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Send us Fan MailHearing the words, ‘You have cancer' can be overwhelming, confusing, and life-changing all at once. Today, we're talking about what happens after a diagnosis—how care is coordinated, what the first steps look like, and the support that's available along the way.A key part of that support comes from care coordinators at the Nassif Community Cancer Center. Two of them—Ann Richardson and Connie Dietiker—join Dr. Arnold in this episode to share more.For more information about cancer screening, treatment and support services, call the Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.If you have a topic you'd like Dr. Arnold to discuss with a guest on the podcast, shoot us an email at stlukescr@unitypoint.org.
Send us Fan MailA diagnosis of cancer changes how people think about their health, their future, and their everyday lives. For people diagnosed with blood cancers such as Waldenström macroglobulinemia or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the path from diagnosis through treatment and remission can bring both relief and ongoing uncertainty.In this episode of the Everyone Dies podcast, we talk with Karen Wolfe, a nurse practitioner about what it means to live after a lymphoma diagnosis, including the experience of receiving treatment with R-CHOP chemotherapy and transitioning into remission.For many cancer survivors, completing treatment does not mean leaving cancer completely behind. Follow-up appointments, scans, changes in the body, and concerns about recurrence can become part of a new reality. Many survivors describe learning how to balance gratitude for remission with the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds.Learn the emotional impact of living with a cancer history, why uncertainty is a common experience after treatment, and strategies survivors use to regain their health, confidence and focus on what matters most. https://bit.ly/4rlUXvcThis episode explores:What Waldenström macroglobulinemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are How treatments such as R-CHOP are used for aggressive lymphomas Why remission can bring both relief and new concerns The emotional adjustment after cancer treatment ends Living with follow-up care and the possibility of recurrence Cancer changes the story, but it does not have to define the whole story. Every day is a gift.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Cancer, Recovery, and Resilience01:05 - Adaptive Wellness: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Dip Recipe01:44 - Mindful Support: What Is a Buddhist Chant List & How to Request One09:14 - Interview: Surviving Lymphoma & Living with Uncertainty with Karen Wolfe, NP14:38 - Karen's Self-Prescribed "Cancer Rehab Program"24:04 - Where Does Your Resilience Come From?38:23 - Episode Wrap-Up & Resources #LymphomaAwareness #CancerSurvivorship #BloodCancerAwareness #LifeAfterCancer #LymphomaSurvivor Support the show
We love a comeback story. The recovery after the diagnosis. The victory after the struggle. The inspiring lesson wrapped up with a pretty bow and, preferably, some flattering lighting. But what about when you're still in it? Allison Sweet Grant was barely 40, a mother of three, and just beginning her literary career when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her memoir, Lump: A Memoir in Ineloquent Reflections, tells the truth about breast cancer treatment and recovery without cleaning it up for public consumption. There's fear and hope. Gratitude and anger. Humor and grief. In this episode, Allison and Nicole talk about the messy emotional reality of a breast cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy and cancer recovery, including the pressure to stay positive, the complicated role of caregivers, and why gratitude doesn't cancel out grief. We explore: Why gratitude, grief, fear, anger, humor, and hope can all exist at once The pressure cancer patients can feel to stay positive or find the “silver lining” How cancer affects spouses, children, caregivers, and the entire family Why humor and sarcasm can be powerful coping mechanisms during difficult experiences How the need to be liked or seen as a “good patient” can keep women from asking important questions Why bringing an advocate to medical appointments can make a difference How fear influences major healthcare decisions — and why Allison wishes she had paused more The ongoing fear of cancer recurrence and what it means to live in the complicated space between patient and survivor Because the truth doesn't need to be positive, polished, perfect, or profound to be worth telling. Thank you to our sponsors! Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to HeyPolo.com/work or use code WORK and get 70% off your first year Connect with Allison: Website: https://www.allisonsweetgrant.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lump-Reflections-Allison-Sweet-Grant-ebook/dp/B0GL1H4FJL/ Related Podcast Episodes: Survival Is Woman's Work with Kathy Giusti | 391 Joan Lunden on Reinvention, Leadership & Life Beyond the Script | 392 161 / Survivorship and Breast Cancer with Virginia Carnesale Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
We talk a lot about screening and treatment in the breast cancer space. What we do not talk about nearly enough is what happens after. What happens to a woman's fertility, her vagina, her relationships, her body image, her mental health, her cardiovascular health, and her sense of self when treatment ends and everyone expects her to simply be grateful to be alive.Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky is a board certified medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecologic cancers, head of breast and gynecologic medical oncology at Valley Health System, and author of the new book Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer. Her work has long focused on young women with cancer, sexual health, and survivorship. And this book is her answer to a question medicine has not been asking loudly enough: how do we help women not just survive but thrive?We cover a lot of ground. Hormone therapy after breast cancer, including the nuanced conversations around hormone receptor positive versus negative disease, vaginal estrogen, testosterone, and Duavee. Bone health, body composition, sarcopenia, and the emerging data on GLP-1 medications and breast cancer recurrence risk. The difference between a local and distant recurrence and what ongoing screening actually looks like years after treatment.We also discuss the racial disparities in breast cancer care that begin with clinical trial enrollment and run all the way through treatment decisions, drug access, and who gets believed when they report pain. The medical distrust that Black women carry into the oncology office for very good reason. And what it means to practice truly patient centered care when the healthcare system was not designed to make that easy.Survivorship does not begin when treatment ends. It begins at diagnosis. And you are more than your breast cancer.Highlights:Vaginal estrogen is safe for the vast majority of breast cancer survivors, including those on aromatase inhibitors.Testosterone may actually act as a tumor suppressor in hormone receptor positive breast cancer.GLP-1 medications show early signals toward lower breast cancer recurrence risk.Black women are underrepresented in clinical trials and undertreated in guideline-based therapies.Survivorship care starts at diagnosis, not when treatment ends.Bone density should be checked right after chemotherapy; weight-bearing exercise, calcium, vitamin D, and body composition monitoring are all part of survivorship care.Black women are underrepresented in clinical trials, undertreated in guideline-based therapies, and underbelieved when reporting symptoms; medical racism in breast cancer care is real and documented.Get in Touch with Dr. Teplinsky:WebsitePodcastInstagramGet in Touch with Me:WebsiteInstagramYoutubePre Order my Book
What does life after gynecologic cancer look like? In this episode, Clarissa Polen-De, M.D., gynecologic oncologist at Summa Health, explores the often-overlooked aspects of survivorship, including pelvic health, intimacy, emotional well-being, and quality of life.From pelvic floor symptoms and vaginal dryness to fatigue, brain fog, and relationship changes, Dr. Polen-De explains the common effects of cancer treatment and the resources available to help patients recover and thrive. Learn how pelvic floor therapy, counseling, symptom management, and a team-based approach can help survivors regain function, confidence, and control over their health.If you've ever wondered whether a symptom is "normal" after cancer treatment or where to turn for support, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement for every stage of survivorship. Request an Appointment with Dr. Polen-De
Somewhere in every access center there is a drop-down menu. No answer. Left message. Refused. Not interested. Wrong number. The person choosing from it has the least context in the building and the most pressure on the clock, and the choice takes about four seconds. That code then leaves the work queue, enters a report and becomes the evidence for not spending on those patients again. Chris Boyer and Reed Smith open episode 504 by pulling apart two things health systems routinely treat as one. Capacity utilization measures whether you sold the inventory. It says nothing about who could not get in. Reed puts the distinction plainly. Capacity is the view from the provider's side of the desk and access is the view from the patient's. Marrying the two is the work. Then the evidence. A cluster randomized trial across 44 primary care practices and roughly 12,000 patients found that electronic health record reminders alone moved nothing at all. Completion of overdue follow-up ran 22.7% with reminders against 22.9% for usual care. Adding a letter and a phone call took it to 31%. Ordinary contact, twice, with no technology in it. Chris keeps the ceiling in front of the audience for the rest of the episode, because even in the strongest arm roughly two thirds of patients still did not complete. The second segment asks what a person is actually for. Medicare answered part of this in 2024 when it started paying for patient navigation, and the answer it gave is clinical severity, with a cancer diagnosis qualifying automatically. Patients owe 20% of the cost, which is one of the reasons practices report they have not started using the codes. Chris and Reed then sit with the finding that argues against them. In that same trial, adding a navigator on top of the letter and the phone call moved the number four tenths of one point. They work through what that does and does not prove, and land on three jobs a person can do that a letter cannot. Only one of them changes the system instead of recovering a patient, and it is the one nobody puts in a financial model. Jessica Walker of Care Sherpa closes the episode with the case. A health system handed her a list of oncology screening patients its access team had marked unreachable after the auto-dialer sequence ran out. What she found in that list was almost never disinterest. Wrong orders, wrong referring physician, wrong location. Phone numbers and addresses that no longer worked. Carrier blocking. Patients in hospice, deceased or no longer eligible while the order sat and expired. Patients who would have had to cross a river. Her description of it is that the health system was asking people to pick up a part-time job to fix their own referral. The most useful moment comes later. Her team heard the same thing from more than one patient, that the nearest location's hours did not work for a shift worker. The system added Wednesday evenings and recovered those patients. She also describes a referring physician who had quietly stopped sending patients because his patients were never getting their screenings done, and what it took to turn that back on. If you cannot say what your people do that a letter cannot, you have bought a service tier rather than an answer. Healthcare's Long Walk Toward the Patient, the free eBook marking 500 episodes: https://www.touchpointpodcastbook.com Atlas SJ, Tosteson ANA, Burdick TE, et al. A Multilevel Primary Care Intervention to Improve Follow-Up of Overdue Abnormal Cancer Screening Test Results: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;330(14):1348-1358. 44 practices, 11,980 patients: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810508 Atlas SJ, Tosteson ANA, Burdick TE, et al. Primary Care Practitioner Perceptions on the Follow-up of Abnormal Cancer Screening Test Results. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2234194. Survey of 275 primary care practitioners across three health systems: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796828 CMS, Health Equity Services in the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. Principal Illness Navigation codes G0023 and G0024, plus the peer support codes, effective January 1 2024: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln9201074-health-equity-services-2024-physician-fee-schedule-final-rule.pdf-0 Pratt-Chapman ML. Navigation Refresh: Updates to Principal Illness Navigation Billing. Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship. May 2026;17(3). Source for the 20% patient coinsurance as a reported barrier to adoption: https://www.jons-online.com/issues/2026/may-2026-vol-17-no-3/navigation-refresh-updates-to-principal-illness-navigation-billing Care Sherpa: https://caresherpa.com Jessica Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawalkercaresherpa/ Eternal, the longevity startup founded by Alex Mather of The Athletic, which now generates a weekly AI audio recap of a user's own lab and wearable data. Fast Company, June 9 2026: https://www.fastcompany.com/91555441/eternal-startup-turns-health-data-into-ai-generated-podcasts TP488, "If Marketing Owned Patient Activation," referenced in segment one on marketing capturing demand and access dispositioning it TP482, "The Pilot That Never Graduates," referenced by Chris inside the interview when he asks Jessica how she broke out of perpetual pilot status The TPS Report newsletter, at touchpoint.health Reed Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedtsmith/ Chris Boyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisboyer/ Chris Boyer website: http://www.christopherboyer.com/ Chris Boyer on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisboyer.bsky.social Reed Smith on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reedsmith.bsky.social Recommendations from this episode: Chris: Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World), the Questlove documentary on HBO and HBO Max. Premiered at Tribeca June 3 2026 and released June 7 2026. 