The Robyn Engelson Podcast
Ever wish you had a wellness mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar health tips in your ear? That’s exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I’m your host–a sought after autoimmune and wellness expert, corporate drop-out turned serial entrepreneur, and lifestyle transformer. Each week, I’ll be bringing you inspiring guests, insights, and mindset tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing.
Episode Title: Exhausted, in pain, anxious and your labs say you're "fine"?
Host: Robyn Engelson
Guest: Dr. David Clarke
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Robyn sits down with Dr. David Clarke, a renowned expert in mind-body medicine, to explore the hidden connection between emotional trauma and chronic physical symptoms. Dr. Clarke explains how many people suffer from real, debilitating issues—such as fatigue, pain, or digestive problems, even when their medical tests come back normal. The conversation dives into how unresolved childhood stress and emotional pain can manifest physically, especially when left unacknowledged. Dr. Clarke shares stories from his practice, emphasizing the importance of listening to patients' life experiences, not just their lab results. Together, they discuss why so many women are dismissed by the healthcare system and how compassion, awareness, and emotional healing can be the missing key to true recovery. This episode offers a new lens to understand your symptoms and encourages you to trust your body’s signals and your own story.
You’ll learn:
How unresolved emotional trauma and chronic stress can manifest as real physical symptoms
The role of mind-body connection in chronic illness—and why standard medical tests often miss the root cause
Why patients with normal labs still suffer, and how emotional history can reveal hidden clues
How adverse childhood experiences and past life stressors can influence present-day health
The importance of validating your symptoms and seeking trauma-informed care
The healing power of compassionate listening—and how the right doctor-patient relationship can change your entire recovery journey
Memorable Quotes:
“Healing the thyroid isn’t just about labs—it’s about listening to your story.”
“So many patients are dismissed because their symptoms don’t show up on paper. That doesn’t mean they’re not real.”
“Compassionate care isn’t optional—it’s essential to true healing.”
“The gut and thyroid are in constant conversation. When one’s off, the other listens.”
“You don’t need to be your own doctor—but you do need to be your own advocate.”
Resources & Mentions:
Dr. David Clarke’s insights on compassionate care and thyroid healing
Research on the gut-thyroid connection in autoimmune diseases
Functional medicine approaches for diagnosing beyond standard lab work
Clinics focusing on integrative and empathetic thyroid care
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
Trust Your Instincts: If your body says something’s wrong—even when labs say you’re "fine"—don’t ignore it. Your symptoms are valid.
Prioritize Gut Health: Gut health plays a powerful role in thyroid and hormone regulation. Seek guidance from professionals familiar with both.
Understand Inflammation & Genetics: Learn how these hidden factors might be draining your energy and impacting your thyroid without obvious signs.
Advocate for Compassionate Care: Don’t settle for being dismissed. Find a provider who listens, explains, and respects your health journey
Final Thought: When patients feel dismissed or unheard, it delays healing. That’s why compassion matters just as much as science. Your symptoms aren’t imaginary—they’re messages. When we slow down, listen, and connect the dots between gut health, inflammation, genetics, and thyroid function, we find answers others often miss. True healing begins when you’re seen, heard, and supported. You deserve that kind of care.
What listeners have to say:
Dr. David brings such calm clarity to complex issues. His approach made me feel seen, heard, and finally understood. This episode gave me real hope for healing what I thought I’d have to live with forever.
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Connect with Dr. David:
About Dr. David Clarke: Dr. David Clarke is the President of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending the chronic pain epidemic. Dr. Clarke holds an MD from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. His organization’s mission is to advance the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of stress-related, brain-generated medical conditions. Learn more at Symptomatic.Me..
Connect with Robyn:
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