The Pain Free Formula

Have you ever been told a cortisone shot is your only hope for joint pain without being warned about the fallout?
In this revelatory episode, Stacey Roberts sits down with leading orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Pietropaoli, who is on a bold mission to end preventable joint replacements for good. Together, they peel back the curtain on why cortisone injections really only offer fleeting relief, the science revealing their shocking long-term dangers, and what safer, more empowering solutions actually work.
If you're tired of the pain cycle or have ever been pushed toward surgery or quick fixes, this episode could fundamentally change your future. Listen now or risk missing the urgent, overlooked truth, plus hear actionable, evidence-backed alternatives you likely won’t get anywhere else.

Timestamped Highlights
01:14 – The overlooked cost of chasing quick fixes for pain
02:22 – Why telling your story could help someone break free from pain
04:05 – The pivotal question that nearly got a young surgeon in trouble
11:01 – The shocking research linking cortisone shots to earlier joint replacements
13:40 – A bold look at why Stacey said no to her own cortisone injection
15:30 – How broken healthcare systems keep repeating the pain cycle
22:06 – The biomechanics shift that can really change your arthritis outcome
24:02 – Critical timing advice if you’re considering surgery soon

About The Guest
Dr. Marc Pietropaoli is the founder of Victory in Motion, home of Knee Repair, NOT ReplacementⓇ, and the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling book Repair, Not Replace: Natural Joint Relief Without Surgery or Pills. With more than 27 years in practice and over 30,000 patients treated, he specializes in regenerative and movement-based care for active adults whose joint pain threatens the lives they worked hard to build. His approach began during medical school in 1994, when he witnessed an orthopedic surgery and wondered why joints could not be repaired rather than replaced. Through his practice and its signature Clarity Day, a comprehensive one-day evaluation offering advanced imaging insights and personalized plans, Dr. P challenges the orthopedic status quo while pursuing his mission to end the need for joint replacements by 2043.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website: https://victoryinmotion.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-pietropaoli-md-b246473/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoryinmotion1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryinmotion1/
Email: [email protected]

Important Links
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 Host
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 Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.

The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

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 podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard in this program. Information provided in this program and any other presented by New You Health and Wellness LLC, and the use of any products or services purchased from New You Health and Wellness LLC by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship or healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the health professionals affiliated with our website or clinic. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing stated or posted on this site or in this podcast or available through any services is intended to be and must not be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitations, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or providing healthcare, treatment instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.

What if the real reason behind your joint pain and muscle fatigue isn’t just age or wear and tear, but your cells running out of energy?
In this compelling solo episode, Stacy Roberts dives deep into the groundbreaking science of urolithin A, a compound your body could make from healthy foods like pomegranates and walnuts if your gut microbiome is up to the task.
With warmth and hard-won insight, she breaks down how mitochondrial health impacts pain, recovery, and aging at a cellular level. Learn why some people don’t benefit enough from diet alone, how supplementation can jumpstart healing, and what the latest research actually shows for joint, muscle, and whole-body health.
If you’re doing everything right and still feel stuck, this is the crucial missing layer you need to hear about. Press play to shift your healing from the inside out!

Timestamped Highlights
01:10 — Are you chasing symptoms or seeking root causes?
03:10 — Why joint pain and fatigue may mean your cells lack energy
05:05 — Not everyone benefits from healthy foods—gut microbiome differences explained
08:15 — The power of mitophagy: how your body recycles damaged mitochondria
10:00 — Human trials: real improvements in muscle endurance and inflammation
12:05 — Can urolithin A actually slow cartilage degeneration?
13:43 — What to look for in supplements: Mitopure and evidence-backed choices
16:00 — Who will benefit most, especially women in menopause and the “doing everything right” group
18:39 — The crucial question: “Do my cells have the energy they need to heal?”