119 minutes. Covers Maurice White's jazz background and his plan for the band before it was a band: https://www.hbo.com/ Reed: the ETENWOLF P300 electric ball pump. Rechargeable, preset modes for basketball, football and soccer, custom PSI setting, inflates and deflates, ships with two needles and a pouch: https://etenwolf.com/collections/electric-ball-pump MENTIONS FROM THE SHOW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A hide-and-seek game where you paint yourself to blend into the map, made by two people in two months, just made $60 million. That's the winner of this quarter's Steam Scanner — and it's the one idea on the list mobile genuinely can't clone.The closing caveat matters: it's survivorship bias — 20K+ games hit Steam a year — and Steam's discovery means a Mecha Chameleon never gets brute-forced by three Voodoo clones in a month. That's the whole difference between the two platforms.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 The Steam Scanner is back — Q2, smallest to biggest04:20 Taskbar Hero — an idle RPG in your taskbar (and the widget hint)08:00 Supermarket Chaos & Oaken Tower — the tidy-up trend and an idle PvP tower12:00 Idle gacha, Solarpunk & the evolve-into-a-crab roguelite18:20 Librarian & Rome's Dead — high-budget cleaning and Roman survivor-slop22:10 Vampire Crawlers, Paralives & the co-op casino-debt game27:20 The winner — Mecha Chameleon, $60M by two people35:30 Survivorship bias and why Steam can't be brute-forcedThis episode is brought to you by Kinoa — the AI operating system for mobile game operations: flows, live segments, in-app messages, push notifications, and A/B testing in one place, run by the operators who own the numbers. Carry1st saw +43% ARPDAU; PlayStudios saw +31% revenue on Tetris Block Party. Learn more at Kinoa.http://www.kinoa.ai?utm_source=MatejPodcast&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=Matej+Podcast&utm_id=100--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricJoin our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-3bckldvr8-8PXvzciMWdheOzED9hq0SA---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
In 1971, the National Cancer Act transformed cancer into a national research priority. More than 50 years later, the next frontier is no longer defined solely by scientific discovery, but by how quickly knowledge, lived experience, and patient voices can reshape healthcare itself.The concluding chapter of The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship explores how the cancer advocacy movement continues to evolve in an era of digital communities, social media, precision medicine, and grassroots activism. Building on the work of pioneers such as Mary Lasker, Rose Kushner, and the generations of survivors who followed, today's advocates are expanding the movement beyond awareness to demand health equity, trusted information, patient-centered research, and meaningful representation in healthcare decision-making.The episode examines how technology has transformed advocacy from local support groups into global communities capable of organizing in real time. Researchers, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and survivors reflect on the growing influence of digital storytelling, online education, and peer-to-peer networks that connect patients across diagnoses, generations, and geographic boundaries. At the same time, they acknowledge new responsibilities: ensuring accurate medical information, combating misinformation, protecting trust, and keeping patients at the center of innovation.The story also looks ahead to the next generation of advocates. Young leaders are applying lessons learned from decades of cancer activism while drawing inspiration from broader movements for social justice, public health, and community organizing. Their work reflects a simple but enduring truth: meaningful change rarely begins inside institutions. It begins when ordinary people refuse to accept that the system cannot improve.Cancer survivorship has never been a finished story. Every generation inherits the progress achieved by those who came before while confronting challenges uniquely its own. The future of survivorship will be shaped not only by scientific breakthroughs, but by those willing to listen, organize, educate, and ensure that every patient's voice helps define what comes next.RELATED LINKSNational Cancer InstituteCancer MoonshotCenters for Disease Control and Prevention | Division of Cancer Prevention and ControlHopeLabTigerlily FoundationStupid CancerFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today's storyteller reflects on receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at 28 and the lasting emotional imprint of survivorship more than a decade later. Moving between past and present, she explores the survival mindset that carried her through treatment and the gradual return of feeling after years spent simply trying to stay alive.This conversation explores memory, identity, inner resilience, and the relationship between who we were before cancer and who we become afterward — revealing how pain and love can coexist in the same story.More about Cassandra:https://www.instagram.com/cu.therapy.ont/https://www.cutherapy.ca/More about AnaOno Intimates:https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/https://www.anaono.com/Buy the Survivorship issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/survivorshipShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shopBuy 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/workshops*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 Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
We meet Mitch McPherson, a Georgia law enforcement officer who was diagnosed with high risk myelofibrosis in February 2025. His symptoms began months earlier with fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and facial tingling. Mitch learned that a stem cell transplant offered his best path forward, but his doctors worried that finding a young, fully matched donor could be difficult. Within days, Mitch received unexpected news. Multiple donors were perfect 10 out of 10 matches. The first donor could not meet the required schedule, but a second donor, a 26 year-old woman from the United States, agreed to proceed. Mitch also received support from DKMS and members of his sheriff's department, who organized a donor registration drive. Before the transplant, Mitch took Vonjo to reduce the risk of his disease progressing to leukemia. He then completed five days of intensive chemotherapy and received his stem cell transplant on June 11, 2025. Due to his fitness. he tolerated intense chemotherapy better than he expected, but the effects became more difficult during the following weeks. At one point, he took about 27 pills twice a day. Mitch later developed Graft Versus Host Disease, or GvHD. It caused mouth pain, dry eyes, itching, fatigue, weakness, altered taste, and difficulty eating. Foods with vinegar burned his mouth, while soft foods, dairy, fruit, baked potatoes, and bean burritos were easier to tolerate. The illness also reduced his strength so severely that he had to begin rebuilding muscle with five pound dumbbells. His recovery became harder because he returned to work far earlier than his doctors recommended. He later developed pneumonia and a blood clot in his lung. His doctors then removed him from work for six months. Mitch says the experience changed his outlook and revealed which relationships were dependable. Faith remained central throughout his journey. Interestingly, a year before his diagnosis, Mitch dreamed that Jesus told him he would become sick, but would be okay. That message gave him confidence during his diagnosis, donor search, transplant, and complications. Mitch's strongest advice is simple. We should not try to prove our toughness by ignoring medical guidance. When doctors tell us to rest and allow the body to heal, we need to listen. Mitch now focuses on recovery while finding new outlets through fishing, a possible YouTube channel, and songwriting. Thank you to our Season 21 Sponsors: Incyte: https://incyte.com/ Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/ (00:00) Intro (01:33) Symptoms and Myelofibrosis Diagnosis (03:51) Multiple Perfect Donor Matches (05:46) Medication, Chemotherapy, and Transplant Preparation (08:43) Living With GvHD (11:27) Support, Isolation, and Changing Relationships (13:44) The Dream That Gave Mitch Hope (16:52) Returning to Law Enforcement After Transplant (20:22) Recovery, Mental Health, and Ongoing Treatment (23:17) Mitch's Advice for Transplant Patients National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In 1987, Mary P. Lovato, a member of Kewa Pueblo in New Mexico, was diagnosed with acute leukemia. To receive a bone marrow transplant, she had to travel more than 800 miles from home because specialized cancer care was unavailable through the Indian Health Service. When she returned, she discovered another obstacle: many in her community feared cancer so deeply that they avoided speaking about it altogether.This episode examines how cancer survivorship exposed profound inequities in the American healthcare system. Long before health equity became a national priority, advocates from underserved communities were confronting disparities rooted in geography, poverty, racism, language, underfunded healthcare systems, and historical mistrust of medical institutions. Their work demonstrated that scientific advances alone cannot improve survival if patients cannot reach, afford, or trust the care available to them.The story follows pioneers including Mary P. Lovato, who built the first national Native-led cancer support and education program for Indigenous communities, and Maimah Karmo, founder of the Tigerlily Foundation, whose breast cancer diagnosis inspired a movement to improve early detection, clinical trial participation, and representation for Black women. Their advocacy challenged longstanding barriers to culturally competent care while highlighting persistent inequities in access to screening, fertility preservation, navigation, and innovative treatments.The episode also explores why diversity in clinical research matters. For decades, many cancer clinical trials disproportionately enrolled White patients, limiting both access to promising therapies and the scientific understanding of how treatments perform across different populations. Researchers, patient advocates, and community leaders responded by redesigning outreach, improving patient navigation, reducing logistical barriers, and insisting that affected communities help shape the research itself.Cancer survivorship cannot be measured solely by scientific breakthroughs. It also depends on whether every patient has a meaningful opportunity to benefit from them. The pursuit of health equity remains one of the defining challenges and enduring responsibilities of modern oncology.RELATED LINKSNational Cancer Institute | Cancer Health DisparitiesIndian Health ServiceTigerlily FoundationNational Cancer Institute | Cancer Clinical TrialsAmerican Indian Cancer FoundationAbramson Cancer Center | University of PennsylvaniaFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In 2000, Katie Couric underwent a live colonoscopy on national television following the death of her husband, Jay Monahan, from colorectal cancer at age 42. The broadcast demystified a procedure many Americans feared, led to an estimated 20% increase in colonoscopy screenings, and became one of the clearest examples of how public storytelling can change healthcare behavior.This episode examines how celebrities, journalists, filmmakers, and entertainers helped reshape the public conversation about cancer during a period when survivorship was becoming increasingly visible. As breakthroughs in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and early detection allowed more people to live beyond cancer, public figures used their platforms to encourage screening, reduce stigma, and accelerate research. Their influence extended far beyond awareness campaigns, helping transform cancer from a private diagnosis into a national public health conversation.Central to this story is Laura Ziskin, the Hollywood producer behind Pretty Woman and the Spider-Man films, whose metastatic breast cancer diagnosis inspired the creation of Stand Up To Cancer. Working alongside Couric and leaders from entertainment, journalism, and biomedical research, Ziskin championed a new funding model that required multidisciplinary scientific collaboration, helping accelerate discoveries that contributed to multiple FDA-approved cancer therapies. The episode also highlights the advocacy of actor Patrick Dempsey, whose family's experience with ovarian cancer led to the creation of the Dempsey Center, expanding support for patients and caregivers beyond medical treatment.The story also asks what celebrity advocacy often leaves unsaid. Financial toxicity, caregiver burden, chronic pain, mental health, and the long-term effects of treatment rarely receive the same attention as dramatic diagnoses or breakthrough cures. As cancer survivorship continues to evolve, the greatest challenge may not be convincing people to care about cancer, but helping them understand what it truly means to live with and beyond it.RELATED LINKSStand Up To CancerKatie Couric MediaDempsey CenterAmerican Association for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteDana-Farber Cancer Institute | Adult Survivorship ProgramFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What happens when breast cancer is found early, but the health journey is far from over?In this episode of the Test Those Breasts® Podcast, Jamie sits down with Myra Marangi, a DCIS breast cancer survivor, lifelong dancer and fitness instructor whose survivorship journey has included reconstruction, lymphedema, unexplained pain and mobility issues, inflammatory myositis, and most recently, a ruptured breast implant. Myra shares the years-long process of searching for answers and learning to advocate for herself when she knew something wasn't right.Jamie and Myra also talk candidly about breast reconstruction choices, the importance of researching your options and your surgeon's experience, and how overwhelming it can be to make life-changing decisions while newly diagnosed. Myra's advice? “Do your homework. Do your homework thoroughly.”In this episode:Finding breast cancer because of a change in the other breastNavigating reconstruction and unexpected health challengesThe importance of researching reconstruction options and surgical expertiseSpeaking up when something doesn't feel rightWhy survivorship isn't always a straight lineMyra's work giving back through Dance for HopeConnect with Myra:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love.life.myram/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyraSMarangiFind it early. Change the outcome.®This episode shares personal experiences for educational and awareness purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
