Cancer Conversations

Post-treatment doesn’t mean post-trauma and it can bring an unexpected range of emotions. Everyone in your world is ready for you to move on and be your old self, while you’re juggling fatigue, mourning the body you had and reconnecting with people as a person, not a patient. Cancer survivor Hannah Cozens shares her experience of navigating her new normal, and managing other people’s expectations while learning to live with the bod...

Ultramarathon runner Hannah Rae was tough and resilient – until she lost her three wise men, her support network, in quick succession. It showed her how important it was to have a support team in challenging times and also forced her to re-evaluate life. That experience led her to become a life coach specialising in grief and loss, and she shares with Cancer Conversations some of the tools that help people adjust to their new norma...

Supporting a loved one through cancer can be a journey of discovery—especially when it’s your child. In this episode, Helen King sits down with Rata Campbell, whose son was only two when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Rata shares her deeply personal story about navigating the complexities of childhood cancer, becoming her son’s strongest advocate, and learning to adjust to a new normal; and what prompted her to advocate for others...

Talking about your final days is never easy, but it’s one of the most meaningful conversations we can have with our loved ones. In episode 4 of Cancer Conversations, End-Of-Life Doula Treza Gallogly joins host Helen King to explore why discussing your final days is just as important as having life insurance or a Will. Treza shares compassionate and practical tips on how to approach these difficult conversations, ensuring that your ...

Kate Wightman was 29 when she was diagnosed with three types of gynecological cancers. After discovering the limited treatment options, the former elite road cyclist was determined to raise much-needed funds and awareness for gynecological cancers. 

In this episode, Kate joins Helen to share why she decided to tackle the Te Araroa trail to walk the length of New Zealand. 

Topics covered: 

The shock of a cancer diagnosis

Learning to...

In this episode, Helen is joined by somatic sexologist Morgan Penn to answer all your burning questions about sex. 

Navigating sex and intimacy after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging and it's hard to figure out where to go for the right advice. Look no further! Morgan shares her wisdom to help you back on the path to pleasure. 

Topics covered:

How to find your libido again

Reconnecting with your body after trauma

Rebuilding a ...

In this episode, host Helen King is joined by Aucklander Aimee-Rose Yates who was 28 when she learned she had incurable bowel cancer. With the knowledge that her life would be much shorter than she had planned for. Aimee-Rose is trying to enjoy every moment. And to do this, she has created a fuck it list.

Topics covered:

Living with incurable cancer

Young people and cancer

Enjoying the little things in life

Advice to our younger se...

Trauma often follows a cancer diagnosis. It can shatter your sense of self and how you experience the world. 

It also has the ability to create major growth by allowing you to decide how you want to live your life. 

To talk about post-traumatic growth with Helen is Wellington-based counselor Tommy Livingston. They talk about what trauma is, why post-traumatic growth can be a powerful experience and ways you can start your healing p...

In this episode, Helen is joined by psychotherapist and author of The Feeling of Cancer, Sandra Russell. 

Diagnosed with myeloma a decade ago, Sandra penned her book after she struggled to find accounts of cancer that were like her own. Sandra reflects on the shock, anger, loneliness, and isolation of a cancer diagnosis to the joy of connecting with other cancer patients. 

 And why it is important to feel cancer. 

Thanks to Dry Jul...

Returning to work after cancer treatment can be a daunting prospect. In this episode, Helen is joined by Sarah Hodgetts to chat about their experiences with work and cancer. 

Sarah is a resilient single parent who has experienced the rollercoaster of returning to work following cancer treatment. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 45, Sarah's world was turned upside down as she juggled her career, the demands of motherhood, and the emo...

Have you been told to stay positive without any real guidance on how to do so? It's time to break free from ineffective coping methods and start learning the practical, evidence-based strategies that can truly make a difference in your emotional and physical well-being. Join us in this episode to discover the tools you need to navigate this challenging journey with resilience and hope.

Helen is joined by the author of The Big Ordea...

We have all heard about the benefits of exercise for people going through cancer treatment and beyond. But what does 'enough' exercise look like? And how do you safely get back into exercise after an event like cancer?

This week Helen is joined by Pinc & Steel physiotherapist Candice Kitt to find out what we can do to empower ourselves after a cancer diagnosis. Candice shares easy solutions for cancer patients to benefit from movem...

 In honor of Anzac Day, Helen is joined by the former head of the defense force and CEO of Fire and Emergency Lieutenant General Rhys Jones (retired). 

Rhys understands firsthand the importance of open communication about cancer experiences. Having served 35 years in the military, Rhys has learned to stay calm and composed in adversity. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer, he became transparent about his journey, opening up vit...

Welcome to the first episode of Cancer Conversations!

In this episode, host Helen King is joined by personal stylist and founder of Sisterhood of Style, Emma John. 

After being diagnosed with breast cancer and struggling to regain control in an uncontrollable situation, Emma was forced to confront her expectations of herself as she struggled to adjust to life post-treatment.

With a background in styling and an unwavering enthusiasm...

Season one launches in April!

Welcome to the podcast you never knew you'd need for the diagnosis, no one wants to hear. You'll hear from people like you navigating a cancer diagnosis and experts to help you recover. 

Hosted by journalist and cancer survivor Helen King, you can expect real stories told with humour, authenticity, and hope. 

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. 

Brought to you by Look Good Feel Better and Dry July....