The Stupid Cancer Show

One of the things that make young adult cancer so unique is that you can be diagnosed while pregnant, which is something that doesn't happen when you're 8 or 80. Joining us to discuss the trials and tribulations of facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment while pregnant are Amanda Albritton and Cassidy White.

Ariella Chivil is a self-described “patient turned oncology geek.” Ariella joins us to talk about being a champion for patient advocacy, and her work with leading organizations such as the Cancer Research Institute to share her immunotherapy success story. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cancer survivor Paul Berman.

Navigating your HR department can be tricky even when you don't have cancer. Young adult survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Jennifer Benz (CEO at Benz Communications) joins us to talk about communicating with Human Resources, understanding your benefits and rights – and making HR work for you. 

Mommy has cancer. Daddy has cancer. How do you talk to your kids? Sharing information about what's going on with your health on an age- appropriate level with your young children is incredibly important and can be overwhelmingly challenging. Jackie Woods (LMSW) joins us to discuss how to start conversations and answer questions about your cancer with the children in your life. Survivor Spotlight on young adult triple-negative breast cancer survivor Rachel Park.

Joe Dolce, former editor-in-chief of Details and Star magazines, traveled the world to the new frontier of cannabis, shedding light on everything you didn't know about weed (and didn't even think to ask) for his new book "Brave New Weed". Joe joins us to discuss his book and get real about the cannabis debate. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Kelly Miragliotta.

Despite Marloe Esch's professional experience as an oncology nurse, navigating her own breast cancer diagnosis at 29 was mystifying and lonely. Marloe joins us to discuss the transition from nurse to patient, getting treated by co-workers, and how she is continually looking for ways to support survivors like her. Survivor spotlight on two-time cancer survivor and aspiring scientist Jay Gadsden.

When Tricia and Greg Russo were researching their options on becoming parents after Trica's breast cancer diagnosis, they were discouraged not to find any helpful video resources online. So, they picked up a camera, assembled a team, and started filming "The Story of Us". Tricia and Greg join us along with Producer/Director Craig to discuss the film project and Tricia and Greg's journey to becoming parents through surrogacy. Survivor Spotlight on young adult ovarian cancer survivor Jen Rachman. 

For over thirty years, Breast Cancer Action — a nonprofit organization — has been seeking to achieve health justice for all women at risk of and living with breast cancer while brilliantly disrupting the landscape around advocacy, cause=marketing and corporate accountability. Joining us are Karuna Jaggar (Executive Director) and Alyssa Figueroa (Campaigns Coordinator) to discuss, among other things, pinkwashing and the not-so-subtle politics of breast cancer. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Jimmy Rancich.

"Die Young With Me" is not a cancer story but an account of a teenager's life becoming derailed and the one thing that helped him pull it back together: music. Rob Rufus, author and the one-lunged, cancer surviving drummer of the Nashville-based Blacklist Royals joins us to discuss his new memoir and how music shaped his survivorship. Survivor Spotlight on young adult colorectal survivor Allison Rosen.

20% of all industry chemicals are regulated for human safety. Yes, it's true — despite decades of progress, harmful chemicals are still lurking in our food, our personal care products and just about everything else you can think of. (ahem: water bottles) We are joined by Michael Green (CEO, Center for Environmental Health) and Nicole Acevedo (Science Director, Environment Health and Safety Department, Beautycounter), to discuss key issues around exposure to chemicals of concern and what you can do to help protect yourself. Survivor Spotlight on Young Adult Breast Cancer Survivor Monique Tremblay.

Diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer as a young, single working woman in 2011, Allison Gryphon has become somewhat of a renaissance survivor and advocate. She is a Huffington Post blogger, a TedX speaker, the director of "What The Fuck Is Cancer And Why Does Everybody Have It?) and will soon be releasing her next book, Blood Moon. She joins us to discuss her story and why she is asking "why" for all the right reasons. Survivor Spotlight on young adult Leukemia Survivor Maria Escalona.

Help Each Other Out is a growing collective that embraces the idea that being there for others is often easier than we think and that it matters. Kelsey Crowe (Founder) joins us to discuss how Help Each Other Out is bringing empathy into public spaces, and the relationship between empathy and cancer. Survivor Spotlight on Kelly Davis.

Writer, actor and young adult cancer survivor Paul Lauden has used his experience to create compelling original content to serve the young adult community. Paul joins us to discuss the art of survivorship and the impact of comedy on the cancer journey. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Melinda Hood.

