Well This Sucks

This week the gals are joined by April Stearns the editor and founder of Wildfire Mag a publication geared towards young women diagnosed with breast cancer! April is an incredible human being who started Wildfire after her experience battling stage 3 breast cancer. She walks us through how she started the mag, how she curates it, how you can submit and more! She also opens up about her own fight, how it's affected her family, coping with fertility loss, the fear of relapse, nutrition, and so much more. April is a wonderful person and an open book. You do not want to miss this ep, or any issues of Wildfire Mag for that matter! Use code WELLTHISSUCKS for 10% off at wildfirecommunity.org ! Please donate to Danielle's GoFundMe! https://www.gofundme.com/help-danielle-to-keep-fighting This week's episode is brought to you by a great new podcast, The Study Buddies! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-study-buddies/id1399925508?mt=2 Again, check out the latest issue of Wildfire Mag & use code WELLTHISSUCKS for 10% off! http://www.wildfirecommunity.org/

This week the gals are joined by art director, pizza boy, & Heather's husband, Bobby Salzano! Find out the juicy details on how Bob & Heather got together, & how he came to know Tana & Danielle (spoilet alert: it was through Heather)! Bob also unpacks how Danielle's cancer diagnosis impacted him, & opens up about his dad's struggle with drug addiction. Danielle shares her relationship with Cannabis & talks about how "everyone's got an opinion". Tana gives us a window into the "nerdy" world of ceramics, & illustrates the importance of seeing everyone's humanity. Heather works through some more of her own issues with her father, & crosses paths with too many coyotes. All this & more! Please donate to Danielle's GoFundMe! https://www.gofundme.com/help-danielle-to-keep-fighting This week's episode is brought to you by a great new podcast, The Study Buddies! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-study-buddies/id1399925508?mt=2 Also, check out the latest issue of Wildfire Mag & use code WELLTHISSUCKS for 10% off! http://www.wildfirecommunity.org/

On the eve of receiving her second dose of her new chemo regimen (carboplatin & gemcitabine), the gals plan what to ask her oncologist. Danielle also gears up for her two trips in September, Cuba and NYC, which brings her to open up about her relationship with her dad. All the gals open up about their families and childhood in today's episode. Also in today's ep, vet visits, Tana's neck boob, spooky dreams, and of course, farting. Please donate to Danielle's GoFundMe! https://www.gofundme.com/help-danielle-to-keep-fighting Check out the latest issue of Wildfire Mag! http://www.wildfirecommunity.org/

As Danielle embarks on another 6 months of chemo (carboplatin & gemcitabine), the gals try to keep track and make sense of it all. They also celebrate Danielle being published in the breast cancer magazine, "Wildfire"! Also also in today's episode, ASMR, ghost stories, an exorcism, and more! Never a dull moment, to say the least. Please donate to Danielle's GoFundMe! https://www.gofundme.com/help-danielle-to-keep-fighting Check out the latest issue of Wildfire Mag! http://www.wildfirecommunity.org/

It's always a fun time with swell folks & ole Florida pals, Disney TV director Ryan Gillis & Sculptor Katie Thoma (from episode 2)! They join the gals on the eve of Danielle's PET scan to discuss what it was like finding out about Danielle's cancer, their own personal family history with cancer, & also have a great time reminiscing about ole Florida. Tana explains what a PET scan is while Danielle opens up about the challenges of being public with her breast cancer. Also in today's ep Katie's thrift store adventures, Tana's Momonism, Heather's butthole ID, Danielle's double hernia, & Ryan loves your film! Be sure to check out today's episode, it's a good time GUARANTEED!

She's a writer, comedian, podcaster, chef, consumer of foods, breather of air, & more! She is the V swell and hilarious Eden Dranger, & this week she joins the gals to discuss her experience losing both her parents to cancer as an only child. She also thoroughly walks everyone through her process of getting a preventive double mastectomy, plus gives tons of other great advice from insurance brokers to genetic testing to tv & film pitches! Also in todays episode masturbation and who's YOUR favorite Jake Gyllenhaal?! Eden is an open book and incredible delight! Join us! Be sure to also check out Eden's podcast "Failing Up"! Eden's IG & Twitter: @eden_eats

