In this episode, Eli Weinstein sits down with therapist and bestselling author Nicole Sachs, LCSW, for a powerful conversation about the mind-body connection and how our emotional world directly shapes our physical health.
Nicole shares her deeply personal journey from being diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition at just 19 years old to becoming one of the leading voices in mind-body medicine, carrying forward the work of Dr. John Sarno. Together, Eli and Nicole explore why chronic pain and anxiety are often rooted in unresolved emotional experiences, how the brain works to keep us “safe in the most unsafe way,” and what it actually takes to begin healing.
They break down the neuroscience behind chronic pain, challenge the belief that symptoms are purely physical, and offer a grounded, compassionate framework for understanding how the body communicates distress. Nicole also introduces her signature “Journal Speak” practice, a structured, daily writing method designed to help people safely process repressed emotions and begin releasing long-held pain.
The conversation also dives into how stress becomes chronic illness, what to do when a partner or loved one doesn’t understand this work, and why even skeptics should be open to trying these tools. Throughout the episode, Eli and Nicole emphasize that healing is possible—and that you are not broken.
Topics Covered:
How repressed emotions can manifest as physical pain and illness
Why the brain tries to protect you in ways that keep you stuck
The science and psychology behind chronic pain
Nicole’s personal healing journey and 25+ years pain-free
“Journal Speak” and how to start the practice yourself
Navigating skepticism and resistance from others
Tools for building awareness and starting your healing process
And much more
Resources & Links:
📖 Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs
🎙️ The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast
🌐 https://www.nicolesachs.com
📱 Instagram: @nicolesachslcsw
🏕️ Omega Institute Retreat (June)
🌵 Miraval Austin Retreat (Fall)
📖 The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
📖 Feeling Good – Dr. David Burns
📖 From I Do to We Do by Eli Weinstein
Connect with Eli & The Dude Therapist:
Book From I Do To We Do: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book
Eli’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/
This show is hosted and produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer & Editor Matthew “MoJo” Jones. For sales and sponsorship opportunities, reach out to podcasts@rainbowcreative.co
Chapter Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction & Nicole’s Impact on Eli’s Healing Journey
00:52 Who Is Nicole Sachs? Mind-Body Medicine Explained
02:42 Nicole’s Story: Diagnosis at 19
03:26 The Legacy of Dr. John Sarno
05:33 Making the Mind-Body Connection Make Sense
07:42 When Stress Turns Into Chronic Pain
08:08 Nicole’s Healing: 25 Years Pain-Free
09:56 Medication, Fear & Misconceptions
13:51 “Safe in the Most Unsafe Way” Explained
17:29 Chronic Pain as Communication
20:05 Listening to Your Body Before Crisis
24:46 The Pressure Cooker World We Live In
31:07 When Your Partner Doesn’t Get It
34:35 Unlearning Myths About Pain & Emotion
42:50 Opening the Door to Repressed Feelings Safely
47:22 Journal Speak Practice Explained
49:45 Final Message: You Are Not Alone
50:33 Where to Find Nicole & Her Work
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