The Burn: Recent Episodes
April Stearns
Each week, April Stearns and the writers of Wildfire Magazine share their experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer under 50. The Burn is about telling cancer stories like you’ve never read - or heard - before. We go way deeper than the medical facts to the transformation of survivorship, and in the process, we talk about the healing power of writing. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or not, you'll be inspired to write the stories in you that need to be shared. Come for the stories, stay to discover how to write your way back to yourself. #WeAreWildfire
In this episode, today’s storyteller, Hannah Morales, shares a vivid account of the days surrounding her mastectomy and the moment she first saw her changed body in the mirror. Expecting grief and resentment, she instead discovered pride, relief, and a deeper sense of identity that extended beyond appearance.
This conversation explores body image after cancer, surgical loss, motherhood, scars as story, and what it means to define boldness, beauty, and confidence on your own terms — not society’s.
More about AnaOno: https://www.anaono.com/mates/
https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/
Buy the Body issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc25
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In this returning guest episode, today’s storyteller, Laurie Pomeranz, shares a vivid and surprising account of the day her metastatic recurrence was confirmed through a spinal biopsy. What unfolds is not only fear and dread, but humor, music, connection, and an unexpected act of kindness from her care team.
This conversation explores how patients experience medical procedures from the inside out, the power of levity in hard moments, and how small gestures of care can become unforgettable anchors inside life-altering news.
Learn more about Laurie: https://www.instagram.com/lauriepommie/
More about Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
https://www.instagram.com/triagecancer/
More about Cancer Kicks: https://cancerkicks.org/
Buy the MBC: Paradox issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc25
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In this episode, today’s storyteller, Alyssa Tsagong, reflects on a decades-long friendship that grew into something she now calls kinship: a relationship rooted in truth, curiosity, and shared tending of body and spirit. After a metastatic diagnosis, that friendship became a place where fear could be spoken out loud and held without being fixed or minimized.
We talk about friendship as sacred work, building capacity for grief and joy at the same time, and how supportive relationships can be intentionally cultivated — not just relied upon — through practice, ritual, and presence.
Learn more about Alyssa and Temple of Kinship:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZBXckJGfgK/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/temple_of_kinship/
https://www.templeofkinship.org/
More about Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
https://www.instagram.com/triagecancer/
Buy the MBC: Paradox issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc25
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Emily Rau is an Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and the editor of the Willa Cather Archive. In this episode Emily reads her essay “I Might Be in Love with All My Friends” from the 2023 “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire. Emily’s story is about sensuality mixed in with a lot of milestones and steps in a breast cancer experience that we haven’t really heard before at Wildfire. April and Emily will talk about why it was important to share a cancer story that folds into Emily’s queer and polyamorous life, honoring her grief in cancer, the role the polyamorous community played in Emily’s cancer journey and the fear of overtaxing people with our burdens. They will also discuss the prairie, and hear Emily beautifully explain the comfort and metaphor this particular landscape provided her in cancer. This episode contains explicit content about drugs and sex.
More about Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ejrau/
Purchase the “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In this episode, today’s storyteller, Caitlan Killian, reflects on friendship formed during treatment, the parallel journeys of two young women with breast cancer, and the paradox of celebrating healing while mourning loss. This conversation explores metastatic survivorship, community, grief, faith, and what it means to hold hope and heartache hand in hand.
Learn more about Caitlan: https://www.instagram.com/caitlanreesekillian/
https://www.caitlanreesekillian.com/
Learn more about Still Good Co.: https://www.instagram.com/still_good_co/
More about iRise Above Foundation: https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnkEObg0wWMKTZ27TRqEOAJfnv_LUMJ6RcPntNoRxRzpzTBfIYJoX7AFhhvH8_aem_YG3pfl1-lKGh0VUZ0vcCJA
https://www.instagram.com/irise_above
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42, a diagnosis discovered during gender-affirming surgery. In this episode, Ash reads his essay, “Longing to Belong,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2024 “Queer In Cancerland” issue. His story explores the unique challenges of navigating cancer as a trans man within a medical system that often overlooks the diverse experiences and identities that make up the cancer community.
April and Ash discuss what it has been like to share his story repeatedly, building and finding queer support in cancer spaces, and the desire to advocate for greater inclusion within the cancer community. They also reflect on their relationships with scars, feeling unsafe in one’s body, and navigating intimacy after breast cancer.
More about Ash: https://www.instagram.com/transashtoning/
Continue exploring stories from Wildfire Journal’s “Queer in Cancerland” issue with Slowing Down to Write One Moment, featuring Dawn Amodeo: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f/
Purchase the “Queer In Cancerland” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Psychologist and artist, Julia D. Pereira was diagnosed at 32 with Triple Negative breast cancer. In this episode, Julia reads her essay, “Asymmetry,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue. Her writing beautifully explores the theme of uncertainty.
April and Julia discuss the quiet magic found in uncertain moments, finding strength in the unknown, and making empowered decisions in the midst of ambiguity. They also reflect on what it means to find connection and community within breast cancer as a queer person.
More about Julia: https://magicofthewild.substack.com/
More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
Purchase the “Queer In Cancerland” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Shop Wildfire for merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Danielle Connor was diagnosed at 48 with Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a wife, mother to a teenage daughter, and a lifelong baker. In this episode, Danielle reads her essay, “My Chemo Companion,” from the 2025 Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece invites us into the heart of her kitchen, where grief, survival, and sweetness rise together.
April and Danielle discuss humor and resisting the “Disney Princess mom” narrative, emotional support hobbies, and gratitude. Danielle also talk about her twin sister Nicole’s contrasting cancer experience.
Learn more about Danielle: https://medium.com/@Bingeandbake
Purchase the Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal: `https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/print-body25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Stephanie Millett was first diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 25, and again at 31 with Stage IV MBC. Stephanie is a retired hairstylist, writer, and advocate for advancedbreastcancer.net. In this episode, Stephanie shares their essay, “My Life, and Being Wrong,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2022 Legacy Stories issue. Stephanie and April discuss the power of sharing your story through advocacy, the reasons some people choose privacy around their cancer experience, and what it means to model resilience and honesty for our children. They also talk about Stephanie’s future plans to write a book offering practical guidance for others who want to begin telling their own stories.
More about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/_the_radiatedlizard/
Listen to Stephanie on another episode on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/
Shop Wildfire for merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Second-time guest Katie Murray joins The Burn to share her story of being diagnosed at 41 with Stage II invasive lobular breast cancer. A writer, teacher, and mother of four, Katie reads her essay “Sleeping Snakes and the Lake” from the 2025 Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal.
Her piece offers a meditation on healing — not the kind defined by treatment end dates or clean scans, but the slow, quiet kind that arrives unexpectedly years later, in moments as small and tender as noticing baby eyelashes. April and Katie discuss healing versus recovery, the pressure of timelines, hope, and the shame Katie carried about her cancer diagnosis.
Learn more about Katie: https://www.instagram.com/1day_2019/
Listen to Katie’s previous episode on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e220fb14-d5bb-47d4-acb6-4c488df7d62f/
Purchase the Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal: `https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/print-body25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Liz McFarland was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer at 39. A realtor and proud choice mom to two young adults, Liz joins this episode to read her essay “Ready for Battle” from the 2025 Body issue of Wildfire Journal.
Her piece explores beauty and body image, the lasting impact of middle school shame, and the complicated realities of silicone, surgery, sensation, and sagging. At its heart, it’s about vulnerability — about what happens when we stop pretending to be warriors and simply tell the truth.
Liz and April discuss the need to control the small things during cancer, how adolescent experiences shape our emotional terrain, the persistence of body shame, and what survivorship looks like for Liz now, thirteen years after diagnosis.
More about episode sponsor Resensation: https://www.resensation.com/
Learn more about Liz:https://www.instagram.com/lizzymcfarland/
Purchase the Body issue of Wildfire Journal: `https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/print-body25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Dana Donofree was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at age 27. She is a survivor, advocate, and the founder of AnaOno, an intimate apparel brand designed to support those affected by breast surgery and reconstruction. Dana is also the longtime guest editor of Wildfire Journal’s annual Body issue.
In this episode, April welcomes Dana back for her third appearance on The Burn. Together, they reflect on a Cancerland retrospective, exploring topics such as unpopular opinions in breast cancer, the role of AnaOno, and what it means to feel sexy at any age.
They also discuss Dana’s continued commitment to guest editing the Body issue of Wildfire Journal, her insights on working and advocating within the cancer space, and the ongoing challenges of survivorship.
Learn more about Dana:
https://www.anaono.com/
https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/
https://www.instagram.com/dana_donofree/
Listen to Dana’s previous appearances on The Burn:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8fd6bcec-e7a4-4137-b280-ff60c02cde5e/
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/03ba8e52-d604-4937-91e4-689238b12bfe/
Shop the Wildfire Journal store to explore all of the Body issues published over the years: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Shalini “Shal” Krishnan was diagnosed at age 31 with Stage II breast cancer. She works as a project manager in the international sports sector and currently lives in Lausanne, Switzerland with her partner. In this episode, Shalini reads her essay, “Swimming, and Changing Direction,” from the 2024 Body issue of Wildfire Journal. The piece transports us to a memory of being caught in the waves at a beach in Brazil, tossed, breathless, and disoriented. A moment of fear that lodged in her body and paralleled the experience of cancer.
April and Shalini discuss using metaphor to make sense of illness and how April’s Sparks writing workshop helped Shalini shape and write this story. They explore fear, how Shalini once took her body for granted, and what it has meant to rebuild her relationship with it as an athlete after cancer.
They also talk about Shalini’s experience of attending 10 weddings across 7 countries while undergoing treatment.
More about episode sponsor Young Survival Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
Learn more about Shalini:
https://www.instagram.com/shal_k/
https://shalsworld.com/
Purchase the Body issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Susan Danenberger was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer at 48, and again at 50 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A fifth-generation farmer and winemaker, she owns Danenberger Family Vineyards in Central Illinois. In this episode, Susan reads her essay, “Rosé-Colored Glasses,” from the 2025 Body issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece draws us into a deeply personal story of body image, beauty, and transformation after breast cancer—one that begins with stilettos and selfies, and unfolds into a powerful journey of reckoning and rebuilding. April and Susan will talk about autonomy in the context of cancer, trusting (and questioning) medical providers, seeing yourself through the eyes of others, and financial toxicity. They also discuss how connecting with other survivors at New York Fashion Week changed Susan’s life.
More about episode sponsor Young Survival Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
Learn more about Susan:
https://www.instagram.com/stilettosinthevineyard/
https://danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com/
Purchase the Body issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/print-body25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Vanessa Cuccurullo is a two-time cancer survivor who was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma at 20 and breast cancer at 48. She is the founder of Mrs. C Botanicals, a clean cannabis brand, and lives between New York City and Shelter Island with her family.
In this episode, Vanessa shares her essay, “The Life I Choose, Every Day,” from the 2025 Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal. The piece reflects on a deeply personal moment one year after treatment during a wellness retreat in Portugal, where she experiences a ritual of reclamation after cancer. Instead of returning to who she was before cancer, Vanessa steps fully into who she is now.
April and Vanessa talk about losing yourself in who you become to other people before and after cancer, embracing joy, and choosing when and where to share your cancer story. Vanessa also shares how founding Mrs. C Botanicals and incorporating cannabis into her life has supported her well-being in survivorship.
More about episode sponsor Young Survival Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
Learn more about Vanessa: https://vanessacuccurullo.substack.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn6sg__rox_qayzZ76vh7bQHWSrFbPD3hoZbY6-XMQcWMdCwq4VUbJR5ej8ms_aem_K1f_UqPWLKMWUcUiZlbzRQ
https://www.instagram.com/nescucc/
Purchase the Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/secondtime
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Listen to more episodes of The Burn from The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal:
Fishkeeping with Liz Grissom: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6df4e954-7188-4f13-b72f-0a86cc3c2dd3/
Reclaiming Myself the Second Time Around with Shayna Welsh: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/63fb5a68-0e43-4805-9746-8c094dd01266/
At 27, Sarah Deer was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. By 33, she faced a metastatic recurrence. An English language arts teacher turned librarian, Sarah now lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan.
In this episode, Sarah shares her essay “The Gift of Koselig” from the 2025 “The Second Time Around” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her writing invites us into a world of sensory grounding, reclaiming pleasure, and daring to seek joy even in the face of a terminal diagnosis.
April and Sarah will talk about Sarah’s current season of survivorship, the contradictions living alongside cancer, and intentionally cultivating balance in life.
More about episode sponsor Rethink Breast Cancer: https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/
More about episode sponsor Young Survival Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
Learn more about Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/seruhjane/
Purchase the The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/secondtime
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Listen to more episodes of The Burn from The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal:
Fishkeeping with Liz Grissom: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6df4e954-7188-4f13-b72f-0a86cc3c2dd3/
Reclaiming Myself the Second Time Around with Shayna Welsh: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/63fb5a68-0e43-4805-9746-8c094dd01266/
Pye is a returning guest to The Burn, having last joined us in January 2023. She is a writer and artisan who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, and again at 59. Pye’s work has appeared in five issues of Wildfire to date. She lives in Western Pennsylvania with her husband, Steve, a photographer.
In this episode, Pye reads two poems she wrote for the 2025 “The Second Time Around” issue of Wildfire Journal. These poems explore the strange familiarity and quiet revelations of facing cancer again after more than two decades.
April and Pye talk about what it’s been like to be an ongoing contributor to Wildfire, the differences in cancer care across decades, parenting with cancer at two very different stages of life, and how you decide who to share details of your diagnosis with. They also discuss the role of art in Pye’s life.
More about episode sponsor iRise Above Foundation: https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/
More about episode sponsor Young Survival Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
Learn more about Pye:
https://www.instagram.com/blog.forthegirls/
https://www.blogforthegirls.com/
Listen to My Story in Ink with Pye Pajewski: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/305b98f0-e162-45ec-a886-e831dca7d671/
Purchase the The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/secondtime
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Listen to more episodes of The Burn from The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal:
Fishkeeping with Liz Grissom: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6df4e954-7188-4f13-b72f-0a86cc3c2dd3/
Reclaiming Myself the Second Time Around with Shayna Welsh: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/63fb5a68-0e43-4805-9746-8c094dd01266/
Liz Grissom was diagnosed at 33 with Triple Negative breast cancer, and had a recurrence at 41. She is a talent development partner, enjoys running, drawing and marveling over a great book. She lives in Virginia with her two sons, firefighter spouse, and their dog. In this episode, Liz reads her essay “Fishkeeping” from the 2025 Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the moment when everything changed—again. When recurrence doesn’t come with a handbook, when you’re trying to plan summer vacation but end up rerouting your entire life. April and Liz will talk about parenting through cancer, sharing the news of a cancer diagnosis with loved ones, using metaphors in storytelling and coming to acceptance with cancer.
More about our episode sponsors:
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD): https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
Cold Crowns: https://www.coldcapcrowns.com/
Learn more about Liz:https://www.instagram.com/liz.grissom/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Enhanced Show notes:
Direct episode link for social: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/63fb5a68-0e43-4805-9746-8c094dd01266/
Embed:
Transcript link: https://share.descript.com/view/edc4w3EIlAl
Shayna Welsh Show Notes
Release date: Jan 21, 2026
Title: Reclaiming Myself the Second Time Around with Shayna Welsh
Episode: E211 (C261)
Shayna Welsh represents the very young age group of breast cancer patients—those diagnosed in their early 20s. Shayna was first diagnosed at 23 with Stage II triple-positive breast cancer, and then again at 25 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Shayna is a member of several breast cancer organizations, including the Young Breast Cancer Project, Living Beauty, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and Under the Pencil. In this episode, Shayna reads her essay, “Reclaiming Myself the Second Time,” from the 2025 The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece explores the liminal space where identity is rebuilt—scar by scar, photo by photo, and moment by moment. April and Shayna discuss the impact of Shayna’s cover photo on The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire, feeling things on your own timeline, whole-brain activities, and the complexities of living in the world with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
More about this episode’s sponsors:
AnaOno: https://www.anaono.com/
https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/
Young Survival Coalition (YSC): https://youngsurvival.org/
Learn more about Shayna: https://www.instagram.com/thrive_with_shayna/
Purchase the The Second Time Around issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/secondtime
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Lilly Ribner was diagnosed at 37 with Stage I, Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a stay at home mother of two young children. In this episode, Lilly reads her essay “Through Her Eyes” from the 2024 Mothers & Daughters issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about a moment where three generations exist at once: a mother losing her memories, a daughter facing breast cancer, and a little girl sweeping up the curls her mother just shaved from her head. April and Lilly will talk about a moment of control found in cancer, radical presence, befriending anxiety, finding community, and survivorship. They will also explore the liminal space where roles reverse, caring for a parent while navigating motherhood through cancer.
More about episode sponsor After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD): https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/#
Learn more about Lilly: https://www.instagram.com/lillyribner/
Purchase the Mothers & Daughters issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Erin Perkins was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a volunteer, writer, Young Breast Cancer Project board member, and stay-at-home parent. Erin is a self-published author of “Young Breast Cancer Your Story and Mine: A Compact Guide”. In this episode, Erin reads her essay “The Way It Felt” from the 2024 Mothers & Daughters issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about motherhood and memory and what happens when the fear of leaving your children collides with your own childhood wound of being left. April and Erin will talk about embodied writing, cancer activating old wounds, parenting before and after cancer, and Erin’s self-published book. They will also discuss the words that changed Erin at her friend’s deathbed.
More about episode sponsor iRise Above Foundation: https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/irise_above/
Learn more about Erin:
https://www.erinleeperkins.com/
https://www.instagram.com/erinleeperkins/
https://erinleeperkins.substack.com/
Purchase the Mothers & Daughters issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Julia Tabisz was diagnosed at 25 with Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a journalist, editor, and a mom with a passion for writing and competitive Irish dance. Julia happily lives in the woods of Maryland with her son and daughter. In this episode, Julia reads her essay “A Mother’s Biggest Problem” from the 2024 Mothers & Daughters issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is a story about motherhood, and how swiftly perspective can be upended by a cancer diagnosis while still brushing tiny teeth and tucking in tiny bodies. April and Julia will talk about journalistic writing versus writing to process and heal, how being given writing prompts unlocks flashes of memory, and how Irish dance has kept Julia connected to herself.
Learn more about Julia:
https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodunplugged/
https://sisterhoodunplugged.com/
Purchase the “Mothers & Daughters" issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Lauren Bruns was diagnosed at 38 with Triple Positive breast cancer while just eight weeks into her second pregnancy. Lauren is a former competitive dancer, engineering graduate, and earned her MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. She is currently a management consultant. Lauren loves traveling, biking, swimming, NYT games, and rooting for her beloved Cleveland sports teams.
In this episode, Lauren reads her essay “My Pony-Tale” from the 2025 Hair issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about how keeping her hair through cold capping felt like both a gift and a disguise during a pandemic pregnancy. April and Stephanie will talk about moments of hope in cancer, the duality of being pregnant while going through cancer treatment, and what newborn bonding looked like for her family because of cancer.
More about episode sponsor Wildflower Health Coaching: https://www.wildflowerhealthcoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yourkickasslifeaftercancer
Learn more about Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/brunsle/
Purchase the “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Stephanie Marnocha was diagnosed at 33 with Stage III breast cancer. Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker and outdoors lover. She lives in Denver with her four-legged adventure buddy, Annie. In this episode, Stephanie reads her essay “Being Myself” from the 2024 Body issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about body autonomy and standing by a choice that goes against the grain. April and Stephanie will talk about really seeing yourself when the mastectomy bandages come off, anorexia, losing time to inner dialogues, and insights on keeping a journaling practice. They’ll also discuss cancer and fertility.
More about episode sponsor After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD): https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
Learn more about Stephanie: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.marnocha
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Tawny Rachelle was diagnosed at 39 with Stage II, hormone positive breast cancer. Tawny is a long-term survivor with more than five years since being diagnosed. She is also a long-time contributor to Wildfire Journal having published six pieces with us over the years since 2018. In this episode, Tawny reads her essay “The Luckiest Sister” from the 2018 “Caregivers” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the tender space of sisterhood where care runs deeper than routine and obligation. April and Tawny will talk about the touching selfless moment she was shown by her sister, the caregiving that gets overshadowed by cancer, giving back as a caregiver after cancer, and the different ways of showing up for people. They will also discuss Tawny’s biggest challenges today as a long-term survivor.
More about episode sponsor iRise Above Foundation:
https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/irise_above
Learn more about Tawny: https://www.instagram.com/itsjustahiccup/
Purchase the “Caregivers” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-caregivers
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Tabitha Holman was diagnosed at 39 with de novo Stage IV breast cancer. Tabitha is an elementary school teacher, and mother of two young boys. At the time of her diagnosis, she was considered too young and low-risk to access a timely mammogram when she found her lump. Now she is focusing her efforts on advocacy in hopes of improving access to screening, research, and care. In this episode, Tabitha reads her essay “Hair Karma” from the 2025 Hair issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the emotional complexity of losing her hair during chemotherapy—just months after giving birth—and the surprising, full-circle moment that made her stop and wonder. April and Tabitha will talk about kindness, having cancer and being post-partum, and advocating for medical care that goes against the standard of care. They also discuss grief and living with MBC.
More about episode sponsor After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD): https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
Learn more about Tabitha: https://www.instagram.com/tabitha.arise/
Purchase the “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-hair25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Raina Kerman was diagnosed at 45 with Stage II,Triple Negative breast cancer. Raina is a dog-loving, fantasy-reading, fitness enthusiast living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, Raina reads her essay “I Wish I Cared Less” from the 2025 Hair issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the painful, exhausting, and at times almost comically intense world of cold capping, and what it looks like to want something so badly—not just hair, but agency, normalcy, identity—and to have to let it go. April and Raina discuss the act of surrendering, family support, maintaining appearances, and the language used around breast cancer. This episode contains explicit language.
Learn more about Raina: https://www.instagram.com/raina_terror/
Purchase the “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-hair25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Bethany Zoe was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer at age 40. She is an aspiring conservationist with a master’s degree in Wildlife and Environmental Sustainability and finds joy and healing in caring for animals. In this episode, Bethany reads her essay “Shampoo Commercial Dreams” from the 2025 Hair issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece explores her experience with cold capping, identity, resilience, and the ways we cling to what keeps us feeling most like ourselves—especially when cancer threatens to strip that away. April and Bethany also discuss imposter syndrome in cancer, writing from a wound versus a scar, and how to decide when and with whom to share your story.
Purchase the “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-hair25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Tegan O'Neill was diagnosed at 27 with Stage I Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a clinical social worker who finds meaning in helping herself and others heal through movement, dance, reading, and writing. In this episode, Tegan reads her essay “Kintsugi” from the 2025 “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about experiencing a ritual of burning her own hair—a haunting remnant of chemotherapy—in the company of two close friends. April and Tegan will talk about the alchemy of pain into beauty, being vulnerable with friends, and advice for making rituals.
