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Migraine Heroes | Chronic Migraine, Hemiplegic Migraine, Migraine with aura, Vestibular Migraine

Are you doing everything right - avoiding triggers, taking your medication - and still experiencing migraine episodes that steal your day? You're not alone, and you're not broken. Deep dives into the science behind migraine, from food and hormones to sleep, stress, and the unexpected triggers few people talk about. Every topic holds a tension: is ginger a trigger or a remedy? Is stress the cause or the symptom? What does perimenopause actually change? There's rarely a simple answer, so each episode looks at the knowledge and science from different angles, East and West, and turns it into practical advice rooted in context. Migraine Heroes started when Diane Ducarme began helping her sister, then friends, then increasingly more people living with migraine. That work became a method, now used by over 3,000 people, to identify your own unique patterns and find real solutions. This podcast is where that thinking happens out loud. Curious what your own starting pattern looks like? Find out with the Migraine Heroes app: migraineheroes.com/qr-download
- 202 - Make Your Desk More Migraine-Friendly: 7 Tiny Upgrades That Can Change Your Working Day
Your desk may be affecting your migraine more than you realize.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme shares seven tiny changes that can make your working day feel easier and more migraine-friendly.
You’ll learn:
💡 How light, screen position, noise, and hydration can quietly affect your migraine threshold
💡 7 simple, low-cost desk upgrades you can try without redesigning your workspace
💡 Diane’s special productivity trick and how one simple sheet of paper can completely change the way you work
👉 Download Diane’s productivity sheet, a simple tool designed to help you reduce mental clutter, stay focused on what matters most, and get more done without keeping everything in your head.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
A Neural Mechanism for Exacerbation of Headache by Light (Noseda et al., 2010): This study identifies a neural pathway through which light can worsen migraine pain. Read more here.Migraine and Light: A Narrative Review (Artemenko et al., 2022):This review examines photophobia and how light can influence migraine attacks. Read more here.Factors Negatively Affecting a Migraine-Friendly Workplace in Healthcare (Aydinlar et al., 2026): This study identifies workplace factors that can worsen migraine burden among healthcare workers. Read more here.Digital Screen Exposure and Migraine Burden: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Gowda et al., 2026): This review examines the relationship between screen exposure and migraine burden. Read more here.Identification of Work Accommodations and Interventions Associated With Work Productivity in Adults With Migraine (Begasse de Dhaem et al., 2021): This review identifies workplace accommodations that may support productivity in people with migraine. Read more here.Migraine and the Environment (Friedman & De Ver Dye, 2009): This review examines environmental migraine triggers such as light, odors, air quality, and weather. Read more here.SEEDS for Success: Lifestyle Management in Migraine (Robblee & Starling, 2019): This review outlines lifestyle strategies involving sleep, exercise, eating, diaries, and stress management. Read more here.Color and Spatial Frequency Are Related to Visual Pattern Sensitivity in Migraine (Shepherd et al., 2013): This study examines how color and visual patterns influence discomfort in migraine. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 - 22min - 201 - Migraine, Hormones & Birth Control: Making Sense of the Connection
Can birth control trigger migraines or make hormonal migraines worse? The answer may have less to do with simply having “too much estrogen” and more to do with how your hormones rise, fall, and change over time.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, hostDiane Ducarmeexplores the connection between migraine, hormones, birth control, and the menstrual cycle, including why migraine attacks may appear around menstruation or during the hormone-free days of contraception.
You’ll learn:
💡 Why hormonal fluctuations and estrogen withdrawal may contribute to menstrual migraine
💡 Why migraine with aura matters when choosing hormonal birth control
💡 What to do if your migraines begin or noticeably change after starting contraception
You’ll also learn how different forms of birth control can create very different hormonal patterns and why understanding your individual migraine response matters.
If you think your migraines may be linked to your hormones or birth control, this episode will help you know what to track and what to discuss with your doctor.
Ask Diane Anything: Live Q&A
Have a migraine question? Join Diane live to ask your questions or simply listen.
👉 Register here: migraineheroes.com/live
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Menstrual Migraine Is Caused by Estrogen Withdrawal: Revisiting the Evidence (Raffaelli et al., 2023):This review reassesses the evidence linking estrogen withdrawal to menstrual migraine. Read more here.Hormonal Contraceptives and Migraine Frequency and Severity in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Alju et al., 2026):This review examines how hormonal contraceptives may affect migraine frequency and severity. Read more here.Use of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives Among Women With Migraines and Risk of Ischemic Stroke (Champaloux et al., 2017):This study examines stroke risk according to migraine type and combined hormonal contraceptive use. Read more here.Safety of Hormonal Contraceptives Among Women With Migraine: A Systematic Review (Tepper et al., 2016):This review evaluates vascular risks of hormonal contraception in women with migraine. Read more here.Hormonal Contraceptives and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Women With Migraine (Sacco et al., 2017):This consensus statement provides guidance on contraception and stroke risk in women with migraine. Read more here.Effectiveness of the Progestin-Only Pill for Migraine Treatment in Women (Warhurst et al., 2018):This review evaluates progestin-only contraception as a potential migraine treatment. Read more hereU.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2024 (CDC, 2024): These guidelines classify contraceptive safety for different medical conditions, including migraine with and without aura. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
Wed, 23 Sep 2026 - 22min - 200 - 3 Strategies to Cope With Migraine Isolation & Feel More Supported
Living with chronic migraine can feel deeply isolating. Pain, unpredictable attacks, cancelled plans, and feeling misunderstood can slowly make your world feel smaller.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the connection between migraine, loneliness, social isolation, and support, and how to stay connected without pushing your body beyond what it can manage. This episode is about finding a connection that works with your migraine not against it.
You’ll learn:
💡 How to create migraine-safe forms of social connection without exhausting yourself
💡 How to explain what migraine support actually looks like to the people around you
💡 Why supportive relationships can matter more than having a large social circle and how small moments of connection can help you feel less alone
You do not need to rebuild your entire social life to feel supported. Sometimes one understanding person, one message, or one small moment of connection can begin to open your world again.
Ask Diane Anything: Live Q&A
Have a migraine question? Join Diane live to ask your questions or simply listen.
👉 Register here: migraineheroes.com/live
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
My Migraine Voice Survey: A Global Study of Disease Burden Among Individuals With Migraine for Whom Preventive Treatments Have Failed (Martelletti et al., 2018):This global survey highlights the personal, social, and professional burden of migraine. Read more here.The Social Life of Migraine: A Meta-Ethnography of Lived Experience in Adults With Migraine (Ng et al., 2026):This review explores how migraine affects identity, relationships, and social participation. Read more here.Impact of Migraine on the Family: Perspectives of People With Migraine and Their Spouse/Domestic Partner in the CaMEO Study (Buse et al., 2016):This study examines how migraine affects partners and family life. Read more here.Life With Migraine: Effects on Relationships, Career, and Finances From the CaMEO Study (Buse et al., 2019):This study shows migraine’s impact on relationships, careers, and finances. Read more here.The Stigma of Migraine (Young et al., 2013):This study examines the social stigma experienced by people with migraine. Read more here.Loneliness and Migraine Self-Management: A Cross-Sectional Assessment (Lui et al., 2020):This study explores how loneliness relates to migraine self-management. Read more here.Poor Social Support and Loneliness in Chronic Headache: Prevalence and Effect Modifiers (Westergaard et al., 2021):This study found greater loneliness and poor social support among people with chronic headache. Read more here.The Family Impact of Migraine: Population-Based Studies in the USA and UK (Lipton et al., 2003):This study shows that migraine can substantially affect partners, children, and family activities. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 - 18min - 199 - A Quick Note from Diane: Ask Diane Anything
Got a migraine question the podcast hasn’t quite answered for you?
Join Diane live for Ask Diane Anything on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Bring your questions about migraine, hormones, sleep, food, exercise or simply come and listen.
✨ Free to attend
📅 Thursday, September 24
🔗 Register at migraineheroes.com/live
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 - 01min - 198 - Why Perimenopause Is Making Your Migraines Worse and What You Can Do About It
If your migraines suddenly feel more frequent, intense, or unpredictable in midlife, hormonal instability may be playing a bigger role than you realize.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💡 Why fluctuating estrogen during perimenopause can make the migraine brain more reactive
💡 How poor sleep, hot flashes, anxiety, irregular periods, and migraine can reinforce one another
💡 How to track your personal patterns and create more stability during this hormonal transition
Perimenopause may feel unpredictable, but understanding your changing rhythm can help you respond with more clarity and confidence.
Ask Diane Anything — Live Q&A
Have a migraine question? Join Diane live on September 24, 2026 to ask your questions or simply listen.
👉 Register here: migraineheroes.com/live
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine Across the Menopausal Transition and Beyond: A Narrative Review (Korn & Bernstein, 2026):This review covers migraine changes and management across menopause. Read more here.Menstrual and Perimenopausal Migraine: A Narrative Review (MacGregor, 2020):This review examines hormonal changes affecting menstrual and perimenopausal migraine. Read more here.Menstrual Migraine Is Caused by Estrogen Withdrawal:Revisiting the Evidence (Raffaelli et al., 2023): This review reassesses the evidence for estrogen withdrawal as a migraine trigger. Read more here.Perimenopause and Menopause Are Associated With High Frequency Headache in Women With Migraine (Martin et al., 2016):This study found increased high-frequency headache during perimenopause. Read more here.Executive Summary of the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10 (Harlow et al., 2012):This paper defines stages of reproductive aging and the menopausal transition. Read more here.Migraine Management During Menstruation and Menopause (MacGregor, 2015):This review covers migraine treatment during menstruation and menopause. Read more here.Migraine and Menopause: A Narrative Review (Bernstein & O’Neal, 2020):This review examines migraine patterns and treatment around menopause. Read more here.Hormonal Influences in Migraine, Interactions of Oestrogen, Oxytocin and CGRP (Krause et al., 2021):This review explores how reproductive hormones and CGRP interact in migraine. Read more here.Acupuncture for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine (Linde et al., 2016):This Cochrane review evaluates acupuncture for migraine prevention. Read more here.Acupuncture for Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials (Yang et al., 2024):This review examines the dose-response relationship between acupuncture and migraine frequency. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 - 27min - 197 - Migraine and Iron Deficiency: Could Low Iron Be a Clue?
Could fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, feeling cold, and migraine be pointing to something deeper, like low iron stores?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme explores the connection between iron, energy, oxygen delivery, brain function, and migraine and why low iron can sometimes be missed when we look only at hemoglobin.
You’ll learn:
💡 Why low iron may affect much more than your energy — and potentially make a migraine-prone nervous system more vulnerable
💡 Why ferritin can reveal depleted iron stores even when your blood count appears normal
💡 Simple ways to support iron intake, plus why finding the reason behind low iron matters just as much as replacing it
You’ll also discover how heavy periods, blood loss, diet, and absorption can contribute to depletion and why symptoms are often clues worth investigating rather than problems to look at in isolation.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Chronic Headache Disorders (Rohilla et al., 2025):This meta-analysis found a significant association between iron-deficiency anemia and chronic headache disorders. Read morehere.Association Between Dietary Iron Intake and Serum Ferritin and Severe Headache or Migraine (Meng et al., 2021):This study links iron intake and ferritin levels with migraine or severe headache in some women. Read more here.Association Between Anemia Severity and Migraine in Iron Deficiency Anemia (Sari & Kama Başci, 2024):Lower ferritin was associated with greater migraine pain and headache impact. Read more here.Is There Any Correlation Between Migraine Attacks and Iron Deficiency Anemia? A Case-Control Study (Tayyebi et al., 2019):This study found associations between migraine and iron deficiency, particularly among women. Read more here.Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Associated With Migraine?Is There a Role for Anxiety and Depression? (Pamuk et al., 2016): This study found migraine was common among patients with iron-deficiency anemia. Read more here.Association Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Chronic Daily Headache: A Case-Control Study (Singh et al., 2023):Iron-deficiency anemia was independently associated with chronic daily headache. Read more here.Iron Deficiency Without Anaemia: A Diagnosis That Matters (Al-Naseem et al., 2021):This review explains how iron deficiency can occur despite normal hemoglobin levels. Read more here.British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults (Snook et al., 2021):These guidelines explain how ferritin and other iron markers are used to diagnose iron deficiency. Read more here.Non-Anaemic Iron Deficiency (Balendran & Forsyth, 2021):This review covers low iron stores despite normal hemoglobin and their clinical management. Read more here.Iron in the Migraine Brain (Tepe, Yemisci & Karatas, 2025):This review explores iron deficiency, iron overload, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in migraine. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 - 21min - 196 - From Childhood Migraine to Freedom: Jessica’s Journey
Jessica’s migraine story began in childhood and followed her through major hormonal shifts, perfectionism, motherhood, and years of trying to figure things out alone. She shares how understanding her body differently helped her move from recurring three-day migraines toward greater freedom and why her biggest message is simple: don’t lose hope.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 - 13min - 195 - Why Some People Wake Up Nauseated Before the Migraine Pain Starts
Waking up nauseated can feel confusing especially when the migraine pain has not started yet.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores why nausea can be an early part of a migraine attack and what it may reveal about the timing of the migraine process.
You’ll learn:
💡 Why nausea can begin before head pain — and what this tells us about where a migraine attack may actually start
💡 How sleep, your internal body clock, the hypothalamus, and the gut may contribute to nausea on waking
💡 How to recognize your own early-warning pattern, so morning nausea becomes useful information rather than another unexplained symptom
Sometimes, the first sign of migraine is not pain. Learning to notice what happens before the headache may help you understand your attacks much earlier.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Premonitory Symptoms in Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies Reporting Prevalence or Relative Frequency (Eigenbrodt et al., 2022): This review identifies common symptoms that occur before migraine pain begins. Read more here.Brain Activations in the Premonitory Phase of Nitroglycerin-Triggered Migraine Attacks (Maniyar et al., 2014): This study identifies hypothalamic and brainstem activity before migraine headache begins. Read morehereHypothalamus as a Conductor of the Migraine Prodrome: A Narrative Review (Root & Schwedt, 2026): This review explores the hypothalamus as a key driver of early migraine symptoms. Read more here.Pathophysiology and Therapy of Associated Features of Migraine (Villar-Martinez & Goadsby, 2022): This review examines nausea, sensory sensitivity, and other symptoms accompanying migraine. Read more here.Migraine and Gastroparesis (Arca et al., 2022): This review explores the relationship between migraine and delayed gastric emptying. Read more here.Gastric Emptying in Migraine: A Comparison With Functional Dyspepsia (Yu et al., 2012): This study compares gastric emptying in migraine, functional dyspepsia, and healthy controls. Read more here.Pathofysiological and Clinical Correlates of Sleep in Primary Headache Disorders: A Narrative Review (van Liefland et al., 2026): This review examines how sleep and headache disorders interact biologically and clinically. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 09 Sep 2026 - 16min - 194 - Invisible Pain, Visible Judgment: 50 Ways to Respond When Migraine Is Misunderstood at Work, With Friends, or With Family
Migraine is invisible and sometimes, that makes other people question just how disabling it can be.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme shares practical ways to respond when colleagues, friends, or family minimize your migraine, offer unwanted advice, or simply do not understand what you are going through.
You’ll learn:
💡 How to respond to dismissive comments without feeling you need to justify or over-explain your migraine
💡 How to adapt what you say depending on whether you’re speaking with a colleague, friend, family member, or well-meaning advice-giver
💡 How to protect your dignity and set firmer boundaries when someone continues to diminish your pain
You do not need everyone to understand migraine perfectly. But you can learn how to communicate what you need clearly, calmly, and without giving away more energy than the situation deserves.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026 - 16min - 193 - Migraine Aura, Scotoma, or Blurred Vision? How to Tell the Difference
Visual changes can be frightening, especially when you live with migraine. But not every blind spot, shimmer, or blurry patch means the same thing.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme breaks down the differences between visual migraine aura, scotoma, and blurred vision, so you can better understand what your eyes and brain may be telling you.
You’ll learn:
💡 How to recognize the typical features of a visual migraine aura, including one surprisingly useful clue
💡 What a scotoma really is and how to distinguish a blind spot from shimmering or blurred vision
💡 Which visual symptoms deserve prompt medical attention, rather than automatically being attributed to migraine
A practical episode to help you understand visual symptoms with more clarity and know when they may need a closer look.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (International Headache Society, 2018):The classification defines migraine aura, including its gradual development, reversibility, and typical duration. Read more here.Are These Visual Symptoms Due to Migraine? A Guide for General Practice (Goldsmith, 2020): This guide explains features that help distinguish migraine visual aura from other visual symptoms. Read more here.A Phase-by-Phase Review of Migraine Pathophysiology (Dodick, 2018): This review describes migraine as a multiphase disorder and links aura with cortical spreading depression. Read morehere. Biological Insights From the Premonitory Symptoms of Migraine (Karsan & Goadsby, 2018): This review explores what early migraine symptoms reveal about attack neurobiology. Read more here. Visual Aura in Migraine: An Analysis of 165 Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India (Singla et al., 2021): This study describes common visual aura symptoms, including scintillating scotoma and zigzag lines. Read more here. Symptoms Related to the Visual System in Migraine (van Dongen & Haan, 2019): This review covers aura, visual blurring, photophobia, visual snow, and other visual symptoms. Read more here.Neuroimaging for Migraine: The American Headache Society Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline (Evans et al., 2020): This guideline explains when brain imaging may be appropriate in migraine, including unusual or changing aura. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 02 Sep 2026 - 20min - 192 - When Grief Hurts Physically: Understanding the Migraine Connection
Grief is emotional, but it can also be deeply physical. Changes in sleep, stress, appetite, energy, and nervous system activity may all influence the way migraine shows up in your body.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why loss can affect far more than your mood, and why your brain and body may need time to adapt to a reality that has suddenly changed.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why grief can affect your entire nervous system and potentially change your migraine pattern
💡 Why your brain may continue to expect the person, place, or life you have lost to still be there
💡 How Eastern philosophy can offer a gentler way to move through grief, without expecting yourself to simply “get over it”
This episode is an invitation to understand grief not as something to rush through, but as a process your whole body may need time to navigate.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Health Outcomes of Bereavement (Stroebe et al., 2007):This review examines how bereavement can affect both physical and mental health. Read more here. Grief and Bereavement: A Pre-Registered Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies (Evstigneev et al., 2026):This review examines brain changes linked to grief, including emotion, reward, and cognitive networks. Read more here.Major Life Changes Before and After the Onset of Chronic Daily Headache (Scher et al., 2008): This study links major life changes with increased risk of developing chronic daily headache. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 31 Aug 2026 - 18min - 191 - Rebound Headache: When Migraine Medication Starts Feeding the Cycle
When the medication you rely on for relief starts being followed by more and more headaches, it can feel confusing and frustrating.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores rebound headache, also known as medication-overuse headache, and why frequent treatment can sometimes begin feeding the migraine cycle instead of calming it.
You’ll discover:
💡 How to recognize when frequent migraine medication may be contributing to increasingly frequent headaches
💡 Why rebound headache happens in the brain, and why it does not mean you are weak, dependent, or treating migraine “wrong”
💡 How to begin breaking the cycle safely, including one practical step you can take without suddenly stopping medication on your own
This episode will help you better understand your medication patterns, recognize when something may be shifting, and approach the next steps with more clarity and support.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Medication-Overuse Headache (International Headache Society): These criteria define medication-overuse headache and its diagnostic thresholds. Read more here. Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Medication Overuse Headache (Diener et al., 2019): This review explains the mechanisms, prevention, withdrawal, and treatment of medication-overuse headache. Read more here.European Academy of Neurology Guideline on the Management of Medication-Overuse Headache (Diener et al., 2020): This guideline outlines education, withdrawal, and preventive treatment strategies. Read more here.Comparison of 3 Treatment Strategies for Medication Overuse Headache (Carlsen et al., 2020): This trial compares withdrawal, preventive treatment, and their combination. Read more here. Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab for Nonopioid Medication Overuse Headache in Chronic Migraine (Tepper et al., 2024): This trial found erenumab 140 mg increased medication-overuse headache remission. Read more here.Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache in Primary Care: The BIMOH Study (Kristoffersen et al., 2015): This trial found a brief primary-care intervention reduced medication use and headache days. Read more here.Activation of the Microglial P2X7R/NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediates Central Sensitization in a Mouse Model of Medication Overuse Headache (Wang et al., 2023): This animal study links microglial inflammation with central sensitization in medication overuse. Read more here.Acupuncture for Migraine Without Aura and Connection-Based Efficacy Prediction (Zhang et al., 2026): This trial found acupuncture improved migraine outcomes and explored brain connectivity as a predictor of response. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026 - 15min - 190 - Exercise for Migraine: When It Helps and When It Backfires
Exercise can be one of the most helpful tools for migraine prevention, but when your body is already under strain, the wrong intensity can sometimes push you toward an attack.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme explores why movement can both support and challenge a migraine-sensitive nervous system, and how to find the level of exercise that works with your body rather than against it.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why regular movement may help reduce migraine frequency, even if some workouts seem to trigger symptoms
💡 The signs that exercise is exceeding your current capacity and it may be time to slow down or adjust
💡 A simple migraine-friendly movement approach you can try at home without pushing your body beyond its limits
The goal is not to exercise harder. It is to find the kind of movement that helps your nervous system become more resilient, without tipping it into overload.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Exercise as Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Study Using Relaxation and Topiramate as Controls (Varkey et al., 2011):This trial found exercise may be an effective option for migraine prevention. Read more here. The Association Between Migraine and Physical Exercise (Amin et al., 2018):This review examines exercise as both a potential migraine trigger and preventive strategy. Read more here. Provocation of Migraine With Aura Using Natural Trigger Factors (Hougaard et al., 2013): This study tested whether exercise and bright or flickering light could provoke migraine with aura. Read more here. What Is the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise Versus Strength Training in the Treatment of Migraine? (Woldeamanuel & Oliveira, 2022): This analysis compares strength and aerobic exercise for reducing migraine frequency. Read more here. Prescription of Therapeutic Exercise in Migraine: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline (La Touche et al., 2023): This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for exercise in migraine care. Read morehere.How Much Aerobic Exercise Is Needed to Reduce Migraine? A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Pain Intensity and Frequency (Ogrezeanu et al., 2026): This analysis examines the amount of aerobic exercise associated with migraine improvement. Read more here.Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Cognitive Aspects, Level of Physical Activity, and Disability in Individuals With Migraine (Pina et al., 2025): This study links fear of movement with greater disability and lower physical activity in migraine. Read more here.Primary Exercise Headache (International Headache Society, 2018): These criteria define headache occurring specifically during or after strenuous exercise. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 - 20min - 189 - Why Recovery Days Matter as Much as Productive Days
What if recovery is not time lost, but part of what helps your migraine system regain stability?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why the end of head pain does not always mean the migraine attack is fully over — and why your body may still need time to recover.
You’ll learn:
💡 Why post-migraine recovery is biological, not imaginary
💡 How cycling between intense productivity and complete exhaustion may destabilize a sensitive migraine system
💡 How to make recovery feel restorative rather than guilt-filled
This episode is a reminder that protecting your energy can be just as important as using it.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Migraine Postdrome: An Electronic Diary Study (Giffin et al., 2016): This study describes fatigue, concentration problems, and other symptoms that persist after migraine pain resolves.Read more here Reduction in Perceived Stress as a Migraine Trigger: Testing the “Let-Down Headache” Hypothesis (Lipton et al., 2014): This study found that a drop in stress may be associated with migraine onset the following day. Read more here Understanding Migraine Through the Lens of Maladaptive Stress Responses (Borsook et al., 2012):This review explores migraine through chronic stress and allostatic load. Read more hereInsufficient Sleep May Alter Cortical Excitability Near the Migraine Attack (Mykland et al., 2023):This study suggests insufficient sleep may alter brain inhibition around migraine attacks. Read more here Fatigue in Migraine Patients and Its Clinical Correlates (Hou et al., 2026): This study links migraine-related fatigue with sleep problems, disability, and psychiatric symptoms. Read more here Operant Approach Activity Pacing Interventions for the Management of Chronic Pain (Antcliff et al., 2026): This review evaluates activity-pacing strategies for managing chronic pain and fatigue. Read morehereDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 15min - 188 - Bloating and Migraine: Coincidence or Clue?
What if your bloating isn’t separate from your migraine—but part of the same pattern?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the connection between digestive symptoms and migraine, and why the answer may go far beyond simply blaming certain foods.
You’ll learn:
💡 Why bloating and migraine may show up together
💡 How your nervous system, digestion, hormones, and migraine pathways may be connected
💡 How to tell whether bloating is random, treatment-related, or a useful clue in your migraine pattern
This episode will help you look at bloating differently—not as an isolated symptom, but as another signal your body may be giving you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Gut–Brain Axis and Migraine Headache:A Comprehensive Review (Arzani et al., 2020): This review explores how gut microbiota, inflammation, and gut–brain signaling may influence migraine.Read more here.Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Migraine Patients (Wongtrakul et al., 2022): This meta-analysis found that IBS is more common among people with migraine. Read more here.Migraine and Gastroparesis (Arca et al., 2022): This review examines the overlap between migraine, delayed gastric emptying, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Read morehere. Role of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide on the Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Migraine (Ailani et al., 2022): This review explores how CGRP may connect migraine with gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders. Read more hereGastrointestinal Motility Before and After CGRP-Targeted Treatment (Kudrow et al., 2022): This trial examines gastrointestinal changes after treatment with erenumab or galcanezumab. Read more here AGA Clinical Practice Update on Belching, Abdominal Bloating, and Distention (Moshiree et al., 2023): This expert review provides guidance on evaluating and managing common gastrointestinal symptoms. Read more here The Neurobiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Mayer, Ryu, & Bhatt, 2023): This review explains IBS through interactions between the brain, gut, microbiome, immune system, and nervous system. Read more hereThe Brain, the Eating Plate, and the Gut Microbiome: Partners in Migraine Pathogenesis (Gazerani et al., 2024): This review explores connections between diet, the gut microbiome, and migraine mechanisms. Read more here The Association Between Migraine and Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review (Gorenshtein et al., 2025): This review examines evidence of differences in gut microbiota among people with migraine. Read morehereMigraine and the Gut–Brain Axis—The Role of Microbiome-Targeted Biotics (Kozák et al., 2026): This review explores probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in relation to the gut–brain axis and migraine. Read more hereDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 - 16min - 187 - From Episodic to Chronic Migraine: The 8 Quiet Signs Your Pattern Is Changing
What if your migraine pattern is becoming more frequent before you even realize it?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores eight subtle signs that episodic migraine may be moving toward a more chronic pattern—from mild headache days and longer recovery periods to increasing sensitivity and more frequent medication use.
