral with the Canadian Armed Forces and now a Senator focusing on defence and Veteran policy. Join us as we discuss her transition from military leadership to policy making, h...
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