Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Pain, Healing and Workplace Wellness
In the newest episode of That Said, Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings clarity and humanity to a topic almost everyone can relate to. He breaks down why chronic pain is so common, why it is so misunderstood and how much control people may have once they understand how the brain shapes what we feel. His new book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, looks at pain in a way that feels both scientific and personal, which is exactly how this conversation unfolds.
Gupta explains that pain is not just a physical signal. It is shaped by sleep, stress, emotions, memories and even whether someone feels supported or alone. He notes that the brain processes physical and emotional pain in the same regions, which helps explain why chronic stress or isolation can make everyday aches feel overwhelming. That insight alone opens the door to a different kind of wellness conversation, especially inside the workplace where many people push through discomfort without ever saying a word.
What makes this episode stand out is how approachable Gupta makes the science. He talks about pain as something the brain learns and sometimes gets stuck repeating. Once people understand that, there are real opportunities to retrain the brain through simple daily habits. Movement, better sleep, mindfulness, breathing exercises, even listening to music can make a measurable difference. These are not quick fixes, but they are tools that give people a sense of control when pain has taken over too much space in their lives.
For communicators and workplace leaders, Gupta’s insights are a reminder that wellness is not a side topic. Pain affects performance, connection and how people show up for one another. Many employees are carrying a level of discomfort that no one can see. This episode offers a compassionate, practical way to understand what they may be experiencing and how healthier cultures can help. It is one of the clearest conversations yet on why pain does not have to define a person and how science is giving people new ways to feel better.