"Gastic Adenocarcinoma?! That's a lot of words!" - Danielle Hernandez. This week the gal's are joined by power couple Steven Kopacz (wedding videographer extraordinaire & former drummer for Go Radio) and Spencer Henson (stylist extraordinaire & swell as hell guardian angel gal) to walk us through their incredible experience discovering, treating, and beating (spoiler alert) Steve's stage 3 stomach cancer, and all over the course of about 1 year, AND packed with twists, turns, and misdiagnoses! Holy cow. Danielle and Steve compare notes on what it was like getting their scans and undergoing treatment. Steve and Spencer also discuss their exploration of holistic treatments. Also also Steve and Spencer teach us about fart tests AND dish about how they got engaged! If this isn't a well rounded episode then I don't know what is! Be sure to check out today's episode and wish Steve a happy birthday! Happy birthday Steve! Steve's IG @stevenkopacz Spencer's IG @hazeltogreen_

He's back and he's graduating from vagina school (aka his medical residency)! This week the gals are reunited with OBGYN extraordinaire / swell guy Dr. Nathan Riley from episode 31, "Mama Needs Her Sauce". The gals and Dr. Riley continue their conversation going futher in depth about palliative care, the ketogenic diet, and issues in Western medical culture. Dr. Riley also provides his 10 lifestyle principals to remind us of the simple and instinctual ways we can increase our HEALTHSPAN, which is the new lifespan BTW. Congrats to Dr. Riley for graduating from his residency program! Be sure to sign up for his newsletter at www.gorillist.com/ to receive his excellent recomendations that will help "guide an internal dialogue around mortality, connection, and richness in life".

Danielle opens up about the breast pain she's recently been experiencing & her fear of relapse. She also goes more in depth about her hot flashes & the side effects of Tamoxifen. Heather tells the tale of her latest gyno adventure, & Tana tells the tale of a cyst on her neck (sorry Tana). Also in today's ep, the gals get ready for a trip to NYC for swell gal Hailey Keen's wedding, Danielle & Tana DISH about their adventures in dating, & everyone touches their boobs!

Blogger ("Beyond the Pink Ribbon"), mother, and fellow metavivor, Emily Garnett, joins the gals to discuss her experience also being diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer last year. Like Danielle, Emily is in her early 30's, hormone receptor positive, and HER2 negative. Despite the similarities in their diagnoses, Emily and Danielle compare their differing treatment routes. Emily also opens up about metastatic motherhood, the loss of her fertility, and adjusting to her new normal. You don't want to miss hearing this incredible woman's ongoing journey! Also check out her amazing blog, "Beyond the Pink Ribbon", at https://emilyrgarnett.com and follow her on Instagram @beyondthepinkribbon!

This week the gals are joined by Erin Raeman, an incredible human being and tattoo artist who gives free areola tattoos to breast cancer patients every month! Erin shares how she came to be a tattoo artist, and the obstacles she's faced along the way. She also opens up about the loved one she lost to ovarian cancer, how it affected her family dynamic, & the disturbing dreams it's given her. All this plus a tale about "my perfect murder"?! Check it out, and follow Erin on Instagram @handsomeluke to keep up with her amazing give aways!

This week the gals are joined by the hosts of the awesome Doughboys Podcast, Mike Mitchell (Love, Birthday Boys) & Nick Wiger (Comedy Bang Bang, The Sopranos: Road to Respect)! They dish about how they got involved in comedy in LA, the origin of Doughboys, & unpack their concerns over eating a lot of fast food for their podcast. Mitch also opens up about his dad's battle with pancreatic cancer and the challenges of losing a father, while Danielle recalls the details of going through chemo last year. We laugh, we cry, we reminisce about pogs, & more! Check. It. Out.

Def jam poet, Danielle Hernandez, invites fellow Cubana, hilarious comic, and amazing gal, Lynette Solandazo (IG @TravelingChonga), to join the gals in this V heartfelt AND V fun episode. Lynette shares the story of both her parents' cancer diagnoses and their secrecy about it. The gals also dish about online dating and Danielle opens up about dating with breast cancer. Also, crystals in your bra and successful superstitions?! If this isn't compelling then I don't know what is!

He's an executive producer at Big Breakfast, he's the host of the podcast "I'm Still Right", & he's an all around swell guy! This week, Luke Kelly-Clyne joins the gals to open up about losing his cousin to cystic fibrosis, and how he copes or doesn't cope. They discuss how parents deliver bad news to kids, the impact of losing a child, and so much more. Luke also shares his journey of moving to LA! Also, in today's ep are V hot topics like, Von Dutch hats, N*Sync, & corn rows so you know you don't want to miss this! Today's episode is brought to you by Boobi Butter!

