What if your best pain reliever wasn’t in your medicine cabinet but in your sense of humor?

In this uplifting episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts explores the surprising power of laughter as a tool for reducing chronic pain, stress, and even inflammation. Through storytelling, research, and a guided mini “laughter workout,” Stacey reveals how intentional laughter can shift brain chemistry, activate healing hormones, and provide real relief from discomfort, all without side effects.

Whether it’s Norman Cousins’ famous recovery through Marx Brothers reruns or modern studies showing how laughter yoga lowers cortisol and improves life satisfaction, this episode makes one thing clear: a daily dose of joy might just be part of your wellness plan.

[00:00:00] – Opening gratitude and intro to laughter as medicine

[00:01:00] – What is laughter therapy and why it matters

[00:01:30] – Norman Cousins’ healing story with laughter

[00:03:01] – The physiology of laughter: cortisol, endorphins, circulation

[00:04:00] – How laughter shifts pain perception

[00:05:00] – Parasympathetic response and relaxation after laughter

[00:06:13] – Structured laughter (laughter yoga) and contagious effect

[00:07:19] – Cortisol reduction and oxytocin release from social laughter

[00:08:00] – Practical laughter prescription: laugh before/during stress

[00:08:50] – Mini laughter workout guided by Stacey

[00:10:00] – Norman Cousins revisited: 10 minutes of laughter = 2 hours of sleep

[00:10:45] – Chronic pain patients using humor see better life satisfaction

[00:11:30] – Final thoughts: Stacey’s 5-point laughter prescription

Laughter won’t replace medical treatment, but it’s a complementary practice that supports healing. If your pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare provider.

• Laugh every day — on purpose.

• Before something stressful, get your giggle reps in.

• Laugh with others — shared laughter multiplies the benefit.

• Reframe your pain — find humor in the struggle.

• And never underestimate a good snort-laugh.

📞 Call 414‑299‑8121

📧 Email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com

• Kramer, C. K., & Leitão, C. B. (2023). Laughter as medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies evaluating the impact of spontaneous laughter on cortisol levels. PLoS ONE, 18(5), e0286260. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286260
• 
  
• Şis, Ç., & Kılınç, T. (2022). The effect of laughter yoga on perceived stress, burnout, and life satisfaction in nurses during the pandemic: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 49, 101638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101638
• 
  
• Kuru Aliçi, N., & Bahçeli, P. Z. (2021). Effects of laughter therapy on life satisfaction and loneliness in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Rehabilitation Nursing, 46(2), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000288
• 
  
• Hassanzadeh, R., et al. (2017). The effect of laughter yoga on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. BMC Research Notes, 10, 371.

Could your medication be the hidden cause of your joint or muscle pain?

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts breaks down six common medication categories that may be contributing to chronic pain, without you even realizing it. From statins and antidepressants to NSAIDs and antibiotics, Stacey walks you through the real side effects that may be worsening your symptoms, not helping them.

She shares what the research says, what to look for in your own medication history, and what conversations to have with your provider if any of these medications ring a bell. You’ll also learn how nutrient testing, hormone evaluation, and functional medicine strategies can help restore your body’s natural healing systems, without stopping medication abruptly or unsupervised.

If you’ve been managing pain with no clear cause, this episode might be the missing piece.

• Do not stop any medications abruptly.
• 
  
• If you suspect a medication might be contributing to your pain, consult your provider and:
• 
  
• Track when symptoms started vs. when you started the medication
• 
  
• Request nutrient testing, hormone testing, and functional support
• 
  
• Explore pain-safe alternatives with professional guidance
• 
  

At New You Health and Wellness, we support patients struggling with unexplained muscle and joint pain. Our clinic offers:

• Functional medicine consultations
• 
  
• Nutrient and hormone testing
• 
  
• A personalized SoftWave therapy program
• 
  
• Food and gut health assessments
• 
  

Call 414-299-8121 or email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com to learn more.