You’ll discover:
💡 How to recognize the early signs that your migraine pattern may be changing
💡 Why mild symptoms and recovery days can reveal more than severe attacks alone
💡 How simple tracking can help you understand your pattern and seek support earlier
Recognizing these changes is not about creating fear. It is about noticing what your body is communicating before migraine begins taking up even more space in your life.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Chronic Migraine — International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (International Headache Society, 2018):These criteria define chronic migraine by headache and migraine-day frequency. Read more here. Rates and Risk Factors for Migraine Progression Using Multiple Definitions of Progression (Lipton et al., 2025): This study examines migraine progression through headache frequency and disability. Read more here.Migraine Progression: A Systematic Review (Buse et al., 2019): This review summarizes factors linked to progression from episodic to chronic migraine. Read more here.Risk Factors for Migraine Disease Progression (Lipton et al., 2023): This review identifies modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with worsening migraine. Read more here.Incidence and Predictors for Chronicity of Headache in Patients With Episodic Migraine (Katsarava et al., 2004): This study links frequent headache and medication overuse with greater chronicity risk. Read more here.Neuroimmune Interactions in the Development and Chronification of Migraine Headache (Zhang et al., 2024): This review explores how immune and nerve-cell interactions may promote persistent migraine. Read more here.Comorbid Pain and Migraine Chronicity (Scher et al., 2017): This study links pain elsewhere in the body with migraine onset and persistence. Read morehere.Identifying Cutaneous Allodynia in Chronic Migraine Using a Practical Clinical Method (Ashkenazi et al., 2007): This study presents a simple method for detecting touch sensitivity in chronic migraine. Read more here.Human Assumed Central Sensitization in Interictal Migraine (Cnockaert et al., 2026):This review finds evidence of increased pain sensitivity between migraine attacks. Read more here.The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Integrating New Migraine Treatments (Ailani et al., 2021):This statement provides guidance on newer acute and preventive migraine treatments. Read more here.CGRP-Targeting Therapies Are a First-Line Option for Migraine Prevention (Charles et al., 2024): This statement supports CGRP therapies as first-line preventive options. Read more here.Hallmarks of Headache Disorders: Part Five—Secondary Headaches (García-Azorín et al., 2026):This review summarizes causes and warning features of secondary headache disorders. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 - 19min - 186 - When You Can’t Find the Words: Migraine, Brain Fog, and Language Aura
Have you ever known exactly what you wanted to say, but suddenly could not find the words?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, hostDiane Ducarme explores why migraine can disrupt language, memory, and mental clarity. We look at the difference between common migraine brain fog and a possible speech or language aura, including the warning signs that should never be ignored.
You’ll discover:
🧠 Why familiar words can suddenly feel unreachable during a migraine
🧠 How to distinguish cognitive slowing and brain fog from a possible language aura
🧠 When sudden speech or language changes require immediate medical attention
This episode will help you better understand what may be happening in your brain and respond with greater clarity rather than fear.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Clinical Features of Migraine With Aura: A REFORM Study (Thomsen et al., 2024):This study describes the frequency, duration, and progression of different migraine aura symptoms. Read more here.Underestimated Phenomena: Higher Cortical Dysfunctions During Migraine Aura (Petrusic et al., 2013):This study shows that language, memory, recognition, and movement-planning difficulties may occur during aura. Read more here.Cognitive Dysfunction During Migraine Attacks: A Study on Migraine Without Aura (Gil-Gouveia et al., 2015): This study examines temporary cognitive difficulties during migraine attacks without aura. Read more here.Cognitive Assessment During the Phases of a Spontaneous Migraine (Ray et al., 2024):This study tracks cognitive performance before, during, and after spontaneous migraine attacks. Read more here.Mapping the Migraine: Intracranial Recording of Cortical Spreading Depression in Migraine With Aura (McLeod et al., 2025):This case report directly recorded cortical spreading depression during a migraine aura. Read more here.Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs (American Stroke Association):This guide explains the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs that require immediate emergency attention. Read more here.Migraine With Aura (International Headache Society): These criteria define migraine aura and its visual, sensory, language, motor, brainstem, and retinal symptoms. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 - 15min - 185 - 9 Ways to Reduce Screen Migraines Without Unplugging
Screens are often unavoidable but that doesn’t mean your eyes and brain have to stay overwhelmed all day.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeshares nine realistic ways to make computers, phones, and tablets easier on a migraine-sensitive nervous system—without giving up work, communication, or productivity.
You’ll learn:
💻 How simple screen adjustments can reduce visual strain and sensory overload
💻 How dark mode, reduced motion, clearer text, and better positioning can create a calmer digital environment
💻 How voice tools, movement, and screen-free transitions can give your brain regular opportunities to recover
You don’t need to unplug completely. Small changes can help you use technology in a way that asks less of your eyes and nervous system.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Current Understanding of Photophobia, Visual Networks and Headaches (Noseda et al., 2018): This review explains how visual and pain networks contribute to photophobia and headache. Read more here.Migraine and Light: A Narrative Review (Artemenko et al., 2022): This review examines how light can trigger discomfort and intensify migraine symptoms. Read more here.Digital Eye Strain: Prevalence, Measurement and Amelioration (Sheppard & Wolffsohn, 2018): This review covers the symptoms, causes, assessment, and management of digital eye strain. Read more here.Detection and Discrimination of Flicker Contrast in Migraine (Karanovic et al., 2011): This study examines how people with migraine detect flicker and experience visual discomfort. Read more here.Blink Rate, Incomplete Blinks and Computer Vision Syndrome (Portello et al., 2013): This study links incomplete blinking during computer use with increased eye discomfort. Read more here.Evening Use of Light-Emitting eReaders Negatively Affects Sleep, Circadian Timing, and Next-Morning Alertness (Chang et al., 2015): Evening eReader use delayed sleep and reduced next-morning alertness compared with printed books. Read more here.Recommendations for Daytime, Evening, and Nighttime Indoor Light Exposure (Brown et al., 2022): This consensus paper recommends light levels that support healthy sleep, alertness, and circadian rhythms. Read more here.Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses for Visual Performance, Sleep, and Macular Health in Adults (Singh et al., 2023): This review found limited evidence that blue-light-filtering lenses improve eye strain, sleep, or visual performance. Read more here.Animation From Interactions and Reduced Motion (World Wide Web Consortium): These accessibility resources explain how websites can limit nonessential animation for motion-sensitive users. Read more here.Using the Prefers-Reduced-Motion Query to Prevent Motion (World Wide Web Consortium): This guide shows how websites can respond to reduced-motion settings. Read morehere.How Sleep Works: Sleep Phases and Stages (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute): This guide explains REM and non-REM sleep and how sleep cycles repeat throughout the night. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 05 Aug 2026 - 16min - 184 - Why You Wake Up With a Migraine: 5 Overnight Triggers You May Be Missing
Have you ever gone to bed feeling fine, only to wake up with a migraine already in progress?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores five hidden overnight factors that may contribute to morning migraine attacks—including disrupted sleep, breathing changes, jaw tension, fasting, and caffeine or medication patterns.
You’ll discover:
🌙 Why migraine attacks can begin while you sleep
🌙 How five common overnight triggers may contribute to morning pain
🌙 What the timing and symptoms of your migraine may reveal about its cause
Understanding what happens overnight can help you identify patterns, support your body more effectively, and start your day with fewer surprises.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine and Sleep Disorders:A Systematic Review (Tiseo et al., 2020): This review examines the two-way relationship between migraine and common sleep disorders.Read more here.Insufficient Sleep May Alter Cortical Excitability Near the Migraine Attack (Mykland et al., 2023):This study explores how insufficient sleep may change brain excitability around a migraine attack. Read more here:Circadian Features of Cluster Headache and Migraine (Benkli et al., 2023):This review examines daily and seasonal headache patterns and their links to the circadian clock.Read more here.Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Migraine (Chen et al., 2025):This cohort study found a higher risk of migraine among people with obstructive sleep apnea.Read more here.Improvement of Morning Headache in Adults With Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (Seo et al., 2023):Morning headaches improved after three months of positive airway pressure therapy. Read more here.Association Between Primary Headache and Bruxism (Réus et al., 2021):This review evaluates the relationship between bruxism and primary headache disorders. Read more here.Fasting and Headache (Ebbert & Natbony, 2025): This review explores how fasting and missed meals may contribute to headache and migraine. Read more here.Dehydration and Headache (Arca & Halker Singh, 2021):This review examines how dehydration may contribute to headache and whether hydration can help. Read more here.The Impact of Caffeine Consumption on Migraine (Makhlouf et al., 2026):This review examines how caffeine intake, withdrawal, and overuse may affect migraine. Read more here.Are Some Patient-Perceived Migraine Triggers Simply Early Manifestations of the Attack? (Karsan et al., 2021):This study suggests that some perceived triggers may actually be early migraine symptoms. Read more here.Medication Overuse Headache (Nguyen, Dergalust & Nanda, 2025):This review explains how frequent use of acute medication can worsen headache patterns. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 - 16min - 183 - Why Low Blood Pressure Could Be Contributing to Your Migraines
Could low blood pressure be quietly lowering your migraine threshold?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how reduced circulation, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog may all be part of the same migraine picture. You’ll learn why “normal” blood pressure does not always mean your body is getting the steady support it needs.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why low blood pressure can set the stage for a migraine attack
💡 How to spot signs that poor circulation may be affecting your head, energy, and focus
💡 One simple at-home way to better understand your monthly blood balance
This episode helps you listen to your body’s quieter signals, so you can support your circulation, energy, and migraine resilience with more clarity.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine and Cardiovascular Disease: What Cardiologists Should Know (Sacco & Kurth, 2023): This review summarizes the relationship between migraine and cardiovascular disease, highlighting shared vascular mechanisms and the increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in some migraine patients. Read more here.Trajectory of Blood Pressure After Initiating Anti-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Treatment in Migraine Patients(de Vries Lentsch et al., 2023): This study examines changes in blood pressure following the initiation of CGRP-targeting migraine therapies, contributing to the understanding of their cardiovascular safety profile. Read more here.Blood Pressure and Headache Occurrence(Plinta et al.): This research explores the observed inverse relationship between blood pressure and headache prevalence, suggesting that individuals with higher blood pressure may report headaches less frequently than expected. Read more here.Headache Is Associated with Low Systolic Blood Pressure and Psychosocial Problems in Adolescents (Córdova et al., 2021): This study found that adolescents with headaches were more likely to have lower systolic blood pressure and greater psychosocial challenges, highlighting potential links between vascular and psychological factors. Read more here.Vascular Regulation and Migraine Mechanisms (Kurth, Tzourio, et al.): This body of research investigates how vascular function and regulation may contribute to migraine pathophysiology, helping clarify the connection between migraine and cardiovascular health. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 - 14min - 182 - Migraine revealed at Menopause: Samantha's Journey
The Symptoms Her Doctors Kept Missing
For years, Samantha was told her headaches simply weren't bad enough to be migraines, until menopause changed everything. She opens up about the attack that put her on the floor, the diagnosis that finally had a name, and the unexpected thing she learned about herself along the way.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 27 Jul 2026 - 14min - 181 - When Even a Ponytail Hurts: The Hidden Connection Between Scalp Pain and Migraine
Why does something as small as brushing your hair or tying a ponytail suddenly feel painful?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden link between scalp sensitivity and migraine — and why this pain is not “in your head,” but often a sign of an overwhelmed nervous system.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why your scalp can become so sensitive that even gentle touch feels unbearable
💡 How migraine can make normal sensations painful through central sensitization
💡 One simple at-home practice to help calm your nervous system and ease scalp overwhelm
This episode helps you understand what your body is trying to tell you — so you can respond with more gentleness, awareness, and support.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Development of Cutaneous Allodynia During a Migraine Attack (Burstein, Cutrer, & Yarnitsky, 2000): This study explains how allodynia can develop during a migraine attack through progressive sensitization of pain pathways. Read more here.Prevalence and Characteristics of Allodynia in Headache Sufferers (Bigal et al., 2008): This population study found that allodynia is common in migraine and is linked with greater headache frequency, severity, and disability. Read more here.Allodynia in Migraine (Lovati et al., 209): This paper explores how allodynia develops in migraine, linking it to central sensitization and migraine progression.. Read more here.Cutaneous Allodynia in Migraine: A Narrative Review (Mínguez-Olaondo et al., 2022):This review summarizes the mechanisms, risk factors, diagnosis, and clinical importance of cutaneous allodynia in migraine. Read more here.An Association Between Migraine and Cutaneous Allodynia (Burstein et al., 2000):This study showed that many people with migraine experience painful sensitivity to normally non-painful touch during attacks.Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 22 Jul 2026 - 14min - 180 - How The PCOS Rename To PMOS Could Change The Way Migraine Sufferers Understand Their Symptoms
What if PCOS was never just about the ovaries, but about a deeper hormonal, metabolic, and nervous system pattern that could also be affecting your migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the proposed shift from PCOS to PMOS, and why this new name may help migraine sufferers better understand symptoms that often feel disconnected, confusing, or random.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why PMOS may help you see hormones, metabolism, and migraine as connected
💡 How insulin resistance, inflammation, stress, and hormone shifts can overlap in the body
💡 One simple step you can try at home to start supporting your symptoms today
This episode helps you move from confusion to clarity — so you can better listen to your body and understand what your symptoms may be trying to reveal.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: New Name to Improve Diagnosis and Care of Condition Affecting 170 Million Women Worldwide (Endocrine Society, 2026): This statement introduces PMOS as the new name for PCOS, emphasizing the condition’s endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive features to improve diagnosis, awareness, and care. Read more here.Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, the New Name for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Teede,et al. 2026): This consensus paper explains the rationale for renaming PCOS to PMOS, highlighting its multisystem nature and the need for terminology that better reflects the condition. Read more here.International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Teede et al., 2023): This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PCOS, including reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health considerations. Read more here.The Complex Relationship Between Estrogen and Migraines: A Scoping Review (Reddy et al., 2021): This review explores how fluctuations in estrogen influence migraine risk, severity, and frequency, helping explain the strong connection between hormonal changes and migraine attacks. Read more here.Hormonal Influences in Migraine — Interactions of Oestrogen, Oxytocin and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (Sacco et al., 2021): This review examines how hormonal pathways interact with migraine mechanisms, particularly the roles of estrogen, oxytocin, and CGRP in migraine susceptibility and symptoms. Read more here.Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Across Various Tissues: An Updated Review of Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment (Wang et al., 2022): This review discusses the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance in PCOS and its impact on metabolic health, along with current approaches to assessment and treatment. Read more here.Is There Any Association Between Migraine Headache and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? A Review Article (Pourabolghasem et al., 2022): This review examines evidence linking migraine and PCOS, suggesting that shared hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory pathways may contribute to the association. Read more here.Exploring the Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide and Kynurenine Pathway Dysregulation in Migraine Pathophysiology Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Longwill, 2024): This review explores emerging biological mechanisms that may connect PCOS and migraine, focusing on PACAP signaling and kynurenine pathway dysregulation. Read more here.The Interplay Between Migraine, Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Gómez-Dabó et al., 2025): This review examines the overlap between migraine, endometriosis, and PCOS, highlighting shared hormonal, inflammatory, and neurovascular mechanisms that may contribute to these conditions. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 - 15min - 179 - How Sound Sensitivity Can Turn Everyday Noise Into a Migraine Trigger
What if the sounds everyone else ignores, the dishwasher, traffic, voices, music, or even someone chewing, feel painfully loud to your migraine brain?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why sound sensitivity is not being dramatic, fragile, or difficult. It may be a sign that your nervous system is already overwhelmed, sensitized, or moving toward a migraine attack.
We look at sound sensitivity through both Western neuroscience and Eastern medicine, helping you understand why everyday noise can feel like too much — and what your body may be trying to tell you.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why normal sounds can feel intense, painful, or unbearable when you live with migraine
💡 How Western medicine explains sound sensitivity through the migraine brain and nervous system sensitization
💡 How Eastern medicine connects hearing, sound tolerance, and the deeper reserves of the body
This episode will help you stop blaming yourself for being “too sensitive” and start seeing sound sensitivity as an important signal from your body.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Ictal and Interictal Phonophobia in Migraine — A Quantitative Controlled Study (Ashkenazi et al., 2009):This study examines sound sensitivity during and between migraine attacks, showing how phonophobia can reflect altered sensory processing in migraine. Read more here.Phonophobia in Migraine (Main, Dowson, & Gross, 1997):This paper explores sound sensitivity in migraine and how everyday noise may become uncomfortable or painful for people living with migraine. Read more here.International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (International Headache Society):This classification provides the standard diagnostic criteria for migraine, including phonophobia as one of the key associated symptoms. Read more here.Multiple Sensory Hypersensitivities and Headache-Related Disability in Migraine (Suzuki et al., 2021): This study explores how sensitivity to light, sound, and smell can overlap in migraine and may be associated with greater headache-related disability. Read more here.Central Sensitization in Migraine (Ornello et al., 2021):This review explains how repeated or amplified pain signaling can make the migraine brain more sensitive to sensory input, touch, and pain. Read more here.Cutaneous Allodynia as Predictor for Treatment Response in Chronic Migraine (Caratozzolo et al., 2023): This study explores how touch sensitivity in chronic migraine may help predict treatment response and reflect central sensitization. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 15 Jul 2026 - 12min - 178 - Why High Blood Pressure May Be Triggering Your Migraines Without You Realizing It
Could high blood pressure be quietly adding pressure to your migraine brain?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how blood pressure, circulation, and nervous system stress may play a hidden role in migraine attacks. You’ll learn why migraines may not be just a “head problem,” but a signal that your whole body needs deeper support.
You’ll discover:
💡 How high blood pressure may affect migraine-related systems, even without obvious symptoms
💡 Why circulation and nervous system imbalance can make migraines more frequent or intense
💡 Practical steps to support healthier blood pressure and a calmer migraine threshold
This episode helps you look beyond the pain and understand what your body may be trying to tell you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Arterial Hypertension in the Chronic Evolution of Migraine: Bystander or Risk Factor? (Mazzacane et al., 2024):This review explains how hypertension may share biological pathways with migraine and may contribute to the transition from episodic to chronic migraine. Read more here.Prevalent Migraine as a Predictor of Incident Hypertension (Entonen et al., 2022): This population-based study found that migraine may predict later development of hypertension in working-age adults. Read morehere.Migraines and Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Methodological Considerations (Kurth et al., 2023): This review discusses the complex relationship between migraine and cardiovascular disease, including shared vascular mechanisms and challenges in assessing risk. Read more here.Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertension: Current Concepts and Clinical Implications (Gallo et al., 2021): This explains how endothelial dysfunction contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Read more here.CGRP as the Target of New Migraine Therapies (Edvinsson et al., 2018): This review explains how CGRP became a major migraine treatment target. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 - 15min - 177 - 5 Signs Summer Heat Is Triggering Your Migraines & How to Stay Ahead of It
Do your migraines seem to flare up as temperatures rise? Summer heat can place unique stress on the migraine brain, often triggering symptoms long before the pain begins.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explains how heat, dehydration, and sudden temperature shifts can impact migraine sufferers differently—and what you can do to stay one step ahead.
You’ll discover:
☀️ Five early clues that summer heat may be contributing to your migraine attacks
☀️ Why hot weather, fluid loss, and temperature fluctuations can affect the migraine brain so strongly
☀️ Simple ways to protect yourself from heat-related migraines and enjoy the season with greater confidence
Understanding your body's early signals can help you take action before a migraine fully develops. This episode offers practical insights to help you navigate warmer months with fewer disruptions and more peace of mind.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Weather and Air Pollution as Triggers of Severe Headaches (Mukamal et al., 2009):This study examined emergency visits for headache and found that higher temperature and some air pollution exposures may increase severe headache risk. Read more here.Advances in Understanding the Mechanisms of Migraine-Type Photophobia (Noseda & Burstein, 2011): This review explains how light can worsen migraine through connections between visual pathways and pain-processing brain networks. Read more hereThe Triggers or Precipitants of the Acute Migraine Attack (Kelman, 2007):This study reviews common migraine triggers, including stress, hormones, weather, sleep disruption, diet, and sensory factors. Read more here.Toward a Rational Understanding of Migraine Trigger Factors (Martin & Behbehani, 2001): This review explains how migraine triggers may interact with individual susceptibility and brain excitability rather than acting as simple one-to-one causes. Read more here.Water Deprivation: A New Migraine Precipitant (Blau, 2005): This paper reports that fluid deprivation may trigger migraine attacks in some people, adding dehydration to the list of possible migraine precipitants. Read more here.Migraine and the Environment (Friedman & De Ver Dye, 2009): This reviews on environmental migraine triggers such as weather, light, air quality, odors, and indoor/workplace exposures. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 - 13min - 176 - 5 Reasons Migraine Sufferers Struggle With Histamine Sensitivity
You're eating healthy foods, choosing fermented products, leftovers, tomatoes, or avocado—yet your migraines seem to keep showing up. Could histamine be part of the puzzle?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the surprising connection between histamine sensitivity and migraines. Discover why foods that are considered healthy for many people can sometimes become hidden triggers for a sensitive nervous system.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why histamine can trigger migraines even when your diet is full of nutritious foods
💡 The five key factors that can make migraine sufferers more vulnerable to histamine overload
💡 Practical steps you can take today to lower your histamine load and better understand your migraine patterns
Histamine sensitivity is rarely about one food alone. It’s often the result of multiple factors interacting within the gut, immune system, hormones, and nervous system. This episode helps you connect the dots so you can make more informed choices and feel more in control of your health journey.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Low Serum Diamine Oxidase Activity Levels in Patients with Migraine (Izquierdo-Casas et al., 2018):This study found DAO deficiency was more common in people with migraine, suggesting impaired histamine breakdown may be linked to migraine susceptibility. Read more here. Histamine and Histamine Intolerance (Maintz & Novak, 2007): This review explains how reduced histamine degradation, especially through DAO, may contribute to symptoms such as headache, flushing, gastrointestinal issues, and allergy-like reactions. Read more here.Histamine-Free Diet for Food Intolerance and Chronic Headaches (Wantke, Götz, & Jarisch, 1993): This study tested a histamine-free diet in people with food or wine intolerance and chronic headaches, supporting dietary histamine reduction as a possible strategy. Read more hereThe Role of Mast Cells in Migraine Pathophysiology (Theoharides et al., 2005): This review explores how mast cell activation may contribute to migraine through inflammatory, neuroimmune, and vasodilatory pathways. Read more here.Histamine and Migraine Revisited (Worm, Falkenberg, & Olesen, 2019): I could not verify the Gazerani & Cairns citation as written, but this matching review examines histamine’s role in migraine mechanisms and possible drug targets. Read more here. Ovarian Hormones and Migraine Headache — Part I (Martin & Behbehani, 2006): This review explains how estrogen and progesterone may influence migraine through effects on neurotransmitters, pain processing, and brain excitability. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine,
Mon, 06 Jul 2026 - 12min - 175 - Why You Feel Irritated Before a Migraine Attack
Do you suddenly feel emotionally reactive, impatient, or irritated… only to realize a migraine is coming hours later?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores why irritability before a migraine is often a neurological warning sign — not a personality flaw. Blending neuroscience with holistic healing insights, this episode explains what happens inside the brain and nervous system in the early stages of a migraine attack.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why feeling irritable or emotionally “on edge” before a migraine is often part of the neurological migraine process
💡 What changes inside the brain and nervous system during the hours leading up to an attack
💡 How to recognize these emotional warning signs early so you can support your body before symptoms escalate
If you’ve ever felt guilty, confused, or frustrated by mood changes before a migraine, this episode will help you understand that your brain may have been signaling distress long before the pain arrived.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017): This review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered brain excitability, and neuropeptide signaling. Read more here.he Migraine Generator Revisited: Continuous Scanning of the Migraine Cycle Over 30 Days (Schulte & May, 2016): This study tracked brain activity throughout the migraine cycle and identified changes in the hypothalamus before migraine attacks, supporting its role in attack generation. Read more here.Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology (Burstein et al., 2015): This review describes migraine as a disorder involving trigeminovascular activation, sensitization, cortical spreading depression, and altered pain processing across multiple brain networks. Read more here.Pathophysiology of Migraine (Pietrobon & Moskowitz, 2013): This review summarizes the biological mechanisms underlying migraine, including genetic factors, cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular activation, and central sensitization. Read more here. Brain Activations in the Premonitory Phase of Nitroglycerin-Triggered Migraine Attacks (Maniyar et al., 2014): This PET study found hypothalamic and brainstem activation during the premonitory phase, before migraine pain begins. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 - 13min - 174 - Why Migraine Sufferers Become Hyper-Aware of Everything
Do you feel like your brain notices everything — every noise, smell, emotion, light, or tiny body sensation — since living with migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why chronic migraine sufferers often become hyper-aware and constantly “on alert.” Through a blend of neuroscience and holistic healing insights, this episode unpacks how repeated overstimulation can reshape the nervous system over time.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why living with chronic migraines can keep your brain stuck in a heightened state of alertness
💡 How overstimulation may increase sensitivity to noise, stress, smells, emotions, and physical sensations
💡 Simple ways to calm hyper-vigilance and help your nervous system feel safer and more regulated again
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the world around you — or frustrated that your brain seems unable to “switch off” — this episode will help you better understand the protective patterns behind migraine sensitivity.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine Pathophysiology: Lessons from Mouse Models and Human Genetics (Ferrari et al., 2015): This review links human migraine genetics with mouse models, showing how inherited mutations can increase brain excitability, glutamatergic signaling, and susceptibility to cortical spreading depression. Read more here.Pathophysiology of Migraine: A Disorder of Sensory Processing (Goadsby et al., 2017): This major review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered brain excitability, brainstem mechanisms, neuropeptides, and pain modulation. Read more here. Migraine: A Chronic Sympathetic Nervous System Disorder (Peroutka, 2004): This paper argues that migraine may involve chronic sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, including altered norepinephrine activity and autonomic features between and during attacks. Read more here. Habituation and Migraine (Coppola, Pierelli, & Schoenen, 2009): It explains how migraine brains often show reduced habituation to repeated sensory stimulation. Read more here.Habituation and Migraine (Coppola, Pierelli, & Schoenen, 2009): This review explores how people with migraine show abnormal responses to repeated sensory stimuli, suggesting altered brain processing may contribute to migraine susceptibility. Read more here.Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology (Burstein, Noseda, & Borsook, 2015): This review describes migraine as a disorder involving trigeminovascular activation, sensitization, cortical spreading depression, and altered pain processing across multiple brain networks. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 16min - 173 - The Migraine Hangover Nobody Talks About
The migraine pain is gone… so why do you still feel exhausted, emotional, foggy, or completely drained afterward?
