Podcasts about inside today

Erika Giovanniello was diagnosed at 32 with breast cancer. She is a camper, backpacker, Frenchie dog mom, and a nurse anesthetist who has made the transition from healthcare provider to patient. In this episode, Erika reads her essay “Decision Fatigue” from the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about wanting to be a part of the life milestones her friends are experiencing, but she has to do cancer instead. April and Erika will discuss the complexity of decision making, being included in decisions by medical staff, quality of life decisions, and how cancer impacted Erika's approach to her healthcare career going forward. They will also discuss dressing a flat chest. Contains explicit language.More about Erika: https://www.instagram.com/thirtyflirtyandflat/Busting Free: https://amandasavagebrown.com/busting-free/Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Amy Austin returns to The Burn for a second visit. Amy was diagnosed with Stage IV de novo breast cancer at 34 after initially being misdiagnosed with a complex benign cyst. She is the third in a direct family line to be diagnosed with breast cancer without a known genetic link. In this episode Amy reads her poem “In Praise of Quiet Advocacy” from the 2024 “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her poem is about the role of “quiet” advocacy in supporting individuals living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). April and Amy will discuss what quiet advocacy means, the importance of being seen and seeing other young breast cancer patients, and the impact of friendships when sharing an MBC diagnosis. Amy will also share how her poem came to be with the support of another MBC friend, and the writing prompts that are all around us.More about Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amy_r_austin/Purchase the “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterListen to another episode featuring Amy: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/997971a0-b861-4698-aca8-7f4b82c90056Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Shelley Moreno returns to The Burn for a second visit. Shelley was diagnosed in 2012 with Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a writer, speaker and intuitive healer for pets and people. Shelley is currently writing a book and gives animal communication and intuitive coaching sessions. She lives in Los Angeles with her son Kai and their beloved cat Ollie. In this episode Shelley reads her piece “My Side” from the 2024 “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her essay is about coming to terms with a difficult childhood and what is ultimately most healing for a daughter moving forward. April and Shelley will discuss the courage it takes to write about difficult relationships, communicating with your inner child, and the Death Mother archetype. More about Shelley:https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5hWYvvTuTOxBaa3mzH4iG8C5lfRJsixzBpyg0/?img_index=1https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1121613767Purchase the “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Deltra James was diagnosed at 33 with de novo Stage IV, Triple Negative MBC. She is a New England based mama, poet, patient advocate, and co-host of the Empowered Intimacy podcast. In this episode Deltra reads her piece “For Now is As Good As Forever: Dating with Advanced Breast Cancer” from the 2024 “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her essay is about one woman's experience of dating alongside her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, and podcasting about it. April and Deltra will discuss being open to sharing cancer stories, cancer's impact on established relationship vows, dating new people after cancer, and empowered intimacy challenges after cancer. This episode contains sexual content.More about Deltra:https://www.instagram.com/deltra_does_it/https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQqB9UtXWxPio1JOyDBTn-sA4TIuPRa2o&si=kIXAwVFtnG6mXD7FMore about our episode sponsor Rethink Breast Cancer:https://www.instagram.com/rethinkbreastcancer/https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/find-community?utm_campaign=featured_banner_THERETHINKNETWORK&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbioPurchase the “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Is natural hydrogen the next big boom? In this episode of The Hydrogen Podcast, we cover three fascinating developments shaping the hydrogen economy—from massive new discoveries to fun, futuristic tech.

This week we're sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a pause from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy a spring break with our loved one. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from January 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!Sondra Price was diagnosed at 20, 24, and 28 with malignant phyllodes tumors that led to two lumpectomies, a bilateral mastectomy, implant reconstruction, and an explant to flat closure. She found her way to flat closure on her chest the long way around, and because of that, she's now a fierce advocate for others to truly know what their breast surgery options are. Because the truth is, if you don't know your options, you don't really have any. In this episode, Sondra reads her piece “The Road to Advocacy” from Wildfire Magazine's 2020 “Changemakers” issue.More about Sondra: https://www.instagram.com/sondrarprice/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Emily Voreas was diagnosed at 33 with Stage IIIb breast cancer, and also carries the BRCA2 gene. Emily has a Masters in Elementary Education and currently works as a reading interventionist. In this episode she reads her poem “Where does the story end?” from the 2024 “Family” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her poem is about four generations of women and cancer. April and Emily will discuss family cancer legacies, fertility, aesthetic flat closure, and the evolving advocacy in each generation of breast cancer. More about Emily: https://www.instagram.com/flatnfierce/Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

In this episode you are going to hear a collection of short pieces we are dubbing “Flash Memoir” from our archives. These are little gems we've published in Wildfire Magazine, read for you by April Stearns. We have 9 years of published stories in our archives that are just too good not to share. In the past we used to do a call for submissions for short form stories with a very specific prompt in mind. We would get back some very impactful bite-size vignettes - not long enough to be a full essay. This collection of dense & sparkling flash memoir pieces comes from our 2020 “Survivorship” issue of Wildfire Magazine. The writing prompt was “Dear Pre-Cancer Me” with pieces written by Mackenzie Rockcastle, Tiffany Dyba, Kristie Vinopoll and Julie Gauvin. Purchase the “Survivorship” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-survivorship20Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Chelsee Wilson was diagnosed at 29 with Stage IIIa, Triple Positive breast cancer. She is now 5+ years out from diagnosis. Chelsee lives in Oklahoma with her husband and loves baking, crocheting, reading and writing. In this episode she reads her essay “The Power of No” from the 2022 “Identity & Aftermath” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Her story is about one woman's quest to break cycles. April and Chelsee will discuss protecting mental health, mental health outlets, quality of life and the biggest challenges of long-term survivorship. They will also discuss what books they are reading.More about Chelsee: https://www.instagram.com/chelseelior/This episode was brought to you in collaboration with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=tshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAgPurchase the “Identity & Aftermath” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc22Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Bethany Adair was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II breast cancer, and is now living with Stage IV metastatic disease. She is a mindset coach, speaker, MBC thriver and author of My Guru Cancer. In this episode, Bethany reads her piece “A Letter to My Greatest Guru” from Wildfire Magazine's 2023 “MBC: Lesson Learned” issue. Her essay is about viewing a cancer experience as an opportunity to grow into an authentic version of yourself. April and Bethany will talk about how Bethany became a writer, reframing thoughts and the ongoing practice of living alongside cancer. More about Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/mygurucancer/?hl=enhttps://bethanywebb.com/mygurucancer/blog-my-guru-cancer/This episode was brought to you in collaboration with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=tshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAgPurchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23If you liked this episode, you might like “A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d235ba-6267-410c-ab29-c0abbc9bde27/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine:

