Life Shouldn't Hurt

Hosted by Grant Fedoruk

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Pain & injury are part of our life experience. A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

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60 recent

November 2, 202639 min

Navigating Major Depression: Jason Olsen’s Story of Rebuilding Life One Step at a Time

Nearly 21% of adults will navigate major depressive disorder in their lifetime. In this deeply honest episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt , host sits down with Jason Olsen, founder of the Olsen Foundation for Mental Health, to discuss what 11 years in the darkness of clinical depression actually felt like—and the grounded, daily practices that helped him rebuild his life. Jason candidly breaks down the physical reality of severe depression: the loss of intrinsic motivation, medication side effects, and the daily dread of waking up. More importantly, he shares the realistic roadmap that brought him back from rock bottom. In this episode, we explore: Ditching All-or-Nothing Perfectionism: Why trying to overhaul your entire routine on Day 1 causes burnout—and how to make changes that actually stick. Micro-Habits That Ground Recovery: The foundational role of 7.5–8 hours of sleep, simple walking, nutrition, and meditation before adding intense physical training. Finding Anchors & Outlets: How walking into a boxing gym restored routine, physical presence, and community when purpose felt out of reach. Men, Pride, and the Stigma of Getting Help: Reframing mental healthcare as treating a real illness rather than a failure of willpower. How to Hold Space for Loved Ones: Why your friends in crisis don't need unsolicited fixes or lectures—and what genuine, quiet support really looks like. Turning Hardship into Impact: How Jason is now funding critical programs for young men battling mental illness and addiction. Crisis Support: If you or someone you care about in Canada is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (available 24/7, toll-free). Resources: Learn more about the Olsen Foundation for Mental Health Check out our the breakdown of this episode on our website . Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

October 24, 202639 min

Living Well After Schizophrenia with Lauren Kennedy West

In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, host Grant Fedoruk sits down with Lauren Kennedy West, creator of the global YouTube channel Living Well After Schizophrenia. Lauren then opens up about her decade-long journey to an accurate diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder at age 25. She details her struggles with severe mood episodes and psychotic symptoms, her experience navigating a complex medical system, and the transformative breakthrough she found through medical ketogenic therapy under specialist supervision. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder, what it is, how it differs from schizophrenia, and why accurate diagnosis takes 7 to 10 years on average. How high-fat, low-carb medical ketogenic nutrition alters brain energy and psychiatric health. Safely tapering medications under medical supervision as metabolic health improves. The non-linear path of recovery, viewing setbacks (like physical injury flare-ups) not as failures, but as part of an evolving recovery plan. Identity and shifting from "who I am" to "what I am living with." Key Quotes: "Recovery is not a rigid 'before and after' state—it's an ongoing, evolving process of building a full, meaningful life." — Lauren Kennedy West Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Living Well After Schizophrenia Watch on Youtube Visit the Living Well After Living Well After Schizophrenia Website Brain Energy by Dr. Christopher Palmer (Metabolic Psychiatry Research) Watch the first 10 of this episode with Grant and Anita on Youtube Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

October 17, 202638 min

When the Physio Needs a New Hip: Prehab, Recovery, and the Truth About Joint Pain with Rob Colling

Can prehab transform your hip replacement outcome? What does it really feel like to go from elite athlete to joint surgery patient? In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt , host Grant Fedoruk sits down with colleague and leading physiotherapist Rob Colling from Leading Edge Physiotherapy in Calgary. Rob isn't just a joint rehabilitation expert—he’s lived through severe hip osteoarthritis himself. From his background as an elite Australian sprinter to slipping on ice in Canada, Rob shares his personal journey through denial, surgery, and full recovery, offering practical wisdom for anyone living with chronic joint pain. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Reality of Hip Osteoarthritis: Why 1 in 10 adults over 45 (and 3x more former athletes) develop hip OA—and why cartilage wear feels like "velcro with rocks." The Power of "Prehab": How targeting muscle strength (especially hip abductors) before surgery delivers faster recovery 3 to 6 months post-op. Unweighting Technology & NASA Tech: How the AlterG Zero-Gravity Treadmill and pool therapy reduce joint impact while keeping you moving. Post-Op Realities: Managing surgical fatigue, learning to accept rest, and navigating the emotional side of recovery. A Critical Health Warning: Rob’s personal experience with nearly missing a post-surgery pulmonary embolism (PE) and why listening to your body matters. Life After Surgery: Why hip replacements rank in the top 5 quality-of-life procedures, with 95%+ lasting 15 to 20+ years. Resources: Watch the first segment on Youtube with Grant and Anita Learn more about the Zero Gravity Treadmill Learn more about Aquatic Therapy Learn more about Rob Colling and Request an Appointment in Calgary Life Shouldn't Hurt, find a location near you Leading Edge Physiotherapy Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