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the often-overlooked “migraine hangover” phase — also known as the postdrome stage. Blending neuroscience with holistic healing insights, this episode explains why your brain and nervous system may still be recovering long after the pain disappears.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why migraines can leave you feeling emotionally fragile, foggy, shaky, or deeply fatigued even after the headache ends
💡 What your nervous system may actually be recovering from during the post-migraine phase — and why pushing through can prolong the cycle
💡 Simple ways to support your brain and help your body recover more gently after a migraine attack
If you’ve ever wondered why you still don’t feel “normal” after the migraine is over, this episode will help you understand what your brain may still be processing beneath the surface.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine—Current Understanding and Treatment (Goadsby, Lipton, & Ferrari, 2002): This landmark review provides an overview of migraine mechanisms, highlighting the role of the trigeminovascular system, neurovascular interactions, and emerging treatment approaches. It helped shift the understanding of migraine from a purely vascular disorder to a complex neurological disease. Read more here.The Migraine Postdrome (Giffin et al., 2016): This study examined the postdrome phase of migraine, often called the “migraine hangover,” and found that many patients experience symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes after headache pain has resolved. Read more here.Migraine: Disease Characterisation, Biomarkers, and Precision Medicine (Ashina et al., 2021): This comprehensive review explores migraine as a complex brain disorder, discussing advances in neuroimaging, biomarkers, genetics, and precision medicine approaches that may improve diagnosis and treatment. Read more here.The Pathophysiology of Migraine: Implications for Clinical Management (Charles, 2018): This review explains migraine as a disorder involving altered brain excitability, cortical spreading depolarization, activation of trigeminal pain pathways, and neuropeptide release. It also discusses how these mechanisms inform modern migraine therapies. Read more here.Migraine (Dodick, 2018): This comprehensive review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of migraine, emphasizing its substantial global burden and the emergence of targeted therapies such as CGRP-based treatments. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 09min - 172 - Why Nausea & Migraines Are Linked Through the Gut-Brain Axis
Why do so many migraine attacks come with nausea, bloating, stomach discomfort, or digestive shutdown?
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the powerful connection between migraines and the gut-brain axis. Blending neuroscience with holistic healing perspectives, this episode reveals why nausea is not “just a symptom,” but often part of the migraine process itself.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why nausea is deeply connected to the migraine process — not simply a secondary side effect
💡 How the gut-brain axis can increase inflammation, stress signaling, and nervous system overload during attacks
💡 Simple ways to calm your digestive system at home that may help reduce migraine-related nausea naturally
If you’ve ever felt like your stomach and brain are reacting together during migraines, this episode will help you better understand the deeper connection behind your symptoms.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017):This review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered brain excitability, and brainstem dysfunction. Read more here.Gut Microbiota and Migraine (related alternative): This review explains how microbiota-mediated gut–brain crosstalk may contribute to migraine pathophysiology. Read more here.Gastric Stasis in Migraine (Aurora et al., 2006): This paper examines delayed gastric emptying in migraine patients during and between attacks. Read more here.The CGRP Pathway in Migraine (Edvinsson, 2018): This paper reviews CGRP as a key migraine pathway and therapeutic target. Read more here.Gut Feelings: Gut–Brain Communication (Mayer, 2011): This review explores bidirectional communication between the gut and brain, including effects on digestion, emotion, motivation, and higher cognitive functions. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 11min - 171 - 5 Reasons Temperature-Sensitive Brains Struggle Going From Heat to Air Conditioning
Do you feel fine outside in the heat… only to walk into strong air conditioning and suddenly feel dizzy, foggy, or on the edge of a migraine?
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why temperature-sensitive brains often struggle with rapid shifts between heat and cold environments. Blending neuroscience with holistic insights, this episode unpacks how sudden temperature changes can stress the nervous system and quietly lower your migraine threshold.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why rapid temperature shifts can overwhelm a migraine-sensitive brain even when the temperatures seem “normal”
💡 How blood vessels, hydration, and sensory nerves react when moving from heat into cold air conditioning
💡 Simple ways to help your brain feel calmer, safer, and more stable during summer heat or heavily air-conditioned spaces
If you’ve ever felt triggered by cold offices, supermarkets, airplanes, or strong AC after being outside in the heat, this episode will help you better understand what your body may be trying to tell you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017):This major review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered brain excitability, and brainstem dysfunction. Read more here. Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology (Burstein, Noseda & Borsook, 2015): This review explores the multiple neural and sensory processes involved in migraine, including trigeminal activation, sensitization, and altered sensory integration. Read more here.Water Deprivation and Migraine (Blau, 2005 – related alternative): This paper discusses dehydration and water deprivation as potential migraine triggers in susceptible individuals. Read more here.Weather and Air Pollution as Triggers of Severe Headaches (Mukamal et al., 2009): This study investigates whether weather conditions and ambient air pollution transiently increase the risk of severe headaches. Read morehere.The Premonitory Phase of Migraine (Maniyar et al., 2014): This study examines brain activations during the premonitory phase of nitroglycerin-triggered migraine attacks, before the headache phase begins. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 13min - 170 - Why Treating Vertigo Anxiety Like “Just Anxiety” Keeps People Stuck
What if your vertigo anxiety isn’t “just anxiety” — but your brain and body reacting to feeling deeply unsafe and unsteady?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the complex relationship between vertigo, dizziness, and anxiety. When the world feels like it’s spinning, your nervous system naturally shifts into survival mode. But too often, people are told to simply “calm down” without addressing what may actually be happening inside the brain and body.
Blending neuroscience with a compassionate, holistic perspective, this episode helps you understand why the cycle of vertigo and anxiety can become so difficult to break — and what true regulation may really require.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why vertigo and dizziness can trigger powerful neurological fear responses that feel impossible to “think away”
💡 How to tell the difference between anxiety creating symptoms versus symptoms creating anxiety
💡 What your nervous system may truly need to feel grounded, safe, and steady again
This episode is a reminder that your symptoms are not “all in your head.” Sometimes, anxiety is not the root cause — but the consequence of a body and brain struggling to regain balance.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Epidemiology of Dizziness and Vertigo (Neuhauser, 2016): This chapter reviews the prevalence and population burden of dizziness and vertigo disorders worldwide. Read more here.Chronic Subjective Dizziness and PPPD (Staab, 2012): This review explains chronic subjective dizziness and the evolution toward Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), emphasizing visual dependence, anxiety, and altered vestibular processing. Read more here.Diagnostic Criteria for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (Staab et al., 2017): This consensus paper establishes the official diagnostic criteria for PPPD within the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders. Read more here. Vestibular Migraine (Beh, 2019): This review is specifically titled Vestibular Migraine: How to Sort it Out and What to Do About it and covers diagnosis, symptoms, and management. Read more here.Vestibular Dysfunction and Anxiety (Jacob, Furman & Balaban, 2001): This paper directly covers the interface between vestibular dysfunction and anxiety, replacing the weak Continuum citation. Read more here.Multisensory Integration in Balance Control (Bronstein, 2016): This chapter directly matches the topic of multisensory integration in balance control across vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems. Read more here.Central Vestibular Disorders (Brandt & Dieterich, 2017): This review focuses on central vestibular disorders and bilateral vestibular circuitry, which is a cleaner match than the earlier incorrect Brain citation. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 13min - 169 - When Suppressing Your Needs Becomes Physical Pain
Have you ever noticed that the more you suppress your emotions, stay “easy,” or avoid conflict… the worse your migraines become?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden connection between emotional suppression, people pleasing, and chronic migraine patterns. Through a blend of neuroscience, stress physiology, and holistic healing wisdom, you’ll discover why constantly abandoning your own needs may quietly overload your nervous system and turn emotional tension into physical pain.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why always being the “good,” “strong,” or accommodating person can keep your nervous system stuck in survival mode
💡 How suppressed emotions, conflict avoidance, and people pleasing may contribute to migraine patterns inside the body
💡 A gentle shift you can begin today to honor your needs without becoming selfish or disconnected from others
This episode is an invitation to stop seeing migraines as “just physical” and start understanding the emotional patterns your body may be trying to communicate.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine Burden and Disability (Adams, Buse et al., 2015):This paper reports baseline results from the CaMEO study, covering chronic migraine impact, headache-related disability, and burden. Read more here.Stress and Migraine Interaction (Sauro & Becker, 2009): This review explains how stress interacts with migraine and why stress-management skills may help reduce migraine burden. Read more here.Emotional Processing in Migraine (Wilcox et al., 2016 – related): This study examines increased limbic brain activation during negative emotional processing in migraine. Read more here.Psychological Risk Factors in Headache (Nicholson et al., 2007 – related): This paper reviews how stress, negative affect, and cognitive-emotional factors influence headache development, pain perception, and disability. Read more here.Migraine in Women (MacGregor, 2017): This review focuses on hormonal influences on migraine in women, including menstrual migraine, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Read more here.Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health (Felitti et al., 1998): This landmark study links childhood abuse and household dysfunction with later-life health risks and leading causes of death. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 - 13min - 168 - 5 Signs Your “PMS Migraine” Might Actually Be PMDD
Do your migraines become unbearable before your period — along with mood swings, anxiety, rage, or deep exhaustion? What if it’s not “just PMS”?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the often-overlooked connection between migraines and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Many women spend years believing their symptoms are normal hormonal changes, while their nervous system is actually struggling with a much deeper hormonal sensitivity.
Blending neuroscience, hormones, and holistic insight, this episode helps you better understand why your brain and body may feel completely different before your cycle — and what you can do to support yourself more gently and effectively.
You’ll discover:
💡 The key warning signs that your “PMS migraine” may actually be linked to PMDD
💡 Why migraines, emotional overwhelm, fatigue, and brain fog can all stem from hormonal sensitivity in the nervous system
💡 Simple ways to better support your hormones, emotional balance, and resilience before your next cycle
This episode is for anyone who feels dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by intense premenstrual symptoms — and wants to better understand what their body may truly be asking for.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Burden and Treatment (Pearlstein & Steiner, 2008):This review explains the burden of PMDD and summarizes diagnosis and treatment options. Read more here.Ovarian Hormones and Migraine (Martin & Behbehani, 2006): This paper explains how estrogen and progesterone influence migraine mechanisms and pain-processing pathways. Read more here.Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and the Brain (Hantsoo & Epperson, 2015): This paper discusses the brain and neurobiological basis of PMDD, including hormone sensitivity and mood regulation. Read more here.Hormonal Management of Migraine at Menopause (Nappi et al., 2009 – related alternative): This review explores how hormonal changes during menopause affect migraine and how hormonal management may help. Read more here.Migraine Pathophysiology (Burstein et al., 2015): This paper explains migraine as a complex neurological process involving trigeminovascular activation, brainstem pathways, and sensory processing. Read more here.Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (Rapkin & Lewis, 2013): This review summarizes treatment options for PMDD, including SSRIs, hormonal approaches, and adjunctive therapies. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 08 Jun 2026 - 14min - 167 - Why Uncontrollable Yawning Is Impacting Migraine Sufferers Before the Pain Even Starts
Why does excessive yawning sometimes appear before a migraine attack even begins?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores one of the most overlooked early warning signs of migraine: uncontrollable yawning. Far from being “just tiredness,” yawning can be a neurological signal that your brain is already shifting into a migraine state long before the pain arrives.
Blending neuroscience with practical migraine awareness, this episode helps you understand what your body may be trying to tell you—and how to respond before the migraine escalates.
You’ll discover:
💡 How repeated yawning can act as an early migraine warning sign, giving you a chance to intervene sooner
💡 What changes inside the brain during this phase, and why yawning is linked to dopamine and nervous system activity
💡 Simple actions you can take in the moment to calm the migraine cascade and potentially reduce its intensity
This episode is about learning to recognize the subtle signals your brain sends before the storm fully hits. Because sometimes, the earlier you listen, the more power you have to change the outcome.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Migraine Generator Revisited (Schulte & May, 2016): This paper revisits the concept of the migraine generator and suggests that hypothalamic and brainstem changes occur throughout the migraine cycle. Read more here.Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017): This review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing, involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered excitability, and brain-network dysfunction. Read more here.Migraine Prodromes Separated from the Aura (Blau, 1980): This paper distinguishes prodromal migraine symptoms from aura, describing early changes in mood, wakefulness, appetite, bowel activity, and fluid balance before headache begins. Read more here.Yawning in Neurology (Teive et al., 2018): This review explores yawning as a neurological phenomenon, including its links with brainstem, hypothalamic, and neurotransmitter systems. Read more here.Yawning and Dopamine (Mogilnicka & Klimek, 1984: This study examines how dopamine agonists such as apomorphine induce yawning, supporting the role of dopaminergic pathways in yawning behavior. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 - 11min - 166 - 5 Reasons Why Fragrance & Perfume Smells Are Triggering Your Migraines & What To Do About It
That perfume, scented candle, or cleaning spray you barely notice… could it be quietly triggering your migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why fragrances and strong smells can overwhelm the migraine brain and overstimulate the nervous system.
From perfumes and detergents to air fresheners and beauty products, we uncover how modern fragrances may impact your brain, hormones, and migraine threshold.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why your brain reacts so strongly to certain smells and what it reveals about your migraine threshold
💡 The hidden chemicals in fragrances that may overstimulate your nervous system
💡 Simple, practical ways to reduce scent-triggered migraine attacks
This episode blends neuroscience and holistic wisdom to help you better understand scent sensitivity and protect your brain from unnecessary triggers.
If certain smells instantly make you feel foggy, nauseous, or headachy — this episode is for you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Odorant Substances and Migraine (Silva-Néto et al., 2014): This paper identifies odorant substances that can trigger headaches in migraine patients, including perfumes and other strong smells. Read more here,Trigeminal Pathways and Migraine (Burstein, Noseda & Borsook, 2015 – related topic): This paper explains migraine pathophysiology, including activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular pathway. Read morehere.Limbic Activation in Migraine (Wilcox et al., 2016 – related topic): This study examines increased activation of limbic brain regions during emotional processing in people with migraine. Read more hereFragranced Consumer Products and Health Effects (Steinemann, 2016): This study explores health effects from fragranced products, including migraine headaches, respiratory symptoms, and neurological complaints. Read more here.Central Sensitization (Woolf, 2011): This review explains central sensitization and its implications for diagnosing and treating pain hypersensitivity. Read more here.Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017): This major review describes migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways and altered brain excitability. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 01 Jun 2026 - 09min - 165 - 3 Major reasons why “Healthy” People Still Get Migraine
You eat well, exercise, drink water, and try to “do everything right”… so why are migraines still happening?
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why even people with healthy lifestyles can still struggle with chronic migraines. Sometimes the issue isn’t a lack of effort—it’s that your body, brain, and environment may need a completely different perspective.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why you may not be missing effort—but missing a different perspective on migraine healing
💡 Why what looks “healthy” isn’t always what your body can truly process or benefit from
💡 How some of the biggest migraine triggers may come from the environment and lifestyle surrounding you every day
This episode blends neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and holistic wisdom to help you rethink what true clarity and balance may look like for your nervous system.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Blue Zones (Buettner): This book explores the lifestyle patterns of the world’s longest-living populations, emphasizing natural movement, social connection, purpose, and consistent daily habits over intense performance-driven routines. Explore more here.The Mind-Gut Connection (Mayer, 2018): This book explores the relationship between the gut, brain, and nervous system, including the role of the vagus nerve, digestion, stress, and emotional regulation in overall health. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 27 May 2026 - 13min - 164 - How To Manage Migraines When Night Shifts & Baby or Partner Wake-Ups Ruin Your Sleep
What happens when your baby wakes you multiple times a night… or your work schedule constantly disrupts your sleep—and suddenly your migraines become harder to manage?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the powerful connection between broken sleep and migraine attacks. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, healthcare worker, or shift worker, you’ll learn why disrupted sleep affects the migraine brain so deeply—and what you can realistically do to support your nervous system.
You’ll discover:
🌙 How disrupted sleep impacts your brain, stress hormones, and migraine threshold
🌙 Practical ways to support your nervous system even when your nights are unpredictable
🌙 A simple daily adjustment that can help your body recover faster from broken sleep cycles
This episode blends neuroscience and practical lifestyle strategies to help you better understand your body and reduce overwhelm during demanding seasons of life.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Why We Sleep (Walker, 2017):This book explores the science of sleep and its profound impact on brain function, emotional wellbeing, physical health, learning, and longevity. Read morehere.Sleep and Brain Waste Clearance (Xie et al., 2013): This landmark study shows that sleep promotes the clearance of metabolic waste products from the brain, supporting the idea that sleep plays a critical role in brain restoration and neurological health. Read more here.Sleep and Migraine (Rains, 2018): This paper reviews how comorbid sleep disorders should be assessed and treated in people with migraine. Read more here.Headache and Sleep (Kelman & Rains, 2005): This study examines sleep patterns and sleep complaints in a large clinical sample of migraineurs. Read more here.Melatonin and Migraine Prevention (Gonçalves et al., 2016): This randomized clinical trial compares melatonin 3 mg, amitriptyline 25 mg, and placebo for migraine prevention. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches,
Mon, 25 May 2026 - 12min - 163 - Pushing Through and Migraines — When You Keep Going Anyway?
What if pushing through isn’t strength but the very thing quietly building your next migraine?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores the fine line between resilience and overload and why your body doesn’t respond well to force for too long.
You’ll discover:
💡 How “pushing through” can create a ripple effect in your nervous system, gradually lowering your migraine threshold
💡 The subtle signals your body sends when it needs adjustment—not more effort
💡 How to make clear, in-the-moment decisions: when to continue gently, when to scale back, and when true recovery is the smarter move
This episode invites you to shift from force to awareness so you can move forward without triggering the very thing you’re trying to avoid
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine Overview (Goadsby et al., 2021): This comprehensive review presents migraine as a complex neurological disorder, covering its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Read more here.Migraine: From Pathophysiology to Treatment (Goadsby et al., 2023): This paper explores how advances in understanding migraine biology have led to more targeted and effective treatment strategies. Read more here.Cutaneous Allodynia in Migraine (Quintas et al., 2022): This review examines how allodynia contributes to migraine progression and affects diagnosis and treatment response. Read more here.Migraine in the Workplace (Stewart et al., 2021): This study explores how migraine impacts work performance, absenteeism, and overall productivity. Read more here.Productivity and Economic Burden of Migraine (Dodick et al., 2021): This paper analyzes the impact of migraine on quality of life, productivity loss, and employer costs.Read more here.Global Burden of Neurological Disorders (Steiner et al., 2024): This study quantifies the global burden of neurological conditions, including migraine, emphasizing their major contribution to disability worldwide. Read more here.Advances in Migraine Prevention (Martinelli et al., 2026): This paper emphasizes the importance of early and proactive migraine management to prevent disease progression. Read more here.Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Migraine (Chen et al., 2024): This paper reviews how multi-target approaches in traditional medicine may modulate migraine pathways, including inflammation and neurotransmitter balance. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 20 May 2026 - 15min - 162 - Stress Eating versus Calm: The Hidden Trigger Behind Your Migraines
Is it really what you eat… or how your body feels when you eat it that shapes your migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme uncovers a hidden trigger many overlook: the state of your nervous system when you eat. Because when stress takes over, your body doesn’t just think differently, it digests, absorbs, and reacts differently too.
You’ll discover:
💡 How stress can quietly shift your appetite, food choices, and lower your migraine threshold without you realizing it
💡 Why irregular or emotional eating creates internal chaos that your migraine brain struggles to tolerate
💡 A simple at-home practice to help your body move from tension to calm before a migraine fully builds
This episode invites you to look beyond food itself and start listening to the state your body is in when you nourish it.
Because sometimes, the trigger isn’t on your plate… it’s at your pace.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Global Burden of Headache Disorders (Stovner et al., 2025): This paper provides updated global estimates of headache disorders, highlighting their widespread impact on disability and public health worldwide.Read more here.Global Epidemiology of Migraine (Steiner et al., 2023): This review explores the global prevalence of migraine and its implications for public health, emphasizing the need for improved recognition and policy response. Read more here.Lifestyle Factors and Migraine (Seng, Martin & Houle, 2022): This paper examines how lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, diet, and physical activity influence migraine occurrence and severity. Read more here.Stress and Migraine (Buse et al., 2022): This review evaluates the relationship between stress and migraine, discussing how stress can both trigger and result from migraine attacks. Read more here.Nighttime Snacking, Stress, and Migraine Activity (Martin et al., 2014): This study investigates how eating patterns and stress interact to influence migraine activity, highlighting the role of behavioral triggers. Read more here.Migraine and Brain Glucose Metabolism (Gross et al., 2019): This paper explores the “neuroenergetic” hypothesis of migraine, suggesting that altered brain energy metabolism may contribute to migraine susceptibility. Read more here.The Metabolic Face of Migraine (van den Maagdenberg et al., 2019): This review discusses metabolic mechanisms underlying migraine and how they may inform new treatment approaches. Read more here.Irregular Meals and Migraine (Topal et al., 2025): This scoping review examines how irregular eating patterns, including skipped meals and fasting, are associated with migraine risk and frequency. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 18 May 2026 - 09min - 161 - 10 Warning Signs a Migraine Attack Is Coming & What to Do Before It Hits
What if your migraine doesn’t come out of nowhere but quietly whispers before it strikes?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme helps you tune into the early signals your body sends before a migraine fully unfolds. By understanding these subtle cues, you can move from feeling caught off guard to feeling prepared, grounded, and in control.
This episode blends neuroscience with practical, body-based awareness so you can respond earlier, not later.
You’ll discover:
💡 How to spot the early warning signs of a migraine attack even the ones most people overlook
💡 What’s happening in your brain during the pre-migraine phase and why it can feel so unpredictable
💡 Simple, immediate steps you can take to ease the process and potentially reduce the intensity before it escalates
This isn’t about fear or hypervigilance.
It’s about learning your body’s language so you can act with clarity, not surprise.
If you’ve ever felt like your migraine “just hits,” this episode will help you see the signs that were there all along and what you can do with them.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine Pathophysiology (Charles, 2018):This review explains migraine as a complex nervous-system disorder rather than a simple vascular headache, covering genetic, anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological mechanisms. Read more here.Premonitory Symptoms of Migraine (Kelman, 2004):This study focuses on early warning symptoms that can appear before migraine pain, such as fatigue, mood change, food craving, and neck stiffness. Read more here.The Premonitory Phase of Migraine (Maniyar et al., 2014): This paper shows that brain activation can be detected before the headache phase, especially in regions such as the hypothalamus and brainstem, supporting the idea that migraine starts before pain begins. Read more here.Biological Insights from the Premonitory Symptoms of Migraine (Karsan & Goadsby, 2018): This review looks at what premonitory symptoms can reveal about migraine biology, including thirst, yawning, lethargy, and sensory sensitivity before headache onset.Read more here.The Migraine Generator Revisited (Schulte & May, 2016): This paper revisits the “migraine generator” idea and argues that hypothalamic changes may drive the migraine cycle through altered connectivity with the brainstem. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches,
Wed, 13 May 2026 - 14min - 160 - Motion & Vestibular Migraines: When Your World Won’t Stay Still
What if the world doesn’t need to spin for your brain to feel like it is?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the unsettling experience of motion-triggered and vestibular migraines, where even the smallest movements can disrupt your inner balance. Through the lens of neuroscience and lived experience, you begin to understand why your brain reacts so strongly to motion and how to gently bring it back to safety.
