Brighter Podcast

At age 23 and just two months before getting married, Katie was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Refusing to let cancer define their future, she and her fiancé, Taylor, moved up their wedding, and the two optimistically embarked on the unexpected season ahead. Now, three years later, Katie is cancer-free and the two are expecting their first child in August. Their story is one of fait...

Registered Dental Hygienist and founder of the Side Effect Support LLC, Jill Meyer Lippert, and her friend Stephanie Zimmerman, a childhood cancer survivor, pediatric oncology nurse practitioner, and founder of LifeCare Patient Advocacy & Care Coordination LLC joined Graci, Brighter’s Program Manager, on this episode of the Brighter Podcast!  Together, they explore the critical role of oral ca...

Brighter welcomed four former Brighter Summer Program interns to this month’s episode of the podcast to showcase the opportunities offered through Brighter’s high school summer internship and to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the illuminate guide, Brighter’s resource focused on cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection. These four young women played a key role i...

UT Southwestern Medical Center genetic counselors Jana Heady and Cheyla Clark joined the Brighter Podcast to share insight from their work in the Cancer Genetics Program. In this episode, they walked listeners through the value and purpose of genetic counseling and testing, addressing fears and common fears and misconceptions, explaining varying referral rates, and outlining what a genetic counsel...

Join us as we awareness for rare cancers with Katie Coleman, rare cancer survivor, technologist, and nonprofit founder of COA and Lindsay Looney, daughter of Brighter's friend Jennifer who we lost to a rare form of head and neck cancer just over a year ago. They will share with us what it's like to be diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the need for additional support and further re...

Emily Hammack, Speech Pathologist with Baylor Scott and White in Dallas, helps us understand cancer related cognitive decline ("chemo brain"), dysphasia, and the value of speech therapy to help you regain control and confidence.   This podcast is particularly helpful for our head and neck cancer friends.  Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides...

Amanda Grilli, an Oncology Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Certified Cancer Coach, is devoted to helping those affected by breast cancer reclaim their strength, identity, and quality of life during, after, and beyond breast cancer. Amanda joined us today to help us understand the value of physical prehab, rehab, neuropathy and the lymphatic system as it relates to cancer an...

Lexie Appleby, breast cancer advocate, former NFL cheerleader, Wife of Big 10 Coach, nonprofit professional and influencer shares what it was like being diagnosed with cancer at a young age, what fibroadenomas are and the role they played in her experience, how she navigated health care and doctors while moving states, and the importance of breast exams. Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine f...

Heather Nemec, licensed clinical social worker and Brighter writer, shares her experience being diagnosed with two different forms of cancer, finding hope in the waiting and we even touch on the topic of intimacy during and after treatment! Hosted by Helen Bowles and Graci Smith Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to survivors in...

Nutrition Coach, Cara Price shares her nutrition journey and the role food plays in our happiness, health and healing.  Cara shares the value of the four "S's" - Soul, Sleep, Sustenance, Strength and offers helpful information and tips to make small changes for big reward.  Hosted by Helen Bowles and Graci Smith Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer...

Personal Stylist, Brittney Dorr shares with us the importance of looking good to feel good.  She says, "Fashion is a vibe and everyone has one." Brittney experienced first hand the difference fashion made in her mom's personal experience with cancer and wants to provide that same value to other women through her work.  In this episode we talk about investing a little effort in your...

Courtney Johnson experienced an incredible outpouring of care and love from her family and friends as her dad dealt with his cancer diagnosis.  Processing and healing from the loss of her father, Courtney found a way to continue that care and love by feeding other survivors and their caregivers, as the survivors receive treatment in Chicago and Dallas area hospitals. For more information on Culina...

Natasha Parker shares how she embraces what she sees as the chrysalis phase of cancer to develop beautiful wings to fly in the next phase of life. Natasha shares her empowering insight for women to be active participants in their treatment and how she drew on the courage of her grandmother to motivate her through the hard times. Hosted by Helen Bowles Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for...

A Mother's Day message for those who have experienced the loss of biological motherhood as a result of cancer.  Debbie Norris shares her experience and how she has put her "Mother's Heart" to practice in many rewarding ways. Hosted by Helen Bowles Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to survivors in need. Brigh...

Shortly after reconnecting with her biological mother,  Heidi's biological mom is diagnosed with cancer and then Heidi herself.  Hear how Heidi's family supported her and how her faith informed her outlook through the entire process.   Hosted by Helen Bowles and Vivian Armendariz Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to s...

How can life with cancer be equated to gardening?  Hear how Brighter Ambassador, Stephanie Hargis has navigated her experience with her darling, young daughter along side every step of the way. What a sweet and beautiful way to explain what is going on in your body without instilling fear in a young child. Don't miss her "funny" story at the end and her encouragement to advocate for...

Still mourning from the loss of her mother to breast cancer,  Brighter Ambassador, Amy Zicarelli was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She shares her story with us, the importance of having or finding community and a very cool hair regrowth opportunity she has tried first hand. Hosted by Helen Bowles and Vivian Armendariz Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and prov...

Brighter Magazine's Jennifer Looney and Helen Bowles are joined by Amy Scottino, licensed massage therapist and survivor to discuss the benefits and beauty of massage therapy for women in treatment. Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to survivors in need. Brighter Magazine is a 501c3. All donations are tax deductible. Subsc...

Chemo and other treatments can take a toll on your oral hygiene causing mouth sores and worse.  In our conversation with Jill Meyer-Lippert,  dental hygienist, we discuss side effects and ways to combat them if not prevent them. Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to survivors in need. Brighter Magazine is a 501c3. All donations...

With an active life as a stunt woman turned USA Pickleball player. Jamie Shuey was sidelined when she had a Chondrosarcoma diagnosis and surgery that took away her ability to walk with confidence.  Instead of giving up, Jamie took a new approach to her hobbies and a new approach to life.  "Where there's a wheel, there's a way!" Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for wome...

In this episode, breast cancer survivor, Carol Goglia and her daughter Cate join summer intern, Libby Warren. Together, they share how Carol’s diagnosis affected their mother-daughter relationship and offer advice to other women experiencing this journey.   Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to survivors in need. Brighter Magazi...