In 2006, a landmark report titled Closing the Gap: Research and Care Imperatives for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer confirmed what young survivors had been saying for years. While survival rates for children and older adults had steadily improved, adolescents and young adults had experienced decades of stalled progress. They had become cancer's lost generation.This episode explores how young adult survivors transformed their shared isolation into one of the most influential grassroots movements in cancer advocacy. Diagnosed during the years typically devoted to education, careers, relationships, and starting families, patients between the ages of 15 and 39 confronted challenges that extended far beyond treatment. Fertility preservation, sexual health, employment, financial toxicity, insurance, and long-term quality of life were rarely discussed in oncology clinics, leaving many to navigate survivorship alone.The episode follows advocates including Tamika Felder, Lindsay Avner, Heidi Adams, Doug Ulman, and Dr. Archie Bleyer, whose research and advocacy fundamentally changed how medicine understands adolescent and young adult cancer. Through organizations including Planet Cancer, Fertile Hope, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and later Stupid Cancer, survivors built online communities, educational resources, conferences, and national partnerships that challenged long-standing assumptions about cancer care. Their work helped establish fertility preservation as a standard discussion before treatment, expanded research dedicated to adolescent and young adult oncology, and elevated quality of life as a critical clinical outcome alongside survival.The movement also demonstrated the power of lived experience to reshape medicine. Survivors became researchers, educators, nonprofit founders, and policy advocates, insisting that cancer care account not only for years of life saved, but for the lives patients hoped to build afterward.What began as a search for peers evolved into a national movement that permanently transformed adolescent and young adult oncology. Today, dedicated research programs, clinical fellowships, survivorship resources, and patient advocacy organizations continue to build on the foundation these young cancer mavericks created.RELATED LINKSNational Cancer Institute | Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer ProgramClosing the Gap: Research and Care Imperatives for Adolescents and Young Adults with CancerAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology | Fertility Preservation GuidelinesStupid CancerLivestrong FoundationJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult OncologyFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In 2006, the Institute of Medicine published From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition, concluding that millions of Americans were surviving cancer only to find themselves navigating a healthcare system unprepared for life after treatment. The report challenged oncology to recognize that curing cancer was not the end of care, but the beginning of survivorship.This episode explores how the growing cancer survivorship movement exposed the long-term consequences of cancer treatment that medicine had largely overlooked. As survival rates improved following the National Cancer Act of 1971, millions of survivors faced chronic fatigue, neuropathy, infertility, cognitive impairment, financial hardship, employment discrimination, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. These were not rare complications. They became defining features of survivorship for many patients.Drawing on the work of oncologist Dr. Patricia Ganz, survivor advocate Ellen Stovall, and researchers, clinicians, and survivors across the country, the episode examines how survivorship research expanded beyond recurrence and mortality to include quality of life, psychosocial care, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. Their efforts helped establish survivorship care plans, multidisciplinary survivorship clinics, and a broader understanding that cancer affects every aspect of a person's life long after treatment ends.The episode also confronts persistent inequities in survivorship care. Insurance coverage often ends when treatment stops, supportive services remain inconsistent, financial toxicity continues to drive medical hardship, and racial, geographic, and socioeconomic disparities still influence who receives comprehensive follow-up care. For many survivors, finishing treatment simply marks the beginning of another struggle.Modern oncology increasingly recognizes that surviving cancer is measured by more than years of life. It is also measured by quality of life, dignity, access to care, and the ability to rebuild a future after treatment. That evolution remains one of the most significant legacies of the cancer survivorship movement.RELATED LINKSNational Academy of Medicine | From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in TransitionNational Cancer Institute Office of Cancer SurvivorshipAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology | Survivorship CompendiumCancerCareHopeWell Cancer SupportNational Coalition for Cancer SurvivorshipFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tania Rashid is an award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, educator, and story producer whose work has taken her across South Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the United States. She has reported and produced stories on gender-based violence, migration, labor, conflict, public health, and communities pushed to the margins for outlets including VICE, NBC News, Al Jazeera English, CNN International, National Geographic, PBS NewsHour, Peacock, MSNBC, and Netflix. Tania holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in history from UCLA, and she teaches and mentors emerging journalists and incarcerated writers. She is currently working on a hybrid memoir, about survival, shame, family, desire, journalism, and what it means to finally turn the lens on herself. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
In 1967, breast surgeon Dr. Harold P. Freeman arrived at Harlem Hospital expecting to treat cancer. Instead, he confronted a healthcare system where poverty, racism, lack of insurance, and institutional barriers often determined who lived long enough to receive treatment. Patients frequently arrived with advanced disease, not because medicine lacked answers, but because access to care had failed them.This episode explores how cancer survivorship expanded beyond medical breakthroughs to include healthcare access, health equity, and organized advocacy. Building on the early work of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), it examines the recognition that surviving cancer depended not only on research, but also on whether patients could navigate a fragmented healthcare system.Freeman responded by creating one of the nation's first patient navigation programs at Harlem Hospital in 1990. Community-based navigators helped patients overcome practical barriers including insurance, transportation, appointments, communication, and fear. The model dramatically improved timely diagnosis and treatment, increased breast cancer survival in Harlem, and ultimately inspired the Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005, establishing navigation as a cornerstone of modern oncology care.The episode also follows cancer survivor Ellen Stovall, whose leadership transformed survivorship into a national policy movement. Through the NCCS, she united advocates across cancer types, fought for insurance protections, expanded access to clinical trials, helped shape the creation of the Office of Cancer Survivorship at the National Cancer Institute, and organized the landmark 1998 National March for Cancer Survivorship in Washington, D.C. Her work reframed survivorship as a public policy issue rather than a personal experience.Together, Freeman and Stovall demonstrated that scientific progress alone could not eliminate disparities in cancer outcomes. Their work established two enduring principles that continue to shape oncology today: patients need someone to help them navigate care, and survivors must have a voice in the policies that govern it. Modern cancer survivorship depends on both.RELATED LINKSNational Coalition for Cancer SurvivorshipHarold P. Freeman Patient Navigation InstituteNational Cancer Institute Office of Cancer SurvivorshipPatient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005American Cancer SocietyTuskegee Study Timeline | Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A free trip to Paris, a 20% off race code, and an AI cancer companion that only uses vetted medical information - this episode packs in way more than your average morning show. JB and Sandy open with Dixie, who is heading to Paris on a spontaneous three-week trip to see an old flame, and somehow makes the whole thing even more entertaining by getting the full story on the phone. From there, the conversation shifts into something much bigger: Suzanne Stone, president and CEO of Livestrong, joins to explain how the organization is helping people affected by cancer with trusted resources, exercise oncology, fertility preservation, and support for the entire family ecosystem.You'll discover:Why Livestrong has spent nearly 30 years becoming a trusted source in a world full of health misinformationHow Ellis, the first AI-powered cancer survivorship companion, works as a closed-loop tool that only uses vetted informationWhat makes the Run for the Roses on October 18 at Auditorium Shores such a perfect community eventHow listeners can join the JB and Sandy teams and save 20% with the code iHeart26Why this race matters whether you walk, run, show up with family, or just want to support someone impacted by cancerSuzanne shares how Livestrong has evolved from the iconic yellow wristband era into a modern platform designed to answer real questions people have after a cancer diagnosis without the noise, scams, or random internet advice. It's practical, timely, and deeply relevant for anyone who has ever had to figure out what to trust when health gets complicated.Plus, you'll hear the kind of off-the-rails, only-on-morning-radio moments that make JB and Sandy such a fun listen, including the latest local buzz, concert talk, and a Texas-sized dose of personality.Essential listening if you want a smart, funny, and surprisingly meaningful mix of community, cancer support, and local radio chaos.
In 1986, 23 survivors, physicians, nurses, attorneys, and community organizers gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a weekend that would permanently change the language and politics of cancer. Working late into the night, they debated not only strategy, but identity, ultimately declaring that from the moment of diagnosis, every person with cancer is a survivor.This episode traces the social and political forces that gave birth to the modern cancer survivorship movement. As advances in early detection and treatment allowed more people to live beyond cancer, survivors discovered that finishing treatment did not mean returning to normal life. Many faced employment discrimination, loss of insurance, social stigma, infertility, chronic health complications, and a healthcare system that viewed survival as the end of care rather than the beginning of a new chapter.Against the backdrop of the civil rights, disability rights, and community health movements of the 1960s and 1970s, physicians, activists, and survivors challenged medicine's paternalistic culture and demanded a greater voice in decisions affecting their lives. Central to this story are physician and survivor Dr. Fitzhugh Mullan, whose landmark 1985 essay, Seasons of Survival, redefined survivorship as a lifelong continuum, and community organizer Katherine Logan, whose determination united dozens of grassroots organizations into what became the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.The coalition's founding established principles that continue to shape oncology today. Survivors were no longer defined solely by disease or treatment outcomes. Their experiences became evidence. Their voices became essential to clinical research, healthcare policy, and patient advocacy. By redefining survivorship as an ongoing experience rather than a destination, the movement challenged medicine to recognize the lasting physical, emotional, financial, and social consequences of cancer.The ideas forged during that weekend in Albuquerque became the foundation of modern cancer survivorship. Nearly 40 years later, the coalition's defining principle, that survivorship begins at diagnosis, continues to influence cancer care, research, policy, and the way millions of people understand life after cancer.RELATED LINKSNational Coalition for Cancer SurvivorshipNational Cancer Institute Office of Cancer SurvivorshipThe New England Journal of MedicineAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA.gov)Library of Congress | Civil Rights History ProjectWhite Coat, Clenched Fist by Fitzhugh MullanFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Breast cancer treatment has a beginning and an end, but healing is often a much longer journey. Today, we are joined by Katie Wasserman, a remarkable mother of four who shares how trusting her instincts and advocating for herself led to her breast cancer diagnosis. She will talk about navigating treatment decisions, the impact it had on her body, and the physical and emotional healing that continues today into survivorship. From managing the fears that linger after treatment ends to intentionally choosing a life focused on thriving instead of simply surviving, Katie's story is a powerful reminder that no one knows your body better than you do. Key Takeaways Trust your instincts when something feels wrong Self-advocacy can lead to life-saving care Asking for help strengthens recovery Small daily habits support healing and resilience Survivorship is about thriving, not just surviving Chapters 00:00 – Trusting your instincts 05:09 – The power of self-advocacy 07:51 – Recovery, support, and staying active 15:04 – Sharing the journey through Instagram 18:27 – Thriving beyond survivorship Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.
