Life Well-Lived with Regina Topelson

This episode originally aired Fall of 2020 but it all still holds true today!Happy Thanksgiving!Show notes at reginatopelson.com

I've long been interested in energy work and learning to use it to heal and bring peace into the world. In this episode we're talking about awakening the feminine, balancing it with the masculine, the soul, and how our energy allows us to "walk in the world". We talk about the Mother archetype, her role in different phases of life, and various leadership qualities of women.  We talk about why it's imperative to have fun in life. And finally, delve into the "dark night of the soul" as a means to something...Show notes at reginatopelson.com

The connection between aging, telomeres, and cancer isn't always clear. What are telomeres?  What is their role in aging? What is their role in cancer development? And what can you do about it? Corey Jones-Weinert, PhD answers all these questions and more! Show notes at reginatopelson.com.Show notes at reginatopelson.com

Dr. Karthik Varanasi is a post-doctoral researcher at the Salk Institute in San Diego, California and he joins me on this episode to discuss normal cell metabolism (how normal cells use nutrients to make energy), cancer metabolism and the million-dollar question of how to make normal cells behave one way while making cancer cells do something else, especially when they are both competing for the same nutrients. It's a fascinating conversation about diet and the role of fatty acids (fats) in cancer growth or suppression.Don't forget to rate and review the podcast!Show notes at reginatopelson.com

Are you one of those people that believes you're better off with less sleep?Think you're more productive on 4 or 5 hours of sleep than you are on 7 or 8 hours of sleep?In this episode, we explore why sleep is so important to your well-being. We'll look at the things you can do to avoid having a sleepless night and what to do to have a good night of sleep. Tune in to find out what I think is the most fascinating thing about sleep... Show notes at reginatopelson.com/podcasts

If you've had cancer once, you know once is more than enough. My guest on this episode is a five-time survivor... and he's written to tell about his multiple walks on this path. There's so much in this episode - fitness, nutrition, purpose, passion, money, (almost) giving up and gearing up. There was laughter and a few tears too. And lots of life lessons.In his varied life experiences, we talk about challenging your medical team to be more creative with treatment options, doing an Ironman event, resisting toxic positivity while not alienating your friends, and having a BFF that always knows where you are (through sonar location), and how that BFF inspired thousands of others to keep up the fight. 

Physical activity is the second hallmark of a life well-lived because it promotes well-being. Exercise is good for all your 11 body systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, integumentary (skin), endocrine (diabetes), and can protect you from developing cancer, which can affect any body system. Discussed are the benefits of physical activity, how exercise can promote weight loss when diet alone isn't enough, how to prevent injury, and how to know if you're exercising at maximum capacity. Show notes at https://reginatopelson.com/podcasts.

What are the hallmarks of a life well-lived? Today we're exploring one of the hallmarks of a life well-lived, nutrition. In this episode, we explore some compelling data on why diet modification is important for the prevention and treatment of chronic illness and discuss how to meet your nutrition needs on a plant-based diet. 

In this episode we continue our exploration of cannabis for cancer care. Specifically we address the safety of using cannabis with traditional therapies, the ingredients in cannabis products, the types of symptoms cannabis can and is used to help with, and some recipes so you can make your own edibles (cookies and brownies)! 

If you're like me, you probably have some preconceived notions about cannabis. Maybe you've even tried it and the experience wasn't so great. I was hesitant to do a show about cannabis and then I thought, "Why not? Maybe I'll learn something." And I did...In part one we explore:How to find a  knowledgeable and reputable person to consult if you are interested in trying it. Hint: the bud grower is not that person.  The different administration routes of cannabis. No, it's not just for getting high.The difference between evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence.How cannabis interacts with the human endocannabinoid system. What a cannabinoid care plan is.

Thank you for being a loyal and valued listener of the Life Well-Lived Podcast. After over two years of podcasting, I'm taking a short break. I'll be right back here on the second Thursday of July with brand new (and maybe controversial) content for your auditory pleasure!In the meantime, feel free to listen to some oldies (but goodies) - episodes you haven't heard in a while and check out my YouTube channel full of news segments and long-form video (if you're into that).   I'll meet you right back here in July!  