October 8, 202638 min

Confidence Is Earned Through Action: Overcoming the Impossible with Ollie Thorn

How adaptive athlete Ollie Thorn rebuilt his identity, regained control, and hand-cycled to Everest Base Camp after a life-altering spinal cord injury. In this powerful episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt , host Grant Fedoruk sits down with former British Army officer cadet, keynote speaker, and adaptive athlete Ollie Thorn . After surviving a 50 mph motorbike collision that left him with over 40 broken bones, a spinal cord injury, and chest-down paralysis, Ollie faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life from scratch. Tune in to discover how he transformed immense physical and emotional loss into a life of extraordinary resilience, from learning to sit-ski to hand-cycling across Tibet to Everest Base Camp. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 1-Meter Square Rule: Shrink your focus to what is immediately within your control when life feels out of hand. Action Creates Confidence: Stop waiting to feel ready—confidence only comes AFTER taking action. Self-Talk Reframing: How to replace negative self-doubt with curiosity ("What if I actually can?"). Disability Inclusion: Why active curiosity and involving disabled voices leads to real solutions. Borrowing Belief: How leaning on role models and community helps you move forward when your own belief falters. Connect & Follow: Watch the first 10 of this episode on Youtube: Life Shouldn't Hurt with Ollie Thorn Visit Ollie Thorn's Website: https://www.olliethorn.com/ Visit Our Website: Read More on Our Blog Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

September 30, 202638 min

Prostate Cancer and Early Detection: Why Knowing Is Always Better Than Not Knowing

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men in Alberta—often showing zero symptoms until it’s dangerously advanced. In this powerful episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt , host and physiotherapist Grant Fedoruk and co-host Anita Cassidy sit down with Edmonton Oilers legend Al Hamilton and Jeff Davison, CEO of Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre. From surviving over 30 hockey surgeries to beating prostate cancer, Al shares how early detection and active surveillance saved his life. Plus, Jeff Davison breaks down how Calgary is slashing biopsy wait times from 290 days (in Edmonton) down to just 14 to 21 days (in Calgary)—and how a simple whim saved his own father's life. In this episode, we cover: Personal Impact: Why prostate cancer hits close to home for host Grant Fedoruk and how early detection rewrites family futures. Al Hamilton’s Battle: How an NHL legend faced his diagnosis at 62, why he chose active surveillance, and his mission with the Man Van. Revolutionizing Healthcare: How Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre shortened wait times from up to 290 days to under 3 weeks, and how we can learn from them. Actionable Advice: When to get a PSA blood test and why "Dr. Google" fuels health avoidance. Prehab & Recovery: How pre-surgical physical conditioning and pelvic health improve recovery and quality of life. Get Your PSA Tested Today A simple blood test can save your life. Key Quotes: "Men, get after it before it gets after you." — Al Hamilton " Knowing is always better than not knowing." — Grant Fedoruk Resources & Links Mentioned: Life Shouldn't Hurt Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yX5IB-oUuA Prostate Cancer Centre Alberta: https://www.prostatecancercentre.ca/ Find a Man Van Mobile Clinic in Alberta: https://www.prostatecancercentre.ca/the-man-van Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

