The Many Faces of Cancer

Today's guest is Dr. Rachel Orgel, a passionate educator with a lifelong commitment to student success. Diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer at age 13, Rachel would endure two recurrences and several surgeries in her teens and early 20s before an experimental procedure changed the game.

We talk about childhood cancer, spending weeks or months in the hospital at a time, PTSD that still affects her today, the importanc...

You are in for such a treat today!! I had the privilege of interviewing the Ninja Moms, Debbie Feinberg and Brandi Lebsack. Their sons, Max Feinberg and Kaden Lebsack, have been competing on American Ninja Warrior for several years now and always do very well, with Kaden being last man standing two years in a row! They are also breast cancer survivors and fierce friends.

We talk about the Ninja Mom community, supporting each other d...

Today's guest is Dr. Cindy Howard, board certified chiropractic internist and nutritionist, incredible public speaker, award-winning author, and Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor. Dr. Cindy loves to inspire with humor, wisdom, and finding joy in adversity.

We talk so much about joy, especially in the little things, reframing negativity while acknowledging the reality of our situations, bad moments vs. a bad life, finding the qui...

Today's guest is Courtney Lockwood, realtor, fitness instructor, and breast cancer survivor. Going through treatment at the height of the pandemic, Courtney's story is rooted in resilience, growth and purpose.

We talk about genetic testing, taking care of yourself first, having a positive mindset, empowering yourself with choices, healing through exercise, and so much more! What a fun conversation and I know you will love ...

Today's guest is Beth Lehman and her story is a powerful one. She was diagnosed with alcohol related cirrhosis of the liver in 2019 and, while waiting for a transplant, was also diagnosed with liver cancer in 2020. Beth received her liver transplant in 2021 and has used her second chance to share her story, working with national organizations and speaking with current patients about the path they are walking.

We talk about the ...

Today's guest is LaTina Starling, diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer at age 29 while serving in the U.S. Navy. After her treatment, she transitioned from military to civilian life and found a way to help others with advocacy.

Starting as a volunteer advocate and then given the opportunity to work full-time at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), LaTina works with volunteers to share their stories and...

Today's guest is Steve Hentzen, chairman and co-founder of the Prostate Network and 15 year prostate cancer survivor. Steve is a passionate advocate for cancer patients and serves on many advisory boards and other roles.

We talk about the prevalence of prostate cancer, the importance of men's health and getting regular check-ups, the formation of the Prostate Network and all the good work they do, how lifestyle changes mak...

Today's guest is Charles Wroten III, an inspiring young man. He's studying social work at East Carolina University, an accomplished collegiate rugby player, and a resilient testicular cancer survivor. 

Diagnosed at age 15, he has become an advocate for men's health awareness, especially among young people. He's a public speaker and social media creator, bringing attention to the importance of early detection and ...

Today's guest is Julia Olsson, a proud mom and SAG-AFTRA member, and breast cancer survivor. She loves storytelling as a singer/songwriter and performer, and has a deep belief in authenticity, creativity, and connection.

We talk about the importance of communication, especially with family, self-image and mental health, setting boundaries and self-care, transitioning from treatment to normalcy, and so much more! This is a great...

Today's guest is Andy Campbell, a resilient survivor and inspirational author who has overcome numerous life-altering challenges, including a battle with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. He talked about his 15 core beliefs that empowered him (and can empower us) to navigate through life's labyrinth in his book "Overcoming Life's Toughest Setbacks: 15 Breakthrough Core Beliefs to Transform Challenges into Opportunities...

Today's guest is Harriet Cabelly, grief counselor, therapist, speaker, and author of "Light Through Darkness: Miracles Along My Cancer Journey." 

Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in early 2022, Harriet got in the habit of looking for and seeing miracles all along her journey and summed up 10 miracles, including Sanctuary, Faith and Timing, and Adapatability. She also created "Coping Cards" with photos an...

Last week we talked with Peggy Miller, co-founder of the Bret Miller 1T Male Breast Cancer Happens Foundation. This week we get to hear Bret's story. Diagnosed at age 24 with breast cancer, he decided that no man should ever feel alone again when they hear the words "You have breast cancer."

We talk about the lack of research and resources for men with breast cancer, pinkwashing, advocating for yourself, the importanc...

Today's guest is Peggy Miller. Peggy's son Bret was diagnosed 15 years ago with breast cancer. Since then, she and her family have been on a mission to bring awareness to male breast cancer.

They started a non-profit called Bret Miller 1T Male Breast Cancer Happens and have been spreading the word about self exams, cutting edge research, and an annual male breast cancer conference. 

#TogetherWeWillChangetheWORLD and #MenHav...

Today's guest is Truitt Taylor, diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 31. He's owner of the design/build firm, Taylor Construction + Design, and cofounder of Beauty and the Builder, an Atlanta based non-profit organization focusing on serving the community, especially victims of sex trafficking, with skincare, self-care training, and providing essential living items and assisting with home maintenance.

Colon cancer, as w...

Today's guest is such an inspiration!! Meet Tom Anderson, M.Ed., a two time cancer survivor, two time Chicago Marathon finisher (while going through treatment), and two college degrees, working on his doctorate. Wow!!

Tom was diagnosed in 2020 with lung cancer that had metastasized to his lymphatic system. Immunotherapy was a life saver for him and he's been NED (no evidence of disease) for over 4 years. 

We talk about trai...

Today's guest is Maureen Kozicki. In 2014, Maureen's world changed with an ovarian cancer diagnosis. A longtime yoga and meditation teacher, she struggled to find her own voice amid countless "right ways" to heal and toxic positivity. Determined to chart her own path, she emerged with a passion for helping others do the same.

In this episode, we break down "toxic positivity", the fact that there's ...

Today's guest is Peggy Velasco, a 16 year breast cancer survivor, retired in Florida with her husband and their dog Scout. Peggy had an incredible support team during her cancer journey and she pays it forward.

We had a great conversation about loss and resilience, dating after cancer, "what is, instead of what if", the importance of community, continuing to look forward, and so much more.

Resources:

Peggy's email:...

Today's guest is Mike Craycraft, registered pharmacist, testicular cancer survivor, and founder of the Testicular Cancer Society.

Mike provides heartfelt insight into what it was like to remain silent about his diagnosis for seven months, living like he was dying, what it took to accept his condition, the importance of self-advocacy, and what it's like to really live after a cancer diagnosis.

Testicular cancer can affect me...

Today's guest is Jennifer Dutilly, a breast cancer survivor, a very active Boy Mom, the Director of Clinical Growth at Parker Integrative Health and a Personal Development Coach.

Jennifer and I go deep in this episode - from having cancer after a year of being told her tumor was benign, to multiple surgeries and infections, body image and survivor's guilt, changing careers, integrative health, and so much more!!

As we'...