13: Diagnosed at 37: How Johanna Gomez Fought Breast Cancer & Raised 3 Kids | grownwoman

Today, Shannon introduces the Emmy Award-Winning journalist, devoted mother, and breast cancer survivor, Johanna Gomez. Together, they delve into Johanna's unexpected career path from Miami Dolphins cheerleader to winning an Emmy for journalism, all while juggling motherhood, professional ambition, and life's curveballs.  Johanna credits her Dominican roots for instilling relentless grit & grace and explains how calculated risks led to doors she never imagined walking through. Their conversation shifts when she recounts receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at 37, while still needing to care for 3 children and (even) remaining on air.  Her profound observation resonates: "As women, we wear so many hats, we forget to wear our own." With remarkable vulnerability, she discusses the cost of self-neglect, the reality of post-traumatic growth, and keeping her power of voice and relentless determination to do whatever the hell she wants. This episode honors women in transition, offering hope that our greatest struggles can become our strongest foundations.  KEY POINTS  00:00 - Diagnosed at 37: How Johanna Gomez Fought Breast Cancer While Raising 3 Kids 03:57 - Being raised by a single Dominican mother  06:33 - Figuring out what to do with her life 09:30 - Taking dance more seriously, becoming a Miami Dolphin 10:20 - An on-camera opportunity sparked a career in TV 13:25 - Juggling school, dancing with the Miami HEAT, and a new career path 18:40 - When television became “the thing” 29:20 - Getting diagnosed with breast cancer 40:02 - Being so mad and staying laser-focused to beat cancer 45:45 - Remaining connected with her body even after surgery 47:25 - Unreal competition among women in the industry  49:20 - The true reward of work and companionship  53:10 - There is enough for all of us to dream 54:30 - Go get checked! Advocate for yourself and bask in your glory QUOTES  “I am always competing with myself. I see it as I'm always competing with myself because I'm the one that's getting out there to tell a story, to host a show, to interview someone.” – Johanna Gomez “Go get checked. It doesn't matter if you're in your 30s. Go get checked. It doesn't matter if you don't have [a] family history.” – Johanna Gomez  “A grown woman is doing what you want, whatever you want when you want it, and not caring about anyone's feelings.” – Johanna Gomez  GUEST RESOURCES  Johanna Gomez  IG | @johannagomez RESOURCES  Shannon Allen  Grown Website | https://www.grown.org/  IG | @swalkerwil  🌱 Stay Connected & Explore More 🔗 Visit the Grown Website Grown.org 📲 Follow Shannon on Instagram @swalkerwil 🎧 Like, Share & Subscribe If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, don’t keep it to yourself! Like, share, and subscribe to grownwoman on your favorite podcast platform. grownwoman is produced by EPYC Media Network