The Atypical Podcast

In loving memory of Crystal Renae Morton. A Mother. A Spouse. An Artist. June 3, 1990 - May 24, 2017 In our sixth episode of The Atypical Podcast we are humbled to chat with Rex Jarrett. Rex is an academic advisor for the Harvard Business Analytics Program, powered by 2U, Inc. He holds two graduate degrees — a Master in Business and a Master in Biotechnology — that he uses to advise students by day, trade stocks by night, and run businesses on weekends all while being an incredible single father to his adorable 6-year-old daughter, Skylar. Rex joins us on the podcast to remember the love of his life, Crystal Renae Morton, who passed away from an infection she acquired shortly after winning her fight against Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Crystal and Rex met when they were 13-years-old and sparked an immediate friendship. Rex shares his story as a young adult caregiver, a father, a and widow. His strength and resilience are awe-inspiring, and we are forever grateful that he shares his story with us. If you can, consider giving to Rex's drive to help a local battered women's shelter, a passion endeavor for Crystal. 4th Annual Crystal Renae Morton Memorial Feminine Hygiene Products Drive. April 11th - Friday, June 4th, 2021. Rex is accepting donations of feminine hygiene products. These will all go to a local battered women's shelter to help women and young girls who need them most. All donations will be presented to House of Ruth Maryland in June in honor of Crystal's memory. Cash donations to purchase bulk goods can also be sent to Rex via Zelle(240-938-6859), CashApp($RexJarrett), or PayPal(Rexrian@gmail.com) If you would like to drop off or ship donations to him, please Facebook message Rex Jarrett for his address. Also, be on the lookout for more information about Crystal's annual memorial cookout slated for early June. Guests: Rex Jarrett, MBA, MS. Hosts: Abdi and Laura Ahmed Produced by: Abdi, Laura, and Isaac Karley Read more about our journey at https://www.axlete.com/blog

In honor of National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, we chat with young adult cancer conqueror and health equity researcher Shawnda Schroeder, Ph.D. Shawnda — now 34-years-old — is a wife, mother, friend, and highly respected public health professional. Shawnda works as the Associate Director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Rural Health. She also serves as an Associate Professor at The University of North Dakota, Department of Population Health. Shawnda is an advocate of equity and human rights. Her research focuses on ensuring equitable access to mental health and oral health care services. This month, Shawnda celebrates 7 years of cancer freedom. In this episode, she speaks about her cancer story publicly for the very first time. Shawnda's journey to survivorship is thought-provoking, inspiring, and empowering. But what we find the most profound about her story is her will, not just to survive but to live. Guests: Shawnda Schroeder, Pd.D. Hosts: Abdi and Laura Ahmed Produced by: Laura Ahmed and Isaac Karley Read more about our journey at https://www.axlete.com/blog

In our fourth episode of The Atypical Podcast, Laura and Abdi discuss the importance of exercise with Kinesiology PhD, Jesse Stein and his fiancé, a Microbiology PhD candidate, Ashley Joseph. Guests: Jesse Stein, PhD and Ashley Joseph, PhD candidate Hosts: Laura and Abdi Ahmed Produced by: Laura Ahmed and Isaac Karley Read more about our journey at https://www.axlete.com/blog

In our third episode of The Atypical Podcast Laura reflects on her journey as a caregiver for her 30-year-old spouse. Laura describes this episode as “grossly transparent” and aims to show the range of emotions that are brought forth by the caregiver role. This episode is for anyone who needs to hear “it'll be okay”...and it will be. Hosts: Laura Ahmed Produced by: Laura Ahmed and Isaac Karley Read more about our journey at https://www.axlete.com/blog

In our second episode of The Atypical Podcast we talk with our friends, Paul and Katelyn Johnson. Paul is a pharmacist and young adult survivor of testicular cancer. Katelyn is his caring wife, who also works in the health care industry as a nurse. Paul and Katelyn share the highs and lows of Paul's diagnosis with honesty and humor. From the diagnosis to sperm banking, no topic is off limits! Enjoy the listen and the laughs that come with it! Guests: Paul and Katelyn Johnson Hosts: Abdi and Laura Ahmed Produced by: Laura Ahmed and Isaac Karley Read more about our journey at https://www.axlete.com/blog

Welcome to The Atypical Podcast! We represent the 5% of young adults diagnosed with cancer each year. This platform is dedicated to cancer patients and caregivers, and anyone else who is facing exceptionally challenging times. We hope you listen, laugh with us, cry with us, and ultimately feel less alone. In episode 1, we share our cancer story... Hosts: Abdi and Laura Ahmed Produced by: Isaac Karley Read more about our journey at https://www.axlete.com/blog