Welcome to another powerful episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, hosted by Talaya Dendy.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on prostate cancer awareness, the critical issue of health disparities, and the vital importance of open conversations within the Black and African American community. Talaya is joined by a remarkable guest, Christopher Shaddock, a veteran and prostate cancer survivor who shares his powerful personal journey. From his unique experience living in Iceland to his candid discussion about the emotional and physical impacts of his diagnosis, Christopher's story is one of determination, advocacy, and hope.

This episode is a must-listen for men, caregivers, and advocates who want to understand the unique challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis and the power of sharing one's story and creating a domino effect.

✨Highlights from the show:

3:12 Christopher shares his unique experience living in Iceland

9:49 Christopher’s prostate cancer diagnosis story

10:55 The emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment

16:39 Side effects of prostate cancer treatment: what men should know

24:34 Addressing health disparities and barriers for African American men

30:25 The importance of support groups and advocacy

32:23 The “domino effect” of sharing your story and inspiring others

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript171

Resources

The Silent Killer - https://www.silentkillerdoc.com

The Ties That Bind - https://www.bluechildentertainment.com/the-ties-that-bind-crowdfunding

Zero Prostate Cancer - https://zerocancer.org/black-men
Respond Study - https://www.respondstudy.org

💜Share this episode with the men in your life!

Navigating Cancer TOGETHER delivers heartfelt stories and expert insights to remind you that you are not alone. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.

🍵Navigating Cancer TOGETHER is an independent podcast. To keep the episodes coming and support the show, consider buying me a cup of green tea at https://buymeacoffee.com/nctpodcast.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Laya's Haven Calming Health & Wellness Coaching.
Host: Talaya Dendy

Producer: Talaya Dendy

Executive Producer: Talaya Dendy

Writer: Talaya Dendy

Editor: 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever had a health concern that felt minor, but your gut told you to speak up anyway?

In this episode, host Talaya Dendy shares a personal and timely story about the power of trusting your instincts, especially when it comes to your health. Drawing from her experience, she reveals how self-advocacy can be a life-saving tool, and why it's never a "false alarm" to speak up about your concerns.

You'll discover how to:

• Recognize and honor your body’s signals, even when they seem minor.

• Manage anxiety and build confidence in medical settings.

• Take charge of your health by transforming fear and uncertainty into empowered action.

• Turn your medical history into a powerful tool for better care.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or navigating life after cancer, this episode offers a powerful reminder that your voice matters. Talaya's story will help you feel more confident, informed, and supported on your health journey.

✨Highlights from the show:

08:59 A New Personal Story: My "False Alarm" Journey

12:23 How to Advocate: Collaborating with Your Healthcare Team

15:56 The Surprising Reason for My Pain

17:21 Four Internal Self-Advocacy Strategies

21:35 Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Survivor Series Preview

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript170

Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/trusting-your-gut-why-it-s-never-a-false-alarm-in-self-advocacy

Navigating Cancer TOGETHER delivers heartfelt stories and expert insights to remind you that you are not alone. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.

💜Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to trust their gut and advocate for their health!

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Laya's Haven Calming Health & Wellness Coaching.
Host: Talaya Dendy

Producer: Talaya Dendy

Executive Producer: Talaya Dendy

Writer: Talaya Dendy

Editor: 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this micro-episode, join Talaya Dendy as she redefines what it means to be calm, especially while navigating the challenges of living with cancer. Talaya shares powerful insights on stress management and the importance of being intentional with your energy and healing. She debunks common misconceptions about being calm and offers advice on how to find peace of mind by focusing on what you can control. Learn how to pause, assess, and make conscious choices about where you invest your energy. Whether you're a cancer survivor, caregiver, or simply looking to manage stress better, this episode provides actionable strategies for maintaining calm in challenging situations.

Engage with Talaya and share your lessons from cancer by following her on Instagram at @cancerdoula_ontheotherside, LinkedIn at Talaya Dendy, and X at @NCTpodcastfan.

✨Highlights from the show:

00:00 Introduction: The Misconceptions of Being Calm

00:38 The Power of Choosing Where You Focus Your Energy

00:52 How to Find Peace of Mind Through Mindfulness

01:27 Lessons on Healing and Resilience from Cancer

02:00 Reflection and Community Engagement

Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/the-quiet-strength-finding-calm-amidst-life-s-storms

Talaya is a seasoned cancer thriver who has navigated the many twists and turns of a cancer diagnosis and beyond.

Whether you're a patient seeking encouragement or a caregiver looking for guidance, you'll find tips to help you manage energy, cultivate a sense of calm, and feel less alone. Tune in to find calm and community in the face of adversity.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript_calm

Follow NCT: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-cancer-together

📣Call to Action: 💜If you loved this episode, support the show and tell someone else about it. 🗣️Word of mouth goes a long way! It truly helps more people impacted by cancer find our show.

This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side, your resource for expert cancer guidance and support. Get the support you deserve from someone who has firsthand experience and can help you through your journey. Learn more at https://www.ontheotherside.life.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/nctpodcast

Host: Talaya Dendy

Producer: Talaya Dendy

Executive Producer: Talaya Dendy

Writer: Talaya Dendy

Editor: 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.