The Many Faces of Cancer

Today's guest is Jonathan Gegerson, author, speaker, and advocate for those diagnosed with cancer. Jonathan was diagnosed in 2019 with very rare salivary duct carcinoma and has endured over 200 chemo cycles, 67 radiation sessions and 7 major surgeries over the past 6 years. His goal is to inspire others to be thankful for what they have, help them embrace the suffering and turn it into victor...

I wanted to take this first episode of 2026 to reflect on the last 104 episodes over the past almost 2 years of the show. There have been some amazing conversations and incredible humans that I've had the absolute pleasure of chatting with. I'm sharing some of the highlights and great things so many of my guests have accomplished, all during or after a cancer diagnosis.  I hope you enjoy...

Today's guest is Nathalie Latham, photographer and film maker, based in Paris, until her life altering diagnosis of Stage 3 cervical cancer at age 39. During her therapy, she was stuck in bed for 7 days and nights and needed activity to focus her mind, so she began drawing. As she recovered, she kept drawing to remind herself that she was alive. These drawings are now part of her visual memoi...

Today's guest is Amanda Gunville, visionary executive, investor and author of the book  Finding Hope & Joy in Cancer . She's also a survivor of triple positive breast cancer largely due to her own self-advocacy and not taking "no" for an answer. Being a mom of a young toddler, Amanda learned to face her diagnosis with grace, joy, and determination to live, along with a good...

Today's guest is Tessa Parry-Wingfield, global communications consultant, public speaker, and survivor of ocular melanoma, a very rare form of eye cancer that affects about 6 people per million annually. She has found purpose in her adversity and ironically "sees life clearly" despite her vision issues. We talk about learning to live with a prosthetic eye and monocular vision, the c...

Today's guest is Shannon Griffin, owner of 4Humanitees, a purpose driven T-shirt company dedicated to empowerment and awareness, founder of Survive and Thrive, a non profit for cancer survivors and their families, and a triple negative breast cancer survivor. Shannon brings her over 30 years of social work to helping socioeconomically impacted families, striving to break cycles of marginaliza...

Today's guest is Erin Cummings, co-founder and executive director of Hodgkin's International, a non-profit dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for long-term survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma Worldwide. She herself is an over 50 year survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Erin believes that survivorship is not the end of the cancer journey, but a lifelong chapter that dese...

Today's guest is Pearl Carter, 87 years old and has experienced 7 cancers since first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990. She comes from a long family history of cancer - 6 of her 8 siblings have had cancer, along with other relatives. She has used her experience to help others. She has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 1991. We talk about when cancer runs in the famil...

Today's guest is Diane Sidden, corporate executive, wife and mother, and breast cancer survivor. One day she heard a little voice tell her to check her breasts, and her journey began. We talk about faith, paying attention to signs and that little voice, navigating the ups and downs, the importance of personal treatment decisions, and so much more. We all have a story to share, whether we shar...

Today's guest is Renee Coshin Coolbaugh, lifelong northeastern US resider, currently calling Baltimore her home, cat lover (did you know a group of cats is called a clowder?), caregiver to her husband Peter through is journey with Multiple Myeloma, and endometrial and ovarian cancer survivor. To say she's a multitasker is an understatement. We spend a lot of time talking about the caregi...

Today's guest is Lashelle Scott, breast cancer survivor, advocate, and policy administrator. She champions awareness, equity, and legislation, serving as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Cener for Public Policy and the American Cancer Society. We talk about healthcare and the financial burdens placed on so many, policy changes that are worth fighting for, the importance of funding for res...

Today's guest is Phil Richards MBE, living with advanced, incurable kidney cancer since 2018. He has used this experience to elevate his understanding of what truly matters, sharing his life lessons with the world. He was also awarded the prestigious MBE (Member of the British Empire) at Windsor Castle by Princess Anne in 2021. We talk about living with Stage IV cancer, sharing with family an...