In 1971, President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, transforming cancer research with an unprecedented federal investment and launching what became known as the War on Cancer. The legislation did not emerge from scientific discovery alone. It was the culmination of decades of relentless advocacy by researchers, philanthropists, journalists, and patients who believed cancer demanded the same national commitment that had put astronauts on the Moon.This episode traces the origins of the cancer survivorship movement by returning to a time when cancer was rarely discussed in public, many physicians withheld diagnoses from their patients, and surgery offered few lasting cures. It follows the pioneering work of pathologist Dr. Sidney Farber, whose early chemotherapy research challenged conventional thinking, and Mary Lasker, whose political strategy, fundraising, and public campaigns helped transform cancer from a private tragedy into a national public health priority. Together, they built the coalition that reshaped federal support for oncology research and forever changed the relationship between science, government, and the American public.The story then turns to journalist and breast cancer survivor Rose Kushner, whose refusal to accept the standard one-step radical mastectomy challenged nearly a century of surgical dogma. Working alongside surgeon Dr. Bernard Fisher, Kushner helped bring evidence-based medicine to breast cancer treatment through randomized clinical trials that demonstrated less invasive surgery could achieve equivalent outcomes. Their efforts changed clinical practice, strengthened informed consent, and helped establish the principle that patients should participate in decisions about their own care.The breakthroughs explored in this episode extended far beyond new treatments. They redefined the role of patients in medicine, accelerated clinical research, and laid the foundation for modern cancer survivorship. The movement that followed would not simply help more people live longer. It would change what surviving cancer meant.RELATED LINKSNational Cancer InstituteNational Cancer Act of 1971American Cancer SocietyDana-Farber Cancer InstituteNational Library of MedicineThe New England Journal of MedicineFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Please send any questions to podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Long before cancer survivors organized into a movement, Hollywood had already shaped how Americans understood the disease. Films rarely used the word “cancer,” physicians often withheld diagnoses from patients, and the people who survived were almost nowhere to be found on screen.Recorded before The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship became a documentary series, this bonus conversation explores where the project first began. Matthew Zachary sits down with his mother, Roz Greenzweig, a retired educator and lifelong film enthusiast whose memories of classic cinema became an unexpected lens for understanding how cancer was portrayed throughout the twentieth century.Together, they revisit landmark films including Dark Victory, Love Story, and other iconic portrayals that reflected an era when cancer was treated as unspeakable, inevitable, and almost always fatal. Their conversation contrasts those carefully constructed Hollywood narratives with the lived reality of a family confronting a brain cancer diagnosis in 1995, revealing how popular culture both reflected and reinforced the fears surrounding the disease.The discussion also foreshadows many of the themes explored throughout the documentary series: the evolution of patient advocacy, the emergence of cancer survivorship, the role of caregivers, and the power of storytelling to influence public understanding. Before policy changed, before advocacy organizations grew into national movements, conversations like these were already challenging long-held assumptions about what cancer looked like and who had the right to tell its story.Consider this the prologue to The Cancer Mavericks. Before the movement found its history, it began with a family trying to make sense of the stories they had inherited.RELATED LINKSAmerican Cancer SocietyNational Cancer InstituteAmerican Film InstituteER (NBC)50/50 (Official)Chasing Life (ABC Family Archive)FEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, visit CancerMavericks.com. Questions? Email podcasts@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What would you do if you were told you might only have two years to live?In this inspiring and deeply practical episode of Linda's Corner Podcast, I sit down with Glenn Sturm — bestselling author, astrophotographer, attorney, decorated military officer, and cancer survivor — to discuss multidisciplinary cancer care, emotional resilience, and what it really takes to fight for joy and quality of life after a devastating diagnosis.Glenn's life story is extraordinary. A graduate with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a decorated military officer with more than three decades of service, Glenn built a remarkable career as both a lawyer and leader. But in 2009, his life changed overnight when doctors discovered he had aggressive T-cell lymphoma.The diagnosis came completely out of the blue. Glenn didn't even realize he had been screened for cancer. Doctors told him there was no cure — only management — and estimated he might survive for only two years.That was seventeen years ago.Since then, Glenn has endured continuous chemotherapy and more than 55 surgeries, yet he continues to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. His perspective is powerful and refreshingly honest. Glenn openly shares what people are rarely told about surviving cancer: how important it is to protect your energy, maintain emotional resilience, and intentionally pursue hope and joy.One of the central themes of our conversation is the importance of multidisciplinary cancer care. Glenn explains why creating a collaborative treatment team can dramatically improve outcomes for cancer patients. He shared research suggesting that multidisciplinary approaches may reduce mortality rates anywhere from 14% to 90% compared to isolated or solo treatment strategies. His upcoming book, More Than Hope, explores these integrated cancer care approaches in greater depth.We also discuss the importance of quality of life during treatment. Glenn shares how finding the right medication dramatically improved his energy levels, which in turn improved both his daily life and longevity. As Glenn explains, improving quality of life is not just about comfort — it can also help people live longer. A true win-win.Beyond medicine, Glenn speaks candidly about the emotional side of survivorship and the daily decision to keep moving forward. His message is grounded in practical emotional survival and the belief that while we cannot control every circumstance, we can choose how we respond. As Glenn says, “Only you can stop you.”This episode is a powerful reminder that hope is not passive. It's something we actively build through connection, resilience, strategy, and purpose.You can learn more about Glenn Sturm and his work at:Glenn Sturm Official WebsiteGlenn is the author of several bestselling books, including:Cancer Set Me FreeWarriors Hate WarSyzygiesThe Great American Eclipse of 2017More Than Hope (upcoming)If you or someone you love has been impacted by cancer, chronic illness, or difficult life challenges, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a hopeful reminder that life can still hold meaning, joy, and purpose — even in the middle of hardship.Listen, Share, and SupportIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need hope today.Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and help us spread more healing and inspiration to the world.Free Resource for HealingIf you're ready to release stress, calm your mind, and begin healing from within, visit:
Episode 13: What Long-Term Survivorship Really Looks Like What happens after 10 years? After 15? While much of the conversation around cancer focuses on diagnosis and treatment, long-term survivorship comes with its own unique challenges, questions, and victories. In Episode 13 of My 15 Years, Melody reflects on what life looks like 15 years after being diagnosed with ocular melanoma. She shares stories from her journey, lessons learned through experience, mistakes she made along the way, and the wisdom she's gained over the years. This episode is an honest conversation about what it means to keep moving forward—one year, one milestone, and one lesson at a time. And today is an especially meaningful day for Melody. ❤️ You'll have to watch to find out why. Whether you're newly diagnosed, years into survivorship, or supporting someone you love, we hope this episode reminds you that there is life beyond cancer—and that every milestone is worth celebrating. Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
What if our obsession with “dangerous” sun is killing us?If you (recklessly) leave your urban office for lunch, you are told to yank your hat down low. If you (again, recklessly) let your kids dash into the backyard, you are told to slather them in sunscreen—or learn to live with the guilt.And yes, sun avoidance undoubtedly prevents some skin cancers, including the deadliest type, melanomaBut a recent study suggests sunlight contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths every year in the United States alone—orders of magnitude more than the estimated 8400 annual US melanoma deaths.In this episode, we discuss evidence linking sun avoidance toalmost a million annual deaths in the US and Europe alone, exceeding the number caused by global military conflictsbreast, pancreatic, colon, and lung cancers, as well as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroketo INCREASED risk of death in those diagnosed with sun-induced melanoma.Yes, you read that right; some melanoma deaths may be related to too little sunlight. (But do understand that this is complex--sunlight DOES cause melanoma. Well, some melanomas....)We also discuss why supplementing with vitamin D pills fails to remedy these terrible conditions, and what a thoughtful person can do instead, while staying safe.We hope you enjoy this episode, and that it helps you enjoy the sun again--thoughtfully, of course. References and further reading: Sunlight: Time for a Rethink?Benefits of oral Polypodium leucotomas extract in MM high risk patients (This is an ingredient in Life Extension's Shade Factor, mentioned in this episode by Dr. Gordon). Uses of Polypodium leucotomos Extract in Oncodermatology Calzari et alInsufficient Sun Exposure Has Become a Real Public Health Problem. Alfredsson L, Armstrong BK, Butterfield DA, et al. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17(14):E5014. doi:10.3390/ijerph17145014.Prospective Study of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Risk of Cancer in the United States. Lin SW, Wheeler DC, Park Y, et al. International Journal of Cancer. 2012;131(6):E1015-23. doi:10.1002/ijc.27619.An Estimate of Premature Cancer Mortality in the U.S. Due to Inadequate Doses of Solar Ultraviolet-B Radiation. Grant WB. Cancer. 2002;94(6):1867-75. doi:10.1002/cncr.10427.Solar Ultraviolet-B Exposure and Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the United States, 1993-2002. Boscoe FP, Schymura MJ. BMC Cancer. 2006;6:264. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-6-264.Ecological Studies of the UVB-vitamin D-Cancer Hypothesis. Grant WB. Anticancer Research. 2012;32(1):223-36.Sunlight Exposure in Association With Risk of Lymphoid Malignancy: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Kim HB, Kim JH. Cancer Causes & Control : CCC. 2021;32(5):441-457. doi:10.1007/s10552-021-01404-6.Adulthood Residential Ultraviolet Radiation, Sun Sensitivity, Dietary Vitamin D, and Risk of Lymphoid Malignancies in the California Teachers Study. Chang ET, Canchola AJ, Cockburn M, et al. Blood. 2011;118(6):1591-9. doi:10.1182/blood-2011-02-336065.Is Prevention of Cancer by Sun Exposure More Than Just the Effect of Vitamin D? A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies. van der Rhee H, Coebergh JW, de Vries E. European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990). 2013;49(6):1422-36. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2012.11.001.An Ecologic Study of Cancer Mortality Rates in Spain With Respect to Indices of Solar UVB Irradiance and Smoking. Grant WB. International Journal of Cancer. 2007;120(5):1123-8. doi:10.1002/ijc.22386.Does Sunlight Prevent Cancer? A Systematic Review. van der Rhee HJ, de Vries E, Coebergh JW. European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990). 2006;42(14):2222-32. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2006.02.024.Heliovaccination: Solar mediated immunity against cancer. Uzoigwe CE. Experimental Dermatology. 2020;29(5):477-480. doi:10.1111/exd.14087.Beneficial Health Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation: Expert Review and Conference Report. Riedmann U, Dibben C, de Gruijl FR, et al. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences : Official Journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology. 2025;24(6):867-893. doi:10.1007/s43630-025-00743-6.A Blueprint for the Primary Prevention of Cancer: Targeting Established, Modifiable Risk Factors. Gapstur SM, Drope JM, Jacobs EJ, et al. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2018;68(6):446-470. doi:10.3322/caac.21496.Proportion and Number of Cancer Cases and Deaths Attributable to Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors in the United States, 2019. Islami F, Marlow EC, Thomson B, et al. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2024 Sep-Oct;74(5):405-432. doi:10.3322/caac.21858.Cutaneous Melanoma. Joshi UM, Kashani-Sabet M, Kirkwood JM. JAMA. 2025;334(23):2113-2125. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.13074.Sunlight, Vitamin D and the Prevention of Cancer: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies. van der Rhee H, Coebergh JW, de Vries E. European Journal of Cancer Prevention : The Official Journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP). 2009;18(6):458-75. doi:10.1097/CEJ.0b013e32832f9bb1.Lessons Learned From Paleolithic Models and Evolution for Human Health: A Snap Shot on Beneficial Effects and Risks of Solar Radiation. Reichrath J. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2020;1268:3-15. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-46227-7_1.PS-Vitamin D. American Academy of Dermatology (2022).American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Cancer With Healthy Food Choices and Physical Activity. Kushi LH, Byers T, Doyle C, et al. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2006;56(5):254-81; quiz 313-4. doi:10.3322/canjclin.56.5.254.Vitamin D, Sunlight and Cancer Connection. Holick MF. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. 2013;13(1):70-82.Survivorship. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Updated 2026-04-08.Keratinocyte Carcinoma. Wehner MR. JAMA. 2025;:2840731. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.18749.Public Awareness and Behaviour in Great Britain in the Context of Sunlight Exposure and Vitamin D: Results From the First Large-Scale and Representative Survey. Burchell K, Rhodes LE, Webb AR. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17(18):E6924. doi:10.3390/ijerph17186924.Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al. JAMA. 2018;319(11):1134-1142. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.1623.Lifetime Sunburn Trajectories and Associated Risks of Cutaneous Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Among a Cohort of Norwegian Women. Lergenmuller S, Rueegg CS, Perrier F, et al. JAMA Dermatology. 2022;158(12):1367-1377. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4053.Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures. Rick Alteri, Deana Baptiste, Emily Butler Bell, et al. American Cancer Society (2025). Skin Cancer, Irradiation, and Sunspots: The Solar Cycle Effect. Valachovic E, Zurbenko I. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:538574. doi:10.1155/2014/538574.Intense Solar Activity Reduces UrinarDawn Lemanne, MD Oregon Integrative OncologyLeave no stone unturned.Deborah Gordon, MDNorthwest Wellness and Memory CenterBuilding Healthy Brains