You’ll discover:
💫 Why motion: like car rides, screens, or scrolling, can overstimulate your brain and trigger a migraine cascade
💫 What vestibular migraines really are, and why they are so often misunderstood or misdiagnosed
💫 Simple, grounding techniques you can use to calm your nervous system and reduce motion sensitivity starting today
This episode helps you reconnect with your sense of stability so your world can feel steady again, from the inside out.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Vestibular Migraine: Diagnostic Criteria (Lempert et al., 2012): This paper establishes diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine, defining its clinical features and its relationship to both migraine and vestibular disorders. Read morehere.
Vestibular Migraine (Dieterich, Obermann & Celebisoy, 2016): This paper describes vestibular migraine as the most common cause of episodic vertigo, highlighting its clinical features and overlap between migraine and balance disorders. Read more here.
Visual Vertigo and Environmental Motion Sensitivity (Bronstein, Golding & Gresty, 2013): This paper explores visual vertigo, showing how complex visual environments and motion can trigger dizziness and disorientation through sensory mismatch. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 11 May 2026 - 10min - 159 - Travel, Triggers & Relief: Understanding 3 Types of Travel-Induced Migraines
Travel is meant to expand your world… So why does it so often trigger a migraine?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmediscovers why different types of travel: flying, long drives, and crossing time zones, don’t just “stress your body”… they activate completely different migraine pathways.
By understanding how your brain and nervous system respond to each type of journey, you can stop bracing for impact and start traveling with more ease and confidence.
You’ll discover:
✈️ Why air travel, road travel, and jet lag each trigger distinct migraine mechanisms in your body and why one type may affect you more than others
🧭 How to recognize your personal travel migraine pattern so you can anticipate and prevent attacks before they begin
🌿 Simple, targeted strategies you can apply immediately to support your nervous system and reduce travel-related triggers
This episode blends practical insight with a deeper understanding of your body’s signals so you can move from fear of travel… to freedom within it.
Because travel shouldn’t cost you your well-being, it should reconnect you to it.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Vestibular Migraine (Lempert et al., 2012):This paper defines vestibular migraine and outlines diagnostic criteria, highlighting its link between migraine and balance/vertigo symptoms. Read more here.Airplane Headache (Mainardi et al., 2007): This paper describes airplane headache as a distinct headache disorder triggered during flights, especially during landing. Read more here.Headache Associated with Airplane Travel (Berilgen and Mungen, 2006):This paper reports six cases of headache occurring specifically during airplane travel and discusses possible mechanisms such as pressure imbalance. Read more here.Sensory Processing in Migraine (Tomaso et al., 2014):A paper reviews migraine-related sensory hypersensitivity and abnormal stimulus processing. Read more here.Migraine and Circadian Rhythms (Alstaghaug et al., 2008): A study that examines circadian variation in migraine timing. Read more here.Sleep and Migraine (Kelman and Rains, 2005): A study how sleep disturbance relates to headache frequency and severity. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 06 May 2026 - 10min - 158 - Blood Sugar and Migraines: The Hidden Energy Crash Behind Your Pain
What if your migraine isn’t just about what you eat but about when your energy crashes?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme uncovers the powerful link between blood sugar and migraines—and why even “normal” labs can miss what your brain is truly experiencing.
Your brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in your body. When blood sugar drops, it can trigger a silent alarm that destabilizes your nervous system and opens the door to pain.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why sudden blood sugar dips can trigger migraines even when everything looks fine on paper
💡 How your brain’s high energy demands make it especially sensitive to glucose fluctuations
💡 A simple, practical way to stabilize your blood sugar and create a safer, steadier environment for your brain
This episode helps you move beyond surface-level advice and understand the deeper energy dynamics behind your migraines so you can support your brain with consistency, not guesswork.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017): This major review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing, covering trigeminovascular mechanisms, aura, genetics, and brain network dysfunction.Read more here.
Diet and Headache: Part 1 (Martin & Vij, 2016): This review examines how foods, food components, and elimination diets may influence headache and migraine, including evidence around caffeine, MSG, alcohol, and other dietary triggers. Read more here.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies in Migraine (Montagna, Cortelli & Barbiroli, 1994): This review looks at magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings in migraine and discusses abnormal brain and muscle energy metabolism as a possible part of migraine biology. Read more here.
Migraine Triggers: Practice and Theory (Blau, 1992): This paper questions simplistic ideas about migraine triggers and argues for a more careful interpretation of how triggers may lower the threshold for an attack rather than directly cause one. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 04 May 2026 - 12min - 157 - 5 Home Hazards You Might Be Missing That Can Trigger More Migraines
What if your home, the place meant to feel safest, was quietly triggering your migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeuncovers how everyday elements in your environment may be overstimulating your nervous system without you realizing it. From subtle sensory stressors to hidden toxins, your home might be shaping your migraine pattern more than you think.
You’ll discover:
💡 How to spot 5 overlooked environmental triggers in your home that may be increasing your migraine frequency
💡 Why your nervous system reacts so strongly to these triggers and how that sensitivity impacts your daily life
💡 Simple, immediate changes you can make to create a calmer, more migraine-friendly home environment
This episode helps you shift from reacting to migraines… to gently redesigning the space your brain lives in every day.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Light and Headache Exacerbation (Noseda et al., 2010): This paper identifies a neural pathway linking light exposure to worsening headache pain, explaining why photophobia is a key feature of migraine. Read more here.
Weather and Headache (Prince et al., 2004): This study looks at whether weather variables influence headache occurrence in people with migraine. Read more here.
Migraine Triggers (Kelman, 2007): This paper identifies common precipitants of acute migraine attacks, including stress, weather changes, sleep disturbance, hunger, and hormonal factors.Read more here.
Electromagnetic Fields and Symptoms (Rubin, Das Munshi & Wessely, 2005): This systematic review evaluates provocation studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity, including commonly reported symptoms such as headaches. Read more here.
Weather, Air Pollution, and Migraine Onset (Li et al., 2019): This study examines how ambient air pollution and weather factors influence migraine headache onset, showing that pollutants and environmental conditions can increase the likelihood of migraine attacks. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 - 11min - 156 - The 3 Mental Loops That Quietly Push You Into a Migraine State
What if the real trigger behind your migraines isn’t what you eat or drink but the silent patterns running in your mind all day long?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme reveals the three hidden mental loops that can quietly push your nervous system closer to a migraine state often without you even realizing it.
Blending neuroscience and lived experience, this episode helps you see how your inner patterns may be shaping your symptoms and how small shifts can create real relief.
You’ll discover:
💡 The 3 mental loops that subtly lower your migraine threshold—even when you’re doing everything “right”
💡 How to identify which loop you’re in and why awareness alone can begin to calm your system
💡 A simple, powerful way to interrupt these patterns and bring your brain back to a state of safety
This episode is an invitation to move beyond external triggers and start listening to the deeper rhythms of your mind. Because sometimes, the path to relief begins with what you notice within.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Helplessness: On Depression, Development, and Death (Seligman, 1975): This foundational book introduced learned helplessness and describes how repeated uncontrollable experiences can lead to passivity, reduced motivation, and depressive states. Read more here.Temporal Specificity of Reward Prediction Errors Signaled by Putative Dopamine Neurons (Takahashi et al., 2016): This paper examines how dopamine neurons encode reward prediction error, helping explain learning, expectation, and motivational behavior.Read more here.Cognitive and Emotional Control of Pain (Bushnell et al., 2013): This review explains how thoughts, emotions, attention, and expectation can amplify or reduce pain, and how these brain mechanisms can break down in chronic pain. Read more here.Stress and Headache Chronification (Houle & Nash, 2007): This paper looks at how stress contributes to migraine and headache progression, especially the shift from episodic to chronic headache. Read more here.Anterior Insula Integrates Information about Salience into Perceptual Decisions about Pain (Wiech et al., 2010): This study shows how the brain’s salience network shapes how threatening or meaningful a painful stimulus feels before it is fully perceived. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 - 10min - 155 - Dehydration and Migraines: The 5 Hidden Causes of Modern-Day Dehydration
What if your migraine isn’t just about stress or hormones—but something as simple (and overlooked) as dehydration?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme explores how modern lifestyles quietly keep you in a state of chronic dehydration and why that matters deeply for your brain.
From subtle daily habits to hidden physiological imbalances, you’ll begin to see hydration in a completely new light not just as water intake, but as a key regulator of your nervous system.
You’ll discover:
💧 Why even mild dehydration can disrupt brain chemistry and blood flow, increasing your risk of migraines
💧 The 5 hidden causes of modern-day dehydration that most people miss in their daily routines
💧 How to spot early, subtle signs of dehydration before they spiral into a migraine attack
This episode invites you to reconnect with your body’s signals and understand hydration as a powerful, foundational tool for migraine prevention not a quick fix, but a daily awareness.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Hydration and Cognitive Performance (Benton & Young, 2015): This paper explores how even mild dehydration can influence mood, alertness, and cognitive performance, suggesting that small changes in hydration status may impact brain function. Read more here.Water Intake and Recurrent Headaches (Spigt et al., 2012): This randomized trial investigates whether increasing daily water intake can reduce headache frequency and intensity in patients with recurrent headaches, showing modest improvements in quality of life. Read more here.Migraine as a Disorder of Sensory Processing (Goadsby et al., 2017): This landmark review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing, describing mechanisms such as trigeminovascular activation, altered brain excitability, and the different phases of a migraine attack. Read more here.Magnesium and Migraine (Sun-Edelstein & Mauskop, 2009): This paper examines the role of magnesium deficiency in migraine pathogenesis and reviews its therapeutic potential in prevention and treatment. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 - 13min - 154 - Pollen Allergies and Migraines: Is Your Migraine Pattern influenced by the Seasons?
Every spring, something shifts. The air changes, your body reacts… and your migraines may quietly follow.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores the often-overlooked connection between pollen allergies and migraine patterns. What you may dismiss as “just hay fever” could be placing hidden stress on your nervous system—and lowering your threshold for migraine attacks.
Blending neuroscience with a holistic lens, this episode helps you understand how seasonal changes influence your brain, your immune system, and your pain.
You’ll discover:
🌿 Why pollen allergies can act as silent migraine triggers—even if you think you “just have hay fever”
🌿 What happens inside your body during allergy season that can push your nervous system toward migraine attacks
🌿 One simple daily action you can start today to reduce the inflammatory load from pollen
This episode is not about avoiding nature, it’s about understanding how your body responds to it.
Because when you learn to read these seasonal signals, you can move from reacting to your migraines… to gently staying one step ahead of them.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine Pathophysiology: A Disorder of Sensory Processing (Goadsby et al., 2017):This major review explains migraine as a disorder of altered sensory processing involving trigeminovascular activation, CGRP signaling, and brain network dysfunction rather than a purely vascular condition. Read more here.Is Headache Related to Asthma, Hay Fever, and Chronic Bronchitis? (Aamodt et al., 2007): This population study found that both migraine and non-migraine headache were associated with asthma, hay fever, and chronic bronchitis, supporting an immune/inflammatory overlap. Read morehere.Allergic Rhinitis and Migraine Headache: (Houser & colleagues, reviewed literature): Research shows that migraine and allergic rhinitis frequently co-occur and may share underlying mechanisms such as histamine release, inflammation, and nervous system sensitization, suggesting an immune–neurological link in susceptible individuals. Read morehere.Mast Cell Degranulation Activates a Pain Pathway Underlying Migraine Headache (Levy, Burstein, Kainz, Jakubowski & Strassman, 2007): This foundational paper shows that dural mast cell degranulation can activate trigeminal pain pathways implicated in migraine. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 - 12min - 153 - The Canceling Life Loop: When Migraines Quietly Take More Than Your Health
What if migraines aren’t just interrupting your plans… but quietly reshaping your entire life?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden “canceling loop” many migraine sufferers fall into, where pain leads to canceled plans, canceled plans lead to guilt and isolation, and that emotional weight fuels future migraines.
This is not just a physical condition. It’s a cycle that touches your identity, your relationships, and your sense of control.
You’ll discover:
💡 How migraines create a hidden loop that slowly pushes you to cancel more and more of your life
💡 Why guilt, isolation, and stress can unintentionally fuel future migraines
💡 One simple step you can take today to begin reclaiming small pieces of your life
This episode blends neuroscience, psychology, and real-life migraine patterns to help you step out of survival mode and gently take your life back.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Migraine: The Seventh Disabler (Steiner et al., 2013): The widely cited “seventh disabler” piece is real, but it is from 2013 rather than 2020. This is the correct Journal of Headache and Pain article. Read more here.Depression and Anxiety in Migraine :The paper on anxiety and depression symptoms in migraine, which directly addresses psychiatric comorbidity and its relationship to migraine burden and outcomes. Read more here.Stress and Migraine (Sauro & Becker, 2009):Stress can both trigger migraine attacks and interact with migraine biology over time. Read more here.Behavioral Management of Headache (Maleki & colleagues): The review on behavioral and psychologic approaches to headache, which covers relaxation training, stress management, and cognitive-behavioral strategies for reducing headache burden. Read more here.The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3, 2018): This is the official International Headache Society diagnostic framework for migraine and other headache disorders, and it is the correct core reference for classification. Read more here.Life With Migraine: Effects on Relationships, Career, and Finances From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study (Adams, Buse et al., 2019): This study shows how migraine affects relationships, work, career progression, and household finances, making it a strong fit for the social-functioning impact you wanted to capture. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 - 12min - 152 - Trendy Powdered Drink… But Is It Helping or Hurting Your Migraines?
A popular powdered drink praised for “calm energy” and mental focus is everywhere right now. But for people with migraine-prone brains, the question isn’t just whether it’s healthy — it’s whether it’s stabilizing your nervous system… or quietly pushing it toward a migraine threshold.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the surprising relationship between this trendy drink and migraine biology. While some people feel calmer and more focused after drinking it, others experience headaches, overstimulation, or delayed migraine attacks.
By combining modern neuroscience with holistic perspectives, this episode helps you understand why the exact same drink can act as support for one brain and a trigger for another.
You’ll discover:
💡 Why a famous powdered drink praised for “calm energy” may either stabilize or overstimulate a migraine brain
💡 How certain compounds inside it influence brain excitability, blood vessels, and inflammation linked to migraines
💡 How to recognize whether your body experiences it as support… or as a pernicious trigger
If you’ve ever wondered whether a trendy wellness drink might be helping your migraines or quietly making them worse, this episode will help you listen more closely to your body’s signals.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
L-Theanine Reduces Psychological and Physiological Stress Responses (Kimura et al., 2007):This placebo-controlled study found that L-theanine, a compound in green tea, reduced both subjective stress and physiological stress responses during a mental stress task, supporting its calming effect on the nervous system. Read morehere.Green Tea Effects on Cognition, Mood and Human Brain Function (Mancini et al., 2017): This systematic review found that green tea and its components may support attention, working memory, mood, and stress regulation, suggesting benefits that go beyond simple caffeine stimulation. Read more here.Caffeine in the Management of Patients with Headache (Lipton et al., 2017):This clinical review explains that caffeine can help some people by enhancing acute headache treatment, but can also worsen headache patterns through withdrawal, overuse, or inconsistent intake. Read more here.Caffeinated Beverage Intake as a Potential Trigger of Migraine (Mostofsky et al., 2019):This prospective diary-based study found that higher-than-usual caffeine intake, especially three or more servings in a day, may increase short-term migraine risk in some people with episodic migraine. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 - 10min - 151 - Atomic Habits for Migraine Prevention: Small Changes, Powerful Results
What if preventing migraines didn’t require drastic changes—but small ones repeated consistently?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how the concept of atomic habits can transform migraine prevention. While many people search for a single trigger, migraine brains often react to the accumulation of tiny daily stresses: poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, emotional strain, or screen overload—until the brain crosses its migraine threshold.
Inspired by the philosophy of small, consistent actions popularized in behavioral science, Diane explains how tiny daily habits can gradually strengthen your nervous system and help stabilize the sensitive migraine brain. By blending neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and practical experience from working with migraine sufferers, this episode reveals why consistency beats intensity when it comes to protecting your brain.
You’ll learn:
💡 Why migraines are rarely caused by a single trigger—and how small daily stresses quietly stack together
💡 How “atomic habits” can build nervous system resilience and lower your migraine threshold over time
💡 Simple daily habits you can start today to protect your brain and reduce the likelihood of migraine attacks
Instead of chasing the perfect solution, this episode invites you to focus on small choices repeated every day, because when it comes to migraine prevention, the smallest habits can create the biggest change.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Atomic Habits (Clear, 2018):This book explores how small, consistent changes in behavior can lead to remarkable long-term results, emphasizing the power of habits in shaping identity and performance. Read morehere.Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017): This comprehensive review describes migraine as a disorder of brain network dysfunction involving trigeminal activation, CGRP signaling, and altered sensory processing rather than a simple vascular disorder. Read more here.Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology (Burstein, Noseda & Borsook, 2015):This review explains that migraine involves multiple interacting brain systems, including trigeminovascular signaling, sensory processing networks, and central sensitization, helping explain the broad range of migraine symptoms and trigger sensitivity. Read more here.The Triggers or Precipitants of the Acute Migraine Attack (Kelman, 2007):This large clinical analysis identifies common migraine triggers such as stress, sleep disruption, hormonal changes, weather, and certain foods, while emphasizing that trigger sensitivity varies widely between individuals. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 - 10min - 150 - The “Healthy” Drink That Might Be Triggering Your Migraines: 5 Reasons East and West Medicine Warn Us About It
That “healthy” fermented drink everyone is talking about… could it quietly be triggering your migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why a popular fermented drink often praised for gut health may actually overstimulate sensitive migraine brains. Blending insights from modern neurology and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you’ll learn how something considered healthy can still create imbalance, especially if your nervous system is already vulnerable.
What you’ll learn:
💡 How a trendy fermented drink can activate migraine pathways recognized by modern neurology
💡 The five biological and energetic reasons from Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine that explain why it may overstimulate migraine-prone brains
💡 How to recognize whether this hidden trigger may already be affecting you and gentler alternatives for supporting gut health
This episode is about curiosity, not restriction. Sometimes the most surprising migraine triggers are hiding inside the foods we believe are helping us.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Histamine and Histamine Intolerance (Maintz & Novak, 2007):This review explains how impaired histamine breakdown—often due to reduced diamine oxidase activity—can trigger symptoms such as headache, flushing, and digestive issues, offering a potential mechanism for histamine-related migraine triggers. Read more here.The Diet Factor in Pediatric and Adolescent Migraine (Millichap & Yee, 2003): This review highlights how certain foods and additives may trigger migraine in children and adolescents and discusses the potential role of elimination diets in identifying individual dietary sensitivities. Read more here.Migraine and Diet (Gazerani, 2020):This review summarizes evidence linking dietary patterns and nutritional factors with migraine, highlighting how individual food triggers and metabolic responses may influence attack frequency and severity. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 - 11min - 149 - 7 Signs Your Neck Posture Is Causing Headaches
Could your headaches be starting in your neck not your head?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast,host Diane Ducarme uncovers how subtle posture habits may be quietly fueling your pain. Forward head posture, screen time, and daily tension patterns can overload your muscles and nervous system without you realizing it.
You’ll learn:
💡 The 7 subtle posture signs that may be triggering your headaches even if your neck doesn’t “hurt”
💡 What happens inside your muscles, nerves, and brain when forward head posture creates ongoing tension
💡 Simple, science-backed corrections you can start today to reduce strain, calm your nervous system, and support relief
This episode blends neuroscience and practical body awareness so you can understand the root of your pain and begin making small shifts that create real change.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Myofascial Trigger Points and Forward Head Posture in Tension-Type Headache (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al., 2006): This study shows that patients with tension-type headache have more active suboccipital trigger points and greater forward head posture, linking cervical muscle dysfunction with head pain. Read more here.Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture (Hansraj, 2014): This biomechanical analysis demonstrates how forward head posture dramatically increases cervical spine loading, supporting the structural relevance of sustained neck flexion. Read more here.The Physiology of the Joints, Volume 3: The Trunk and the Vertebral Column (Kapandji, 2008): This foundational anatomical text details cervical spine mechanics, joint loading, and movement biomechanics, helping explain how sustained forward head posture can increase mechanical stress on upper cervical structures linked to head pain. Learn more here.Biochemicals Associated With Pain and Inflammation Are Elevated Near Active Myofascial Trigger Points (Shah et al., 2008): This study demonstrated elevated inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides within active trigger points, supporting a biochemical—not purely mechanical basis for myofascial pain and sensitization. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 - 09min - 148 - 5 Hidden Food Compounds Linked to Migraines & How To Spot Them on Labels
You’re eating “healthy.” You’re reading ingredients. And yet… the migraines keep coming.
What if the trigger isn’t obvious but hiding in plain sight under different names on the label?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeuncovers five common but often disguised food compounds that can quietly activate a sensitive migraine brain. These ingredients aren’t always listed in ways you’d expect and for some people, they can significantly lower the migraine threshold.
Blending neuroscience with practical food awareness, this episode helps you move from confusion to clarity without fear or food obsession.
You’ll discover:
💡 The five hidden compounds most commonly linked to migraine — and the alternative names brands use to disguise them
💡 Why the migraine brain reacts differently to certain additives and naturally occurring compounds
💡 How to tell whether you are personally sensitive instead of assuming every trigger applies to you
You’ll also learn a simple, empowering strategy to scan any food label in under 30 seconds so you can shop calmly, confidently, and without second-guessing every choice.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Aspartame as a Dietary Trigger of Headache (Lipton, Newman et al., 1989): Investigates whether aspartame is reported as a trigger in a headache-clinic population; useful as an early clinical reference in the “sweeteners + headache” discussion. Read more hereDiet and Headache: Part 1 (Martin & Vij, 2016): Reviews dietary factors and suspected food triggers (including amines like histamine/tyramine) and emphasizes variability in individual sensitivity. Read more here.Histamine-free diet for histamine-induced intolerance and chronic headaches (Wantke, Götz & Jarisch, 1993): Reports improvement in chronic headache in patients with suspected histamine-related intolerance after a histamine-restricted diet, supporting the “subset responder” idea.Read more here.Headache and Mechanical Sensitization After Monosodium Glutamate Intake (Baad-Hansen et al., 2013): In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, repeated MSG exposure was associated with headache complaints and increased mechanical sensitivity in pericranial/masticatory muscles, supporting MSG as a possible trigger for a susceptible subgroup. Read more here.The Role of Nitric Oxide in Migraine and Other Primary Headaches (Olesen et al., 2008): Reviews evidence that nitric-oxide signaling is a key pathway in migraine biology and that nitric-oxide donors can provoke migraine attacks in research settings, making NO a central experimental model. Read more here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 30 Mar 2026 - 11min - 147 - The 5 Faces of Stress And How Each One Triggers Migraines Differently
You’ve heard it before: “Stress triggers migraines.” But here’s what most people don’t realize , not all stress is created equal.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme breaks down the five core faces of stress and reveals how each one activates a different pathway in your brain and body. Because the stress of pressure and performance does not impact your nervous system the same way as grief, overstimulation, or emotional tension.
When you identify which stress pattern is driving your attacks, you move from vague advice to precise action.
In this episode, you will learn:
💡 Why not all stress is created equal and why identifying the type of stress matters more than you think
💡 How each of the 5 core stress types activates different systems in your brain and body, influencing your migraine response
💡 A simple at-home grounding technique that helps interrupt stress signals before they trigger pain
This episode blends neuroscience and Eastern medicine to help you understand how stress reshapes blood flow, inflammation, muscle tension, and nervous system sensitivity, long before a migraine fully appears. Because once you can name the stress pattern, you can calm it. And that changes everything.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst (Sapolsky, 2017): This book synthesizes decades of neuroscience and stress research, explaining how chronic stress reshapes brain circuits involved in emotion, threat detection, and physiological regulation—highly relevant to migraine vulnerability. Learn more here.Migraine—Current Understanding and Treatment (Goadsby, Lipton & Ferrari, 2002): A landmark clinical review of migraine biology and treatment, explaining trigeminovascular activation and why migraine is a neurological disorder—not “just triggers.” Read more here.The Pathophysiology of Migraine: Implications for Clinical Management (Charles, 2018; online 2017): A modern Lancet Neurology review connecting migraine phases to underlying neurobiology and explaining why therapies target CGRP and related pathways. Read more here.Chronic Daily Headache (Ahmed, 2012): A clear overview of chronic daily headache (including chronic migraine) and how persistent attacks relate to central sensitization and treatment challenges. Read more here.Integration of Negative Affect, Pain, and Cognitive Control in the Cingulate Cortex (Shackman et al., 2011): Shows how pain and emotional distress share overlapping circuitry in the cingulate, helping explain why stress and mood can amplify pain vulnerability in migraine. Read more here.Computations of Uncertainty Mediate Acute Stress Responses (de Berker et al., 2016): Demonstrates how uncertainty/unpredictable threat drives stress physiology (including cortisol responses), a strong mechanistic link for “unpredictability stress” episodes. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 - 10min - 146 - The 5 Chocolate Compounds That Can Be a Brain Booster or a Brain Burden: Here’s How to Tell Which One You’re Experiencing
Chocolate is often blamed for migraines. But what if it’s not the chocolate itself, it’s which compound inside it your brain reacts to?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmebreaks down the five active compounds in chocolate that directly influence your nervous system, blood flow, and migraine threshold. Because for some brains, chocolate enhances focus and mood. For others, it quietly lowers the threshold for an attack.
