In this episode of The Pain Free Athlete Podcast, Dana Jones sits down with Dr. William “Bill” Truesdale, a former competitive powerlifter, master bodybuilder, educator, author, and fitness conditioning instructor. They explore how an early shoulder injury, a love of sports, and a lifelong commitment to learning shaped Dr. Bill’s philosophy around training, recovery, and sustainable performance. Dr. Bill shares how he moved from hockey into powerlifting, what he learned about the connection between the body and the mind, and why pain-free training is about more than avoiding injury — it’s about building resilience for life. The conversation also covers his work in education, special education, school leadership, and adult fitness, showing how teaching and coaching go hand in hand. This episode is especially valuable for athletes, active adults, coaches, and anyone who wants to stay strong without breaking down. Dr. Bill’s message is clear: train smart, recover well, and respect the long game.

Bill’s Bio:

Dr. William Truesdale is a former competitive powerlifter and master bodybuilder who has spent his career turning disciplined training into a science of sustainable, pain‑free performance. As a Fitness Conditioning Instructor at West Lawn Park, he blends decades of strength‑sport experience with evidence‑based coaching to help athletes and everyday movers build resilient, high‑functioning bodies. Known for his sharp eye for movement, his commitment to long‑term joint health, and his ability to translate complex biomechanics into practical, empowering guidance, Dr. Truesdale has become a trusted mentor for those seeking strength without sacrifice. His work centers on developing pain‑free performance, optimizing functional strength, and teaching athletes how to train smarter so they can stay in the game for life.

Bill Links:

https://www.drbilltcoaching.com/

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, Dana Jones talks with Allison Ray Benavides, LCSW, a therapist and chronic pain management coach, about the connection between chronic pain, hyper vigilance, and the nervous system. Allison shares how her background in hospice care led her into pain reprocessing work, why she often supports men with chronic symptoms, and how mind-body approaches can help people feel safer in their bodies.

Dana and Allison also discuss the “push through” mindset common in athletes and high achievers, the limits of the medical model alone, and why collaboration with a therapist or coach can make healing feel more manageable. Allison explains how noticing body sensations, thoughts, and patterns is often the first practical step toward relief.

Allison’s Bio:

Allison Ray Benavides, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and chronic pain management coach who helps people turn down pain, symptoms, and overwhelm so they can turn up their lives. With a background in hospice and medical social work, Allison brings a compassionate, holistic approach to healing that blends clinical expertise with energy psychology, CBT, and mind-body support. She now works with individuals living with chronic pain, persistent symptoms, and complex health challenges, including a specialized focus on supporting high-achieving men in pain.

Allison’s Links:

www.ChronicPainConsulting.com

The Places We Land

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In this episode, Dana Jones talks with Dr. Gabriel Posner, somatic educator, neuromuscular therapist, and author of Somatic Techniques for Massage Therapists. Gabriel shares how his path from psychology and massage therapy led him into clinical somatics, and why helping people get out of pain starts with helping them reconnect with their bodies. They explore sensory motor amnesia, elevated resting tone, and why many chronic pain patterns are tied more to habit, tension, and loss of awareness than to structural damage. Gabriel also explains how touch, movement, and slow mindful release can help clients and practitioners unlock more ease, better self-regulation, and lasting change.

They also discuss the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptom, and how practitioners in massage, training, PT, and other bodywork fields can use somatic principles to reduce burnout and improve results. Gabriel closes by sharing details about his book, trainings, and his mission to help bodyworkers work more effectively, sustainably, and compassionately.

Gabriel’s links:

Web: https://www.elevatedsomatics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevated_somatics

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soma_to_soma?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Somatics Book: https://www.elevatedsomatics.com/book/somatic-techniques-for-massage-therapists-book

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.