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When Valarie Traynham was first diagnosed, she did what a lot of us do. She said yes to the first treatment she was offered because she did not know she was allowed to ask for anything else. Then a second cancer arrived, triple-negative breast cancer, before she had caught her breath from multiple myeloma. And this time, she was ready. Somewhere in that journey, Valarie learned the lesson that now anchors her work: the patients who get answers are the ones who ask. She started bringing a spiral notebook of questions to every appointment, and she still remembers the day a doctor sighed at the sight of it, and how that sigh told her she had finally become a patient he would take seriously. In this honest, warm conversation with host Talaya Dendy, Valarie talks about surviving two cancers, how genetic testing shaped her treatment decision, the questions every patient should ask but usually does not, and the reframe that carried her through: that cancer happened for her, not to her. It is a conversation about finding your voice, and refusing to let cancer have the final word. ✨ Episode Highlights 5:00 Facing breast cancer before she had recovered from multiple myeloma, and what she did differently the second time. 14:08 The notebook, and the line that changed her care: "I'm the patient, and you essentially work for me." 15:16 The one question Valarie wishes every patient knew to ask. 21:22 "This is just a chapter, not the full story," and why she says cancer happened for her, not to her. 36:46 Thriver, not survivor: why cancer does not define you. Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript189 Connect & Engage with Valarie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valarietraynham Instagram/Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/myelomavalarie Call to Action If this conversation spoke to you, subscribe and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who is facing cancer and needs to hear it. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this is the kind of honest conversation that helps people feel less alone. New episodes on Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app. https://bit.ly/NCTpodcast Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side, a cancer doula and survivor strategist helping leaders redefine life after cancer. If you finished treatment and you are wondering what comes next, connect with an experienced cancer doula at ontheotherside.life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Video Editor: Shawn Smith ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Erica White was lying in bed one evening, raised her arms, and when they came back down, she felt something that was not quite right. She almost talked herself out of it. Two weeks later, just after her 39th birthday, that quiet instinct turned out to be breast cancer, caught early. What makes Erica's story different is that cancer was not her first fight. She had been living with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune thyroid condition, since she was 13. In this honest, grounding conversation with host Talaya Dendy, Erica talks about carrying a chronic illness and a cancer diagnosis at once, the surprise of having to rebuild her health after treatment, the fear of recurrence that lingers even nine years later, and the reframe that changed everything: that her body was never betraying her; it was trying to talk to her. Now a national board-certified health and wellness coach and the founder of Grace Wellness, Erica helps women cut through the noise, reconnect with their bodies, and find their way back to feeling well. If you have ever felt let down by your own body, this one is for you. ✨ Episode Highlights: 4:54 Finding the lump herself at 39, before she was even old enough for a mammogram. 9:38 Carrying Hashimoto's since age 13, and then a cancer diagnosis on top of it. 18:13 Why rebuilding your health after treatment is harder, and lonelier, than anyone warns you. 21:46 The reframe that changed everything: your body is not an “it,” and it is not your enemy. 33:51 Her advice to the newly diagnosed: it's okay to not be okay. Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript188 Connect & Engage with Erica Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracewellnesshealthcoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericalwhite   Email: [email protected] Call to Action If this conversation spoke to you, subscribe and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER so you never miss an episode, and share it with a woman who needs to hear it. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Erica's story is a reminder to listen to your body and give yourself grace. New episodes on Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube: https://bit.ly/NCTpodcast Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side, a cancer doula and survivor strategist helping leaders redefine life after cancer. If you finished treatment and you are wondering what comes next, connect with an experienced cancer doula at ontheotherside.life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Video Editor: Shawn Smith ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In April 2013, Roberta Albany was told her mammogram was clean. That December, she was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer. It never showed on the mammogram because she has dense breasts. The reason it was