You’ll discover:
🍫 The five key compounds in chocolate and how each one affects the migraine brain differently
🍫 How to recognize real-time body signals that tell you whether chocolate is supporting you or stressing your system
🍫 Practical ways to enjoy chocolate more safely without triggering a cascade of neurological overload.
This episode blends neuroscience, vascular research, and Eastern medicine insight to help you move out of guilt and into clarity.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Cortical Excitability in Chronic Migraine (Coppola, 2012): This paper reviews evidence that chronic migraine involves altered excitability in sensory cortices, helping explain persistent sensitivity to light, sound, and touch. Read more here.Caffeine and Headaches (Shapiro, 2008): Summarizes caffeine’s dual role, analgesic at times, but also a risk factor for rebound/withdrawal headaches with chronic repetitive intake. Read more here.Histamine and Migraine (Yuan et al., 2018): Reviews how histamine systems interact with CNS regions involved in migraine and why histamine modulation has been explored for prevention. Read more here.Dietary Oxalate and Kidney Stone Formation (Mitchell et al., 2019): This review explains how dietary oxalate contributes to urinary oxalate (and binds minerals like calcium), giving a grounded foundation for “oxalate + mineral balance” conversations.Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 23 Mar 2026 - 11min - 145 - Why Your Brain Acts Like a Weather Barometer: 5 Reasons You Get a Headache Before It Rains
Ever noticed your head starts throbbing before the first drop of rain falls?
It’s not in your imagination. Your brain may be acting like a living weather barometer.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme explores why shifting skies so often means shifting pain. Blending neuroscience with Eastern medicine, this episode unpacks how changes in barometric pressure ripple through your nervous system long before the storm arrives.
You’ll discover:
🌧️ Why your head starts to throb before the clouds even gather and what barometric pressure has to do with it.
🌧️ The five most researched triggers behind weather-related migraines, and what science says about their effect on your brain.
🌧️ A simple calming technique you can use today when a storm is coming to soothe your nervous system before rain hits.
This episode isn’t about fearing the forecast. It’s about understanding your biology so you can prepare instead of react. When you know why your brain responds to the sky, you gain back a sense of control even when the weather changes.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Weather and Migraine: A Prospective Diary-Based Analysis (Zebenholzer et al., 2011): Using daily headache diaries and objective weather data, this study found that weather effects on migraine are real for some people but not consistent across everyone—supporting the idea of “weather-sensitive subgroups,” not universal triggers. Read more here.Weather and Air Pollution as Triggers of Severe Headaches (Mukamal et al., 2009): In a large emergency department dataset, higher temperature and (to a lesser degree) lower barometric pressure were linked to a short-term increase in severe headaches requiring ED evaluation—suggesting weather may raise vulnerability rather than “cause” migraine for everyone. Read more here.What Turns on a Migraine? A Systematic Review of Migraine Precipitating Factors (Peroutka, 2014): This systematic review summarizes commonly reported triggers (including stress, sleep changes, and weather) and emphasizes that many “triggers” may be better understood as factors that increase susceptibility in a sensitized migraine brain. Read more here.Migraine and Triggers: Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc (Hoffmann & Recober, 2013): This paper challenges the traditional trigger model and explains why some “triggers” may actually be early premonitory features of an incoming attack—helpful when talking about weather, cravings, yawning, and mood shifts. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
Wed, 18 Mar 2026 - 12min - 144 - The 4 Types of Poor Sleep And Insomnia That Could Be Triggering Your Migraines
You went to bed on time. You were exhausted. And yet, you wake up with a migraine.
What if it’s not just “bad sleep”… but a specific sleep pattern quietly lowering your migraine threshold?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the four distinct types of poor sleep and insomnia that commonly trigger migraines. Blending neuroscience with Traditional Chinese Medicine, this episode helps you understand why your brain reacts so strongly to disrupted rest—and what you can do about it.
You’ll discover:
🌙 How to recognize which sleep pattern might be setting off your migraines — and what makes each one different.
🧠 The neurological links between poor sleep and migraine, including how disrupted deep sleep alters pain processing, inflammation, and brainstem sensitivity
🌿 An East-meets-West framework that explains why some insomnia patterns are linked to excess “heat,” others to depletion, and others to stress-driven nervous system overactivation
This episode is not about quick fixes or sleeping pills. It’s about understanding your unique sleep-migraine pattern so you can stabilize your nervous system at the root.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Sleep Quality and Arousal in Migraine (Engstrøm et al., 2013): This open-access study shows altered sleep quality/arousal patterns in migraine, supporting the idea that migraine involves measurable changes in brain-based sleep regulation. Read more here.Insomnia as a Predictor of Depression (Baglioni et al., 2011): This meta-analysis finds that insomnia significantly increases the risk of developing depression—important for migraine because mood, sleep, and pain sensitivity reinforce each other. Read more here.Migraine and Insomnia Are Bidirectionally Linked (Tiseo et al., 2020): This systematic review concludes that insomnia can increase migraine risk and impact, and migraine can increase insomnia risk—often independent of anxiety and depression. Read more here.Chronic Headaches and Insomnia: A Framework for “Why This Co-Occurs” (Ong et al., 2012): This perspective paper synthesizes how insomnia mechanisms (hyperarousal, conditioning, dysregulated sleep drive) may contribute to headache chronification, including chronic migraine. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 16 Mar 2026 - 14min - 143 - Why This Viral TikTok Wellness Trend Might Be Worsening Your Migraine Recovery
That “healthy” dessert trending all over TikTok? It might look nourishing. It might even be labeled “anti-inflammatory.”
But for a migraine-prone brain, it could be quietly slowing your recovery.
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how viral wellness trends can bypass one critical question: How does this affect a sensitive nervous system?Because what fuels muscle growth or gut health on social media doesn’t always support a brain healing from migraine.
You’ll discover:
🍫 How a so-called healthy dessert trend might be secretly triggering your migraine brain.
🧠 Why Western nutrition claims can miss the full-body impact of such snacks especially when it comes to brain fog.
🌫️ What Eastern medicine reveals about “dampness,” digestion, and why some foods leave you foggy and hungover even without alcohol.
Tune in to learn how to view viral wellness trends through a migraine-informed lens and choose clarity over confusion.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Foods That Cause Dampness in Chinese Medicine (Smith, 2023): This article explains how certain foods especially refined sugar, dairy, and heavy desserts—are considered to create “dampness” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, potentially contributing to brain fog, sluggish digestion, and headache patterns in sensitive individuals. Read more here.We Tried the Viral Two-Ingredient Japanese Cheesecake (Body & Soul, 2024): This feature reviews the popular TikTok cheesecake trend, highlighting how minimal-ingredient desserts can still be rich in sugar and dairy—two ingredients that may not suit everyone’s migraine or digestive profile. Read more here.TikTok’s Viral Cheesecake Hack Might Not Be as Healthy as It Seems (Food Bible, 2024): This article examines the nutritional reality behind viral “healthy” dessert hacks, questioning whether simplified recipes truly support metabolic and neurological health. Read more here.The Energy of Foods in Chinese Medicine (Naturopathy UK, 2020): This resource outlines how foods are classified by energetic qualities—warming, cooling, damp-forming, or drying—offering insight into how certain ingredients may influence digestion, fluid balance, and headache susceptibility. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 - 08min - 142 - 5 Hidden Ways Boundary-Violating People Trigger Migraines And What To Do About It
Some migraines don’t start with food, screens, or hormones. They start with people.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores a trigger that’s rarely named but deeply felt: repeated boundary violations. The subtle stress of being interrupted, dismissed, pressured, or emotionally overstepped can quietly keep your nervous system on high alert… until your head pays the price.
This episode unpacks why “it’s not that bad” interactions can still be biologically loud for a migraine brain and what you can do to protect yourself without guilt or confrontation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧠 How boundary-violating people quietly activate your nervous system and why your head takes the hit.
⚡ Five subtle, science-backed ways toxic interactions lower your migraine threshold over time
🔁 🌿What you can do today to start protecting your energy, reclaim your space, and reduce migraine frequency.
This is not about blaming others. It’s about understanding how your brain interprets safety, respect, and autonomy and why migraines often emerge when those are repeatedly crossed.
If you’ve ever thought “I shouldn’t let this affect me” but your body clearly disagrees, this episode is for you.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- The Stress and Migraine Interaction(Sauro & Becker, 2009): This review explores how stress responses interact with migraine susceptibility and attack frequency, suggesting that stress may both trigger and perpetuate migraine in predisposed individuals. Read more here.Migraine, Stress, and Cortisol Signals (Lipton et al., 2014-linked study): An electronic diary study examining perceived stress, relaxation, and headache attacks — highlighting how stress hormone fluctuations (including cortisol) may be related to migraine onset and patterns. Read morehere.Pain, Decisions, and Actions: A Motivational Perspective (Wiech & Tracey, 2013): This neuroscience review explains how pain is shaped by motivation and decision processes in the brain, offering insight into why emotional states and cognitive context influence chronic pain like migraine. Read more here.Emotional Regulation and Migraine Features (Related Study, 2020): Though there isn’t an exact 2018 Cephalalgia article under that title, research on emotional dysregulation and repetitive negative thinking shows these factors are significantly associated with migraine severity and may influence pain perception and disability. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 - 11min - 141 - Why Red Wine Triggers Migraines for Some People And What Science Reveals
That single glass of red wine… relaxing for some, a guaranteed migraine for others. If you’ve ever wondered why red wine feels so different from white and why the headache doesn’t always hit right away, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the complex relationship between red wine and migraines, blending modern neuroscience with deeper physiological insights so you can finally understand what’s happening without fear or guesswork.
You’ll discover:
🍷 Why red wine is far more likely than white to trigger migraines and how it affects pain pathways in the brain
🍷 The distinct roles of histamines, tannins, and sulfites and why one of them is often blamed unfairly
🍷 Why some people react immediately, while others experience delayed or next-day attacks
This episode is not about telling you to “never drink again.” It’s about understanding your threshold, your timing, and your biology so you can make informed choices that support your brain instead of punishing it.
If red wine has ever felt unpredictable, unfair, or confusing, this conversation brings clarity and a sense of control back into the picture.
Book a call here, free of charge (normally USD 30). This offer is for March 2026 only.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Alcohol and Migraine Mechanisms (Panconesi, 2008): A review that explores how alcohol — and components in alcoholic beverages such as biogenic amines and sulfites — may act as triggers in some people with migraine. Read more here.Histamine in Wine and Headache (Jarisch et al., 1996): This study shows that histamine present in wine can induce headache in people with histamine intolerance, suggesting certain wine components, not just alcohol, might contribute to migraine triggers. Read more hereMigraine is associated with altered processing of sensory stimuli(Harriott & Schwedt, 2014): A review of sensory processing and neuroimaging evidence that helps explain how diet and various environmental triggers, including foods and beverages, may influence sensory and pain circuitry in migraine. Read more here.Sulfites and Headache Sensitivity (Taylor et al., 2004 / general review): While this review focuses on sulfites’ health effects more broadly, sulfite sensitivity is widely discussed as a potential contributor to wine-associated headaches in susceptible groups. Read the overview here.Functional Brain Imaging in Migraine (Schwedt, 2015): Functional MRI studies reveal altered brain responses and connectivity in migraine, shedding light on how the brain’s sensory and pain networks differ in people with migraine. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 - 10min - 140 - 5 Ways Migraine Anxiety Triggers Your Next Attack Without You Realizing It
That constant low-level worry, “Will this trigger a migraine?”, might feel protective. But what if it’s quietly doing the opposite?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how migraine-related anxiety subtly reshapes the brain and nervous system, often increasing the likelihood of your next attack without you realizing it.
This isn’t about fear, weakness, or “overthinking.” It’s about biology. When anxiety becomes intertwined with migraine, it can lock your system into anticipation mode, keeping pain pathways primed and hyper-reactive.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
🧠 How migraine anxiety rewires threat circuits in the brain and lowers your migraine threshold
🔍 The five everyday habits anxiety creates, from hyper-monitoring to avoidance that quietly set the stage for attacks
⚠️ Why trying to control every trigger can actually make your nervous system more sensitive, not safer
🌿 A simple, in-the-moment calming practice to interrupt the anxiety–migraine loop and restore a sense of safety
This episode blends neuroscience, lived experience, and a compassionate nervous-system lens to help you see migraine anxiety differently, not as an enemy to fight, but as a signal your system is asking for reassurance.
If you’ve ever felt trapped between fear of pain and the pain itself, this conversation offers a gentler, more effective way forward.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Migraine-Related Disability, Anxiety, and Depression (Buse et al., 2017): This population-based study shows that higher migraine disability is strongly associated with anxiety and depression, highlighting how emotional health and migraine severity are deeply interconnected rather than separate issues. Read more here.The Bidirectional Relationship Between Insomnia and Migraine (Duan et al., 2022): This review explains how poor sleep and migraine reinforce each other through shared pathways involving hyperarousal, altered pain processing, and nervous system dysregulation, making sleep both a trigger and a consequence of migraine attacks. Read more here.Altered Brain Activity Linking Pain and Negative Emotion (Zhang et al., 2025): This neuroimaging study shows that changes in low-frequency brain activity within pain- and emotion-processing regions are closely associated with pain severity and negative emotional states, highlighting how chronic trigeminal pain is shaped by overlapping neural circuits for pain and mood regulation. Read more here.The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (Maciocia, 2005): This foundational text outlines how internal imbalances in systems such as the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney influence pain, emotion, and neurological symptoms, offering a traditional framework for understanding migraine patterns beyond isolated triggers. Read more here.Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles (Lad, 2001): This classic Ayurvedic text explains how disturbances in nervous system balance, digestion, and emotional regulation contribute to chronic pain conditions, providing a complementary Eastern perspective on migraine vulnerability and resilience. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 - 11min - 139 - Why Your Neck Tension Might Be Triggering Your Migraines And What To Do About It
That tight band at the base of your skull… the stiff neck you stretch through all day… What if it’s not just muscle tension but a direct spark for your migraines?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the powerful and often overlooked connection between neck tension, the brainstem, and migraine attacks. This is not about posture perfection or blaming your desk, it’s about understanding how the nervous system reacts when the neck becomes a bottleneck.
Blending modern neuroscience with Eastern medicine wisdom, this episode helps you see why migraines triggered “from the neck up” are very real and very workable.
You’ll discover:
🧠 How tight neck muscles can irritate pain pathways and tip the brain into migraine mode even without obvious injury
🧠 The critical role of the brainstem and cervical spine in pain regulation, balance, and sensitivity
🧠 Why small, consistent posture shifts matter more than dramatic corrections
🧠 What Eastern medicine describes as “stuck energy” in the neck — and how it reflects nervous system overload
🧠 Two gentle daily rituals you can start today to restore flow, soften tension, and calm the migraine-prone brain
This episode isn’t about pushing, forcing, or stretching through pain. It’s about releasing, listening, and restoring communication between your neck, your brain, and your nervous system.
If your migraines often arrive with stiffness, pressure, or a heavy head, this episode may help you unlock a missing piece of your puzzle.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- The Trigeminocervical Complex and Migraine (Bartsch & Goadsby, 2003): This foundational paper explains how sensory input from the upper neck and head converges in the brainstem, helping explain why neck tension and cervical dysfunction can trigger or amplify migraine attacks.Read more here.Trigger Points in the Suboccipital Muscles and Forward Head Posture (Fernández-de-las-Peñas et al., 2006): This study shows that people with chronic headache present active trigger points in the suboccipital muscles and increased forward head posture, linking cervical muscle dysfunction to head pain generation. Read more here.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 - 10min - 138 - 5 Surprising Reasons Blood Sugar Spikes Could Be Fueling Your Migraine Attacks (And How To Eat Sugar If You Really Crave It)
Could your sugar cravings be quietly setting the stage for your next migraine, even if you think you “handle carbs just fine”?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores one of the most misunderstood migraine triggers: blood sugar instability. Not sugar itself but the spikes, crashes, and nervous-system stress that come with it.
Many people with migraines are told to “just cut sugar.” But migraine brains don’t respond well to restriction or perfection. They respond to rhythm, stability, and context.
This episode breaks down why blood sugar swings matter and how to work with cravings instead of fighting them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🍬 Why blood sugar instability can be a silent migraine trigger even when labs look “normal” and symptoms feel unrelated
🧠 The five surprising ways glucose swings stress the migraine brain, including insulin spikes, hormonal signaling, dehydration effects, and low-grade brain inflammation
⚡ How rapid rises and drops in blood sugar lower your migraine threshold, priming pain pathways hours before the headache starts
🍓 How to eat sugar when you crave it without fueling attacks, using simple pairing strategies that calm the brain instead of spiking it
This episode blends neuroscience, metabolic insight, and Eastern medicine wisdom to help you move beyond fear-based food rules and toward sugar intelligence.
If you’ve ever felt shaky, irritable, foggy, or headachy after eating or wondered why “balanced meals” still don’t feel stable, this episode is for you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Brain Glucose Metabolism & Migraine (Del Moro et al., 2022): Del Moro and colleagues reviewed evidence linking impaired brain glucose metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction with migraine pathophysiology. Read morehere.Glycemic Variability in Chronic Migraine (Nelson, 2025): Nelson’s CGM study found greater glucose variability in people with chronic migraine, suggesting unstable glucose control may precede attacks. Read morehere.Glucose Changes During Migraine Attacks (Zhang et al., 2020): This study showed plasma glucose levels rise during migraine attacks compared to interictal periods. Read morehere.Metabolic Dysfunction & Migraine (Sun, 2025): Disruptions in glucose/insulin metabolism and insulin resistance may play a role in migraine development and severity. Read morehere.Irregular Meals & Migraine (Legesse et al., 2025): Irregular meal timing and fasting — which can cause hypoglycemia — are associated with migraine flares. Read morehereIncreased Glucose and Neurovascular Dysfunction (Rodrigues et al., 2017): This study shows that elevated glucose levels impair neurovascular regulation and sympathetic balance in people with metabolic syndrome, offering a mechanistic link between glucose instability, vascular stress, and migraine vulnerability. Read morehere.Acute Glucose Variability and Cognitive Decline (Chi et al., PLOS ONE, 2023): This systematic review and meta-analysis found that rapid glucose fluctuations are associated with cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes, highlighting how glucose instability—rather than average glucose alone—can stress the brain and nervous system. Read morehere.Glucose Dysregulation and Glycemic Phenotyping in Chronic Migraine (Nelson et al., Frontiers in Neurology, 2026): Using continuous glucose monitoring, this study identified distinct glycemic patterns in people with chronic migraine, suggesting that glucose variability may act as a metabolic trigger contributing to migraine frequency and severity. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 23 Feb 2026 - 10min - 137 - How Perfection Patterns Could Be Worsening Your Migraines
What if your drive to “do everything right” isn’t helping your migraines — but quietly keeping them alive?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden link between perfectionism and migraine pain — and why the very strategies you use to stay in control may be keeping your nervous system stuck in threat mode.
Perfectionism isn’t just a personality trait. For migraine brains, it’s often a learned survival pattern, one that keeps stress hormones high, pain thresholds low, and recovery just out of reach.
This episode gently dismantles the myth that healing requires flawless discipline — and replaces it with something far more effective: flexibility, safety, and nervous-system trust.
In this episode, you'll learn:
🧠 Three specific ways perfection thinking triggers and sustains migraine attacks beyond generic “stress,” into precise nervous-system reactions
🧠 How perfectionism reshapes your brain’s pain and threat pathways over time, making migraines more frequent and harder to break
🧠 Practical, neuroscience-aligned strategies to soften rigid patterns, restore flexibility, and reduce migraine frequency without self-blame or pressure
You’ll also discover why migraine brains don’t respond to force, discipline, or constant vigilance but to rhythm, safety, and permission to be human.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still getting migraines… this episode offers a different, kinder way forward.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Perfectionism and Stress in Psychopathology (Hewitt & Flett, 2002):This foundational paper explains how perfectionistic traits amplify stress responses and emotional dysregulation, increasing vulnerability to chronic psychological and physical conditions—including stress-sensitive disorders like migraine. Read morehere.A Systems Neuroscience Approach to Migraine (Brennan & Pietrobon, 2018):This review reframes migraine as a systems-level brain disorder involving sensory processing, stress circuits, and network instability, helping explain why cognitive and emotional stressors can escalate migraine attacks. Read morehere.Pain Catastrophizing and Pain Outcomes (Severeijns et al., 2001):This study shows that catastrophizing thoughts independently predict higher pain intensity, disability, and psychological distress, highlighting how mental patterns can directly amplify pain perception beyond physical impairment. Learn morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 18 Feb 2026 - 12min - 136 - 5 Overlooked Ways Thyroid Issues Could Be Triggering Your Migraines
You’ve treated the pain. You’ve tracked the triggers. You’ve adjusted food, sleep, and stress and yet migraines keep finding a way in.
What if the missing piece isn’t in your head… but in your metabolism?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores one of the most overlooked drivers of migraine: the thyroid. Not as a single lab value, but as a system that sets the rhythm for your brain, your nervous system, and your tolerance to pain.
The thyroid doesn’t just influence weight or energy. It acts as a metabolic pacemaker, shaping blood flow, heat production, neurotransmitter balance, and stress resilience. When that rhythm slows or becomes unstable, the migraine brain becomes far more reactive — even to triggers that once felt manageable.
Blending modern neuroscience with an Eastern medicine lens, this episode unpacks why migraines often show up alongside fatigue, coldness, brain fog, pressure headaches, and that persistent feeling of running on empty.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the thyroid functions as the metabolic pacemaker for the brain and how a slowed rhythm lowers your migraine thresholdHow reduced internal “fire” contributes to dampness, heaviness, and pressure in the headFive subtle yet powerful ways a struggling metabolism signals the nervous system to trigger migraineWhy thyroid-linked migraines often feel slower, heavier, and harder to shakeHow restoring rhythm, warmth, and flow can change how your migraine brain responds
This episode isn’t about diagnosing disease or blaming a single gland. It’s about understanding the deeper patterns your body is communicating and responding before those whispers become pain.
If your migraines come with fatigue, cold sensitivity, brain fog, or a sense that your system just can’t keep up anymore, this conversation may finally bring clarity.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Thyroid Disorders and Migraine: Clinical and Biological Links (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025): This open-access review explores how thyroid dysfunction—including subclinical hypothyroidism—can influence migraine frequency, neurovascular regulation, and brain energy metabolism, reinforcing the close thyroid–brain connection in migraine vulnerability. Read morehere.Metabolic Syndrome, Mitochondria, and Migraine (Yi et al, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2020):This paper explores how mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic stress may link insulin resistance, inflammation, and migraine susceptibility. Learn morehere.Yang-Deficiency Constitution and Chronic Pain (American Journal of Chinese Medicine):This study connects Yang-deficiency patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine with chronic pain states, offering an Eastern framework for understanding fatigue-dominant, cold-sensitive migraine profiles. Read morehere.Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Migraine Frequency (Thyroid Journal):This research suggests that even mild thyroid underactivity can impair neurovascular coupling and increase migraine frequency, reinforcing the sensitivity of the migraine brain to hormonal shifts. Learn morehere.Thyroid Hormones and Mitochondrial Metabolism (Chocron et al., Molecular Endocrinology, 2012):This study shows how thyroid hormone receptors directly stimulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, helping explain why low thyroid signaling can affect brain energy balance and migraine vulnerability. Read morehereThe Blood–Brain Barrier in Health and Disease (Keller, Swiss Medical Weekly, 2013): This review explains how disruptions in the blood–brain barrier can increase neuroinflammation and sensory sensitivity, mechanisms increasingly implicated in migraine pathophysiology. Learn morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 16 Feb 2026 - 10min - 135 - Trendy "Gut-Healing" Foods That Could Be Hidden Migraine Triggers
That kefir smoothie. The apple cider vinegar shot. The fermented veggie bowl everyone swears is “healing your gut.”
What if those same foods are quietly overwhelming your migraine nervous system?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks a growing disconnect between social-media wellness trends and migraine physiology. While many foods are labeled “gut-healing,” context matters and for migraine-prone brains, stacking the wrong foods can quietly tip the system into inflammation, histamine overload, and headache.
This isn’t about demonizing foods. It’s about understanding timing, quantity, and nervous-system capacity.
You’ll discover:
🌿 Why foods praised as gut-healing on social media may backfire for migraine-sensitive nervous systems
🌿 How stacking “healthy” trends in one day can overload histamine, blood sugar, and stress pathways
🌿 Why migraines are often triggered not by a single food, but by accumulation and lack of context
🌿 Practical ways to spot these hidden minefields in your diet and gently reduce them
We also explore how Western neuroscience and Eastern medicine arrive at the same truth: healing isn’t about more intensity, it’s about balance, sequencing, and respecting the brain’s threshold.
If you’ve ever felt worse while “doing everything right,” this episode will help you recalibrate so your food choices calm inflammation instead of quietly fueling it.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond (Jochum, 2024): This review explains how impaired histamine breakdown can lead to symptoms such as headaches, digestive distress, flushing, and migraine-like reactions, highlighting the role of enzymes like DAO and individual tolerance thresholds. Read morehere.Histamine Intolerance Explained (Wikipedia): This overview summarizes histamine intolerance as a mismatch between histamine intake and the body’s ability to degrade it, helping explain why certain foods, stress, or hormonal shifts can trigger migraine-like symptoms in sensitive individuals. Learn morehere.Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and Histamine Breakdown (Wikipedia): This resource outlines the role of diamine oxidase as the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary histamine, offering insight into why low DAO activity may increase migraine vulnerability. Read morehere.Biogenic Amines in Fermented Foods (Turna et al., Heliyon, 2024): This review details how fermentation increases biogenic amines such as histamine in foods, and how high intake may provoke adverse neurological and inflammatory responses, particularly in histamine-sensitive or migraine-prone individuals. Learn morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 - 09min - 134 - Too Little Light Is Just as Dangerous as Too Much: Here’s the Truth About Migraines & Light Exposure
Most people with migraines are warned about one thing: bright light.
