This episode explores the often-overlooked topic of dating after breast cancer. Hosts Beth and Jes sit down with Michelle, a nine-year survivor who shares her candid experiences navigating the dating scene post-diagnosis.

Michelle opens up about her journey from diagnosis at age 39 through treatment (double mastectomy and chemotherapy), and how she rebuilt her confidence and self-image afterward. The conversation tackles the real questions many survivors have: When do you tell someone about your diagnosis? How do you handle body image changes? What's it really like out there?

The discussion reveals an encouraging truth: breast cancer isn't the dating dealbreaker survivors often fear. Michelle emphasizes that the self-consciousness is often more internal than external—potential partners are attracted to personality, wit, and connection first. The bigger challenge? The modern dating landscape itself, with its instant gratification culture and emotional disconnect.

Key takeaways include giving yourself time (2+ years) to heal physically and emotionally before jumping back into dating, recognizing that body image struggles are universal (whether in long-term relationships or dating), and understanding that it's okay to take a pause when needed. Important reminder: it's okay to have bad days, but tomorrow will get better.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

Join Beth, Jess, and guest Meg for an honest and relatable conversation about the cringiest, most frustrating things people say to breast cancer patients—and how to handle them without losing your mind.

Meg, a 30-year-old mom of two, shares her recent diagnosis journey: from finding a lump while pregnant to fighting for a mammogram when doctors dismissed her concerns due to her age. She opens up about the loneliness of treatment, the exhausting "you're so strong" comments, and the infuriating "free boob job" remarks that completely miss the trauma of amputation and reconstruction.

This episode explores:

1. Why people say awkward things (spoiler: usually ignorance, not malice)
2. The strange burden of managing other people's emotions during your own crisis
3. How friendships shift when you face something this hard
4. The difference between pity and empathy—and why one feels isolating
5. Why your trauma brain makes everything feel more triggering than it actually is

Also includes practical advice on setting boundaries, educating well-meaning friends, and giving yourself (and others) grace when cancer conversations go sideways.

Perfect for anyone navigating cancer, supporting someone with cancer, or who's ever said something awkward and wants to do better.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

Join Beth and Jess as they dive into one of the most emotionally complex parts of the breast cancer journey: how friendships change. In this candid conversation, the hosts explore why some relationships deepen while others fade after a cancer diagnosis.

Beth and Jess share personal stories about discovering which friends could handle the weight of cancer and which couldn't. They discuss the "Midwest nice" culture of keeping struggles private, the surprising people who stepped up (and those who didn't), and why emotional immaturity—not lack of caring—often explains why some friends disappear during hard times.

With their signature blend of honesty, humor, and heart, the hosts remind listeners that friendship changes aren't failures—they're opportunities for growth and finding your true people.

Perfect for anyone navigating relationships after trauma, loss, or major life changes.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group