Dr. Tyler Severance is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at University of Missouri Healthcare, which means he works with kids who have blood and cancer disorders. He spoke about some of the short and long-term impacts cancer treatment can have on kids
Tim McDonald was sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2020 when the pain started. A few days later, a doctor handed him a single sheet of paper and said three words nobody wants to hear: "You have cancer."Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Liver covered in tumors. A second oncologist told him he had three years to live and she'd focus on "quality of life." His response? "That's your story. Not mine."In this episode, Tim shares how over a decade of mindfulness practice shaped the way he faced one of the hardest diagnoses a person can receive and how he went from following doctors' orders to becoming the general manager of his own care team, ultimately pursuing a liver transplant at a time when fewer than 20 people in the US had received one for colorectal cancer.This conversation goes deep on:→ What it actually feels like to hear "you have cancer" and stay calm→ Why getting a second (and third, and tenth) opinion saved his life→ The player → quarterback → general manager framework for owning your treatment→ Men, vulnerability, and why cancer support groups changed everything→ The dark thought he had toward the end of chemo — and what pulled him back→ Why survivorship was mentally harder than treatment itself→ How advocacy work became part of his healingIf you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this episode is essential listening.───────────────────────────
Surviving breast cancer is only the beginning. For many survivors, the emotional, mental, and physical healing continues long after treatment ends.In this episode, Jamie sits down with Crystal Yang, RN, Board Certified Nurse Coach and co-founder of Perky, to explore the often-overlooked challenges of survivorship. Crystal shares how nurse coaching provides a safe, supportive space for breast cancer survivors to process life after treatment, navigate identity shifts, improve relationships, prioritize their well-being, and create a personalized path toward healing.Whether you're struggling with loss of identity, intimacy, anxiety, lifestyle changes, or simply wondering, "What's next?" after treatment, this conversation offers hope and practical guidance.In this episode, you'll learn:What nurse coaching is and how it differs from therapyWhy survivorship can be one of the hardest parts of the breast cancer journeyHow coaching empowers survivors to take ownership of their health and well-beingThe importance of being truly seen and heardHow Perky is helping survivors not just survive, but thriveConnect with Crystal Yang & PerkyWebsitehttps://helloperky.comBook Your Complimentary Discovery Coaching Sessionhttps://helloperky.com/nursecoachingPhone(210) 712-9765Emailcrystal@helloperky.comInstagram@weareperkyListen to Our Previous Conversation with PerkyIf you haven't listened to my first conversation with Crystal and Courtney from Perky, be sure to check it out!YouTube:https://youtu.be/2sIOeeAV_Hc?si=XJoGZILW4j0t54o2▶️ Watch the previous Perky episode on YouTubeIf this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating life after breast cancer. Every conversation helps bring hope, healing, and education to more survivors.Remember: Early detection saves lives. Healing doesn't end when treatment does.
DEAR PAO: Applying for survivorship pension at the Social Security System | July 7, 2026Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Part 2, Christopher Cogle examines the long-term realities facing cancer survivors. From vaccine hesitancy and quality-of-life disparities to healthcare access and survivorship policy, this episode explores how systems can better support patients beyond active treatment. Timestamps: 00:50 – Vaccine hesitancy 04:33 – QoL after cancer 07:30 – Policy support 11:10 – Survivorship care
The Cancer Pod: A Resource for Cancer Patients, Survivors, Caregivers & Everyone In Between.
What does it actually mean to advocate for yourself in the medical system?Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, RN, ONC sat down with Dr. Tina Kaczor for a candid conversation about helping patients access the best possible care through self-advocacy and shared decision-making.Navigating a cancer diagnosis is incredibly overwhelming. Between well-intentioned opinions from loved ones and rushed informed consent, it's easy to feel lost. Dr. Lucille brings compassion and pragmatism to the table, explaining why we need to slow down, understand the true risks and side effects, and look at the whole picture—physical, emotional, and spiritual.In this episode:The Power of Slowing Down: How to navigate a new diagnosis without being rushed into decisions.The Myth of "Forced Positivity": Breaking down the toxicity of societal pressure to stay positive.Holistic Resilience: The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), relationships, and the practice of habitual nourishment.Healing Tools that Work: A look at trauma-informed strategies like EMDR, brainspotting, and the role of spirituality in recovery.Want to learn more about Dr. Lucille? Visit her website.Leave a message and let us know what you liked about the episode!Support the showBecome a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today on Buy Me a Coffee or on Patreon!Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books!Buy our merch! Whether it's a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod:InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTubeTHANK YOU!!
Farla Efros is a senior retail executive and former CEO who built and sold companies before facing her own breast cancer diagnosis. She brings that same operational mindset into a healthcare system that expects patients to manage complexity while they are at their most vulnerable.She was on a client call in Spain when the diagnosis came through. A clear mammogram had missed it. An MRI caught it. Within hours, she was ordering binders, building a plan, and structuring her treatment like a turnaround strategy. Every appointment became a meeting. Every doctor faced an agenda with dozens of questions. She paid out of pocket for PET scans that were denied and hired a third party firm to validate her treatment path when her own doctors resisted outside input. The conversation tracks what happens when a high-functioning executive enters a system built on delay, denial, and fragmentation. Efros describes negotiating for tests, managing physician relationships, and assembling an “executive board” of advisors across conventional and alternative care. She calls the experience “the worst client I ever had,” exposing how administrative burden shifts onto patients and families.The tension sits between what worked for her and what is inaccessible to most. Her approach requires confidence, time, and fluency in navigating power. The system rewards that behavior while quietly failing patients who cannot replicate it. Insurance coverage still left her paying out of pocket. Doctors pushed standard protocols over precision medicine. Survivorship offered little support once treatment ended.This episode examines how cancer care operates as a series of incentives rather than a coordinated system, and why patients are forced to become operators just to get through it.RELATED LINKSFarla EfrosFarla Efros on LinkedInF*ck CancerF*ck Cancer on AmazonAccentureCTOAMPULL QUOTES“I treated cancer like the worst client I ever had.”“They wouldn't approve the test, so I paid for it myself.”“Every appointment was a negotiation.”FEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship email podcasts@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The MLB owner proposal to restructure the draft — including eliminating the high school portion and shrinking the minor leagues — landed last week. The reaction across the baseball internet was the usual reflexive "negative." This episode is the case for the other side, and it lands on a thesis BSGB has been building toward for two years: college baseball's player development resources are underrated, and the loudest criticisms don't hold up against the data.Trevor and Dan walk the proposal piece by piece, then spend the back half breaking down why college dev is the better environment for almost every prospect not named Konnor Griffin.The thesis arc:Cost-saving for cost-saving's sake (capped bonus pools, eliminated rounds) gets a flagCutting minor league teams to reinvest in the ones that remain gets a thumbs-upThe high school draft elimination is the heart of the conversationThe "college coaches don't care about development" take gets dismantledThe "minor leagues are safer because of pitch counts" take gets dismantledThe actual proof: Skenes, Lowder, Chase Burns, Nick Kurtz — each one built inside a college programThe injury prevention edge: programs running NewtForce mounds with integrated biomechanics flag the risk before the pitcher feels it (vs. a road-trip start in low-A with no data infrastructure)The trickle-up reality: spin metrics, high-ride fastballs, every "new" thing the MLB broadcasters discover — college was running it two years earlierThe coach reality: Wes Johnson, Matt Hobbs, Dan Heefner are at college programs because that's where the development happens, the resources are, and the pay matchesWhy people get this wrong:Survivorship bias. The Konnor Griffin and Jackson Holiday cases are real — they're also unicorns. The kids most baseball fans never name — Riley Pint, Lonnie White, the Guardians' "million-dollar outfield" — got drafted out of high school for seven figures and never sniffed the big leagues. Two years of high-level college baseball would have given them a shot at maturity, an education, a fallback, and a more developmental environment than the bus to Jackson, Mississippi.Why college player dev is actually better:Tech parity (or surplus) vs. an MLB org's minor-league systemTop coaches making more in college than they would as pro pitching coordinatorsIntegrated biomech + ground-force + bullpen data layers inside the buildingCoach access (Matt Hobbs, Dan Heifner, Wes Johnson) for direct daily repsEducation + maturity layer that no minor league system can replicateWhy this matters:The MLB owner proposal is a starting point, not a contract. But the premise that college baseball can absorb more of the development pipeline — especially with NIL paying these kids real money to stay — is on extremely solid ground. The case Trevor and Dan lay out here is the cleanest defense of college player development BSGB has done on the pod.00:00 Intro · Take Two (Wi-Fi-Loss Edition) 01:30 The Gym Streak + Sunday Move Day 09:30 The MLB Draft Restructuring Proposal 10:30 What's Good · Reinvesting in the Minors 13:30 What's Bad · Capping Free-Agent Bonus Pools 16:00 The High School Draft Conversation 19:30 Survivorship Bias · Riley Pint, Million-Dollar Outfield 23:00 College Player Development, Underrated 27:30 The Tech Offsets the Pitch Count 30:30 Skenes, Lowder, Burns, Kurtz · The Proof 35:00 Player Dev Trickles UP, Not Down 38:00 Injury Prevention Tech in College 41:00 The Coaching Reality · Wes, Hobbs, Heefner 45:00 Why Pro Coordinators Get Paid Less Than College Assistants 48:30 Recruiting + Roster Spots · The Transfer Pushback 53:00 The Education Layer + NIL 56:30 The International Draft Conversation 1:00:00 What People Get Wrong About College Baseball 1:04:00 Closing · The Game Wins If This Goes Through
Though cheap surgery overseas sounds like the ultimate life hack, Nick Pell takes a scalpel to the potential perils of medical tourism on Skeptical Sunday.Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we're joined by writer and researcher Nick Pell!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1348On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:How the "ultimate life hack" hides a brutal trade-off. Flying abroad for a 70% discount on a medical procedure means leaving behind malpractice law, insurance, and safety oversight. The money you save is often the safety net you lose, with no undo button and no legal recourse when something goes wrong.Why medical tourism brokers act more like salesmen than surgeons. Anyone can call themselves a "facilitator" with zero licensing, then pocket 10 to 40 percent commissions for steering you toward the highest-paying clinic rather than the cleanest one, often with an influencer doing the marketing.What the glossy recovery photos leave out. Survivorship bias buries the waterborne infections, wounds that won't close, and fatal embolisms. BBLs are the deadliest cosmetic procedure on record, and many botched jobs land back in US ERs, where your premiums quietly cover the six-figure repair.Why the darkest edge of this market runs on organ harvesting. Chinese sites promise new kidneys in weeks, a timeline that's biologically impossible unless you know when a donor will die. Investigators tie it to forced harvesting from Falun Gong and Uyghur detainees treated as living spare parts.How to vet a clinic before you book the flight. Start with CDC medical tourism alerts, confirm JCI or ISAPS accreditation, and verify the surgeon's license on an official government registry. Insist on hospital admitting privileges, and budget two to four weeks of recovery before flying home.Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Zazzle: 25% off first order: Zazzle.com ConciergeMD: 20% off all services/memberships: conciergemdla.com/jordan, code JORDANSimpliSafe Home Security: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanWhatnot: Start selling today: whatnot.com/sellSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us Fan MailAdjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis goes well beyond the initial treatment. Survivors adjust to a new normal that requires a comprehensive support plan and team to help them navigate survivorship. In this episode, Kimmie Carney, RN, care coordinator at the Nassif Community Cancer Center, joins Dr. Arnold to discuss survivorship support.For more information, call the Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org/survivorship. If you have a topic you'd like Dr. Arnold to discuss with a guest on the podcast, shoot us an email at stlukescr@unitypoint.org.