Screens. Sun glare. Fluorescent bulbs.
But what if the real issue isn’t just too much light, what if too little light is just as destabilizing for your brain?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the overlooked relationship between light, brain chemistry, circadian rhythm, and migraine vulnerability. Blending modern neuroscience with Eastern wisdom, this conversation reframes light not as an enemy to avoid, but as a biological signal your brain deeply depends on.
You’ll discover why migraine brains struggle with both overstimulation and deprivation, and how living too far on either end quietly lowers your migraine threshold.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💡 Why both excessive light and insufficient light can trigger migraine attacks, even though most advice only focuses on brightness
💡 What neuroscience reveals about how light regulates pain pathways, sleep hormones, and brain blood flow
💡 Why indoor living, winter darkness, and screen-heavy days confuse the migraine brain more than you realize
💡 How Eastern medicine has long understood light as a regulator of energy, rhythm, and mental clarity
💡 Practical ways to use light intentionally, not aggressively to support brain stability, mood, and resilience
This episode is not about hiding in the dark or forcing yourself into harsh sunlight. It’s about finding the right light rhythm, one that calms your nervous system instead of shocking it.
If you’ve ever felt worse in winter, foggy after days indoors, or paradoxically triggered by both sunshine and darkness, this episode will help you finally make sense of why.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Migraine Photophobia and Retinal Pathways (Noseda et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2016): Noseda and colleagues showed that migraine-related light sensitivity originates in cone-driven retinal pathways that directly activate pain circuits in the brain, explaining why even normal light can feel painful during migraine. Read morehere.Effects of Light on Human Circadian Rhythms, Sleep, and Mood (Blume, Garbazza & Spitschan, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2019): This review explains how light exposure powerfully regulates circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and mood through retinal signaling to the brain, helping clarify why disrupted light patterns can worsen neurological sensitivity, including migraine. Learn morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 - 10min - 133 - The Weekend Paradox: Why Relaxation Can Trigger a Migraine
You finally slow down. The emails stop. The alarm is off. The pressure lifts. And then, the migraine arrives.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme, we explore the strange and frustrating paradox of week-end migraines: why the moment you rest, your body seems to revolt. What feels like cruel irony is actually a well-documented nervous-system response, and once you understand it, it becomes something you can work with rather than fear.
This episode unpacks why migraine brains don’t always respond well to abrupt shifts, even when those shifts are positive and how both Western science and Eastern medicine explain this phenomenon in surprisingly aligned ways.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why “let-down” migraines happen and how sudden drops in stress hormones can destabilize a sensitive nervous systemHow the brain adapts to high pressure during the week, then struggles when that pressure suddenly disappearsThe Eastern perspective on why a sharp transition from doing to being can cause energy to surge upward instead of settlingA simple, gentle strategy to soften the transition from workweek to weekend so rest becomes restorative, not triggering
This episode isn’t about avoiding rest. It’s about changing the way you arrive there. If your migraines tend to show up just when you think you’re finally safe to relax, this conversation may help you rethink weekends not as a cliff, but as a bridge.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Reduction in Perceived Stress as a Migraine Trigger: Testing the “Let-Down Headache” Hypothesis:Lipton R.B and colleagues.This paper demonstrates that declines in stress (rather than high stress itself) can trigger migraine attacks, supporting the “let-down” phenomenon where the brain’s stress recovery phase is a vulnerable window for migraine onset. Read the full article here.Stress and Migraine: Interaction, Cephalalgia (Sauro K.M. & Becker W.J., 2009):This review explores how chronic stress alters pain processing, hormonal balance, and central sensitization, helping explain why stress, emotional load, and recovery phases strongly influence migraine frequency and severity. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 - 13min - 132 - Gut Inflammation & Migraine: Why Your Brain and Digestive Symptoms Mirror Each Other
When your gut heats up and your brain starts to ache, it’s not random — it’s a message. A flare-up in your gut can echo upward, shifting your brain chemistry, amplifying inflammation, and lowering your migraine threshold.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme connects the dots between digestive distress and neurological pain — helping you understand why gut trouble so often becomes head trouble.
You’ll discover:
🔥 How gut inflammation changes the brain — from neuroinflammation to altered neurotransmitters
🔥 Why the stress–gut–brain loop keeps symptoms cycling — and how permeability, cortisol, and inflammation feed each other
🔥 How Eastern medicine explains a “hot” or “inflamed” gut — and why cooling, calming, and restoring flow can quiet the mind
🔥 Practical ways to soothe the gut so the brain can finally settle — using food, routines, and simple nervous-system resets
This episode blends neuroscience with holistic medicine to help you recognize when your gut is speaking — and how to respond before the pain reaches your brain.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Gut–Brain Axis & Neuroinflammation (The Journal of Headache and Pain, 2020): This study by Arzani et al., 2020 shows how gut permeability and inflammation heighten neurological sensitivity and increase migraine risk. Read morehere.Altered Gut Microbiota in Migraine (Xu et al., Nature Scientific Reports, 2023): Xu and colleagues found that individuals with episodic and chronic migraine show distinct gut microbiota signatures, highlighting a gut–brain connection influencing inflammation, pain sensitivity, and migraine frequency. Read morehereUnravelling the Gut–Brain Connection: A Systematic Review of Migraine and the Gut Microbiome (Kennedy et al., 2024): Kennedy and colleagues reviewed current research showing that gut microbiome imbalances can influence inflammation, nervous system regulation, and migraine severity, reinforcing the gut–brain axis as a key factor in migraine. Read morehere.Migraine and the Gut Microbiome: Insights from Mendelian Randomization (Zhang et al., Frontiers in Neurology, 2024): Zhang and colleagues used Mendelian randomization to show genetic links between gut microbiome composition and migraine risk, suggesting that certain microbial patterns may play a causal role in migraine development. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 - 07min - 131 - Why Sleep Debt Fuels Migraine Pain and How Rest Brings Your Brain Back Online
Ever wake up after eight hours and still feel like your mind is wrapped?
In this episode ofMigraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks why “sleep” and “recovery” are not the same thing — and why the brain needs true rest to restore blood flow, clear waste, and lift the fog that so many migraine-prone people live with.
We explore how neuroscience and Eastern medicine both point toward the same truth: deep rest is nourishment. And when your brain doesn’t get it, everything — focus, memory, mood, and migraine thresholds — begins to fray.
You’ll discover:
💤 How sleep debt quietly reduces cerebral blood flow, leading to fog, dizziness, and migraine vulnerability
💤 What your brain’s night-shift cleaning crew (the glymphatic system) does while you sleep — and why skipping its shift creates toxic buildup
💤 What Eastern medicine teaches about rest as “yin nourishment,” and why stillness is as physiologically important as sleep itself
💤 Simple ways to reclaim real rest, even if you can’t change your schedule, your stress, or your nights right now
This episode blends research, lived experience, and healing wisdom to help you restore what your brain has been missing. If you’ve been sleeping — but not recovering — this one’s for you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Sleep Drives Metabolite Clearance From the Adult Brain (Science, 2013): Xie et al. showed that deep sleep accelerates glymphatic clearance, helping the brain remove metabolic waste that builds up during wakefulness. Read morehere.Sleep Deprivation and Endothelial Function (Frontiers in Physiology, 2021): Short-term sleep loss impairs endothelial function, reducing blood flow regulation and increasing vulnerability to brain fog and migraines. Read morehere.Mild Sleep Restriction and Oxidative Stress in Women (Scientific Reports, 2023): Even mild nightly sleep restriction (1.5 hours) increases oxidative stress in women, amplifying inflammation and migraine risk. Read morehere.The Foundations of Chinese Medicine — Giovanni Maciocia (Elsevier, 2015): Maciocia explains how deep sleep nourishes Yin, restores Blood, and calms the Shen — aligning classical TCM theory with modern neuroscience on restorative rest. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 - 09min - 130 - Your Body as a Forecast: Understanding Weather-Triggered Migraine
Your migraine hits, and before you even check the forecast, your body already knows a storm is coming. For many migraine-prone brains, weather isn’t background noise. It’s a trigger. A pressure. A switch.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why changes in weather — barometric drops, humidity spikes, sudden heat, even bright sun — can create the perfect storm inside your nervous system. With neuroscience, real-world patterns, and Eastern medicine woven together, you’ll finally understand why your symptoms flare when the sky shifts.
You’ll discover:
🌦️ How barometric pressure changes impact pain pathways, inflammation, and brain sensitivity
🌦️ Why some people are “weather-sensitive” — and how to recognise the subtle cues before an attack
🌦️ What temperature swings, humidity shifts, and UV exposure do to your migraine threshold
🌦️ Eastern-medicine insights on Wind, external forces, and why storms can “stir” a reactive system
🌦️ Practical ways to stabilise your nervous system when the weather won’t cooperate
You’ll also hear grounded, actionable strategies to help you feel less at the mercy of the sky — from small routines that support your pressure-sensitive brain to preventative habits that calm the internal storm before it forms.
This episode is for you if you’ve ever noticed:
• Your migraines spike when the weather changes
• You feel “off” hours before a storm
• Heat waves, cold snaps, or humidity leave you foggy or exhausted
• You’ve been told it’s “just the weather” — but your body says otherwise
Your body isn’t dramatic. It’s perceptive. And once you understand its signals, you can work with the weather — not against it.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- The Influence of Weather on Migraine: Are Migraine Attacks Predictable? — PMC (2015): Hoffmann J. et al. found that changes in temperature, humidity and barometric pressure can meaningfully influence migraine onset in susceptible people. Read morehere.Weather Effects on Headache Using Smartphone App + AI — Headache (2023):This study used real-time symptom tracking and machine learning to show that weather fluctuations can increase headache frequency and help predict migraine risk. Learn morehere.Influence of Barometric Pressure in Patients with Migraine — PubMed (2011):Researchers demonstrated that falling barometric pressure may trigger migraine attacks in a subset of patients sensitive to atmospheric changes. Explore the findingshere.Whether Weather Matters with Migraine — Current Pain and Headache Reports (2024):This review summarizes how temperature shifts, storms, humidity and pressure gradients affect migraine biology and nervous-system sensitivity. Read the articlehere.Barometric Pressure Headache: Can Weather Trigger Migraines? — Cleveland Clinic:A clinical overview explaining how pressure changes affect sinuses, blood vessels and the brain, making migraines more likely during storms or seasonal transitions. Learn morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 - 09min - 129 - When Over-thinking Hurts: How Mental Noise Triggers Migraine Pain
Your mind races, loops, analyses, plans, replays — and somewhere in the background, the pressure in your head starts building. For many people, migraines don’t begin with a food trigger or a weather shift… they begin with thoughts that won’t turn off.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores the link between mental noise and physical pain — and why a busy mind can be just as triggering as a stressful day or a skipped meal.
We dive into neuroscience, the lived experience, and the Eastern-medicine understanding of the “wind of the mind” — the invisible force that stirs tension, drains energy, and pushes the brain toward migraine.
You’ll discover:
💭 How chronic overthinking reshapes your stress and pain circuits, turning mental loops into neck tension, jaw tightness, and migraine pain
💭 Why the brain’s default mode network (DMN) becomes hyperactive in overthinkers — and how science is finally explaining the ancient wisdom of mental stillness
💭 How Eastern traditions calm internal ‘wind’, grounding an overactive mind through breath, routine, ritual, and gentle sensory anchors
💭 Practical steps to interrupt mental spirals, reduce cognitive load, and find more internal quiet — even if your mind feels “always on”
This episode blends Western neuroscience and Eastern philosophy to help you understand why your thoughts can trigger your symptoms — and what you can do to reclaim stillness, clarity, and ease from the inside out.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Mindfulness & the Brain:Harvard Medical School (2018) explains how mindfulness reshapes neural pathways involved in stress, mood, and pain regulation — offering meaningful tools for calming the migraine brain. Read morehere.Increased connectivity of the pain matrix in chronic migraine (Lee et al., 2019): This resting-state fMRI study shows that people with chronic migraine have heightened connectivity in key pain-processing brain regions, helping explain why pain becomes more persistent and easily triggered. Read morehere.Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundations:Giovanni Maciocia’s The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (2015) outlines classical patterns such as Liver Qi Stagnation, internal wind, and phlegm misting that mirror modern understandings of neurological dysregulation in migraine. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 - 07min - 127 - Are Your Gut and Digestion Predicting Your Migraines? Understanding the Microbiome Signal
Ever had a migraine that seemed to strike out of nowhere — and later noticed your digestion had been off, your appetite weird, or your belly unusually tight? It’s not random. It’s a conversation. Because your gut and your brain are constantly talking, and when that dialogue breaks down, migraine often steps in.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the hidden ways your microbiome shapes inflammation, mood, sensitivity, and migraine pain. With a blend of neuroscience, real-world data, and Eastern medicine wisdom, we decode what your gut has been trying to tell you long before the migraine hits.
You’ll discover:
💡 How the gut–brain axis controls inflammation, stress chemistry, and pain sensitivity
💡 Why microbiome imbalances can amplify reactions to food, hormones, and daily stress
💡 What Western research and Eastern medicine both say about restoring digestive balance
💡 How small shifts in digestion can predict — and prevent — future attacks
If your migraines feel mysterious, inconsistent, or tied to your digestion in ways you can’t fully explain — this episode will finally make the invisible visible.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- A Causal Effects of Gut Microbiota in the Development of Migraine — The Journal of Headache and Pain (2023):He Q., Wang W., Xiong Y., Tao C., Ma L., Ma J., You C., & the International Headache Genetics Consortium found that specific gut bacterial taxa have causal associations with migraine, migraine with aura and migraine without aura, supporting the gut–brain axis in migraine. Read morehere.The Importance of the Microbiota and Diet in Migraine — PMC (2024):This article reviews how diet alters gut microbiota composition, which in turn influences neuroinflammation, energy metabolism, and pain modulation relevant to migraine. Learn morehere.Gut Microbiota and Migraine — PMC (2022):A comprehensive open-access review showing shifts in microbiota diversity, metabolite profiles and microbial signalling in migraine patients—suggesting interventions via gut health may support migraine management. Read the full articlehere.A Systematic Review of Migraine and the Gut Microbiome — The Journal of Headache and Pain (2025):This upcoming 2025 review compiles 20+ studies linking gut microbial dysbiosis with migraine frequency, severity and comorbidities—emphasizing microbiome as a therapeutic frontier. Read morehere.The Interplay Between Gut Microbiota, Adipose Tissue, and Migraine — Nutrients (2024):Biagioli V. et al. review how gut microbiota, adipose-tissue signals (leptin/adiponectin), and inflammation converge in migraine pathophysiology—suggesting diet, microbiome and metabolic health as key levers. Read the articlehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 - 07min - 126 - When Sound Becomes Too Much: The Migraine Brain & Noise Overload
When everyday sounds feel sharp, intrusive, or overwhelming, it’s not “just stress” or “being sensitive.” For migraine-prone brains, noise can hit like a pressure wave — too loud, too close, too fast — long before anyone else even notices it.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the neuroscience behind noise sensitivity and why certain brains struggle to filter sound. You’ll learn why what you’re experiencing is real, physiological, and deeply linked to how your brain processes safety, threat, and sensory overload.
We blend real-world patterns from thousands of migraine cases with Western research and Eastern medicine’s understanding of energetic balance to help you understand why sound becomes painful — and what you can do about it.
You’ll discover:
🔊 Why some brains amplify sound instead of filtering it
🔊 How migraine, trauma, and chronic stress can rewire your auditory gain system
🔊 Why your brain’s “volume control” gets stuck on high alert
🔊 What Traditional Chinese Medicine says about overstimulation, Liver Wind, and sensory overwhelm
🔊 Practical ways to soften the world around you without isolating yourself
This episode is for anyone who has ever felt flooded by noise in cafés, offices, restaurants, or even at home… and wondered, Why does this feel so unbearable?
You’re not imagining it, your brain is responding to real physiological overload. And with the right tools, there is a way back to calm.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Brain Structure & Function Abnormalities in Migraineurs:This 2022 neuroimaging meta-analysis shows that migraine alters pain-processing networks, sensory integration hubs, and regions linked to attention and hyper-responsivity. Read morehere.The Brain Basis for Misophonia:Kumar et al. (2017) identify abnormal connectivity between the auditory cortex and salience network, offering insight into why migraine brains overreact to sound triggers. Read morehere.TCM Perspectives on Sensory Overstimulation & Internal Wind:Li & Xu (2018) describe how Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets sensory overload, tinnitus, and migraine-like agitation as manifestations of “Internal Wind” disturbing the liver–heart system. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 14 Jan 2026 - 05min - 125 - Digital Gravity & Migraine: The Link Between Posture, Screens, and Pain
You tilt your head for one quick scroll — and suddenly your neck, jaw, and temples feel heavier. It’s not just “bad posture.” It’s a full-body stress signal your brain can’t ignore.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarmeexplores how screens reshape the way your body holds itself — and how those tiny shifts in posture can quietly fuel tension, dizziness, and migraine attacks.
Blending neuroscience with Eastern medicine, we break down why the modern digital world is pulling your body out of alignment and your brain into overload.
You’ll discover:
💡 How forward-head posture and screen angles overload the brain’s pain and balance centers
💡 Why chronic neck and jaw tension trap the nervous system in a “micro-stress loop”
💡 What TCM teaches about posture, Qi flow, and how stagnation leads to pain
💡 Practical ways to restore alignment — not through perfection, but through ease, breath, and gentle awareness
This isn’t about sitting perfectly. It’s about reclaiming the natural alignment that lets your energy — and your life — flow.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Digital Eye Strain – A Comprehensive Review (Sheppard & Wolffsohn, 2018/2022, Ophthalmology and Therapy):Broad review of digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome), including visual symptoms (dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision) and associated musculoskeletal issues like neck and back pain related to poor ergonomics and prolonged screen time. Read morehere.Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Head Position — Surgical Technology International (2014):Hansraj K.K. quantified how forward-head posture dramatically increases cervical spine load—explaining why screen use, neck strain, and posture imbalance can worsen migraine, tension headaches, and nerve compression. Read morehere.A Model of Neurovisceral Integration in Emotion Regulation — Journal of Affective Disorders (2000):Thayer J.F. & Lane R.D. reveal how vagal tone links posture, stress response, and autonomic balance—key mechanisms behind posture-related migraines and nervous-system dysregulation. Explore the abstracthere.The Channels of Acupuncture (Maciocia, 2006): Giovanni Maciocia explores how the body’s channel pathways and secondary vessels influence circulation, stagnation, and pain patterns, offering insights that align with migraine pathways from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 12 Jan 2026 - 07min - 124 - When Your Energy Slips Through the Cracks: Understanding Invisible Fatigue that Triggers Migraine
You sleep. You eat. You even rest. And yet your body wakes up feeling like someone left the lights on all night inside you.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme uncovers the hidden “energy leaks” that quietly drain your vitality — the ones most people never notice until their body starts whispering in fatigue, brain fog, irritability, or migraines.
Blending neuroscience with Eastern medicine, this conversation reveals why your system feels tired even when you “did everything right,” and how to repair the subtle places where your energy slips away.
You’ll discover:
⚡ The three invisible drains — chronic stress, mental clutter, and low-grade inflammation
⚡ Why your nervous system can’t recharge when it’s stuck in a perpetual micro-stress response
⚡ How emotional residue, overstimulation, and boundary fatigue quietly weaken your resilience
⚡ What Eastern medicine calls “Qi leaks” — and how they map onto modern neurobiology
⚡ Practical tools to seal the leaks, strengthen your baseline, and finally restore the clarity and vitality you’ve been missing
This episode is your guide to understanding why tiredness isn’t always about sleep — it’s about energy management. And once you seal the leaks, everything shifts.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- The Impact of Chronic Stress on Energy Metabolism (Chen et al., 2020):Chen and colleagues show how prolonged stress disrupts mitochondrial energy production, draining vitality and impairing focus—patterns that closely mirror migraine-related fatigue and cognitive fog. Read morehere.Protective and Damaging Effects of Stress Mediators — New England Journal of Medicine (1998):McEwen B.S. explains how stress hormones can support short-term survival but cause long-term neural wear-and-tear, fueling migraine vulnerability and emotional dysregulation when overload persists. Read morehere.The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful: Effects of Stress on Immune Function — Immunologic Research (2014):Dhabhar F.S. shows that acute stress can boost immune readiness, while chronic stress disrupts inflammation pathways—mechanisms closely tied to migraine flares and fatigue. Learn morehere.A Model of Neurovisceral Integration in Emotion Regulation — Journal of Affective Disorders (2000):Thayer J.F. & Lane R.D. describe how vagal regulation links emotional stress, autonomic balance, and brain health, offering a framework for understanding stress-sensitized migraines. Read the abstracthere.Psychological Stress and Mitochondria: A Conceptual Framework — Psychosomatic Medicine (Picard M. & McEwen B.S., 2018):Picard and McEwen explain how psychological stress affects mitochondrial function, cellular energy, and inflammation—revealing how chronic stress can lower migraine thresholds and impair brain resilience. Read more here.Role of Inflammation in Human Fatigue (Llewellyn et al., 2017): This review explains how inflammation alters brain–immune signaling, contributing to multidimensional fatigue, reduced energy, and cognitive slowing—patterns often mirrored in migraine brain fog. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 07 Jan 2026 - 06min - 123 - When Histamine Turns Against You: The Food–Migraine Connection
Could your “safe” snack actually be fueling your migraine by way of histamine? For many migraine-prone people, histamine intolerance is the missing link — hiding in plain sight inside everyday foods.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks how histamine works in the body, why some people react so strongly to it, and how something as simple as leftovers, fermented foods, or certain fruits can tip your system over the edge.
Whether histamine has been on your radar for years or you’re hearing about it for the first time, this episode helps you finally understand why some foods feel fine one day… and unbearable the next.
You’ll discover:
🔥 What histamine actually is — and how it can trigger migraines, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog
🔥 Why some bodies break down histamine easily while others get overwhelmed, especially when the gut, hormones, or stress responses are imbalanced
🔥 Which foods and habits quietly overload your tolerance, from aged cheese to reheated leftovers
🔥 How Traditional Chinese Medicine explains histamine sensitivity through Heat, Liver Qi, and the gut–brain ecosystem
🔥 What steps help you calm the fire, reduce reactivity, and support your natural detox pathways
This episode blends Western neuroscience with Eastern wisdom to help you stop guessing, start decoding your symptoms, and choose foods that truly support your migraine-prone brain.
If you’ve ever felt worse after “healthy” foods, struggled to understand inconsistent reactions, or sensed that inflammation is running the show — this episode is for you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Migraine, Allergy, and Histamine: Is There a Link? — PMC (2023):This review explores how histamine pathways, mast cells, and allergic responses can heighten migraine susceptibility and trigger inflammation-driven attacks. Read morehere.Histamine Intolerance: The More We Know, the Less We Know — Nutrients (2021):Researchers highlight why histamine intolerance is difficult to diagnose and how dietary histamine, DAO activity, and gut imbalance contribute to symptoms—including migraine. Learn morehere.Histamine and Migraine Revisited: Mechanisms and Possible Drug Targets — The Journal of Headache and Pain (2019):This review maps how histamine receptors (H1–H4), neuroinflammation, and vascular responses interact with migraine biology, offering potential therapeutic targets. Read the full articlehere.Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment — Cleveland Clinic:A clinical overview explaining how excess histamine or low DAO activity can cause flushing, dizziness, headaches, and migraine-like symptoms. Explore the resourcehere.Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond — MDPI (2024):This article outlines key signs of histamine overload, common dietary triggers, and updated clinical approaches for managing histamine-related migraines. Read morehere.Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art — PMC (2020):A scientific review summarizing what we know about histamine pathways, enzyme deficiencies, and how they relate to neurological symptoms such as migraine. Learn morehere.Increased Plasma Histamine Levels in Migraine Patients — McMaster University Scholarly Works (Ishizaki K. et al., 2020):Ishizaki and colleagues report that migraine patients show significantly higher circulating histamine levels compared to non-migraine controls, supporting the role of mast-cell activation and histamine pathways in migraine biology. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 05 Jan 2026 - 06min - 122 - Why Life Transitions Trigger Migraine and How to Find Your Flow and Relief Again
You’ve stepped out of the old routine, the old home, the old identity… and somewhere in that space between what was and what will be, migraine entered your life. Transitions stretch the nervous system in ways we rarely talk about — and your brain feels every ripple.
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why life transitions so often collide with migraine onset or flare-ups. Whether you’ve moved cities, changed jobs, become a parent, left a relationship, or simply entered a new season of life, this “in-between” state can be both emotionally rich and physiologically destabilizing.
We dive into the neuroscience of uncertainty, the emotional landscape of change, and the Eastern lens of movement, grounding, and flow — to help you understand why your symptoms appeared right here and how you can move forward with clarity.
You’ll discover:
🌫️ Why transitions feel so physically uncomfortable — how your brain processes uncertainty, and why the body tightens and reacts before your mind catches up
🌍 How travel, upheaval, and emotional shifts activate the same stress circuits that amplify migraine risk
🧭 How to help your system adapt, find rhythm again, and reduce the nervous-system overload that often comes with big life changes
🌀 Why Eastern philosophies see transition not as chaos, but as a fluid state of transformation — and how learning to “flow” instead of brace can soften symptoms
🧠 The neuroscience of identity shifts — and why losing your old version of self can create temporary internal disorientation
This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered: Did my migraine start because of that change? And why is it still here?