Resources:

Mitopure Supplement - Purchase on Amazon
When you click this link, if you decide to make a purchase, New You Health and Wellness may receive a small commission from your sale, at no additional cost to you. If you choose to support us by purchasing through this link, thank you for helping us continue to provide helpful resources!
References:
Selma MV, Beltrán D, García-Villalba R, Espín JC, Tomás-Barberán FA. Description of urolithin production capacity from ellagic acid of two human intestinal Gordonibacter species. Food Funct. 2014;5(8):1779-1784. doi:10.1039/c4fo00092g https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24909569/
Short KR, Bigelow ML, Kahl J, et al. Decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function with aging in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005;102(15):5618-5623. doi:10.1073/pnas.0501559102 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0501559102
Andreux PA, Blanco-Bose W, Ryu D, et al. The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans. Nat Metab. 2019;1(6):595-603. doi:10.1038/s42255-019-0073-4 https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-019-0073-4
Liu S, D'Amico D, Shankland E, et al. Effect of urolithin A supplementation on muscle endurance and mitochondrial health in older adults: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(1):e2144279. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2788244
Singh A, D'Amico D, Andreux PA, et al. Urolithin A improves muscle strength, exercise performance, and biomarkers of mitochondrial health in a randomized trial in middle-aged adults. Cell Rep Med. 2022;3(5):100633. doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100633 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666379122001049
D'Amico D, Olmer M, Fouassier AM, et al. Urolithin A improves mitochondrial health, reduces cartilage degeneration, and alleviates pain in osteoarthritis. Aging Cell. 2022;21(8):e13662. doi:10.1111/acel.13662 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13662

Important Links
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 Host
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 Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.

The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

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 podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard in this program. Information provided in this program and any other presented by New You Health and Wellness LLC, and the use of any products or services purchased from New You Health and Wellness LLC by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship or healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the health professionals affiliated with our website or clinic. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing stated or posted on this site or in this podcast or available through any services is intended to be and must not be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitations, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or providing healthcare, treatment instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.

Could the path to less pain and a healthier life start with how you connect to your food?
In this episode, Stacey Roberts welcomes Sam Odin, co-founder of Village Farmstead, who traded philosophy classes for hands in the soil to build a thriving, community-driven farm. Together, they dig into why real food and knowing where it comes from matters more than ever, especially for those struggling with pain or looking to take control of their health.
Their conversation moves from food sensitivities and gut health to the power of local agriculture and how meaningful change often starts on an acre at a time. If you’re searching for practical ways to rethink your health, your pantry, and your relationship to the land, don’t miss this inspiring, actionable episode.
Ready to rediscover what’s possible when you feed your body what it truly needs? Listen now and let your transformation begin!

Timestamped Highlights
01:00: Connecting gut health, food sensitivities, and pain relief
02:22: The vision behind Village Farmstead & sustainable, community-focused farming
04:10: Why Sam Odin chose food as the centerpiece for life change—his early influences
07:17: Why pain treatment often ignores the food you eat—and how Village Farmstead reframes the conversation
10:13: How Sam Odin and his partner created a collaborative community garden model
13:12: What is a CSA and how you can join the harvest—real logistics, real impact
16:42: The range of vegetables grown—feeding health, variety, and flavor each week
19:22: Apprenticeships and giving back—empowering the next generation of growers

About The Guest
Sam Odin is the co-founder of Village Farmstead in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Drawing from a background in philosophy, ecology, and community organizing, Sam Odin has dedicated nearly a decade to small-scale, sustainable farming. He’s passionate about reconnecting people to their food, promoting holistic health, and building resilient local communities.

Contact:
Sara Krohn - (414) 708-0587
Sam Odin - (414) 559-8642
VILLAGE FARMSTEAD
4020 E Fitzsimmons Rd
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website - https://www.villagefarmstead.com/
Email - [email protected]

Important Links
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 Host
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 Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.

The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

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 podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard in this program. Information provided in this program and any other presented by New You Health and Wellness LLC, and the use of any products or services purchased from New You Health and Wellness LLC by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship or healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the health professionals affiliated with our website or clinic. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing stated or posted on this site or in this podcast or available through any services is intended to be and must not be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitations, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or providing healthcare, treatment instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.

What if your muscles, not medications, held the true key to lasting pain relief?
In this empowering episode, Stacey Roberts shatters the myth that pain is just a part of aging and unveils the science behind strength training as genuine pain medicine. Drawing on the latest research and decades in clinical practice, Stacey explains why muscle weakness is a hidden driver of chronic joint pain and how any meaningful movement can be transformative, especially for those who feel too old or too far gone.
You’ll learn actionable tips for starting safe, effective resistance training at any stage, discover why “the best program is the one you’ll stick with,” and hear a compassionate case against “cookie-cutter” approaches. Ready to trade the pain cycle for real solutions? Hit play and take your first powerful step today.