Today the gals are joined by SURVIVOR, Lauri Levine, who takes them through the saga of her recurrent breast cancer. We talk estrogen festivals, mastectomies and mourning the loss of your breast(s), and SO MUCH MORE. If you'd like insight into the unique gamble of treatment options then this episode is for you, as Lauri reminds us, "You have to be confident that the choice you're making is the very best one with the information you have". There's also great advice for loved ones of cancer patients! This is basically the big blockbuster movie of our episodes. With no shortage of twists and turns, you're going to want to hear this! https://community.breastcancer.org is a great resource for cancer patients to connect with one other.

Danielle recaps her latest gyno tale from Ep. 31 because the gals are joined by V special guest, THE Dr. Nathan Riley! Dr. Riley shares how he came to be an OBGYN, his next steps with palliative care, and drops some serious knowledge. They discuss the pressure on doctors to be perfect, the potential societal distrust in medicine, the ketogenic diet, and so much more! Danielle recalls her experience with her first oncologist, Heather bonds with Dr. Riley over the loss of their fathers, and Tana talks about her dense AF breasts. Dr. Riley is truly a delight and inspiration, so you better stop reading this and press play! Today's episode is brought to you by Boobi Butter!

Writer/actor/comedian/cat mom AND fellow amazing Florida gal, Rachel Chapman, joins WTS this week to open up about her dad's battle with colon cancer, and the power of Disney's annual pass. The gals all bond over who their favorite Hanson brother is, the importance of crying (it's science!), and share some of their own dad stories. There's a lot of real talk in this one especially when it comes to Disneyland snacks and space shuttle romances, so you know you don't want to miss out! For even more fun Disney stuff check out Rachel's podcast "Inside the Disney Vault"!

The gals get their learn on and go in depth about THE BRCA GENE, aka the "reason" Danielle has cancer. Danielle goes over the process of getting genetic testing, as well as the process of going to the gyno UNKEMPT. The gals also tackle the tough topic of fertility. Tana asks too many questions, and Heather realizes shes Phoebe from "Friends"!

This week the gals are joined by the multi talented director slash actor slash compassion fashion influencer, Benita Robledo! Benita shares an incredible amount of insight from the transition to directing from acting to her blog, Compassion Fashion, and schools the gals on sustainability and how to be a more conscious consumer! Benita also opens up about her earliest memory facing cancer, her personal struggle with OCD, and her general distaste for neck tattoos. Tana opens up about her own personal health concerns, while Heather and Danielle make some doctor's appointments.

Danielle's BFF4Lz, Vanessa, calls in from Miami to chat with the gals about how she felt finding out about Danielle's breast cancer, and to reminisce about the pre-social media days where you had to steal your parents camcorder to make "content". Vanessa also schools the gals on the inner workings of Zumba, the importance of finding a job you like, and most importantly, the woes of damaged floors. Also are there aliens in Palm Springs?!

Actress Raiza Licea joins the gals and reminisces with Danielle about their time growing up together in Miami! She also opens up about her own personal hardships, and how she copes. The gals discuss how cancer among "young" people doesn't feel uncommon, as well as the current options for testing. Also in this ep mean nuns, Cuban Vegetarianism, and Mr. Kluth! Be sure to catch our ride or die, Raiza, playing basketball with the #LucilleBallers AND hosting her monthly UCB show, Spanish Aquí Presents!

The gals share their experiences hitting puberty and developing their BOOBS. They also get ready to shred the gnar because their Big Trip to Big Bear (in honor of Danielle's year since being diagnosed) is coming up! Danielle also talks about how accommodating her job still is, and her fluctuating energy levels, while anticipating an upcoming PET Scan. Heather reveals her stint in the pageant world, and apparently Tana knows how to cheer everyone up!

Welcome to the first episode in Danielle's new apartment! Danielle fills the gals in on her latest visit with Dr. Kwan, recaps what happens once you find a lump, and discusses her plan to find real answers about her fertility. Heather asks Danielle questions about group therapy, and also works through some feelings of her own. While Tana provides the hottest tips on caring for your cast iron, & where to get the best donuts in LA (Ms. Donut)! Also in this ep, developments on their gals getaway, their guest wish-list, and most important, hot celebrity gossip about Dave Grohl! OH, and lest we forget, an important message from Pickle, Danielle's cat.