More about Tegan: https://www.instagram.com/teganfish/
Purchase the “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-hair25
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Shannon Gottesman was diagnosed at age 40 with hormone positive, Stage III breast cancer. She is the Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, a traveler, an advocate, and mom of two boys. In this episode, Shannon reads her essay “On This Mat” from the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about learning to breathe through discomfort while finding balance in chaos, and to honor a body that has fought so hard to endure. April and Shannon will discuss the complexities of cancerversaries, bridging the mind and body through yoga, mantras, and taking pause in life.
More about Shannon: https://www.instagram.com/shanny5159/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Judith Cookis Rubens was diagnosed at 45 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer. She is a freelance journalist living in North Carolina with her husband and twin sons. Judith enjoys writing about her local community, parenting, arts, theater, and education topics. In this episode, Judith reads her essay “Dancing Myself Back to Life” from the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the power of movement—not just as exercise, but as a way to reclaim the body after cancer. April and Judith will discuss returning to dance as an adult, as well as dance and music as healing tools. They will also discuss Judith’s experience as a journalist writing memoir.
More about Judith: https://www.judithcookisrubens.com/
More about The Dancer’s Workout: https://thedancersworkout.mykajabi.com/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Gillian Lichota was diagnosed at 35 and 40—first with Stage III and later with Stage IV breast cancer. She is a mother, mountain climber, adventure travel enthusiast, and the Founder and CEO of the iRise Above Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting young women through breast cancer. In this episode, Gillian reads her essay “An Open Letter to My Daughter, Layke” from the 2024 “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the ways motherhood transforms us. April and Gillian will discuss the healing found in witnessing your child’s life, leading your children with intention, the legacy offerings we want for our children,and modeling vulnerability. They will also discuss Gillian’s careers from marine biologist to founder of a non-profit breast cancer organization.
More about Gillian:
https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/irise_above
https://www.instagram.com/irise_above
https://www.facebook.com/iRiseAboveFoundation
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf8r9NWe1TzJ77m2_zeeLtA
Purchase the “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Jennifer Gordon was diagnosed at 44 with Stage II breast cancer. She is a writer, artist, coach, advocate, dragon boater and sexual wellness coach. In this episode, Jennifer reads her essay “A Mother’s Work is Never Done ” from the 2024 “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about role reversal - where a daughter becomes both patient and protector, and a mother steps in as a cancer caregiver during the pandemic. April and Jennifer will discuss the emotional aftermath of cancer coupled with the pandemic, writing for personal healing, and the reciprocation of love between mother and daughter. They will also talk about sexual wellness and breast cancer.
More about Jennifer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejennifergordon/
Purchase the “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In this episode you are going to hear a collection of short pieces we are dubbing “Flash Memoir” from our archives. These are little gems we’ve published in Wildfire Magazine, read for you by April Stearns. We have nine years of published stories in our archives that are just too good not to share. In the past we used to do a call for submissions for short-form stories with a very specific prompt in mind. We would get back some very impactful bite-size vignettes – not long enough to be a full essay. This collection of dense and sparkling flash memoir pieces comes from our 2017 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal. The writing prompt was“what were your surgery experiences?”with pieces written by Vicky Finch, Maegan Molnar, Libby Riley and Laurie.
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body17
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Erika Giovanniello was diagnosed at 32 with breast cancer. She is a camper, backpacker, Frenchie dog mom, and a nurse anesthetist who has made the transition from healthcare provider to patient. In this episode, Erika reads her essay “Decision Fatigue” from the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about wanting to be a part of the life milestones her friends are experiencing, but she has to do cancer instead. April and Erika will discuss the complexity of decision making, being included in decisions by medical staff, quality of life decisions, and how cancer impacted Erika’s approach to her healthcare career going forward. They will also discuss dressing a flat chest. Contains explicit language.
More about Erika: https://www.instagram.com/thirtyflirtyandflat/
Busting Free: https://amandasavagebrown.com/busting-free/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Journal:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Amy Austin returns to The Burn for a second visit. Amy was diagnosed with Stage IV de novo breast cancer at 34 after initially being misdiagnosed with a complex benign cyst. She is the third in a direct family line to be diagnosed with breast cancer without a known genetic link. In this episode Amy reads her poem “In Praise of Quiet Advocacy” from the 2024 “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her poem is about the role of “quiet” advocacy in supporting individuals living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). April and Amy will discuss what quiet advocacy means, the importance of being seen and seeing other young breast cancer patients, and the impact of friendships when sharing an MBC diagnosis. Amy will also share how her poem came to be with the support of another MBC friend, and the writing prompts that are all around us.
More about Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amy_r_austin/
Purchase the “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Listen to another episode featuring Amy: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/997971a0-b861-4698-aca8-7f4b82c90056
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Shelley Moreno returns to The Burn for a second visit. Shelley was diagnosed in 2012 with Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a writer, speaker and intuitive healer for pets and people. Shelley is currently writing a book and gives animal communication and intuitive coaching sessions. She lives in Los Angeles with her son Kai and their beloved cat Ollie. In this episode Shelley reads her piece “My Side” from the 2024 “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her essay is about coming to terms with a difficult childhood and what is ultimately most healing for a daughter moving forward. April and Shelley will discuss the courage it takes to write about difficult relationships, communicating with your inner child, and the Death Mother archetype.
More about Shelley:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5hWYvvTuTOxBaa3mzH4iG8C5lfRJsixzBpyg0/?img_index=1
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1121613767
Purchase the “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mothers24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Deltra James was diagnosed at 33 with de novo Stage IV, Triple Negative MBC. She is a New England based mama, poet, patient advocate, and co-host of the Empowered Intimacy podcast. In this episode Deltra reads her piece “For Now is As Good As Forever: Dating with Advanced Breast Cancer” from the 2024 “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her essay is about one woman’s experience of dating alongside her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, and podcasting about it. April and Deltra will discuss being open to sharing cancer stories, cancer’s impact on established relationship vows, dating new people after cancer, and empowered intimacy challenges after cancer. This episode contains sexual content.
More about Deltra:
https://www.instagram.com/deltra_does_it/
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQqB9UtXWxPio1JOyDBTn-sA4TIuPRa2o&si=kIXAwVFtnG6mXD7F
More about our episode sponsor Rethink Breast Cancer:
https://www.instagram.com/rethinkbreastcancer/
https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/find-community?utm_campaign=featured_banner_THERETHINKNETWORK&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio
Purchase the “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we’re sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a pause from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy a spring break with our loved one. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from January 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Sondra Price was diagnosed at 20, 24, and 28 with malignant phyllodes tumors that led to two lumpectomies, a bilateral mastectomy, implant reconstruction, and an explant to flat closure. She found her way to flat closure on her chest the long way around, and because of that, she’s now a fierce advocate for others to truly know what their breast surgery options are. Because the truth is, if you don’t know your options, you don’t really have any. In this episode, Sondra reads her piece “The Road to Advocacy” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Changemakers” issue.
More about Sondra: https://www.instagram.com/sondrarprice/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Emily Voreas was diagnosed at 33 with Stage IIIb breast cancer, and also carries the BRCA2 gene. Emily has a Masters in Elementary Education and currently works as a reading interventionist. In this episode she reads her poem “Where does the story end?” from the 2024 “Family” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her poem is about four generations of women and cancer. April and Emily will discuss family cancer legacies, fertility, aesthetic flat closure, and the evolving advocacy in each generation of breast cancer.
More about Emily: https://www.instagram.com/flatnfierce/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In this episode you are going to hear a collection of short pieces we are dubbing “Flash Memoir” from our archives. These are little gems we’ve published in Wildfire Magazine, read for you by April Stearns. We have 9 years of published stories in our archives that are just too good not to share. In the past we used to do a call for submissions for short form stories with a very specific prompt in mind. We would get back some very impactful bite-size vignettes - not long enough to be a full essay. This collection of dense & sparkling flash memoir pieces comes from our 2020 “Survivorship” issue of Wildfire Magazine. The writing prompt was “Dear Pre-Cancer Me”with pieces written by Mackenzie Rockcastle, Tiffany Dyba, Kristie Vinopoll and Julie Gauvin.
Purchase the “Survivorship” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-survivorship20
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Chelsee Wilson was diagnosed at 29 with Stage IIIa, Triple Positive breast cancer. She is now 5+ years out from diagnosis. Chelsee lives in Oklahoma with her husband and loves baking, crocheting, reading and writing. In this episode she reads her essay “The Power of No” from the 2022 “Identity & Aftermath” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Her story is about one woman’s quest to break cycles. April and Chelsee will discuss protecting mental health, mental health outlets, quality of life and the biggest challenges of long-term survivorship. They will also discuss what books they are reading.
More about Chelsee: https://www.instagram.com/chelseelior/
This episode was brought to you in collaboration with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):
https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/
https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAg
Purchase the “Identity & Aftermath” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc22
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Bethany Adair was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II breast cancer, and is now living with Stage IV metastatic disease. She is a mindset coach, speaker, MBC thriver and author of My Guru Cancer. In this episode, Bethany reads her piece “A Letter to My Greatest Guru” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “MBC: Lesson Learned” issue. Her essay is about viewing a cancer experience as an opportunity to grow into an authentic version of yourself. April and Bethany will talk about how Bethany became a writer, reframing thoughts and the ongoing practice of living alongside cancer.
More about Bethany:
https://www.instagram.com/mygurucancer/?hl=en
https://bethanywebb.com/mygurucancer/blog-my-guru-cancer/
This episode was brought to you in collaboration with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):
https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/
https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAg
Purchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
If you liked this episode, you might like “A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d235ba-6267-410c-ab29-c0abbc9bde27/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Meaghan Calcari Campbell returns to The Burn for another episode. Meaghan was diagnosed at 32 with Stage II, Triple Positive breast cancer in 2012. And then again in 2015 with DCIS and the ATM+ gene. Meaghan works in philanthropy and ocean conservation, and is a proud member of the Bay Area Young Survivors. Meaghan’s writing has been published in the four Bay Area Young Survivors anthologies, Wildfire Magazine, The Isolation Journals, and Lake: Diving Deep (The Pandemic Issue). She continues squeezing all that she can out of this one wild and precious life with her husband and post-cancer miracle daughter. Meaghan reads her story “How is Your Body Today?” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Her essay is about an innocent chance question posed by a stranger who had no idea about Meaghan’s cancer diagnosis. April and Meaghan will discuss what collecting means when it comes to cancer, taking control of your cancer narrative, aging and experiencing cancer a second time around.
More about Meaghan:
https://www.instagram.com/calcarious/
https://keepingabreast.me/
This episode was brought to you in collaboration with Cancer Free Haven.
https://www.instagram.com/cancer.free.haven/
https://cancerfreehaven.com/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
If you liked this episode, you might like “When Cancer Clarifies with Meaghan Calcari Campbell”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d0ac2c-0dbc-42b3-b8a1-16efaa3e7b56/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Jen Pogue returns to The Burn for another episode. Jen is an actor and producer living in Toronto, Canada. She was diagnosed at 37 with de novo Stage IV Triple Negative metastatic breast cancer. Jen reads her story “Revenge” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “MBC: Advocacy” issue. Her essay is about being overlooked by a doctor and the importance of sharing your story. April and Jen will discuss the role rage plays in advocacy, being raised to accept what doctors say and what the word survivorship means to those living alongside cancer.
More about Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jpo_and_co/
This episode was brought to you in collaboration with After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):
https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/
https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAg
Purchase the “MBC: Advocacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc24
If you liked this episode, you might like “My Life is a Movie with Jen Pogue”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d0ac2c-0dbc-42b3-b8a1-16efaa3e7b56/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This episode’s guest is Wildfire’s own Angela Firman - back for a second visit! She helps edit each issue of the magazine. Angela was diagnosed initially at 33 with Stage III hormone-positive breast cancer and she is now living with Stage IV metastatic disease. Angela is an avid reader, a closet-cross-stitcher, and a fervent writer. She also serves on the board of The Pink Boat Regatta - a local sailboat race and community dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research. In addition to working at Wildfire Magazine, Angela is an Associate Editor for Yellow Arrow Publishing, and her nonfiction writing has been published in Open Minds Quarterly, You Might Need To Hear This, and Press Pause. Angela reads her piece “A Train to Nowhere” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Her essay is about how sometimes cancer significantly changes a career path. April and Angela will discuss writing memoir in the third person, when suffering brings joy and living with MBC versus dying from MBC.
More about Angela: https://www.instagram.com/angelafirman11/
More about After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD):
https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
https://www.instagram.com/abcdafterbreastcancerdiagnosis/
https://www.facebook.com/ABCDAfterBreastCancerDiagnosis/?ref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4VHSTPyU1IYyT1fNesmAg
Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
If you liked this episode, you might like “Looking Beyond the Veil with Angela Firman": https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7630add0-ded8-43c0-9ad5-cacad940fd5b/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Keri Smith is a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor living in Upstate New York. She was diagnosed at 37 with hormone positive breast cancer and is living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In this episode, Keri reads her essay “Showing Up” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Keri’s piece is about simultaneously receiving a long deserved promotion and a cancer diagnosis all at the same time. April and Keri will discuss navigating mixed emotions of celebration and devastation, the ways cancer is a thief, scheduling time to talk about cancer and using writing to process through cancer. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Keri: https://www.instagram.com/keris113/
Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
If you liked this episode, you might like “A Guest Room with MBC” with Erin Weiss:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d235ba-6267-410c-ab29-c0abbc9bde27/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Kassi Sullivan was diagnosed at 35 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Kassi is a social worker who thrives on humor, sarcasm, caffeine and true crime. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and children. In this episode, Kassi reads her essay “Authentically Me” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Kassi’s piece is about one woman’s struggle to be a mental health specialist for others while tending to her own needs related to her breast cancer experience. April and Kassi will discuss the challenges of working with students while living with cancer, loving yourself through changes, things Kassi would tell her younger self and advice for those working while living with MBC.
More about Kassi: https://www.instagram.com/kassi_v27/
Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Debbie Kerr was diagnosed at 49 with Stage II breast cancer in 2011. She is a Business Systems Consultant living outside Toronto, Canada. In this episode, Debbie reads her essay “Rosanne” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Debbie’s piece is about working through cancer treatment, and how her employer accommodated, but then eventually laid her off. During her layoff process she experiences an interesting twist with an unexpected encounter resulting in a big impact. April and Debbie will talk about working as a lifeline during treatment, using humor in hard times, long-term survivorship and the cancer related PTSD nobody talks about. This episode is dedicated to Debbie’s friend Ann.
More about Debbie: https://www.instagram.com/debbieakerr/
https://www.laughterandcancer.com/
Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Returning guest Kate Rowbotham was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Kate is a Professor and an Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning. She is learning how to be an empty-nester, and enjoys traveling with her partner to both her daughter’s hockey games and her son’s volleyball games. In this episode, Kate reads her essay “Finding Purpose in Paradox” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Work & Career” issue. Kate’s piece is about one woman’s career decisions following her cancer diagnosis. April and Kate will discuss masking, searching for a job during treatment, and what inspired Kate to email April about creating a work themed issue of Wildfire Magazine.
More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katerowb/
Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Listen to another episode with Kate: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Returning guest Beth Gainer was diagnosed at 39 with breast cancer. She is now a long-term survivor of 23 years. Beth is a writer and artist. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends, as well as reading, working out at the gym, and going to museums. In this episode, Beth reads her essay “Trading Places” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Work & Cancer” issue. Beth’s piece is about cancer colliding with her work life. When her employer turned their back following her diagnosis, she took the scary leap into the unknown to change careers. April and Beth will discuss the challenges of survivorship, Beth’s art projects, staying connected to community, and workplace discrimination. They will also talk about how cancer can motivate us to make changes that turn out better than we could have imagined.
More about Beth:
https://bethlgainer.substack.com/
Purchase the “Work & Career” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Listen to another episode with Beth:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/248e279f-1eb2-49c0-87b3-5a39d3fe32d5/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Stacy Conlon was diagnosed at 42 with Stage IIb lobular breast cancer. Stacy is a certified mindfulness meditation facilitator and Reiki energy healer. In this episode, Stacy reads her essay “Snip, Surrender, Shine: A Ritual in Resilience” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Stacy’s piece takes us along on an act of intentional ritual when removing her hair before chemo, and giving herself a ceremony container to move through a part of her cancer journey. April and Stacy will discuss making different spaces to honor experiences or create closure in the breast cancer journey, Stacy’s perspective on resilience, and tips for creating rituals. They will also talk about Stacy’s upcoming book Breast Cancer Made Easier.
More about Stacy:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy_conlon_/
https://stacyconlon.com/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we’re sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule to celebrate the New Year. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from December 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!
Tova Wolking is an attorney from Oakland, California. She was diagnosed at age 43 with Stage III, hormone positive breast cancer. She also carries the BRCA2 gene. In this episode, Tova reads her piece “Swim” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue. In the wake of Tova’s mom passing away, breast cancer took root in her body. This is the story of one woman asking how to find the key to unlocking her own grief about her breast cancer when her mother took so many of those answers with her when she died. Note of warning for sensitive listeners, this episode touches upon loss and suicide.
More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/members/
Get the “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-bays21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we’re sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little holiday break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from October 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!
In this episode, Laurie Ratliff reads her piece “Where Do You Go When You Don’t Belong Anywhere?” fromthe 2019 “Social” issue of Wildfire Magazine. We all want to know where we belong, where our people are: where are the ones who understand us and accept us completely? Since her diagnosis at 34 and in the 20+ years she’s lived with metastatic breast cancer, Laurie has navigated many communities within breast cancer, searching for others like herself. At last she found her place in the so-called pink sisterhood. When she found her home, she also found herself in the unexpected role of an advocate for a type of breast reconstruction called aesthetic flat closure.
More about Laurie:
https://www.tiktok.com/@statisticaloddity
https://www.instagram.com/statisticaloddity/
Get the “Social” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we’re sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little holiday break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from December 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!
Erica Fitch was 12 when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two decades later at 30, she was diagnosed with DCIS: stage 0, estrogen positive breast cancer when her own daughter was 2. She carries the BRCA2 mutation. Her story today is about growing up with intimate knowledge of illness and the parallels when you face it yourself. And how to write about deeply personal stories that have been sewn into the fabric of your identity. Erica reads her piece “Memories in Color: Four Generations” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue, where she uses the structure of color to explore and write the hard stories in our lives.
More about Erica: https://www.instagram.com/beeing_erica/
More about color symbolism: https://www.writersdigest.com/prompts/the-color-of-ideas-color-associations-writing-prompt
Get the “Family” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Lorie Kolak is a wife and a stay-at-home mom from Illinois. She was diagnosed at 41 with Stage II breast cancer, and also carries the pK71 genetic mutation. Lorie has worked in university libraries, book sales and distribution, copywriting, and copy-editing. When not writing or reading, she enjoys arts and crafts. In this episode, Lorie reads her essay “Door Marked Danger” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Lorie’s piece slows down to take us into the moments surrounding her nipple tattoo experience following her mastectomy. April and Lorie will discuss the storytelling fairy tales buried inside of us, cold capping, talking about cancer with children, and the times when you do get to have a choice in the cancer experience.
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Claire Lemiski is an airline pilot who was diagnosed at 36 with Stage III, hormone positive breast cancer. As a captain at a regional airline in Toronto, Claire is passionate about providing mentorship to new and aspiring women pilots. In this episode, Claire reads her essay “About Damn Time” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Claire’s piece is about breast cancer being a genderless disease, and a bond that was strengthened with her father because of their shared experience of both receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. April and Claire will discuss using a musical container for writing, the treatment contrasts and misconceptions of male breast cancer, reconstruction, and the intersection of career and cancer. They will also talk about Claire’s lymphedema concerns, and when it’s appropriate to talk about breast cancer when asked about her lymphedema compression sleeve.
More about Claire: https://www.instagram.com/flatpilot/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little fall break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from September 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!
When Katie Murray was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was surprised to discover that old traumas she thought she had dealt with were reawakened within her. She turned to writing to ground herself - quite literally on the gurney going into and emerging from surgery - and make sense of all she'd been through, prior to cancer, and then during her cancer treatment. Katie reads a story “Naked Narrative” from the 2021 “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Trigger warning: this episode includes a mention of miscarriage.
More about Katie:
https://www.instagram.com/1day_2019/
More about our episode sponsor:
Less Radical Podcast
https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcast
Get the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Jennifer Bringle is a freelance writer and editor who was diagnosed at 37 with Stage II, hormone positive breast cancer. She also has the BRCA2 genetic mutation. Jennifer lives in North Carolina with her husband, young son and special needs cat. In this episode, Jennifer reads her essay “Bra Hunting” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Jennifer’s essay is about bra shopping after breast cancer surgery told through the lens of buying bras throughout her life. April and Jennifer will talk about the possibility of more reconstruction surgeries in the future, cancer stealing the pleasure of dressing your body, and finding new joy in writing about the past. They will also discuss the people we encounter along the way in our cancer experience. Jennifer will also share her writing process and tips.
More about Jennifer:
https://jenniferbringle.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jbhandy78/
More about our episode sponsor:
Less Radical Podcast
https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mMdQpSdVr9kKSGXTfYLmo
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Shangrong Lee was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer at age 43 in 2017. Shangrong is a mother, wife and marathon runner. She is a Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, and a Young Advocate Alumni for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. In this episode, Shangrong reads her essay “The Story About My Body” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Shangrong’s piece is about receiving a cancer diagnosis that transports her back in time growing up Asian when she felt like her body wasn’t a safe space because she looked different from ridiculous American beauty standards. Then she found running, and found her way to feeling safe in her body again. April and Shangrong will discuss running as an enjoyable lifestyle, body comparisons, and accepting body betrayal. They will also talk about Shangrong’s advocacy work with For the Breast of Us and Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
More about Shangrong:https://www.instagram.com/shangrongs.vibes/
More about our episode sponsor:
Less Radical Podcast
https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mMdQpSdVr9kKSGXTfYLmo
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.breastofus.com/
https://www.lbbc.org/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Hannah Haworth was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, and she carries both the Check2 and ATM genetic mutations. Hannah is an author of teen fiction and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. In this episode, Hannah reads her essay “The Deformed Woman” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Hannah’s piece is about attending a support meeting only to hear a woman raging about the changes to her body and realizing she is not angry about her similar body, but rather, feels transformed. April and Hannah will discuss Hannah’s experience of writing her usual fiction books versus cancer memoir, embracing the privilege of aging, and the road to finding a support group that resonates. Hannah will also share two of her favorite writing prompts.
