Advertise on podcast: INTERLUDE: Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky

In this episode of the Interlude Podcast, I’m joined by board-certified gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Melissa Hodeib, to talk all about gynecologic cancer. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and in this conversation, we discuss how to recognize, screen for, and reduce risk from gynecologic cancers while emphasizing patient advocacy and individualized care. In this conversation, we talk about: *Basics of gynecologic cancer screening *Red flags or symptoms to pay attention to *Genetic testing *Ovarian cancer risk reduction through opportunistic salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal) *High risk mutation carrier management *Gynecologic cancer and menopause *Menopausal hormonal therapy *Myths and misconceptions surrounding breast and gynecologic cancer Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: My book, Beyond The Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer is out on 9/29/2026!! Pre-order today!. You can also pre-order on Barnes and Noble or anywhere else you buy books. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of the Interlude Podcast, I’m joined by Wren Morrobel, a metastatic triple-negative breast cancer thriver, patient advocate, and creator of Living Our Breast Lives. Wren was diagnosed with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer at just 29 and was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer one year later. Today, she has been living with no evidence of disease (NED) for six and a half years, which is truly incredible. Wren’s story is one of advocacy, fear, community, and joy. We talk about what it really means to live with metastatic breast cancer—even when scans show no evidence of disease—and the complicated decisions that can come with long-term treatment. Wren shares her experience with treatment, advocating for changes in her care, and navigating the uncertainty that comes with making decisions when there isn’t always data to tell us exactly what to do. Wren has dedicated so much of that time to lifting up others in the metastatic breast cancer community and through her platform and podcast, Wren shares the real, often complicated experiences of living with metastatic disease and works to make sure other thrivers feel seen and heard. We talk about an incredibly exciting new chapter in Wren’s life: motherhood. After years of hoping, planning, fertility preservation, and navigating cancer alongside questions about her future, Wren and her husband are expecting a baby boy through gestational surrogacy this December. Wren speaks candidly about the joy of preparing to become a mom, but also about the complex emotions that can accompany gestational surrogacy. In This Episode, We Discuss: * Wren’s diagnosis with triple-negative breast cancer at age 29 and metastatic breast cancer one year later * Living with metastatic breast cancer while NED for six and a half years * Immunotherapy and the evolution of treatment for triple-negative breast cancer * What happens when a cancer treatment that is working for you is no longer FDA-approved for your type of cancer * The uncertainty surrounding long-term immunotherapy * Advocating for treatment de-escalation and more flexibility in cancer care * Knowing when it may be time to change oncologists or healthcare systems * Why the relationship you need with your healthcare team may change over time * Why describing metastatic breast cancer as a “chronic illness” can fail to capture the reality of living with the disease * The emotional toll of metastatic breast cancer advocacy and losing members of the community * Fertility preservation at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis * Wren’s decision to pursue gestational surrogacy * The process of finding a gestational carrier and preparing for embryo transfer * The joy—and complicated emotions—of becoming a parent through surrogacy * How the metastatic breast cancer community has supported Wren throughout her journey * Finding space for hope, joy, and plans for the future while living with metastatic breast cancer Follow Wren on Instagram and listen to her podcast, Living Our Breast Lives. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: My book, Beyond The Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer is out on 9/29/2026!! Pre-order today! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Bone health is about much more than avoiding fractures later in life—it’s an essential part of healthy aging, cancer survivorship, and overall wellness. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Adrienne Bitar, co-founder and co-CEO of Seen Nutrition and a lecturer in food studies at Cornell University, to discuss osteoporosis, bone health, and why women’s bone health deserves far more attention than it receives. Seen Nutrition is a bone health nutrition startup that innovated the first dietary calcium chew made entirely from food. Dr. Bitar is also a lecturer at Cornell University and author of Diet and the Disease of Civilization, a monograph on the cultural history of American diet. She holds a PhD from Stanford University, undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, and completed her postdoctoral work at Cornell University. Today, we break down what osteoporosis is, why it’s known as a “silent disease,” how DEXA scans are used to measure bone density, and why waiting until age 65 for screening may be too late for many women. We also discuss the impact of cancer treatments and other cancer therapies on bone and muscle health, when to consider earlier bone density testing, and how DEXA results can influence treatment decisions and long-term survivorship care. Finally, we cover practical, evidence-based strategies you can start today to protect your bones, including calcium and vitamin D, strength training, weight-bearing exercise, balance training, and fall prevention. Whether you’re approaching menopause, navigating cancer treatment or survivorship, or simply thinking about your long-term health, this episode is full of practical information to help you build and maintain strong bones for years to come. You can learn more about Seen Nutrition and Seen’s innovative calcium chew at http://www.seennutrition.com or follow Seen on Instagram and other socials @thecalciumqueens. Follow Seen Nutrition on their website or on Instagram. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: My book, Beyond The Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer is out on 9/29/2026!! Pre-order today! Dr. Bitar’s book: Diet and the Disease of Civilization Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Ebonie Michelle, a breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, and founder and CEO of Prowl The LAB. Through Prowl The LAB, Ebonie empowers women and couples to reclaim their health and sexuality as they navigate disease, different-ability, and trauma. Her work highlights the connection between health, intimacy, body image, and overall well-being—topics that are so important, yet too often overlooked in cancer care. In today’s conversation, we talk about Ebonie’s own breast cancer diagnosis and how it shaped the work she does today. We discuss why conversations about sexual health need to happen earlier and more often, the impact that cancer can have on body image, relationships, and identity, and why survivorship is about so much more than finishing treatment. We also talk about practical ways that patients can begin reconnecting with their bodies after cancer, how clinicians can feel more comfortable bringing up these conversations, and why sometimes simply acknowledging what a patient is going through can make all the difference. This is such an important conversation for patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals alike. I hope you’ll come away with a better understanding of why caring for the whole person—including their sexual health and overall well-being—is an essential part of cancer care. Follow Ebonie on Instagram and visit Prowl the LAB for incredible resources Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: My book, Beyond The Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer is out on 9/29/2026!! Pre-order today! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of the Interlude podcast, I sit down with Sarrah Strimel Bentley. Sarrah was a former Broadway performer and yoga instructor when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38 in 2020. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and fertility preservation before making the decision to build her family through surrogacy while continuing long-term endocrine therapy. Today, we talk about it all: navigating fertility and surrogacy after cancer, survivorship, mental health, finding joy in the hard moments, and redefining life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Sarrah shares her recent decision to go alcohol-free and how she’s living fully after cancer. She is also the founder of A Chance For Life, an incredible organization that brings the gift of a total surrogacy journey to young breast cancer survivors and I highly recommend supporting! Follow Sarrah on Instagram. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: My book, Beyond The Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer is out on 9/29/2026!! Pre-order today! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of the Interlude podcast, I speak with Kathy Myers, a long-term breast cancer survivor whose story takes us from a surprise diagnosis to a powerful, community-centered life after treatment. We recorded this conversation on Kathy’s 67th birthday, which was really meaningful. Kathy was diagnosed back in 2002 when her doctor felt a small breast lump just shortly after a normal mammogram. She was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer and went through treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She initially joined a poetry group but then discovered dragon boating. Dragon boat racing is a high-energy water sport originating in ancient China. Teams of up to 20 paddlers move in unison to a drummer’s beat, in long boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. Through dragon boat racing, she found community and her team Hope Afloat USA (based out of Pennsylvania, on the Schuylkill River) is made up of breast cancer survivors and thrivers. Kathy talks about how transformative dragon boat racing has been for her over the last two decades and reflects on the complex emotions of survivorship: navigating family and caregivers’ coping styles, ending a toxic marriage, finding love again, worrying about her daughters’ risk and undergoing genetic testing, and learning that it’s okay to keep talking about cancer even when treatment is “over.” This conversation is about movement, community, and connection as medicine—finding your people, and redefining what it means not just to survive, but to truly live after cancer. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: “Beyond The Pink” by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky (out 9/29/2026- pre order today!). Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Ovarian function suppression (OFS) is a key part of treatment for many premenopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, and is combined with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. OFS can be achieved surgically by removing the ovaries or medically with GnRH agonists such as Lupron or Zoladex. At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, a meta-analysis of 15 studies by Pedro Reis et al (Abstract 542) involving more than 4,300 patients compared monthly versus every-3-month GnRH agonist dosing. The findings suggest that every-3-month dosing provides ovarian suppression, survival outcomes, and safety profiles comparable to monthly administration. However, the study also found that approximately 10% of patients experienced ovarian escape (inadequate ovarian suppression), with rates rising to 31% when ultrasensitive estradiol assays were used. What these findings mean in practice—and whether routine estradiol monitoring should become standard—remains unclear. In this episode, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky breaks down the study, discuss how it may influence clinical practice, and explore the ongoing questions surrounding ovarian suppression, estradiol monitoring, and treatment optimization for premenopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Links: Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: “Beyond The Pink” by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky (out 9/29/2026- pre order today!). Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of Interlude, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky speaks with Crystal Yang and Courtney Delgado, Founders of Perky. Perky is a nurse-led restorative tattoo studio specializing in hyper-realistic 3D nipple-areola tattooing and scar camouflage for breast cancer survivors. With more than a decade of experience caring for the breast cancer community, the Perky team focuses on supporting the woman behind the diagnosis by merging medical-grade aesthetic services with a warm, patient-centered environment designed to promote healing, dignity, and quality of life. Through restorative tattooing, education, and advocacy, they are passionate about helping survivors move beyond simply surviving cancer to truly thriving in the next chapter of their lives. On today’s episode, we talk all about nipple tattooing and what it entails. Although it is not for everyone, nipple tattooing can be empowering for many and help with body image and it is an incredible resource to have available. Links: Follow Perky on Instagram. Visit the Perky Website. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: “Beyond The Pink” by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky (out 9/29/2026- pre order today!). Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of Interlude, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky speaks with Dr. Shannon Klingman, an OB-GYN, founder of LUME Whole Body Deodorant, lobular breast cancer survivor, and advocate. Lobular breast cancer is the second most common type of breast cancer—and it’s on the rise. It behaves differently than ductal breast cancer and despite its growing prevalence, has historically received far less research attention. Dr. Klingman recently made a historic $1 million donation to the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance for lobular breast cancer research, a donation that I know will be transformational. On today’s episode, we talk about lobular breast cancer, advocacy, her work and how she is focusing on optimizing health and wellness after her breast cancer diagnosis. Links: Follow Dr. Shannon Klingman on Instagram. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: “Beyond The Pink” by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky (out 9/29/2026- pre order today!) Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of Interlude, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky speaks with Dr. Caroline Cook, a 2.5-year triple-positive breast cancer survivor, a board-certified emergency physician, and certified in lifestyle medicine and menopause care. At 37, her own breast cancer diagnosis turned her life upside down — like it does for so many young women. After a very emotional setback at diagnosis, she began focusing on everything she could do to live and live well through all phases of treatment. Using evidence-based menopause care and lifestyle habits based the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine, she focuses on strengthening her long-term health, protecting her heart and bones, optimizing her brain and metabolic health. As a physician, she was shocked by how little preparation she had for menopause and for the lived experience of chronic disease — despite treating patients every day. Breast cancer didn’t just change her life; it changed how she practices medicine. She believes women can find health, happiness, strength, and even gratitude after cancer. Dr. Cook is doing incredible work. In addition to her work as an emergency physician, she sits on the board of local non profit that has passed law in Oregon to improve breast reconstruction access. She is the local Face to Face group leader in her region for the Young Survival Coalition. Her new project is the brand new Marigold Clinic, a telehealth private practice, to help younger breast cancer survivors navigate menopause, long-term side effects, and whole-person survivorship care. Her goal is to help women live well after a breast cancer diagnosis. On this episode, Dr. Cook shares her story and how it has inspired to do the work she is doing now. We discuss practical tips to start to move, eat, and feel better (such as moving throughout the day, how to get in more fiber and more plants, and turning off social media at night). Links: Follow Dr. Caroline Cook on Instagram and check out The Marigold Clinic. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: “Beyond The Pink” by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky (out 9/29/2026- pre order today!) Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of Interlude, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky speaks with Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at RMA of New York, where she has guided thousands through infertility, IVF, egg freezing, and family building. Born in Toronto, she trained at Mount Sinai and now practices in NYC, blending cutting-edge reproductive science with deeply compassionate care. A trusted educator and media expert, she’s been featured on CBS, NBC, Vogue, and 60 Minutes. She is the author of the USA Today National Bestseller, The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility and How to Get Pregnant NOW (just published in January 2026), which is a fertility bible that provides people with essential information, regardless of where they are at on their journey to build their family or preserve their fertility. Dr. Teplinsky and Dr. Sekhon speak about the crucial importance of fertility preservation before starting cancer treatment, the process of fertility preservation, family building after a cancer diagnosis and much more. Links: Follow Dr. Lucky Sekhon on Instagram and check out her website. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Books: “The Lucky Egg” by Dr. Lucky Sekhon “Beyond The Pink” by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky (out 9/29/2026- pre order today!) Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Today’s podcast episode is with Danielle Trops – also known as @danitrops on Instagram. Dani was diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago when she was 30 years old. She had surgery, chemotherapy and has been on endocrine therapy since that time. She has built an incredible community on social media with thousands of followers as she talks about what it means to be a young breast cancer, survivorship, the ups and downs and everything in between. She describes it as “sharing the grey areas after cancer” and this is such an important conversation as the time after active treatment is often harder and more challenging than active treatment. She is open and honest about her experiences, empowering others in so many ways. We talk about all of this on today’s episode and it is truly a candid look into what breast cancer survivorship is really like, especially for someone diagnosed at a young age. Follow Dani on Instagram. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Heather Jose. Heather was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 26 and has been living with MBC for 25 years. She is an incredible patient advocate and leader in the MBC community and is the host of the podcast, “I’m Still Here: Real Conversations About Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer” which explores what life with metastatic breast cancer is truly like, focusing on topics such as relationships, identity, work, uncertainty, quality of life, and more. In today’s episode, Heather shares her experience living with metastatic breast cancer—from the initial diagnosis to what the past 25 years have truly looked like. We explore essential topics that are often under-discussed, including fertility and pregnancy after diagnosis, relationships, financial toxicity and work, and scanxiety. This conversation highlights the real-life challenges and experiences of those living with metastatic breast cancer. Follow Heather Jose on Instagram. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Amy Banocy. Amy is a breast cancer survivor and spiritual coach and mentor who helps women rebuild after life-shaking experiences. After surviving cancer, she began a journey of emotional healing and spiritual reconnection that shaped how she now lives and leads. Through coaching, programs, and retreats, Amy guides women to reconnect with themselves and step into their next chapter with more confidence, purpose, joy, and passion. Amy is also the bestselling author of “Baring it All: Reflections of My Breast Cancer F*ckery”, and a dynamic speaker who lights up a room and emanates vibrant energy. On today’s episode, we talk about taking care of your mental health, starting to feel at home in your body again, trusting yourself and finding community and connection. Amy is hosting the upcoming RISING Retreat – an intimate retreat for breast cancer survivors and women living with metastatic disease to rest, reconnect with their bodies, and unapologetically claim who they are. Amy also shared a beautiful meditation she recorded to help women regain trust in themselves and in their bodies after breast cancer which you can find and listen to here. Follow Amy Banocy on her website or on Instagram. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Cynthia Jordan. Cynthia is a breast cancer survivor, global advocate, and the Founder of Learn Look Locate, a medically vetted digital platform created to help people better understand breast health, early detection, diagnosis, treatment options, and life after cancer. When Cynthia was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found herself searching for clear, trustworthy information—and for something she couldn’t quite find: a place that felt human, supportive, and easy to understand during one of the most overwhelming moments of her life. Learn Look Locate is the resource she wishes had existed when she was diagnosed. It was built to be a soft-landing place—where education meets empathy, and no one feels alone in the process. Today, Cynthia collaborates closely with 24 leading medical advisors across breast surgery, oncology, radiology, genetics, pathology, and survivorship. Together, they bridge the gap between medicine and real life, offering trusted guidance that supports individuals at every stage—from awareness and prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Today, Cynthia shares her story, how Learn Look Locate was created, we discuss current gaps in cancer screening and care and more! I hope this episode will help you to be a stronger advocate and I recommend checking out Learn Look Locate for incredible breast cancer support and education. Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.