On the season 18 finale of the Stupid Cancer Show, we are diving into the world of young adult chronic disease, be it cancer, type 1 diabetes, MS or, in this case, lupus. MarlaJan DeFusco, an ePatient lupus advocate, is the blogger behind Luck Fupus and joins us to discuss the day-to-day and long-term struggles of living with multiple chronic diseases. Survivor spotlight on Chris Nolze.

"Rock vs. Cancer" is a feature documentary about John Grabski III, a young adult musician diagnosed with terminal cancer who spends his last days making a rock album with legendary producer Steve Albini. Cancer may have claimed John's body but it never claimed the character, dignity, or music behind the man. Here to talk about the film is Ashlyn Kindberg (Producer, Rock Vs. Cancer) Survivor Spotlight on young adult mesothelioma survivor and blogger Betsy Brockett.

Virtual communities are becoming the go-to source for trusted cancer information and support. To discuss how tweetchats are changing the way young adult cancer patients, survivors and caregivers are connecting, we are joined by Alicia C. Staley (#BCSM tweetchat, Co-founder) and Charlie Blotner (#BTSM Chat Co-founder) Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Casey Shank.

The Fort Worth Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Coalition recently opened the first community-supported AYA oncology inpatient unit in the nation. Dr. Karen Albritton (Medical Director) and Justin Ozuna (Director of Communications and Community Engagement) join us to discuss this game-changing unit and unique young adult-related services provided. Survivor Spotlight on young adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor Erica Campbell.  

Noah Wexler just finished his sophomore year in high school, he also happens to be a 6-year brain cancer survivor. Noah and his family join us to discuss  how they dealt with Noah's diagnosis and GoaH NoaH, an annual walk to raise awareness of the need to find a cure for brain cancer. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cancer survivor Miguel Ramirez.

Dr. Theodora Ross is a leading researcher on cancer susceptibility genes, as well as a practitioner who specialized in treating breast cancer for more than a decade. She now cares for all types of patients who have a family history of cancer and is also a carrier of a cancer-causing mutation. Dr. Ross joins us to discuss her book "A Cancer In The Family" which mixes memoir and science. Survivor Spotlight on young adult breast cancer survivor Katie Campbell.

The Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) is a support and action group for young women in the San Francisco/Bay Area who are living with breast cancer. Joining us to discuss how BAYS provides support through monthly meetings, an online network and community-building events are Meaghan Calcari Campbell (President, BAYS) and Laurie Hessen Pomeranz (Marriage/Family Therapist). Survivor Spotlight on Pro Wakeboarder, adventurer, author and young adult cancer survivor Alexa Score.

Adam Baer is a Los Angeles-based writer, speaker and consultant whose recent op-ed "The Pressure to Say You're OK" has made waves. Adam joins us to discuss how we shouldn't have to pressure medical patients to "promise to fight and/or recover" and the fluidity of illness. Advocate Spotlight on oncology nurse and Founder/CEO of LumpyCards Lexi Timmons.

"Until 20" is a powerful new documentary that tells the inspirational true story of Texas native James Arthur Ragan, who lost his life to osteosarcoma in 2014 as a teenager. Joining us are award-winning journalists and documentary filmmakers Geraldine Moriba and Jamila Paksima to discuss the film project. Survivor Spotlight on Israeli singer-songwriter and young adult survivor Noa Bentor.

CancerCon improves patients lives and has changed the world. We are joined by first-timer attendee Danny Heinsohn who just celebrated his 10th year in remission from brain cancer by competing in Ironman Canada. He recently founded "My Hometown Heroes", a scholarship fund for young adult cancer survivors. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor and fellow CancerCon attendee Bryan Walker.

CancerCon has evolved over nine years to proudly become the largest global event serving the young adult cancer movement. The conference's speakers also reflect the best and the brightest that the industry has to offer. Join us as we welcome CancerCon Speaker Eric Cohen (RN, MS, OCN and Integrative Nutritionist) with our survivor spotlight on young adult survivor Jenny Morgenthaler.

Stupid Cancer prides itself by the company it keeps. This is no better reflected than the many incredible partner organizations who choose to exhibit each year at CancerCon. Joining us for this show, we're welcoming Andrea Schwartz (Executive Director, Dear Jack Foundation,) Krissy Kraczkowsky (Senior Director, Programs, The Ulman Cancer Fund) and Mallory Casperson (Founder & CEO, Lacuna Loft). Advocate Spotlight on CancerCon steering committee member Devshree Khachane.

