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 [email protected]

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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Eli Weinstein Eli Weinstein, LCSW

Eli Weinstein is a licensed clinical therapist, devoted husband, and father of two, based in sunny Las Vegas. He runs a thriving private practice serving clients in both New York and Nevada, blending expert clinical insight with an approachable, no-nonsense style that makes mental health support relatable and accessible.

Driven by a passion for breaking mental health stigmas, Eli founded ELIvation and The Dude Therapist podcast to create real, down-to-earth conversations about mental health, fatherhood, parenting, and relationships. His podcast features candid interviews with world-renowned experts like Dr. Edith Eger, Apollo Ohno, Dr. Nicole LePera, and Tina Bryson. He’s also been featured on major platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Trauma Therapist, Mimosas With Moms, and many others.

Eli’s mission is clear: to empower people with the tools and insights they need to overcome life’s struggles while embracing authenticity, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor. His signature “No BS” approach feels like talking to a trusted friend—who also happens to be a licensed professional.

In addition to his podcast, Eli is set to release a parenting and relationships-focused book with Wiley Publishers, expanding his efforts to make mental health conversations engaging and actionable for all.

Whether through therapy sessions, podcasting, or public speaking, Eli’s goal remains the same: to inspire hope, foster growth, and remind people that with the right support, the life they envision is possible.