Have you ever thought about the legacy you are leaving?  I think about this all the time, and you know what they say, the things you think about you bring about. So all that thinking brought me to the concept of an ethical will. I hope you enjoy learning about this topic as much as I enjoyed recording it for you!

The spaces we live and work in are so meaningful to us. They can help us be more productive or suck the energy right out of us. I've been thinking about the elements that go into designing a space I love for a few years. Longer than the pandemic has been around. And no matter what else is or isn't in the room, the one thing I know I love is a room with a lot of light. So I hope after listening to this episode, you give your spaces some thought and find out what brings you joy in those spaces and places.

Adversity can be a great teacher if you're open to it. An illness (of any kind, but especially cancer) is the motherload of epiphanies and lessons learned. But for many survivors, it turns into something more... a desire to lessen the suffering of others. Michelle Hoglan talks about how a FaceBook page to update family and friends on her progress became a business and an opportunity to serve the breast cancer community at large. Show notes at https://reginatopelson.com

We're talking about difficult things today - illness, grief, loss, death, and dying. And, what it means for the living.Experiencing our own illness is frought with all kinds of emotions, but watching a loved one suffer and pass is complicated by the fact that we aren't taught how to process or talk about it.  In addition to being a cancer survivor, my guest on this episode, Sharon Delaney McCloud is a bereaved parent, and we're talking about it.

Olivia Clarke started Humor Beats Cancer when she was diagnosed with breast cancer because she believed in the healing power of laughter.  Humor Beats Cancer allows cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers to share the funny stories of what goes on during cancer treatment and recovery through writing prompts, open mic nights, and comedy events. The funds raised by HBC go to sending care packages to cancer patients and grants to support patients going through treatment.Learn more via the show notes at www.reginatopelson.com

Today we're talking about how to advocate for yourself when you feel like something isn't quite right, or when you have concerns about your health.  When it comes to diagnosing cancer, especially breast cancer, many times the patient finds it themselves unless they have reason to be under long-term screening care, like a family history.Dani Tropsa is one such survivor who found her own breast cancer by following up on a feeling that something wasn't right when she felt pain after an exercise class. She advocates for patients to engage in self-care and has since made many changes in her life, from the way she nourishes herself to the boundaries she has set up. Dani is a health advocate for women who are newly diagnosed, helping to connect them to valuable resources and organizations.Finally, we discuss what a breast cancer diagnosis means for a woman when she is diagnosed young for family planning. This is a tender subject and a very real aspect of how a cancer diagnosis affects young women. 

Can you imagine an upside to cancer?My guest, Theresa Drescher, author of The Upside to Everything Even Breast Cancer thinks there is. It's not that the process was enjoyable or that anyone is happy to do it, it's that you can use the experience as a transformative process to emerge more self-reliant and self-aware, without the pain and anger, if you let cancer be your teacher. In this conversation, we're talking about triggers - for sadness, madness, purpose, and even joy. We're talking about what it means to truly know thyself and how an examined life can lead to a life well-lived.

Physical therapy can dramatically improve a survivor's quality of life. And it can be helpful at any stage of treatment or recovery. But many survivors are not aware of its benefits or do not have access to physical rehabilitation as part of their care.In this episode physical therapist, Amanda Grili explains how rehab can enhance your quality of life and what you can do for self-care if there are no therapists near you. Show notes at reginatopelson.com/podcasts.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming enough when you are the one going through it, but all the more so when you are privy to the struggles others are having going through it too.For Carrie Madrid, it was the knowledge that people had to choose between their copayment for treatment or paying rent or putting food on the table that made her want to help those around her in any way she could. This led to the start of The Care Project and subsequently led to a social club, a book, and a podcast. If you need to hear something uplifting these days, this is it!Remember to rate and review, leave me some comment love, and share with those who need to hear this. 

Part of the cancer treatment experience for many of us is the loss of our femininity. It can come from losing your female body parts, being sent into artificial menopause, or losing your hair, eyelashes, and all the things that make you feel beautiful and well,... like you!No one knows this quite like Jen Rozenbaum. Not only is she a cancer survivor, who's lost more than one female body part, she's also a boudoir photographer. As she has evolved, so has her work, and so have her clients. This episode is not just about body positivity, it's about celebrating your femininity -- no matter what that looks like right now. And finding that thing that makes you,... shamelessly feminine!

What does a naturopathic approach to cancer care look like? Dr. Lori Bouchard shares her wisdom on healing through a naturopathic lens. She shares what she has learned through years of practice, which resulted in her writing two books about cancer. In this episode we're talking about the differences (and similarities) between Eastern and Western medicine, supplements, self-care and how lifestyle plays a role, why you need to be your own hero, and how to get better sleep. Show notes at www.reginatopelson.com/podcasts

In this episode, I'm talking to two-time cancer survivor, Melissa Rosen, about how a cancer diagnosis can affect you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And how complete healing includes doing so in all four areas. That couldn't be more appropriate than during the holidays.The holidays can be stressful for so many reasons. Family relationships and interactions can be a challenge. And making the holidays meaningful when you're not feeling up to doing things the usual way can put pressure on you in ways you hadn't expected. Show notes  at www.reginatopelson.com

For my guest Kim Harms, relationships played a big role in reconstructing her life after breast cancer. The relationships with her husband, three boys, parents and inlaws, friends, and community were instrumental in her recovery process. We talked all about how to talk to your children about a cancer diagnosis, how to grow with your partner/spouse through the process, and how it can be a source of personal growth for you personally. We talked about Kim's newly released book, Life Reconstructed: Navigating the World of Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction. There are so many choices to be made in regard to how to navigate all the treatments available, including mastectomy and reconstruction. The choices are more than personal, they also come with expected and unexpected consequences.

This Thanksgiving episode is a little different in that I couldn't interview my guests, though I have thought of them often this year. This episode is about the life lessons I learned from two boys who had a lot in common though they didn't know each other. Koby Gruenwald and Brody Huber had more in common than having a dog, love of music, and a sense of humor. They shared the same birthday! And unfortunately, the same diagnosis. I wanted to share their stories in the hope that we could all take something from the lessons they taught us and create a ripple effect in their memory. The lessons they left us are to love all, to be kind, to laugh (and make others do so too), to be a light unto others, and to illuminate our family, friends, and community with joy.These boys were truly a "light" unto those who knew them. The Koby Gruenwald Light in the Darkness Fund at Denver JDS has been set up to benefit families experiencing unexpected financial hardship. You can make a contribution online at https://www.denverjds.org/donate and choose Koby's Light in the Darkness Fund.The Brody Huber Foundation funds research for children's brain cancer. Donations can be made at  https://www.brodyhuberfoundation.com/

Your skin is your largest organ and first line of defense against microbes. It also has its own microbiome separate from the microbiome in your digestive tract. In this episode we are talking about antioxidants and how they can help protect your skin, endocrine disruptors and how they can cause malfunction of systems, and how your skincare can effect your microbiome. Brandy also explains her three steps to nourishing and having your best skin and why it's so important to have clean products free from synthetic ingredients which can be toxins.And so much more!Show notes available at reginatopelson.com.

I always knew that men were one percent of diagnosed breast cancer cases each year, but I had never met one. And then there was Bill Harris. He opened my eyes to the struggles men face as they navigate a breast cancer diagnosis and I'm the wiser for it. Because of Bill I can do more to help both women and men. If you think it's hard as a woman going through this with all the resources, hoopla of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and pink-everything, think how lonely and isolating it is for men who most people aren't even aware are able to develop breast cancer. In this episode Bill shares his cancer story, why you should get genetic testing, and the importance of inclusivity when it comes to education about breast cancer.

Tim could never understand why women love shoes so much and why we have so many pairs until his wife Angie explained to him that we could look like a virtual train wreck but putting on a pair of cute shoes made us feel better. Unfortunately, Tim lost Angie too soon, but her spirit lives on in the Red Slipper Warrior Project that Tim created in her name. And in Angiepalooza, concerts dedicated to raising money to serve women and girls going through cancer treatment.On October 22nd, Angiepalooza will have country music sensation, Phil Vassar performing in hopes of raising much-needed funding to serve this vulnerable community. Find out more at redslipperwarrior.com.

There are things along our journey that teach us what who we are and what we need. For Sherri it was a moment of physical weakness that made her realize that she needed to regain the physical strength she had before her cancer diagnosis. What I love about Sherri and this episode is that she is an example that when you want to accomplish something and put your mind to it, anything is achievable. Who would've ever thought that a cancer survivor could also be a bodybuilder? But she did it! And I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it a hundred times since she mentioned it to me. And truth be told, Sherri had some vulnerable experiences that taught her some things along the way. I don't believe in the saying "nothing ventured nothing lost".  If you don't try you might miss out on some very key lessons that are meant just for you. Show notes at www.lifewell-lived.com.

Recovering from an illness is hard work. In this episode I'm talking with Korin Sutton about being plant-based, being a vegan athlete, and how our habits, before and after the illness, can shape the recovery process. Of course we tackle the age-old question of where vegans get protein and how much is enough. Show notes at www.lifewell-lived.com/podcasts. 

If you're a cancer survivor you know what it means to walk the walk, but there are loved ones walking with us, beside us, who see the experience from a different perspective - the caregivers. They are often forgotten, they bear the brunt of the hard emotions, and they feel fear and anxiety from the other side. In this episode we explore balancing being a partner and caretaker, attraction and intimacy, finding humor and joy, and learning to communicate.Not to be missed!

Being in lock down and unable to travel has obscured the importance of paying attention to your food values. Two recent trips brought my food values front and center for me. I'm not a fan of food rules. I think people can get in trouble and develop disordered eating with food rules. "I eat this, not that. I can only eat this if..." mentality can really turn into a runaway train very quickly.I advocate instead to think about what makes you feel good. What doesn't cause you to worry or have anxiety while you're eating. You see, food is supposed to bring you joy and the experience should be a pleasurable one, preferably shared with others.In this episode, I explore some of the food values that came to light for me during my recent travels and how you can use my experiences as a way to jumpstart a conversation about what matters to you regarding food, health, and long-term wellness.

Many cancer survivors use food as a coping mechanism and something to control when everything else is out of control. But doing so only leads to fear, anxiety, and stress when trying to figure out what to eat. Many of us eat three times a day and feeling stress and anxiety when you're eating can steal your joy.  In this episode, Registered Dietitian Cathy Leman gives us better ways to approach eating. We debunk the myths around soy, discuss the benefits of a plant-based diet, and answer the question of whether sugar causes cancer.  We also talk about precision nutrition and how your own genes can inform what would be the best diet for you.

Bernie Gehris is a father of three who lost his son to cancer. He learned about the Courage Classic benefiting Children's Hospital of Colorado from their family's pediatrician and has been riding it ever since!  Through the 30+ years since the ride began, a dedicated team has arisen to fundraise specifically for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Now he has even more motivation to ride!Physical activity can be therapeutic and it certainly has been for myself, Bernie, and countless others. If you're interested in learning more about the Courage Classic go to couragetours.com to find out how to donate or register to ride.

You don't have to be a professional artist to reap the benefits of tapping into your creativity. Programs exist all over the country helping people cope with illness through art therapy. Nerissa Balland is no stranger to cancer, having first witnessed her grandmother go through breast cancer and then herself becoming a cancer patient later in life. She was finally able to use her formal art training background to heal herself. In addition to art therapy, Nerissa had a cancer coach who inspired her to become trained in Neurolinguistic Programming, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy which she now uses to help others heal from stress-related diseases like cancer.When Nerissa is not creating her unique art pieces, she is developing and facilitating art wellness workshops. If you're interested in tapping into your creative side, you can start small with coloring books, mandalas, or drawing. Or, you can go big with canvas, paint, and other materials. Either way, take the pressure off and just create to your heart's content!

This month I'm devoting the episodes to creativity. One of the silver linings of cancer is that many people find themselves rediscovering their passions.  Writing, even if it's just for yourself, or to share your thoughts and stories with family and friends can be cathartic and healing. Others find their release and joy in painting, drawing, or creating other art. April gives some great prompts to start you thinking if the stories don't flow automatically. And at first, you may feel that you don't have much to say, but give yourself time and the words will come.  Come what may, it's all okay. It's your process and your story, embrace it.If writing is not your jam their are many other forms of expression. Maybe some culinary classes, dancing, singing, photography, or whatever makes you feel alive expressing yourself. You don't have to create a masterpiece, it's enough just to create. Curious about Wildfire Magazine and the stories of other survivors? You can find more information here.If it's something you can do with others, even better! Build a community for yourself and others. If there are no pottery classes for cancer survivors start one!"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Mahatma GandhiAnd if you get stuck or need some help along the way, I'm happy to help!This episode is sponsored by my program, Wings of Hope, helping breast cancer survivors connect with and take a deep dive into the anti cancer lifestyle to help you make lasting changes for improved health and wellness. Find out more at:https://www.subscribepage.com/wings-of-hope. Find the show notes at www.lifewell-lived.com/podcasts/ or click here.Theme music "A Tropical" from Audio Jungle (introduction) and "Upbeat Party" by Scott Holmes via freemusicarchive.org.

The Anti Cancer Lifestyle started out as a book written by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, MD.  It was one of the first books I read on my road to recovery. In this episode I speak with Meg Hirshberg and Nancy Kane,  who founded and developed a program around the Anti Cancer Lifestyle Dr. Servan-Schreiber wrote about. How we live our lives can't guarantee that we will never get sick but it does impact our ability to stay well as long as possible. We talk about things related to living an anti cancer lifestyle, what makes this program important, and This episode is sponsored by my program, Wings of Hope, helping breast cancer survivors connect with and take a deep dive into the anti cancer lifestyle to help you make lasting changes for improved health and wellness. Find out more at:https://www.subscribepage.com/wings-of-hope. Theme music "A Tropical" from Audio Jungle (introduction) and "Upbeat Party" by Scott Holmes via freemusicarchive.org.

Young women represent 20% of breast cancer cases diagnosed each year. Yet the resources allocated to research and finding new therapies is lacking. Courtney Shihabuddin has dedicated herself to using her platform and her voice to advocating for young women to raise awareness and affect positive change.

One of my favorite things to do is to interview people. I love hearing stories about their lives and learning from their experiences. This past year I started a podcast thinking I was going to be bringing cancer survivors' stories to life, but I've learned so much from their stories it has brought me so much joy that I feel like I have benefited more than what effort I have put in (and it was a lot of effort).To that point, it was one of my lessons learned this year, who benefits more, you or the person you're giving to? Ultimately, I think both people win, but as the old adage goes, it is better to give than to receive.

Oh my goodness what a year it has been! As much as it dragged on in some ways, it also flew by in others. In the blink of an eye, my podcast turns one year old! To pay homage to all the beautiful ideas my guests brought to the show, I decided to compile the ones that stood out the most to me. In this episode, you'll hear some of my favorite moments including one that made me laugh with abandon. Just as laughter should be. Happy first birthday Life Well-Lived Podcast and many, many more!

One thing no one ever wants to think about is getting their legal affairs in order - creating wills, power of attorneys, medical directives, and the like. We want to live our lives, be healthy, and not think that anything bad could ever happen. Regardless, we should all have wills and advanced medical directives because anything can happen at any moment, not just some crazy illness out of left field. And that is definitely NOT the time to think about "legal stuff".Wills are not just for boat loads of money and minks either. They're for indicating who you want to take care of Fido and your most treasured sentimental items. And when done right, you have time to think about who you really want to be in it with you when the sky really does fall down. The beauty of the whole process is, you can do it with love, with confidence, as self-care, and as a gift to yourself and your loved ones, and give everyone some peace of mind. 

Reiki and Healing Touch are two complementary healing therapies that are non-invasive yet buttress you mentally, emotionally, and physically. They balance your energy and help you sleep better. They allow you to relax and handle stress with calm and ease. These therapies are not meant to be used instead of medical treatment, but they are great to use with traditional Western treatments to make you more resilient. One of the conditions both therapies seem to have a great effect on is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Consistent practice of Reiki and Healing Touch helps reduce the severity of PTSD. If you've had cancer, you know the symptoms of this condition all too well. The best part about Reiki and Healing Touch is that there are no side effects! Only peace and calm. Sandy Priester has been practicing Reiki for thirty years and is the CEO and Founder of LifeSpark, a non-profit providing Reiki and Healing Touch at no cost to cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers throughout the Denver Metro Area and several hospitals in other parts of Colorado. If you or someone you know could benefit from their services, or you want to volunteer with them, look them up at www.lifesparknow.org. If you would like to support LifeSpark financially so they can continue to offer services, they are having a virtual Gala and silent auction beginning April 16 through April 23.