Caregiving is at the very cornerstone of Stupid Cancer's mission and programs; and CancerCon's agenda reflects this wholeheartedly. To give a sneak peak of what caregivers can expect this April in Denver, we're joined by young adult caregiver Colin Ferro (Director of Operations, Epic Experience) and Jenny Morgan, LCSW (Director of Social Services, Rocky Mountain Hospice.) Caregiver Spotlight on Brent Benson.

"Be Here Now" is a documentary film following the inspiring life and times of the late actor Andy Whitfield (of Starz' Spartacus fame) and his wife Vashti Whitfield. Joining us to discuss the project are Vashti Whitfield and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lilibet Foster. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cervical cancer survivor Erin Skarda Ake.

We're shining a light on the New York Legal Assistance Group. Joining us will be Domna Antoniadis (Attorney, Legal Health)  and Victoria Knight (Survivor) to discuss NYLAG's LegalHealth division which unites medical professionals and the law to improve the lives of clients and their families facing illness. Special guest host and advocacy spotlight Julie Larson, LCSW  

At the height of her career, as an Air Force Colonel and physicist Deanna Won was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was given one month to live. Deanna Joins us to discuss her strong passion for providing help to those who seek to heal in mind, body, and spirit and leading a life of purpose. Survivor spotlight on Hannah Klitsberg.

My Breast Choice is a lifestyle blog and YouTube series that uses humor and honest to explore the impact that a Breast Cancer diagnosis can have on a woman's body, mind and soul. We are joined by survivor/blogger Aniela McGuinness to share her story along with Elisabeth Finch (survivor/writer/essayist) as our survivor spotlight.

In this episode, we're shining a light on our partners at Love, Hope, Strength, the world's leading rock and roll cancer foundation that aims to "Save Lives, One Concert At A Time." How? By hosting on-site bone marrow drives at concerts and festivals across the globe. We're joined by Katie Poppert (VP of Programs) with young adult breast cancer survivor/blogger Chiara D'Agostino. as our spotlight.

The Orange Giraffe Project works in partnership with NYC-based hospitals, museums, art centers and jewelry designers to provide cancer patients and their families to create personalized jewelry. We're joined by Maggie Chang (Co-Founder/President), Stephanie Sheldon (Artist) and Jen Brown (Survivor) to discuss the charity's mission to empower those in need. Survivor Spotlight on Jackie Duvall-Smith.

We're shedding a spotlight on "Grappling for Life," a nonprofit providing FREE training in mixed martial arts to youth of Lake County, Florida. Founders David and Annie Iturrino join us to discuss how Annie's multiple cancer diagnoses led them to  providing support to others to stay on the mats. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Kaitlyn Keely.

Johnny Physical Lives is the story of the secret world of two brothers making a rock n' roll documentary as one goes through treatment for leukemia. When his younger brother Jonathan passes away in the midst of the production, older brother and first-time filmmaker, Joshua must finish the project on his own. Joining us to discuss Johnny Physical Lives are Joshua Neuman (Director) and Pete Lee (Editor and Producer).

On September 2nd, David Richman will begin a 5,000-mile bike tour of the United States in an effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Along his tour de orce he will meet with a variety of people who have been affected by cancer, to write a book. David joins us tonight to share what inspired his upcoming ride and what he hopes to accomplish with his "Cycle of Lives" project. Survivor Spotlight on author and young adult survivor Sophie van der Stap.

CancerCon 2016 is just right around the corner and joining us to give a sneak peek at what's to come are CancerCon 2016 Steering Committee members Chris Stroh and Sharla Moore. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor and PHD student Beth Oppenheim.

The Survivor Fit Club is a group designed to help survivors of illness, disease and trauma, to not only get their bodies and minds back into shape.Joining us is the founder of Survivor Fit Club, personal trainer and breast cancer survivor, Holly Boyce, to discuss impact and importance of health and fitness, and how to battle back from illness mentally and physically. Survivor Spotlight on young adult endometrial cancer survivor Megan Murray.

Sponsored by Seattle Genetics, in this episode of The Stupid Cancer Show, we're tackling the issue of next generation targeted immunotherapy drugs. Joining us to share his expertise is Dr. John Godwin, a leading expert in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and other “new” treatment options for patients with cancer.

