#14 The Pain We Can’t Explain: How Hidden Stress Affects the Body

09/04/2025 40 min Temporada 2 Episodio 14

Listen "#14 The Pain We Can’t Explain: How Hidden Stress Affects the Body"

Episode Synopsis

In this slow-burn but deeply enriching episode of Repeat That Again Please, host Genelle Aldred is joined by behavioural scientist Dr. Lucía Macchia to explore the often-overlooked connection between chronic, invisible stress and physical pain that has no clear medical explanation.Dr. Lucía’s academic expertise spans psychology, behavioural economics, and wellbeing research, making this conversation both intellectually grounded and deeply human.If you’ve ever felt like your inner peace is just out of reach, or that your body is carrying tension you can’t explain—this episode is for you.What begins as a discussion on the research between stress and physical pain evolves into a powerful conversation about why so many of us feel "not quite right"—even when we’re doing all the “right” things for our wellbeing. From the societal pressures we absorb to the low-level stressors we barely notice, Genelle and Dr. Lucía unpack how our bodies respond to the emotional weight we carry.Together, they explore:How socioeconomic and social pressures quietly shape our healthWhy rest, mindfulness, and self-care sometimes still aren’t enoughThe science behind stress-related pain and disconnectionWhat community, belonging, and gratitude really do for our nervous systemsThey discuss the importance of acknowledging stress, utilising active rest, and fostering a sense of community and belonging as strategies to mitigate stress. The conversation offers actionable insights and academic research on managing and understanding the pervasive, low-level stress that many experience in daily life.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview03:23 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lucía Macchia05:29 Understanding Physical Pain and Stress11:11 Societal and Personal Factors of Stress22:27 Strategies to Alleviate Stress32:01 The Role of Wellness Culture36:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin me, Genelle, in a daily GRATITUDE practice that boosts wellbeing and connection.The With Gratitude app has become a regular part of my routine—my space to pause, reflect, and write down 5 to 10 things I’m grateful for daily. It’s a small act that makes a big difference in how I feel and show up in the world.If you want to feel more grounded, positive, and present, come join me here:👉 https://link.withgratitude.app/GENELELet’s build the habit—together.----------------------------------Here is a peer reviewed papers by Dr. Lucía Macchia, you can access more via her website belowGlobal trends in emotional distressAbout Dr. Lucía MacchiaI am a behavioural scientist with an interdisciplinary background. My work involves quantitative research on human happiness, physical pain, and behaviour. Integrating methods from psychology and behavioural economics, I explore how psychosocial and socioeconomic factors shape mental and physical wellbeing. I am currently a Lecturer at City, University of London; a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics; and a Research Affiliate in the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.X: lucia_macchiaInstagram: lucia_macchiaLinkedIn: lucía-macchiaWebsite: www.luciamacchia.comConnect with GenelleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/genellealdred/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genellealdred/Website: genellealdred.comX: https://x.com/genellealdredThe Confident Mindset Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pR2fvIL0lHexgumzIEJXA?si=vbntZAJzR42yRvQJqdvDUA

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