In episode 294, I chat with Deb Davis, breast cancer thriver and author of "The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal," about healing, transparency, and self-advocacy. Deb shares her journey through abuse, breast cancer recovery, and the power of breaking silence. Together they explore three game-changing self-care practices, why transparency matters more than perfection, and how to truly support someone facing cancer—and what NOT to do.
What You'll Learn:
Three self-care practices that transform healing: saying no, listening to your body, and laughter as medicine
Why transparency is the key to freedom and helping others
How writing became Deb's breakthrough during breast cancer recovery
The Goldilocks breast surgery procedure most women don't know exists
Why unsolicited advice hurts and what to say instead
How survivor's guilt shows up and how to navigate it
What being your own medical advocate really means
This is a conversation about becoming whole after trauma and cancer try to break you.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal (affiliate): https://amzn.to/42KXq7l
Deb's Substack: https://substack.com/@empowermentthroughtransparency
Connect with Deb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detroitcityheadshots/
Liberty by The Super Patch Co (reduces inflammation): https://grateful.superpatch.com
Help Fund a New Microphone: https://kandasrodarte.com/support
Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/294
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness Month
02:47 Self-Care Practices for Thrivers
05:17 The Faces of Transparency: Deb's Book Journey
11:02 Overcoming Abuse: A Personal Story
16:34 Life After Trauma: Building a New Future
21:57 The Publishing Process: From Manuscript to Book
27:19 Navigating Substack as an Author 29:43
The Power of Connection and Asking for Help
32:13 Living with Breast Cancer: A Daily Reality
35:55 Survivor's Guilt and Community Support
38:29 Navigating Advice and Misconceptions
43:12 Body Image and Choices After Mastectomy
49:31 Gratitude and Self-Identity Post-Cancer
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About Gratitude Geek: Gratitude Geek is the podcast for female solopreneurs over 40 building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Each episode features conversations with women who've faced adversity—cancer, divorce, loss—and transformed it into wisdom and business growth. Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach and metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!
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