In this week’s episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Simar, a university student from Australia who lives with migraine and runs a migraine advocacy Instagram account called “studywithmigraine.”

Join Sarah and Simar as they dive into navigating life as a university student living with migraine, the challenges of getting a migraine diagnosis as a woman of color, and the importance of finding doctors who take migraine and mental health seriously. Hear from Simar as she shares her lived experiences of coping with the isolation of chronic migraine and navigating accommodations in college.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:07: Sarah kicks off the episode by asking Simar what word she would use to describe her migraine attacks

01:23: Simar describes her ongoing struggle with refractory migraine

03:47: Simar opens up about her experience with a dismissive family doctor who doubted the severity of her condition

06:00: Simar details how she advocated for herself by seeking care from a more understanding and supportive health care professional

08:07: Sarah and Simar discuss the importance of finding health care providers who understand and take seriously both the physical and mental aspects of chronic illnesses

10:10: Simar discusses the isolation and misunderstanding she experienced in her social life as a university student

13:08: The importance of adapting to new ways of socializing and coping with the ongoing grief and overwhelming feeling associated with living with a chronic illness

17:40: Simar details the process of securing accommodations through university disability services

20:01: Sarah commends Simar for her advocacy efforts and positive impact on the migraine community

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to TalkingHeadPain@GHLF.org.

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this week’s episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Simar, a university student from Australia who lives with migraine and runs a migraine advocacy Instagram account called “studywithmigraine.”
Join Sarah and Simar as they dive into navigating life as a university student living with migraine, the challenges of getting a migraine diagnosis as a woman of color, and the importance of finding doctors who take migraine and mental health seriously. Hear from Simar as she shares her lived experiences of coping with the isolation of chronic migraine and navigating accommodations in college.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:07: Sarah kicks off the episode by asking Simar what word she would use to describe her migraine attacks
01:23: Simar describes her ongoing struggle with refractory migraine
03:47: Simar opens up about her experience with a dismissive family doctor who doubted the severity of her condition
06:00: Simar details how she advocated for herself by seeking care from a more understanding and supportive health care professional
08:07: Sarah and Simar discuss the importance of finding health care providers who understand and take seriously both the physical and mental aspects of chronic illnesses
10:10: Simar discusses the isolation and misunderstanding she experienced in her social life as a university student
13:08: The importance of adapting to new ways of socializing and coping with the ongoing grief and overwhelming feeling associated with living with a chronic illness
17:40: Simar details the process of securing accommodations through university disability services
20:01: Sarah commends Simar for her advocacy efforts and positive impact on the migraine community
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: <a href="mailto:jcoe@ghlf.org">jcoe@ghlf.org</a>
Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:sshaw@ghlf.org">sshaw@ghlf.org</a>
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:TalkingHeadPain@GHLF.org">TalkingHeadPain@GHLF.org</a>.
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Talking Head Pain is a podcast that confronts head pain, head on. 

Brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation and hosted by migraine advocate Joe Coe, this show explores how people living with migraine, cluster headache and other types of intense pain find ways to better manage their disease. 

To receive headache/migraine related resources, giveaways, and latest episode releases, text the word "Headache" to 1-845-285-1563 to sign up.

Or visit GHLF.org for more information. 

Talking Head Pain is a podcast that confronts head pain, head on. 
Brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation and hosted by migraine advocate Joe Coe, this show explores how people living with migraine, cluster headache and other types of intense pain find ways to better manage their disease. 
To receive headache/migraine related resources, giveaways, and latest episode releases, text the word "Headache" to 1-845-285-1563 to sign up.
Or visit GHLF.org for more information.

Talking Head Pain

A podcast confronting head pain, head on, brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. To receive headache/migraine related resources, giveaways, and latest episode releases, text the word "Headache" to 1-845-285-1563 to sign up.