More about Hannah:
https://www.instagram.com/hannahjayneauthor/
https://www.hannah-jayne.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHannahJayne
More about our episode sponsors:
Less Radical Podcast
https://pod.link/1767700499
https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcast
Resensation
https://www.resensation.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADC90IQsJbb48LEuw53Hoo9Fa3Pln&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Yy5BhD-ARIsAI0RbXbQpYzvDXACzT2cKM-g-ZJI6bN5bNUUr0TsWnPK8Mx5xGLxXpLFuMYaAotqEALw_wcBhttps://www.resensation.com
https://www.instagram.com/resensation?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://www.facebook.com/resensation/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little fall break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy some Halloween fun. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from January 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Megan-Claire Chase was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at 39 after watching her mother go through her own cancer. Her mom was still very much in need of caregiving when Megan was diagnosed and this led to some hard truths about being a daughter and a caregiver to a parent. What do you do when you need love and nurturing while at the same time being that for a parent? In this episode, Megan reads her piece "When Cancer Worlds Collide'" from Wildfire Magazine's 2018 "Caregivers" issue.
More about Megan-Claire: https://www.instagram.com/warriormegsie/
Get the “Caregivers” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-caregivers
Listen to more episodes centered on caregivers:
Well, Let’s Start a Podcast by Danielle Hernandez
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/958ded9e-a99d-4531-be9c-e9d459dc49a2/
I Call Her Mother by Diana Mae Vega
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aa086054-221d-4dce-96c5-bb28f4451138/
Let the Mirror Shatter by Wang Shein
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7fb3d4a9-b5d7-4a17-9d7e-419fab782f86/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Psychotherapist Erin Weiss returns to The Burn for a third visit. Erin was diagnosed with Stage IV de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) following her first mammogram at age 42. She’s been living with MBC since August 2019. In this episode, she reads her essay “Barbershop Quartet” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Erin’s piece is about her experience of life’s traumas as told in four parts via haircuts that culminate with the cut that comes due to a cancer diagnosis. April and Erin will discuss Erin’s process for sharing different and varied stories from her breast cancer experience, and the writing that happens away from the keyboard. They will also talk about the loss of femininity hair loss evokes, realizing the trauma wrapped up in long hair, and the relationship between identity and living with MBC. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/
More about our episode sponsor AnaOno:
https://www.anaono.com/
https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Listen to past episodes featuring Erin:
A Guest Room for MBC
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/
Feeling Good as Hell?
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0facf0f6-8529-4634-bd65-5bed0ce76546/
Listen to past episodes featuring AnaOno founder Dana Donofree:
10 Years Learning to Love a New Body
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2550ea8c-41b9-4314-9072-f612cf7394ba/
Chest Inclusivity
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/03ba8e52-d604-4937-91e4-689238b12bfe/
More episodes about hair:
Permanent: It Was Never Just About Hair with Stephanie Kinkel
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b7d01912-1bd1-47c4-9f2a-2c547ed328b9/
Hair with Rebecca Hall
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1a34adcc-dc65-439d-8c42-f6a9de3677dc/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Susan DiGregorio of Maine was diagnosed just days before her 38th birthday with Stage Ib hormone positive breast cancer. Susan is a mom, wife, volunteer and also works in real estate. In this episode, Susan reads her piece “The Hidden Struggle of Secondary Infertility” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Susan’s story is about the complexities surrounding her inability to have another child after cancer. April and Susan will discuss the roles pets play in cancer, finding acceptance with hormone therapy side effects, and the time and layers in recovering from cancer’s aftermath. They will also talk about the significance of connecting with others within the cancer community.
More about Susan:
https://www.instagram.com/suelaspada/
https://www.facebook.com/susan.laspada
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-digregorio-24495b25/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:
March 13 with Kate Rowbotham
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Mama with DeDe Drake
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Lauren Tarpley of South Carolina returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer. Lauren is a mom, wife and third generation urban homesteader. In this episode, Lauren reads her piece “Lucy’s Long Journey” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Lauren’s inspirational story is about unexpected and amazing experiences surrounding her post-cancer miracle baby. April and Lauren will talk about the challenges of not being able to breastfeed, finding the lessons in your own story, and the books Lauren has written. They’ll also discuss Lauren’s plans for her recently purchased farm.
More about Lauren:
https://www.instagram.com/typeaguidetocancer/
https://www.instagram.com/thefarmacychs/
Listen to another episode featuring Lauren:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/105cd59d-202d-48aa-9567-a3d41ee28fc4/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
If you liked this episode, you might like this one too:
Pregnancy After Cancer with Meghan Koziel
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/459ec640-fd41-4ee9-8fe8-46feec0f758a/
Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:
March 13 with Kate Rowbotham
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Mama with DeDe Drake
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
DeDe Drake of Michigan was a mother of a toddler when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 39. In this episode DeDe reads her essay “Mama” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. DeDe’s story is about being in the middle between parenting her young daughter and needing the loving support of her own mom - all under one roof. April and DeDe will talk about the transformation of DeDe’s relationship with her mom through cancer, the vulnerability in asking for and accepting help, and the ways people can be specifically proactive when showing up to support. They will also discuss the reckoning and grief in the aftermath of treatment.
More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 that was discovered during during gender affirming surgery. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, and the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.
More about Ash:https://www.instagram.com/transashtoning/
Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:
Slowing Down to Write One Moment with Dawn Amodeo https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f/
Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Queering Cancer https://queeringcancer.ca/
National LGBT Cancer Network https://cancer-network.org/
Rethink Breast Cancer https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/
Young Survival Coalition https://youngsurvival.org/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Julia D. Pereira is a psychologist and artist who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 32. In this episode Julia reads her essay “Asymmetry” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Julia writes beautifully about the theme of uncertainty. April and Julia will talk about magic caught in moments of uncertainty, finding strength in the unknown, and making important decisions with agency. They will also discuss finding a space to connect in breast cancer when you are queer.
More about Julia: https://magicofthewild.substack.com/
More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:
Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/
Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Celebrate three years of The Burn by going behind the sceneswith us! This one-hour episode is our anniversary special. The tables are turned once again on host April Stearns: production assistant Monica Haro takes the mic & asks April all the questions. April reflects on the unexpected truths found in the episodes from the past year. She’ll share what’s coming up for Wildfire and The Burn in the future and advise on writing your own story for both novice and returning writers.
This podcast emerged as an extension of Wildfire Magazine's storytelling, aiming to bring untold breast cancer stories to life through the voices of the writers themselves and allowing us to dig into the craft of memoir writing through the lens of breast cancer. We’ve learned our listeners have found value in the behind-the-scenes discussions and updates shared in our anniversary episodes. April believes firmly that writing and sharing stories can be a transformative process, offering healing, self-discovery, and connection with others. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning some perspectives on unexpected truths, tips on writing, and future plans for Wildfire and The Burn that you don’t want to miss! This episode contains explicit language, but like April always says, “Cancer is a salty business, and sometimes salty language is called for!”
More about April: https://www.instagram.com/i_heart_my_life/
More about Monica: https://www.instagram.com/monicawashere/
Listen to the past anniversary episodes:
Cancer’s Lesson (Part 1 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fb933a4d-5665-45a8-ab2d-b8326da87602/
Cancer’s Lesson (Part 2 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ed476337-f8e9-4eb2-b30e-51a61558839d/
Stories of Resilience and Healing - Reflecting on 100 Episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/882eb9c5-ec7e-48a3-85a8-95f408f8a802/
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Young Survivor Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/
Listen to past episode mentioned here:
Together We Are Thriving, Celebrating, and Reflecting with LaTonya Davis & Jayden Holmes
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c2b6cadc-ef03-4191-96c1-bb2ab2384e4f/
The Light Within the Darkness with Sally Joy Wolf
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d995ba03-7cef-4eac-982a-aafecf6c32fd/
Let the Mirror Shatter with Wang Shein
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7fb3d4a9-b5d7-4a17-9d7e-419fab782f86/
The Least Terrible Option with Saroj Tharisayi
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/14fa05d3-514c-46c1-ba44-5255b6275229/
18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/
The Kittens with Janelle Tellone
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/08dcd647-87ca-491e-bbff-cfe1d131a070/
I Call Her Mother with Diana Vega
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aa086054-221d-4dce-96c5-bb28f4451138/
18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/
We Can Do Hard Things with Deb Ontiveros
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5b5ba0ea-1150-4797-849d-3d7116447c6a/
You Were There with Mardi Kaplan
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d09f0d5a-cf15-4fa8-ae41-b21179a1e587/
Lymphedema with Desi Maldonado
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cc3a053-d550-4ed1-97ea-b0f4d687c3f4/
The Aftermath: Facing Lymphedema with Jaclyn Chung
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/858c0ea4-8f1b-48c1-a70d-0b04b50ad524/
Frayed Jeans and Roses with Tina Conrad
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8b78550e-2d73-4ec9-8d3c-eed431dbbee6/
Going At It Not So Alone with Miranda Gonzales
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0c1b7939-eb02-47c9-81a3-082c0d161ab2/
The Day My Nipple Fell Off with Laurie Pomeranz
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/decba87d-81f9-4e58-91b0-5ad50d95a7ea/
Get Monica’s Anniversary Special prompt list here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/podcast
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine on IG and FB:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Her story is about three generations of overlapping cancer. April and Kate will discuss understanding how love plays out in decision making, patient and caregiver experiences during the pandemic, and the intersection of work and cancer. They will also discuss the challenge of living with metastatic breast cancer and wondering about what comes next.
More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katerowb/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
More episodes from the MBC community:
A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/
I Thought All Love Was Off the Table with Chiara Riga
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fd4aedbd-0ac1-404c-aa92-1a8304034d56/
Inviting Conversations About Death with Kim Angell
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78dbe9bd-3198-47ff-a889-63c3b28d732e/
Legacy Writing with Lisa Laudico
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/44242953-1bd2-43e3-9d38-c3ef4722d3f0/
18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy Labor Day. Wildfire production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from November 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!
Tracy Ward joins us from the United Kingdom to read a piece from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II hormone positive breast cancer.
She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby. This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and does she have the strength to hang in for the waiting.
More about Tracy:
https://www.instagram.com/tracyleeward/
Purchase the 2020 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-family20
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Mila Knight returns to The Burn for another visit to share something different and special from our usual format. We often wonder what came next after an episode airs - this is that episode! In 2022 Mila was our guest reading her piece “Crawling in My Skin” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. In that story Mila shared how she turned to music for solace in hard times following her cancer diagnosis at 38. In that episode, Mila revealed she was working on recording a song that she was not yet ready to share. Now, Mila is ready to share her song, "The Longest Goodbye", in this episode. April and Mila will discuss the inspiration for her song, caregiver roles in cancer, and what pushed Mila to complete the song. They will also talk about Mila’s song writing process, what Mila has in the works, as well as fundraising and advocacy.
More about Mila: https://milaknight.com/
Listen to another episode featuring Mila: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e1f4464-7b93-48bb-8d2f-3362dcdd4e22
Purchase the 2021 “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Stephanie Millett returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25. Stephanie is now 35 and living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Stephanie reads her essay “Stay Visible” from the 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Stephanie’s piece is about her experiences of breast cancer as a queer person. April and Stephanie talk about queer role models in breast cancer, visibility fatigue, and the various segments of allyship in Cancerland. They will also discuss the challenges of survivorship.
More about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/_the_radiatedlizard/
Listen to another episode featuring Stephanie: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5c2902ca-299f-4c83-a843-b0c88ba1b9de/
Purchase the “Queer in Cancerland” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week, we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little summer break from our regular podcast schedule. Wildfire team member Angela Firman selected this episode from July 2023 to reshare. Enjoy!
This is our first episode of The Burn featuring a guided meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki. Justine is a breast cancer advocate, social psychologist, professor and yoga teacher diagnosed at 23. Justine reads her poem “Finding My Breath After Cancer" that was featured on our Instagram in March 2023. Her piece is about living with implants for 10 years and explanting to an aesthetic flat closure at 33 and reconnecting with her body. Justine will also guide a meditation she wrote “Observing Your Breath with Loving-Kindness.” April and Justine will discuss cultivating a richer path of healing after cancer, Justine’s journey to aesthetic flat closure, making decisions under pressure and survivorship. They will also discuss writing meditations and tips on starting a meditation practice.
More about Justine: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjus/
Read Justine’s poem published on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsShn0Oatj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submission
Saroj Tharisayi of San Francisco works as an in-house counsel at a tech company. She was diagnosed at 36 with Triple Positive breast cancer. Saroj reads her essay “The Least Terrible Option” from the 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Saroj’s piece is about DIEP flap breast reconstruction and making tough choices during treatment. April and Saroj will talk about where Saroj’s life is now since writing this essay three years ago, Saroj’s layered emotions surrounding cancer and her relationship with her mom, and DIEP flap surgery and belly buttons. They will also discuss survivorship, as well as what criteria drove Saroj’s decision making when there were not many options. This episode contains explicit language.
Purchase the “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-bays21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Direct episode link: Episode URL for Captivate:
In this episode we welcome returning guest Emma Jarrett back to The Burn for a second visit. She is a performance coach and writer who was diagnosed at 51 with Stage III, triple positive, invasive lobular breast cancer. Emma reads her essay “Paper Aeroplane” from the 2024 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Emma’s piece is about not being able to parent her young children the way she is accustomed during her cancer treatment. April and Emma will talk about parenting and communicating differently with our children after a cancer diagnosis, the role of writing in parenting, and the minimization of being told your breasts have done their job when losing them. Emma will also share her advice on writing about cancer.
Connect with Emma:
https://www.instagram.com/emmajarrettwrites/
https://www.instagram.com/emmajbreastless/
https://emmajarrett.substack.com/
https://emmajarrett.ca/
Purchase the “Family” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Listen to another episode featuring Emma: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ef401f5e-553d-4fac-bb98-a646e3e5c42f
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Sally Joy was diagnosed at 40 with Stage II breast cancer, and is now living with Stage IV MBC. She is an inspiring corporate well-being leader, keynote speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice who posts regularly about wellbeing, resilience, survivorship and patient advocacy. Sally reads her piece “The Light Within the Darkness” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue. It’s a piece about finding both joy and hope in uncertainty, and the silver linings that exist alongside the scars. April and Sally discuss being both incurable and hopeful, thriving while living with MBC for 6 years, and toxic positivity. They will also discuss post traumatic growth.
More about Sally Joy Wolf:
https://www.sallywolf.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sallyshoots/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-wolf-932139/
Strip Down Rise Up documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/80208242
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Purchase the 2023 "MBC: Lesson Learned" issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little summer break from our regular podcast schedule. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from May of 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Julie was 35 when she was diagnosed with DCIS and mucinous carcinoma. She is a park ranger in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, and a co-founder of Wild Homestead Living. Today, Julie reads her piece “After Death Leaves Its Calling Card” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. It’s a piece about a cancer diagnosis meeting you exactly where you are on life’s path and folding into your existing life. Cancer and the loss of Julie’s best friend in an accident 20 years prior become interlinked. That earlier loss is deeply connected to the trauma cancer brings, and Julie finds a breakdown becomes a breakthrough. April and Julie discuss using writing to recenter, writing as a means to help those close to you understand you better, and finding joy in choosing yourself and realizing your dreams.
More about Julie and Wild Homestead Living: https://wildhomesteadliving.com
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Purchase the 2022 "Cancer Culture" issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/printcc22
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In this episode we welcome returning guest Gretchen Stelter back to The Burn for a second visit. She is a freelance book editor and writer diagnosed at 39 with Triple Positive breast cancer. Gretchen reads her essay “Erin go Braugh” from the 2023 “Travel & Adventure” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Gretchen’s piece is about traveling solo after a breast cancer diagnosis. April and Gretchen will talk about updates in Gretchen’s life since her last visit, how traveling reoriented Gretchen to herself after cancer, solo travel tips, and being open with your breast cancer story - or not. They will also discuss tips on writing different pieces of your story. This episode contains explicit language.
Connect with Gretchen: https://www.instagram.com/editorstet/
Purchase the “Travel & Adventure” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Listen to another episode featuring Gretchen: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9d56eeba-ece9-44bf-87df-0a7caa7d48e1
If you liked this episode, you might like “Quebec Beckons” with Anita Saesing: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/20800b87-9c19-4a15-b7b3-20e06504c695
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Direct episode link: Episode URL for Captivate:
Miranda Gonzales was diagnosed at 39 with Stage III IDC. She now works and volunteers in the breast cancer arena. Miranda reads her essay “Going At It Not So Alone” from the 2019 “Social” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Miranda’s piece is about finding her people in Cancer Land. April and Miranda will talk about what it’s like for Miranda to read this essay she wrote 5 years ago, on being a long term survivor, finding peer support, and advice on taking small steps to make community connections. They will also discuss Miranda’s decision to stay working in Cancer Land.
Connect with Miranda: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8SeBDypbJn/?img_index=1
Purchase the “Social” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-social19
More on our MBC Life: https://www.ourmbclife.org/
If you liked this episode, you might also like:
“Cristina with Marissa Thomas” https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e18ce3bd-15ce-4d89-95fe-eed2c586869c
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Mardi Kaplan was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 37. She is now living with Stage V MBC. In this episode, Mardi reads her essay “You Were There” from the 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire. Mardi’s piece is about friendship and the ones that go before us at each step of the cancer road, paving the way. April and Mardi talk about having conversations about death, living in joy while embracing mortality, the skewed perceptions of what illness may or may not look like, and friendship found in community. They will also discuss the choice of being private or public about cancer after a diagnosis. This episode contains explicit language.
Connect with Mardi:
https://www.instagram.com/mardi.gras12/
https://www.caringbridge.org/public/mardikaplan
Purchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
If you liked this episode, you might like this one “My Cancer Jiminy Cricket with Stefanie Lejeunesse”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c0e2274a-d77b-42cb-8cde-9177a40f5c8b
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Nature lover Cheri Henderson lives along Lake Superior in Minnesota and was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. She in now living with Stage IV MBC. In this episode, Cheri reads her essay “Scan, Treat, Repeat” from the 2023 “New Normal” issue of Wildfire. Cheri’s piece is about living alongside cancer - but not letting it take over everything. April and Cheri talk about find your footing after a cancer diagnosis, holding both fear and joy while living with metastatic disease, finding community, and the dualities of early stage and late stage breast cancer. Cheri will share her writing process for her essay, and about the cycles of nature.
Connect with Cheri:
https://www.instagram.com/chender1/
https://www.facebook.com/cheri.henderson.31
Cheri’s resources mentioned:
Better Than Before Breast Cancer podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6O1n0AC2tuK5SaFFHCK13j?si=oHIG26JzRQWSNTbEQGjf-g&preview=coverart&nd=1&dlsi=7c2a806021c74794
More on Laura MacGregor: https://laramacgregor.com/
Purchase the “New Normal” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
If you liked this episode, you might like this one too:
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Jaclyn Chung of San Diego is a licensed marriage & family therapist who was diagnosed at 33 with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene. In this episode, Jaclyn reads her essay “The Aftermath: Facing Lymphedema” from the 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue of Wildfire. Jaclyn’s piece is about dealing with the effects of lymphedema resulting from cancer treatment. April and Jaclyn will talk about the evolving stages of acceptance and grief, update on Jaclyn’s lymphedema journey, lymphedema and pregnancy, and holding both reality and hope at the same time. They will also discuss what Jaclyn’s biggest challenge has been in her survivorship currently, and what role writing plays in her survivorship today.
Connect with Jaclyn:
https://www.jaclynchung.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sumnercatherine/
Purchase the “Grief & Acceptance” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
If you liked this episode, you might like this one too:
Writing Stories in Lymphedema with Desi Maldonado
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cc3a053-d550-4ed1-97ea-b0f4d687c3f4
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
In 2010 Catherine Sumner was working as a federal lobbyist when she was diagnosed at 31 with Stage III breast cancer. She is a New Orleans native, now residing in the Bay Area with her law enforcement wife. In this episode, Catherine reads her essay “Strange Bedfellows” from the 2024 “Queer In Cancerland” issue of Wildfire. Catherine’s piece is a love story about how cancer affects our relationships. April and Catherine will talk about long-term survivorship and Catherine’s approach to living the life she wants. Catherine will share what it was like to go through her breast cancer diagnosis that was later followed by her wife’s own diagnosis as well. April and Catherine will dive into the benefits and challenges of navigating cancer as a queer person, and the importance of connecting with community when newly diagnosed. This episode contains explicit language
Connect with Catherine:
https://www.instagram.com/sumnercatherine/
csumner78 @yahoo
Purchase the “Queer In Cancerland” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Purchase the 2019 “Love & Intimacy” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-love19
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for Memorial Day. Wildfire team member Emily Piercell selected this episode from July 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Nutritional therapy practitioner and meditation teacher Juni Bucher was diagnosed at 41 with breast cancer. Today Juni reads her piece, “Can I See?” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Juni dives into her experience of dating with a changed body and one nipple after breast cancer treatment, and finding confidence and pleasure. Juni and April discuss arriving at body acceptance, erogenous zones, and sexual health. They’ll take a closer look at Juni’s empowering work with Rose City Sexual Health Collective where she provides nutritional support and stress management techniques alongside other sex-positive practitioners.
More about Juni: https://www.instagram.com/junibwell/, https://www.tiktok.com/@junibwell, https://www.linkedin.com/in/juni-bucher-ntp-86379a239/,
https://www.facebook.com/junibwell
Meditate with Juni: https://insighttimer.com/junibwell?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share&_branch_match_id=850877922384867163&utm_campaign=web-share&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8wrzkzXyyjRNw2JdC0LTk%2F2K0iyLy3JjS%2FOLy1KTrVNzi%2BojM%2FJzMtWAwnmpqZkluba5mSWpcYXlxSlJgLVZSQWpQIA4a0saU4AAAA%3D
Tata, Cancer! podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sw6DGpGzaMAtwnQjAvcA4
Rose City Sexual Health Collective: https://rosecitysexualhealth.com
Purchase the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
For this episode we welcome back returning guest, Kelley Franks, for a second time. Kelley was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II breast cancer, then Stage IV MBC at 41. Kelley lives in Ohio with her husband and teen children. In this episode, Kelley reads her essay “Fearless” from the 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire. Kelley’s story is a vulnerable piece about sharing the truths of living with metastatic breast cancer, and how she's learned to be fearless. April and Kelley will talk about planning and having patience to live in the moment, looking at life in 3 month increments, and the idea or pronoia - believing the world conspires to do good. They will also discuss the writing process and writers block, and how Kelley found other people her age living with MBC for the first time through Wildfire.
Connect with Kelley: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyefranks/
Purchase the “MBC: Lesson Learned” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
if you liked this episode, you might like these, too:
Slideshow: Writing Stories in Scenes with Kelley Franks: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7fcf9ed2-0d80-40b2-aab7-116b20b1fd12
Rooting Stories in Music: Riding Shotgun with Ann Camden: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ce9e575-0744-4515-95e3-14050ca66d8f
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submission
Nutritionist and spiritual director Kathleen Moss was diagnosed at 48 and 49 with invasive lobular breast cancer. Kathleen is a flat advocate, a YouTuber, a caregiver and a mom, living with her husband and stepson in rural Oregon. In this episode, Kathleen reads her essay “Toplessness Transformed” from the 2023 “New Normal” issue of Wildfire. Kathleen’s story is about feeling comfortable with her new chest after her mastectomy surgery. April and Kathleen will talk about the Goldilocks surgery procedure, what it was like the first time Kathleen saw somebody with the same chest as her own, and being visible to the breast cancer community. They will also discuss the unexpected joy and celebration Kathleen found in her changed body. This episode mentions sexual content.
