Navigating Cancer TOGETHER
Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining! Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER (https://episodes.fm/1580570728) as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment. Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed. Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Episodes
How do we find the "heart" of survivorship? In this 2025 recap of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, we explore the most impactful cancer survivor stories of the year and share essential support for caregivers and patients. Host Talaya Dendy reflects on a landmark year for the show, providing a vulnerable 2025 cancer recap that balances professional milestones with her own personal 14-year health and survivorship journey.
Whether you a...
In this Season One finale, host Talaya Dendy celebrates the milestone of completing The Healing Pen and a Mic Companion podcast. Reflecting on the live October workshop, Talaya shares why she has decided to keep her signature 5-hour "deep dive" format and how journaling serves as a vital tool for movement, not just reflection. This episode features moving testimonials from participants and a first look at the evolving future of the...
In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes back award-winning journalist, poet, and two-time cancer survivor Annamaria Scaccia. Annamaria shares her powerful story of surviving both kidney and thyroid cancer by age 40 and how she is transforming her life through bodybuilding and advocacy. They discuss the psychological power of strength training, the challenges of managing rare cancer types, how cance...
In this powerful episode of the Healing Pen and a Mic companion podcast, host Talaya Dendy sits down with Lisa Beckendorf, a celebrated cancer survivor and patient advocate.
Lisa shares her personal journey through multiple cancer diagnoses and the pivotal moment she transitioned from a career in commercial real estate to full-time advocacy. Initially asking, "Why me?", she realized her experience was a powerful way to give back...
In this powerful and heart-centered episode, Talaya Dendy welcomes Jennifer Schultz, a four-time melanoma survivor, university professor of public speaking, and passionate advocate.
Recorded live during The Healing Pen and a Mic Journaling Workshop at the Mali Center in St. Paul, Jenn shares the intimate reality of her 10-year battle with recurrent cancer and her journey into survivorship. Drawing from her personal experience an...
Join host Talaya Dendy on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER for another inspiring conversation with the truly remarkable Wenora Johnson.
Wenora is a three-time cancer survivor (colorectal, endometrial, and basal cell carcinoma) and a passionate patient and research advocate. In this episode, she shares her incredible, decades-long journey and how her background in the Navy instilled the grit and discipline she needed to face these heal...
Welcome back to The Healing Pen and a Mic Companion Podcast! In the second episode, Talaya Dendy sits down with Donya Dawson, a courageous cancer survivor, proud member of the Rondo community, and dedicated public servant with the State of Minnesota.
Live from the Mali Center in St. Paul, Donya shares her transformative journey of healing and empowerment following her breast cancer diagnosis. Donya discusses how her experience i...
Welcome to the Healing Pen and a Mic Companion Podcast! In this powerful introductory episode, join Talaya Dendy, a 14-year cancer thriver, cancer doula, and compassionate facilitator, as she unveils the vision behind The Healing Pen and a Mic.
Discover the transformative power of combining journaling and storytelling (through podcasting) as a path to healing within the cancer community. Talaya sets the stage for her unique Jour...
In this essential and empathetic episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes Amy Chastain, a seasoned caregiver and Registered Nurse, author, and tireless caregiver advocate. Amy shares wisdom from decades of experience, navigating the complexities of caregiving not only in her professional life but also through personal challenges.
We dive deep into "the invisible job" that so many undertake: the role that is ...
Welcome back to Navigating Cancer TOGETHER! We’re picking up right where we left off with the remarkable Peta-Ann Wood, a breast cancer thriver and Soulful Coach.
Part 1, "Choosing Flat: Peta-Ann's Journey to Self-Acceptance," was about the courage to choose (flatness, self-advocacy, and leaving people-pleasing behind). Now, Part 2 is the roadmap for flourishing once those massive decisions are made.
Peta-Ann opens up about the power...
In this honest and empowering episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy sits down with the phenomenal Peta-Ann Wood, breast cancer thriver, Soulful Coach, and creator of Elegant Rebel.
This conversation goes beyond the clinical. Peta-Ann openly shares how a late diagnosis of AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) changed her cancer experience, guiding her from people-pleasing straight toward radical self-discovery.
If you've ever felt ...
Zulma Williams: Inspiring Cancer Survivors Through Advocacy and Tenacity
In this inspiring and essential episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes special guest Zulma Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and inspiring breast cancer survivor.
Zulma shares her compelling personal journey: from immigrating to the U.S. and pursuing higher education later in life, to her personal journey through breast canc...
In this episode, Talaya sits down with Dr. Fazlur Rahman, a retired oncologist with a remarkable 35-year career spent serving communities in San Angelo, Texas. An author and advocate for patient-centered medicine, Dr. Rahman shares his invaluable insights on what's missing in modern healthcare and how we can bring it back.
This is more than a medical conversation; it's a deep exploration of the human side of oncology for anyone ...
Welcome to another powerful episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, hosted by Talaya Dendy.
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on prostate cancer awareness, the critical issue of health disparities, and the vital importance of open conversations within the Black and African American community. Talaya is joined by a remarkable guest, Christopher Shaddock, a veteran and prostate cancer survivor who shares his powerful personal journ...
Have you ever had a health concern that felt minor, but your gut told you to speak up anyway?
In this episode, host Talaya Dendy shares a personal and timely story about the power of trusting your instincts, especially when it comes to your health. Drawing from her experience, she reveals how self-advocacy can be a life-saving tool, and why it's never a "false alarm" to speak up about your concerns.
You'll discover how to:
Recogni...
In this micro-episode, join Talaya Dendy as she redefines what it means to be calm, especially while navigating the challenges of living with cancer. Talaya shares powerful insights on stress management and the importance of being intentional with your energy and healing. She debunks common misconceptions about being calm and offers advice on how to find peace of mind by focusing on what you can control. Learn how to pause, assess,...
In this episode, host Talaya Dendy sits down with Katharine Giovanni, an award-winning author, speaker, and transformation mentor. As a stage three breast cancer survivor, Katharine knows firsthand that everyone tells you to forgive, but no one teaches you how. Katharine shares her journey of survival and demystifies the practice of forgiveness. The conversation explores how to navigate difficult emotions, enhance quality of life, ...
Welcome to Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, hosted by Talaya Dendy. In this inspiring bonus micro-episode, Talaya shares her personal journey as a cancer survivor, offering hope and encouragement to anyone recently diagnosed with cancer or supporting a loved one through their cancer journey.
Discover how hope can be a guiding light through the darkest times, providing strength, comfort, and resilience. Talaya discusses the importance...
Join host Talaya Dendy on this special episode of 'Navigating Cancer TOGETHER.' Recorded in honor of National Cancer Survivor Month, this episode features an engaging and heartfelt panel discussion with five incredible cancer survivors: Annamaria Scaccia, Mary Wells, Russ Hedge, Terry Tucker, and Tom Reoach.
They candidly reflect on their cancer journeys, the emotional and ongoing nature of survivorship, and the importance of co...
Has cancer ever made you feel like you're losing a piece of yourself, especially your identity? Imagine facing hair loss from treatment, only to find the wig options available don't reflect who you are. This isn't just about hair; it's about dignity, self-esteem, and seeing yourself truly represented.
In this powerful rebroadcast, join your host, Talaya Dendy, on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER as she welcomes the incredible Dianne Austi...
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