Who’s In Your Pod? Episodes

What does it actually mean to advocate for yourself in the medical system? Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, RN, ONC sat down with Dr. Tina Kaczor for a candid conversation about helping patients access the best possible care through self-advocacy and shared decision-making. Navigating a cancer diagnosis is incredibly overwhelming. Between well-intentioned opinions from loved ones and rushed informed consent, it’s easy to feel lost. Dr. Lucille brings compassion and pragmatism to the table, explaining w...

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.

Cancer Hope Network CEO Beth Blakey on Peer Mentorship, Caregiver Support, and Connection in Cancer Care Beth Blakey, CEO of Cancer Hope Network, discusses the organization’s 46-year mission to ensure no one faces cancer alone. The unique model of free, confidential, one-on-one peer mentorship connecting patients and caregivers with trained cancer survivors or caregivers continues to touch lives. Blakey shares her personal stor...

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...

Dr. Kaczor speaks with Dr. Chad Levitt, a board-certified radiation oncologist with over 25 years of experience and founder of ONCARE MD. Levitt discusses how patients are, in effect, consumers of a product called "medical care." As consumers, they are in charge and must navigate the often fragmented healthcare landscape. He talks about the need to have your questions answered fully, to seek second opinions, and to ensure that your care team communicates clearly. The discussion covers what fully...

In this special November episode, we are swapping podcasts with Charlotte Bayala of the Cancer Caregiver Podcast. Charlotte explores the complexities of meeting expectations of gratitude during the holidays when you or your loved one is dealing with cancer. Listeners will hear an honest, grounded discussion of the mixed emotions that arise, and a breathing tool to help you deal with them in real time. By the end, listeners will have strategies for expressing gratitude authentically in difficult ...

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.

Charlotte Bayala, host of the award-winning Cancer Caregiver Podcast, joins Dr. Leah Sherman to discuss the unique challenges caregivers face. Charlotte shares her journey of becoming a caregiver for her husband with cancer and how she developed practical, emotional, and self-care strategies for caregivers. The conversation covers how to ask for help, integrating meditation and breathwork into daily routines, and the unexpected benefits of self-compassion for caregivers. Listeners can also learn...

Dr. Natalie Godbee, gynecologic oncologist at City of Hope in Atlanta, Georgia, talks with Dr. Leah Sherman in a wide-ranging interview on gynecologic cancers. The conversation covers the pros and cons of the HPV vaccine, the symptoms and risk factors for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, and the benefits of integrative medicine in cancer care. Listeners will gain valuable information on early detection, treatment options, and preventive measures for these complex cancers. Dr. Godbee'...

In this episode of the Cancer Pod, Dr. Leah Sherman sits down with Dr. David Grew, a board-certified radiation oncologist and founder of Primr, a free digital video resource. They also go into details about prostate cancer, from early detection and PSA testing to the latest advancements in treatment options, including when active surveillance is possible vs. surgery and radiation therapy. Dr. Grew shares how Primr evolved from his inclination to use images to understand and explain medicine. His...

Sara Olsher, author of over 12 books and creator of Mighty and Bright, discusses her experiences as a cancer survivor and a single mother. Her books help adults and children understand each other better during difficult times. The episode offers insights into the importance of honest communication with children about serious illnesses. The hosts also delve into Sara’s products, which are designed to help implement some of the communication tools she has found useful with her own daughter. KOIN 6...

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...

Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo, distinguished nurse practitioner and healthcare leader, sits down with Tina and Leah to discuss how addressing stress can change your life. With over two decades of experience, Wendy shares her journey from an oncology nurse caring directly for patients to becoming a scientist with a large pharmaceutical company. Now, using the same techniques she teaches, she's found her place is helping people recognize and deal with stress. She founded Collaborative Cancer Care and The ...

Dr. Janet Abrahm, a distinguished professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an expert in palliative care at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, sits down with Tina and Leah to discuss palliative or supportive care. Palliative does NOT mean "end-of-life" care! This misconception is just one myth dispelled during their conversation. Dr. Abrahm clarifies other misconceptions around palliative care, emphasizing its role from cancer diagnosis through treatment. Did you know that palliative ca...

Dr. Katie Deming was a practicing radiation oncologist who now practices "conscious oncology." She talks about the six pillars of health in her whole-person program for deep healing. Dr. Deming shares why she walked away from a successful career to pursue her path as a conscious oncologist, including the impact of her near-death experience. The discussion also touches on the usage of language around cancer, the significance of emotional health, and how caregivers can better communicate with t...

Kristina Marusic, author of 'A New War on Cancer,' discusses her motivation and research into the chemicals contributing to rising cancer rates. Tina and Leah cover a lot of ground in this interview. She discusses the pitfalls of individual responsibility. She talks about a system that permits the use of known carcinogens. She also covers what can be done to push the agenda toward a healthier place for all of us. Did you know that of the over 300,000 industrial chemicals invented ...

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...

Pelvic health is often overlooked, especially in cancer care. Dr. Alex Hill shares invaluable insights and practical strategies for addressing common issues like urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and constipation. Join us in this enlightening discussion about the tools of the trade, types of pelvic floor exercises (Spoiler: It's not just Kegels), and why you really should not hover over the toilet when you urinate. Short bio, website, and all social links for Dr. Alex Hill. Be sure to ...

Herbal medicine is part of our daily lives. Coffee, tea, soup, salads... we are already consuming plants, and many are medicinal. Walking in nature and gardening, these are also aspects of plant medicine. Listen to the latest episode of The Cancer Pod, where Tina and Leah chat with Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, FNMIH, RHT, (RH) AHG , whose career as a medical herbalist with a specialty in holistic oncology stretches over 35 years. You’re in for a treat when you tune in to hear the inspiring conversati...

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...

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 ...