Bitcoin trading near $81,000 with risk of falling to $63,000 if support failsEthereum dropped below $2,000 with potential decline to $1,500 if $1,800 support breaksSolana facing a "death cross" with bearish pressure below $124Ethereum ETFs saw $22 million in outflows, marking fifth consecutive day of declinesTaproot Wizards planning first public sale on March 25 for 0.2 BTC eachPi Network price rising despite centralization and transparency concernsSpeculation grows over BlackRock's potential entry into XRP ETF applicationsTrump administration proposes US Crypto Strategic Reserve to hold various cryptocurrenciesCardano holding at 200DMA but faces potential decline to $0.27-$0.41 range

Meaghan Calcari Campbell returns to The Burn for another episode. Meaghan was diagnosed at 32 with Stage II, Triple Positive breast cancer in 2012. And then again in 2015 with DCIS and the ATM+ gene. Meaghan works in philanthropy and ocean conservation, and is a proud member of the Bay Area Young Survivors. Meaghan's writing has been published in the four Bay Area Young Survivors anthologies, Wildfire Magazine, The Isolation Journals, and Lake: Diving Deep (The Pandemic Issue). She continues squeezing all that she can out of this one wild and precious life with her husband and post-cancer miracle daughter. Meaghan reads her story “How is Your Body Today?” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Her essay is about an innocent chance question posed by a stranger who had no idea about Meaghan's cancer diagnosis. April and Meaghan will discuss what collecting means when it comes to cancer, taking control of your cancer narrative, aging and experiencing cancer a second time around.More about Meaghan: https://www.instagram.com/calcarious/https://keepingabreast.me/This episode was brought to you in collaboration with Cancer Free Haven.https://www.instagram.com/cancer.free.haven/https://cancerfreehaven.com/Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24If you liked this episode, you might like “When Cancer Clarifies with Meaghan Calcari Campbell”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d0ac2c-0dbc-42b3-b8a1-16efaa3e7b56/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine:...