On June 12, 2026, Elon Musk officially became the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX's record-shattering IPO. But here's the uncomfortable part: he built that fortune by breaking the most repeated rule in personal finance. He never diversified. He bet everything — twice — on companies he controlled. In this episode, I unpack what that actually means for your money. We walk through Musk's all-in playbook, from the $180 million PayPal payout to nearly going broke in 2008, and confront an uncomfortable truth: nobody ever got on the Forbes list with a diversified portfolio. Then we visit the graveyard nobody talks about — the thousands who made the same bet and lost everything — and break down the three advantages Musk had that you and I don't. You'll leave with a clear framework: when concentration makes sense, when diversification is non-negotiable, the one concentrated bet you already own (and should double down on), and how to size a "conviction bet" without putting your family's plan at risk. What we cover: The SpaceX IPO and what a trillion dollars actually looks like. The all-in playbook: PayPal to near-bankruptcy to history. Why diversification will never make you rich — and isn't supposed to. Survivorship bias: Enron, dot-com, and the losing tickets history forgets. Concentrate to build, diversify to keep: what this means for you Questions about your own portfolio's hidden concentration? Book a conversation by emailing me at info@creatingricherlives.com. Disclosure: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not personalized investment advice.
Today on National Cancer Survivor's Day, we're joined by a remarkable performer whose strength, vulnerability, and resilience have inspired millions around the world. She has taken the stage as a backup vocalist for numerous top artists and most recently dazzled the crowds on the biggest tour in music history with global superstar Taylor Swift. However, audiences were moved even more deeply when she chose to publicly share something far more personal – her breast cancer journey. After Jeslyn Gorman's diagnosis become known through The Eras Tour docuseries, fans witnessed the emotional reality of navigating cancer while stepping away from a career and community she loves so deeply. From continuing to tour in the early days of diagnosis, to facing treatment side effects and returning to the stage immediately following treatment, her story is one of courage, grace and resilience. Today, Jeslyn opens up about the support she received, what survivorship looks like now and most importantly, shares an empowering message for young women about listening to their bodies, advocating for their health, and never underestimating the importance of early detection. Key Takeaways: Early detection can save lives. You can experience joy and fear at the same time. A strong support system makes a major difference. Recovery is gradual and requires patience. Cancer changes your life, but it doesn't define it. Chapters 00:00 – Jeslyn's Breast Cancer Diagnosis 05:24 – Continuing to Perform After Diagnosis 07:38 – Going Public With Her Cancer Story 13:22 – Breast Health and Self-Advocacy 18:07 – Support From Family, Friends, and the Tour Community 22:17 – Staying Positive During Treatment 25:17 – Chemotherapy and Physical Recovery 31:49 – Hair Loss and Identity Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship. 37:29 – Life After Treatment and Survivorship
“I mean, I believe so strongly that food, what we eat, matters.” —Jen NolanIn this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley is joind by Jen Nolan, owner of Remission Nutrition and nutrition advisor at Riordan Clinic, to explore nutrition recomendations and the differences between what is recommended during active treatment and after treatment.
Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm so honored to have back on the show once again: Non-binary, queer and polyfragmented cult torture, mind control, and incest survivor, overcomer and whistleblower living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, award winning published - and passionate - writer and author - writing the books they needed as a struggling teen and couldn't find, content creator, artist and visionary, entrepreneur, educator, and the brightest and most colorful light in this dark world: Cheryl Rainfield. A little bit about Cheryl if you missed their last episode or need a recap, as well as what you can expect to hear about in today's episode: Born in Toronto and raised in what appeared to be an ordinary middle-class family, Cheryl endured horrors few can fathom: intergenerational organized cult torture involving ritual abuse, mind control, trafficking, incest, and calculated programming designed to shatter body, mind, and soul. From birth—likely even in utero—the cults (interconnected KKK, Nazi, satanic, and Christian factions stretching back generations) subjected them to extreme torture, sexual violence, and psychological warfare in everyday places like church basements, forests, warehouses, and private homes. Yet even as a child, Cheryl found cracks in the darkness. Writing and art became their first lifelines, silent workarounds that allowed truth to slip past threats and programming. In their early teens, parts of their system began sharing memories, starting with incest. A school story written by one part reached a believing teacher, prompting police and child protective services involvement—a fragile first step toward light. But safety was not immediate. Cult-involved parents deployed a sabotaging therapist, and torture intensified. But Cheryl's system refused silence. At 15, they chose their own therapist—an extraordinary cult torture survivor with DID—who instantly recognized the switching and offered profound validation. Cheryl lives with polyfragmented DID: thousands of fragments forming complex hubs, subgroups, and inner worlds, some self-created for protection, others deliberately crafted by the cult. Escape was not one dramatic moment but a marathon of courage—layer by layer, memory by memory, through inner cooperation, unraveling programming, and building co-consciousness. It took most of their life, but they reached safety, proving freedom is possible no matter how long the road.Through it all, writing and art served as a sanctuary and superpower. Cheryl began pouring pain onto pages as soon as they could hold a pencil. In their late 20s and early 30s, they became the author they needed as a struggling teen—the one they couldn't find. Their award-winning books, including Scars (with Cheryl's own scarred arm on the cover), Stained, Hunted, and Visions, draw deeply from trauma and healing while delivering powerful literary fiction. Beyond the page, Cheryl's impact radiates through social media, articles, raw videos, podcasts, and art that illuminates cult torture, polyfragmented DID, mind control, and the path to wholeness.On Cheryl's last episode we did together, we explored their testimony in depth - I would highly encourage you to watch that episode before or after this one to be truly inspired by what Cheryl has lived through and overcome. On today's episode, we will be diving deeper into topics pertaining to Dissociative Identities - self and cult created, Dissociative Identity Disorder, cult abuse and torture, recovery, healing, creativity through art - and so much more. Cheryl is not only a survivor—they are a miracle in motion, a revolution of hope, and the brightest and most colorful light this world has ever seen. Their story is far from over. And because they chose to rise, countless others now know they can too. The future is brighter because Cheryl is here—and together, with hearts open and voices united, we are lighting up the world.Some Signs and Symptoms of Cult Torture and How To Help:-https://www.cherylrainfield.com/some-signs-and-symptoms-of-cult-torture-and-how-to-help/Articles on cult torture and programming:-https://www.cherylrainfield.com/articles-cult-abuse/Resources on cult torture and DID -https://www.cherylrainfield.com/links-healing/Books on cult torture/RAMCOA:-Becoming Yourself by Alison Miller-Healing The Unimaginable by Alison Miller-Demystifying Mind Control & Ritual Abuse -Safe Passage to Healing by Chrystine Oksana. It's out of print but you can still buy copies.Websites on cult torture: -Survivorship.org-ra-info.org -ritualabuse.us-endritualabuse.org-https://grassroots-ra-mc-collective.org/CONNECT WITH CHERYL:TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherylrainfieldIG: https://www.instagram.com/cherylrainfieldFB: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.rainfield/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Cheryl.Rainfield Substack: https://substack.com/@cherylrainfieldSupport the show
Love the podcast? Send us a text!What happens when you give yourself one year to “get through breast cancer” — only to realize that the timeline is much longer and more complicated than you imagined?In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I'm joined by Jessica Thomas, who was diagnosed with ER/PR-positive, stage 2B breast cancer with lymph node involvement. After finding a lump herself, Jessica moved through the overwhelming sequence of imaging, biopsies, chemotherapy, double mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction delays, implant complications, DIEP flap reconstruction, tamoxifen, and Verzenio.But as Jessica shares so honestly, one of the hardest parts was not only the treatment itself. It was the waiting: waiting for results, waiting for a plan, waiting to know what came next, and trying to live inside the uncertainty.This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought, “I just need a plan.” It is for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the number of medications, appointments, side effects, and decisions that come with breast cancer. And it is especially for anyone who has reached the end of active treatment only to realize there is still so much more to navigate.Support the showListener FeedbackIf this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback.Messages are completely anonymous.If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.Latest News: Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.