The gals are joined by writer, actor, comedian, Anna Salinas, who is also the talent behind @badcomixbyanna (look her up on IG!). Anna is a great friend of the gals who is also Heather's comedy partner (they go by John Baxter Comedy and host a show at The Clubhouse in LA called the Pickle Hour AND are the current champions of UCB's Sketch Showdown - shameless plug forgive me!). Anna comes on to share her own personal experience of when her dad was diagnosed with cancer. Danielle talks about her first group therapy session! Tana talks about her dad, and former life as a girl scout. And Heather desperately needs to find a gyno! ALSO, stick around after the credits for some hot celeb gossip, AND REMEMBER as Danielle quoting "Teen Wolf" quoting Winston Churchill says, "If you're going through hell, keep going!"

Jackie Johnson, actress and host of the greatest beauty podcast Natch Beaut, joins the gals to talk not only skin care and cosmetics, but also share stories of moving to LA, going Vegan, Chooch, Disneyland and so much more! Danielle opens up to Jackie about her diagnosis, treatment regimen, and self confidence as she approaches a year since being diagnosed. Tana discloses how she snagged a mammogram, and Heather finally learns "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt". This episode will snatch your life into pieces, and if you don't know what that means then you better check out Natch Beaut Podcast and come back to us right after because Jacki J is one helluva hilarious gal!

Swell Mama Toni joins the gals this week to talk pregnancy, birthin' babies, & of course BEWBZ! Danielle opens up about wanting children, and her fears surrounding her genetics and fertility. Toni shares her own experiences of loss. Tana discovers new found appreciation for her mom. And Heather tells the tale of how she landed her first Bob! This episode is jam packed with bravery, vulnerability, and rumors about Elvis Presley - you won’t be disappointed!

Periods, menopause, pap smears, and therapy! The gals really seize the day in this one, and discuss the steps they are taking toward all their healths! Heather swears by Manuka Honey, while Danielle reveals some excellent cancer support resources. Tana opens up about a breakup, but most important, the gals learn how to grapefruit.

The gals catch up on what they did for NYE (hot hot goss!), and begin planning a gals getaway. Danielle opens up about her body image issues and the steps she's taking towards her emotional recovery. The gals gripe about the errands of adulthood, but most importantly the gals all open up about their PUBES! Also, spoiler alert, old man Britney Spears makes a cameo!

Heather delivers some major news, while Tana delivers some major caughs! Danielle reviews the gals' homework, and they reminisce about their previous New Year's adventures. The gals also reflect on their whirlwind of a year, PLUS Danielle corrects a major Harry Potter snafu!

The gals catch up after Heather's return from abroad. Danielle & Tana get ready for their trip to Disney World (Happy Birthday Hailey)! Danielle also provides a status update, & talks tumor markers! Tana talks about her recent trip to Florida!! Heather reveals she speaks many languages!!! The gals make Christmas plans!!!! AND BONUS there's a couple spooky stories in this one!!!!! Finally, Danielle gives Heather & Tana HOMEWORK, while Little Bob gives all of them a piece of his mind.

Vanessa Lavorato, gal pal and creator of Marigold Sweets, continues to educate the gals on the goings on of Cannabis, and gets Danielle to open up about fertility, dating, and the transition back to “regular life”! Tana sparks a discussion about a hot conspiracy theory. Heather has a coughing fit for no particular reason. Also on the floor are prophecies, THC suppositories, teen angst stories, and SPOILER ALERT Vanessa reveals that she’s been Cher this whole time!

This week on WTS we are joined by the one and only deliciously talented Vanessa Lavorato. Creator of Marigold Sweets and of Viceland’s Bong Appétit fame, Vanessa talks to us about all things cannabis baybee! Oils vs. edibles vs. smoking. Medicinal benefits. And Vanessa’s cannabis culinary arts origin story. Boy are you in for a TREAT (- but be careful how many grams you eat)!

Tana recalls how OG Swell Gal, Hailey Keen got introduced to the group. Hailey discusses how she felt when she first heard Danielle's news. Danielle opens up about discovering your Patronus, and her decision making process with treatment options. Ultimately, the gals get excited for an upcoming Orlando reunion, and Heather introduces a new game called, "Vulgarmort".

Wise guy Hailey Keen joins the gals of WTS and “HO BOOOOY” does she not disappoint. Hailey shares her recent boob experience and (not so recent) struggles with anxiety. We find out the true reason why bras have 3 clasps. Other topics include: angry anonymous notes, guerrilla forging and healing oil. Why aren’t you listening yet?!