Jen Pogue returns to The Burn for another episode. Jen is an actor and producer living in Toronto, Canada. She was diagnosed at 37 with de novo Stage IV Triple Negative metastatic breast cancer. Jen reads her story “Revenge” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “MBC: Advocacy” issue. Her essay is about being overlooked by a doctor and the importance of sharing your story. April and Jen will discuss the role rage plays in advocacy, being raised to accept what doctors say and what the word survivorship means to those living alongside cancer. More about Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jpo_and_co/This episode was brought to you in collaboration with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=tshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAgPurchase the “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc24If you liked this episode, you might like “My Life is a Movie with Jen Pogue”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d0ac2c-0dbc-42b3-b8a1-16efaa3e7b56/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Ever feel like your budget is running you instead of the other way around? Today, we're bringing in Shaun Morgan from The Teacher Money Show and Kristin Wade, budgeting coach at My Budget Coach, to help you flip the script. They'll share how tracking your expenses is the first (and easiest) step toward financial freedom, why budgeting shouldn't feel like punishment, and how to make your money work without the guilt. But wait—there's more! We're diving into creative ways to gamify saving, some unexpected solutions for real estate dilemmas (hint: selling isn't your only option), and why sometimes renting out your home might be the smarter move. And of course, we sprinkle in some personal stories, real-life lessons, and a few side tangents that may or may not include baseball, beer trends, and an ode to Steve Jobs. What's Inside Today's Episode: Budgeting Basics: How to make your spending work for you. Tracking Expenses 101: The first step toward a stress-free financial plan. Finding the Right Budgeting Tools: What actually works? Gamifying Your Finances: How to make saving and budgeting fun (yes, fun!). Accountability & Motivation: Why most people quit budgeting—and how to stick with it. Turning Real Estate Woes Into Wins: If your house won't sell, here's what to do next. Renting vs. Selling: When keeping your home might be the smarter play. Running a Business on a Budget: The hidden costs and how to stay profitable. Community Shoutouts & Listener Feedback: Your wins, your questions, and more. Random Topic: Cancun adventures and off-the-cuff fun. Key Takeaways from the Episode: ✔️ Budgeting doesn't mean restriction—it means intentional spending. ✔️ Tracking your money is like using a GPS—it keeps you from getting lost. ✔️ Real estate has more options than just “sell or stay put.” Renting could be a game-changer. ✔️ You don't have to budget alone. The right tools and accountability partners make all the difference. ✔️ Even Cancun has budgeting lessons. (Or at least a few good stories.) Tune in now and take the first step toward mastering your budget—without making it feel like a chore. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-take-control-of-your-budget-1648 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever experienced the gut-wrenching moment of losing a job—or worried about what you'd do if it happened? Today, we tackle how to prepare, what to do immediately, and the smartest moves to protect your finances if your job ever disappears. From building an emergency fund to making the most of employer benefits, we'll walk you through the steps to keep your financial house in order when life throws a curveball. But that's not all. Estate planning gets a shake-up thanks to the new Secure Act 2.0, and we're diving into what it means for inherited Roth IRAs (hint: the government has new rules, and you'll want to know them). And because we can't resist a good detour, we also explore the real cost of horse ownership (spoiler: it's more than just hay money) and why tide pooling is more financially educational than you'd think. All that, plus trivia, TikTok wisdom (or nonsense), and plenty of lively discussion from the basement crew. What's Inside Today's Episode: Job Loss Survival Guide: How to prepare before, during, and after a layoff. Emergency Fund Essentials: Why you need one (and how much is enough). Navigating Employer Benefits: Making the most of what's available before you leave. Secure Act 2.0 & Estate Planning: The new rules around inherited Roth IRAs. Trivia & The TikTok Minute: Because questionable financial advice is always worth dissecting. Horse Stackers & Expensive Hobbies: Ever wonder what it really costs to own a horse? We break it down. Tide Pooling Adventures: A financial lesson wrapped in sea creatures and crashing waves. Key Takeaways from the Episode: ✔️ Job security is a myth—be ready. Build that emergency fund, update your resume, and keep networking. ✔️ Your employer's benefits might be your hidden lifeline. Know what's available before you walk out the door. ✔️ Secure Act 2.0 changes estate planning. If you're inheriting a Roth IRA, don't assume the old rules apply. ✔️ Horses aren't just expensive—they're financial black holes. But that won't stop people from trying. ✔️ Tide pooling might be the best investment lesson in disguise. Patience, observation, and avoiding getting pinched—it's practically a stock market metaphor. Tune in now to make sure you're financially prepared—whether it's for job loss, estate planning changes, or just the unexpected expenses of a very expensive hobby. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/spring-cleaning-your-estate-plan-1646 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode's guest is Wildfire's own Angela Firman - back for a second visit! She helps edit each issue of the magazine. Angela was diagnosed initially at 33 with Stage III hormone-positive breast cancer and she is now living with Stage IV metastatic disease. Angela is an avid reader, a closet-cross-stitcher, and a fervent writer. She also serves on the board of The Pink Boat Regatta - a local sailboat race and community dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research. In addition to working at Wildfire Magazine, Angela is an Associate Editor for Yellow Arrow Publishing, and her nonfiction writing has been published in Open Minds Quarterly, You Might Need To Hear This, and Press Pause. Angela reads her piece “A Train to Nowhere” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Her essay is about how sometimes cancer significantly changes a career path. April and Angela will discuss writing memoir in the third person, when suffering brings joy and living with MBC versus dying from MBC.More about Angela: https://www.instagram.com/angelafirman11/More about After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=tshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAgPurchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24If you liked this episode, you might like “Looking Beyond the Veil with Angela Firman, too: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7630add0-ded8-43c0-9ad5-cacad940fd5b/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