September 12, 202640 min

Mindset & Muscular Dystrophy: Redefining What’s Possible with Kevin Mussieux

Can a strong mindset and targeted therapy redefine what’s possible after a life-altering diagnosis? In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt , hosts Grant Fedoruk and Anita Cassidy dive into the powerful intersection of clinical science, aquatic rehabilitation, and human resilience. They are joined by Kevin Mussieux, a retired English teacher living with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD Type 2), who shares his journey from initial diagnosis to thriving with chronic illness. In this episode, we cover: The Healing Power of Water: The clinical benefits of hydrotherapy, including how buoyancy unloads up to 75% of joint stress and hydrostatic pressure reduces swelling. Living with FSHD Type 2: Kevin’s early warning signs, managing shoulder and neck pain, and overcoming fatigue and fall risks. Actionable Recovery Strategies: Practical tips on targeted pool exercises, high-protein nutritional support, and mental health resources for chronic conditions. Choosing Adventure: How reframing your timeline can help you focus on travel and active living despite physical limitations. Connect with Leading Edge: Visit our website: leadingedgephysio.com Learn more about aquatic therapy: for a faster recovery, just add water Follow us on Instagram: @leading_edge_physiotherapy Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

September 8, 202638 min

The Brain-Gut Connection: Why Stress Rules Your Stomach & How to Reclaim Control

Ever feel like your gut is running your entire life? From sudden urgency to painful bloating, digestive issues aren't just uncomfortable—they impact your sleep, work, travel, and social life. In this episode of Life Shouldn’t Hurt , Grant Fedoruk and Anita Cassidy sit down with Registered Dietitian Laura Velcoff (Revive Wellness) to break down the powerful two-way highway connecting your brain and your stomach. We dive into how stress physically alters your digestion via the vagus nerve, why restricting your diet isn't always the answer, and simple daily swaps that can completely transform your gut health. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Gut-Brain Highway: Why digestive issues aren't "all in your head" and how to activate your "rest and digest" nervous system using simple breathing. Addition Over Subtraction: Why adding support to your diet works better than eliminating foods when your stomach hurts. "Comically Small" Movement: How a simple 5-minute walk triggers peristalsis and gets your digestion moving. Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber: How oats, chia, and flax help regulate urgency and improve stool texture. Women's Health & Pelvic Floor: The link between hormones, IBS, and how tools like pelvic floor physio and a Squatty Potty restore proper function. The Power of Routine: Why skipping breakfast might be slowing down your entire system. Plus, Grant shares a hilarious family memory about board games, the "Yatzy dance," and why playful human connection is essential for physical health. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Guest: Laura Velcoff, RD – Revive Wellness Show Hosts: Grant Fedoruk & Anita Cassidy Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: Catch Grant Fedoruk and Anita Cassidy during first segment of this episode on Life Shouldn't Hurt Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

August 28, 202638 min

Playing Without Limits: Visually Impaired Athlete Haiden Currie on Thriving in Sports

Born with albinism and legally blind, 15-year-old Haiden Currie proves that limitations only define you if you let them. In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, host Grant Fedoruk and co-host Anita Cassidy sit down with Haiden and her mom, Jodi Currie, to talk about adaptive sports, athletic drive, and overcoming barriers. Haiden shares how she adapts to play hockey, basketball, volleyball, track, and flag football—using everything from custom-colored balls to team voice tracking. Plus, she shares practical mindset advice inspired by NHL player Zach Hyman on showing up every single day. Episode Highlights: Adapting on the ice: Tracking pucks without full vision Simple changes that create inclusion: Equipment, gym lighting, and guide runners Advice for parents and mentors on early sports advocacy The power of running your own race and leaning on support networks Connect With Us Leading Edge Physiotherapy: Instagram: @leading_edge_physiotherapy Facebook: Leading Edge Physiotherapy Web: leadingedgephysio.com Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

August 15, 202638 min

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain: Early Development, Neuroscience, and the Future of Mind-to-Machine

