Art, Advocacy & Early Detection: Shaney Jo Darden on 25 Years of Keep A Breast

In this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies is joined by Shaney Jo Darden, founder and Global Creative Officer of the Keep A Breast Foundation—an organization that’s been redefining breast health education through art, activism, and access for 25 years.

What began as a single breast casting art project has grown into a global movement, reaching young people and underserved communities around the world. Shaney Jo shares the origin story behind Keep A Breast, how creative expression became a tool for education, and what it means to center joy, art, and community in a space often defined by fear.

We talk about:

• The power of casting art to raise awareness andreclaim the body
• How to make breast health education inclusive and actually engaging
• The emotional labor of advocacy—and how Shaneyprotects her own peace
• Why men, trans people, and marginalized communities must be part of the breast cancer conversation
• Building something that lasts—and learning to lead with heart

Plus, Shaney shares how you can join the mission, use the Keep A Breast app for monthly self-check reminders, and show up as an ally in the fight for accessible breast health.

🔗 Want more stories like this? Head to listentoroar.com and subscribe to the newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories and powerful women-led conversations.

00:00 Introduction to Roar

00:23 Sexual Assault PSA

00:55 Meet Shaney Jo Darden

01:09 The Keep A Breast Foundation

02:14 The Art of Breast Casting

07:02 Global Movement and Partnerships

13:37 The Evolution of Breast Health Awareness

18:23 Challenges and Frustrations in Women's Health

20:16 The Importance of Menopause Education

21:03 Personal Stories and Impact

23:20 Self-Care and Mental Health

31:40 Advice for Allies and Resources

40:09 Holistic Health and Medical Gaps

42:29 Merging Creativity with Advocacy

44:48 Final Thoughts and App Promotion

 

To Learn More:

Keep A Breast Foundation: https://www.keep-a-breast.org/

Keep a Breast APP – share it with 8 friends! https://www.keep-a-breast.org/keep-a-breast-app

Self-check guide: https://www.keep-a-breast.org/check-yourself

Men with Breast Cancer: https://www.keep-a-breast.org/men-breast-cancer

 

Also Mentioned:

Roxy: https://www.roxy.com/

Vans Warped Tour: https://www.vanswarpedtour.com/

Frida Kahlo: https://www.fridakahlo.org/

Susan G Komen: https://www.komen.org/

Korean War Exhibit: https://www.nps.gov/kowa/index.htm

Chemo effects on septic system: https://www.creechsplumbing.com/blog/2024/december/caring-for-your-septic-system-during-chemotherap/

Dr. Kristi Funk: https://www.instagram.com/drkristifunk/?hl=en

Physician training on menopause: https://www.theflowspace.com/reproductive-health/menopause/menopause-society-new-menopause-educational-resource-2952073/

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