A podcast confronting head pain, head on, brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. To receive headache/migraine related resources, giveaways, and latest episode releases, text the word "Headache" to 1-845-285-1563 to sign up.

The Challenging and Empowering Experience of Navigating University with Migraine: A Conversation with Simar Batra

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe sits down with neurology experts Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld. They explore the significant advances from past therapies to today's targeted treatments that offer new hope for migraine patients. Discover how the integration of new medical strategies and patient education is reshaping the way the condition is managed, aiming for what Dr. Blumenfeld calls “crystal clear days” of no pain and optimal life quality.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:50: Dr. Blumenfeld explains the shift in migraine management toward specific and effective medications with fewer side effects

02:12: Dr. Saikali emphasizes the importance of patients bringing comprehensive medical histories to consultations to ensure effective and efficient treatment planning

04:42: Dr. Blumenfeld describes the patient-provider partnership as a journey toward migraine freedom, stressing the goal of achieving “crystal clear days”

06:44: Dr. Saikali discusses the critical role of addressing comorbid conditions to improve the effectiveness of migraine medications

09:02: Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld discuss the importance of breaking the cycle of frequent migraine with newer treatments

14:19: Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld explore the stigma around migraine

19:31: Joe discusses how proper migraine treatment has enabled him to address other health issues, highlighting the holistic impact of effective migraine management

23:03: Dr. Saikali advocates for patients to keep a health journal or find personal ways to monitor their progress, stressing the individualized nature of treatment

25:28: Dr. Blumenfeld encourages patients to be proactive in seeking early treatment

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe sits down with neurology experts Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld. They explore the significant advances from past therapies to today's targeted treatments that offer new hope for migraine patients. Discover how the integration of new medical strategies and patient education is reshaping the way the condition is managed, aiming for what Dr. Blumenfeld calls “crystal clear days” of no pain and optimal life quality.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:50: Dr. Blumenfeld explains the shift in migraine management toward specific and effective medications with fewer side effects
02:12: Dr. Saikali emphasizes the importance of patients bringing comprehensive medical histories to consultations to ensure effective and efficient treatment planning
04:42: Dr. Blumenfeld describes the patient-provider partnership as a journey toward migraine freedom, stressing the goal of achieving “crystal clear days”
06:44: Dr. Saikali discusses the critical role of addressing comorbid conditions to improve the effectiveness of migraine medications
09:02: Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld discuss the importance of breaking the cycle of frequent migraine with newer treatments
14:19: Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld explore the stigma around migraine
19:31: Joe discusses how proper migraine treatment has enabled him to address other health issues, highlighting the holistic impact of effective migraine management
23:03: Dr. Saikali advocates for patients to keep a health journal or find personal ways to monitor their progress, stressing the individualized nature of treatment
25:28: Dr. Blumenfeld encourages patients to be proactive in seeking early treatment 
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: <a href="mailto:jcoe@ghlf.org">jcoe@ghlf.org</a>
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: <a href="mailto:sshaw@ghlf.org">sshaw@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Migraine Care Revolution: A New Dawn with Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Shelby, a singer-songwriter navigating life with migraine and dysautonomia. Together, they delve into how chronic pain influences both personal and artistic endeavors. Shelby shares insights on how her condition has shaped her music career and the comfort she finds in her creative expression, offering listeners a window into the everyday triumphs and struggles faced by those living with chronic conditions.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:09: Shelby discusses how migraine has been both a destructive and constructive force in her life, emphasizing the dual nature of her experiences

02:47: The discussion turns to how migraine influenced Shelby's early life and how music became a therapeutic outlet for her

06:13: Shelby describes how she manages sound sensitivity around her performances, highlighting adjustments she makes to cope with migraine

09:30: Shelby speaks on the frustrations of navigating health insurance, expressing the challenges of securing treatment for chronic migraine

12:07: Sarah and Shelby discuss the importance of community support and understanding, particularly in managing chronic illness