Can you write on a computer using only your thoughts? How much does early childhood shape the rest of our lives? In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt , host Grant Fedoruk and co-host Anita Cassidy sit down with PhD oral historian Jenna Bailey ( Brainstorm ) alongside legendary Canadian neuroscientists Dr. Bryan Kolb and Ian Whishaw. Together, they bridge high-level neuroscience with deeply human stories to reveal how your brain adapts, heals, and thrives across a lifetime. Key Insights and Takeaways The Tom Cruise mistake & preserving oral histories Behind the documentary Brainstorm: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain The 0 to 3 window: Rapid neural growth, pruning, and environmental impacts "You Are Your Brain": Internalizing the brain hypothesis for better daily habits Two simple, non-negotiable daily habits to protect your memory and prevent cognitive decline Mind-to-Machine: Controlling robotic limbs and typing with your thoughts via AI & EEG Resources & Connect: Watch the Documentary: Search for Brainstorm: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain by Jenna Bailey Tune in Weekly Across Canada: Get the latest episodes early on the Corus Radio Network Learn More: Visit Leading Edge Physio for more information and health resources Follow Life Shouldn't Hurt: Instagram — @ leading_edge_physiotherapy Facebook — @leadingedgephysio Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

August 11, 202638 min

Men's Pelvic Health & Giant Cell Arteritis with Dr. Stephanie Garner

Welcome to another episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt ! I'm your host, Grant Fedoruk. I am so incredibly passionate about doing these shows because I truly believe that healing is possible and that nobody should have to live their life in pain. In this episode, my co-host Anita Cassidy and I, along with our wonderful guest Dr. Stephanie Garner, bring you an honest, empowering conversation centered on two critical areas of health that are far too often overlooked: men's pelvic health and the rare autoimmune condition Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Breaking the Stigma Around Men's Pelvic Health First, Anita and I break through the barriers and stigmas surrounding men's pelvic health. We've made great strides in talking about pelvic issues and bladder control for women, but when it comes to men, these struggles are still kept quiet. Whether it's bladder or bowel control, pelvic pain, or recovery after prostate cancer surgery, these issues are incredibly common and can feel deeply isolating. I'll be the first to admit—as men, we can sometimes be a little lazy when it comes to doing our exercises! Non-Invasive Pelvic Strengthening with the Emsella Chair That's why I'm so excited about the revolutionary, non-invasive technology we’ve embraced at our clinic: the Emsella chair. How it works: You sit on this chair fully clothed for a 28-minute session. The impact: It delivers focused electromagnetic stimulation that performs the equivalent of 11,000 Kegel exercises. The benefits: It is an absolute game-changer for strengthening the pelvic floor, improving urinary control, and even enhancing sexual function—no needles, no surgery, and no uncomfortable internal exams required. Understanding Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Then, we transition to a life-saving conversation with Dr. Stephanie Garner , a brilliant rheumatologist from Calgary. She sheds light on Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), a serious condition affecting large blood vessels in Canadians over 50 that can lead to sudden, permanent blindness or stroke if it isn't caught quickly. Because the early signs of GCA are so vague—like feeling tired, achy, or having a new kind of headache—it is frequently misdiagnosed or missed for weeks. Critical Red Flags of Giant Cell Arteritis Dr. Garner and I want to arm you with the critical red flags to watch out for: New Onset Headache: A new headache that lasts more than 24 hours and doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine. Jaw Claudication: Essentially "angina of the jaw"—pain or cramping in your jaw that flares up when you chew food but disappears when you rest. Scalp Sensitivity: Pain triggered by the simple act of brushing or combing your hair. Joint Stiffness & Pain: Morning stiffness and pain in your hips and shoulders that makes it hard to lift your arms or get moving. Diagnosis, Modern Treatments, and Patient Advocacy If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, Dr. Garner's advice is clear: seek immediate medical evaluation . Simple blood tests like a C-reactive protein (CRP) can quickly point to inflammation, and modern medicine has evolved beautifully. We are moving away from long-term, high-dose steroids with severe side effects and transitioning to highly effective, disease-modifying biologics and brand-new daily oral pills that protect your organs and your long-term health. Be Your Own Health Advocate Above all, this episode is a reminder to be your own health advocate . Talk openly with your healthcare providers, share your symptoms, and don't be afraid to voice your concerns about medications. Remember, healing doesn't happen in a straight line, but it does happen when you stay curious and proactive. Tune In & Subscribe Don't miss this empowering and eye-opening conversation! Please follow and subscribe to Life Shouldn’t Hurt on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode filled with actionable wisdom to help you live a lighter, healthier life. Support the show Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Follow , leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Follow Us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips —because life shouldn't hurt. Thank you for joining us. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.