Feeling stuck in your financial plan—or maybe just in life in general? Whether it's your money, career, or day-to-day habits, a little innovation can go a long way. Today, we're breaking down how to rethink and restructure your approach to financial planning and work-life balance using lessons from Microsoft (yes, the Xbox folks). Dean Carignan and JoAnn Garbin insights on how to build a system for innovation—because the best financial plans (and lives) aren't built by accident. Meanwhile, a woman was scammed out of her savings, and a major financial company had to pay a fine—even though they didn't actually rip her off. What happened? And what does it mean for how we protect our own money? We'll break it all down. Elsewhere in the episode, we discuss why trusted contact forms are crucial for safeguarding elderly relatives' finances, how OG wants you to rethink your daily money habits, and why the Xbox case study holds lessons for designing a better financial plan. Plus, Doug has thoughts on podcast innovation, trivia, and—because it wouldn't be a proper basement gathering without it—a hot take or two. What's Inside Today's Episode: A Woman Gets Scammed, But Who Pays the Price? A big financial firm faces a fine—without actually doing anything wrong. The Xbox Case Study: What Microsoft's innovation strategy can teach you about structuring your financial future. Financial Planning Innovations: Why thinking like an engineer (or a game developer) might help you build a better plan. Rethinking Your Everyday Financial Habits: OG's take on how small changes lead to big results. Trusted Contact Forms & Safeguarding Elderly Relatives: A simple but powerful tool to prevent financial disasters. Charitable Giving Strategies: How to give smarter, not just more. Doug's Trivia Time: A deep dive into financial (and podcast) innovation—because why not? Building a Network in Retirement: Why relationships matter just as much as money when designing your post-work life. Key Takeaways from the Episode: You can't just wing it with your finances. Microsoft doesn't build Xbox consoles on a whim—your financial future needs the same level of structured innovation. Don't assume big financial firms will protect you. A major company had to pay up even though they weren't the scammers—learn how to protect yourself before something happens. Small financial tweaks can make a massive difference. Just like product innovations, incremental changes in your money habits can lead to big wins over time. Retirement isn't just about the money. You need a network, a purpose, and a strategy—or you'll find yourself wealthier but bored out of your mind. Tune in now to learn how to bring structured innovation into your finances, career, and life! FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/the-importance-of-innovation-1645 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just when you thought Wall Street had run out of ways to package up risky investments and slap a shiny label on them—here we go again. Today, Joe and OG break down yet another overcomplicated, high-fee, and completely unnecessary financial product. Whether it's preying on investor fears, promising market-proof returns, or just outright nonsense, we'll help you spot the warning signs before you end up with a portfolio full of regret. But that's not all. A viral TikTok tip about hiring your family members for tax benefits has been making the rounds, so we'll dive into whether this is actually a genius tax strategy or just another case of the internet handing out half-baked financial advice. Plus, a listener asks about breaking into financial planning, and we lay out what it really takes—beyond the certifications and credentials (spoiler: sales skills matter). And Doug brings us a trivia question about one of the greatest art heists in history, proving that sometimes the best investment is knowing how to disappear with the Mona Lisa. Also: Joe saw ‘Wicked' and has thoughts—mostly about how much better Wonka was. What's Inside Today's Episode: The Latest Wall Street Gimmick: A financial product you definitely don't need. Understanding Risky Investments: How to tell if an ETF, structured note, or annuity is actually worth your time. Hiring Family for Tax Benefits: A TikTok tax hack that might actually work—if you follow the rules. Trivia Time with Doug: One of the most famous art heists in history. Breaking Into Financial Planning: What it takes to switch careers and make it in the industry. Community Feedback & Upcoming Episodes: A sneak peek at what's coming next (including our Valentine's Day special). Episode Highlights: What's in a Name? The ridiculous branding that makes bad investment products sound good. Bitcoin Meets Structured Protection: The ETF that no one asked for but someone, somewhere, will buy. Hiring Your Kids for Tax Savings: A loophole with some very real fine print. How to Become a Financial Planner: Beyond certifications—why understanding people (and sales) matters. Doug's Trivia: If you could steal any piece of art, what would it be? Asking for a friend. Joe's ‘Wicked' Review: Spoiler: Wonka was better. Huge Resource Mentioned in This Episode: Want to learn more about structured investments? (Just kidding, you really don't.) Tune in now and learn how to dodge the latest Wall Street nonsense while making smarter money moves. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/new-crypto-etfs-1643 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keri Smith is a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor living in Upstate New York. She was diagnosed at 37 with hormone positive breast cancer and is living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In this episode, Keri reads her essay “Showing Up” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Keri's piece is about simultaneously receiving a long deserved promotion and a cancer diagnosis all at the same time. April and Keri will discuss navigating mixed emotions of celebration and devastation, the ways cancer is a thief, scheduling time to talk about cancer and using writing to process through cancer. This episode contains explicit language.More about Keri: https://www.instagram.com/keris113/Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24If you liked this episode, you might like “A Guest Room with MBC” with Erin Weiss:https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d235ba-6267-410c-ab29-c0abbc9bde27/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Kassi Sullivan was diagnosed at 35 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Kassi is a social worker who thrives on humor, sarcasm, caffeine and true crime. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and children. In this episode, Kassi reads her essay “Authentically Me” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Kassi's piece is about one woman's struggle to be a mental health specialist for others while tending to her own needs related to her breast cancer experience. April and Kassi will discuss the challenges of working with students while living with cancer, loving yourself through changes, things Kassi would tell her younger self and advice for those working while living with MBC. More about Kassi: https://www.instagram.com/kassi_v27/Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Ever wondered if you're better off building your own target date fund instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all option? We're diving into whether crafting your own investment mix is worth the effort, potentially saving you fees and giving you more control over your portfolio. But even the pros get it wrong sometimes—just ask Vanguard. We're covering the major settlement they're facing over misleading statements about taxes and target date funds, proving that even the big guys make costly mistakes. Meanwhile, a listener asks a great question about balancing tax optimization with financial flexibility—because what good is a perfectly tax-efficient plan if it ties your hands when you need cash? Plus, Doug takes us back to the origins of the gasoline-driven automobile, and there's even an unexpected run-in with a Supreme Court justice (because why not?). And of course, we've got a TikTok moment that'll have you questioning life choices and a few financial misconceptions that might just make you rethink your approach to money. What's Inside Today's Episode: Vanguard's Costly Mistake: The settlement every investor should know about. Understanding Mutual Fund Taxes: How taxes sneak up on your investments. DIY Target Date Funds: Pros, cons, and when to consider building your own. Trivia Time with Doug: The surprising story behind the gasoline-driven car. The TikTok Minute: Financial advice that may (or may not) be worth your time. Financial Flexibility vs. Tax Optimization: Finding the balance in your strategy. Community Announcements & Meetups: Where to find us next. Episode Highlights: Vanguard's Legal Trouble: What happened, and what it means for investors. Mutual Fund Taxation: Avoiding unexpected tax bills. Should You Build Your Own Target Date Fund? We break down the numbers. Listener Q&A: How to stay tax-efficient while keeping access to your cash. Doug's Trivia: Who REALLY built the first gasoline-powered car? An Unexpected Supreme Court Encounter: Because that's just how things go around here. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Vanguard's target date fund settlement in our show notes: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/vanguard-target-retirement-trouble-1637 Read up on mutual fund tax strategies and more by signing up for our 201 newsletter! https://stackingbenjamins.com/201 Tune in now and get the insights you need to build a smarter investment strategy—without falling into costly traps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Debbie Kerr was diagnosed at 49 with Stage II breast cancer in 2011. She is a Business Systems Consultant living outside Toronto, Canada. In this episode, Debbie reads her essay “Rosanne” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Debbie's piece is about working through cancer treatment, and how her employer accommodated, but then eventually laid her off. During her layoff process she experiences an interesting twist with an unexpected encounter resulting in a big impact. April and Debbie will talk about working as a lifeline during treatment, using humor in hard times, long-term survivorship and the cancer related PTSD nobody talks about. This episode is dedicated to Debbie's friend Ann. More about Debbie: https://www.instagram.com/debbieakerr/https://www.laughterandcancer.com/Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Do financial boogeymen haunt your dreams? You're not alone. Today, we're diving into the worries that keep even the most seasoned finance nerds up at night. From concerns about index fund concentration to the fear of market manipulation and obsession with asset allocation, this episode tackles it all with insight and a healthy dose of perspective. Joining Joe and OG in the basement is an all-star panel: Paula Pant from Afford Anything, Jesse Cramer from Best Interest, and Dr. Jordan Grumet from Earn and Invest. Together, they'll share strategies to conquer financial fears by staying calm, focusing on the big picture, and sticking to sound investment principles. And don't miss the kickoff of the year-long Stacking Benjamins Trivia Challenge! It's packed with brain-busting questions, lively debates, and, yes, the occasional cat butt reference (because it's still the basement, after all). What's Inside Today's Episode: Meet the Contributors: Paula, Jesse, and Dr. Grumet join the crew. Index Fund Concentration: Are index funds too risky? The panel weighs in. Addressing Financial Fears: From market scams to fraud and manipulation, here's how to keep your cool. Trivia Challenge Kickoff: A brand-new Stacking Benjamins tradition begins. Market Efficiency and Insider Trading: Can you really beat the market? Asset Allocation Obsession: Why overthinking your portfolio can be your worst enemy. Upcoming Episodes: What's next on the Stacking Benjamins calendar? Highlights from the Episode: Index Fund Concentration: The crew discusses whether having too much of the market in a few big players is a recipe for disaster. Financial Fears: Practical advice for keeping anxiety at bay when market volatility hits. Market Scams and Frauds: How to spot them and protect yourself. Trivia Time: A heated debate over billionaire counts, complete with unforgettable banter. Asset Allocation: Tips for avoiding paralysis by analysis and focusing on long-term strategies. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Learn more from Paula Pant at Afford Anything. Explore Jesse Cramer's insights at Best Interest. Dive into Dr. Jordan Grumet's conversations at Earn and Invest. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/financial-worries-and-what-to-do-about-it-1635 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Tune in now and learn how to leave your financial fears in the dust while keeping your money goals on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Returning guest Kate Rowbotham was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Kate is a Professor and an Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning. She is learning how to be an empty-nester, and enjoys traveling with her partner to both her daughter's hockey games and her son's volleyball games. In this episode, Kate reads her essay “Finding Purpose in Paradox” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Kate's piece is about one woman's career decisions following her cancer diagnosis. April and Kate will discuss masking, searching for a job during treatment, and what inspired Kate to email April about creating a work themed issue of Wildfire Magazine.More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katerowb/Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Listen to another episode with Kate: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Returning guest Beth Gainer was diagnosed at 39 with breast cancer. She is now a long-term survivor of 23 years. Beth is a writer and artist. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends, as well as reading, working out at the gym, and going to museums. In this episode, Beth reads her essay “Trading Places” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Work & Cancer” issue. Beth's piece is about cancer colliding with her work life. When her employer turned their back following her diagnosis, she took the scary leap into the unknown to change careers. April and Beth will discuss the challenges of survivorship, Beth's art projects, staying connected to community, and workplace discrimination. They will also talk about how cancer can motivate us to make changes that turn out better than we could have imagined.More about Beth: https://bethlgainer.substack.com/Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Listen to another episode with Beth: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/248e279f-1eb2-49c0-87b3-5a39d3fe32d5/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Stacy Conlon was diagnosed at 42 with Stage IIb lobular breast cancer. Stacy is a certified mindfulness meditation facilitator and Reiki energy healer. In this episode, Stacy reads her essay “Snip, Surrender, Shine: A Ritual in Resilience” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Stacy's piece takes us along on an act of intentional ritual when removing her hair before chemo, and giving herself a ceremony container to move through a part of her cancer journey. April and Stacy will discuss making different spaces to honor experiences or create closure in the breast cancer journey, Stacy's perspective on resilience, and tips for creating rituals. They will also talk about Stacy's upcoming book Breast Cancer Made Easier.More about Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/stacy_conlon_/https://stacyconlon.com/Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week we're sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule to celebrate the New Year. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from December 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!Tova Wolking is an attorney from Oakland, California. She was diagnosed at age 43 with Stage III, hormone positive breast cancer. She also carries the BRCA2 gene. In this episode, Tova reads her piece “Swim” from Wildfire Magazine's 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue. In the wake of Tova's mom passing away, breast cancer took root in her body. This is the story of one woman asking how to find the key to unlocking her own grief about her breast cancer when her mother took so many of those answers with her when she died. Note of warning for sensitive listeners, this episode touches upon loss and suicide. More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/members/Get the “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-bays21Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week we're sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little holiday break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from October 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!In this episode, Laurie Ratliff reads her piece “Where Do You Go When You Don't Belong Anywhere?” from the 2019 “Social” issue of Wildfire Magazine. We all want to know where we belong, where our people are: where are the ones who understand us and accept us completely? Since her diagnosis at 34 and in the 20+ years she's lived with metastatic breast cancer, Laurie has navigated many communities within breast cancer, searching for others like herself. At last she found her place in the so-called pink sisterhood. When she found her home, she also found herself in the unexpected role of an advocate for a type of breast reconstruction called aesthetic flat closure. More about Laurie:https://www.tiktok.com/@statisticaloddityhttps://www.instagram.com/statisticaloddity/Get the “Social” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week we're sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little holiday break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from December 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!Erica Fitch was 12 when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two decades later at 30, she was diagnosed with DCIS: stage 0, estrogen positive breast cancer when her own daughter was 2. She carries the BRCA2 mutation. Her story today is about growing up with intimate knowledge of illness and the parallels when you face it yourself. And how to write about deeply personal stories that have been sewn into the fabric of your identity. Erica reads her piece “Memories in Color: Four Generations” from Wildfire Magazine's 2020 “Family” issue, where she uses the structure of color to explore and write the hard stories in our lives. More about Erica: https://www.instagram.com/beeing_erica/More about color symbolism: https://www.writersdigest.com/prompts/the-color-of-ideas-color-associations-writing-promptGet the “Family” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Lorie Kolak is a wife and a stay-at-home mom from Illinois. She was diagnosed at 41 with Stage II breast cancer, and also carries the pK71 genetic mutation. Lorie has worked in university libraries, book sales and distribution, copywriting, and copy-editing. When not writing or reading, she enjoys arts and crafts. In this episode, Lorie reads her essay “Door Marked Danger” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Lorie's piece slows down to take us into the moments surrounding her nipple tattoo experience following her mastectomy. April and Lorie will discuss the storytelling fairy tales buried inside of us, cold capping, talking about cancer with children, and the times when you do get to have a choice in the cancer experience. Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Claire Lemiski is an airline pilot who was diagnosed at 36 with Stage III, hormone positive breast cancer. As a captain at a regional airline in Toronto, Claire is passionate about providing mentorship to new and aspiring women pilots. In this episode, Claire reads her essay “About Damn Time” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Family” issue. Claire's piece is about breast cancer being a genderless disease, and a bond that was strengthened with her father because of their shared experience of both receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. April and Claire will discuss using a musical container for writing, the treatment contrasts and misconceptions of male breast cancer, reconstruction, and the intersection of career and cancer. They will also talk about Claire's lymphedema concerns, and when it's appropriate to talk about breast cancer when asked about her lymphedema compression sleeve.More about Claire: https://www.instagram.com/flatpilot/Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little fall break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from September 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!When Katie Murray was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was surprised to discover that old traumas she thought she had dealt with were reawakened within her. She turned to writing to ground herself - quite literally on the gurney going into and emerging from surgery - and make sense of all she'd been through, prior to cancer, and then during her cancer treatment. Katie reads a story “Naked Narrative” from the 2021 “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Trigger warning: this episode includes a mention of miscarriage.More about Katie:https://www.instagram.com/1day_2019/More about our episode sponsor: Less Radical Podcast https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcastGet the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Jennifer Bringle is a freelance writer and editor who was diagnosed at 37 with Stage II, hormone positive breast cancer. She also has the BRCA2 genetic mutation. Jennifer lives in North Carolina with her husband, young son and special needs cat. In this episode, Jennifer reads her essay “Bra Hunting” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Jennifer's essay is about bra shopping after breast cancer surgery told through the lens of buying bras throughout her life. April and Jennifer will talk about the possibility of more reconstruction surgeries in the future, cancer stealing the pleasure of dressing your body, and finding new joy in writing about the past. They will also discuss the people we encounter along the way in our cancer experience. Jennifer will also share her writing process and tips. More about Jennifer:https://jenniferbringle.com/https://www.instagram.com/jbhandy78/More about our episode sponsor: Less Radical Podcast https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4mMdQpSdVr9kKSGXTfYLmoPurchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Shangrong Lee was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer at age 43 in 2017. Shangrong is a mother, wife and marathon runner. She is a Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, and a Young Advocate Alumni for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. In this episode, Shangrong reads her essay “The Story About My Body” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Shangrong's piece is about receiving a cancer diagnosis that transports her back in time growing up Asian when she felt like her body wasn't a safe space because she looked different from ridiculous American beauty standards. Then she found running, and found her way to feeling safe in her body again. April and Shangrong will discuss running as an enjoyable lifestyle, body comparisons, and accepting body betrayal. They will also talk about Shangrong's advocacy work with For the Breast of Us and Living Beyond Breast Cancer.More about Shangrong: https://www.instagram.com/shangrongs.vibes/More about our episode sponsor: Less Radical Podcast https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4mMdQpSdVr9kKSGXTfYLmoResources mentioned in this episode:https://www.breastofus.com/https://www.lbbc.org/Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Hannah Haworth was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, and she carries both the Check2 and ATM genetic mutations. Hannah is an author of teen fiction and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. In this episode, Hannah reads her essay “The Deformed Woman” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Hannah's piece is about attending a support meeting only to hear a woman raging about the changes to her body and realizing she is not angry about her similar body, but rather, feels transformed. April and Hannah will discuss Hannah's experience of writing her usual fiction books versus cancer memoir, embracing the privilege of aging, and the road to finding a support group that resonates. Hannah will also share two of her favorite writing prompts. More about Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/hannahjayneauthor/https://www.hannah-jayne.com/https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHannahJayneMore about our episode sponsors: Less Radical Podcast https://pod.link/1767700499https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcastResensationhttps://www.resensation.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADC90IQsJbb48LEuw53Hoo9Fa3Pln&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Yy5BhD-ARIsAI0RbXbQpYzvDXACzT2cKM-g-ZJI6bN5bNUUr0TsWnPK8Mx5xGLxXpLFuMYaAotqEALw_wcBhttps://www.resensation.comhttps://www.instagram.com/resensation?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.facebook.com/resensation/Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine:

