Stefan Weiner's guest appearances

Stefan Weiner

Invisible Not Broken - Chronic Illness Podcast Network

The Inspire Cafe

This is Not What I Ordered: a podcast on full-hearted living with chronic illness + health challenges

Chronically Healing Podcast

Life Over Pain

Monica Michelle

Sarah Ramey

Lauren Selfridge

Lisa Sniderman

Nicole Krinick

Jordan Ray

Karina Sturm

Tom Williams

Nate Bagley

Lee Phillips

Emily Guy Birken

Chris Norton

Eddie Lorin

Winston Ben Clements

Michelle Jackson

OwlTail

In this episode, I’m joined by accomplished singer-songwriter and chronic pain survivor Stefan Alexander Weiner. Stefan lives with central sensitization syndrome, a confusing and painful condition that left him without answers and unable to perform for years. Since his diagnosis, Stefan has bravely journeyed through a multitude of doctor appointments, physical therapy, and pain rehabilitation programs to reconnect with his true love -- music. His health challenges haven’t stopped him from seeing the silver lining, though. Through his chronic illness, Stefan was able to reframe his situation, start growing his relationship with himself, and be more compassionate. As he’s moved through the trauma that his chronic illness left in its wake, he’s integrated the condition into his identity and taken ownership of it.  During our insightful chat, Stefan shares how his illness has helped him be more present for the people in his life, as well as how he uses social interaction and performing to quiet the heavy questioning in his mind. He also shares how he started validating his own pain and reframed his illness to see the riches within.

In this episode, I’m joined by accomplished singer-songwriter and chronic pain survivor Stefan Alexander Weiner. Stefan lives with central sensitization syndrome, a confusing and painful condition that left him without answers and unable to perform for years. Since his diagnosis, Stefan has bravely journeyed through a multitude of doctor appointments, physical therapy, and pain rehabilitation programs to reconnect with his true love -- music. His health challenges haven’t stopped him from seeing the silver lining, though. Through his chronic illness, Stefan was able to reframe his situation, start growing his relationship with himself, and be more compassionate. As he’s moved through the trauma that his chronic illness left in its wake, he’s integrated the condition into his identity and taken ownership of it. During our insightful chat, Stefan shares how his illness has helped him be more present for the people in his life, as well as how he uses social interaction and performing to quiet the heavy questioning in his mind. He also shares how he started validating his own pain and reframed his illness to see the riches within.

46: Finding a New Way Through Pain with Stefan Weiner

In life, each of us must overcome the slings and arrows aimed at us.  Stefan Weiner had to survive more than most.  Imagine having your life's passion taken away and replaced with pain.  Stephan's passion is music and his pain made it impossible for him to play. His body failed him time and time again.  Sadly, doctors were unable to find a unifying cause.  Moreover, his pain continued even after his body healed from each injury.  No one knew where his pain was coming from, yet his pain was very real.  Eventually, Stefan was able to get to the Mayo Clinic.  There, he was diagnosed with Central Sensitivity Syndrome.  As a result, the clinic was able to provide treatment which helped Stefan learn to manage his pain. It's a life-long effort for Stefan, but the outcome is that he gets his music back.  He plays his song Thunderclap for us at the end of his story.  You can find more of his music on all streaming platforms under his artist name Stefan Alexander.A Note On The Life Over Pain Theme Music:Emily Bielagus graciously and generously composed the lovely theme music for the Life Over Pain podcast. Find her music at Spotify, wildyawp.com, and reach her at wildyawpband@gmail.com.

In life, each of us must overcome the slings and arrows aimed at us. Stefan Weiner had to survive more than most. Imagine having your life's passion taken away and replaced with pain. Stephan's passion is music and his pain made it impossible for him to play. His body failed him time and time again. Sadly, doctors were unable to find a unifying cause. Moreover, his pain continued even after his body healed from each injury. No one knew where his pain was coming from, yet his pain was very real. Eventually, Stefan was able to get to the Mayo Clinic. There, he was diagnosed with Central Sensitivity Syndrome. As a result, the clinic was able to provide treatment which helped Stefan learn to manage his pain. It's a life-long effort for Stefan, but the outcome is that he gets his music back. He plays his song Thunderclap for us at the end of his story. You can find more of his music on all streaming platforms under his artist name Stefan Alexander.A Note On The Life Over Pain Theme Music:Emily Bielagus graciously and generously composed the lovely theme music for the Life Over Pain podcast. Find her music at Spotify, <a href="http://wildyawp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wildyawp.com</a>, and reach her at wildyawpband@gmail.com.

Life Over Pain - Stefan Weiner - Musician Finds His Voice Again

Today's guest is a true gem 💜 Welcome Stefan Weiner to the podcast! Stefan and I had a wonderful conversation about living with Central Sensitization Syndrome - an illness where your brain causes pain and discomfort that's not "truly" happening. Listen in to find out Stefan's story and how he was able to get his musical passion back after years of pain. In today's episode we chat about ...   What is Central Sensitization Syndrome? Stefan's experience with an invisible illness His experience with the Mayo Clinic and finally getting a diagnosis What he does to keep himself healthy and his spirits up His love for music and how it's helped him get through Why opening up to the people you love for help is so important  Links and things ...  Stefan's Website: www.stefanalxndr.com Stefan's Instagram: www.instagram.com/stefanalxndr/ Stefan's Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4OHS1tYXMB2YUbJfXc2JbR Chronically Healing Instagram: www.instagram.com/chronically.healing 

Today's guest is a true gem 💜 Welcome Stefan Weiner to the podcast! Stefan and I had a wonderful conversation about living with Central Sensitization Syndrome - an illness where your brain causes pain and discomfort that's not "truly" happening. Listen in to find out Stefan's story and how he was able to get his musical passion back after years of pain. In today's episode we chat about ...  <ul> <li>What is Central Sensitization Syndrome?</li> <li>Stefan's experience with an invisible illness</li> <li>His experience with the Mayo Clinic and finally getting a diagnosis</li> <li>What he does to keep himself healthy and his spirits up</li> <li>His love for music and how it's helped him get through</li> <li>Why opening up to the people you love for help is so important</li> </ul> Links and things ... <ul> <li>Stefan's Website: <a href="http://www.stefanalxndr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.stefanalxndr.com</a></li> <li>Stefan's Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/stefanalxndr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/stefanalxndr/</a></li> <li>Stefan's Spotify: <a href="http://open.spotify.com/artist/4OHS1tYXMB2YUbJfXc2JbR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">open.spotify.com/artist/4OHS1tYXMB2YUbJfXc2JbR</a></li> <li>Chronically Healing Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/chronically.healing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/chronically.healing</a></li> </ul>

Ep. 26 – Finding Hope with Invisible Illness with Stefan Weiner

With a promising musical career on the horizon, Stefan Weiner could play multiple musical instruments, sing and write songs. Soon after graduating, 22-year-old Stefan began experiencing physical symptoms, which lead to unending pain that left his doctors baffled.  Unfortunately, it got so bad that Stefan had to stop his music.  Doctors couldn't explain his medical mystery until he went to the Mayo Clinic and finally got a diagnosis:  Central Sensitization Syndrome, a condition where he says his brain hardwired his injuries so it kept sending pain signals even though the tissue had healed. Stefan talks about how he's learned to manage his pain. And now he's back to recording music and has a new song coming out next week, called "Barricade," a song he says is about celebrating who you are.   Mentioned in this episode:  StefanAlxndr.com  Stefan Alexander on Spotify  Stefan's latest release:  Barricade  If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate &amp; review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!   If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our Resources Page! And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our Motivational Tools page! Check out more episodes on our website, TheInspireCafe.com! Like us on Facebook here! 

