Episode 356: Mike Murray Part 1

·20 min·2 clips

Mike Murray retired at 43, but three years of unexplained pain led him to uncover the emotional roots of his suffering.

Annette Leonard introduces Mike Murray, a retired outdoorsman from Massachusetts who built a successful company. The episode begins with Mike's life in 2016-17 ski season, living in New Hampshire with a condo in Wyoming, where he was physically active. A blister developed during backcountry skiing, triggering anxiety about missing the season. This escalated to a hamstring pull, shoulder pain, and emotional distress including crying and isolation. Mike received a diagnosis requiring hip replacement, which devastated him as he valued his athletic identity. He describes a panic attack in a mall while shopping for his daughter's birthday present. After seeing 17 doctors, a neurologist mentioned anxiety could cause nerve pain. Mike then read 'Healing Back Pain' by Dr. John Sarno, given by his friend Carl, which introduced tension myositis syndrome (TMS). TMS theory suggests repressed emotions create real physical pain, challenging Western medicine's focus on structural issues. Mike explains he didn't resist this idea because physical failure was more threatening to him. The host notes Mike's book documents this journey and previews part two, which will cover emotional work, therapy, and meditation. The episode ends with a book giveaway announcement and instructions for listeners.

As heard by us

A candid conversation about pain, vulnerability, and the beliefs that can make suffering feel isolating.

Mike Murray's story turns three years of body pain, a hip replacement, and repeated doctor's appointments into a candid look at how suffering can shrink a life.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when Mike Murray's hip replacement and years of body pain open into fear, isolation, and the belief that happiness had to wait until he was pain free.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Chronic Wellness