Whether you’re in the thick of transition or looking back on one, this conversation shows you how to navigate the in-between with more understanding, more grounding, and more flow.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Foundations of Chinese Medicine (Maciocia, 2015): Giovanni Maciocia’s seminal text outlines how organ-system imbalances, qi flow, and circadian cycles contribute to stress patterns, fatigue, and headache syndromes, bridging Eastern theory with modern integrative health. Read morehere.Stress and the Brain: From Adaptation to Disease, Nature Reviews Neuroscience (de Kloet E.R., Joëls M. & Holsboer F., 2005):de Kloet, Joëls and Holsboer describe how acute stress can be adaptive while chronic stress reshapes neural circuits, increases inflammation and disrupts emotional regulation, mechanisms that lower migraine thresholds and intensify pain sensitivity. Read morehere.Travel, Sleep & Circadian Rhythm: This Sleep Foundation resource explains how jet lag, light exposure, and travel stress disrupt the circadian rhythm, affecting inflammation, stress hormones, and migraine vulnerability. Read morehere.A Model of Neurovisceral Integration in Emotion Regulation and Dysregulation (Thayer & Lane, 2000): This foundational paper describes how the brain, heart, and autonomic nervous system form a single regulatory network—showing how stress, emotion, and vagal tone directly influence pain, inflammation, and migraine thresholds. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 31 Dec 2025 - 10min - 121 - Survival Mode: How to Calm a Brain That Is Fueled with Stressful thoughts, Insecurity and Pain
What if your migraine isn’t just about pain—but about a nervous system that never got the signal it’s safe to rest?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how the migraine brain can get “stuck” in survival mode—always scanning, bracing, and protecting. Through the lens of neuroscience and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you’ll learn what it takes to move from constant vigilance to calm flow.
You’ll discover:
💡 How chronic alertness drains your brain’s energy and increases pain sensitivity
💡 What the vagus nerve and neuroplasticity teach us about rewiring the stress loop
💡 Eastern tools and daily habits that help your body remember safety again
It’s not just about avoiding triggers—it’s about teaching your nervous system to trust life again.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Neurovascular Mechanisms of Migraine and Cluster Headache — Frontiers in Neurology (Akerman S., Holland P.R., & Goadsby P.J., 2019):Akerman, Holland and Goadsby outline how the trigeminovascular system, vascular signaling, and neuroinflammatory pathways interact to drive both migraine and cluster headache pain, highlighting key overlaps in brain and autonomic function. Read morehere.Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Clinical Practice — Headache Medicine (Farmer A.D. et al., 2016):Farmer A.D. and colleagues review how vagus nerve stimulation modulates brainstem circuits, reduces pain signaling, and supports autonomic balance—offering a non-pharmacological tool for migraine and headache disorders. Read morehere.A Model of Neurovisceral Integration in Emotion Regulation and Dysregulation — Journal of Affective Disorders (Thayer J.F. & Lane R.D., 2000):Thayer and Lane describe how vagal regulation links emotional processing, autonomic balance, and brain–body communication—offering a foundational framework for understanding stress-sensitive migraines and nervous-system dysregulation. Read the abstracthereDifferences in Treatment Response Between Migraine With Aura and Migraine Without Aura — Lessons From Clinical Practice and RCTs — The Journal of Headache and Pain (Martelletti P. et al., 2019):Martelletti and colleagues summarize how patients with migraine with aura respond differently to preventive and acute treatments compared with those without aura, highlighting distinctions in pathophysiology, drug efficacy, and personalized migraine management. Read morehere.Comprehensive Treatment of Migraine With Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on New Pathophysiological Mechanisms — A Review — Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine (Li N., Xu M., Zhang Y. et al., 2024):Li, Xu, Zhang and colleagues review how modern migraine mechanisms—CGRP signaling, neuroinflammation, vascular dysregulation and brain–gut interactions—map onto TCM patterns such as Liver Wind, Qi stagnation and Internal Fire, outlining a comprehensive integrative approach to treatment. Read the full articlehere.The Polyvagal Theory — Norton (2011):Porges S.W. outlines how the vagus nerve shapes emotional regulation, threat sensitivity, social engagement, and how these mechanisms influence migraine vulnerability. View the bookhere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 29 Dec 2025 - 08min - 120 - Resentment, Stress & Migraines: Releasing What Your Body Still Holds
Some memories don’t fade, they echo. A word, a glance, a moment that keeps the body on alert long after it’s passed. Your brain remembers the pain, and your chemistry follows.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how holding on to anger, guilt, or resentment, keeps your nervous system locked in defense mode. Neuroscience shows that unforgiveness isn’t just emotional; it’s chemical. And Eastern philosophy has been teaching this for thousands of years: peace is not a mood, it’s a biological state.
You’ll discover:
💡 How resentment and rumination keep your stress chemistry “on,” flooding the brain with cortisol and adrenaline
💡 The key brain regions — like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex — that shift when you practice forgiveness
💡 How forgiveness lowers inflammatory markers, improves heart rate variability, and helps regulate chronic pain and migraine sensitivity
💡 What Eastern wisdom traditions reveal about releasing emotional stagnation — and why true forgiveness restores inner flow
You’ll also learn simple, science-backed ways to help your brain and body let go — not by forcing it, but by re-training your chemistry toward calm.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, or noticed how emotional stress triggers physical pain, this episode is for you.
Tune in to learn how forgiving others — and yourself — can become one of the most powerful medicines for your brain.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Theory and Application — Routledge (2016): Worthington E.L. and Hook J.N. presented a comprehensive framework showing how forgiveness interventions strengthen emotional regulation, empathy, and relational repair, with implications for trauma and chronic pain recovery. Explore the bookhere.Forgiveness, Stress & Health (2016): Toussaint et al. show that practicing forgiveness reduces stress reactivity over just five weeks, supporting its role in lowering inflammation and improving emotional well-being. Read morehere.Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation — Psychosomatic Medicine (2003): Davidson R.J. and Kabat-Zinn J. demonstrated that eight weeks of mindfulness meditation increased left-frontal activation (linked to positive emotion) and enhanced immune response, highlighting forgiveness’s neurological parallels. Read the studyhere.Forgiveness, Physiological Reactivity and Health: The Role of Anger — Radboud University Nijmegen (2008):Witvliet, C. shows how unresolved anger heightens physiological stress responses—elevating heart rate, cortisol and autonomic arousal—while forgiveness promotes healthier emotional regulation and improved physical wellbeing. Read the full texthere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 - 11min - 119 - The Fasting Paradox: Why Skipping Meals Can Spark Migraine and Stress
You skip breakfast, push through lunch, and tell yourself you’ll eat later, but instead, your head starts pounding. What if fasting isn’t helping your focus, but quietly stressing your brain into a migraine attack?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the paradox of fasting — why it can be both a healing tool and a hidden stressor for migraine-prone brains. With insights from neuroscience and Eastern medicine, you’ll learn how to find your balance between cleansing and collapse.
You’ll discover:
🍽️ Why fasting can support or sabotage brain health depending on your stress levels, hormones, and energy reserves
🧠 How blood sugar, cortisol, and neurotransmitters interact when you go too long without eating
🌿 What Traditional Chinese Medicine reveals about the dangers of “empty fire” and energy depletion
✨ How to fast in a way that calms, not shocks, your nervous system
This episode helps you reclaim a mindful relationship with food — one that nourishes your brain instead of draining it. Because sometimes, the bravest thing your body asks for isn’t restraint… it’s rhythm.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
- Breakfast Skipping and Declines in Cognitive Score Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults:A 2023 longitudinal study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort found that older adults who skipped breakfast one or more times per week had more than double the risk of cognitive decline (IRR ≈ 2.1) compared to those who ate breakfast daily. Read the full studyhere.Associations Between Breakfast Skipping and Outcomes in Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Cognitive Performance, and Frailty:A Mendelian Randomization Study: A 2024 MR analysis published in BMC Psychiatry found causal links between breakfast skipping and increased risk of ADHD, major depression, poorer cognitive performance (β ≈ -0.16), and higher frailty scores. Read morehere.Fasting as a Therapy in Neurological Disease:This review (PMC) explores how fasting or caloric restriction may influence neurological disorders, including migraine, via metabolic and neuroprotective pathways. Read the full reviewhere.The Impact of Continuous Calorie Restriction and Fasting on Cognition in Adults Without Eating Disorders: A review published in Nutrition Reviews examines how sustained calorie restriction or intermittent fasting affects cognition, mood, and brain function—even in healthy adults—and suggests implications for migraine via neuro-energetic regulation. Read morehere.Migraine, Brain Glucose Metabolism and the “Neuroenergetic” Hypothesis:A Scoping Review: A 2022 scoping review in The Journal of Pain assessed evidence that migraine might stem from impaired brain glucose metabolism (insulin resistance in neurons/astrocytes) leading to energy mismatch and potential chronification. Read the reviewhere.Regularly Eating Breakfast Could Shield You Against Age-Related Brain Changes, Study Finds:A 2025 summary article from Michigan State University reported on research showing that daily breakfast consumption was associated with reduced markers of brain aging, hinting at a protective effect of morning nutrition on brain health. Read the articlehere.Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on the Brain:A resource from the University of Wisconsin ADRC outlines how intermittent fasting may influence brain health, neuroplasticity, and energy metabolism—concepts relevant to migraine since brain energy deficit may trigger attacks. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 - 08min - 118 - When Light Hurts: The Hidden Link Between Screens, Stress, and Migraine
You keep pushing through one more email, one more scroll — until the screen blurs, colors pulse, and the edges of your vision begin to shimmer. It’s not just fatigue. In a world bathed in blue light, your brain is overstimulated, your nervous system on edge, and your eyes are paying the price.
In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks how modern light exposure hijacks your body’s natural rhythms. Drawing from both Western neuroscience and Eastern medicine, she reveals how screens, stress, and overstimulation keep your brain in “on” mode — and what you can do to calm the circuitry.
You’ll discover:
💡 How blue-wavelength light activates the same neural pathways that control alertness, pain, and stress
💡 Why constant screen time disrupts melatonin, sleep, and recovery — making your brain more sensitive to triggers
💡 Simple, restorative practices to help your nervous system down-shift from reactive to regulated
You’ll also learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine sees the eyes as the “windows of the Liver,” meaning that overstimulation drains your body’s Qi and depletes the calm you need to heal.
If your migraines, insomnia, or tension rise with every notification — this episode will help you reclaim the calm beneath the glare.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Exposure to Blue Wavelength Light Increases Subsequent Functional Activation of the Prefrontal Cortex: A 2016 study in Sleep (Alkozei et al.) found that short-term exposure to blue light boosts prefrontal cortex activity during working-memory tasks, showing how blue light can heighten cognitive alertness—sometimes at the expense of relaxation and sleep. Read the full studyhere.Artificial Blue Light Safety and Digital Devices, Environmental Research Communications (2022):This review evaluates how blue light from screens affects the eyes, circadian rhythms, and visual comfort, showing that prolonged exposure can disrupt sleep quality, strain the visual system, and alter alertness patterns. Read morehere.Blue Light Exposure Increases Functional Connectivity Between Brain Networks: A 2022 Frontiers in Neuroscience paper revealed that blue light enhances connectivity across attention and working-memory networks, helping performance short-term but potentially overstimulating the visual and sensory systems relevant to migraine. Read morehere.Blue Light Has a Dark Side – Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Health explained how blue light suppresses melatonin and delays sleep onset, linking nighttime screen exposure to fatigue, eye strain, and circadian misalignment. Read the full articlehere.Screen Time and the Brain – Harvard Medical School: This overview from Harvard Medical School describes how constant digital stimulation reshapes neural reward circuits and attention systems—creating mental fatigue and stress linked to chronic headaches and migraine triggers. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 - 08min - 117 - Hormonal Migraines: Why Migraines Strike Before Your Period
Why do your migraines always strike right before your period? What if your body is actually trying to tell you something—something that could help you prevent the next one?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the intricate connection between your menstrual cycle and migraine attacks. Together, we decode what your body is signaling in those fragile days before your period—and how to work with it, not against it.
You’ll discover:
💫 Why hormonal shifts before your period can lower your migraine threshold—and how to spot the early warning signs before pain begins.
💫 What targeted lifestyle and nutrition adjustments you can make in your luteal phase to calm inflammation and stabilize your nervous system.
💫 How combining Eastern and Western approaches reveals new ways to regulate estrogen, liver Qi, and stress response naturally.
This episode goes beyond symptom management. It’s an invitation to listen deeply—to see your pre-period migraine not as betrayal, but as communication. When you decode the message, you open the door to balance, prevention, and peace.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Menstrual-Related Headache: A 2024 overview in StatPearls/NCBI Bookshelf explains that menstrual-related headaches stem from cyclical hormonal fluctuations—especially the premenstrual drop in estrogen—and offers guidance on diagnosis and targeted therapy. Read morehere.Migraine in Women: The Role of Hormones and Their Impact on Migraine: A review in Frontiers in Neurology (PMC) explores how estrogen and progesterone modulate pain sensitivity, cortical excitability, and vascular reactivity, contributing to higher migraine prevalence in women. Read the articlehere.Migraine Associated with Menstruation: An Overlooked Trigger: A 2021 review in Frontiers in Neurology highlights that menstruation is one of the most under-recognized migraine triggers, emphasizing the biological role of estrogen decline and prostaglandin activity. Read the studyhere.Menstrual Migraine: A Review of Current and Developing Evidence: A 2018 PubMed-indexed review discusses emerging evidence that hormonal withdrawal, serotonergic fluctuations, and altered pain processing underlie menstrual migraine. Learn morehere.Menstrual Migraine Is Caused by Estrogen Withdrawal: Revisiting the Evidence: A 2023 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain supports estrogen withdrawal as the primary hormonal driver of menstrual migraine, redefining its diagnostic and treatment framework. Read the articlehere.Menstrual Migraine Treatment and Prevention: The American Migraine Foundation provides practical tips on cycle-tracking, short-term prevention, and hormone stabilization to reduce migraine intensity and frequency. Read morehere.Clinical Recommendations for Managing Menstrual Migraine: MigraineDisorders.org outlines clinical management strategies, including hormonal therapy, magnesium supplementation, and triptan scheduling aligned with the menstrual cycle. Read the full guidehere.Population-Based Characterization of Menstrual Migraine and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria: A 2023 study in JAMA Network Open characterized menstrual migraine in over 4,000 participants, refining diagnostic definitions and confirming higher disability scores among affected women. Read the studyhere.Menstrual-Cycle and Menstruation Disorders in Episodic vs. Chronic Migraine: An Exploratory Study: A 2015 study in Pain Medicine found that women with chronic migraine experience more frequent menstrual irregularities and longer pain duration, suggesting bidirectional links between migraine chronicity and hormonal rhythm. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 - 06min - 116 - The Perfectionism–Migraine Connection: When Control Becomes Pain
Are your migraines actually a side effect of perfectionism?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden connection between the pressure to control everything and the body’s pain response. Through both neuroscience and Eastern medicine, you’ll discover why the relentless drive to “get it right” can quietly keep your nervous system in survival mode.
You’ll learn:
💡 How perfectionist tendencies create chronic neurological stress that lowers your migraine threshold
💡 Why the need for control often roots back to fear, grief, or unmet emotional safety—and how awareness helps you release it
💡 Tools from neuroscience and Traditional Chinese Medicine to loosen control without losing your sense of self
💡 How softening the mind’s grip can actually strengthen your body’s resilience
This episode is for anyone who feels the constant hum of pressure beneath their migraines—the achievers, the caretakers, the ones who never rest until everything is perfect. Healing begins not in doing more, but in learning how to let go.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Perfectionism and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Pressing Issues and Promising Research Directions, Clinical Psychology Review (2022):This review highlights how perfectionism, rigid self-standards, and emotional suppression increase vulnerability to distress and how these psychological patterns overlap with migraine triggers such as stress, rumination, and nervous-system dysregulation. Read morehere.Perfectionism, Worry, Rumination, and Distress: A Meta-Analysis: A 2019 meta-analysis in Personality and Individual Differences by Xie Y., Kong Y., and Yang J. confirmed that perfectionistic thinking strongly predicts worry and rumination—mechanisms that sustain emotional distress and somatic tension, relevant to migraine chronification. Read morehere.Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology: A 2015 review in The Journal of Neuroscience by Burstein R., Noseda R., and Borsook D. described migraine as a multisystem disorder involving sensory, emotional, and vascular networks—bridging psychological stress and neural sensitization. Learn morehere.Chronic Migraine Pathophysiology and Treatment: A 2021 article in Frontiers in Pain Research by Mungoven T.J. et al. outlined the neuroinflammatory and neuroplastic changes that maintain chronic migraine, emphasizing how behavioral and emotional regulation affect pain pathways. Read the full articlehere.Migraine – A Common, Chronic Neurologic Disorder: A 2022 review in Nature Reviews Disease Primers summarized current understanding of migraine’s complex biology, including genetics, cortical excitability, and environmental stressors, positioning migraine as a systemic neurobehavioral disorder. Read morehereDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 - 08min - 115 - Travel, Jet Lag & Migraine: How to Stay Grounded on the Move
Ever landed in a new time zone and felt like your head was playing catch-up while your body begged for rest?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks how travel and jet lag can throw your body’s rhythm off balance—and trigger migraines when you least expect it.
Whether you’re crossing oceans or just changing daylight hours, this episode gives you practical tools to keep your brain steady and your energy grounded.
You’ll discover:
✈️ How time-zone shifts confuse your body clock, cortisol rhythm, and melatonin cycle—creating the perfect storm for migraine vulnerability
🌙 Rituals to protect your sleep–wake rhythm before, during, and after travel, so your nervous system can recalibrate faster
🌏 The Eastern-medicine view on movement, fatigue, and why disconnection from Earth’s energy makes us more sensitive to pain and imbalance
🧘♀️ Simple grounding techniques—from breathwork to mindful eating—that help your body find home, wherever you are
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next getaway, this episode helps you travel without fear—staying calm, aligned, and migraine-resilient on the move.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Association with Social Jetlag and Time Preference of Migraine Attack – Journal of Sleep Medicine, 2019: This pilot study found that migraine sufferers with a preference for a particular time of day for attacks had lower social jet lag and earlier circadian timing, linking sleep-wake misalignment with migraine susceptibility. Read the full studyhere.Migraine and Sleep — An Unexplained Association? – Int J Mol Sci, 2021: Waliszewska-Prosół et al. reviewed how migraine and sleep disorders share anatomical structures and mechanisms—such as serotonin, orexin, and melatonin pathways—highlighting the complex link between poor sleep and migraine. Read morehere.Investigating the Relationship Between Sleep and Migraine in a Global Sample – J Headache Pain, 2023: A large smartphone-based dataset (11,166 users) showed that sleep interruptions and deviation from a person’s usual sleep pattern significantly predicted a migraine attack the following day, underscoring sleep stability’s role in migraine control. Read the full articlehere.Jet Lag: Current and Potential Therapies – PMC, 2011: This article reviewed how circadian disruption (as in jet lag) affects the nervous system and hormonal rhythms, offering relevant insights into how “travel-time shift” might trigger migraine via sleep/circadian misalignment. Read the reviewhere.Jet Lag — What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention – Cleveland Clinic: A patient-friendly overview from the Cleveland Clinic describing how rapid time-zone changes disrupt sleep, hormones, and circadian alignment, all of which are known migraine triggers. Read morehere.Migraine & Sleep (The Migraine Trust): A resource page from The Migraine Trust listing jet lag as a common trigger in migraine, explaining how disruptions in sleep/wake cycles and circadian rhythm may provoke attacks. Read the pagehere.Why Your Sleep and Wake Cycles Can Affect Your Migraine (The Migraine Trust): This article explores how irregular sleep patterns, social jet lag, and circadian misalignment act as invisible triggers of migraine and offers practical tips for stabilizing rhythm. Read morehere.Using Bright Light and Melatonin to Reduce Jet Lag – University of Pennsylvania CBT(I) Toolkit: This research-based guide explains how timed bright light and melatonin help reset circadian rhythms, a strategy that may also support migraine prevention when jet lag or shift work disrupts sleep. Read the full PDFhere.Eight Common Migraine Triggers — including Jet Lag – CureHeadaches, 2019: This blog article lists jet lag among major migraine triggers, reinforcing that travel-time shift and circadian disruption are practical concerns for migraine management. Read the article here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 - 07min - 114 - Why Anticipatory Anxiety Triggers More Migraines and How to Stop It
What if the fear of your next migraine is the very thing keeping it alive?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme dives deep into the fear–migraine feedback loop, how the mere anticipation of pain can activate the same pathways as pain itself.
We explore how chronic fear trains your brain to stay on high alert and how that hypervigilance quietly keeps your nervous system in “migraine mode.”
You’ll discover:
💭 How the fear of the next attack can actually spark the next attack, and the science behind that feedback loop.
💭 Practical ways to interrupt the anticipation spiral so you can regain calm, control, and confidence.
💭 Why blending Eastern-medicine wisdom (the art of releasing fear through flow) with Western neuroscience (the science of neuroplasticity and safety signals) creates a whole-new way out.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever woken up scanning for warning signs or felt their heart race at the first twinge of pain. You’ll learn how to stop living for your migraines and start living beyond them.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
The Not So Hidden Impact of Interictal Burden in Migraine: A 2022 narrative review in Frontiers in Neurology (Vincent et al.) shows that migraine has significant effects even between attacks—such as sensitivity, mood changes and balance issues—highlighting the continuous burden of the condition. Read the full reviewhere.
Altered Neural Activity to Monetary Reward/Loss Processing in Episodic Migraine: A 2019 study in Scientific Reports (Kocsel et al.) found that individuals with episodic migraine have decreased neural reactivity in the brain’s reward system when processing monetary rewards, suggesting altered neural processing beyond pain episodes. Read morehere.
Are Some Patient-Perceived Migraine Triggers Simply Early Manifestations of the Attack?: A 2021 review in PMC discusses how symptoms patients interpret as triggers—such as food, stress or weather—may actually be early-phase migraine indicators, shifting our understanding of “trigger” versus prelude. Read the full articlehere.
Premonitory Symptoms in Migraine: An earlier seminal study in Neurology (2003) investigated premonitory symptoms—such as mood changes, yawning and cravings—showing how the brain shifts state before the headache phase, thus reframing migraine as a multi-phase brain event. Read the studyhere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 03 Dec 2025 - 09min - 113 - Hormonal Swings & Migraine Attacks: Learning to Ride Without Crashing
Ever feel like your migraines strike right when your hormones swing? That’s no coincidence.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, hosted by Diane Ducarme dives how hormonal shifts, especially sudden estrogen drops, can spark migraine attacks and emotional turbulence.
With a blend of neuroscience and Eastern medicine, we uncover:
💡 How to anticipate estrogen-related migraine patterns instead of being caught off guard
💡 The biology of “hormonal migraines”, what blood levels, cycles, and timing to watch
💡 How Eastern medicine interprets estrogen as an energy force that must flow harmoniously to prevent stagnation and pain
You’ll also learn practical tools to ride the hormonal waves with more stability — from nutrition and rest to emotional release and rhythm tracking.
Whether you’re in your reproductive years, perimenopause, or post menopause, this episode helps you tune in to your body’s natural signals and restore hormonal flow before the next migraine hits.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Role of Estrogens in Menstrual Migraine: A 2022 review in Frontiers in Neurology explained how fluctuations in estrogen levels—particularly rapid drops before menstruation—trigger neurovascular changes that sensitize pain pathways and promote migraine attacks. Read the full overviewhere.
Menstrual Migraine Is Caused by Estrogen Withdrawal: A 2023 paper in The Journal of Headache and Pain presented evidence that estrogen withdrawal, rather than low absolute levels, is the main hormonal trigger for menstrual migraine, emphasizing timing over concentration. Read morehere.
The Complex Relationship Between Estrogen and Migraines: A Scoping Review: A 2021 systematic review in Systematic Reviews (BMC) synthesized decades of research showing that both rising and falling estrogen levels can influence migraine risk, highlighting individual hormonal sensitivity as a key factor. Explore the reviewhere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 01 Dec 2025 - 08min - 112 - The Grief–Migraine Link: When Unprocessed Emotions Become Pain
Ever feel like your body is carrying something your mind hasn’t fully processed yet? Like your pain might be speaking the language your heart never got to?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the intimate connection between grief, emotion, and migraine pain. Drawing on both neuroscience and Eastern medicine, this conversation reveals how emotional blockages can manifest as physical symptoms — and how releasing what’s been held inside can lighten not just your mood, but your migraine load.
You’ll discover:
💔 How grief — not only from loss, but from unmet expectations, transitions, or emotional wounds — can become a hidden migraine trigger.
💡 The neuroscience behind emotional suppression and how it sensitizes your pain circuits.
🌬️ The Eastern medicine view of grief as stagnation of energy and why restoring flow can ease both heart and head.
🌱 Three gentle, practical ways to begin releasing held emotion so your body can start to recalibrate toward balance and relief.