Don't pour your own wine & fill the house with lemons because the gals get superstitious! Danielle is apprehensive about facing her surgery options, & opens up about her plans being disrupted. Tana opens up about not knowing what she wants, & the power of positive thinking. Heather opens up about the sweet deals at Costco, & doesn't cry BUT SOMEONE DOES! Better listen up because "excuse me, your life is waiting!"

A very special episode packed with insight & inspiration! The gals are joined by super rad dude & amazing dad, Eric Capone, who's son, Noah, has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Eric shares his family's experience & also provides great info about LA Children's Hospital, Cannakids, stage 4 success stories, & more! Eric & the gals also bond over being street kids, moving to LA, & Jaguar Jumpsuits! Please donate to their gofundme! https://www.gofundme.com/zcshrd-noahs-fight

Danielle reflects on her experience watching Hollywood's depiction of cancer. The gals open a dialogue about exploring alternative treatments, and Danielle hesitates using "healing oil". MOST IMPORTANT, however, the gals shoot the shit about Solange dreams, laundry drama, and Whataburger! Also, what's Erik Von Detten up to? He up? 

"It" at the Arclight! Solange at the Hollywood Bowl! The gals discuss their fun adventures and deliver great news! Danielle gets vulnerable about what's next. Tana schools us on heavy metal. Also, don't google sepsis.

Part 2 of Violet's visit! Danielle & Violet go over their methods to tame the Pink Devil's side effects. Danielle reveals some positive news! Heather feels up Danielle, and Violet drops some hard wisdom. Also, who is Mario Casas?! ONLY ONE WAY TO FIND OUT.

Violeta's (Danielle's mom) in the house! She shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer 21 years ago and the importance of having a strong support system. Danielle and Heather exchange childhood tales, express their excitement about joining the Feral Audio family, and gush over Violeta's cooking. Also cats! Ay que cute!

Fluctuating boobs! Pubic hair! Breast milk ice cream! The gals juggle all the hot topics in this one! But in all seriousness, Danielle goes over her new symptoms on “The Pink Devil”, walks us through the day she got biopsied, and answers a tough question. Also, Heather reels from a not-so-good audition, and Tana teaches us to love cooking!

BFFz4L Lauren and Tyler join Danielle and Heather while Tana’s in J-Tree! The gals discuss day 1 of “The Pink Devil”, and press their pals on how they felt when they learned of Danielle’s breast cancer. The gang reminisces further about their FSU days, and get real vulnerable about expectations, getting older, and farts.

Reeling from the not-so-good news, Tana dives deeper into her feelings. The gals discuss their experience with physical pain and empathy, and the importance of living for today. Heather gets a pep talk, and Danielle's a f***ing badass.

The gals call Danielle’s mom (Violet) to give her some not-so-good news. They discuss their individual ways of receiving and dealing with bad news. Danielle talks about the importance of finding the right oncologist. And Heather cries … again. 

The gals go over their Tallahassee trip, and the importance of turning off. Danielle touches on the mixed emotions of awaiting test results, the cost of tests, & the relief her youcaring fund brings. Also, a V important discussion about moist towelettes aka "booty wipes"! 

The gals discuss the benefits of social media, and the rigmarole of chemo day. Danielle reflects on her struggles with anxiety, depression, and ADD. Episode ends on ANOTHER MAJOR CLIFF HANGER when Violet (Danielle's mom) text's them! Also, should we get "No Regrets" tattoos?

Part 2 of our first ep! Surprise visit from swell folks Ryan & Katie! Tana goes to unique camp while Danielle spends a weekend rollin' solo. The gals discuss drinking, coming to terms with the "Stage 4" label, and wig life. They also plan their upcoming trip back to FSU! Music by Tom Oddo - Photo by Lauren Naylor - Poster by Bob Salzano - Original caligraphy by Danielle Hernandez herself - Produced by Heather Higginbotham Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe @ smarturl.it/wellthissucks Like what you hear? Try Fear Based Life @ hyperurl.co/fbl Oh! Check out our survey @ smarturl.it/survey4feral"

Hi! Danielle goes over her diagnosis. The gals reminisce about how they all met, & reflect on how they felt when they discovered Danielle has breast cancer. Heather's house gets broken into. Episode ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger when Ryan shows up! Music by Tom Oddo - Photo by Lauren Naylor - Poster by Bob Salzano - Original caligraphy by Danielle Hernandez herself - Produced by Heather Higginbotham Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe @ smarturl.it/wellthissucks Like what you hear? Try Fear Based Life @ hyperurl.co/fbl Oh! Check out our survey @ smarturl.it/survey4feral"