This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little fall break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy some Halloween fun. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from January 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!Megan-Claire Chase was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at 39 after watching her mother go through her own cancer. Her mom was still very much in need of caregiving when Megan was diagnosed and this led to some hard truths about being a daughter and a caregiver to a parent. What do you do when you need love and nurturing while at the same time being that for a parent? In this episode, Megan reads her piece "When Cancer Worlds Collide'" from Wildfire Magazine's 2018 "Caregivers" issue. More about Megan-Claire: https://www.instagram.com/warriormegsie/Get the “Caregivers” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-caregiversListen to more episodes centered on caregivers:Well, Let's Start a Podcast by Danielle Hernandezhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/958ded9e-a99d-4531-be9c-e9d459dc49a2/I Call Her Mother by Diana Mae Vegahttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/aa086054-221d-4dce-96c5-bb28f4451138/Let the Mirror Shatter by Wang Sheinhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/7fb3d4a9-b5d7-4a17-9d7e-419fab782f86/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Psychotherapist Erin Weiss returns to The Burn for a third visit. Erin was diagnosed with Stage IV de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) following her first mammogram at age 42. She's been living with MBC since August 2019. In this episode, she reads her essay “Barbershop Quartet” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Body” issue. Erin's piece is about her experience of life's traumas as told in four parts via haircuts that culminate with the cut that comes due to a cancer diagnosis. April and Erin will discuss Erin's process for sharing different and varied stories from her breast cancer experience, and the writing that happens away from the keyboard. They will also talk about the loss of femininity hair loss evokes, realizing the trauma wrapped up in long hair, and the relationship between identity and living with MBC. This episode contains explicit language. More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/More about our episode sponsor AnaOno: https://www.anaono.com/https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24Listen to past episodes featuring Erin:A Guest Room for MBChttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/Feeling Good as Hell? https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0facf0f6-8529-4634-bd65-5bed0ce76546/Listen to past episodes featuring AnaOno founder Dana Donofree:10 Years Learning to Love a New Bodyhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/2550ea8c-41b9-4314-9072-f612cf7394ba/Chest Inclusivityhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/03ba8e52-d604-4937-91e4-689238b12bfe/More episodes about hair:Permanent: It Was Never Just About Hair with Stephanie Kinkelhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/b7d01912-1bd1-47c4-9f2a-2c547ed328b9/Hair with Rebecca Hallhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/1a34adcc-dc65-439d-8c42-f6a9de3677dc/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire...