caught while still early is that Roberta, training for a half-marathon, lay down on her dining room floor, did a self-exam, and felt a lump the scan had missed. An ultrasound confirmed it. That experience turned Roberta into a force. A 13-year survivor, founder and CEO of Cancer in the Know, and a breast cancer coach with the Chrysalis Initiative, she fired the doctors who dismissed her, pushed her way into the clinical-trial spaces where Black patients are too often missing, and built a life around helping others advocate for themselves. In this honest conversation, she and host Talaya Dendy talk about dense breasts, self-advocacy, survivorship, grief, and the word she chose from the book she co-authored, Bruised, Broken, and Blessed. Blessed, she says, because she is still here. ✨ Episode Highlights: [6:52] The self-exam that caught what a “clean” mammogram missed. [14:28] What dense breasts are, and why they can hide cancer on a mammogram. [17:43] Firing her medical team: what self-advocacy really looks like. [33:58] What she tells a woman who is “the statistic”: give yourself grace. [45:33] Her first step for the newly diagnosed: breathe. Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript187 Connect & Engage with Roberta Website: https://www.cancerintheknow.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-a-albany-609a2735/ Call to Action If this episode moved you, do two things: subscribe and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, and share it with the women and men you love. And if you have dense breasts, ask your doctor about an ultrasound or MRI. New episodes on Wednesdays on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app. https://bit.ly/NCTpodcast Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side, a cancer doula and survivor strategist helping leaders redefine life after cancer. If you finished treatment and you are wondering what comes next, connect with an experienced cancer doula at ontheotherside.life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Video Editor: Shawn Smith ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A cancer diagnosis or an end-of-life transition can be one of the heaviest moments a person ever faces. Most people go through it without knowing what support is out there for them. This special episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER is a replay of the webinar Holding Space Through Life's Transitions: How Cancer and Death Doulas Can Support You. Host Talaya Dendy is a cancer doula, and she is joined by Reverend Shewon McGee, a death doula. They share why they do this work and who they serve. They explain how cancer doulas and death doulas work with the medical team without replacing it, and they bust common myths about both roles. ✨ Episode Highlights: 06:12 "I had to become the person that I needed." Talaya was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma a year after her first doctor dismissed the lump on her neck. She explains how that experience gave birth to Talaya the advocate. 09:04 A father's wishes left unhonored. Reverend Shewon lost her father to cancer in 2020, and his end-of-life plan was never carried out. That loss led her to become a death doula who advocates for what each person wants. 20:01 "There is no manual on how to receive a cancer diagnosis." Talaya explains why survivors, especially leaders, often feel they can't show weakness once treatment ends. 29:10 "The hearing is one of the last things to go." Reverend Shewon encourages families not to step out of the room. Share memories, laugh, and let your loved one hear it. Letter of Medical Necessity: https://www.metlife.com/stories/benefits/letter-of-medical-necessity/ The 2nd session in this series will be released on December 2, 2026. Connect with our guest:Reverend Shewon McGee, Death DoulaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativeevolution/ Connect with Talaya:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript186 Call to Action If this episode moved you, do two things: subscribe and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER so you never miss an episode, and forward this to someone who may need support during life's transitions. New episodes on Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app. https://bit.ly/NCTpodcast Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side, a cancer doula and survivor strategist helping leaders redefine life after cancer. If you finished treatment and you are wondering what comes next, connect with an experienced cancer doula at ontheotherside.life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, host Talaya Dendy sits down with James Waddington, a prostate cancer survivor, longtime educator, and advocate for early detection. James was diagnosed in 2020 after a routine PSA test flagged something he was not aware of, caught during blood work for his diabetes. Having lost his own father to late-stage lung cancer just four months after diagnosis, James knows exactly what early detection bought him. In this honest and warm conversation, he talks about getting the news by phone while walking past his own house, choosing surgery after a second opinion at Sloan Kettering, why so many men, especially Black men, stay silent about their health, and how he redefined manhood after losing his prostate. His message is simple and urgent: early detection can save your life, and you do not have to go through this alone. ✨ Episode Highlights: [8:20] No symptoms at all. How a routine PSA during a diabetes check caught James's prostate cancer. [12:03] Why his late father's four months made early detection everything. [18:07] The silence around men's health. [22:49] Faith and purpose: why he calls his cancer "a mission, not a curse." [33:09] The one thing James wants every newly diagnosed man to do first. Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript185 Key stat: About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. If caught early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. If caught late, it drops to about 38 percent. Black men are about 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed and roughly twice as likely to die from it. (Source: American Cancer Society) About the guest: James Waddington is a public school educator with 34 years of experience, a husband and father of two, a prostate cancer survivor, and an advocate with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Call to Action If this episode moved you, do two things: subscribe and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER so you never miss an episode, and forward this one to a man you love. It could be the nudge that saves a life. New episodes on Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app. https://bit.ly/NCTpodcast Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side, a cancer doula and survivor strategist helping leaders redefine life after cancer. If you finished treatment and you are wondering what comes next, connect with an experienced cancer doula at ontheotherside.life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Video Editor: Shawn Smith ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Recorded live at the Healing Pen & A Mic journaling workshop in St. Paul, this episode brings you straight into the room. Nancy stepped out of a afternoon of writing alongside fellow cancer patients and survivors to sit down with host Talaya Dendy. Diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in 2018, Nancy speaks with quiet honesty about the specific kind of isolation that can follow you even in a crowded room. She shares what happened when treatment ended and the appointments stopped, how her perspective on healing transformed, and what keeps her grounded when disconnection creeps back in. If you have ever felt isolated after a diagnosis or wondered what comes next when treatment stops, this conversation offers a space to process those feelings alongside people who understand. ✨ Episode Highlights: 01:32 Nancy shares her 2018 leukemia diagnosis and its sudden onset 01:45 What it feels like to write in a room surrounded by people who understand: "a freeing sensation and just a validation" 02:37 The reality of feeling alone even when supported by medical staff and family 03:33 Redefining healing as an ongoing practice rather than a quick fix 04:03 Practical advice for navigating isolation after a diagnosis 04:33 The abrupt transition after chemo ends and the quiet that follows About the Guest: Nancy Tepley-Mimbach was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in 2018. She joined the Healing Pen & A Mic workshop seeking the community connection that felt missing after her active treatment ended. Take the Next Step Attend a Workshop (Twin Cities): Join us for the next Healing Pen & A Mic journaling workshop on Saturday, October 4th. Save your spot: https://bit.ly/healingpenwaitlist 🎧 Listen, Subscribe, & Share: Follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your preferred podcast app Pass It Along: If Nancy’s story spoke to you, share this episode with someone who might need to hear it today. Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. I appreciate your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Recorded live at Vera Fitness in St. Paul. ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This Men's Health Month, Navigating Cancer TOGETHER sits down with Clarence Jones, prostate cancer survivor and one of Minnesota's most trusted names in community health. Clarence Jones, MA, CHW, CPH, CPE, is the Executive Director and Community Health Strategist of the Hue-MAN Partnership, a founding member of the organization he helped build into one of Minnesota's most trusted voices in public health. He serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, is a founding member of the Minnesota Fathers and Families Network, has served as the Mayor's Representative and co-chair of the Public Health Advisory Committee for the City of Minneapolis, and holds affiliations with the CTSI Executive Leadership team and the University of Minnesota's CEARCH initiative. He is also a fatherhood doula, the host of the Community Health Dialogue radio show on KMOJ 89.9 FM, and co-host of the Health Chatter podcast. In this warm, honest, and personal conversation, Clarence opens up about his own journey through prostate cancer, from watching his PSA numbers climb year after year and practicing watchful waiting, to eventually choosing surgery. He shares why the digital exam scares men, and why early detection is the greatest gift you can give your family. But Clarence's story doesn't stop at survival. He shares how his experience deepened his mission to make sure the men and families in his community have access to credible, culturally relevant, evidence-based health information. That's the heartbeat of everything Hue-MAN does. You'll also hear him talk about what he wants every man facing a cancer diagnosis to know right