Timestamped Highlights
01:16 – Why “strength training is literally pain medicine” and what most doctors don’t say
02:21 – Muscle weakness: The surprising culprit behind chronic joint pain
03:39 – The science: Muscles are central to developing and managing osteoarthritis
05:02 – Huge research news: Simple, consistent resistance beats complex workouts
06:23 – Dr. Stuart Phillips’s advice: The best program is the one you’ll actually do
08:15 – “Reps in reserve” and why heavy lifting isn’t required for serious results
10:53 – Common workout mistakes that spark pain or injury and how to avoid them
14:24 – Choosing providers who see you as a whole person, not just a pain problem

References:
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-reveal-the-simplest-rule-for-building-strength/
The ACSM Position Stand (the main research):

Phillips SM, Currier BS, D'Souza AC, et al. Resistance training prescription for muscle function, hypertrophy, and physical performance in healthy adults: an overview of reviews. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2026;58(4).
The muscle/knee osteoarthritis reference (cited in the pain section):

Bennell KL, Wrigley TV, Hunt MA, Lim BW, Hinman RS. Update on the role of muscle in the genesis and management of knee osteoarthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2013;39(1):145-176. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2012.11.003

Important Links
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 Host
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 Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.

The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

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 podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard in this program. Information provided in this program and any other presented by New You Health and Wellness LLC, and the use of any products or services purchased from New You Health and Wellness LLC by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship or healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the health professionals affiliated with our website or clinic. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing stated or posted on this site or in this podcast or available through any services is intended to be and must not be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitations, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or providing healthcare, treatment instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.

Most of us know what it's like to hurt — and to feel like nothing is working.
In this episode, Stacey Roberts sits down with Karen Bigman, who spent years doing all the "right" things — physical therapy, injections, specialist after specialist — and still couldn't find relief. What finally helped wasn't another treatment. It was understanding the connection between her body, her emotions, and the stress she'd been carrying for years.
Karen's story isn't unusual. For a lot of people, pain doesn't have a simple fix — and that can feel incredibly isolating. This conversation explores why that is, and what it actually looks like to start feeling better when nothing else has worked.
If you've ever felt dismissed, frustrated, or just plain exhausted by your own health journey, this one's for you.

Timestamped Highlights
01:00 – Karen’s early experience with chronic pain
02:30 – Surgeries, injections, and hitting a breaking point
05:30 – Facing spinal fusion—and choosing another path
07:30 – Discovering the mind-body connection
09:30 – How stress and emotions trigger pain
12:00 – Why pain is real but influenced by the brain
14:00 – Reframing pain: acknowledgment vs. fear
16:00 – Journaling and emotional release techniques
19:30 – A breakthrough moment: pain-free at her daughter’s wedding
21:00 – Taking back control and feeling empowered

About The Guest
Karen Bigman is a certified life coach and host of the Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50 podcast. Alongside her work in sexual health and life transitions, she shares her personal journey overcoming chronic pain through mind-body healing.
Her podcast is called Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50.
• Website: taboototruth.com
• Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple
• Spotify: Listen on Spotify
• YouTube: youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast
• Instagram: @taboototruth

Mentioned Resources:

Dr. John Sarno's Books
His major works include: Better World Books
Mind Over Back Pain (his first book on TMS)
Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection (1991) — his most popular and best-selling book
The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain (1998)
The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders (2006)

Dr. Sarno passed away in 2017, so there's no active personal website, but his daughter Christina Sarno (a psychotherapist) carries on his work through the Sarno x Sachs Solution: yourbreakawake.com/sarnosachs
Nicole Sachs, LCSW
Nicole Sachs is a speaker, author, podcaster, and psychotherapist who worked directly with Dr. Sarno. She was one of his patients and later became his protégé, eventually founding the JournalSpeak method. My TMS Journey
She has two books:
The Meaning of Truth (2013) — her personal TMS recovery story
Mind Your Body — a culmination of over two decades of her work in mind-body healing for chronic pain, anxiety, and persistent stress-related conditions

Her website: yourbreakawake.com
Her podcast (The Cure for Chronic Pain) is linked from her site as well.

Important Links
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 Host
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 Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.

The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

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 podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard in this program. Information provided in this program and any other presented by New You Health and Wellness LLC, and the use of any products or services purchased from New You Health and Wellness LLC by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship or healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the health professionals affiliated with our website or clinic. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing stated or posted on this site or in this podcast or available through any services is intended to be and must not be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitations, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or providing healthcare, treatment instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.