Susan DiGregorio of Maine was diagnosed just days before her 38th birthday with Stage Ib hormone positive breast cancer. Susan is a mom, wife, volunteer and also works in real estate. In this episode, Susan reads her piece “The Hidden Struggle of Secondary Infertility” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Family” issue. Susan's story is about the complexities surrounding her inability to have another child after cancer. April and Susan will discuss the roles pets play in cancer, finding acceptance with hormone therapy side effects, and the time and layers in recovering from cancer's aftermath. They will also talk about the significance of connecting with others within the cancer community.More about Susan:https://www.instagram.com/suelaspada/https://www.facebook.com/susan.laspadahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-digregorio-24495b25/Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:March 13 with Kate Rowbothamhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/Mama with DeDe Drakehttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Lauren Tarpley of South Carolina returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer. Lauren is a mom, wife and third generation urban homesteader. In this episode, Lauren reads her piece “Lucy's Long Journey” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Family” issue. Lauren's inspirational story is about unexpected and amazing experiences surrounding her post-cancer miracle baby. April and Lauren will talk about the challenges of not being able to breastfeed, finding the lessons in your own story, and the books Lauren has written. They'll also discuss Lauren's plans for her recently purchased farm. More about Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/typeaguidetocancer/https://www.instagram.com/thefarmacychs/Listen to another episode featuring Lauren:https://player.captivate.fm/episode/105cd59d-202d-48aa-9567-a3d41ee28fc4/Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24If you liked this episode, you might like this one too:Pregnancy After Cancer with Meghan Kozielhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/459ec640-fd41-4ee9-8fe8-46feec0f758a/ Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:March 13 with Kate Rowbothamhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/Mama with DeDe Drakehttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