14:15: Sarah and Shelby talk about the broader impact of migraine on public perception and personal identity

16:03: Shelby shares her approach to self-care, including therapy and maintaining social connections despite her chronic conditions

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Shelby, a singer-songwriter navigating life with migraine and dysautonomia. Together, they delve into how chronic pain influences both personal and artistic endeavors. Shelby shares insights on how her condition has shaped her music career and the comfort she finds in her creative expression, offering listeners a window into the everyday triumphs and struggles faced by those living with chronic conditions.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:09: Shelby discusses how migraine has been both a destructive and constructive force in her life, emphasizing the dual nature of her experiences
02:47: The discussion turns to how migraine influenced Shelby's early life and how music became a therapeutic outlet for her
06:13: Shelby describes how she manages sound sensitivity around her performances, highlighting adjustments she makes to cope with migraine
09:30: Shelby speaks on the frustrations of navigating health insurance, expressing the challenges of securing treatment for chronic migraine
12:07: Sarah and Shelby discuss the importance of community support and understanding, particularly in managing chronic illness
14:15: Sarah and Shelby talk about the broader impact of migraine on public perception and personal identity
16:03: Shelby shares her approach to self-care, including therapy and maintaining social connections despite her chronic conditions
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: <a href="mailto:jcoe@ghlf.org">jcoe@ghlf.org</a>
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: <a href="mailto:sshaw@ghlf.org">sshaw@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Behind the Music: Shelby's Life with Migraine and Dysautonomia

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Chandler, a chronic pain recovery coach and migraine patient, to explore the realities of living with chronic migraine and cluster headaches. Chandler shares her experience with hemiplegic migraine and how it propelled her into a life dedicated to helping others manage their pain. The episode dives into the impact of chronic pain on mental health, the importance of recognizing the mind-body connection, and practical strategies for managing daily life with chronic pain.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:54: Chandler recounts her worst migraine attack, describing its sudden and severe impact

03:19: Sarah and Chandler discuss the variety and types of migraine attacks, including hemiplegic and vestibular migraines

07:52: Chandler explains how focusing on the mind-body connection radically improved her health

12:44: Sarah and Chandler explore the relationship between mental health and chronic pain, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment approaches

15:45: Chandler and Sarah discuss effective self-care strategies for managing chronic pain and migraine attacks

17:02: Sarah emphasizes the cultural pressures that often discourage taking breaks and how she learned to prioritize self-care to manage her chronic conditions effectively

19:05: Chandler reflects on the journey of embracing the mind-body connection as a transformative tool in her battle against chronic pain

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Chandler, a chronic pain recovery coach and migraine patient, to explore the realities of living with chronic migraine and cluster headaches. Chandler shares her experience with hemiplegic migraine and how it propelled her into a life dedicated to helping others manage their pain. The episode dives into the impact of chronic pain on mental health, the importance of recognizing the mind-body connection, and practical strategies for managing daily life with chronic pain.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:54: Chandler recounts her worst migraine attack, describing its sudden and severe impact
03:19: Sarah and Chandler discuss the variety and types of migraine attacks, including hemiplegic and vestibular migraines
07:52: Chandler explains how focusing on the mind-body connection radically improved her health
12:44: Sarah and Chandler explore the relationship between mental health and chronic pain, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment approaches
15:45: Chandler and Sarah discuss effective self-care strategies for managing chronic pain and migraine attacks
17:02: Sarah emphasizes the cultural pressures that often discourage taking breaks and how she learned to prioritize self-care to manage her chronic conditions effectively
19:05: Chandler reflects on the journey of embracing the mind-body connection as a transformative tool in her battle against chronic pain
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: <a href="mailto:jcoe@ghlf.org">jcoe@ghlf.org</a>
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: <a href="mailto:sshaw@ghlf.org">sshaw@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>

The Challenging and Empowering Experience of Navigating University with Migraine: A Conversation with Simar Batra

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