When Dave Neway was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer in 2013, he and his partner Luis Freitas's lives were turned upside down. Dave and Luis join us to discuss leveraging all available treatment options, and how life after cancer is definitely different. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor breast cancer survivor and running coach Katie Anderson.

Joy Juice is a non-profit organization that empowers teens and young adults affected by cancer by providing them with fashion makeovers. Joining us is Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor and founder of Joy Juice Danny Alotta to discuss how Joy Juice is helping others face the same experiences he once endured as a teen with cancer. Advocate Spotlight on 3,000 Waves surfer James Bengala. 

When stand-up comedian Jesse Case was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in June, he opted to share his experiences with the world via podcast. Jesse joins us to discuss his now viral podcast "Jesse vs. Cancer". Survivor Spotlight on Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor Jacqueline Piccolo.

Whitney Hadley, a long-term pediatric cancer survivor, spent three years working toward a Ph.D. in Bioethics — only to then pursue an MSW — to explore the importance of the patient narrative in healthcare. She joins us to talk about her story, her career and extraordinary life's work unraveling the young adult cancer movement. Survivor Spotlight on oncology nurse and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor Christine Magnus Moore.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor Nick Ross took notes on his surreal, bizarre experience of being a young adult with cancer. His experiences lead him to create "Highly Evolved Human," a theatrical show and YouTube web series on SoulPancake. Nick joins us to talk about how cancer is represented in the media. Survivor Spotlight on young adult breast cancer survivor Aerial Donovan.

While adoption is an option for many patients who want to build a family after cancer treatment, the process of can be long, difficult and very expensive. Joining us to share their experience and insight into this process are Matt and Heidi Cahill, both of whom are young adult survivors and caregivers to each other. Survivor Spotlight on young adult lymphoma survivor Samantha Stanley.

Bills and co-pays and reimbursements, OH MY! We're going to be talking all things "medical finances" on this episode of The Stupid Cancer Show. Join us as we welcome Jan Nielsen (Vice President, Access and Patient Support at Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions) for an in-depth discussion about life post-Obamacare, navigating patient finances, accessing help from Pharma on co-pays and more.

The metastatic breast cancer experience is often overlooked, misunderstood or silenced by those who fear it due to lack of knowledge and education. Joining us is MJ DeCoteau, (Executive Director and Founder, Rethink Breast Cancer) to discuss the metastatic breast cancer awareness day and what Rethink Breast Cancer is doing to support the metastatic community. Survivor Spotlight on breast cancer survivor Christa Wittmier.

Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier organization dedicated to the unique issues of women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40. Joining us from YSC are young adult breast cancer survivor Jennifer Merschdorf (CEO) and Stacey Lewis (Chief Program Officer and Deputy Chief Executive), to discuss the impact of YSC, the purpose and history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pinkwashing. In the Survivor Spotlight we welcome writer and artist Emily Helck.

Teen cancer. It's a thing and it sucks. Join us on this episode as we welcome teen survivor Brianna Commerford along with her mom Lorraine to get a grasp on what it's like to navigate diagnosis and treatment when you're not a kid and not quite a young adult. In the Survivor Spotlight we welcome teen cancer survivor CJ George.

Pelotonia is a grassroots bike tour with one goal: raise money to fund cancer research. Period. Joining us to discuss the impact Pelotonia has, and the research funded by this three day experience, are Doug Ulman (President & CEO of Pelotonia) and Dr. Michael Caligiuri (Director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center,  CEO The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute) In the Survivor Spotlight, we welcome young adult survivor Madison Miller (Founder, Spark The Way)

Most people struggle to find the right words when someone is facing a serious medical issue, enter Emily McDowell, young adult survivor creator and founder of Emily McDowell Studios and genius behind cancer empathy cards. Emily created her now famous empathy cards in response to the loneliness and isolation she felt during her cancer treatment, when many of her close friends and family members disappeared because they didn't know what to say, or said the absolute wrong thing without realizing it. In the Survivor Spotlight, we welcome young adult survivor and conqueror of the seven Wonders of the World Megan Sullivan.

For our Season 16 finale, we're focusing on the art of survivorship and the impact of music on the cancer journey. Join us as we welcome Angel Rey (singer/songwriter and young adult brain cancer survivor) as he debuts his new single "Stepping Forward" with a live performance! Survivor spotlight on Dance4Healing founder and young adult survivor, nasopharyngeal cancer Amy Li.