DeDe Drake of Michigan was a mother of a toddler when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 39. In this episode DeDe reads her essay “Mama” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Family” issue. DeDe's story is about being in the middle between parenting her young daughter and needing the loving support of her own mom - all under one roof. April and DeDe will talk about the transformation of DeDe's relationship with her mom through cancer, the vulnerability in asking for and accepting help, and the ways people can be specifically proactive when showing up to support. They will also discuss the reckoning and grief in the aftermath of treatment. More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 that was discovered during during gender affirming surgery. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash's story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it's been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, and the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.More about Ash:https://www.instagram.com/transashtoning/Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:Slowing Down to Write One Moment with Dawn Amodeo https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f/Stay Visible with Stephanie Milletthttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/Resources mentioned in this episode:Queering Cancer https://queeringcancer.ca/National LGBT Cancer Network https://cancer-network.org/Rethink Breast Cancer https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/Young Survival Coalition https://youngsurvival.org/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine:

Julia D. Pereira is a psychologist and artist who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 32. In this episode Julia reads her essay “Asymmetry” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Queer” issue. Julia writes beautifully about the theme of uncertainty. April and Julia will talk about magic caught in moments of uncertainty, finding strength in the unknown, and making important decisions with agency. They will also discuss finding a space to connect in breast cancer when you are queer. More about Julia: https://magicofthewild.substack.com/More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue: Stay Visible with Stephanie Milletthttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Celebrate three years of The Burn by going behind the scenes with us! This one-hour episode is our anniversary special. The tables are turned once again on host April Stearns: production assistant Monica Haro takes the mic & asks April all the questions. April reflects on the unexpected truths found in the episodes from the past year. She'll share what's coming up for Wildfire and The Burn in the future and advise on writing your own story for both novice and returning writers. This podcast emerged as an extension of Wildfire Magazine's storytelling, aiming to bring untold breast cancer stories to life through the voices of the writers themselves and allowing us to dig into the craft of memoir writing through the lens of breast cancer. We've learned our listeners have found value in the behind-the-scenes discussions and updates shared in our anniversary episodes. April believes firmly that writing and sharing stories can be a transformative process, offering healing, self-discovery, and connection with others. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning some perspectives on unexpected truths, tips on writing, and future plans for Wildfire and The Burn that you don't want to miss! This episode contains explicit language, but like April always says, “Cancer is a salty business, and sometimes salty language is called for!”More about April: https://www.instagram.com/i_heart_my_life/More about Monica: https://www.instagram.com/monicawashere/Listen to the past anniversary episodes:Cancer's Lesson (Part 1 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fb933a4d-5665-45a8-ab2d-b8326da87602/Cancer's Lesson (Part 2 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ed476337-f8e9-4eb2-b30e-51a61558839d/Stories of Resilience and Healing - Reflecting on 100 Episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/882eb9c5-ec7e-48a3-85a8-95f408f8a802/Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860More about Young Survivor Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/Listen to past episode mentioned here:Together We Are Thriving, Celebrating, and Reflecting with LaTonya Davis & Jayden Holmeshttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/c2b6cadc-ef03-4191-96c1-bb2ab2384e4f/The Light Within the Darkness with Sally Joy Wolfhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/d995ba03-7cef-4eac-982a-aafecf6c32fd/Let the Mirror Shatter with Wang Shein

Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine's 2024 “Family” issue. Her story is about three generations of overlapping cancer. April and Kate will discuss understanding how love plays out in decision making, patient and caregiver experiences during the pandemic, and the intersection of work and cancer. They will also discuss the challenge of living with metastatic breast cancer and wondering about what comes next.More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katerowb/Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24More episodes from the MBC community: A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/I Thought All Love Was Off the Table with Chiara Rigahttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/fd4aedbd-0ac1-404c-aa92-1a8304034d56/Inviting Conversations About Death with Kim Angellhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/78dbe9bd-3198-47ff-a889-63c3b28d732e/Legacy Writing with Lisa Laudicohttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/44242953-1bd2-43e3-9d38-c3ef4722d3f0/18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranzhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine:

This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy Labor Day. Wildfire production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from November 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!Tracy Ward joins us from the United Kingdom to read a piece from Wildfire Magazine's 2020 “Family” issue. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II hormone positive breast cancer.She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby. This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and does she have the strength to hang in for the waiting. More about Tracy:https://www.instagram.com/tracyleeward/Purchase the 2020 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-family20Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Mila Knight returns to The Burn for another visit to share something different and special from our usual format. We often wonder what came next after an episode airs - this is that episode! In 2022 Mila was our guest reading her piece “Crawling in My Skin” from Wildfire Magazine's 2021 “Body” issue. In that story Mila shared how she turned to music for solace in hard times following her cancer diagnosis at 38. In that episode, Mila revealed she was working on recording a song that she was not yet ready to share. Now, Mila is ready to share her song, "The Longest Goodbye", in this episode. April and Mila will discuss the inspiration for her song, caregiver roles in cancer, and what pushed Mila to complete the song. They will also talk about Mila's song writing process, what Mila has in the works, as well as fundraising and advocacy. More about Mila: https://milaknight.com/Listen to another episode featuring Mila: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e1f4464-7b93-48bb-8d2f-3362dcdd4e22Purchase the 2021 “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Stephanie Millett returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25. Stephanie is now 35 and living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Stephanie reads her essay “Stay Visible” from the 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Stephanie's piece is about her experiences of breast cancer as a queer person. April and Stephanie talk about queer role models in breast cancer, visibility fatigue, and the various segments of allyship in Cancerland. They will also discuss the challenges of survivorship. More about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/_the_radiatedlizard/Listen to another episode featuring Stephanie: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5c2902ca-299f-4c83-a843-b0c88ba1b9de/Purchase the “Queer in Cancerland” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week, we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little summer break from our regular podcast schedule. Wildfire team member Angela Firman selected this episode from July 2023 to reshare. Enjoy!This is our first episode of The Burn featuring a guided meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki. Justine is a breast cancer advocate, social psychologist, professor and yoga teacher diagnosed at 23. Justine reads her poem “Finding My Breath After Cancer" that was featured on our Instagram in March 2023. Her piece is about living with implants for 10 years and explanting to an aesthetic flat closure at 33 and reconnecting with her body. Justine will also guide a meditation she wrote “Observing Your Breath with Loving-Kindness.” April and Justine will discuss cultivating a richer path of healing after cancer, Justine's journey to aesthetic flat closure, making decisions under pressure and survivorship. They will also discuss writing meditations and tips on starting a meditation practice.More about Justine: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjus/Read Justine's poem published on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsShn0Oatj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submission

Saroj Tharisayi of San Francisco works as an in-house counsel at a tech company. She was diagnosed at 36 with Triple Positive breast cancer. Saroj reads her essay “The Least Terrible Option” from the 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Saroj's piece is about DIEP flap breast reconstruction and making tough choices during treatment. April and Saroj will talk about where Saroj's life is now since writing this essay three years ago, Saroj's layered emotions surrounding cancer and her relationship with her mom, and DIEP flap surgery and belly buttons. They will also discuss survivorship, as well as what criteria drove Saroj's decision making when there were not many options. This episode contains explicit language.Purchase the “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-bays21Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissionsDirect episode link: Episode URL for Captivate:

In this episode we welcome returning guest Emma Jarrett back to The Burn for a second visit. She is a performance coach and writer who was diagnosed at 51 with Stage III, triple positive, invasive lobular breast cancer. Emma reads her essay “Paper Aeroplane” from the 2024 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Emma's piece is about not being able to parent her young children the way she is accustomed during her cancer treatment. April and Emma will talk about parenting and communicating differently with our children after a cancer diagnosis, the role of writing in parenting, and the minimization of being told your breasts have done their job when losing them. Emma will also share her advice on writing about cancer.Connect with Emma:https://www.instagram.com/emmajarrettwrites/https://www.instagram.com/emmajbreastless/https://emmajarrett.substack.com/https://emmajarrett.ca/Purchase the “Family” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24Listen to another episode featuring Emma: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ef401f5e-553d-4fac-bb98-a646e3e5c42fBuy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletterLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/freeMore about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunityInformation on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions