Episodes

  • Season 7, Episode #60 (Revisited) - Our Beginning

    Season 7, Episode #60 (Revisited) - Our Beginning
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode we are joined by Meredith Cooper and Missi Hicks, cofounders of Wonders & Worries. Listen as they discuss their experiences as Child Life Specialists and the founding of Wonders and Worries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children whose parents are facing serious illnesses. They share their personal backgrounds, the challenges they faced in establishing the organization, and the growth and impact it has had over the years. In this conversation, Meredith Cooper and Missi Hicks discuss the evolution and growth of Wonders and Worries. They emphasize the importance of leadership changes, a culture of experimentation, and the value of diverse skill sets within their team. The discussion highlights the resilience of children, the significance of curiosity in professional development, and offers advice for aspiring Child Life Specialists. They also explore the expanding role of Child Life Specialists in various settings and the training resources available for community support.
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    33 mins
  • Season 8, Episode #73 - Previvor

    Season 8, Episode #73 - Previvor
    Dec 2 2025
    In this conversation, Rochelle Schube shares her personal and professional journey in the field of oncology, discussing her experiences with cancer in her family and how it shaped her career as a social worker. She delves into the emotional complexities of being a previvor, the impact of genetic testing, and the challenges faced in navigating healthcare and insurance. Rochelle emphasizes the importance of community support and advocacy for those at risk, while also providing valuable advice for individuals facing similar genetic histories.
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    29 mins
  • Season 8, Episode #72 – The Women’s Fund

    Season 8, Episode #72 – The Women’s Fund
    Nov 17 2025
    In this conversation, Kaila Vargas, the program manager for the Women's Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, discusses the organization's mission to empower women and girls through health education and advocacy. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for candid conversations about health, building resilience, and effective communication strategies for self-advocacy. The discussion also covers the structure of the programs offered, community support, and upcoming events that aim to provide resources and education to participants.
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    28 mins
  • Season 8, Episode #71 - Young Lung Cancer Initiative

    Season 8, Episode #71 - Young Lung Cancer Initiative
    Nov 4 2025
    Guest Hosts: Leah Philips, M.Ed. and Bianca Bye, LCSW – founders of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative Summary: This conversation features Leah and Bianca, both advocates for young lung cancer patients, sharing their personal stories and the formation of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative. They discuss the challenges faced by younger patients, the stigma surrounding lung cancer, and the importance of advocacy and community support. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of the disease, the need for better treatment options, and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by lung cancer. Initiatives Featured in this episode: Community Resource Takeaways: Leah was diagnosed […]
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    32 mins
  • Season 8, Episode #70 - Growing A Village

    Season 8, Episode #70 - Growing A Village
    Oct 15 2025
    Guest Hosts: Kelly Hendershot, LGSW, LMSW – Cancer Support Community Summary: In this conversation, Kelly Hendershot, Vice President of Network and Healthcare Partnerships at Cancer Support Community, discusses her role in connecting families and clinicians to vital resources for cancer support. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations about cancer, providing support across the entire spectrum of care, and the need for culturally adapted resources. The discussion also highlights the significance of caregiver support and the various programs available for individuals transitioning from treatment to survivorship. Kelly shares insights on bereavement support and the collaborative efforts within the community to enhance […]
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    24 mins
  • Season 8, Episode 69 - Perky

    Season 8, Episode 69 - Perky
    Oct 2 2025
    In this conversation, Julie interviews the founders of Perky, Courtney and Crystal, who are both registered nurses and specialize in nipple tattooing for breast cancer survivors. They discuss their personal motivations for starting Perky, the importance of creating a safe and inviting space for clients, and the unique approach they take as nurse tattooists. The conversation also touches on the impact of their work on the community, the challenges of insurance coverage, and their innovative campaigns like the Third Nipple Campaign. They emphasize the importance of holistic health and community support for survivors, encouraging listeners to advocate for accessible resources.
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    28 mins
  • Season 6, Episode #53 (Revisited) - Middle Ground

    Season 6, Episode #53 (Revisited) - Middle Ground
    Sep 15 2025
    In this conversation, Taryn Schuelke shares her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, navigating treatment, and the impact on her family. She discusses her background in the medical field, the challenges of being a working mother during treatment, and the importance of community support. Taryn also reflects on her experiences with hair loss, body image, and how she has supported her children through this process. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with cancer while maintaining a sense of normalcy in family life.
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    42 mins
  • Season 8, Episode #68 - Children of Disease

    Season 8, Episode #68 - Children of Disease
    Sep 2 2025
    In this conversation, filmmaker Madison VanDerLinde discusses her documentary 'Children of Disease,' which explores the impact of parental illness on children. She shares her personal journey into death work, the challenges faced during the filmmaking process, and the importance of community support for families dealing with illness. Madison emphasizes the need for open communication within families and the role of art in healing. She also reflects on her future aspirations in filmmaking and advocacy for children affected by parental illness.
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    33 mins