Today's guest is Jennifer Douglas, breast cancer survivor, author, and national recognized patient advocate. Surviving DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), she felt called to encourage others through her writing and online advocacy. We talk all about DCIS (what it is and isn't, treatments and challenges), the journey of writing a book and why she felt called, the importance of trust in your...

Today's guest is Tony Villiotti, founder of Liver Education Advocates, a non-profit with the mission of increasing public awareness and providing education regarding nonalcoholic liver disease. He is also a survivor of liver cancer and the beneficiary of a life-saving liver transplant. We talk all about liver disease, from diabetes to fatty liver, cirrhosis and cancer, the risk factors of all...

Today's guest is Jackie Herigodt, Director of Partnerships and Engagement for Imerman Angels, an organization that provides comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers through a personalized, one-on-one connection with someone who has been there. This is a personal mission for her, as she has cared for several loved ones facing cancer, as well as her...

Today's guest is Tony Williams, Stage IV Lymphoma survivor and CEO and founder of the Olandus Foundation, empowering individuals and families affected by cancer, especially those in historically underserved communities, through education, advocacy and support. Tony is also the host of the Eagles Don't Quack Podcast. We talk about fighting cancer and faith, different treatment approaches,...

Today's guest is Kevin Donaghy, stage IV Melanoma survivor and author of  Stories of Cancer and Hope , a collection of honest stories from people directly affected by cancer. He works with several cancer charities in the UK, donating thousands of copies of the book as well as proceeds from the sale of the book. We talk about Stage IV cancer, finding community and hope through shared stories,...

Today's guest is Michele Reynolds, a passionate speaker, author, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping women rediscover their authentic voice and inner strength.  When her husband was diagnosed with plasmacytoma in 2018 and then with multiple myeloma in 2020, Michele became his primary caregiver. Because it was when Covid-19 was happening and she couldn't go to his treatments with him, s...

Today's guest is Tara Garst, personal trainer, flexologist, and breast cancer previvor. With a long history of breast cancer in her immediate family, Tara got genetic testing and tested positive for BRAC1 genetic mutation. Armed with this knowledge, she was able to make many decisions that were best for her due to her circumstances. We talk all about genetic testing, the power of knowledge, l...

Today's guest is Kandy Salby, two years into remission for Stage 4 Colon Cancer, a disease that has only a 15% 5 year survival rate. She spent her time listening to and reading cancer survival stories, working with integrative practitioners as well as her oncology team, and learning as much as she could about healing. We talk about hope and the power of attitude, being a partner in your care...

Today's guest is two-time male breast cancer survivor Ron Rappaport. He's also a lymphedema thriver due to a lymph node transplant, and Global Lead Advocate for Male Breast Cancer Happens.org. Ron hosts his own podcast titled It's A Wrap with Rap, where he interviews people who have overcome all types of challenges. Male breast cancer is something that is not talked about nearly eno...

Today's guest is Rebecca Thomas, also known as "Giddy Up" within her cancer community, due to her love of horses and her inspiring journey. Rebecca was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 18 and has been a survivor for 33 years now, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2019. She embodies living a meaningful, vibrant life as a long term survivor. We talk about how diagnos...

Today's guest is Sandy Duarte, an award-winning actress and Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor, who is dedicated to inspiring others through her experiences.  While undergoing her battle with cancer, Sandy authored the poignant book  Cancer Ramblings: From Why to Why Not? , offering hope and guidance to those facing similar challenges. There are so many wonderful nuggets in this book. I h...

Today's guest is Dr. Renee Exelbert, psychologist and certified elite personal trainer. She is also a two-time breast cancer survivor, diagnosed young at age 37. She founded the Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change, where she integrates psychotherapy and exercise, with a unique focus on the mind/body connection through use of visual imagery and cognitions. We talk all ab...

Today's guest is Janna "Starshine" Jones, a survivor of Stage IIb Melanoma, leading her to become a volunteer for several organizations and a member of the Board of Directors for Epic Experience. Starshine is Janna's Epic Experience Camp name, and it fits her so perfectly. She shines as bright as the stars and radiates joy and love. We talk about the power of community, redisco...