Podcast Episodes

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 ...

Join us to explore the benefits and myths surrounding chia and flax seeds. Learn how these seeds can be integrated into your diet, their historical origins, and their role in digestive health, blood sugar control, and cancer care. Tina and Leah also address common misconceptions about flax seeds and breast cancer, and flax and thyroid issues. The Moment of Woo is revived! Tina and Leah explore of the Budwig protocol and its claims about cancer treatment. The origins and distribution of the flax...

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...

Tina and Leah take on some TikTok misconceptions, including influencers' anti-sunscreen rants, head-on (wearing a wide-brimmed hat, of course). The sun is good. The sun is bad. The sun will give you cancer, no wait, it will protect you from cancers. As is often the case, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Tune in for a factual discussion about sun exposure, tanning, and the difference between UVA and UVB rays on your skin. We talk sunscreens, sun blockers, and why there is so much da...

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...

Microplastics are not just around us, they are in us. These microscopic particles of plastic may be wreaking havoc on our health in many ways, and worsening cancer risk and prognosis is one of them. In this episode, Tina and Leah discuss microplastics and their potential link to cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. They explore sources of microplastics, from single-use plastic bottles to synthetic clothing, and highlight steps you can take to reduce your exposure. They also discuss the diffic...

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 ...

Join Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman as they delve into the complexities of heart toxicity in cancer care. This enlightening episode sheds light on the heart’s resilience and the specific challenges posed by cancer treatments known for their toxic effects on the heart muscle. Through engaging dialogue, the hosts explore topics such as risk factors, treatments associated with the highest risk of heart damage, and integrative medicine approaches to prevention and repair. They share personal ...

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...

An inflamed bladder (cystitis) can be caused by infections (urinary tract infection, UTI) or from treatment itself (radiation, chemotherapy, other drugs). Did you know some foods can irritate an inflamed bladder? Removing them can provide relief! Tina and Leah discuss the many ways that you can soothe and support your bladder with diet and herbs. Join the discussion and learn how to improve your own bladder health! Foods that can irritate the bladder (from Brigham and Women's Hospital) A techni...

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 ...

Prebiotics feed our probiotics. So which is more important? Should you supplement with prebiotics? In this episode Tina and Leah discuss the different types of prebiotics and where to find them. They also talk about ketogenic diets, when a probiotic may interfere with treatment, and the hidden benefits in potatoes, rice and pasta! Here are the seven categories of prebiotics we talked about in this episode: Inulin, FOS, GOS, resistant starches, arabinooxalans, pectins, and beta glucans Links to...

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....

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, and radishes, are sometimes called "super foods." But why? How are they good for you? In this episode, Tina and Leah answer these questions and discuss ways crucifers can be part of a healthy diet. They touch on some of the supplements that come from crucifers, too. So, hit play, and you may hear the best broccoli joke you've ever heard. A thorough (and technical) review on cruciferous vegetables - Linus Pauling Institute Link t...

Berries are one of the most easily accessible, nutrient-packed plant foods we can eat. You may know that berries are good for you, but do you know what makes them so nutritious? Tina and Leah talk about common and exotic berries and tell you what's inside berries that makes them so awesome! You may even learn a few new plants you didn't know were technically berries! Bananas are berries! About Goji Berries Information on Sea Buckthorn The health effects of berry bioactive compounds Antioxidant ...

Electrolyte balance is essential for optimal function of all of our systems. This episode covers the electrolytes you should pay close attention to during and after treatment. We're not talking designer drinks or influencer hacks to your biology, just practical knowledge and tips to help you balance your electrolytes. Join Tina and Leah as they talk about how to know if you have imbalanced electrolytes and what you can do to monitor and optimize them. Prior episodes related to this episode: Cal...

Ginger "root" has been used for thousands of years. Technically a rhizome, not a root, ginger's modern-day claim to fame is its ability to prevent the onset of nausea. Ginger is so reliable and safe that it's been studied to prevent nausea during pregnancy as well as chemo-induced nausea. But that is just the beginning of the benefits of ginger. It can be used to support immune function and lower cardiovascular risk, among its many uses. Join Tina & Leah as they explore the most rel...

Joint pain is common, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer! There are so many natural remedies to control and relieve the discomfort. Whether you are preventing joint pain during treatment or you have ongoing arthritis-type pain, Tina & Leah talk about ways to find relief. We even tackle the tough-to-treat joint pain from aromatase inhibitors (yes, there are things you can do!). Sometimes, the answer is already in your kitchen! Links to prior episodes we mention: Turmeric Brain Fog ...

We've all heard that "the dose makes the poison." Nowhere is this a more apt saying than with nutmeg. Hey, don't get us wrong, just a wee bit of nutmeg can help you tolerate some of those holiday food indulgences! Nutmeg is warming, has anti-parasite and pain-relieving properties, and can be used topically for pain relief. Join us as we touch on some history and give you our takes on nutmeg: the spice, the medicine, the poison. Oh, and go ahead and share this episode with so...

'Tis the season! Pine trees are everywhere! From vitamin C to turpentine (yes, the paint thinner!), pine trees give us a lot to talk about. Listen in as Tina & Leah chat about the uses and cautions of the ubiquitous pine tree in this holiday minisode. And don't forget... hit those 5 stars and send this episode to someone you think would enjoy it! Thanks for listening!! Memorial Sloan-Kettering's summary of pine bark A lovely read on the medicinal uses of pine (and a recipe) The science...

It's that time of year! Cranberries are in season! There's a good chance you'll sit down to some cranberry dishes or drinks during the holidays. Maybe this episode can be fodder for conversation? ("Yes, Uncle Frank, those pics are... something. That chicken nugget really does look like Elvis. A-hem, how about this cranberry sauce? Did you know... ") In this holiday minisode, Tina & Leah chat about the history, the culinary, and the medicinal uses of cranberries. So, what are you w...

Everyone has heard a myth or two about cancer (hello, sugar!) The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published eight "Myths and Facts About Cancer." Some of the myths they brought up were ones we've heard from patients, others...kind of cringey. We thought we should tackle them one by one. Not surprisingly, there is often a vein of truth that keeps these so-called myths alive. Tina and Leah have decades of experience as naturopathic physicians and have sifted through the data, so you ...

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...