Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat

Danny Donachie - The Psychosomatic Origins of Chronic Pain and the Journey to See Over the Wall

Listen on

Episode notes

Today's guest is Danny Donachie, in what is surely one of our most original and eye-opening conversations yet on this podcast.

Danny is a special talent who works holistically and understands the psychosomatic origins of pain and suffering deeply. His credentials are strong. He is a former professional footballer and, until this month, was the Head of Medical Services for Everton FC. He has worked with World Cup winners, Grand slam winners, Olympic Gold medalists and a World champion boxer.

Following completion of a master's degree in leadership at the Tavistock, he now works with executives to find inner peace and develop intentional culture. A number of "spiritual experiences" have resulted from a daily meditation practice of over 30 years and he has been fortunate to have worked directly with many spiritual masters including K Pattabhi Jois, Russel Williams, Yogi Manmoyananda, Guy Sengstock and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Danny heard my interview with Steven Bartlett on Diary of a CEO while strolling through Madrid, and he decided to reach out. He is so kind with his words of praise in this episode, but let me tell you - he has quickly become someone I look up to and his essence and wisdom will totally blow you away. If you're plagued with pain, doubt, or anxieties, you can't miss this.

Listen as we discuss:

  • How Danny convinces macho football and rugby players to meditate and do yoga.
  • Danny's journey from professional footballer to revered healer in sports and beyond.
  • Why can't we find peace even though our lives are absolutely okay?
  • The greatest advice you'll get for escaping chronic pain: feel it fully.
  • Clinical tales of patients with mysterious pain that healed through emotional expression.
  • The studies showing that a large portion of pain medicine and surgery is placebo.
  • One of life's fundamental pillars: knowing your purpose.
  • Compassion for the homeless, and how my son and his son seemed to have it innately.
  • Moments of awakening through Danny's various meditation practices. (He's tried it all.)
  • "Seeing over the wall," as Sadhguru taught him.
  • The mysterious power of mantra.

Instagram: @mo_gawdat
Facebook: @mo.gawdat.official
Twitter: @mgawdat
LinkedIn: /in/mogawdat
Website: mogawdat.com

Connect with Danny Donachie on Twitter @dan.donachie, Instagram @daniel.donachie, and his website, embodyism.com

My new book Scary Smart is now available and has been voted one of the top 12 business books of 2021 by The Times and Sunday Times. Thanks for all of your support. Grab a copy here if you haven't already!

Don't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Sunday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy.