
Playback: I Need To Lie Down
From The Modern Mann by Olly Mann
February 27, 2026 · 37 min · Season 17 · Episode 2
About this episode
Raquel Meseguer discusses her experience with chronic pain and societal perceptions of disability after back surgery.
Professional dancer Raquel Meseguer had back surgery at the age of thirty, to treat chronic neuropathic pain. But, it didn’t alleviate her symptoms. In this insightful interview with Olly, she explains how this bombshell has impacted upon the daily practicalities of her life, why she doesn’t feel welcome in our ‘vertical culture’, and how well-meaning members of the public have repeatedly shamed her for committing the cardinal sin of... lying down. This episode first aired in April 2018 under the title, Cloudspotting. Now remastered and with a 2026 update from Raquel, we've paired this with our most recent interview: Trapped In The Rubble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Olly Mann
Guest: Raquel Meseguer
Topics covered
- chronic pain
- back surgery
- vertical culture
- public perception
- dancing
- personal struggle
Keywords
- chronic neuropathic pain
- back surgery
- dancer
- vertical culture
- public shaming
- lying down
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Cloudspotting, Trapped In The Rubble
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