With a promising musical career on the horizon, Stefan Weiner could play multiple musical instruments, sing and write songs. Soon after graduating, 22-year-old Stefan began experiencing physical symptoms, which lead to unending pain that left his doctors baffled.  Unfortunately, it got so bad that Stefan had to stop his music.  Doctors couldn't explain his medical mystery until he went to the Mayo Clinic and finally got a diagnosis:  Central Sensitization Syndrome, a condition where he says his brain hardwired his injuries so it kept sending pain signals even though the tissue had healed. Stefan talks about how he's learned to manage his pain. And now he's back to recording music and has a new song coming out next week, called "Barricade," a song he says is about celebrating who you are.   Mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.stefanalxndr.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">StefanAlxndr.com</a> </li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OHS1tYXMB2YUbJfXc2JbR" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stefan Alexander on Spotify</a> </li> <li><a href="https://ffm.to/stefanalexanderbarricade" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stefan's latest release:  Barricade</a></li> </ul> If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe for free, rate &amp; review, and share with your friends. Thanks for listening!  <ul> <li>If you'd like to see a list of previously mentioned books or products from former episodes, go to our <a href="http://www.theinspirecafe.com/resources/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Resources Page!</a></li> <li>And if you're looking for inspirational books that I've personally read and recommend, go to our <a href="http://www.theinspirecafe.com/motivational-tools/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Motivational Tools page!</a></li> <li>Check out more episodes on our website, <a href="https://www.theinspirecafe.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">TheInspireCafe.com</a>!</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theinspirecafepodcast/?modal=composer&amp;timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&amp;timeline_context_item_source=1283492873&amp;fref=tag" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Like us on Facebook here!</a></li> </ul>

085: Stefan Weiner: From Believing He'd Never Play Music Again to Releasing New Music with a Whole New Perspective

Website/Blog, Twitter, &amp; Instagram Handlewww.stefanalxndr.com, @stefanalxndr (Instagram / Twitter)Name *Stefan WeinerWhat is your disorder? *Central Sensitization SyndromeAt what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *22Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *I was a recent college graduate, ready to start my career as a performing and touring musician. I was also recently out as gay, beginning to explore the gay dating scene in New York City.What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness? *I am finally able to live life without limitations. It's very important that I stick to my regimen, moderate and modify activities, but I have to see myself as capable of anything, otherwise I am putting my phantom pain in control.What would you like people to know about your daily life? *I am still dealing with daily chronic pain, which manifest in various parts of my body, especially my arms and my throat. Through my rehabilitation, I have learned to treat it as merely a sensation. I understand it to be a faulty signal from my brain and one that does not require any intervention besides cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, mindfulness meditation, and deep breathing.What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *Now that I have all the knowhow from the Mayo Clinic program and two years of practice with the protocol, I truly can't think of anything that would make life easier for me. I have to accept that my symptoms will come and go, but I am not supposed to change how I live my life or the things I do as a result.Do you have any life hacks? *My life hack is the same as my coping mechanism, mentioned below. Diaphragmatic breathing is power stuff!What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *My family couldn't be more supportive of me. For 4 years, they listened to me vent on an almost daily basis. My mom truly shepherded me through the experience: doing research for me and making suggestions, bringing me out of my lowest points of despair, and helping in any other way she could. She is a social worker and licensed family therapist, so she always seemed to know the right thing to say at any moment. Both my parents accompanied me on my first diagnostic trip to the Mayo Clinic, taking notes through every appointment. After the pain rehab program, they both continue to remind me of all the things I learned there and all the negative thought patterns I have to avoid to continue my healing process. With friends, things were more challenging. I didn't want to feel like I was burdening people or bringing along with me for the rollercoaster of new diagnoses, new treatments, and ultimately failures. Only my closest friends knew what I was going through. Now that I'm finally going public about my experience, I'm seeing how many people had no knowledge of what I was going through.Have you ever had someone not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out? *Of course, I certainly had people suggest "couldn't this all just be in your head?" This response was part of what kept me from telling people about my condition. Without a diagnosis, I couldn't give people a name for what I was going through, and without one it felt like they didn't believe me. The worst thing anyone ever said to me in response to telling them about my experience was "well, welcome to adulthood," but this type of response was rare and mostly people were sympathetic, even if they didn't know how to help or what to say.How has your chronic illness affected your relationships? *My illness has definitely made it harder for me to be vulnerable with partners. It's likely a large part of what's kept me from entering a longterm relationship. In 2016, 3 years into not being able to play music, my illness pushed me to explore casual sex, trying to fill that void. Ultimately it was a good experience, but I understand it now to have been a way for me to have physical contact without the vulnerability necessary for true intimacy.Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *At this point, I'm pretty much an open book. However, the one topic I still struggle to talk about are the suicidal thoughts I began to have in late 2016. I had tried every interventions that my dozens of doctors had suggested, and I didn't know where to turn next. A life without music, with such limited use of my arms and my voice, felt like no life at all. I never made any plans to follow through with these thoughts, but it's still hard for me to acknowledge that I had them.Does the fact that your disease is invisible change how healthcare professionals treat you? *I found that doctors were always confused by me, but only some treated me like I was exaggerating or making it up. They ultimately tried everything they could, but were unsuccessful until the doctors saw me at the Mayo Clinic. Of course, those doctors understood exactly what I was going through. Now that I have a name for my diagnosis, I feel much more respected by doctors. I've come to appreciate that my identity as a college-educated, white cis man meant that doctors were more likely to respect me, as unfair as that may be. I can only imagine what this experience would have been like as a woman, a person of color, or a trans person.What is your best coping mechanism? *Diaphragmatic breathing! We were taught this technique at the Mayo Clinic in order to reduce our fight-or-flight stress response to pain. By doing so, this technique actually reduces symptoms.What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *I hope that I can continue to make strides with my rehabilitation and not fall into the old patterns that kept my symptoms central for so long. Ultimately I'm thankful for this experience, so that I can use my growing platform as a performer to highlight the associated issues and maybe give some support to people that hear my story. I can't wait to see where my career takes me now that I'm able to perform again and make new music. I couldn't be more excited for the future!Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.I definitely want to talk about the effect my experience has had on my music and my overall message as an artist. This was truly the most unexpected transformation I underwent as a result of my medical journeyWhat is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?My condition taught me how to find a silver lining to almost any negative experience. When my arms hurt too much to play guitar, I learned to write music in a new way. Then when my throat hurt too much to sing, I spent the time away from music learning so much about the world and the injustices suffered in America and abroad. My whole experience made me so much more compassionate and empathetic. It made me a better listener. Now, I can apply all this to whatever challenges I may confront in the future.! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Website/Blog, Twitter, &amp; Instagram Handle<a href="https://www.stefanalxndr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.stefanalxndr.com</a>, @stefanalxndr (Instagram / Twitter)Name *Stefan WeinerWhat is your disorder? *<a href="http://www.instituteforchronicpain.org/understanding-chronic-pain/what-is-chronic-pain/central-sensitization" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Central Sensitization Syndrome</a>At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *22Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *I was a recent college graduate, ready to start my career as a performing and touring musician. I was also recently out as gay, beginning to explore the gay dating scene in New York City.What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness? *I am finally able to live life without limitations. It's very important that I stick to my regimen, moderate and modify activities, but I have to see myself as capable of anything, otherwise I am putting my phantom pain in control.What would you like people to know about your daily life? *I am still dealing with daily chronic pain, which manifest in various parts of my body, especially my arms and my throat. Through my rehabilitation, I have learned to treat it as merely a sensation. I understand it to be a faulty signal from my brain and one that does not require any intervention besides cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, mindfulness meditation, and deep breathing.What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *Now that I have all the knowhow from the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/overview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mayo Clinic</a> program and two years of practice with the protocol, I truly can't think of anything that would make life easier for me. I have to accept that my symptoms will come and go, but I am not supposed to change how I live my life or the things I do as a result.Do you have any life hacks? *My life hack is the same as my coping mechanism, mentioned below. Diaphragmatic breathing is power stuff!What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *My family couldn't be more supportive of me. For 4 years, they listened to me vent on an almost daily basis. My mom truly shepherded me through the experience: doing research for me and making suggestions, bringing me out of my lowest points of despair, and helping in any other way she could. She is a social worker and licensed family therapist, so she always seemed to know the right thing to say at any moment. Both my parents accompanied me on my first diagnostic trip to the Mayo Clinic, taking notes through every appointment. After the pain rehab program, they both continue to remind me of all the things I learned there and all the negative thought patterns I have to avoid to continue my healing process. With friends, things were more challenging. I didn't want to feel like I was burdening people or bringing along with me for the rollercoaster of new diagnoses, new treatments, and ultimately failures. Only my closest friends knew what I was going through. Now that I'm finally going public about my experience, I'm seeing how many people had no knowledge of what I was going through.Have you ever had someone not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out? *Of course, I certainly had people suggest "couldn't this all just be in your head?" This response was part of what kept me from telling people about my condition. Without a diagnosis, I couldn't give people a name for what I was going through, and without one it felt like they didn't believe me. The worst thing anyone ever said to me in response to telling them about my experience was "well, welcome to adulthood," but this type of response was rare and mostly people were sympathetic, even if they didn't know how to help or what to say.How has your chronic illness affected your relationships? *My illness has definitely made it harder for me to be vulnerable with partners. It's likely a large part of what's kept me from entering a longterm relationship. In 2016, 3 years into not being able to play music, my illness pushed me to explore casual sex, trying to fill that void. Ultimately it was a good experience, but I understand it now to have been a way for me to have physical contact without the vulnerability necessary for true intimacy.Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *At this point, I'm pretty much an open book. However, the one topic I still struggle to talk about are the suicidal thoughts I began to have in late 2016. I had tried every interventions that my dozens of doctors had suggested, and I didn't know where to turn next. A life without music, with such limited use of my arms and my voice, felt like no life at all. I never made any plans to follow through with these thoughts, but it's still hard for me to acknowledge that I had them.Does the fact that your disease is invisible change how healthcare professionals treat you? *I found that doctors were always confused by me, but only some treated me like I was exaggerating or making it up. They ultimately tried everything they could, but were unsuccessful until the doctors saw me at the Mayo Clinic. Of course, those doctors understood exactly what I was going through. Now that I have a name for my diagnosis, I feel much more respected by doctors. I've come to appreciate that my identity as a college-educated, white cis man meant that doctors were more likely to respect me, as unfair as that may be. I can only imagine what this experience would have been like as a woman, a person of color, or a trans person.What is your best coping mechanism? *Diaphragmatic breathing! We were taught this technique at the Mayo Clinic in order to reduce our fight-or-flight stress response to pain. By doing so, this technique actually reduces symptoms.What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *I hope that I can continue to make strides with my rehabilitation and not fall into the old patterns that kept my symptoms central for so long. Ultimately I'm thankful for this experience, so that I can use my growing platform as a performer to highlight the associated issues and maybe give some support to people that hear my story. I can't wait to see where my career takes me now that I'm able to perform again and make new music. I couldn't be more excited for the future!Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.I definitely want to talk about the effect my experience has had on my music and my overall message as an artist. This was truly the most unexpected transformation I underwent as a result of my medical journeyWhat is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?My condition taught me how to find a silver lining to almost any negative experience. When my arms hurt too much to play guitar, I learned to write music in a new way. Then when my throat hurt too much to sing, I spent the time away from music learning so much about the world and the injustices suffered in America and abroad. My whole experience made me so much more compassionate and empathetic. It made me a better listener. Now, I can apply all this to whatever challenges I may confront in the future.! Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.