Kara Skaflestad is on a mission to help women going through cancer treatment feel as good about themselves as they can. Kara sends care packages containing a scarf, socks, makeup, and pink boxing gloves (among other things) to remind women they are just that, women going through a rough patch, not cancer patients.

Life is definitely made up of good times and challenging times. No one knows this better than Lianne Saffer. Author of the newly released book, Please, Don't Send Me Flowers, she writes about her difficult first marriage plagued by emotional abuse, the challenges of telling her family she was in love with a woman, and her experience as a cancer patient and now cancer survivor. She also talks about finding her strength as a runner and fitness instructor and the energy one finds in deep, mutual love. She talks about the joys of family and community. And to not forget that cancer doesn't vanish overnight and the need to continue to check in with friends as they heal. WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE.

Devora Peterson didn't know that learning to mountain bike would help her overcome cancer, but it did. Her Big Hairy Audacious Goal related to biking helped her focus her energy on something she could control and off of her cancer. In this first episode of 2021, Devora shares her strategy to stay fit and encourages you to take on your own BHAGs (big hairy audacious goals)!

Celebrating the holidays can be difficult in good years, but especially challenging after experiencing a loss. This year, 2020, has been particularly challenging as many families have lost loved ones to Coronavirus as well as the usual culprits - heart disease, cancer, diabetes, flu, etc. And in the fact that we are urged to stay home and not gather with family or friends. One way to keep your loved ones close is to keep your traditions alive. In so doing, you keep your loved ones alive too. This year I endured a hard loss when my grandmother passed away. This holiday season will be different and I will think of her while celebrating too. I hope this episode helps you cherish your loved family traditions and those that helped create them.

As a cancer patient and survivor, lots of people want to give you advice - and they want the best for you! But no one knows what you're going through like someone who's already been there. Today I talk with fellow dietitian, Susan Buckley, about five of my six pillars to whole health living - diet, sleep, stress, exercise, and environmental toxins - and how each one contributes to well-being before and after a cancer diagnosis. The sixth pillar is relationships. And though this episode isn't about relationships with others, one of the most important relationships you have in life is the one with yourself. How you take care of yourself shapes not only how you feel today, but your tomorrow as well because your actions are cumulative. Susan and I share not only being dietitians, but we are also both survivors and we had a lot of fun talking about all the things that help prevent cancer and can help you as a survivor as well.

This year has presented many challenges, but there is still so much to be grateful for. In this episode, I share the things I'm grateful for including my favorite cancer-fighting foods. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The first wealth is health." I believe this to be true and work each day to live and eat healthy in a way that supports and promotes good health. During my treatments, one of my favorite books to read was Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. More than just daily affirmations, it is a book of explorations into living more wholly. I reference this book because the explorations around the topic of Thanksgiving are priceless. Show notes can be found at www.lifewell-lived.com.

A cancer diagnosis is difficult no matter what kind it is, but even more so when your doctor tells you they have nothing for you. That was the experience Mark Roby had to work through to survive. In his book, Lifelines to Cancer Survival: A New Approach to Personalized Care, he outlines the things one must do to increase one's chances of survival. No surprise, his approach is an all-encompassing one, ranging from being your own scientific researcher to nutrition and stress reduction. We discuss new cancer screening techniques and therapies (that aren't so new) that are still not widely used, but may make all the difference in your survival.

Shari C. Fox is a daughter, sister, auntie, friend, physician, and competitive ballroom dancer! The first time this doctor-turned-patient was diagnosed with cancer there was loss, sadness, discomfort, and loneliness. It was also a time of strength, determination, focus, physical activity, and renewed spiritual connection. It wasn't until a second diagnosis that looking at the body on a deeper level started to take hold, especially, the impact of diet, emotional responses, and psychological health.