Connect with Kathleen:
https://www.instagram.com/a.breast.cancer.diary/
https://www.youtube.com/@estrogendiaries
Purchase the “New Normal” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/newnormal23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Sheryll Jalbuena joins us from City of Smiles, Bacolod City, in the Philippines. She was diagnosed at 37 with Stage III breast cancer. Sheryll retired from her banking career to become a full-time wife and mom. In this episode Sheryll reads her essay “Why Not Me?” from the 2023 “New Normal” issue of Wildfire. Sheryll’s story is about searching for and finding acceptance within a cancer diagnosis. April and Sheryll will talk about what survivorship looks like finding meaning and priorities, choosing to stay connected with and giving back to the cancer community, and the impact of cancer on career decisions. They will also discuss what breast cancer experiences can look like in the Philippines.
Connect with Sheryll:
https://www.instagram.com/sajalbuena/
https://www.facebook.com/sheryll.ascalonjalbuena
Purchase the “New Normal” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/newnormal23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Desi Maldonado was diagnosed at 44 with Stage III triple negative breast cancer. She is an assistant director of procurement services, an artist, wife and grandmother. In this episode Desi reads her essay “Lymphedema” from the 2023 “New Normal” issue of Wildfire. Desi’s story is about living alongside secondary lymphedema - a topic not discussed enough in the cancer space. April will explain what lymphedema is as she dives into Desi’s experience with it. April and Desi will talk about what set off Desi’s lymphedema, how lymphedema awareness and preventive measures get lost in the chaos of a cancer diagnosis, and occupying the complicated space of survivor’s guilt blended with a lymphedema struggle. They will also discuss the importance of sharing truths to help shoulder the load of our stories and reveal hope.
Connect with Desi: https://www.instagram.com/bestofdesi/
Purchase the “New Normal” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/newnormal23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Chiara Riga of Santa Cruz, CA returns to The Burn for a second time. She is a marketing operations manager who was diagnosed at 27 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Chiara reads her essay “I Thought All Love Was Off the Table” from the 2023 “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire. Chiara’s story is about finding love after a breast cancer diagnosis, and putting hope back on the table. April and Chiara will talk about what it was like shifting from living with her caregiver mom and moving in with her partner, how to manage a container for cancer in a relationship, and the challenge of explaining cancer to her future in-laws with language and cultural barriers. They will also discuss planning life around cancer and share travel planning tips while living with MBC.
Connect with Chiara: https://www.instagram.com/chiaravscancer/
Purchase the “Love & Intimacy” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/love23
Listen to another episode of The Burn featuring Chiara: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ab23b08-72b2-4a54-8af9-451c54c76be4
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Rebecca Hall reading her essay “Hair.”
Rebecca Hall. Writer, Certified Yoga Instructor, MBC Advocate (when not busy surviving, which is most of the time!) Diagnosed at 25. IDC, Stage III, Triple Positive. Diagnosed at 29, Stage IV. Santa Cruz, CA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Becky: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccahallwriter/
Hear Becky’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1a34adcc-dc65-439d-8c42-f6a9de3677dc
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Brittany Johnston was diagnosed at 33 with breast cancer just barely 2 years ago. In this episode Brittany reads her essay “Reintroduction” from the 2023 “New Normal” issue of Wildfire.
Brittany’s story is about navigating the new normal after a cancer diagnosis with it’s profound mental health components. April and Brittany will talk about the intersection of cancer and depression, taking the positives of cancer while simultaneously realizing the negatives, and the mental health gaps in oncology care. They will also discuss treating ourselves with compassion.
Connect with Brittany: https://www.instagram.com/b_myself_n_i/
Purchase the “New Normal” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/newnormal23
Past episodes with similar topics you might like:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4ee04976-476a-476a-a384-cd7323f37184
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7ab8f684-6a73-4125-9798-3fd6a2109476
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading AnnMarie’s essay “Just Hold Me.”
AnnMarie Giannino. Director of Communities at Lyfebulb. Diagnosed at 40. Stage I, IDC, ER+, PR+. Upstate NY.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about AnnMarie: https://www.instagram.com/stupiddumbbreastcancer/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Deb Ontiveros is a Los Angeles native currently residing in Southern Utah. She is an interpreter, community health worker, and social justice activist for over 20 years. After being diagnosed with triple positive metastatic breast cancer at age 37, she has shifted her focus to breast cancer advocacy. Deb reads her essay “We Can Do Hard Things ” from the 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire. It’s a piece about what was learned living in the glare of uncertainty. April and Deb will discuss the timing of and finding your place in the breast cancer community, living by the words “what doesn’t kill me, nourishes me”, and reflections on losing people within the breast cancer community. They will also talk about feeling like an outsider when diagnosed young, and how Deb found found connections with and became an ambassador for people of color within the breast cancer community.
This episode includes explicit language, references to drugs and domestic violence.
More about Deb: https://www.instagram.com/deb4peace247/
More about For the Breast of Us: https://www.instagram.com/forthebreastofus/
Purchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearn's reading Cathy's essay “Unbreakable Bonds: Lifelines for a Lifetime.”
In memory of Cathy Parker. Real Estate Developer and Investor. Diagnosed at 35. IBC, Stage III, Triple Positive. Crewe, VA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Cathy: https://www.instagram.com/irockmyscars/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for spring break. Wildfire production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from February 2023 to reshare. Enjoy!
Holly Taylor was a sergeant in the US Army National Guard, and then became a kindergarten teacher. She was diagnosed at 37 with stage IV breast cancer after earlier breast health concerns were dismissed. She is now a stay-at-home mom. In this episode Holly reads her stirring piece “I Want” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “MBC: Legacy Stories” issue where she expresses all her wants that she desires for her young daughter. April and Holly will talk about what it was like for Holly to write and read this essay to her daughter, getting your wishes out of your body through writing, and how Holly keeps a memory legacy box for her daughter while living with metastatic disease. They will also discuss teaching breast health and self-advocacy to your children.
More about Holly: https://www.instagram.com/crazycurlyholly/
Purchase the “MBC: Legacy Stories” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc22
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Vesna Zic-Côté reading her essay “SOS.”
Vesna Zic-Côté. Registered Nurse (retired class). Diagnosed at 38. IDC, Stage II. Diagnosed at 42. Stage IV, ER+, PR+. Ottowa, ON.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Vesna: https://www.instagram.com/vesna.mbc.lens/
Hear Vesna’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c1f13865-3266-4e45-a5f3-bf6fef4e489e
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Carrie Kreiswirth was diagnosed at 36 with triple negative breast cancer. Carrie helps encourage and empower others who have been on a similar cancer journey to her own. In this episode Carrie reads her essay “Ready for Love” from the 2019 “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire. Carrie’s story is not only about dating after cancer, but the sucker punches that come out of nowhere in long term survivorship. April and Carrie will talk about what it was like for Carrie to revisit this piece written 5 years prior, the challenges of being vulnerable with intimacy, and advice for those feeling closed off. They will also discuss Carrie’s reflections on motherhood and fertility, and what is coming up for her emotionally around that now. April and Carrie will share the why behind finding your place in the breast cancer community as a long term survivor.
Connect with Carrie: https://www.instagram.com/ckreiswirth/
Purchase the “Love & Intimacy” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-love19
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearn’s reading Kara’s essay “Fighting Pretty Again.”
Kara Frazier. Founder of Fighting Pretty, Marketing at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Diagnosed at 26. Stage III, ER+, HER2+. Portland, OR.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Kara: https://www.instagram.com/mrskarafrazier/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Wang Shein in a program manager, advocate and serves on the advisory committee for the Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic at MD Anderson. In this episode Wang reads his essay “Let the Mirror Shatter” from the the 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire. Wang’s piece is a caretaker’s view of living life with no regrets alongside his metastatic thriver wife Janice Choe’s cancer diagnosis for 10 years. Janice was diagnosed at 33, and Wang was a wingmate to his best friend and partner since high school for 25 years until her passing in May 2022. April and Wang will talk about what it was like writing about losing his wife not long after she passed, turning wounds into scars, and his loving advice for patients from the caretaker perspective. They will also discuss Wang’s decision to stay working in Cancer Land, and finding glimmers in life.
More about Wang:
https://www.instagram.com/tshein/
https://linktr.ee/wangshein
https://unicorncancerthrivers.org/
Purchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue here:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading Christi’s essay “Privilege.”
Christi Salcedo. BSN, RN. Diagnosed at 30. IDC, Stage IIb, ER+. Sacramento, CA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Christi: https://www.instagram.com/christileeoleary/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This episode is a tropical postcard coming from our guest Tara Coyote who recorded with us from her yurt in Hawaii. The soothing cacophony of sounds surrounding her island space compliment the reading of her essay “Mermaid” from the 2023 “Travel & Adventure” issue of Wildfire. It’s a piece about finding a mermaid life and living large while living with metastatic breast cancer. Tara was diagnosed at 46 with cancer. She is the founder of Wind Horse Sanctuary, an author and a dancer. April and Tara will discuss Tara’s decision to go to mermaid school, finding joy to live fully, and Tara’s philosophy to live large and push out of comfort zones. They will also talk about the physical and emotional medicine of being in water. Tara will also share what she learned about herself on a trip to swim with whales, as well as her future live large adventure plans.
More about Tara:
https://www.instagram.com/taracoyote/
https://www.instagram.com/the.kauai.mermaid/
http://www.taracoyote.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote
https://www.windhorsesanctuary.com/
Purchase the “Travel & Adventure” issue and other past issues Tara’s writing has been published in here:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/identity22
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-cm21
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/community21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Diana Mae Vega reading her essay “I Call Her Mother.”
Diana Mae Vega. RN, BSN, PCCN. Diagnosed at 29. Stage II, Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, ER+. Orange, California.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Diana: https://www.instagram.com/dystopiadiana/
Hear Diana’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Tasha Carlson is physician who was diagnosed at 40 with DCIS at her very first mammogram. In this episode Tasha reads her essay “Learning from Regrets” from the 2023 “Body” issue of Wildfire. Tasha’s story is about going from physician to patient and the incredible pressure to make decisions quickly in cancer treatment that you could be living with – hopefully living with – for a very long time. April will ask Tasha about coming to a place where she felt like she could give herself permission for more research, additional opinions, and finding a soft landing spot of community. April and Tasha will also discuss the changes for the better that have happened after cancer and cancer’s influence on Tasha’s career.
Connect with Tasha via email: tasha.srb@gmail.com
Learn more about Young Survival Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
Purchase the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading “The Lemonade Date” by Danielle Thurston.
In memory of Danielle Thurston. Mother, Teacher. Diagnosed at 33. Stage II. Diagnosed at 35. Stage IV.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Anna Wassman-Cox is a wife, dog mom, and dancer who has faced cancer twice. Anna was diagnosed at 25 with Stage II Triple Positive breast cancer, and then a local recurrence at 29. In this episode Anna reads her essay “My Body is a Changing Landscape” from the 2023 “Body” issue of Wildfire. Anna’s story is about striving for a better relationship with her body after so much change. April and Anna will talk about navigating cancer a second time with prior knowledge of what to expect after having been there before, what drinking has looked like, and getting back in touch with your body through dance. April and Anna will also discuss the incredible healing work Anna is doing with ballet for oncology patients because ballet movement is for every body.
More about Anna: https://www.instagram.com/annamazingjourney/
Learn more about Onco-Ballet Foundation:
https://www.instagram.com/oncoballet/
https://oncoballet.com/
Learn more about Movement Pointe:
https://www.instagram.com/movementpointe/
https://movementpointe.com/
Purchase the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/library
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading Leslie's essay “Love. At Last.”
Leslie Martin. Elementary School Teacher, Spin Instructor, Mom. Diagnosed at 44. ILC, Stage II, Triple Positive. Huntington Beach, CA.
This episode contains the subject matter of childhood sexual abuse.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Leslie: https://www.instagram.com/fireball7729/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Emily Rau is an Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and the editor of the Willa Cather Archive. In this episode Emily reads her essay “I Might Be in Love with All My Friends” from the 2023 “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire. Emily’s story is about sensuality mixed in with a lot of milestones and steps in a breast cancer experience that we haven’t really heard before at Wildfire. April and Emily will talk about why it was important to share a cancer story that folds into Emily’s queer and polyamorous life, honoring her grief in cancer, the role the polyamorous community played in Emily’s cancer journey and the fear of overtaxing people with our burdens. They will also discuss the prairie, and hear Emily beautifully explain the comfort and metaphor this particular landscape provided her in cancer. This episode contains explicit content about drugs and sex.
More about Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ejrau/
Purchase the “Love & Intimacy” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/love23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Emily Helck reading her essay “Heat Lightening.”
Emily Helck. Writer. Diagnosed at 28. IDC, Stage I, HER2+. Philadelphia, PA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Emily: https://www.instagram.com/rural.ie/
Hear Emily’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
San Francisco resident Laurie Pomeranz returns to the podcast for a second time. She is a psychotherapist and brand advocate at Beautycounter. At 42 she was diagnosed with Stage IIb breast cancer. Twelve years later, the cancer returned when Laurie was 54. She now lives with metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Laurie reads her essay “18% Chance of Light” from the 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire. Laurie’s story is about learning her cancer has returned on the eve of a family trip to Iceland. April and Laurie will talk about what it’s been like for Laurie sharing her cancer story with her son Jack, how Laurie’s mom’s cancer story is not her cancer story, and beginning again with cancer and recentering how she spends her energy. They will also ponder living with pronoia rather than paranoia.
More about Laurie:
https://www.instagram.com/lauriepommie/
Purchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
Listen to another episode of The Burn featuring Laurie: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/decba87d-81f9-4e58-91b0-5ad50d95a7ea
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submission
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading “Lice Doesn't Care if You Have Cancer” by Melanie Masterson.
In memory of Melanie Masterson. Writer, Former Journalist. Diagnosed at 39. IDC, Stage IV, ER+, PR+.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Rebecca Hall is a writer, editor and former yoga instructor who was diagnosed at 25 with Stage III Triple Positive breast cancer. Then she was diagnosed with a metastatic recurrence at 29. Rebecca has been an oft-published contributor to Wildfire since it’s inception, as well as April’s first diagnosed young breast cancer friend. In this episode Rebecca reads her essay “Hair” from Wildfire’s very first issue “Phoenix“ published in 2016. Rebecca’s story is about being a young veterinary student shaving her head the night before starting chemo. April and Rebecca will talk about the short film adaptation of this story, how Rebecca was able to overcome years of nightmares through writing, and how she is enjoying living life with cancer patient not being her primary identity. April and Rebecca will also go deep on the ways hope can look for those living with metastatic breast cancer, and the importance of sharing stories to lessen the fear of the unknown. Rebecca’s story also appears in the Wildfire anthology Igniting the Fire Withing: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.
Watch Bare the film: http://bareshortfilm.com/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Read past issues of Wildfire with more essays by Rebecca:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc17
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mh18
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Lauren Elise Oxenhandler reading her essay “Puberty in Purgatory at Thirty-One.”
Lauren Elise Oxenhandler. Life Coach, Reiki Practitioner and Virtual Programming Director for the Breasties. Diagnosed at 30. Stage IIB, Triple Negative. Chicago, IL.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laureneliseox/
Hear Lauren’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Alyssa Tsagong of Wisconsin was diagnosed at 38 with Stage III breast cancer, and then received a Stage IV diagnosis at 41. In this episode Alyssa reads her essay “Listening to the Trees” from the 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue of Wildfire. Alyssa’s story is about her relationship with trees and how they have guided her while living with metastatic breast cancer. April and Alyssa have a beautiful conversation about Alyssa’s life long connection to trees. They will discuss trees as teachers, as a healing modality, as legacy and how that can relate to our lives and cancer. Alyssa will also share her advice on getting started spending time with trees.
More about Alyssa:
https://www.instagram.com/revery_alone_will_do/
https://www.instagram.com/temple_of_kinship/
Purchase the “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Meghan McCallum reading her essay “This is Cancer.”
Meghan McCallum. Freelance Writer and French to English Translator. Diagnosed at 32. IDC, Stage III, Triple Negative. Milwaukee, WI.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Meghan: https://www.instagram.com/thriverwriter/
Hear Meghan’’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Performance coach and writer Emma Jarrett was diagnosed at 51 with lobular breast cancer. In this episode Emma reads her essay “Traveling With Pets” from the 2023 “Travel & Adventure” issue of Wildfire. Emma’s story is about those first milestones after a cancer diagnosis, and using humor to cope. April and Emma will talk about where Emma now stands with her breast prostheses, how numerous conversations and grieving helped her come to terms with losing her breasts, the choices cancer takes away in its immediacy, and the shame Emma felt around losing her breasts. They will also discuss the writing process of making Emma’s one-woman play Breastless. Additionally, Emma will share how breast tissue is attached to her body, heart, soul, and intuition experiences.
More about Emma:
https://emmajarrett.substack.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emmajarrettwrites/
https://www.instagram.com/emmajbreastless/
Purchase the “Travel & Adventure” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
Enjoy more episodes about travel or coming to terms with breast loss:
“Quebec Beckons” with Anita Saesing
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/20800b87-9c19-4a15-b7b3-20e06504c695
“AKA Trouble” with Patti Duncan https://player.captivate.fm/episode/de472041-d1da-4017-a27a-3f3aac2a242d
“The Water Spirit” with Vicki Pedigo
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d12a268d-5d65-42e1-b7b0-1d86e36cea44
“A Eulogy to the Person I Was Before” with Saskia Lightstar https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6ac96dec-585c-4505-95aa-8dcdb1f4e373
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading “Don't Call Me a Survivor” by Brooke Perry.
In memory of Brooke Perry. Diagnosed at Diagnosed at 30. IDC, Stage IV de novo, ER+, PR+, BRCA2+.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Ann Camden is a prolific writer and past Burn guest. She was diagnosed Stage III at 38, and then Stage IV at 45. In this episode Ann reads her essay “Fast Will Make Me Furious” from the 2023 “Body” issue of Wildfire. Ann’s story is about what happened when she had a severe allergic reaction to chemo. April and Ann will talk about the mental and physical setbacks of treatment, the immediacy of realizing you might not come home from chemo, and the lessons learned from that reaction. They will also discuss what a good death would look like, and the importance of having conversations on death and dying. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Ann:
https://www.instagram.com/anncamdennc/
https://www.facebook.com/ann.camden
https://down-not-out.com/
Learn more about episode sponsor Javacia Harris Bowser at
See Jane Write https://seejanewritebham.com/ and
Writeous Babe Podcast https://writeousbabepodcast.podbean.com/
Purchase the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body23
Listen to past episodes featuring Ann Camden:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ce9e575-0744-4515-95e3-14050ca66d8f
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/255cf7db-e5f7-4811-a47d-d59c6af81c3b
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f93ba369-0d16-42e8-b521-2844f1ef96eb
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Erin Weiss reading her essay “A Guest Room for MBC.”
Erin Weiss. Psychotherapist. Diagnosed at 42. Stage IV de novo, IDC, ER+, PR+, CHECK2+. Annapolis, MD.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/
Hear Erin’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the winter holidays. Wildfire team member Emily Piercell selected this episode from December 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!
In this episode, our guest Dana Donofree reads her piece “10 Years Learning to Love a New Body” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Body” issue. Some of the hardest aspects of being diagnosed with breast cancer come long after chemo, surgeries, or radiation. For many, the trauma of what was just endured begins to affect our mental health profoundly and needs to be talked about more - like the long term effects of needing to take back the body. Our guest today is Dana Donofree who was diagnosed with stage I, HER2+ breast cancer at 27. A decade later she represents those walking around with both mental and physical side-effects. In that time, she has created a business to help others address the difficulties she faced. She is the founder of the brand AnaOno Intimates based in Pennsylvania. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Dana and AnaOno:
https://www.instagram.com/daynadono/
https://www.anaono.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnaeNBhCUARIsABEee8V4DHoKmeTpheco3vgcpkMp3LD_oxRqAnMHFXv8Ftml15_TqLs6lMcaAmjuEALw_wcB
Purchase the 2021 "Body" issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Melanie Childers reading her essay “No.”
Melanie Childers. Business Coach. Diagnosed at 34. Stage II, IDC, ER+, PR+. Athens, GA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Melanie: https://www.instagram.com/melaniechilderscoaching/
Hear Melanie’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the winter holidays. April selected this episode from November 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Kelley Franks is a school social worker from Ohio. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage IIb breast cancer, then again at 41 with Stage IV MBC. Kelley has a deep wanderlust, and she loves going on adventures. In this episode Kelley reads her piece “Slideshow” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Kelley writes beautifully about snapshots of her cancer experience that flip through her memory like a slideshow. April and Kelley will talk about how hiking provides mental clarity and perspective, parenting through traumatic lows and lovely highs, and the desire to leave a legacy of parental guidance knowing you have terminal cancer. They will also discuss the recent journey Kelley had of hiking the Appalachian Trail while living with MBC.
More about Kelly: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyefranks/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading “Living in the In Between” by Amy Schnitzler.
In memory of Amy Schnitzler. Diagnosed at 26. IDC, Stage IV, ER+, PR+.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the winter holidays. Wildfire editor Angela Firman selected this episode from April 2023 to reshare. Enjoy!
Anne Ferrier Crook was diagnosed at 48 with Stage I hormone-positive breast cancer. A few years later, cancer came again in the form of Stage Ib melanoma. Anne has worked in many facets of healthcare doing what she calls “holding space for life’s sacred thresholds.” She is a certified integrative health coach, medical interpreter, birth doula, consultant with the Institute for The Study of Birth, Breath, and Death, and a co-founder of The Breast Connection: Prevention & Healing Community. In this episode, Anne reads her essay “Surviving to Thriving After Breast Cancer” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Identity & Aftermath” issue. It is a piece about the influence of one woman’s mind on her body following two cancer diagnoses. April and Anne will discuss addressing our inner child with love and kindness to heal, finding opportunities to learn and grow after a cancer diagnosis, and how cancer prompts us to make shifts to slow down and find balance. They will also discuss how Anne uses writing to get in touch with her inner voice to access her inner healer.
More about Anne: https://integrativeradiance.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-ferrier-crook-471a382b
More about this episode’s sponsor Foobs & Fitness: https://foobsandfitness.com/
Purchase a copy of the “Identity & Aftermath” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-identity20
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Whitney O'Connor reading her essay “The Cancer Gene.”
