Cancer Conversations

We are wired to worry, but you can work on worrying, or you can work on what’s worrying you, says cancer survivor and crisis expert Lance Burdett. The former lead crisis negotiator for New Zealand Police offers tips for improving anxiety and aiding sleep during challenging times.  Warning: This episode discusses mental health, depression and suicide. Discretion is advised. If you or someone you kn...

Post-treatment doesn’t mean post-trauma and it can bring an unexpected range of emotions. Everyone in your world is ready for you to move on and be your old self, while you’re juggling fatigue, mourning the body you had and reconnecting with people as a person, not a patient. Cancer survivor Hannah Cozens shares her experience of navigating her new normal, and managing other people’s expectations...

Ultramarathon runner Hannah Rae was tough and resilient – until she lost her three wise men, her support network, in quick succession. It showed her how important it was to have a support team in challenging times and also forced her to re-evaluate life. That experience led her to become a life coach specialising in grief and loss, and she shares tools that help people adjust to their new normal w...

Supporting a loved one through cancer can be a journey of discovery—especially when it’s your child. In this episode, Helen King sits down with Rata Campbell, whose son was only two when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Rata shares her deeply personal story about navigating the complexities of childhood cancer, becoming her son’s strongest advocate, and learning to adjust to a new normal; and what...

Talking about your final days is never easy, but it’s one of the most meaningful conversations we can have with our loved ones. In episode 4 of Cancer Conversations, End-Of-Life Doula Treza Gallogly joins host Helen King to explore why discussing your final days is just as important as having life insurance or a Will. Treza shares compassionate and practical tips on how to approach these difficult...

The importance of a support crew. Former elite cyclist Kate Wightman was diagnosed with three gynaecological cancers at 29 and, after discovering limited treatment options, chose to raise awareness and funds by taking on the Te Araroa trail. She shares how completing this challenge and navigating treatment was only possible thanks to the strength and support of her crew. Thanks to Look Good Feel B...

In this episode, Helen is joined by somatic sexologist Morgan Penn to answer all your burning questions about sex.  Navigating sex and intimacy after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging and it's hard to figure out where to go for the right advice. Look no further! Morgan shares her wisdom to help you back on the path to pleasure.  Topics covered: How to find your libido again Reconnecting with y...

Aimee-Rose Yates was 28 when she learned she had incurable bowel cancer. With the knowledge that her life would be much shorter than she had planned for. Aimee-Rose is trying to enjoy every moment. And to do this, she has created a fuck it list. Topics covered: Living with incurable cancer Young people and cancer Enjoying the little things in life Advice to our younger selves . Thanks to Look Good...

Trauma often follows a cancer diagnosis. It can shatter your sense of self and the way you experience the world, but it can also foster major growth by allowing you to decide how you want to live your life. Wellington-based counsellor Tommy Livingston talks about what trauma is, why post-traumatic growth can be a powerful experience and ways you can start your healing process.    Thanks to Look Go...

In this episode, Helen is joined by psychotherapist and author of The Feeling of Cancer, Sandra Russell.  Diagnosed with myeloma a decade ago, Sandra penned her book after she struggled to find accounts of cancer that were like her own. Sandra reflects on the shock, anger, loneliness, and isolation of a cancer diagnosis to the joy of connecting with other cancer patients.   And why it is important...

In the final episode of the season, Helen is joined by Phillidelphia-based somatic movement coach Camille Ferruzzi.    Camille was diagnosed with AML, a type of blood cancer when she was fifteen. Over the fifteen years she's been in remission, Camille has explored all sorts of wellness modalities. After training as a yoga instructor she became a personal trainer and a corrective exercise specialis...

Returning to work after cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Helen speaks with Sarah Hodgetts about navigating work, motherhood, and the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis at 45. Sarah shares honest insight and reassurance for others finding their way back to work after treatment. Brought to you by Look Good, Feel Better and Dry July NZ.

Have you been told to stay positive without any real guidance on how to do so? It's time to break free from ineffective coping methods and start learning the practical, evidence-based strategies that can truly make a difference in your emotional and physical well-being. Join us in this episode to discover the tools you need to navigate this challenging journey with resilience and hope. Helen is jo...

We have all heard about the benefits of exercise for people going through cancer treatment and beyond. But what does 'enough' exercise look like? And how do you safely get back into exercise after an event like cancer? This week Helen is joined by Pinc & Steel physiotherapist Candice Kitt to find out what we can do to empower ourselves after a cancer diagnosis. Candice shares easy solutions for ca...

 In honor of Anzac Day, Helen is joined by the former head of the defense force and CEO of Fire and Emergency Lieutenant General Rhys Jones (retired).  Rhys understands firsthand the importance of open communication about cancer experiences. Having served 35 years in the military, Rhys has learned to stay calm and composed in adversity. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer, he became transparen...

Welcome to the first episode of Cancer Conversations! In this episode, host Helen King is joined by personal stylist and founder of Sisterhood of Style, Emma John.  After being diagnosed with breast cancer and struggling to regain control in an uncontrollable situation, Emma was forced to confront her expectations of herself as she struggled to adjust to life post-treatment. With a background in s...

Season one launches in April! Welcome to the podcast you never knew you'd need for the diagnosis, no one wants to hear. You'll hear from people like you navigating a cancer diagnosis and experts to help you recover.  Hosted by journalist and cancer survivor Helen King, you can expect real stories told with humour, authenticity, and hope.  Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.  Brought to you by...