#CancerInsider Episodes

Survivor’s guilt is a common and not often talked about emotional experience after cancer. Dr. Leah Sherman sits down with returning guest Natasha Ewa, licensed clinical social worker and founder of I Thrive Therapy and Wellness, for an honest conversation about what survivor’s guilt actually looks like, why body image after cancer is so personal, and what healing can feel like on the other side.

What happens to desire after a cancer diagnosis? In this episode, Dr. Leah Sherman speaks with intimacy coach and cancer survivor Claire Rumore about the often-overlooked intimacy challenges that come with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Claire shares how cancer may reshape desire, body image, and relationship dynamics—and why clinical care frequently misses these impacts. They explore practical approaches like redefining intimacy beyond intercourse, using nervous system regulation and consent-b...

Leave a message and let us know what you liked about the episode! Writer, humorist, previvor, survivor, and breast cancer prevention advocate Gila Pfeffer joins Leah for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about loss, resilience, and finding humor in the most unlikely situations. Gila talks about her memoir, Nearly Departed: Adventures in Loss, Cancer, and Other Inconveniences, how humor can be a survival tool during cancer treatment, and her cheeky Feel It on the First campa...

In 2022, Jeff Stewart was preparing to donate a kidney when his life took a completely different turn. Unknown to him at the time, he was harboring two separate cancers—kidney and stomach. As a former Jeopardy champ, long-time molecular biologist, and inventor, it’s no surprise that Jeff instinctively framed his relationship with cancer as a complex puzzle that needed solving. In this heartfelt interview with Dr. Sherman, Jeff shares the insights he has gained over the years. He also discusses h...

Patient advocate Maria Montoya shares her personal experience as a two-time, AYA breast cancer survivor. She discusses dealing with Li Fraumeni Syndrome—a rare genetic predisposition to various cancers and talks about the systemic gaps she encountered in the healthcare system, such as limited genetic testing and inadequate fertility counseling, and what can be done to fix this. She also shares how getting treatment during the isolating early months of the COVID-19 pandemic fueled her passion for cancer care advocacy and systemic change. Now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, Maria aims to address systemic healthcare challenges, focusing on improving psychosocial support and survivorship care.

Dr. Amy Rothenberg, a respected naturopathic physician and three-time cancer survivor, shares her story of multiple cancer diagnoses and treatments. Her most recent treatment was a stem cell transplant in 2024 for acute leukemia. Dr. Rothenberg gives valuable insights into integrative cancer care, the importance of gut health, and practical tips for caregivers. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking open-minded, collaborative healthcare p...

Tina and Leah have an insightful conversation with Natasha Ewa, a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, founder of I Thrive Therapy & Wellness, and #cancerinsider who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the age of 29. Natasha shares her perspective on dealing with PTSD, grief, and death from the standpoint of wellness, based on her professional experience and personal journey as a cancer survivor. In her private practice, Natasha regularly helps people navigate trauma related to hea...

Discover valuable insights on nutrition, self-advocacy, and overcoming challenges in this heartfelt interview with Alison Tierney, MS, RD, CD, CSO, a cancer dietitian and #cancerinsider. Tina and Leah lead an engaging conversation on navigating treatment and beyond. Whether you're a beginner in healthy eating or a seasoned health enthusiast, Alison shares firsthand experiences and practical tips for self-care. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on wellness that promises to inspire and empower....

We talked with Dr. Lise Alschuler about the three most important things to reduce cancer risk and its recurrence. With almost 30 years as a clinician, as well as a cancer survivor herself, Dr. Alschuler is an authority on the topic. Join Tina & Leah in this not-to-be-missed episode. Where else will you find three naturopathic physicians giving out reliable advice on cancer risk reduction? More about Dr. Lise Alschuler Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of Th...

What's the best type of movement during and after cancer treatment? How do you integrate exercise without hurting yourself? Tina & Leah talk with movement expert Sarah Court about what yoga can do (and can't!), aerobic vs. resistive exercise, and how to safely create a movement routine. Oh, and she’s got a resiliency plan you’ve got to check out! We dive right in, so hit “play,” and let’s go! Sarah Court’s Cancer Resiliency Program Stronger By Science Hot flashes and muscle mass The...

Join us as we talk about navigating survivorship with Amy & Stef. As always, the conversation is upbeat and includes tips for survivors and caregivers alike. Amy & Stef started Cancer for Breakfast, a podcast and community, with one goal in mind: to create a supportive place for those who have had cancer. With their immutable wit and authenticity, they bring comfort to the common experience of being a person diagnosed with cancer. Connect with Cancer for Breakfast here: Email Website Instagra...

We taped a minisode to wrap up Leah's story and share the results of her biopsy! Ah, life of a #cancerinsider…tune in to find out how the story plays out. Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! W...

Leah’s story picks up where Part 1 left off. We update you on what’s happening with that suspicious area on her MRI, continue talking about details of her past treatment and integrate some lessons along the way. Join us as Leah’s story unfolds: past and present. Cancer Treatment Centers of America where Leah worked (and received her treatment) Leah’s story, contemporaneously told, on Tumblr What does Leah Like? (Pinterest) The Cancer Social Club: Leah’s community-building project Fasting 13 ...

Leah has the dubious distinction of being our #cancerinsider. In this episode, she shares her history of diagnosis and treatment while seeing patients at an integrative cancer center. Join us in this unscripted chat! Today, Leah is once again practicing in an integrative cancer center, and during the recording of this episode, she happens to be awaiting the results of a recent MRI. As every person who has gone through cancer treatments knows, past and present are forever intertwined. This is a ...

Join us as we chat with naturopathic physician, teacher, author, and cancer survivor Dr. Amy Rothenberg. Dr. Rothenberg had been a naturopathic physician for 30+ years when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her story is one of incredible resilience (two separate cancers in the same year!). In keeping with her career of sharing her knowledge and experience, she recently penned a book that gives survivors the direction they crave after (and during) intensive treatment, So You’ve Finished Treatment, ...