Whitney O'Connor. Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder of The Boobie Queen Company. Diagnosed at 30 and 32. IDC, Stage III and Stage I, HER2+, TP53+. Augusta, GA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/boobiequeenchronicles/
Hear Whitney’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ac2d9319-3fb7-4e93-8ea6-fd4436398b1e
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Episode URL for Captivate: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Tina Conrad was diagnosed a decade ago at 37. She is the daughter of a two-time TNBC breast cancer survivor. She is a merchandise manager, and the creator of DJ Breast Cancer podcast. In this episode Tina reads her essay “Frayed Jeans and Roses” from the 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue of Wildfire. Tina’s story is about boundaries as an advocate in Cancerland. April and Tina will discuss balancing giving to community and taking care of yourself, social media breaks, friendships within the community, and what advocacy has looked like for Tina since her mom’s diagnosis through to her own. They will also discuss poetry vs. long form essay writing to get in touch with yourself.
More about Tina:
https://www.instagram.com/djbreastcancer/
https://open.spotify.com/show/5MD1cIBFadQjUzjY5fSNSu?si=37f426c02d4d4d9f
Purchase the “Cancer Culture” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/printcc22
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading “Love in the Time of Chemotherapy” by Christina Zajicek.
In memory of Christina Zajicek. Diagnosed at 28. IDC, Stage IIB. Diagnosed at 30 with Stage IV, ER+, PR+.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Anita Saesing was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer at 27. Anita is a lover of travel and writing. She lives in Arizona with her partner and toy poodle. In this episode Anita reads her essay “Quebec Beckons” from the 2023 “Travel & Adventure” issue of Wildfire. Anita’s story is about a chance encounter with a handsome stranger that provides a life-changing shift. April and Anita will discuss the use of dialog in writing, balancing FOMO with breast cancer and social media, and the merits and fears of solo travel. They will also talk about being anonymous or open with your cancer status when meeting new people.
More about Anita: https://www.instagram.com/anita9218/
Purchase the “Travel & Adventure” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
If you like this episode, check out “Remember Who The F! You Are with Dana Roske”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2c9bb081-94d1-4d76-af5a-7971ff570db9
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Erin Stodola reading her essay “The Moments Between.”
Erin Stodola. Museum Professional. Diagnosed at 29. IDC, StageI, Triple Negative, BRCA1+, Salmon Arm, BC.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/erinstodola/
Hear Erin’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Canadian Patti Duncan is an animal and travel lover who was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer in 2016. In this episode Patti reads her essay “Trouble” from the 2023 “Travel” issue of Wildfire. Patti’s story is about a travel adventure met with roadblocks, snafus and fiascos, and ultimately some deep healing. April and Patti will discuss traveling solo for the first time, a life changing cancer retreat, the unpredictability of both cancer and travel, and the hope created with future travel plans. They will also talk about how a Wildfire writing workshop gave Patti a push to tell her story and what it was like being published.
More about Patti:
https://www.instagram.com/pattileeduncan/
https://www.facebook.com/patti.duncan.9026
Purchase the “Travel” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
If you like this episode, check out “A Beggar in a Red Beret with Borah Lee”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2c9bb081-94d1-4d76-af5a-7971ff570db9
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Gretchen Stelter reading her essay “Let Me Hear Your Body Talk.”
Gretchen Stelter. Book editor and Writer. Diagnosed at 39. Stage II, Triple Positive, Madison, WI.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Gretchen: https://www.instagram.com/editorstet/
Hear Gretchen’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9d56eeba-ece9-44bf-87df-0a7caa7d48e1
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the Thanksgiving holiday. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from October 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Miami Beach residents LaTonya Davis and her nephson Jayden Holmes share their collaborative piece “Together We Are Thriving, Celebrating, and Reflecting” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. It is a reflection about the loved ones they have lost to metastatic breast cancer. LaTonya was diagnosed at 47 with triple negative breast cancer after already losing her mother and sister (Jayden’s mom) to the same disease. LaTonya is a proud NPR How I Built This Fellow and founder of The Breast Talk Ever. She is raising her musician nephson Jayden. April, LaTonya and Jayden will discuss survivorship and the realities of dying, survivor’s guilt, and how families carry on after losing their loved ones to cancer. They will also discuss how LaTonya formed her lifestyle company The Breast Talk Ever by using the mindset of meeting people where they are at in life.
More about LaTonya: https://www.instagram.com/coachlatonya/
More about Jayden:https://www.instagram.com/mask_of_lilith/ and https://www.instagram.com/goodbye_disasterpiece/
More about The Breast Talk Ever: https://www.thebreasttalkever.com/
Purchase the “Cancer Culture” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/printcc22
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Renn reading her essay “From Mom I Got Strength, Led Zeppelin and PALB2.”
April Renn. Writer, Streamer, Chef. Diagnosed at 36. DCIS, Stage IIA, ER+, PR+.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Hear April’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9a526887-b080-45ae-b96d-1ad9c8da18c1
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Canadian Vesna Zic-Côté was diagnosed at 38 with breast cancer. She is a patient advocate living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and a member of Rethink Breast Cancer’s Volunteer MBC Advisory Board. In this episode Vesna reads her essay “SOS” from the 2019 “MBC: Young & Stage IV” issue of Wildfire. Her story is also included in the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community. She uses metaphor to express what it is like living with MBC. April and Vesna will discuss what help can look like for those living with MBC, Vesna’s advocacy, and loss within the MBC community. Vesna will share her advice for both people who want to be MBC allies and those who are newly diagnosed MBC patients.
More about Vesna: https://www.instagram.com/vesna.mbc.lens/
More about Rethink Breast Cancer: https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Purchase the “MBC: Young & Stage IV” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-mbc19
If you like this episode, check out “A Guest Room for MBC with Ering Weiss”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d235ba-6267-410c-ab29-c0abbc9bde27
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Stearns reading "We Release" by Mackenzie Lives.
In memory of Mackenzie Lives. Painter and Illustration Artist, former Landscape Architext. Diagnosed at 21. Stage I, Triple Positive. Stage IV at 27.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Marissa Thomas was diagnosed at 35 with breast cancer. Marissa works in healthcare administration, is a board member with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and cofounder of For the Breast of Us. In this episode Marissa reads her essay “Cristina” from the 2019 “Social” issue of Wildfire in which she was also our guest editor. Her essay is about remembering and honoring her breast cancer friend who passed. April and Marissa will discuss the why behind being a business owner and advocate in the breast cancer space, For the Breast of Us community for people of color, and philosophies on honoring the legacies of the ones we’ve lost in the community. They will also talk about being 5+ years out from being diagnosed with cancer.
This episode contains explicit language.
More about Marissa: https://www.instagram.com/marissadt28/
More about For The Breast of Us:
https://www.breastofus.com/
https://www.facebook.com/forthebreastofus/
https://twitter.com/thebreastofus/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxIonyfojEBjFDslBhRaR-Q
More about Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4itTTWHRbK4399bmDmY3ih
More about Living Beyond Breast Cancer: https://www.lbbc.org/
Check out the “Social” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-social19
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, Igniting the Fire Within, we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Kim Harms reading her essay “When the Return on Your Dollar is Intangible.”
Kim Harms. Author of Life Reconstructed: Navigating the World of Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction. Diagnosed at 40. DCIS, Stage I, ER+, PR+, Huxley, IA.
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimharmslifereconstructed/
Hear Kim’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Thirteen years ago Dana Donofree was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27. She is the founder of AnaOno Intimates, and the guest editor from our 2023 “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine. In this episode, Dana will read her guest editor's note from “Body” that features a chest inclusivity photo spread Dana curated for this issue. Dana’s words are about one survivor’s tireless work in Cancerland to make all chests, all people, feel at home. April and Dana will discuss the back story of how the chest inclusivity photo shoot came together, dissect what the term new normal means, and the importance of the ever evolving advocacy in Cancerland. They will also discuss the story Dana wanted to tell on the walkway with AnaOno for New York Fashion Week.
More about Dana: https://www.instagram.com/daynadono/
More about AnaOno Intimates:
https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/
https://www.anaono.com/
https://www.facebook.com/anaonointimates
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVagmuzu5ulih-uuPy9aTeQ
Check out the “Body” issue here:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body23
Listen to another episode of The Burn with Dana: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8fd6bcec-e7a4-4137-b280-ff60c02cde5e
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Vanessa D'Souza reading her essay “Bindis & Bangles, Onions & Shame-ectomies.”
Vanessa D'Souza. Pediatric Physiotherapist. Diagnosed at 44. Stage I, DCIS, ER+, PR+. Calgary, AB.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Vanessa: https://www.instagram.com/vanessal.dsouza/
Hear Vanessa’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Kellie Chouinard is a student, teacher, and researcher from Ontario, Canada. She was diagnosed at 34 with Triple Negative breast cancer. In this episode, Kellie reads her essay “Pressure, Pause” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “Body” issue. Kellie’s piece is about the complicated relationship we have with our bodies that extends into breast cancer - and the complicated pressures we experience to try to control our bodies. April and Kellie will discuss body image issues that came before cancer, the things that can cause brain fog beyond chemo, and having our pain dismissed by medical professionals. They will also talk about Kellie’s work teaching photography and social media. Listen to the end to hear April share another great writing prompt inspired by this story.
More about Kellie:
https://www.instagram.com/thelipreader/
https://thelipreader.wordpress.com/
Check out the “Body” issue here:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body23
If you loved this episode, you might also love “Cancer Breaks Us In Ways That Are Familiar with Madison Hager”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1f857507-e12f-4c6c-a410-2e1da06499cb
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Jessica Fox reading her essay “Paying Tolls.”
Jessica Fox. VP, Risk Management. Diagnosed at 43. DCIS, ER+, Hudson Valley, NY.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/mommajfox/
Hear Jessica’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Vikki Pedigo was diagnosed at 41 with breast cancer. She is a health coach and nurse practitioner from upstate New York. In this episode, Vikki reads her essay “The Water Spirit” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “Travel” issue. Vikki writes about the time a much needed vacation became an unexpected spiritual retreat while exploring a lava fissure between tectonic plates after her cancer diagnosis. April and Vikki discuss what connection looked like for Vikki and her husband after cancer, caretaker roles, actual living vs. surviving, and the reintegration of mind and body in the now after cancer. They will also talk about finding expression when using metaphors in writing.
More about Vikki: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerhangover/
Check out the “Travel” issue here:https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/travel23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Borah Lee reading her essay “A Beggar in a Red Beret.”
Borah Lee. Attorney. Diagnosed at 37. IDC, Stage I, ER+, PR+, BRCA2+, multiple recurrences. Durham, NC.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Borah: https://www.instagram.com/borahtravels/
Hear Borah’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Lisa Cassenti was diagnosed at 43 with Stage II breast cancer. She carries both the BRCA2 and BRIP1 gene mutations. Lisa is a special educator, author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Breast Connection. In this episode Lisa reads her essay “Intimacy Without Nipples” from the 2023 “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine. This is a piece about finding pleasure after cancer. April and Lisa will discuss how Lisa arrived at the place of being able to share a vulnerable story, tips on starting to write your story, and how Lisa found her way back to sexual pleasure after cancer. April and Lisa will also talk about Lisa’s work with The Breast Connection support community, and the importance of sharing stories.
Please note, this episode contains references to intimacy and sexual assault.
More about Lisa: https://www.lisacassenti.com
Watch The Breast Connection Youtube video featuring April: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dYnEfpyPHHA
Check out the “Love & Intimacy” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/love23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
If you liked this episode, you'll enjoy these as well:
“Dating After a Mastectomy” with Juni Bucher https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
“Remember Who The F! You Are” with Dana Roske https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b1004f69-74a0-411b-9dd1-045e26ed6fdd
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: dhttps://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Jen Pogue reading her essay “My Life is a Movie.”
Jen Pogue. Film & TV Actor, Producer, Production Coordinator. Diagnosed at 37. IDC, Stage IV, Triple Negative. Toronto, ON.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jpo_and_co/
Hear Jen’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82d0ac2c-0dbc-42b3-b8a1-16efaa3e7b56
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Diana Vega was diagnosed at 29 with a type of breast cancer called Pleomorphic sarcoma, Stage IIb. She is a nurse, photographer, floral designer, writer, dancer, singer, songwriter, traveler, and ultimately she is an explorer of possibilities. In this episode Diana reads her essay “I Call Her Mother” from Wildfire Magazine's 2018 “The Caregivers” issue. Her story is also included in the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community. This is a story about finding a chosen mother figure that steps up to support and give care when cancer comes. April and Diana will talk about what Diana’s relationship with her chosen mom looks like today, going from being a nurse to becoming the patient, and quality vs. quantity of living a joyful life. Diana has been a Wildfire cover model two times and will share about learning to love her body through visible advocacy. April and Diana will also discuss the survivor’s guilt that comes with long term survivorship and how Diana is channeling that guilt in her life now.
More about Diana: https://www.instagram.com/dystopiadiana/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Check out “The Caregivers” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-caregivers
Read another essay by Diana in the “Money” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/money22
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: dhttps://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Kira Hodgson reading her essay “A Fragile Invincibility.”
Kira Hodgson. Product Designer. Diagnosed at 31. IDC, Stage III, ER+, PR+. Protland, OR.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Kira: https://www.instagram.com/kirahodgson/
Hear Kira’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Lisa Jones Christensen of Utah was diagnosed at 39 with Stage III, hormone positive breast cancer as a new mom. Lisa is a business school professor, career coach, and a consultant to social impact businesses. In this episode Lisa reads her essay “Never Assume” from the 2023 “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine. It is a piece about giving grace to ourselves and others and also learning that we never really know what a person is dealing with behind the scenes. April and Lisa will discuss what it's like reading your own story out loud to share with others, how lessons are learned in the writing process, getting to the story behind the medical file, and being a single new mom while a cancer patient. They will also talk about the changing landscape of cancer trauma and how it changes and molds us.
More about Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/drlisajoneschristensen/
Buy the “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/body23
Purchase the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Read Karen Ranieri's essay in the “Changemakers” issue:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-cm21
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: dhttps://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Meghan Nathanson reading her essay “There Can Be Joy.”
Meghan Nathanson. Writer and Visual Artist. Diagnosed at 45. IDC, Stage II, ER+, PR+. Coastal Maine.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Meghan: https://www.instagram.com/meghan.nathanson.artistry/
Hear Meghan’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Rachel Van Stratton-Kirk is a medical device marketing leader from Orange County, California. She was diagnosed at 35 with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) not long after her initial stage I diagnosis. Rachel is the third generation of her family to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode Rachel reads her essay “Time” from the 2023 “Five Years & Counting” issue of Wildfire Magazine. It is a piece about beating statistics and the lightness of embracing flat closure. April and Rachel will discuss putting thoughts into words to express what you really need to say, Rachel’s MBC statistics, who to trust when sharing about your cancer both professionally and personally, thoughts on caregivers, and explanting implants. They will also talk about the concept of time after a cancer diagnosis.
More about Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rjvsk/
Buy the “Five Years & Counting” issue of Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/5years23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: dhttps://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/podcast
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Claire Millet reading her essay “Body Map.”
Claire Millet. Craniosacral Therapist/Acupuncturist. Diagnosed at 33. IDC, Stage II, ER+, PR+, then IBC, Stage IV. Boston, MA.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Claire: https://www.instagram.com/clairyfied/
Hear Claire’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Janelle is a corporate trainer living in Florida with her husband, Jordan. She was diagnosed at 32 with Stage IV, Triple Positive breast cancer. In this episode Janelle reads her essay “The Kittens” from the 2023 “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire Magazine. This is a piece about the loss, love, and grief around living with metastatic breast cancer. April and Janelle will discuss grief and guilt surrounding future hopes living with MBC, advice for those receiving an MBC diagnosis early in a marriage, when hard things can break people open and bring them together, and seeing the good in complicated circumstances. They will also discuss the role of writing in Janelle’s life, and the lessons learned while living with MBC.
Trigger warning: pet loss.
More about Janelle:https://www.instagram.com/janelle.tellone/
Buy the “Love” issue of Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/love23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/contact-us
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Shelley Moreno reading her essay “Each Body Part Has a Story to Tell.”
Shelley Moreno. Writer and Speaker. Diagnosed at 40. IDC, Stage III, Triple Negative. Los Angeles, CA.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Shelley:
https://www.instagram.com/shelleyshell_m/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1121613767
Hear Shelley’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f4367fb7-ea95-4dcc-8a7c-6cca787778f3
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Emily Helck is a writer and artist who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 over a decade ago. Emily was one of the very first writers published in Wildfire Magazine. She wrote “Heat Lightning” in the first “Love In the Time of Cancer” issue in 2016. This essay is also included in our anthology, "Igniting the Fire Within." April and Emily will discuss what it’s like revisiting this essay many years later, how cancer might not be the last difficult thing that could happen in life, what survivorship and advocacy can look like in the past vs. the present, and thoughts on approaching death and loss. They will also talk about the privilege of choosing to share your cancer story or not with new people years later. Emily will also share about her recently opened independent bookstore, The Lost Bookshop.
More about Emily:
https://www.instagram.com/lostbookshopny/
https://thelostbookshop.com/
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/contact-us
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Margaret Loniewska reading her essay “#GucciTrackSuit”
Margaret Loniewska. Educator. Diagnosed at 40, IDC, Stage IV de novo, Triple Positive, CHEK2+. Toronto, ON.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Margaret: https://www.instagram.com/mbc_in_toronto/
Hear Margaret’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/51427769-80fb-481c-ae59-7bf757251a77
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the Labor Day holiday. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from January 2022 to re-share. Enjoy!
Denise Archer from Portland was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 45. She is a maker that has been sewing since she was 15 years old. Denise reads her piece “The Uneven Thread of Synchronicity” from the 2020 “Survivorship” issue of Wildfire Magazine. This is the story of a woman using hobbies as a lifeline to carry us through survivorship. Her story is about works in progress: the sewing in your hand, stitching your story into the fabric of your family story, of generations of women holding needle and thread, and also the work in progress that is your body after a cancer diagnosis.
This episode contains explicit language.
More about Denise https://www.instagram.com/h.o.m.u.n.c.u.l.u.s/.
Listen to another episode of The Burn featuring Denise: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/77ec508a-de6d-47cd-ac05-858e1ea34525
Purchase the “Survivorship” issue here:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-survivorship-2020
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/contact-us
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Dawn Amodeo reading her essay “Car Battery."
Dawn Amodeo. Managing Director. Diagnosed at 34. IDC, Stage II, Triple Positive. Los Angeles, CA.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Dawn:
https://www.instagram.com/brooklyndawn/
Hear Dawn's story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
In 2018 Wildfire Magazine had the privilege of publishing Danielle Hernandez’s essay “Well, Let’s Start a Podcast” in the “The Caregivers” issue. Danielle was diagnosed at 32 with Stage IV breast cancer in 2017. She lived with MBC for five years, and then passed away on November 19, 2021. In this episode April is joined by Danielle’s mom Violeta Wall, and her dear friend Heather Higginbotham. Heather reads Danielle’s essay that is about how Danielle’s community rallied around her when cancer came. April, Violeta and Danielle will talk about Violeta’s own breast cancer diagnosis when Danielle was just 10, and then watching her daughter go through breast cancer later. They’ll take a deeper dive on the making of “Well This Sucks” podcast, and its legacy and impact. They will also discuss Violeta and Heather’s touching perspective as caregivers, and the advice they have for others caring for loved ones through cancer.
More about Well This Sucks podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6u1SXbNpJB0qNxe0q91MwX
https://www.instagram.com/wtspodcast/?hl=en
Purchase the “The Caregivers” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-caregivers
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Saskia Lightstar reading her essay “A Eulogy to the Person I was Before."
Saskia Lightstar. Wordsmith, Spiritual Teacher and Lover of Life. Diagnosed at 39. IDC, Stage III, ER+, PR+, London, EN.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Saskia:
https://www.instagram.com/saskia.lightstar/
https://www.saskialightstar.com
Hear Saskia’s story followed by a conversation with Monica Haro on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6ac96dec-585c-4505-95aa-8dcdb1f4e373
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Dory Kashin is an event planner who was diagnosed at 29 with hormone positive breast cancer. After a year of active treatment and multiple rounds of fertility treatments, Dory had a miracle baby. In this episode Dory reads her piece “Mommy’s Boobs Are Different” from the 2023 “Five Years & Counting” issue of Wildfire Magazine. This is a piece about what happened after her young daughter observed that mom’s body had changed. April and Dory will discuss being open, cultivating resilience and guiding our children as they develop awareness about breast cancer, Dory’s own experience with a family legacy of breast cancer, and feeling different from others as a young and new mother who has had a breast cancer diagnosis. They will also discuss how Dory went from talking about her breast cancer experience to writing about it.
More about Dory: https://www.instagram.com/dkashin/
Purchase the “Five Years & Counting” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/5years23
More about CLM Creations: https://clmcreations.com/
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Clare Li reading her essay “My Inner Voice.” Clare Li. Sewist, Sustainable Procurement Professional. IDC, Stage IV, ER+, PR+. Montreal, QC.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Clare: https://www.instagram.com/missclareli/
Hear Clare’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Dorothy Parades was first diagnosed at 26 with Stage I, Triple Negative breast cancer. Ten years later, she was then also diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 36 and again at 38. In this episode Dorothy reads her piece “Life With You: In Three Parts” from the 2023 “Five Years & Counting” issue of Wildfire Magazine. This is a piece about living in a world where cancer is normal and the lessons learned along the way. April and Dorothy will discuss long-term survivorship, finding joy in cancer, processing grief, and when cancer joins the relationship with our partners. They will also discuss tips Dorothy learned about writing and publishing a book when she wrote her memoir “26 & Fu¢ked Up." Don't miss listening, as well, to the incredibly moving story behind the naming of the nonprofit organization she founded called The Atrium Foundation. The Atrium Foundation helps pay bills for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
This episode contains explicit language.
More about Dorothy:
https://www.instagram.com/bluecoveinsights/
https://www.instagram.com/atrium_foundation/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atrium-foundation/
https://atriumfoundation.org/
26 & Fu¢ked Up book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LM5TFWM?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_P5NBMHKZY9HEEHA681MY
Purchase the “Five Years & Counting” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/5years23
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Julie Stonefelt reading her essay “After Death Leaves Its Calling Card.” Julie Stonefelt. Park Ranger and Co-Founder of Wild Homestead Living. Diagnosed at 35. DCIS and Mucinous carcinoma, ER+. Snoqualmie Valley, WA.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Julie: https://www.instagram.com/wildhomesteadliving/
Hear Julie’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1f857507-e12f-4c6c-a410-2e1da06499cb
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for a summer break. Wildfire team member Emily Piercell has selected this episode from November 2021 to re-share. Enjoy!
Anna Crollman was diagnosed at age 27 with stage II breast cancer. Anna writes beautifully about post-cancer depression in Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “Mental Health” issue. Anna found herself enveloped in depression following her breast cancer treatment. Having faced depression in her life before, she knew the warning signs, but that didn’t save her from having to go through a rough time. Fortunately for us she learned some things along the way that made recovery easier. While people who haven’t experienced cancer might think otherwise, the time following active treatment can be extremely challenging both physically and mentally. How do you feel safe again trying to live in the aftermath?
More about Anna:
https://www.instagram.com/mycancerchic/
https://www.mycancerchic.com/
Purchase the “Mental Health” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-mh18https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/community21
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Madison Hager reading her essay “The Chocolate Chip Cookie That Broke the Camel's Back.” Madison Hager. Copywriter. Diagnosed at 29. IDC, Stage IIA, ER+, PR+, ATM. Lincoln, NE.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Hear Madison’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1f857507-e12f-4c6c-a410-2e1da06499cb
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ashley LeQuesne is a stay at home mom and quilt designer who was diagnosed with Stave IV de novo breast cancer. In this episode Ashley reads her essay “The Hate I Gave” from the 2023 “Five Years and Counting” issue of Wildfire Magazine. It is about Ashley saying cancer is a part of her life, but it does not define her; in fact, it's been used as a teacher and guide. April and Ashley will discuss living with metastatic breast cancer, realizing the story that needs to come out five years past diagnosis, changing internal dialogs, and fearing people’s reaction when you share your story. They will also discuss grief tourism and toxic positivity, and resisting the urge to fix something when people just want to be heard.
More about Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/alequesne/
Purchase Wildfire Magazine’s “Five Years & Counting” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Jessica Wajda reading her essay “I Still Love You.” Jessica Wajda. Wellness Retreat Facilitator and Chef. Diagnosed at 32. IDC, Stage III. Triple Negative. Cerrillos, NM. @jessicawajda
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawajda/
Hear Jessica’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Tatiana Berger is a former attorney who was diagnosed with breast cancer twice. She is an aspiring writer and hopes to create healing retreats for cancer survivors. She is a single mom, enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle traveling back and forth between homes in Newport Beach and Hawaii. In this episode Tatiana reads her piece “The Chrysalis” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “Five Years & Counting” issue. It is a story about last straws, transformation and healing. April and Tatiana will discuss first generation cycle breakers, unlearning mindsets that no longer serve us, body and spirit connection, and using journaling to work through trauma. They will also discuss the unfolding of Tatiana’s healing experiences with EMDR, interesting coincidences, music, and metaphors.
This episode contains references to domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support and resources 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also visit their website: https://www.thehotline.org/
More about Tatiana:
https://www.instagram.com/tati_n_hawaii/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2543714
Tatiana’s The Chrysalis playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/chrysalis/pl.u-LdbqEpjTpqzdy
Purchase Wildfire Magazine’s “Five Years & Counting” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
If you loved Tatiana’s story, you may also enjoy these past episodes of The Burn:
Words to Live By with Nikki Leigh McKean: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0c09c5e8-d311-4ecb-88bf-c714a5970659
What a Pen Name Can Unlock with Jenny Collins:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2e9011c7-6c09-48f1-b712-9c8f10cea72d
First Comes Cancer Then Comes Divorce with Beth Gainer: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/248e279f-1eb2-49c0-87b3-5a39d3fe32d5
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here:
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features April Johnson Stearns reading her essay “How a Foob Saved the Day.” April Johnson Stearns. Editor and Founder of WILDFIRE Magazine. Diagnosed at 35. IDC, Stage III, HER2+. Santa Cruz, CA. @i_heart_my_life
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about April: https://www.instagram.com/i_heart_my_life/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Celebrate 100 with us! In this one hour special episode, the tables are turned on host April Stearns – production assistant Monica Haro takes the mic & asks April all the questions. April reflects on the journey of The Burn podcast and its growth since 2020 to 100 episodes. The podcast emerged as an extension of the Wildfire Magazine's storytelling, aiming to bring stories to life through the voices of the writers themselves and allowing us to dig into the craft of memoir writing through the lens of breast cancer. Listeners have found value in the behind-the-scenes discussions and updates shared by the writers on The Burn - now we get to hear April’s takeaways on developing a podcast that goes beyond the surface level, exploring how individuals navigate life post-diagnosis and the lessons they learn along the way. April believes firmly that writing and sharing stories can be a transformative process, offering healing, self-discovery, and connection with others. In this special episode, Monica and April open up about their own survivorship, their friendship-turned-colleague-ship, the Wildfire stories that influenced their own journeys, and more! Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning some things about April, Wildfire, and The Burn that you maybe didn't know!
This episode contains explicit language.
More about April: https://www.instagram.com/i_heart_my_life/Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Episodes of The Burn mentioned:
A Journalist Embedded in Cancerland with Aisha Chowdhry: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/644b21d6-eae3-44f3-b133-36b2732912b3
Dating After a Mastectomy with Juni Bucher:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Telling Your Story with a Slant with Elizabeth Reed:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c7791756-9b37-4380-8102-061c39efbe4c
More about Young Survivor Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine on IG and FB:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Juni Bucher reading her essay “Can I See?.” Juni Bucher. Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Diagnosed at 41. Stage I, IDC, ER+. Portland, OR. @junibwell
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Juni: https://www.instagram.com/junibwell/
Hear Juni’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
This is our first episode of The Burn featuring a guided meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki. Justine is a breast cancer advocate, social psychologist, professor and yoga teacher diagnosed at 23. Justine reads her poem “Finding My Breath After Cancer" that was featured on our Instagram in March 2023. Her piece is about living with implants for 10 years and explanting to an aesthetic flat closure at 33 and reconnecting with her body. Justine will also guide a meditation she wrote “Observing Your Breath with Loving-Kindness.” April and Justine will discuss cultivating a richer path of healing after cancer, Justine’s journey to aesthetic flat closure, making decisions under pressure and survivorship. They will also discuss writing meditations and tips on starting a meditation practice.
More about Justine: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjus/Read Justine’s poem published on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsShn0Oatj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
If you loved this episode, check out “Slowing Down to Write One Moment” with Dawn Amodeo: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orgLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shopFree Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Follow Wildfire Magazine on IG and FB:
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Meaghan Calcari Campbell reading her essay “Dear One.” Meaghan Calcari Campbell. Ocean Conservation Practitioner. Diagnosed at 32. IDC, Stage IIB, Triple Positive. San Francisco, CA. @calcarious
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Meaghan: https://www.instagram.com/calcarious/
Hear Meaghan’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/07b5270a-2a22-4a73-9abd-ca75b4ae9a75
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the July 4th holiday. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from December 2021 to re-share. Enjoy!
Our guest today is Jessica Lynne who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. After she was diagnosed, she learned certain thoughts and patterns no longer served her. She grew up with a strong family story of independence. An independence worn like armor to protect against life’s bumps and bangs. That is until one day she learned it was the one thing hurting her more than anything else. When she reached out for support during her treatment, she became amazed and grateful. Today, Jessica is here to read her piece “I Was Alone Until Wasn’t” that appears in Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Community” issue.
More about Jessica Lynne: https://www.instagram.com/mommajfox/
Purchase the “Community” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/community21
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Natalie Bello Silva reading her essay “Street Light.” Natalie Bello Silva. UX Designer and Founder of Scarves For Healing. Diagnosed at 27. IDC, Stage II, ER+, PRE+. Washington, DC. @Scarvesforhealing
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Natalie: https://www.instagram.com/scarvesforhealing/
Hear Natalie’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/be3eac11-978c-4420-8eec-a443e0ad553f
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Di Keen was diagnosed at 36 with Stage IV de novo inflammatory breast cancer in 2014. She is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, and lifelong student. In 2020, Di founded ROOTS & WINGS Charitable Foundation to support complementary integrative wellness care for MBC patients. In this episode Di reads her essay “Impossible” from Wildfire Magazine’s 7th annual MBC issue “Legacy Stories.” It is a piece about enduring the incurable and flipping the impossible to the possible. April and Di will talk about finding it possible to renew hope while living with metastatic breast cancer, what Di would tell her newly diagnosed self 9 years earlier, and inflammatory breast cancer. They will discuss Di’s experience with integrative oncology and how that lead to her forming ROOTS & WINGS Charitable Foundation, and define what integrative oncology is.
More about Di and ROOTS & WINGS Charitable Foundation:
https://www.rootswingsfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/rootswingsfoundation/
https://www.facebook.com/rootswingsfoundation
https://www.linkedin.com/company/roots-wings-charitable-foundation/
https://twitter.com/CharitableWings
Purchase Wildfire Magazine’s “Legacy Stories” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Stefanie Le Jeunesse reading her essay “My Jiminy Cricket.” Stefanie is a writer. Diagnosed at 39. ILC, Stage IV, ER+, PR+. Northwestern Washington.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Stefanie: https://www.instagram.com/cancerforbreakfast/
Hear Stefanie’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c0e2274a-d77b-42cb-8cde-9177a40f5c8b
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Roberta Lombardi was diagnosed at 49 with Stage I, Triple Positive breast cancer in 2016. In 2018 she founded Infinite Strength — a nonprofit which provides financial and emotional support to underrepresented single mothers living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In this episode Roberta reads her essay “When Two Worlds Collide” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “Five Years & Counting” issue. Her piece is about how she transformed into an early stage ally and advocate serving the metastatic breast cancer community. April and Roberta will discuss the importance of early stage allyship, MBC advocate Lisa Laudico’s impact on Robert’s Infinite Strength work, and lessons learned 5+ years out from a cancer diagnosis. They will also discuss self-care while working in cancer, and advice for those starting businesses in the advocacy space.
More about Roberta and Infinite Strength:
https://www.infinitestrength.org/
https://www.instagram.com/strengthforhealing/
https://www.facebook.com/strengthforhealing/
https://vimeo.com/infinitestrength
https://twitter.com/InfiniteMBC
Purchase Wildfire Magazine’s “Five Years & Counting” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/5years23
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Listen to another episode of The Burn featuring Lisa Laudico: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/44242953-1bd2-43e3-9d38-c3ef4722d3f0
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Laurie Hessen Pomeranz reading her essay “The Day My Nipple Fell Off.” Laurie is a psychotherapist in private practice and Director at Beautycounter. Diagnosed at 42. IDC and ILC, Stage IIB, ER+, PR+. San Francisco, CA.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Laurie: https://www.instagram.com/lauriepommie/
Hear Laurie’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn:https://player.captivate.fm/episode/decba87d-81f9-4e58-91b0-5ad50d95a7ea
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Lauren Oxenhandler was diagnosed at 30 with triple negative breast cancer. She is a life coach, and identifies as a seeker of connections to the world and other people via travel. In this episode Lauren reads her essay “Purgatory at Thirty-One” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “Body” issue. Her piece is about how the aftermath of breast cancer treatment is eerily similar to those middle school and high school years of going through puberty - hair is weird, sex is weird, there’s even acne. April and Lauren will discuss finding connections in the cancer community, how parts of our stories become revealed to ourselves during the writing process, and what it feels like to be seen and heard when you put your story out into the world. They will also discuss Lauren's work as a trauma informed life coach, reiki practitioner and director of programming with The Breasties. Lauren’s essay also appears in Wildfire’s book “Igniting the Fire Within.”
More about Lauren:
https://www.instagram.com/laureneliseox/?hl=en
loxenhandler@gmail.com
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about our episode sponsor: https://www.cancerwarrioress.com/
Read more stories from past “Body” themed issues:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/printbody22
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-body21
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-body2020
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about The Breasties: https://thebreasties.org/
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Tamira Jubber reading her essay “Linda: My Hero, My Tamoxifen Tester.” Tamira is retired. Diagnosed at 29. IDC, Stage III, Triple Positive. Colorado Springs, CO.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Tamira: https://www.instagram.com/meandher2neu/
Hear Tamira’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cd54b590-654e-493b-ab39-3fdddcf76f2c
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Tamira Jubber Show Notes
Release date: Jun 2, 2023
Title: ITFW: Linda: My Hero, My Tamoxifen Tester with Tamira Jubber
Episode: E04 (Burn E99)
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Tamira Jubber reading her essay “Linda: My Hero, My Tamoxifen Tester.” Tamira is retired. Diagnosed at 29. IDC, Stage III, Triple Positive. Colorado Springs, CO.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Tamira: https://www.instagram.com/meandher2neu/
Hear Tamira’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cd54b590-654e-493b-ab39-3fdddcf76f2c
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Direct episode link:
Episode URL for Captivate: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Episode: E04 (Burn E99)
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Tamira Jubber reading her essay “Linda: My Hero, My Tamoxifen Tester.” Tamira is retired. Diagnosed at 29. IDC, Stage III, Triple Positive. Colorado Springs, CO.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Tamira: https://www.instagram.com/meandher2neu/
Hear Tamira’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cd54b590-654e-493b-ab39-3fdddcf76f2c
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Direct episode link:
Episode URL for Captivate: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Meghan McCallum is a freelance writer and French to English translator living in Wisconsin. She was diagnosed with Stage III Triple Negative breast cancer at 32. In this episode Meghan reads her essay “This Is Cancer” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. Her piece is about the surrealness of suddenly finding yourself traveling in the weird world of breast cancer – and discovering that the trappings of a “regular” breast cancer experience doesn’t feel quite right. April and Erin will discuss the power of vulnerable storytelling, the outlet sharing life’s difficulties provides to sustain one’s sense of self, and regulating yourself when sharing stories while standing in your truth. They will also discuss the topic of performative breast cancer, and where writing is taking Meghan today. Meghan’s essay also appears in Wildfire’s book “Igniting the Fire Within.”
More about Meghan: https://www.instagram.com/thriverwriter/
https://www.thriverwriter.com/
Read another story written by Erin in the “Love & Intimacy” issue of Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/love23
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Buy the “Cancer Culture” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/printcc22
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Denise Archer reading her essay “Dynamite for the Dinner Table.” Denise is a sewist, writer, and part-time school bus driver. Diagnosed at 45. IDC, Stage IIB, Triple Negative. Portland, OR.
This episode contains explicit language.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Denise: https://www.instagram.com/h.o.m.u.n.c.u.l.u.s/
Hear Denise’s stories followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/77ec508a-de6d-47cd-ac05-858e1ea34525
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/18c7e32b-7574-42ed-a7ea-804710a39abf
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule for the Memorial Day holiday. Wildfire team member Angela Firman selected this episode from April 2022 to re-share. Enjoy!
This episode’s guest Erin Weiss returns to The Burn again to read her essay “A Guest Room for MBC” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “MBC: Stage IV Survivorship” issue. Erin is a mom and psychotherapist who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer following her very first mammogram at 42. She’s been living with breast cancer since August 2019. Her piece is about making space for metastatic breast cancer in her life and establishing boundaries for its coexistence. Erin found a way to contain this diagnosis in her life so she can live her life. April and Erin will discuss the therapeutic writing technique of anthropomorphization, anticipatory grief, and what it’s like moving into a new house with metastatic breast cancer in the back of your mind. Erin’s essay also appears in Wildfire’s book “Igniting the Fire Within.” Please note, this episode contains explicit language.
More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/
Listen to another episode of The Burn featuring Erin: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0facf0f6-8529-4634-bd65-5bed0ce76546
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Buy issues of Wildfire centered on MBC lives here:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-mbc21
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-mbc2020
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-mbc2019
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc2017
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Stephanie Kinkel reading her essay “Permanent.” Stephanie is a middle school academic dean. Diagnosed at 39. Stage I, IDC, Triple Positive, DCIS, ATM+.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/skinkelstudios/
Hear Stephanie’s story followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b7d01912-1bd1-47c4-9f2a-2c547ed328b9
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Tara Dunsmore Williamson of North Carolina was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago. She was one of the earliest breast cancer changemakers featured in Wildfire. April wrote a piece spotlighting Tara’s work in the breast cancer community called “Rising From the Ashes: Healing Ink” from the very first “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine in 2017. In this episode April will read her essay, and Tara will read an update about her work as a nipple and areola tattoo artist. April and Tara will discuss the decision to stay in Cancerland through career choice, how Tara came to do this type of work, and dealing with loss in the cancer community. April and Tara will take a deeper dive on why getting a Pink Ink tattoo is a different and healing experience.
More about Tara: https://pinkinktattoo.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pink_ink_tattoo/
https://twitter.com/pinkinktattoo1
https://www.facebook.com/PinkInkTattooLLC/
Hear more episodes about breast cancer survivors finding their place within the breast cancer community: 10 Years Learning to Love a New Body with Dana Donofree https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8fd6bcec-e7a4-4137-b280-ff60c02cde5e
Where Do You Go When You Don’t Belong Anywhere? with Laurie Ratliff
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0b9b88ee-02ee-4a40-9ee0-c5510e986ea0
Read the “Changemakers” issue of Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-cm21
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Ann Camden reading her essay “Riding Shotgun.” Ann is a former communications executive turned advocate. Diagnosed at 38. Stage III, then diagnosed again at 45. Stage IV. ER+, PR+. Raleigh, NC.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Ann: https://www.instagram.com/anncamdennc/
Hear Ann’s stories followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ce9e575-0744-4515-95e3-14050ca66d8f
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/255cf7db-e5f7-4811-a47d-d59c6af81c3b
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features Ann Camden reading her essay “Riding Shotgun.” Ann is a former communications executive turned advocate. Diagnosed at 38. Stage III, then diagnosed again at 45. Stage IV. ER+, PR+. Raleigh, NC.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Ann: https://www.instagram.com/anncamdennc/
Hear Ann’s stories followed by a conversation with April Stearns on The Burn: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ce9e575-0744-4515-95e3-14050ca66d8f
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/255cf7db-e5f7-4811-a47d-d59c6af81c3b
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
This episode's guest is Wildfire’s own Angela Firman. She helps edit each issue of the magazine. Angela was diagnosed initially at 33 with Stage III hormone-positive breast cancer and she is now living with Stage IV metastatic disease. Angela is an avid reader, a closet-cross-stitcher, and a fervent writer. In addition to working at Wildfire Magazine, Angela is an Associate Editor for Yellow Arrow Publishing, and her nonfiction writing has been published in Open Minds Quarterly, You Might Need To Hear This, and Press Pause. Angela reads her piece “Looking Beyond the Veil” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. Her essay is about seeing the world through a new lens after a cancer diagnosis. April and Angela will discuss Angela’s cancer recurrence, how cancer can be part of your identity working within the community, and finding hope and transformation in the sharing of both metastatic and early-stage breast cancer stories. They will also discuss tips on writing memoir.
More about Angela: https://www.instagram.com/angelafirman11/
More about this episode’s sponsor, Infinite Strength: https://www.infinitestrength.org/
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Purchase a copy of the “Grief & Acceptance” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-grief-and-acceptance
Read more of Angela’s Wildfire essays:
“The Elephant” in the “Identity & Aftermath” issue https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-identity20
“Tuesdays with Melody by The Refiners” in the “MBC: Stage IV Survivorship” issue https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-mbc21
“Good at Waiting Rooms” in the “Social” issue https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-social-2019
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Ripped from the pages of the popular Wildfire Magazine anthology, “Igniting the Fire Within,” we’ve curated this special mini podcast for you. Each Friday, hear a new bite-sized episode. Featuring “just the stories” from the book read by the authors. Think of this as your dynamic audiobook version of Igniting the Fire Within. Enjoy!
This episode features the essay “Ocean” by Leslie Rayment read posthumously by April Stearns. Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33. While Leslie was weaning her daughter from breastfeeding, she realized the lump she had long dismissed as a clogged milk duct could be something else and that she should have it looked at. Initially and briefly diagnosed as Stage II IDC, an MRI quickly confirmed the disease had already spread to her liver before she started any therapy. Leslie enjoyed a career as a registered dietitian with a passion for seniors' health and nutrition prior to her diagnosis. She lived in Edmonton AB with her husband Cody, son Elliot, and daughter Alicia.
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Californian Dana Roske is apart-time winery wench, single mother to two girls, and an aspiring writer. She was diagnosed at 34 with not only breast cancer, but also a rare sarcoma called a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST). Today, Dana reads her piece “Remember Who The F! You Are” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Identity & Aftermath” issue. Her essay is all about navigating sex and intimacy with a changed body after cancer. April and Dana will talk about what it was like for Dana to write an intimate story about sex after cancer and divorce, living in her skin again and feeling at home in her body while being an example to her daughters, and bad-bitch-hot-girl energy. They will also discuss Dana’s experience writing in a Wildfire group workshop setting. This episode contains explicit language and sexual content.
More about Dana: https://www.instagram.com/ariela.and.june/
More about this episode’s sponsor, “Life Reconstructed” author Kim Harms: https://kimharms.net
Purchase a copy of the “Identity & Aftermath” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/identity22
If you enjoyed this episode of The Burn, you might also like “Dating After a Mastectomy” with Juni Bucher:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f68419c-85ec-4ce0-8a11-3d9b903f431a
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
This week in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we have selected this episode from March of 2022 to re-share. It features Melanie Childers sharing her story and feelings around her cancer-induced loss of fertility.
Certified resilience and leadership coach Melanie Childers was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, hormone-positive breast cancer. Today, Melanie reads her piece “No” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “(In)fertility” issue. A decade ago, cancer made Melanie’s fertility choices final. A cancer diagnosis that affects reproductive organs that comes well after menopause is not going to land the same way the same diagnosis will decades prior. It is heartbreaking, maddening, painful in a way that is hard to articulate. Melanie wrote her piece 4 years ago, and today has the retrospect of 10 years to share her reflections. April and Melanie will talk about what processing and grief looks like now and how cancer clarifies life’s path. They’ll also discuss how writing is a powerful way to process wounds, and allows for a way to revisit previous versions of ourselves when we read our written words later in time. Melanie’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” This episode contains explicit language.
More about Melanie and The Bad Bitch Entrepreneur podcast: https://www.melaniechilders.com
https://www.instagram.com/the_underbelly/
More about this episode’s sponsor, “Life Reconstructed” author Kim Harms: https://kimharms.net
Purchase a copy of the “(In)Fertility” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-infertility
Ida Sukrungruang’s essay: https://brevitymag.com/issues/issue-49-may-2015-gender/after-the-hysterectomy/
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Anne Ferrier Crook was diagnosed at 48 with Stage I hormone-positive breast cancer. A few years later, cancer came again in the form of Stage Ib melanoma. Anne has worked in many facets of healthcare doing what she calls “holding space for life’s sacred thresholds.” She is a certified integrative health coach, medical interpreter, birth doula, consultant with the Institute for The Study of Birth, Breath, and Death, and a co-founder of The Breast Connection: Prevention & Healing Community. In this episode, Anne reads her essay “Surviving to Thriving After Breast Cancer” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Identity & Aftermath” issue. It is a piece about the influence of one woman’s mind on her body following two cancer diagnoses. April and Anne will discuss addressing our inner child with love and kindness to heal, finding opportunities to learn and grow after a cancer diagnosis, and how cancer prompts us to make shifts to slow down and find balance. They will also discuss how Anne uses writing to get in touch with her inner voice to access her inner healer.
More about Anne: https://integrativeradiance.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-ferrier-crook-471a382b
More about this episode’s sponsor Foobs & Fitness: https://foobsandfitness.com/
Purchase a copy of the “Identity & Aftermath” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-identity20
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org.
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Canadian Kim Angell is a human resources consultant and patient advocate. Kim was initially diagnosed with Stage IIb, hormone positive lobular breast cancer at 34. At 38, her cancer returned. Kim is now living with Stage IV metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Kim has a passion for advocacy work and has contributed to various breast cancer campaigns over the years. In this episode, Kim reads her essay “Inviting Conversations About Death” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue. It is a thoughtful piece about facing mortality and having hard conversations about death. April and Kim will discuss the need to talk about death to accommodate logistics, relieving fear and expressing wants. They’ll touch on finding joyful times while living with terminal breast cancer, the curiosity surrounding death, and the importance of modeling and normalizing talking about mortality. Kim will also share what writing means to her when it comes to expressing and processing her thoughts to communicate with others.
More about Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kangell82/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042887298776
https://smilethroughthefog.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR0if1plpYJ7S-171fIef6I3_XsrltHSKwD5YSsoDBsTEg5yIYGBfZ57ZFI/
More about this episode’s sponsor, Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/
Purchase a copy of the “Legacy Stories” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-identity20
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org.
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
We are taking this week off to enjoy spring break with our loved ones, so we’ve dug through our archives to select a favorite episode from March 2022 to re-share. We know you’ll enjoy this episode as much as we do!
Erin Stodola was 28 when she was diagnosed with Stage I Triple Negative breast cancer. She carries the BRCA1 gene. Today, Erin reads her piece “The Moments Between” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Identity & Aftermath” issue. Erin never gave her breasts much thought or considered them as part of her identity - until she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then she thought about them a lot in their natural, reconstructed and absent forms and found a new identity along the way in between each version of her chest. Erin completed a Masters of Museum Studies program that focused on feminism and anti-colonial curation. April asks Erin what role, if any, her cancer plays in her museum work when thinking about breasts, identity, beauty standards, and the role of representation in art, academia and popular culture. Erin’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.”
More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/erinstodola/
More about this episode’s sponsor, “Life Reconstructed” author Kim Harms: https://kimharms.net
Purchase a copy of the “Identity & Aftermath” issue: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-identity20
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org.
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Beth Gainer is an author who is an educator, as well as a professional writer and editor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39, and is now 22 years out from her diagnosis. In this episode she reads her piece “First Comes Cancer Then Comes Divorce” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2016 “Love & Intimacy” issue. Beth’s essay is about how cancer affected her marriage. April and Beth will talk about writing from a scar vs. a wound, Beth’s cancer induced infertility and subsequent adoption, and Beth gives advice and hope for those whose partners don’t show up for them when cancer comes. April and Beth will also discuss the complicated feelings of wanting to move on from the cancer community.
More about Beth: bethlgainer@gmail.com
For another episode about cancer and marriage listen to Jenny Collin’s episode “What a Pen Name Can Unlock”: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2e9011c7-6c09-48f1-b712-9c8f10cea72d
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Gretchen Stelter is a freelance book editor & writer from Madison, Wisconsin. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. She has volunteered with Girls, Inc. for nine years and co-chaired the Safety & Security Committee for ThrillerFest, which is a conference for thriller writers. In this episode, Gretchen reads her piece “Let Me Hear Your Body Talk” from the Wildfire book, “Igniting the Fire Within” and which was originally published in our 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. Gretchen’s essay is about the ways we share our body by choice - or not. April and Gretchen will discuss the ways our bodies are objectified sexually and medically, reconciling receiving unwanted body attention pre-cancer to becoming invisible sometimes after a cancer diagnosis, and the loneliness that can come with breast cancer both inside and outside the cancer community. They will also talk about choosing when to step out of the cancer closet and the possibility of when sharing can backfire.
More about Gretchen:
https://twitter.com/editorStet
https://www.instagram.com/editorstet/
https://www.facebook.com/GretchenSWriterEditor/
https://www.gretchenstelter.com/
Purchase a copy of the “Cancer Culture” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/printcc22
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
This week in honor of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Awareness Month, we have selected this episode from February 2022 to re-share. It features Whitney O’Connor who discovered her link to Li-Fraumeni Syndrome when diagnosed with breast cancer. Li-Fraumeni Syndrome is just one of the many genetic mutations that can lead to a breast cancer diagnosis.
Whitney was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice – the first time at 30 and then again at 32. While her diagnosis of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome provided the hint to a cancer mystery, it also gave Whitney a built-in support system because the gene ran in her family. In this episode, Whitney reads from her piece “The Cancer Gene” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Family” issue. Her essay is included in the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within.”
More about Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/boobiequeenchronicles/
More about Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: https://www.lfsassociation.org/what-is-lfs/
More about The Boobie Queen Company: https://www.boobiecrowns.com and https://www.facebook.com/boobiequeenchronicles
Purchase a digital copy of the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-download-family2020
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org.
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
April Renn is a student, and an eccentric mother of one. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II breast cancer and carries the PALB2 gene. April is a long-term survivor being 5+ years out from diagnosis. In this episode she reads her piece “From Mom I Got Strength, Led Zeppelin and PALB2” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2019 “Genetics” issue. April’s essay is about being sandwiched between her mother and her young daughter, with breast cancer swirling all around. April and April Renn will talk about long-term survivorship topics: not being currently active in the breast cancer community, long-term side effects of treatment, and feeling freedom in really seeing yourself when accepting and facing mortality. They will also discuss raising and teaching daughters about breast health and genetic predispositions. April Renn shares about a novel she is working on and how the free Wildfire journal she downloaded helped her to return to writing. Her essay is included in the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within.”
Purchase a digital copy of the “Genetics” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/digital-genetics19
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Jamil Rivers is a powerhouse. Diagnosed at 39 with Stage IV de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC), she is a CEO, devoted mama, wife and passionate advocate. Since diagnosis, Jamil has become an advocate using her cancer experiences to advance legislative policy, medical research and customize support to better meet the needs of individuals impacted by breast cancer, particularly metastatic and African-American patients. She launched The Chrysalis Initiative which provides mentoring, resource navigation, and outreach for African-American women. In this episode Jamil reads her essay “Fighting for Equality in an Unequal Society” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue. Her essay is about using one’s story to advocate for deep change within a system that has been broken and biased for a long time. April and Jamil will discuss the meaning behind The Chrysalis Initiative name, how cancer revealed Jamil as a leader to help others, and creating an equitable healthcare space in a landscape of discrimination and substandard support. Jamil gives advice for others living with MBC that want to start new projects, and talks about when she knew her advocacy work was impacting lives.
More about Jamil: https://www.instagram.com/truejamilkali/
More on The Chrysalis Initiative:
1 (800) 929-4979
https://thechrysalisinitiative.org/
https://www.instagram.com/chrysalisinitiative/
https://www.facebook.com/chrysalisinitiative/
https://twitter.com/chrysalisinit
https://www.linkedin.com/company/chrysalis-initiative
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-NCZTCIXspPb3Q44XFzxQ
More about BC Navi: https://www.bcnavi.com/s/
National Comprehensive Cancer Network: https://www.nccn.org/business-policy/business/academy
Purchase a print or digital copy of the “Legacy Stories” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Stephanie is a retired hair stylist, writer, and advocate for AdvancedBreastCancer.net. Stephanie was diagnosed stage IIIa at 25, and then stage IV at 31. In this episode Stephanie reads their essay “My Life and Being Wrong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue. Stephanie’s unusual cancer story is about a very unexpected pregnancy. Stephanie and April will discuss the importance of using your story for advocacy, reasons for being private with your cancer story, and being an example to our children when it comes to cancer. They will also talk about Stephanie’s future plans to write a book with helpful tips on how to get started.
More about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/_the_radiatedlizard/
Purchase a print or digital copy of the “Legacy Stories” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
More breast cancer stories from LBGTQIA2S+ community members: “Slowing Down to Write One Moment with Dawn Amodeo” https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Other resources mentioned in this episode:
Bright Spot Network https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/
Mighty and Bright https://mightyandbright.com/
Camp Kesem https://www.kesem.org/
AdvancedBreastCancer.net https://advancedbreastcancer.net/
We are delighted to welcome Ann Camden back for another episode of The Burn. Ann was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 38. She then had a Stage IV recurrence at 45. More recently, she was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease - fluid of the brain, spine and many other organs. Ann is a mother of twin teenage girls and married to her college sweetheart, Jeff. In this episode Ann reads her piece “A Three-Prong Legacy Effort” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue. Ann’s story is about creating the tangible things you pass down. April and Ann discuss where you spend time and energy on creating a legacy to remember, leaving legacy journals intended for loved ones to read after passing on, and being human, messy and unfinished while building legacy. They will also discuss what we actively choose to pass on to our children, and normalizing conversations about cancer with them. Ann’s essay is included in Wildfire’s book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor” out now.
More about Ann: https://www.instagram.com/anncamdennc/ and https://down-not-out.com
Purchase a print or digital copy of the “Legacy Stories” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/mbc22
Enjoy listening to “Rooting Stories in Music: Riding Shotgun” also featuring Ann Camden: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ce9e575-0744-4515-95e3-14050ca66d8f
More about the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: https://www.sabcs.org/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Holly Taylor was a sergeant in the US Army National Guard, and then became a kindergarten teacher. She was diagnosed at 37 with stage IV breast cancer after earlier breast health concerns were dismissed. She is now a stay-at-home mom. In this episode Holly reads her stirring piece “I Want” for Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue where she expresses all her wants that she desires for her young daughter. April and Holly will talk about what it was like for Holly to write and read this essay to her daughter, getting your wishes out of your body through writing, and how Holly keeps a memory legacy box for her daughter while living with metastatic disease. They will also discuss teaching breast health and self-advocacy with your children.
More about Holly: https://www.instagram.com/crazycurlyholly/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Ashely Blair Doyle is a retired newspaper worker, graphic designer, artist, and advocate. She was initially diagnosed at 28 with early stage breast cancer, and then at 34 with stage IV MBC. She carries the PALB2, exon 9 & 10 deletion gene mutation. In this episode Ashley’s mom Victoria reads Ashley’s poem “You and I” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue. Ashley’s piece is a powerful love letter to her husband. April and Ashley will talk about finding what you want to express through the act of writing, sharing space in a marriage with metastatic breast cancer, honoring caregivers, and Ashley’s PALB2 gene advocacy. April will also ask Victoria what it was like to read Ashley’s poem for this episode.
More about Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyblairdoyle/ and http://ashleykickingcancer.blogspot.com/p/about.html
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Kim Harms is an author and librarian who was diagnosed at 40 with breast cancer. In this episode Kim reads her piece “When the Return on Your Dollar is Intangible” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Money & Cancer” issue. She shares the value of choosing to spend money on making memories with her family. April and Kim will discuss the complexities of financial decisions in light of a cancer diagnosis, figuring out what we need and finding ways to reach a money goal, and the emotional release of storytelling. They will also talk about Kim’s book and the intersection of writing and cancer.
More about Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimharmslifereconstructed/ and http://kimharms.net/
Order Kim’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Reconstructed-Kim-Harms/dp/1641705671/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JXJVM6TDTZ8R&dchild=1&keywords=life+reconstructed+kim+harms&qid=1617629917&sprefix=life+reconstru%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-1
Rrequest free mastectomy pillows: http://kimharms.net/free-mastectomy-pillows/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Advocate Ricki Fairley was diagnosed at 55 with Stage IIIa, Triple Negative breast cancer. She is the CEO and co-founder of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance. She is a marketing veteran, and serves on the board of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and the Center for Healthcare Innovation. In this episode Ricki reads her essay “When We Tri(al): A Movement to Advance Breast Cancer Science for Black Women'' from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. April and Ricki will discuss how Ricki focused on black breast cancer to form TOUCH, folding your own story into advocacy, and advice on seeking second opinions. They will also discuss using writing to think through thoughts and form opinions. This episode contains explicit language.
More about TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance: https://touchbbca.org/
More about When We Tri(al): https://www.whenwetrial.org/
More on The Wisdom Study: https://www.thewisdomstudy.org/
More on Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation: https://tnbcfoundation.org/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Western Pennsylvania resident Pye Pajewski is a hesitant writer serving the public as a library staffer. Pye is thriving after two breast cancer diagnoses at ages 37 and 59. In this episode Pye reads her poem “Ink” from Wildfire Magazine's 2022 “Body” issue. Her poem shares scenes throughout her life told through ink on skin and paper. April and Pye will discuss the experience of necessary medical tattoos and voluntary illustrative tattoos, Pye’s perspective of being diagnosed with cancer young and again two decades later in life, and the difference of support received within the breast cancer community versus support from outside the cancer community. April and Pye will also discuss how it feels to write both anonymously and with your actual name.
More about Pye: https://www.blogforthegirls.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/blog.forthegirls/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about the Wildfire Body & Mind Luxurious Healing Arts Retreat Series: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops/next-chapter-writing-retreat
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy the winter holidays with our loved ones. Today April has selected this episode from September 2021 to re-share. April chose this episode because it was one of her favorites to record because of the story behind the story. April shares what happened behind the scenes when recording this episode about survivorship and fertility with an amazing multi-tasking mom.
When Meghan Koziel was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was dating and knew she wanted a family someday. She was diagnosed at 26 with stage II, estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer. Like many women diagnosed in their childbearing years, Meghan underwent fertility preserving measures. There are few heartaches like the one of holding space in your heart for a child that hasn’t yet, or can’t, come. Fortunately, there are women like Meghan who have been able to go on and welcome children after diagnosis. Ultimately today’s story is about one woman asking if she can trust her body again, and wondering if she can find something joyful in a body that had become the source of so much heartbreak. Today, Meghan is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “Parenting With Cancer” issue, “She Sparkles On: Pregnancy After Cancer.”
More about Meghan: https://shesparkleson.com and https://www.instagram.com/meghankoziel/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy the winter holidays with our loved ones. Today, Wildfire team member Angela Firman selected this episode from December 2021 to re-share. Angela just wanted to hear the voice of her dearly missed friend Lisa Laudico who the cancer community lost this year, and what Lisa has to say about cancer’s legacy surrounding ourselves and our loved ones.
Today we are going to hear a piece about legacy. Breast cancer as legacy, storytelling as legacy. Whether it is a gift received or a gift given, something passed knowingly or subconsciously. The power of storytelling as legacy is important for the teller and the recipient.Our guest is Lisa Laudico, reading her piece “Legacy” from the 2020 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine. In the summer of 2017, Lisa became the 4th generation in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer but the only one to be diagnosed at Stage IV de novo. Lisa lives with her family in Connecticut. She is the creator of Our MBC Life Podcast.
More about Our MBC Life https://www.ourmbclife.org/about.
More about SHARE Cancer https://www.sharecancersupport.org.
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy the winter holidays with our loved ones. Today, Wildfire team member Monica Haro selected this episode from November 2021 to re-share. Monica loves Nikki’s reading voice, what Nikki had to say about holistic well-being, and navigating cancer with her caretaker-husband.
Today’s guest is Nikki Leigh McKean from Canada. The piece she is reading is titled “I’ll Meet You in the Field'' from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 issue “Identity & Aftermath.” Nikki was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 34. A second cancer diagnosis came two years later - stage II breast cancer. Nikki describes what it means to throw out the “Cancer Binder,'' to become fully the hero of her own story, and to use inspiring words of others to feel whole. She purged her mind and physical space of the things that no longer served her in a post-cancer world. In the wake of this purge, she is now wildly free and living a life where the main experience is love in a world of endless possibility. She’ll also talk about the difficult role of the caregiver to just be present and bear witness while the person they love is going through cancer. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Nikki: https://www.nikkimagic.com and https://www.instagram.com/nikkileighmckean/
More about Rethink Breast Cancer: https://rethinkbreastcancer.com
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
This is our first episode focused on poetry featuring two poems written by academic librarian Amy Austin of Florida. Amy was diagnosed with Stage IV de novo breast cancer at 34 after initially being misdiagnosed with a complex benign cyst. She is the third in a direct family line to be diagnosed with breast cancer without a known genetic link. Today Amy reads two poems. First is “Lost” from Wildfire’s 2022 “Body” issue, and then “Lines” from the 2022 “Legacy Stories” issue. April and Amy talk about what Amy’s mastectomy scars mean to her, the privilege of aging while living with metastatic breast cancer, and writing poetry to tell a part of your story. They will also discuss Amy’s writing process, and how making lists can be useful to start writing. April will also share a writing prompt that will inspire you to create your own poem.
More about Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amy_r_austin/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Jessica Fox returns to The Burn for another episode. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. Jessica reads her piece “Paying Tolls” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. Jessica shares her story of driving by a terrible breast cancer awareness billboard daily with her young but old enough to read children in the back seat. April and Jessica will talk about how writing this piece dropped Jessica into advocacy, how tolls paid in breast cancer can result in both good and bad things, and teaching kids honestly about cancer in an age appropriate way. They will also discuss the difficulties of Breast Cancer Awareness month and pinkwashing.
More about Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/mommajfox/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Kelley Franks is a school social worker from Ohio. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage IIb breast cancer, then again at 41 with Stage IV MBC. Kelley has a deep wanderlust and loves going on adventures. In this episode Kelley reads her piece “Slideshow” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Kelley writes beautifully about snapshots of her cancer experience that flip through her memory like a slideshow. April and Kelley will talk about how hiking provides mental clarity and perspective, parenting through traumatic lows and lovely highs, and the desire to leave a legacy of parental guidance knowing you have terminal cancer. They will also discuss the recent journey Kelley had of hiking the Appalachian Trail while living with MBC.
More about Kelley: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyefranks/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
This week as we kick back and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday vibes here in the US, we are taking a little break from our regular podcast schedule to re-share with you a favorite episode from the archives. Today, Wildfire team member Emily Piercell shares that she selected this episode about finally learning how to live in the present because it truly resonated with her.
This episode we are going to hear a story about flipping the script with Jen Pogue. Jen is an actor and producer living in Toronto, Canada. She was diagnosed at 37 with Stage IV Triple Negative metastatic breast cancer. She reads her piece “My Life is a Movie” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “MBC: Stage IV Survivorship” issue. What happens when cancer comes along and startles you into a starring role in the movie you never wanted to see much less be in? Jen finds what is beautiful in life: being present, letting your heart take the driver’s seat, and realizing what makes you happy. April and Jen discuss reclaiming some power that is lost with a cancer diagnosis through writing, and how cancer is represented in film. Jen’s piece is included in Wildfire’s new book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.”
More about Jen:chttps://www.jpoandco.com, https://www.instagram.com/jpo_in_to/, and
https://www.facebook.com/poguejen/friends
More about Woman On Screen Out Loud podcast: https://www.womenonscreen.ca/wosoutloud
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Southern California resident Stori Nagel was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer a decade ago at age 38. She is president and founder of her non-profit, Haus of Volta, which uses classic pin-up photography to promote a healthy body image and self-acceptance. In this episode, Stori reads her piece “Molting” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2017 “Body” issue. April and Stori will talk about Stori’s work with Haus of Volta, exploring alter egos as a way to cope, experimenting with clothing and makeup to find happiness, and body dysmorphia. They will also discuss handling loss while working within the cancer community. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Stori: https://www.instagram.com/hausofvolta/ and https://www.hausofvolta.org/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Elizabeth Reed has faced cancer three times, initially being diagnosed with breast cancer at 48. She is a writer, musician, activist, wife, mom, and traveler. In this episode Elizabeth reads her piece “Breast Cancer Babby” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Elizabeth writes a cancer story with a “slant.” Her slant is that of using an unconventional lens of writing an advertisement to introduce a breast cancer doll. April and Elizabeth will talk about finding humor in cancer, responding to the dreaded “at least you get a free boob job” comments so many breast cancer patients hear, the sexualization of cancer, and Elizabeth’s view of learning to adjust rather than give up when facing difficulties. They will also discuss navigating marriage and cancer. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Elizabeth: https://www.bettyreedwrites.com/
Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn
Borah Lee is a wife, mom, former journalist and attorney; a recovering perfectionist and a sinner saved by grace. She was diagnosed at 37 and has had multiple recurrences. In this episode Borah reads her piece “A Beggar in a Red Beret” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Money” issue. Borah shares the story of her journey to give herself permission in spite of cancer to enjoy a life-changing trip to Paris. April and Borah will discuss contemplating worthiness and receiving, how the gifts of money and time intertwine in her relationships as both a child and a parent, how writing fits into survivorship and healing, and the experience of writer’s block. More about Borah: https://www.instagram.com/borahtravels/ (https://www.instagram.com/borahtravels/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
Joining us for this episode is Jenny Collins - our first guest that has chosen to use a pen name to tell her story. Jenny was diagnosed Stage II at 37, and then Stage IV MBC at 46. Today she reads her piece “Cold War” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Family” issue. Jenny takes us deep into the layers of what she experienced when cancer entered her marriage. April and Jenny will discuss finding the courage to share cancer stories, and how using a pen name gives you a powerful hiding spot to share while helping others feel seen. They will also discuss feeling alone in a cancer experience and the importance of finding support. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
Miami Beach residents LaTonya Davis and her nephson Jayden Holmes share their collaborative piece “Together We Are Thriving, Celebrating, and Reflecting” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. It is a reflection about the loved ones they have lost to metastatic breast cancer. LaTonya was diagnosed at 47 with triple negative breast cancer after already losing her mother and sister (Jayden’s mom) to the same disease. LaTonya is a proud NPR How I Built This Fellow and founder of The Breast Talk Ever. She is raising her musician nephson Jayden. April, LaTonya and Jayden will discuss survivorship and the realities of dying, survivor’s guilt, and how families carry on after losing their loved ones to cancer. They will also discuss how LaTonya formed her lifestyle company The Breast Talk Ever by using the mindset of meeting people where they are at in life. More about LaTonya: https://www.instagram.com/coachlatonya/ (https://www.instagram.com/coachlatonya/) More about Jayden:https://www.instagram.com/mask_of_lilith/ (https://www.instagram.com/mask_of_lilith/) and https://www.instagram.com/goodbye_disasterpiece/ (https://www.instagram.com/goodbye_disasterpiece/) More about The Breast Talk Ever: https://www.thebreasttalkever.com/ (https://www.thebreasttalkever.com/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
Nonprofit Executive Director & Marketing Strategist Kate Crawford was diagnosed at 28 with breast cancer. She is living with terminal Stage IV MBC, and also has Li-Fraumeni Syndrome which leaves her susceptible to numerous cancers. She has been in active treatment for 8 years and has had over 120 cycles of therapies. As a result of her outlier status, she suffers from chemo induced cardiomyopathy. Today Kate reads her piece “Broken is Not a Dirty Word” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. Her piece is about the approach she takes to unfair circumstances – cancer disrupting her dream marriage – and turning it on it’s head. April and Kate will discuss finding layers of acceptance in cancer, the need to be broken down emotionally so a rebuild can happen, and the lessons learned in marriage. They also talk about the role of writing in Kate’s life. More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katecrawmama/ (https://www.instagram.com/katecrawmama/) and https://www.tiktok.com/@katecrawmama (https://www.tiktok.com/@katecrawmama) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
Jean Criss is an author, digital media entrepreneur, festival and multimedia producer, tech innovator, post-surgical fashion designer, and a certified bra fitter. She was diagnosed with both Stage 0 and Stage 1 ductal breast cancer in her mid-40s. Since treatment, 15 years ago, Jean has had no evidence of disease. Today she reads her piece “My Million Dollar Boobs Led to a Million Words” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Money & Cancer” issue. April and Jean discuss transforming from patient to owning your own voice by sharing your story, advice for people who don’t consider themselves writers, and Jean’s entrepreneurial work turning pain into purpose by creating a line of post breast surgery bras.