In this episode, we talk with Christy Donovan, DNP, RN, a Blood Cancer Coordinator at the the Blood and Marrow Transplant/ Leukemia Program at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, about what survivorship really looks like after a stem cell transplant. The central message is that survivorship is not a finish line. It is a transition into a new normal. Many patients expect life to return to the way it was before diagnosis or transplant, but recovery usually feels slower, messier, and more emotional than that. Fatigue, side effects, fear, and frustration can last for months, and that does not mean something is wrong. It means recovery is still happening. We also focus on how important it is to set realistic expectations. Christy explains that early struggles do not define long term outcomes. A setback in the first weeks or months after transplant does not mean a patient will not go on to live a full and meaningful life. Recovery takes patience. Small wins matter. Walking to the mailbox, cooking a meal, or getting through a day with a little more energy can be major milestones. Over time, those moments add up. Another major theme is emotional recovery. We talk about the fear of recurrence and the challenge of learning what is normal after treatment versus what should be reported to a doctor. That education helps people feel more confident and less trapped by fear. We also touch on how easy it is to forget that some aches and pains may simply come with getting older, not always with cancer. That perspective can be grounding. Other survivors can be a valuable information resource, too. Support comes up again and again throughout the conversation. Caregivers remain important in survivorship, but their role changes. Friends, peer support, support groups, podcasts, and survivorship communities all help patients feel less isolated. Christy emphasizes the value of honesty and vulnerability, especially in telling people what kind of support is needed on a given day. Some days call for celebration. Some days call for rest. We also talk about the tension between wanting to get back to life and needing to stay safe. Many survivors ask when they can return to work, travel, attend church, or see family. That desire is a good sign. It shows hope. At the same time, it takes guidance from the healthcare team to know when and how to widen that protective bubble. The episode ends on a hopeful note. Christy shares that she does not think of one survivor story. She thinks of many faces. She describes the joy of seeing patients return months later looking stronger, brighter, and more like themselves. That image captures the heart of the episode. Survivorship is hard, but it is also full of possibility, growth, connection, and life after transplant. More: Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Blood & Marrow Transplant Program — https://www.northside.com/services/cancer-institute/cancer-treatment-options/blood-marrow-transplant-program Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Blood Cancer Program — https://www.northside.com/services/cancer-institute/cancer-programs/blood-cancer-program National Bone Marrow Transplant Link (nbmtLINK) — https://www.nbmtlink.org/ Thanks to this season's sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi. (00:00) Introduction (00:40) Meet Christy Donovan (01:42) Survivorship as a transition (03:00) The role of caregivers and support after transplant (03:38) Early struggles vs long term outcomes (05:41) Emotional impact and fear of recurrence (07:02) Learning what is normal and what is not (07:55) Support groups, healing arts, and community (08:44) Being honest with friends about what you need (09:34) Managing energy and celebrating small wins (11:02) Patience, hope, and finding your people (13:15) Common questions in early survivorship (14:27) Expanding the protective bubble (15:20) The many faces of survivorship (17:03) Final encouragement and close National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today, Peggy Burkhard talks with Dr. Amar Kelkar of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about the medical side of survivorship after bone marrow, stem cell, or CAR-T transplant. The conversation begins with the important shift from the urgent “save my life” phase to the longer “protect my health” phase. Dr. Kelkar explains that this transition often starts around the 100-day mark, though timing varies by transplant center, geographical region and patient needs. A major theme is the need to restart routine care that may have been paused during transplant. Dental care, dermatology, ophthalmology, and primary care all become important again. Dental visits are especially important because oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can cause dry mouth, irritation, cavities, and other problems. Skin checks matter because transplant can increase the risk of skin cancers. Dr. Kelkar stresses annual dermatology visits, sun protection, SPF 50 or higher, protective clothing, and smart decisions about sun exposure. Fatigue is another central topic. Dr. Kelkar describes post-transplant fatigue as different from normal tiredness. It can feel deep, physical, and mental, and it may last for months or even years. He encourages patients to pace themselves, listen to their bodies, and build activity back slowly. Returning to work also needs to be individualized. Some patients work remotely during treatment, while others may need extended disability or a gradual return. The episode also covers immune recovery and repeat vaccinations. Dr. Kelkar explains that after transplant, the immune system has been reset, and many childhood vaccines need to be repeated. Most programs begin revaccination around six, nine, or 12 months, depending on immune suppression and other factors. He reassures listeners that many patients have fewer vaccine symptoms early on because their immune systems are still rebuilding. Dr. Kelkar also reviews long-term screening and prevention. Survivors need routine cancer screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer screening when appropriate, skin exams, and monitoring for thyroid or other changes. Metabolic health is also important. Steroids can affect blood sugar, transplant can change body composition, and quick weight loss often includes muscle loss. Nutrition support and exercise programs can help, and Peggy notes that Blood Cancer United offers nutrition services for patients and caregivers. Blood Cancer United's nutrition program provides free one-on-one consultations with oncology dietitians by phone or email. Bone health, hormone changes, sexual health, and early aging are also discussed. Dr. Kelkar explains that steroids, menopause, testosterone changes, vitamin D deficiency, and time indoors can affect bones. Many centers use DEXA scans and vitamin D supplementation. He also encourages patients to bring up sexual health concerns, including menopause symptoms, low testosterone, pain with intercourse, ulcers, or fear about resuming intimacy. The episode closes with practical advice for everyday life. Food restrictions often loosen around 100 days, but patients should reintroduce foods slowly and carefully. Raw foods, alcohol, tobacco, and inhaled smoke should generally be avoided, especially during the first year. Dr. Kelkar also emphasizes mental health support, counseling, and honest conversations with the medical team. Survivorship is a bumpy road, but the goal is to help patients regain control and thrive. Blood Cancer United Nutrition Offerings: https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer-care/adults/food-nutrition Thanks to this season's sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi. (00:00) Intro (01:16) Moving from acute treatment to survivorship (02:17) Dental, dermatology, ophthalmology, and routine care (05:45) Fatigue after transplant versus normal tiredness (08:35) Pacing yourself and avoiding setbacks (10:26) Returning to work after transplant (12:24) Resetting the immune system and repeat vaccinations (16:07) Secondary malignancy prevention and cancer screenings (18:59) Sun protection and skin cancer prevention (20:23) Metabolic health, blood sugar, and weight management (23:58) Bone health, vitamin D, DEXA scans, and early aging (29:32) Sexual health and hormonal changes (32:43) Everyday living after transplant (36:07) Psychological and cognitive hurdles in survivorship (38:16) Pulmonary function tests and liver monitoring (40:42) Closing thoughts National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Marrow Masters, Peggy Burkhard talks with caregiver Ashlee Cramer about what caregiving really looks like during cancer, bone marrow transplant, and survivorship. Ashlee shares the story of her son Michael, who was diagnosed in 2020 with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. Their family had already lived through cancer once before, when Ashlee's husband Patrice was diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma in 2014 and later died at home in hospice, surrounded by his family. Ashlee explains that caregiving is often misunderstood. Caregivers are not saints who always feel strong, positive, or ready. Many are scared, exhausted, grieving, and trying to manage jobs, children, finances, appointments, medications, and the emotional weight of watching someone they love suffer. She says caregivers often feel pressure to do everything alone, but that pressure can lead to burnout and isolation. The conversation focuses on the reality that caregiving is not always temporary or predictable. For Michael, treatment moved quickly from diagnosis to hospitalization to transplant. He received a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor, went into remission, and then developed serious complications, including engraftment syndrome, acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) , and chronic GVHD. Ashlee says Michael is a miracle, and while GVHD remains part of his life, the key word is living. Ashlee also talks about mental health for caregivers. She names anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, and loneliness as common experiences. She points out that many cancer centers offer support for patients, but caregivers often have to search for help on their own. Support groups, virtual programs, and caregiver resources can make a major difference because connection helps people feel less alone. A central message of the episode is that caregivers need care too. Ashlee encourages caregivers to take small pockets of peace when they cannot take a full day away. A shower, a breathwork practice, a walk outside, a cup of coffee, or a short hug from another caregiver can help. She also reminds caregivers to accept help. A meal train, a friend waiting in the hospital lobby, or someone offering a few minutes of support can ease the load. The episode ends with hope. Ashlee talks about post-traumatic growth, or PTG, and the idea that people do not have to bounce back to who they were before trauma. They can bounce forward. Michael and Ashlee continue to advocate, share their story through their podcast Michael and Mom Talk Cancer, and remind other caregivers that they are not alone. Thanks to this season's sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi. (00:00 Intro (04:05) Misconceptions about caregiving and why caregivers are not saints (05:30) Why caregivers should not be expected to do everything alone (07:00) The pressure to “stay strong” and how it can isolate caregivers (09:49) The reality of caregiving and how much it affects mental health (12:03) Work, family, sacrifice, and the myth of balance (16:40) Caregiver anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, and the need for support (20:40) Finding small “pockets of peace” when a full break is impossible (23:10) What Ashlee wishes she knew earlier about speaking up and asking questions (24:59) Why accepting help matters and how a meal train supported her family (34:09) Post-traumatic growth and the idea of bouncing forward instead of bouncing back National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today, Peggy talks with Daniel Gaylor, LCSW, OSW-C, ACHP-SW, and a social work supervisor at Moffitt Cancer Center, about what happens after patients and caregivers get through the intense treatment period and begin asking, “Now what?” Daniel explains that recovery does not mean life snaps back to normal. Survivorship brings fear, relief, hope, uncertainty, and exhaustion all at once. Those reactions are normal, and they deserve to be named. Daniel explains why post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can show up after transplant. A transplant is not a routine treatment. It can involve long hospital stays, isolation, major physical side effects, and real fears about survival. When patients return for follow up visits, they may be brought back emotionally to those difficult hospital days. This can make survivorship feel complicated, even when the transplant was successful. Another key theme is slowly letting go. Patients may feel afraid to go out, socialize, eat in a restaurant, drive, or return to activities they once enjoyed. Daniel encourages survivors to start small and to be fair to the situation. It is easy to imagine the worst case. But it also helps to keep yourself honest - say out loud what could happen if things go well. The episode also addresses the “strain of worry.” Daniel describes signs of anxiety and depression, including sleep problems, racing thoughts, trouble concentrating, irritability, sadness, appetite changes, and not wanting to do things that usually bring joy. He reminds listeners that difficult days do not mean failure. Survivors should be able to say, “Today is not my best day,” and ask for help. Peggy and Daniel also talk about toxic positivity. While loved ones often mean well, phrases like “you're lucky to be alive” can minimize a survivor's fear or pain. Daniel encourages honest communication. Patients can thank loved ones for their support while also explaining what would help more. Social connection is another major part of healing. Daniel urges survivors and caregivers to increase connection and reduce isolation. A quick text, a short call, a support group, or a shared conversation can make a real difference. Peggy highlights programs where survivors can meet others who understand graft versus host disease (GVHD) and transplant recovery. Daniel closes with the idea of building a “tool belt.” Each person needs practical coping tools, whether that is a