TPF #26: Nancy Deyo - From perfectionism to pain to true freedom

TPF #30: The Pain Science of Hope: The Psychology of a Trap

Hope is not a strategy; it is an anesthetic. This episode challenges the cultural obsession with positive thinking. We examine how hope actively prevents action, locks you into cycles of suffering, and acts as a psychological trap. If you want true freedom from emotional and mental pain, you have to trade hope for discipline and reality. This isn't about self-help optimism—it’s about using pain science and strict discipline to face reality as it is, master your desires, and take accountability. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress [https://www.fourtress.org/] podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

TPF #29: Dr. Jeffrey Bone - The uninvited guest: Understanding chronic pain

Dr. Jeff Bone holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kenyon College, as well as a doctoral and master's degrees in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. He has authored two collections of poetry, multiple coloring books, and two chronic illness journals. He's the host of the podcast "To The Bone: Conversations on Pain, Illness, and Meaning." Dr. Bone has over two decades of experience specializing in aspects of the human chronic pain and illness, focusing on helping individuals manage the challenges that come with long-term debilitating health issues and helping to rebuild their sense of self and relationships after medication-driven behaviors have resulted in adverse events in their lives  In this insightful interview, Dr. Jeffrey Bone shares his personal journey through chronic pain, the emotional and psychological impacts, and how creativity and community can aid in managing suffering. Discover practical advice on navigating chronic illness, the importance of grief, and fostering solidarity. Learn more about Dr. Bone's work at https://www.drbone.live/ [https://www.drbone.live/] The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress [https://www.fourtress.org/] podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

TPF #28: The Right Forest: How to Choose Correctly to Avoid Emotional Pain

Most of us are rushing through life, desperately trying to cross hurdles without first understanding which "forest" we actually need to cross. What if the biggest challenge isn’t the obstacle itself but the clarity — or confusion — about whether we are crossing the right one? In this episode of The Pain Factor, we discuss why rushing into action often leads us down the wrong path—and how pinpointing the "right forest" can save us years of wasted effort and prevent burnout. The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress [https://www.fourtress.org/] podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

TPF #27: Adriene Caldwell - From Trauma to Triumph: Healing from Childhood Abuse

Adriene Caldwell is the Author of “Unbroken: Life outside the lines”, a story of destruction and discovery - of darkness given free rein and an innate light that refuses to dim. In this compelling interview, Adrian shares her inspiring journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, loss, and mental health struggles to a life of hope, resilience, and purpose. She discusses the importance of understanding trauma, the power of forgiveness, and the need for societal change to better support foster children and trauma survivors. Follow Adriene: * on Instagram: #unbrokencaldwell [https://www.instagram.com/unbrokencaldwell/] * on Facebook: facebook.com/UnbrokenCaldwel [https://www.facebook.com/UnbrokenCaldwel] * Learn more about Adriene at www.unbrokencaldwell.com [https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/] The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress [https://www.fourtress.org/] podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.

TPF #26: Nancy Deyo - From perfectionism to pain to true freedom

Nancy Deyo is a former Silicon Valley CEO, author and speaker, and a Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow. Her forthcoming memoir, Perilous Ascent, chronicles a fifteen-year journey through misdiagnosis, chronic pain, opioid dependence, mania, and a marriage pushed to its limits. In this episode, Nancy shares her 15-year journey through chronic pain, opioid dependence, and personal transformation after a life-changing Kilimanjaro climb. Discover insights on pain, resilience, and redefining success beyond failure. Follow Nancy: * on Substack: "Life inside pain" -  @nancydeyo [https://substack.com/@nancydeyo] The Pain Factor is a Project Fourtress [https://www.fourtress.org/] podcast. Project Fourtress is a secular, humanist project, dedicated to find answers to the physical, mental and emotional pain people experience, as well as offer help to deal with these issues. To learn more about Project Fourtress, please visit fourtress.org.