now. ✨ Episode Highlights: 00:04:38 The Moment He Knew: Clarence's Prostate Cancer Journey 00:09:22 How to Invite Men into Health Conversations Without Lecturing Them 00:14:44 What Young Men Need to Know About PSA Screening and Biopsies 00:27:45 Fatherhood Doula: What That Means and Why Fathers Matter 00:36:55 What 'Navigating Cancer TOGETHER' Really Means Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript184 Connect & Engage with Clarence Website: www.huemanpartnershipalliance.org Health Chatter Podcast: www.healthchatterpodcast.com KMOJ Community Health Dialogue: 89.9 KMOJ FM 📩 Stay Connected: Download your free Support System Checklist: Who to Call for What, a simple guide to help you build a clear and reliable support system while navigating a cancer journey: https://bit.ly/supportsystemlist Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. I appreciate your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. 🎧 Listen, Subscribe, & Share: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your preferred podcast app Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This Men's Health Month, Navigating Cancer TOGETHER sits down with Samuel "Sam" Simmons, a trauma-informed healing advocate with over 36 years of experience supporting men and their communities. Sam is the author of Just Sam: A Black Man's Journey to Healing, the visionary behind the 18th Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference, co-host of Voices Radio Show on 89.9 KMOJ, and the 2024 NAMI Minnesota Professional of the Year. In this powerful conversation, Sam opens up about his own journey through trauma, addiction, and healing, and shares why telling the full truth is the first step toward freedom. ✨ Episode Highlights: 00:01:08 Meet Sam Simmons: 36 Years of Healing Work 00:08:07 Growing Up Angry: Sam's Personal Trauma Story 00:36:54 Male Trauma, Silence, and Why Men Don't Ask for Help 00:52:25 The 18th Annual Black Men Healing Conference 00:56:47 A Message for the Black Man Who Just Got a Cancer Diagnosis Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript183 Connect & Engage with Sam Simmons Website: samuelsimmonsconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simmonsconsulting/ 18th Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference: June 25 & 26 at St. Paul College — Register at brothershealing.com Book: https://a.co/d/03IvmBdM 📩 Stay Connected: Download your free Support System Checklist: Who to Call for What — a simple guide to help you build a clear and reliable support system while navigating a cancer journey: https://bit.ly/supportsystemlist Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your preferred podcast app Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this special National Cancer Survivor Month episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host and 15-year cancer thriver Talaya Dendy brings together seven survivors at different stages of their journey to explore what survivorship truly means. From newly diagnosed to 20 years out, Vanessa, Shoni, Savio, Jerry, Ebonie, Christopher, and Heather share their challenges, unexpected blessings, and the raw, unfiltered truth about life after a cancer diagnosis. Together, they redefine what it means to truly live. Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, or someone who loves a person carrying this story, this episode is for you. ✨ Episode Highlights: 00:00:37 What Does It Mean to Be a Cancer Survivor? 00:02:26 The Growing Number of Survivors and Why It Matters 00:04:09 The Physical, Emotional, and Financial Challenges of Survivorship 00:09:00 Vanessa Berrueta | Breast Cancer Survivor | Adapting Like a Butterfly 00:13:55 Shoni Brown | 10-Year Breast Cancer Survivor | Going Through It, Not Around It 00:31:22 Savio Clemente | Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor | Permission to Heal 00:37:58 Jerry McCormick | Prostate Cancer Survivor | It's a Bump, Not a Pothole 00:51:47 Ebonie Michelle | Bilateral Breast Cancer Survivor | Thrivership Over Survivorship 01:03:04 Christopher Shaddock | Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Survivor | Big Boy Pants On 01:14:01 Heather Von St. James | 20-Year Mesothelioma Survivor | Speaking for Those Who No Longer Can 01:18:34 Closing | What If You Were Always Becoming This? Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript182 📖 Sources referenced in this episode: American Cancer Society: cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/survivor-facts-figures.html American Association for Cancer Research: cancerprogressreport.aacr.org National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation: ncsd.org 📸 Photo of Heather Von St. James by Bump Opera. 🎙️ Connect with Our Guests: Review the transcript for this episode to connect with our guests. https://bit.ly/podscript182 Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. 📩 Stay Connected: Cancer touches millions of lives, and so does this community. Subscribe to the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER newsletter for conversations, resources, and support for the cancer community delivered straight to your inbox: https://bit.ly/OTOSNewsletter 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your preferred podcast app Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this special rebroadcast, we honor the memory of Kelly U’Ren Moody, a devoted advocate and colleague who passed away on January 16, 2026. This conversation, originally recorded in September 2021, captures Kelly’s extraordinary spirit as she navigated a terminal oral cancer diagnosis. After being told in 2016 that she had only four to six months to live, Kelly went on to live a full, impactful life for nearly another decade. Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of gratitude and the unfiltered reality of long-term survivorship. She shares how she transitioned from a career in finance to health coaching just as her diagnosis changed her life, and how she chose to "face it head-on" every single day. In this Episode: Navigating the Terminal The Reality of Side Effects The Power of Gratitude Communicating with Loved Ones Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript181 About Kelly: Kelly was the creator of the blog Face It Head On, where she shared her journey with head and neck cancer to provide hope to others worldwide. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the advocacy work she championed within the cancer community. Visit Kelly's SocialsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyURenMoody LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyurenmoody/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyurenmoo/ Book: https://a.co/d/09KgBORm Original recording: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/living-looking-beyond-6-months Video: The Fight of my Life, https://youtu.be/DmcXbbUDzyk Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who needs a dose of hope today. You can also rate and review Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find these stories. Connect & Engage with Talaya: https://solo.to/cancerdoula 💜Let's Keep Navigating Cancer TOGETHER Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

"The 'all-clear' is often where the real work of healing begins." In this special Podcasthon 2026 episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy (Board-Certified Patient Advocate & Cancer Doula) pulls back the curtain on the unfiltered reality of life after cancer. Talaya shares her own 14-year "thriver" journey and explains why we must move beyond forced positivity to address the "Gumbo of Emotions" survivors face. This episode highlights the Survivor Series with Talaya Dendy, a multimedia initiative designed to reach individuals worldwide as they reconcile the past and design an entirely new chapter.Support the Vision: If you have the means, please consider supporting this vision for the future of survivorship with a tax-deductible donation. 🔗 Donate here: givebutter.com/survivorserieswithtalayadendy Survivor Series with Talaya Dendy is proudly fiscally sponsored by AIR (Association of Independents in Radio), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In This Episode: The "Why": Talaya’s 14-year journey and the "clean bill of health" trade-off. Guest Highlights: Reflections on trauma from Annamaria Scaccia, "buying a new bucket" with Tom Reaoch, and finding meaning in misery with Terry Tucker.The Mission: Making "not talking about these realities" taboo. The Deliverables: Monthly live panel discussions, storytelling, and global workshops. Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript180 Original Panel Discussion: https://www.ontheotherside.life/navigating-cancer-together-podcast/episode/1c1df3fd/national-cancer-survivor-month-whats-at-the-heart-of-survivorship Follow-Up Episode: https://youtu.be/JlET8Ljujiw?si=iCEWeJkqbpI2trbu Podcasthon 2025: https://www.ontheotherside.life/navigating-cancer-together-podcast/episode/ba47fb70/chlms-medi-helpz-strengthening-healthcare-advocacy Connect & Engage with Talaya: https://solo.to/cancerdoula 💜Let's Do it TOGETHER Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do we find the "heart" of survivorship? In this 2025 recap of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, we explore the most impactful cancer survivor stories of the year and share essential support for caregivers and patients. Host Talaya Dendy reflects on a landmark year for the show, providing a vulnerable 2025 cancer recap that balances professional milestones with her own personal 14-year health and survivorship journey. Whether you are navigating life after cancer or are currently in the thick of treatment, this episode offers a roadmap for the road ahead. We dive into the most-listened-to stories of the year, from prostate cancer awareness and men’s health to the "Choosing Flat" movement and why these patient and survivor-led voices are the true heartbeat of the cancer community. Stop navigating alone. Join us! ✨Episode Highlights: 00:07:11 The Top Stories of 2025: Prostate Cancer Awareness & Choosing Flat 00:10:17 Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Black Men’s Voices in Cancer 00:16:21 The 4:00 AM "Insomnia Club" 00:24:23 Talaya’s Favorite Moment: "What’s at the Heart of Survivorship? 