friend, music, journaling, counseling, mindfulness, a book, or a favorite place to reset. Caregivers need their own tool belts too. Transplant affects the whole support system, and survivorship works best when people communicate, ask for help, and remember they are not meant to do this alone. Links: Elephants and Tea: https://elephantsandtea.org/ BMT InfoNet: https://bmtinfonet.org/ Blood Cancer United: https://bloodcancerunited.org/ Thanks to this season's sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi. (00:00) Intro (01:01) Normalizing emotional reactions during recovery (04:22) PTSD after transplant and why it matters (08:59) Slowly letting go after transplant (13:12) Facing the worst case and choosing to move forward (13:53) The strain of worry and mental health red flags (19:31) Toxic positivity and the power of validation (20:26) How to talk with loved ones who are trying to help (22:39) Social health, connection, and friendship (26:43) Support groups, GVHD, and feeling understood (28:07) Building a survivorship "tool belt" (33:08) Why transplant never fully “stops” (36:39) A patient story about resilience and asking for help National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, we are joined by Jeff Hooke, former investment banking, private equity, and private debt executive turned academic critic of alternative investments, for a rigorous and provocative examination of private equity, private credit, and institutional investing. Jeff draws on decades of experience in finance and years of academic research to challenge many of the assumptions driving institutional and retail allocations to private markets. We discuss why pension plans and endowments continue pouring capital into alternatives despite evidence of underperformance, how private market valuations can obscure true risk, and why the fee structures embedded in private funds create enormous hurdles for investors. Jeff explains the methodological challenges of benchmarking private investments, the role of investment consultants and industry incentives, and why illiquidity and opaque reporting make private assets especially difficult for retail investors to evaluate. Along the way, we explore survivorship bias, public market equivalents, unrealized valuations, and the growing push to bring private assets into retirement portfolios. This conversation is an in-depth look at the incentives, risks, and realities shaping the modern alternatives industry. Key Points From This Episode: (0:00:18) Introduction to Jeff Hooke and the focus on private equity, private credit, and alternative investments. (0:04:21) Why institutions and retail investors continue allocating heavily to alternatives. (0:04:33) What institutional investors are and how pension plans and endowments operate. (0:05:52) Why institutional staff may prefer complexity over simple index investing. (0:07:55) How early private equity outperformance fueled lasting enthusiasm for alternatives. (0:08:47) Why trustees often rely heavily on staff and consultants for investment decisions. (0:09:29) The social and psychological appeal of "exotic" investments. (0:10:28) Why institutional investors often resist criticism of private markets. (0:11:56) The CalPERS example: underperforming a simple 60/40 index despite complexity. (0:13:28) The role investment consultants play as institutional "gatekeepers." (0:15:42) Why many pension plans and endowments may have underperformed due to alternatives. (0:17:26) Findings from The Grand Experiment and research on private equity fund performance. (0:18:30) Why institutions struggled to replicate Yale's endowment success under David Swensen. (0:20:57) Gross versus net performance in private equity—and the impact of fees. (0:21:30) The extreme dispersion between top- and bottom-performing private equity funds. (0:23:26) The weak persistence of private equity manager outperformance. (0:25:27) Why private investments expanded rapidly after the Global Financial Crisis. (0:25:54) The illusion of smoother returns in private markets due to subjective valuations. (0:28:13) Why benchmarking private equity performance is methodologically difficult. (0:31:13) How private market data can support conflicting performance narratives. (0:33:41) Why public market equivalent (PME) is one of the best benchmarking approaches. (0:36:59) Survivorship bias and non-reporting funds in private market databases. (0:40:09) The rise of private credit and its role in financing leveraged buyouts. (0:42:29) Findings from Jeff's private credit research: no evidence of outperformance versus public ETFs. (0:45:15) Jeff's response to Cliffwater's critique of his private credit paper. (0:47:15) Why retail investors may underestimate the risks and costs of private alternatives. (0:49:14) Conflicts of interest and fee incentives in wealth management distribution. (0:51:03) The impact of unrealized valuations and unsold holdings on reported returns. (0:53:15) Why many private equity funds still hold large unrealized positions after a decade. (0:56:05) Whether private equity ownership actually improves company operations. (0:57:42) The major liquidity risks facing retail investors in private funds. (0:59:20) Canadian private real estate funds, gating, and redemption problems. (1:02:01) Comparing private market fees to ultra-low-cost public index funds. (1:06:46) The long-term impact of bringing private assets into retail retirement accounts. (1:08:17) How much "play money" investors should allocate to speculative alternatives. (1:10:49) Why leverage layered on top of private funds creates additional risk. Links From Today's Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) use evolves, understanding implant longevity and survivorship expectations has become critical for patient counseling and decision making. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term survivorship of the INBONE II TAA. In Conclusion, ten-year survivorship of INBONE II TAA was 93% in this cohort. Despite periprosthetic osteolysis and/or peri-implant lucency, the reoperation rate was low. Although the small number of failures prevented statistically significant conclusions, radiographic patterns suggest possible higher risk of failure in those with greater varus deformity. Click here to read the article.
In this episode, we are joined by Elroy Dimson, Professor of Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School and co-creator of the Dimson-Marsh-Staunton (DMS) dataset, for a sweeping and deeply insightful conversation on financial history, market behavior, and the evolution of global investing. Elroy walks us through the origins of the groundbreaking Triumph of the Optimists, the challenges of assembling over 100 years of global return data, and the critical biases that once shaped our understanding of markets. We explore how expanding beyond U.S.-centric data reshaped expectations for the equity risk premium, why economic growth doesn't necessarily translate into higher stock returns, and what history reveals about diversification, factor investing, and investor behavior. Elroy also shares lessons from his work with major institutions like Norway's sovereign wealth fund, discusses the surprising long-term outperformance of railways, and offers a grounded perspective on future expected returns. This episode is a masterclass in using history to inform better financial decisions. Key Points From This Episode: (0:04:00) Introduction to Elroy Dimson and the significance of the DMS dataset. (0:05:07) Why understanding financial history is essential for thinking about the future. (0:05:24) The origin story of Triumph of the Optimists and assembling global return data. (0:09:06) How long-term datasets are built from academic and commercial sources. (0:11:33) Survivorship bias in historical indices and why it matters. (0:13:35) "Easy data bias" and how it leads to overstated historical returns. (0:15:32) Accounting for failed markets and geopolitical disruptions in global data. (0:18:33) How global data changed expectations for the equity risk premium. (0:21:09) Why 20th-century equity returns were a "pleasant surprise." (0:22:17) U.S. market dominance and the challenge of extrapolating its success. (0:24:11) Market composition in 1900 and the dominance of railway stocks. (0:25:52) Why railways outperformed despite shrinking market share. (0:29:03) The surprising disconnect between economic growth and stock returns. (0:31:28) Why investing in recovering markets requires extreme patience and conviction. (0:33:32) Value investing: historical success and recent struggles. (0:35:00) Why economic growth benefits many—but not necessarily stock investors. (0:35:59) The long-term benefits of global diversification. (0:40:01) Why diversification reduces risk—but doesn't create returns for everyone. (0:42:29) Explaining persistent home country bias among investors. (0:47:46) Industry diversification becoming more important over time. (0:49:50) The rise and evolution of size, value, and momentum factors. (0:54:17) Why factor premiums should be monitored—not blindly followed. (0:57:27) The equity risk premium: why it's crucial—and uncertain. (1:00:15) A realistic estimate: ~3% equity risk premium going forward. (1:02:33) Translating that into ~5% real expected equity returns. (1:05:10) Staying optimistic: invest long-term and live modestly. (1:05:58) The risk of pessimism: losing purchasing power in safe assets. (1:08:06) The evolving role of bonds as diversifiers. (1:09:55) Why market timing is a losing strategy. (1:11:00) Elroy's definition of success: happy children and grandchildren. Links From Today's Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Benjamin Warwick on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3 Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
Send us Fan MailTrusts, Estates & Joint Accounts | Series 65 and Series 66 Exam PrepEverything you need on trusts, estates, and joint accounts for the Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Examination). This topic isn't a huge percentage of the exam, but it's easy points if you know the patterns NASAA likes to test.What this video covers:Joint account types — JTWROS (Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship), Tenants in Common, Tenants by the Entirety, and community property. The survivor question and how the exam tests it.The three players in every trust — grantor (settlor, trustor), trustee, and beneficiary.Revocable vs irrevocable trusts — what changes, who pays the taxes, why the IRS doesn't care about your revocable trust, and what you actually get in return for giving up control.Testamentary trusts — when they're funded and why probate still applies.Why people set up trusts in the first place — probate avoidance, privacy, control after death, and estate tax reduction. The four real reasons, ranked.The Prudent Investor Rule under the Uniform Prudent Investor Act — fiduciary duty, total portfolio approach, diversification, and the wrong answers the exam loves to throw at you.Trustee duties with multiple beneficiaries — balancing income beneficiaries against remainder beneficiaries, what the trustee considers, and what the trustee absolutely does not care about.Estate accounts — executor vs administrator, Letters Testamentary vs Letters of Administration, and how the account actually works.Common Series 65 and 66 exam questions answered:Who gets taxed on a revocable trust? The grantor. Who gets taxed on an irrevocable trust? The trust or the beneficiary. Does a revocable trust reduce estate taxes? No. Does a revocable trust avoid probate? Yes. When is a testamentary trust funded? At the grantor's death. Who can trade a trust account? The trustee. What standard does a trustee follow? Prudent investor rule.Taught by Ken Boyd — former NYSE floor trader (1989–2009) and founder of Capital Advantage Tutoring. 35 years on Wall Street. Series 7, SIE, Series 63, 65, and 66 exam prep.
Some founders build solid companies.A few build something far bigger than what looked reasonable at the time.What explains that gap?In this episode of the Prime Venture Partners Podcast, Amit Somani, Managing Partner at Prime Venture Partners, speaks with Dr. Julie Gurner, Executive Performance Coach on the psychology behind exceptional founders.They get into the self belief, audacity, resilience, and invisible rules that shape how far people go.The conversation also explores:• What “maniacal focus” looks like in standout founders• The imaginary rules that limit what founders build, earn, and pursue• Why tying your identity to your company can lead to worse decisions• Why playing to your strengths creates more leverage than trying to do it all• What AI can and cannot do for leaders and foundersIf you are building something and want to understand the mental side of exceptional performance, this episode is worth your time.
Episode Description In this episode of The MADLOVE Your Life Show, Mary Dee is joined by Pat Berry and Michael Hamburger for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about their shared experience being cancer survivors. Each of them has faced a different type of cancer and a different journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Together, they open up about how they discovered something was wrong, the decisions they had to make under pressure, and what it truly means to navigate life during and after cancer. From fast-moving medical choices to emotional and mental challenges, this conversation sheds light on the realities of survivorship while offering hope, perspective, and strength for anyone facing a health scare. This episode is both honest and inspiring, showing that while the journey may look different for everyone, there is always a path forward. You'll hear: • The early signs that led to each diagnosis. • How major treatment decisions were made under uncertainty. • The emotional and mental challenges during the process. • Why mindset plays a critical role in healing and recovery. • The importance of early detection and listening to your body. • How cancer impacts identity, business, and daily life. • Different approaches to treatment and personal choice. • What survivorship really looks like at different stages. • Lessons on gratitude, presence, and what truly matters. If this episode speaks to you… If you or someone you love is navigating a health challenge, or if you've ever faced uncertainty in life, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and real-life insight. Because sometimes, life's biggest challenges can bring the clearest understanding of what truly matters.