• Statins:
• European Atherosclerosis Society. (2015). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehv043
• Ahmet et al. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835
• NSAIDs:
• Solaiman et al. (2024). https://aoj.amegroups.org/article/view/8367/html
• Cervoni, E. (2024). https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q2030
• Antidepressants:
• Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-are-the-real-risks-of-antidepressants
• Riediger et al. (2017). https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2017.00307
• Opioids:
• Lee et al. (2011). https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=MTQ0Ng%3D%3D&journal=60
• Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics:
• FDA Drug Safety Communication (2018).

Not everyone wants to rely on supplements or prescriptions to manage joint pain, and the good news is, you don’t always have to.

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts walks you through 7 common foods that are rich in polyphenols, natural plant compounds that act like your body’s clean-up crew. These antioxidant-rich pantry staples not only reduce inflammation but can also support joint tissue, gut health, and circulation. From olive oil and tea to turmeric and berries, Stacey breaks down how these foods work and where to find them in your kitchen.

You’ll also learn why even “healthy” foods can sometimes cause inflammation and how food sensitivity testing, like the ALCAT, can help you figure out exactly which pain-fighting foods are right for your body.

If you’re looking for practical, natural ways to reduce joint and muscle pain without another pill bottle—this episode is for you.

• Learn more about the ALCAT food sensitivity test: Call 414-299-8121 or email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• 
  
• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks
• Biomechanics: When Movement Matters
• Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle Health
• Hormones: A Missing Piece in Pain Relief
• 
  
• Stacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717
• New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com

Stacey Roberts, PT, MBA, MSN, RN, is an Amazon bestselling author, physical therapist, registered nurse, and functional medicine specialist with 30+ years of experience. She founded and runs New You Health and Wellness in Wauwatosa Wisconsin. Her program, detailed in her book, The Pain-Free...

Walk into any supplement aisle and you’ll see them: Glucosamine & Chondroitin, promising relief for your aching joints. But after decades of debate, are they actually effective? Or just another bottle of false hope?

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts breaks down the latest science, clears up the confusion, and helps you decide whether these popular joint supplements are a smart part of your long-term strategy, or just an unnecessary expense. She shares the newest research from a 2024 meta-analysis, explains how these compounds work in the body, and offers practical guidance on dosage, safety, and how to choose the right brand.

If you’ve ever wondered whether glucosamine and chondroitin are worth your time and money, or if you’re considering adding them to your arthritis relief plan, this episode is for you.

• Typical Dosage:
• 
  
• Glucosamine sulfate: 1500 mg/day
• Chondroitin sulfate: 800–1200 mg/day
• 
  
• Cautions:
• 
  
• People with shellfish allergies should use vegan versions.
• Those on blood thinners (e.g. warfarin) should consult their doctor first.
• Effects are not immediate. Give supplements at least 3–6 months before deciding.

ConsumerLab’s Picks:

(If you click on these Amazon links, New You Health and Wellness may receive a small commission should you decide to purchase.)

• Kirkland Signature (Costco) Advanced Glucosamine Chondroitin - https://amzn.to/3VvJlXu
• Cosamin DS for Joint Health - https://amzn.to/4nkIDIP
• 
  

Stacey’s Picks:

• Douglas Labs Glucosamine Plus Extra Strength - https://amzn.to/46xUZ91
• Thorne Glucosamine and Chondroitin - https://amzn.to/4nHWc4y
• Vegan Glucosamine and Chondroitin - https://amzn.to/4nsIV00i

• Rabade, A., Viswanatha, G. L., Nandakumar, K., & Kishore, A. (2024). Evaluation of efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and their combination regimen in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Inflammopharmacology, 32(3), 1759–1775. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-024-01460-9
• ConsumerLab (2017). Does glucosamine raise “bad” LDL cholesterol? Read article - https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/does-glucosamine-raise-ldl-bad-cholesterol/glucosamine-cholesterol/?search=Glucosamine

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• 
  
• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks

What if a few simple changes could get rid of your knee pain just as well as the anti-inflammatory medication in your cabinet?

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula, Stacey breaks down new research that’s changing the game for people living with knee arthritis. Instead of reaching for meds or bracing for surgery, what if a simple shift in your stride could ease the pain and even protect your joints from further damage? Sounds too good to be true, but the science is in, and Stacey explains exactly how it works.

You’ll hear how gait retraining, SoftWave therapy, and smart, personalized movement can create real, lasting relief without the side effects. If you’re tired of chasing symptoms and ready for something that actually works, this episode is for you.

Start now because pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence, and your next step could be your best one yet.

• [00:02] – What if your knee pain fix isn’t in a pill… but in your gait?
• [00:04] – The fascinating research that proves what to change in your stride, to get rid of knee pain
• [00:06] – Why biomechanics matters more than you think
• [00:08] – The MRI results that shocked researchers
• [00:10] – SoftWave therapy: What it is and why it works
• [00:11] – The forgotten link between your ankle, hip, and knee pain
• [00:13] – How fast can you feel relief—and avoid unnecessary surgery?
• [00:15] – Stacey’s bold reminder: “Pain is not a life sentence”

• SciTechDaily Article – Gait Study
• SoftWave Therapy Episode
• NSAIDs & Pain Sensitivity Episode
• SoftWave Therapy Details

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks
• Biomechanics: When Movement Matters
• Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle Health
• Hormones: A Missing Piece in Pain Relief
• Stacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717
• New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com



About the...

Can tiny needles actually reset your body’s pain system? In today's episode of the Pain-Free Formula podcast, Stacey is joined by Dr. Gabriel Pallante, a physical therapist, dry needling specialist, and the Founder of Health Hive LLC.

During this thought-provoking discussion, Stacey and Dr. Pallante discuss the need to rethink how practitioners approach persistent pain and physical dysfunction. Rather than focusing only on the site of discomfort, Dr. Pallante emphasizes whole-body connections, the nervous system’s role in pain responses, and the importance of looking beyond surface symptoms. The conversation highlights how different perspectives and philosophies can align when examined through the lens of modern science.

You'll hear about clinical practice and emerging research, showcasing how certain techniques may influence the body’s stress responses, mobility, and healing capacity. Learn how scientific findings, brain imaging, and cross-disciplinary studies are shaping how experts understand long-term pain patterns, protective mechanisms, and recovery. The discussion also touches on how technology and new modalities can complement traditional approaches to help patients move and feel better.

This episode underscores the need for practitioners and patients alike to see the body as an interconnected system, providing insight into why addressing hidden contributors to pain, rather than simply chasing symptoms, can be transformative.

Curious if dry needling can help your pain? Learn how this approach targets your body’s hidden pain signals. If you've enjoyed this episode of The Pain Free Formula podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Dr. Pallante's work with Intricate Art Spine and Body Solutions, a company that teaches dry needling, started during the pandemic by Dr. Jason Schuster and Dr. Angela Carlson.

• How dry needling differs from acupuncture, with the former focusing on regulating the autonomic nervous system rather than regulating chi.

• The importance of not always needling the painful spot on the first visit to avoid flaring up the sympathetic nervous system.

• Differences in teaching approaches between Dr. Pallante's method and other courses, and the importance of a holistic approach.

• Research supporting the use of dry needling for chronic pain and hyper-sensitization, as well as the ways regional interdependence and biomechanical factors can contribute to chronic pain.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Dr. Gabriel Pallante is the Founder of Health Hive LLC and a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy dedicated to reshaping how people experience health and recovery. A graduate of The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, he was inspired to pursue his career after witnessing his mother’s struggles with debilitating spinal and shoulder conditions. Driven to provide better solutions, he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and went on to specialize in dry needling, becoming a certified instructor who trains and mentors clinicians nationwide. At Health Hive, Dr. Pallante emphasizes holistic functional medicine, combining treatment for injuries and illnesses with care for mental and emotional well-being. He also holds certifications in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, blood flow restriction, dementia care, pain management, and more.

Resources:

Health Hive LLC

https://www.hlthhv.com/

Health Hive on LinkedIn

In today's episode of the Pain-Free Formula podcast, Stacey explores the surprising connection between pain, resilience, and the body’s own ability to heal.

Drawing inspiration from a popular documentary series, Stacey highlights how extreme challenges faced by host Chris Hemsworth reveal a deeper truth: pain is not only a signal but also a gateway to unlocking the body’s natural systems for relief. With insights from medical experts and decades of her own experience, she introduces the idea that the mind and body have far greater capacity to manage discomfort than we often realize.

The conversation then turns to science-backed methods that activate the body’s internal pharmacy, endorphins and other natural opioids, without the drawbacks of conventional pain medications. You'll hear about groundbreaking research, including findings from meditation retreats where participants showed measurable increases in natural painkillers. These studies point toward practices such as meditation, visualization, breath work, and even social connection as powerful tools to regulate pain while improving overall well-being.

By reframing pain as a message rather than an enemy, this episode encourages you to try accessible practices that harness the body’s innate intelligence, without needing extreme challenges to prove what science already shows.

Ready to try simple daily practices for less pain and more energy? Tune in to learn how to activate your body’s natural healing systems. If you've enjoyed this episode of The Pain Free Formula podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why pain should be seen as a messenger and how acknowledging it can lead to letting it go.

• A study by Professor Hamal Patel at the University of California, San Diego, which found that deep meditation increases endorphin and dynorphin levels.

• Breathing techniques such as box breathing and diaphragmatic breathing to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote parasympathetic activation.

• The concept of heart-brain coherence, a state where heart rhythms and brain activity are synchronized, promoting physiological alignment and emotional balance.

• How controlled cold showers or ice immersion paired with slow focus breathing can improve pain resilience.

• And much more...

Resources:

Limitless Series: Live Better Now, Hulu/Disney Channel

https://abc7.com/videoClip/17546135/

New You Health and Wellness

https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/

New You Health and Wellness eBooks

https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks/

Grab a copy of The Pain Free Formula book on Amazon

https://a.co/d/iVM1NEN

Medical Disclaimer:

Information in this program, as well as any information provided by New You Health and Wellness and its subsidiaries, is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a licensed physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging that we supply. Do not use the information on this website or...

In today's episode of The Pain Free Formula podcast, Stacey introduces you to a surprising tool for reducing inflammation that may already be in your kitchen: extra virgin olive oil.

The discussion explores why relying solely on conventional medications can come with long-term risks, and how a more natural approach can help support the body’s healing process without those negative side effects. You'll discover the science behind key compounds that influence how our bodies respond to pain and inflammation.

Learn how certain nutritional elements work on the same pathways as popular over-the-counter drugs but in gentler, more sustainable ways. Rather than overwhelming the body, these nutrients offer subtle yet powerful effects that build up with daily use.

You'll find practical tips for identifying high-quality options, how to incorporate them into everyday meals, and what signs indicate their potency. From choosing the right product to understanding how storage and freshness play a role, this episode equips you with actionable insights. The result is a compelling case for adding a simple, flavorful ingredient into daily routines as a long-term ally in the fight against pain and inflammation.

Learn how high-polyphenol olive oil resets your body’s pain threshold naturally. If you've enjoyed this episode of The Pain Free Formula podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The benefits of using high polyphenol olive oil as a natural solution to address pain and inflammation, avoiding the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

• The role of polyphenols in reducing pain sensitivity and resetting the brain's pain threshold.

• How to use extra virgin olive oil daily for its anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as tips for proper storage.

• The characteristics of high-quality olive oil, such as its pungent flavor and the presence of a peppery throat sensation.

• And much more...

Resources:

New You Health and Wellness

https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/

New You Health and Wellness eBooks

https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks/

Grab a copy of The Pain Free Formula book on Amazon

https://a.co/d/iVM1NEN

Notes:

• Look for extra virgin olive oil that has greater than 500mg/kg polyphenols

• The harvest date matters - the earlier the better

Examples of olive oil I have tried:

WellEatable Ultra High (1,500 mg/kg) – USDA Organic

https://amzn.to/47x4ojm

Miceli & Sensat "Green Robust" Organic (500+ mg/kg)

https://amzn.to/47ioTAv

OLIVEA Organic (800+ mg/kg)

https://amzn.to/4oEvYkQ

Medical Disclaimer:

Information in this program, as well as any information provided by New You Health and Wellness and its subsidiaries, is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for