00:32:14 14 Years NED & "Graduating" Oncology Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript179 Playlist: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/playlist/best-of-2025 Connect & Engage with Talaya: https://solo.to/cancerdoula 💜Let's Do it TOGETHER Share Your Thoughts: What was your favorite episode of 2025? Email [email protected] or leave a message on our fan page, https://fanlist.com/nctpodcast. Help Shape 2026: Take the Valued Listener Survey at bit.ly/nctlistenersurvey. Join the Waitlist: Be the first to enter our new safe space for survivors at ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist. Support Survivorship: Contribute to important survivorship conversations at https://givebutter.com/SurvivorSerieswithTalayaDendy Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this Season One finale, host Talaya Dendy celebrates the milestone of completing The Healing Pen and a Mic Companion podcast. Reflecting on the live October workshop, Talaya shares why she has decided to keep her signature 5-hour "deep dive" format and how journaling serves as a vital tool for movement, not just reflection. This episode features moving testimonials from participants and a first look at the evolving future of the program for 2026 . Support Our Mission / Partner With Us: Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you! Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community. For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at [email protected]. 💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible! In this episode, we discuss: The Power of the 5-Hour Intensive: Why meaningful conversations can’t be rushed and why this format led to major breakthroughs. Movement as Medicine: Using journaling as a spark for action to reach your optimal, healed self. A Safe Space for Vulnerability: How emotional and physical safety allowed participants to form lifelong bonds in just five hours. ✨Episode Highlights: 00:04:20 Journaling as a Tool for Action & Movement 00:05:41 Moving Participant Testimonials 00:06:41 The Future of the Healing Pen and a Mic Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen5 Ways to Support & Connect: Support the Mission: Donate to the Survivor Series here Join the 2026 Priority List: Sign up for the 'On the Other Side' Newsletter Work With Me: Visit my website for Cancer Doula Services Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes back award-winning journalist, poet, and two-time cancer survivor Annamaria Scaccia. Annamaria shares her powerful story of surviving both kidney and thyroid cancer by age 40 and how she is transforming her life through bodybuilding and advocacy. They discuss the psychological power of strength training, the challenges of managing rare cancer types, how cancer impacts relationships, and the importance of self-awareness in the healing process. Tune in to discover how physical discipline, raw truth, and giving yourself grace can help you reclaim your power and navigate the complex emotional landscape of long-term survivorship. ✨Episode Highlights: 00:02:32 Annamaria’s Origin Story 00:05:39 Transitioning from Kickboxing to Bodybuilding after a Kidney Cancer Diagnosis 00:09:18 Bodybuilding for Healing and Trauma Recovery 00:17:45 Self-Awareness and the Truth of the Iron 00:20:50 Navigating a Second Cancer Diagnosis 00:27:41 Addressing Multiple Primary Cancers Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript178 Connect & Engage with Annamaria: Links: https://linktr.ee/gotchascaccia?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e18723c7-b1a1-4be2-9794-507317879f6cInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchascaccia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamariascaccia/Podcast: https://www.kidneycancer.org/podcast/ National Cancer Survivor Month Episode: https://youtu.be/JlET8Ljujiw?si=f1_b4aAJ_rkTopk2 Join the Community: Looking for a safe space to share your raw truth? Join the waitlist for the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER Cancer Community Forum. Connect with others in a private, supportive environment completely free from the noise and distractions of social media. Be the first to know when we open: https://www.ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this powerful episode of the Healing Pen and a Mic companion podcast, host Talaya Dendy sits down with Lisa Beckendorf, a celebrated cancer survivor and patient advocate. Lisa shares her personal journey through multiple cancer diagnoses and the pivotal moment she transitioned from a career in commercial real estate to full-time advocacy. Initially asking, "Why me?", she realized her experience was a powerful way to give back to the cancer community. This conversation dives into the transformative impact of journaling and storytelling in the healing process. Lisa highlights how the practice, central to the Healing Pen and a Mic Workshop offers emotional release, fosters deep community connections, and is a critical tool for personal growth. Whether you are navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or seeking to turn your personal story into powerful action, this episode offers invaluable insights on finding solace, strength, and purpose through writing and community. Support Our Mission / Partner With Us: Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you! Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community. For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at [email protected]. 💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible! ✨Episode Highlights: 01:44 Lisa's Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy 04:49 The Healing Power of Journaling and Storytelling 09:15 Observations and Impact from the Healing Pen Workshop 12:21 Advice for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers 15:07 Lisa's Role in Advocacy and Research (ECOG-ACRIN, MNCCTN) Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen4 Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/nctnewsletter and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a life-changing conversation. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.