If you’ve ever felt that your migraines carry emotional weight — this episode will help you begin to listen, release, and heal.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Behavioral and psychological factors in individuals with migraine without psychiatric comorbidities: A 2022 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that even migraine patients without diagnosed psychiatric disorders showed higher levels of anxiety sensitivity, sleep disturbances, and pain catastrophizing—highlighting how emotional and behavioral traits link to migraine progression. Read morehere.The impact of pain-related emotions on migraine: A 2020 article in Scientific Reports revealed that emotional responses to pain—such as anxiety about pain and catastrophizing—significantly influence migraine disability and frequency, underscoring the role of emotion regulation in migraine care. Read morehere.Grief: A Brief History of Research on How Body, Mind, and Brain Adapt: A review in PMC outlined how prolonged grief activates neural, immune, and physiological stress systems—offering a parallel to how chronic migraine may trigger maladaptive stress responses in body and brain. Read morehere.Understanding Migraine through the Lens of Maladaptive Stress Responses: A Model Disease of Allostatic Load: A 2012 review published via ScienceDirect explored how migraine can represent a failure of the brain’s stress-adaptation system (allostatic load), linking repeated stress, physiological wear-and-tear, and migraine onset. Read the full reviewhere.Study Shows That Chronic Grief Activates Pleasure Areas of the Brain – UCLA Health: A 2021 summary from UCLA Health described how unresolved grief engages brain reward and stress circuits—offering insight into how emotional trauma may alter neural pathways also implicated in chronic pain and migraine. Read morehere.Psychological approaches for migraine management: A 2023 open-access article in PMC detailed effective psychological interventions (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback) for migraine, showing how targeting the mind-body connection and emotional factors can reduce attack frequency and improve quality of life. Read morehere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 26 Nov 2025 - 07min - 111 - Olive Oil and Migraine: The Anti-Inflammatory Morning Habit Your Brain Loves
It’s simple, golden, and ancient — yet often overlooked. That single teaspoon of olive oil first thing in the morning can do more for your migraine health than you might imagine. From calming inflammation to grounding your nervous system, this Mediterranean ritual carries centuries of wisdom in one small sip.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why olive oil is more than a kitchen staple — it’s a quiet ally for migraine warriors. We’ll uncover the science behind its anti-inflammatory powers and the Eastern philosophy that views this golden liquid as nourishment for both body and mind.
You’ll discover:
💛 Why that small spoon of olive oil can calm inflammation that often sets off migraine attacks
💛 How the quality of your olive oil : cold-pressed, unfiltered, golden — matters more than you think
💛 How, from an Eastern lens, olive oil nourishes the liver, harmonizes Qi, and grounds your nervous system before your day even begins
This episode blends modern research and ancient wisdom to help you reconnect with a healing ritual that’s both powerful and peaceful — a daily reminder that small, intentional acts can steady the whole system.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Ibuprofen-Like Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Beauchamp et al., 2005 – Phytochemistry): This study discovered that oleocanthal, a phenolic compound in extra-virgin olive oil, mimics the anti-inflammatory action of ibuprofen—offering a natural way to calm pain pathways linked to migraines. Read morehere.Mediterranean Diet Adherence & Migraine Outcomes (2021 – Nutrition Journal): This cross-sectional study found that people who followed a Mediterranean dietary pattern—rich in olive oil—experienced fewer, shorter, and less severe migraines, reinforcing its anti-inflammatory benefits for brain health. Learn morehere.Olive Oil Phenolics & Mitochondrial Function (2022 – Cells): This review highlights how olive-oil-derived phenolic compounds protect mitochondria, reduce oxidative stress, and support energy metabolism—key mechanisms for reducing migraine frequency and intensity. Readhere.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 24 Nov 2025 - 08min - 110 - Vertigo and Migraine: Why the World Spins and How to Find Your Balance Again
That moment when the world tilts, spins, or sways — even though you’re perfectly still — can feel terrifying. Vertigo doesn’t just make you dizzy; it shakes your sense of safety and control. But what if these sensations weren’t random at all? What if they were your brain’s way of asking for balance?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the intricate link between vertigo and migraine — and reveals what your body is trying to communicate when the ground feels unsteady. Blending modern neuroscience with the grounding principles of Eastern medicine, you’ll learn how to find stillness inside the spin.
You’ll discover:
💫 Why vertigo often appears before, during, or after a migraine attack — and what it’s really trying to tell you
💫 The science behind that spinning, falling, or floating feeling — and how your brain and inner ear lose sync
💫 How ancient Eastern wisdom restores grounding and flow to bring your world back into balance
This episode isn’t about fear; it’s about understanding. When you learn to listen to what vertigo is trying to say, you don’t just stop spinning — you start healing.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Vestibular Migraine: An Update: A 2024 review in Current Opinion in Neurology summarized the latest research on vestibular migraine, including mechanisms of sensory integration, triggers, and treatment progress using both pharmacologic and behavioral therapies. Read the full reviewhere.Vestibular Migraine Cohort Study: A 2021 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain followed a large cohort of migraine patients and found that vestibular symptoms—such as spinning sensations and imbalance—often precede headache onset, reshaping diagnostic timelines. Explore the studyhere.Altered Blood Flow in Migraine-Related Vertigo: A 2019 article in Cephalalgia revealed that patients with migraine-associated vertigo experience altered blood flow in the cerebellum and brainstem, offering new clues into how circulation changes may trigger dizziness. Learn morehere.Can Migraines Cause Vertigo? A 2020 Northwestern Medicine feature explained how migraine can disturb the vestibular system—responsible for balance—resulting in vertigo, nausea, and spatial disorientation even in the absence of headache pain. Read morehere.Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation for Migraine-Associated Vertigo: A 2021 study from the National Library of Medicine showed that vestibular rehabilitation therapy can reduce dizziness, improve gait stability, and enhance quality of life for migraine patients. Review the findingshere.Neuroplastic Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation: A 2020 paper in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience demonstrated that vestibular therapy not only retrains balance but also promotes neuroplastic changes in the brain’s sensory and motion pathways. Read the full articlehere.The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: In The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (2015), Giovanni Maciocia describes dizziness as “Liver Wind” rising from inner imbalance, and teaches that restoring harmony through grounding and nourishing Qi helps steady the mind and body. Discover moreabout the book.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08min - 109 - Additives That Hijack Your Hormones: The Modern Food Trap
You’re doing all the right things—so why does your body still rebel? The answer might be hiding in the additives your food won’t tell you about.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme uncovers how everyday additives and preservatives—often hiding behind friendly labels—can silently hijack your hormones and inflame your nervous system.
You’ll discover:
🧪 How common food additives disrupt hormonal balance and fuel inflammation
⚖️ Why your endocrine system is far more sensitive than most nutrition labels admit
🌿 How both Western science and Eastern medicine guide you to detox from the invisible noise of modern food
We’ll explore how synthetic stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and preservatives create “chemical confusion” inside your body—and how gentle, real-food choices can restore your natural rhythm.
This episode is your invitation to clear the interference, rebalance your hormones, and reclaim your calm, resilient energy.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Additives in Processed Foods as a Potential Source of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: A 2024 review in Journal of Xenobiotics (Paramasivam A, Murugan R, Jeraud M et al.) highlighted how food additives like phthalates, bisphenol A and artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods may act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and interfere with hormone systems. Read the full reviewhere.Consensus on the Key Characteristics of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: A 2020 statement in Nature Reviews Endocrinology (La Merrill MA et al.) defined ten key characteristics (KCs) of EDCs that help identify how chemicals disrupt hormonal pathways—including those relevant to brain, pain, mood and migraine vulnerability. Read morehere. Endocrine-Active and Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Food Packaging: A 2023 article in Science of The Total Environment (Stiefel C et al.) investigated how chemicals in food packaging leach into processed foods as endocrine-active compounds, potentially influencing nervous-system sensitivity, pain modulation and migraine triggers. Read the article hereUltra-Processed Diets and Endocrine Disruption: A 2025 open-access review in Cancers (Fajkić A et al.) examined how ultra-processed food intake is linked to endocrine disruption—via altered metabolism, hormone signalling and inflammatory pathways—and how this may underlie chronic illness patterns including migraine. Read the reviewhere.
The Connection Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Endocrine Disruptors: A January 2022 article by the STOP Obesity Alliance discussed the overlapping roles of ultra-processed foods, food additives and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in modern health problems—highlighting systemic links between diet, hormone balance, inflammation and migraine risk. Read the article here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 - 06min - 108 - Home Detox, Clear Mind: Everyday Toxins Behind Your Migraine with Dr. Kat Bodden
In this illuminating episode of Migraine Heroes, hosted by Diane Ducarme sits down with Dr. Kat Bodden, a naturopathic doctor from Portland, Oregon, who specializes in environmental medicine and toxin-related illness. Together, they explore how environmental toxins—from household products, plastics, mold, and air pollution—can contribute to migraines and other chronic symptoms.
Dr. Kat explains that while we live in a world saturated with chemicals, we still hold the power to create safer, healthier spaces. Using her “body as a bucket” analogy, she describes how toxins accumulate over time—eventually overflowing into symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and migraine pain. Her approach focuses on two empowering strategies:
1️⃣ Stop adding toxins: Reduce exposure at home.
2️⃣ Detoxify naturally: Support the body through gentle daily habits and stress reduction.
🏡 Key Takeaways
Shoes-off policy: Keeps outdoor pesticides and pollutants from entering your home.Safer cookware: Skip Teflon and plastic; choose cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic.No heating in plastic: Store only cooled food in plastic containers.Ventilate while cooking: Indoor air can be 80–90× more polluted than outdoor air.Personal care & cleaning products:Go fragrance-free—synthetic scents often contain hormone-disrupting phthalates.Check items with the EWG Healthy Living App.Use simple cleaners: vinegar, lemon, or Castile soap.Laundry tips: Skip dryer sheets and softeners—use wool dryer balls or vinegar instead.Mold awareness: Mold can hide in drywall or ceilings and cause migraines, fatigue, and brain fog. Fix leaks, use HEPA air filters, and seek inspection if needed.Furniture & textiles: Choose natural fibers (wool, leather, jute) and vacuum regularly with HEPA filters.Plastic shower curtains: Replace with washable cloth or polyester versions.Vote with your dollar: Support transparent, ethical, and local brands making safer products.This episode reminds you that detoxification isn’t about restriction—it’s about reconnection. Every small choice you make toward a cleaner environment helps your body heal, your brain rest, and your energy rise. 🌿
About Dr. Kat Bodden
Growing up in a family of healthcare providers, Kat always knew she wanted to work in medicine. Her healthcare journey began in the Emergency Department, where she quickly became disheartened by a system that merely medicated symptoms without addressing root causes. When she discovered naturopathic medicine, her life was forever changed. Today, she's immersed in the world of longevity medicine—not just helping people live longer, but live better with vibrant health and purpose. Kat's approach goes beyond treating symptoms; she serves as both mentor and guide, showing her clients that self-care is healthcare and that caring for your body can be genuinely enjoyable. She delights in helping people discover that the path to wellness is filled with nourishing foods, invigorating movement, and life-affirming practices where they feel deeply nourished rather than deprived. With Kat's guidance, healthcare doesn't need to feel like a chore.
To learn more about Dr. Kat Bodden, visit her website.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 12 Nov 2025 - 16min - 107 - Fermentation, Fiber & Flow: How to Feed a Calm Brain
What if the key to a calmer brain wasn’t meditation or medication — but microbes?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme reveals how fermented foods and fiber may be your brain’s most natural mood stabilizers. Drawing on neuroscience and Eastern medicine, she explains how your gut-brain axis uses bacteria, fiber, and fermentation to create calm, focus, and resilience against migraines.
You’ll discover:
🥢 How fermented foods and fiber nourish your microbiome — and how that directly shapes your mood, energy, and migraine threshold
🧫 The neuroscience behind how “good bacteria” quiet the brain’s pain and stress circuits
🍶 How Eastern medicine sees fermentation and fiber as Qi-builders that restore balance and healthy flow throughout the body
🌿 Practical ways to introduce these foods gently — so your gut and brain find their natural rhythm again
You’ll also hear:
✨ Why eating for your microbes could be the simplest way to stabilize your mind
✨ How to spot signs that your gut-brain connection needs more flow — not more force
This episode blends modern science with ancient wisdom to help you calm your brain from the inside out — one bite at a time.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Fermented Food Diet Increases Microbiome Diversity & Lowers Inflammation: A 2021 article from Stanford Medicine reported that a diet rich in fermented foods boosted gut microbiome diversity and reduced markers of systemic inflammation, which may support brain-mood balance in migraine. Read morehere.
A Causal Effect of Gut Microbiota in the Development of Migraine: A 2023 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain found genetic evidence suggesting the gut microbiome may causally influence both migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO), pointing to the gut-brain axis in migraine onset. Read morehere.
The Brain, the Eating Plate, and the Gut Microbiome: Partners in Migraine Pathogenesis: A 2024 review in Nutrients examined how diet, gut microbiota and brain function interlink, highlighting pathways of inflammation and neurotransmitter metabolism relevant to migraine. Read the full reviewhere.
Elucidating the Specific Mechanisms of the Gut-Brain Axis: A review in Journal of Neuroinflammation (2025) outlined how gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microglial activation form a communication loop between gut and brain—mechanisms applicable to migraine’s neuroinflammatory dimension. Read morehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 10 Nov 2025 - 10min - 106 - Boundaries, Burnout & Migraine: The Signal Your Body Sends
When life keeps demanding more and you keep saying yes, your body eventually says no — often through pain.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores how unspoken emotions, blurred boundaries, and chronic overextension can turn into physical symptoms. Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy — it reshapes how your brain and nervous system handle stress, making migraines harder to escape.
You’ll discover:
🪷 Why ignoring your limits quietly lowers your migraine threshold
🪷 How burnout rewires your brain’s stress response—and traps you in migraine loops
🪷 How to rebuild boundaries that protect not just your time, but your nervous system
Blending neuroscience, psychology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this episode reveals how listening to your body’s earliest whispers may be the most powerful migraine prevention tool you have. Because before the pain arrives, there are signs — subtle tension, restlessness, emotional exhaustion — the body’s way of asking for pause and presence. When you begin to honor those signals instead of silencing them, healing no longer feels like control—it becomes connection.
✨ Tune in to rediscover how balance, rest, and boundaries can become your body’s greatest allies in migraine recovery.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
Early Maladaptive Schemas in Headache Patients: A 2024 study in Scientific Reports found that people with chronic headaches often display deeply rooted thought patterns—known as maladaptive schemas—that heighten stress and emotional reactivity, reinforcing migraine cycles. Read the full articlehere.
Emotional Regulation and Migraine: A 2019 article in Cephalalgia demonstrated that migraine sufferers often struggle with regulating emotions, particularly anger and fear, revealing how emotional processing directly influences migraine frequency and intensity. Learn morehere.
Psychological Traits and Emotional Burden in Migraine: A 2019 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain highlighted that high levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and low emotional resilience significantly increase migraine disability and stress sensitivity. Explore the studyhere.
Protect Your Brain from Stress: A 2023 Harvard Health Publishing article explained how chronic stress alters neural pathways and increases inflammation—mechanisms closely tied to migraine onset and mood disorders. Read morehere.
Migraine as Psychobiological Adaptation: A 2016 review in The Journal of Headache and Pain proposed that migraine may serve as a protective neurobiological mechanism against overstimulation, reflecting how the brain adapts to emotional and environmental stressors. Discover morehere.
Emotional Traits and Headache Susceptibility: A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that individuals with heightened emotional sensitivity and poor coping styles experience more frequent headaches, supporting the link between emotional regulation and migraine susceptibility. Read the full paperhere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 05 Nov 2025 - 08min - 105 - The Nightshade Debate: Are Tomatoes and Peppers Messing with Your Pain Threshold?
That juicy tomato in your salad or the spicy kick of your favorite peppers — could they be quietly turning up your pain dial?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the controversial role of the nightshade family — tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes — in migraine and chronic pain. Are they healing, harmful, or simply misunderstood?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🍅 How nightshades might influence inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and your overall pain threshold — and when they’re likely guilty
🌶️ The science behind alkaloids, solanine, and how they can affect pain signaling and gut integrity
🍆 What Traditional Chinese Medicine reveals about the energetic nature of these foods — from their heat to their tendency to stagnate Qi
🥔 A practical, gentle protocol to test your sensitivity at home — so you can make confident choices instead of guessing
This episode blends Western neuroscience and Eastern food energetics to help you understand how your body responds — without fear, just clarity.
If you’ve ever felt worse after a tomato-based meal or noticed a pattern with spicy foods, this one’s for you.
🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
References:
What’s the Deal with Nightshade Vegetables? A Cleveland Clinic article explained how nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants contain alkaloids that may trigger inflammation or joint pain in sensitive individuals—though most people tolerate them well. Read morehere.
Nightshade Vegetables and Gut Health: A 2023 PubMed study examined whether nightshade compounds aggravate gut symptoms in people with functional or inflammatory bowel conditions, suggesting they can worsen symptoms in certain sensitive groups. Explore the researchhere.
Nightshade Vegetables and Inflammation: A Healthline review discussed how solanine and other natural alkaloids in nightshades may promote inflammation for some but provide antioxidants and nutrients for others, emphasizing the need for personalized diets. Learn morehere.
Tomatoes and Migraine Attacks: Unveiling the Mechanism: A Migraine Buddy article explored how tomatoes—rich in histamine and lectins—may act as migraine co-triggers by affecting vascular tone, inflammation, and nervous system sensitivity. Read the full articlehere.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 03 Nov 2025 - 10min - 104 - Hemiplegic Migraine: The Half-Frozen Body and Brain
What if one side of your body suddenly stopped moving — and your doctor said, “It’s a migraine”?
Hemiplegic migraines are rare, disorienting, and often confused with strokes. They challenge everything you think you know about how your brain, body, and energy connect.
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, hosted by Diane Ducarme, we explore the science and the story behind this rare form of migraine — one that blurs the line between neurology and mystery. Together, we look at how the body can temporarily lose its flow, and how to gently help it find its rhythm again.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧠 Why hemiplegic migraines can mimic a stroke — and what’s really happening inside the brain when movement suddenly halts.
🧠 How to recognize this distinct form of migraine and approach it with calm, clarity, and confidence instead of panic.
🧠 How Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets this “split” as a temporary loss of flow between Yin and Yang — and how restoring movement of Qi and Blood can help you recover balance.
Because understanding what feels frightening at first can become the very thing that restores trust in your body again.
References:
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Hemiplegic Migraine: A 2020 review in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (BMJ) detailed how hemiplegic migraine mimics stroke and explored diagnostic strategies and preventive treatments for both familial and sporadic forms. Read the full articlehere.Hemiplegic Migraine – StatPearls Overview: A comprehensive NCBI Bookshelf entry explaining the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and management of hemiplegic migraine, emphasizing how temporary paralysis and aura distinguish it from other migraine types. Read morehere.Cleveland Clinic: Understanding Hemiplegic Migraine: A 2024 Cleveland Clinic resource describing hemiplegic migraine symptoms, triggers, and recovery timelines, highlighting the importance of emergency evaluation due to its stroke-like presentation. Learn morehere.Fremanezumab in Hemiplegic Migraine – Case Report: A 2024 case study in PubMed documented successful use of the CGRP inhibitor fremanezumab to reduce the frequency and intensity of hemiplegic migraine attacks. Explore the studyhere.Hemiplegic Migraine as a Stroke Mimic: A 2022 Stroke journal article from the American Heart Association analyzed imaging findings in hemiplegic migraine, illustrating how it can resemble acute ischemic stroke and why careful differential diagnosis is essential. Read the paperhere.Unravelling the Genetic Landscape of Hemiplegic Migraine: A 2024 review in Genes (MDPI) mapped key mutations in CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A genes, offering insight into how genetic variants influence aura, motor symptoms, and neurological sensitivity. Learn morehere.Exertion and Hemiplegic Migraine Aura: A 1994 report in JAMA Neurology described cases where physical exertion triggered hemiplegic aura, providing early clinical evidence that exercise-induced vascular changes can precipitate paralysis episodes. Read the full articlehere.🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 29 Oct 2025 - 08min - 103 - Indulgence or Insight? What Chocolate, Cheese & Wine Reveal About Your Brain
Chocolate, cheese, and wine — the holy trinity of migraine “triggers.” But what if they’re not villains, after all, but messengers from your body asking you to listen more closely?
In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the real story behind these indulgences — and why your reactions to them may reveal more about your brain and gut health than about the foods themselves.
We blend neuroscience, gut microbiome research, and Eastern medicine wisdom to uncover how pleasure and balance coexist — even in the migraine world.
You’ll discover:
🍷 Why chocolate, cheese, and wine aren’t always the triggers you think they are — and what the latest science really says
🧀 How your brain chemistry and gut bacteria might decide whether a glass of wine soothes you… or sparks chaos
🍫 How Traditional Chinese Medicine reframes indulgence — not as guilt, but as balance and harmony in your Qi
You’ll also learn:
✨ Why what feels like a “trigger” might actually be a signal of imbalance waiting to be restored
✨ How to bring back pleasure — mindfully — without fear of pain
This episode will help you move beyond restriction and reconnect with your body’s intelligence — so every bite and sip can become an act of awareness, not anxiety.
References:
The Evidence for Diet as a Treatment in Migraine: A 2024 review in Nutrients analyzed dietary approaches such as ketogenic, low-glycemic, and elimination diets, finding that targeted nutrition can reduce migraine frequency by improving mitochondrial and inflammatory balance. Read the full articlehere.Chocolate and Migraine: Evidence Review: A 2020 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain concluded that while chocolate is frequently blamed as a migraine trigger, most evidence suggests it acts as a pre-migraine craving rather than a true cause. Learn morehere.Diet, Gut Microbiota, and Amine Metabolism: A 2023 paper in Frontiers in Nutrition explored how gut bacteria and dietary amines—especially histamine and tyramine—affect brain inflammation and pain pathways, linking gut health directly to migraine susceptibility. Explore the researchhere.Diamine Oxidase Supplementation in Migraine Patients: A 2019 study in Clinical Nutrition showed that supplementing with diamine oxidase (DAO) significantly reduced migraine duration and intensity in patients with histamine intolerance. Read the studyhere.Alcohol and Migraine: Mechanisms and Triggers: A 2008 article in The Journal of Headache and Pain revealed that alcohol—particularly red wine—can provoke migraines through histamine release, vasodilation, and neurotransmitter imbalance, though reactions vary by individual. Discover morehere.Histamine and Histamine Intolerance: A 2023 review in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explained how impaired histamine breakdown due to low DAO enzyme activity can trigger headaches and other migraine-related symptoms. Read the full reviewhere.🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Mon, 27 Oct 2025 - 08min - 102 - Dizziness & Migraine: Why is my Dizziness Omnipresent and What to Do Or Not To Do About It
Have you ever felt like the room is spinning, even though you're perfectly still? That sudden, surreal dizziness can be more than unsettling—it might be a sign your migraines are doing more than causing pain.And get grounded in the truth behind dizzy migraines.
For many migraine warriors, dizziness isn’t just a side symptom—it’s a life-disrupting force. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, hosted by Diane Ducarme, we untangle why migraines can throw off your balance, confuse your diagnosis, and make you feel like you're losing control—both physically and emotionally.
In this episode you’ll learn to:
🌀 Understand how your brain and inner ear interact during a migraine, and why that makes you feel like you're spinning.
🌀What to avoid at all costs that will make you feel more dizzy
🌀 Discover an Eastern view on “spinning energy” and how restoring balance can ground both your body and your nervous system.
Tune into this eye-opening episode to finally understand what your dizziness is trying to tell you—and how you can start to steady your world again.
References:
Vestibular Migraine – Clinical Overview: A 2016 chapter by von Brevern M et al. in Handbook of Clinical Neurology outlined how vestibular migraine affects up to 1% of the population, detailing vertigo duration, triggers, and diagnostic challenges in balancing systems. Read the full reviewhere.Vestibular Migraine: An Update: A 2020 article in Cephalalgia by Huang T.C. et al. reviewed new findings on vestibular migraine pathophysiology, highlighting the roles of sensory hypersensitivity, neurovascular dysregulation, and inflammation in dizziness and headache. Learn morehere.New Insights into Vestibular Migraine: A 2015 paper by Espinosa-Sánchez J.M. and López-Escámez J.A. in Frontiers in Neurology explored genetic and neural mechanisms behind vestibular migraine, emphasizing cortical hyperexcitability and altered multisensory processing. Explore the researchhere.Care Gaps and Recommendations in Vestibular Migraine: A 2022 consensus article in Frontiers in Neurology by Mallampalli M.P. et al. identified global gaps in diagnosing and treating vestibular migraine, calling for better patient education, standardized care, and multidisciplinary management. Read morehere.Abnormal Thalamic Function in Vestibular Migraine: A 2014 study in Neurology by Russo A. et al. demonstrated disrupted thalamic activity in vestibular migraine patients, suggesting that sensory relay dysfunction contributes to dizziness, pain perception, and visual sensitivity. Read the full paperhere.The Practice of Chinese Medicine: In The Practice of Chinese Medicine (2015), Giovanni Maciocia explains dizziness as a manifestation of Liver Wind rising due to internal imbalance, treatable by nourishing Blood and calming Qi to restore equilibrium. Discover moreabout the book.Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles: In Textbook of Ayurveda – Vol. 1 (2002), Dr. Vasant Lad describes vertigo as a disturbance of Vata dosha—the principle of movement—and outlines grounding routines and dietary support to stabilize both body and mind. Learn moreabout the text.🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday
🔗Migraine Assessment: Discover your unique Migraine Profile and uncover insights about your migraine triggers and solutions. Take a few minutes for yourself and begin now.✨
📲 Want to track your symptoms, understand your unique triggers, and receive personalized support?
Download the Migraine Heroes App today—your healing begins with awareness.
🔗 Download the Migraine Heroes App:
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.
We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.
Wed, 22 Oct 2025 - 10min
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