More about Jean: https://jeancrissmedia.com/ (https://jeancrissmedia.com) More about CRISSCROSS Intimates: https://crisscrossintimates.com/ (https://crisscrossintimates.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
San Francisco resident Maya Kini is a visual artist, a poet and a mother of two. She has an MFA in Metalsmithing & her favorite material is gold. Maya was diagnosed at 41 with Stage III breast cancer, and also carries the PALB2 genetic mutation. Today Maya reads her story “Rip Curl” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Her story is about hope and grieving, and accepting body changes while bathing suit shopping in Hawaii. April and Maya will discuss not ending up with the breast reconstruction that was intended, getting used to a new body, and the parallels between the body and the work Maya creates in metalsmithing. This episode contains explicit language. More about Maya: https://mayakini.com/ (https://mayakini.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
Claire Millet is an acupuncturist & craniosacral therapist living in Boston, Massachusetts. Claire has been riding a six-year-long rollercoaster ride of diagnoses and treatments. First diagnosed at 33 with Stage II ductal breast cancer, Claire is now living with Stage IV inflammatory breast cancer. Today Claire reads her story “Body Map” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Her story is about a body that has endured much and finding forgiveness in that body. April and Claire discuss the beautiful healing release reading your story aloud brings, allowing yourself to feel difficult emotions, and processing through anger and resolve. More about Claire: https://www.instagram.com/clairyfied/ (https://www.instagram.com/clairyfied/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
South Africa based journalist Aisha Chowdhry was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 in the midst of her journalism career. Today Aisha reads her story “A Journalist Embedded in Cancerland” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Community” issue. When cancer comes Aisha becomes the story when she is used to putting the focus on others. April and Aisha discuss reflecting about participating in the cancer community years after diagnosis, the importance of publicly sharing cancer stories and being visible to the community, and Aisha’s podcast “The Tenderness Revolution” centered on empathy, kindness and how we see ourselves and each other. This episode contains explicit language. More about Aisha: https://www.instagram.com/aishach/ (https://www.instagram.com/aishach/) and https://www.aishachowdhry.com/ (https://www.aishachowdhry.com) The Tenderness Revolution podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-tenderness-revolution/id1583990165 (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-tenderness-revolution/id1583990165) More about Foobs and Fitness: https://foobsandfitness.com/ (https://foobsandfitness.com) and https://www.instagram.com/foobsandfitness/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/foobsandfitness/?hl=en) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
We are continuing the celebration of our 1 year anniversary of the podcast with this re-release of our very first episode featuring Sara Olsher of Mighty + Bright. We are focusing our celebration on the "hard truths" learned in cancer and this episode highlights another: sometimes you have to face cancer while also parenting children. How do you care for yourself when others depend on you for care, too? Thank you to Sara for being our first guest on The Burn! Be sure to listen to episode 55 “Cancer’s Lessons: 6 Truths - Anniversary Special (it’s 2 juicy parts!) where host April Stearns and production assistant Monica Haro recap some highlights from the past year. Now, enjoy today’s re-release! Sara Olsher is intimately aware of how hard -- but also how necessary and ultimately rewarding -- talking to small kids about adult challenges affecting them can be. Sara believes facing mountains like a cancer diagnosis gives us a chance to show our kids how to handle the hard stuff head-on, with grace. Today, Sara is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 Changemaker issue, “Talking to Kids About Cancer.” More about Sarah: https://mightyandbright.com/ (https://mightyandbright.com) and https://www.instagram.com/saraolsher/ (https://www.instagram.com/saraolsher/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org Free The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burn)
Today we celebrate our 1 year anniversary with a special 2 part episode where April and Monica revisit some favorite episodes and guests from the past year of The Burn! Our goal is to bring the stories of the young breast cancer community to life and to inspire you to use writing as a tool in your own survivorship. We’ve organized today’s special around what we are calling “hard truths of being diagnosed young.” Young is a state of mind, of course, but for our purposes young refers to those diagnosed at least initially under 50 years old. In this special 2 part episode, we will highlight just a few of these stories that we hope are an interesting & entertaining deep dive into today’s young breast cancer community. We’ll discuss: The Mom Thing Fertility & Infertility Mental Health The Struggle to Find Your Place in the Community Body Wars Sex & Intimacy
We’ll throw in some dark humor, too! In honor of our 1 year anniversary, we have a gift for our listeners - a printable journal companion to this podcast with some of our favorite writer quotes and prompts to inspire you to write. Listen to the end for info on how to grab yours! Trigger warning: suicide, disordered eating Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Today we celebrate our 1 year anniversary with a special 2 part episode where April and Monica revisit some favorite episodes and guests from the past year of The Burn! Our goal is to bring the stories of the young breast cancer community to life and to inspire you to use writing as a tool in your own survivorship. We’ve organized today’s special around what we are calling “hard truths of being diagnosed young.” Young is a state of mind, of course, but for our purposes young refers to those diagnosed at least initially under 50 years old. In this special 2 part episode, we will highlight just a few of these stories that we hope are an interesting & entertaining deep dive into today’s young breast cancer community. We’ll discuss: The Mom Thing Fertility & Infertility Mental Health The Struggle to Find Your Place in the Community Body Wars Sex & Intimacy
We’ll throw in some dark humor, too! In honor of our 1 year anniversary, we have a gift for our listeners - a printable journal companion to this podcast with some of our favorite writer quotes and prompts to inspire you to write. Listen to the end for info on how to grab yours! Trigger warning: suicide, disordered eating Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Pediatric Physiotherapist Vanessa D’Souza of Calgary was diagnosed with breast cancer at 44. She is a mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, partner, friend, neighbor, advocate and lover of life. Today Vanessa reads her piece “Bindis & Bangles, Onions & Shame-ectomies” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Canada’s Young Survivors” issue. This is a layered piece about intuition, family life, professional life, and cultural expectations that wrap around a cancer diagnosis. April and Vanessa will discuss the range of emotions experienced over time with a cancer diagnosis, looking at illness and the family together holistically, being the change you want to be in the world at home, and how storytelling is important to immigrant lives. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
New Yorker Amy Hartl wears many hats: recovery educator, survivorship consultant, oncology massage specialist, lymphatic drainage therapist and speaker. Since she was a young girl Amy lived in the shadow of her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis before receiving her own diagnosis at 41. Today she reads her piece “The More Things Change, The Less They Stay The Same” from the 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Amy writes poignantly about the woman in breast cancer that came before us and how breast cancer experiences have changed. April and Amy will also take a deeper dive on the legacy of those who go before us, how we experience cancer culture, and Amy’s work in oncology massage and lymphedema. More about Amy: https://amyhartl.com/ (https://amyhartl.com) and https://www.instagram.com/as.we.are.now/ (https://www.instagram.com/as.we.are.now/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org)Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Young mother Lauren Candies Tarpley of Charleston, South Carolina was diagnosed at 34 with breast cancer. Today Lauren reads her piece “The Friends that Leave” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Community” issue. Lauren writes about the friendships that couldn’t stand up to cancer and what that taught her. April and Lauren will discuss friends that can’t handle the diagnosis, how long cancer things go on, or the changed person in cancer’s aftermath. They’ll also talk about parenting young kids through cancer, Lauren’s cancer advocacy as a young adult of color, the pandemic’s role in her post diagnosis friend connections, and what role her post-cancer lifestyle change of not drinking plays in her social life. More about Lauren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/typeaguidetocancer/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/typeaguidetocancer/?hl=en) and https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlittleones.podcast/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlittleones.podcast/?hl=en) Type A Guide to Cancer book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1638376352/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TGEZBZJDH6S8C2DEJW59 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1638376352/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TGEZBZJDH6S8C2DEJW59) Too Many Cells book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2V2427W/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_WKJ2RSTR3QQ6ET79R2TH_0 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2V2427W/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_WKJ2RSTR3QQ6ET79R2TH_0) Too Many Cells book Spanish edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4L1YRTY/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_DCAJFSDBK1N708FXH1G1_0 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4L1YRTY/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_DCAJFSDBK1N708FXH1G1_0) Life with Little Ones podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-little-ones/id1528226162 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-little-ones/id1528226162) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Today’s guest is Meghan Nathanson, a writer & visual artist from coastal Maine. She was diagnosed at 45 with breast cancer. Today, Meghan reads her piece “There Can Be Joy” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Community” issue. Meghan writes about her inner world during her breast cancer experiences with her medical professionals to inspire a deeper, more resounding presence in the lives of others while winnowing out the wonder and essence of why we are here. April and Meghan will discuss receiving breast cancer medical care before and during the pandemic, grounding practices that ease our being, the power of a “do-over”, and Meghan’s upcoming book about facing breast cancer with a spiritual mindset in the midst of family life. More about Meghan: https://meghannathanson.com/collections/all-is-well (https://meghannathanson.com/collections/all-is-well) and https://www.instagram.com/meghan.nathanson.artistry/ (https://www.instagram.com/meghan.nathanson.artistry/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Shelley Moreno of Los Angeles was diagnosed in 2012 at 40 with breast cancer while a single mother. Today Shelley reads her piece “Each Body Part Has a Story to Tell” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2019 “Body” issue. Shelley navigates cancer’s aftermath as a single mother and wonders what it will take to accept her body for what it is. Shelley and April will discuss authentic parenting through cancer, re-parenting yourself when cancer brings past physical body traumas to the surface, cancer recurrence, and being visible with survivorship longevity to the newly diagnosed. They'll also take a deeper dive on how writing can unpack things you didn't know you were holding onto. More about Shelley:https://www.instagram.com/shelleyshell_m/ (https://www.instagram.com/shelleyshell_m/) and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1121613767 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1121613767) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Managing Director Dawn Amodeo of Los Angeles was diagnosed at 34 with breast cancer. Today Dawn reads her piece “Car Battery” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Dawn’s story slows things down to key moments that played out on the day she needs to check into the hospital for breast surgery and her car battery dies, giving us a closer look at what she observed and felt. April and Dawn will discuss self-blame for getting cancer, the metaphors that emerge while writing our stories, and using affirmations to navigate scary experiences. More about Dawn: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyndawn/ (https://www.instagram.com/brooklyndawn/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Nutritional therapy practitioner and meditation teacher Juni Bucher was diagnosed at 41 with breast cancer. Today Juni reads her piece, “Can I See?” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Body” issue. Juni dives into her experience of dating with a changed body and one nipple after breast cancer treatment, and finding confidence and pleasure. Juni and April discuss arriving at body acceptance, erogenous zones, and sexual health. They’ll take a closer look at Juni’s empowering work with Rose City Sexual Health Collective where she provides nutritional support and stress management techniques alongside other sex-positive practitioners. More about Juni: https://www.instagram.com/junibwell/ (https://www.instagram.com/junibwell/), https://www.tiktok.com/@junibwell (https://www.tiktok.com/@junibwell), https://www.linkedin.com/in/juni-bucher-ntp-86379a239/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/juni-bucher-ntp-86379a239/), https://www.facebook.com/junibwell (https://www.facebook.com/junibwell) Meditate with Juni: https://insighttimer.com/junibwell?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share&_branch_match_id=850877922384867163&utm_campaign=web-share&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8wrzkzXyyjRNw2JdC0LTk%2F2K0iyLy3JjS%2FOLy1KTrVNzi%2BojM%2FJzMtWAwnmpqZkluba5mSWpcYXlxSlJgLVZSQWpQIA4a0saU4AAAA%3D (https://insighttimer.com/junibwell?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share&_branch_match_id=850877922384867163&utm_campaign=web-share&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8wrzkzXyyjRNw2JdC0LTk%2F2K0iyLy3JjS%2FOLy1KTrVNzi%2BojM%2FJzMtWAwnmpqZkluba5mSWpcYXlxSlJgLVZSQWpQIA4a0saU4AAAA%3D) Tata, Cancer! podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sw6DGpGzaMAtwnQjAvcA4 (https://open.spotify.com/show/2sw6DGpGzaMAtwnQjAvcA4) Rose City Sexual Health Collective: https://rosecitysexualhealth.com/ (https://rosecitysexualhealth.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
This week as we kick back and enjoy the Fourth of July holiday vibes here in the US, we are taking a little break from our regular podcast schedule to re-share with you a favorite episode from the archives. From time to time throughout the year, the Wildfire team will be sharing episodes that really resonate with us personally. Today, Monica Haro has selected this episode about suicidal ideation because she believes can be a mental health aspect of a cancer diagnosis that is not talked about often in the breast cancer community. Jen Rozenbaum is a photographer and author who was diagnosed at 41 with Stage IIb hormone-positive lobular breast cancer. In this episode Jen reads her piece “The Search to Feel Alive” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. Jen tackles the hard subject of suicidal ideation, and the difference between being alive and feeling alive. How do you live your life once you are done with breast cancer treatment and declared No Evidence of Disease when the reality is it is an unrecognizable new life littered with the rubble of your pre-diagnosis existence? What if all you want to do is get in bed and never get out? What if you aren’t the badass cancer warrior people think you are? How do you cope when well-meaning outsiders say “at least you are alive” and “you should be celebrating” but you feel minimized and isolated from those comments? The breast cancer community is starting to talk more about mental health, anxiety, and depression - but not so much about suicidal ideation. April will talk more with Jen about survivor’s guilt, and the turning points to find help. More about Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenrozenbaum/ (https://www.instagram.com/jenrozenbaum/) https://jenrozenbaum.com/ (https://jenrozenbaum.com) Jen’s podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/66z9UYVr7oYRMXpNIihhMz (https://open.spotify.com/show/66z9UYVr7oYRMXpNIihhMz) Jen’s book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-f-ck-just-happened-a-survivors-guide-to-life-after-breast-cancer-jen-rozenbaum/1138492714 (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-f-ck-just-happened-a-survivors-guide-to-life-after-breast-cancer-jen-rozenbaum/1138492714) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org More about this episode’s sponsor Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/ (https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/)
Human rights and disability advocate Clare Li is working and living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in Montreal. She was first diagnosed in 2018 after already managing other pre-existing chronic medical conditions. Today Clare reads her piece “My Inner Voice'' from Wildfire’s 2022 “Canada’s Young Survivors” issue. She explains about trusting her inner voice while deviating from the generational family view of holding doctors on a pedestal and self advocating to make your inner voice heard against those handed down thought patterns. Clare and guest host Emily Piercell will discuss listening to that inner voice, the invisible side of illness, being as kind to ourselves as we are to others, and the profound impact Wildfire writing workshops have on healing and making connections. More about Clare: https://www.instagram.com/missclareli/ (https://www.instagram.com/missclareli/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Hay House author and wellbeing coach Saskia Lightstar joins us from London today. Saskia was living a rock n’ roll lifestyle when she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 39. From a pre-cancer suicide attempt to a post-cancer life as a self described Cancer Misfit & Happiness Ninja, Saskia’s cancer took her on a spiritual path of moving forward with self acceptance after her diagnosis. Today she reads her piece “A Eulogy to the Person I Was Before” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. Saskia and guest host Monica Haro will discuss giving ceremony to yourself in life’s transition spaces, the self-realization cancer can bring to speaking your truth, nipple tattoos, and pets. More about Saskia: https://www.instagram.com/saskia.lightstar/ (https://www.instagram.com/saskia.lightstar/) and https://www.saskialightstar.com/ (https://www.saskialightstar.com) The Cancer Misfit book: https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Misfit-Guide-Navigating-Treatment/dp/1401960413/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KGU9DCRU1RK2&keywords=the+cancer+misfit&qid=1655838533&sprefix=the+cancer+misfit%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1#customerReviews (https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Misfit-Guide-Navigating-Treatment/dp/1401960413/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KGU9DCRU1RK2&keywords=the+cancer+misfit&qid=1655838533&sprefix=the+cancer+misfit%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1#customerReviews) More about Barnaby Le French: https://www.instagram.com/barnabylefrench/ (https://www.instagram.com/barnabylefrench/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
In this replay of episode 27, we are going back to revisit our most downloaded episode to date! Even doctors get breast cancer. Even young, vegan, multi-Ironman-level athlete doctors get breast cancer. (Let that sink in if you've been wondering if your diagnosis is because of something you did, didn't do, ate, didn't eat, etc.) Tracy Cushing had been an athlete & practicing emergency medicine for 19 years when one day that shifted and she became a cancer patient. Overnight, her life shifted to a different course & her Ironman plans were sidelined. Today Tracy reads her piece, “What My Medical File Won’t Tell You.” Hers is the story of one woman taking back her medical file to fill in the gaps, all the while asking as she dons the title of survivor: can she also keep her identity as an athlete, too? Tracy is a practicing emergency room physician diagnosed at 45 with a lobular carcinoma breast cancer. More about Tracy: https://www.instagram.com/tracycrushescancer/ (https://www.instagram.com/tracycrushescancer/) and https://www.instagram.com/vegandoctormom/ (https://www.instagram.com/vegandoctormom/) More about Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance: https://lobularbreastcancer.org/ (https://lobularbreastcancer.org) More about SheStrong: https://shestronginc.com/ (https://shestronginc.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Denise Archer, from episode 22, returns to The Burn today to read her piece “Dynamite for the Dinner Table” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2019/2020 “Social” issue. Denise is a maker and sewist from Portland who was diagnosed at 45 with triple-negative breast cancer. Denise’s piece tells it like it is regarding the complex and intense friendships born out of a shared cancer experience. Denise and April will discuss the role of avoidance and transcending avoidance with an open heart in these friendships, honoring terminal friends with intention, and the beautiful symbolism of a hand sewn dying shawl. Denise’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” This episode contains explicit language and sexual content. More about Denise: https://www.instagram.com/h.o.m.u.n.c.u.l.u.s/ (https://www.instagram.com/h.o.m.u.n.c.u.l.u.s/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. Check out past episode 22 with Denise: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/18c7e32b-7574-42ed-a7ea-804710a39abf (https://player.captivate.fm/episode/18c7e32b-7574-42ed-a7ea-804710a39abf)
Chiara Riga of Santa Cruz, California was diagnosed at 27 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer during the pandemic. Today, Chiara reads her piece “Emerging From The Ashes of Year One” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “MBC” issue. Chiara shares her complicated experiences of navigating both difficult and celebratory milestones while living with terminal cancer. Chiara and April also discuss defining survivorship, the opportunities and blessings that emerge from terrible things, and the battle language so often applied to cancer. Chiara shares why Wildfire writing workshops have been integral in processing her cancer trauma and solidifying cancer friendships. This episode contains explicit language. More about Chiara: https://www.instagram.com/chiaravscancer/ (https://www.instagram.com/chiaravscancer/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Today our host April Stearns gives us some reflections and food for thought from the young breast cancer landscape. In this mini yet dense episode, April honors the memory of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) influencer & advocate Nalie Agustin, ponders what it means to be a “cancer famous” social media influencer, and how our words live on after we are gone. She’ll talk about the empowerment and inspiration that emerges when being vulnerable with your authentic voice, finding meaning in what you are experiencing, and share a story about a quote from Brene Brown that captivated her. In memoriam: Natalie “Nalie” Agustin, November 1988 - March 2022. More about April: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/about (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/about) More about Nalie Agustin:https://www.instagram.com/nalieagustin/ (https://www.instagram.com/nalieagustin/) and https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofnalie/ (https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofnalie/) Brene Brown’s podcast: https://brenebrown.com/podcast-show/unlocking-us/ (https://brenebrown.com/podcast-show/unlocking-us/) Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits (https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Margaret Loniewska was diagnosed at 40 with Stage IV de novo metastatic breast cancer while pregnant in 2019. Today she reads her piece #GucciTrackSuit” from Wildfire’s 2020 “MBC: Stage IV Self Care” issue. It’s a piece about honoring yourself and experiencing joy when it comes to money, and a life-changing purchase. When cancer comes money issues don’t evaporate or become frivolous. Cancer turns up the volume on topics, like money, that feel taboo. April and Margaret will also discuss the surreal headspace of being diagnosed with terminal cancer while growing a new life inside your sick body, making the right choices for yourself during cancer, and Margaret’s MBC advocacy work with Rethink Breast Cancer. Margaret’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” This episode contains explicit language. More about Margaret: https://www.instagram.com/mbc_in_toronto/ (https://www.instagram.com/mbc_in_toronto/) More about Rethink’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Advisory Board: https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/metastatic-breast-cancer-advisory-board/ (https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/metastatic-breast-cancer-advisory-board/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/s)
San Francisco psychotherapist Laurie Hessen Pomeranz was diagnosed in 2010 at age 42 with ductal and lobular breast cancer. Today Laurie reads her piece “The Day My Nipple Fell Off” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. Laurie finds that sometimes the tiniest losses represent the biggest shifts. Laurie and April will discuss being long-term survivors, Laurie’s feelings about her breast reconstruction and flat experience, humor in dark spots that come out in writing, and how she never wrote until her cancer diagnosis. Now she is able to unite legacy with reflections from past writings for herself and others. The importance of slowing down to write about impactful moments will also be discussed. Laurie’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” This episode contains explicit language. More about Laurie: https://www.instagram.com/lauriepommie/ (https://www.instagram.com/lauriepommie/) More of Laurie’s writing: https://www.salon.com/2010/12/04/breast_cancer_survivors_bare_all/ (https://www.salon.com/2010/12/04/breast_cancer_survivors_bare_all/) and https://www.amazon.com/Nipple-Other-Stories-Survival-Solidarity/dp/1484934024 (https://www.amazon.com/Nipple-Other-Stories-Survival-Solidarity/dp/1484934024) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Julie was 35 when she was diagnosed with DCIS and mucinous carcinoma. She is a park ranger in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, and a co-founder of Wild Homestead Living. Today, Julie reads her piece “After Death Leaves Its Calling Card” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. It’s a piece about a cancer diagnosis meeting you exactly where you are on life’s path and folding into your existing life. Cancer and the loss of Julie’s best friend in an accident 20 years prior become interlinked. That earlier loss is deeply connected to the trauma cancer brings, and Julie finds a breakdown becomes a breakthrough. April and Julie discuss using writing to recenter, writing as a means to help those close to you understand you better, and finding joy in choosing yourself and realizing your dreams. More about Julie and Wild Homestead Living: https://wildhomesteadliving.com/ (https://wildhomesteadliving.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Our episode 5 guest Erin Weiss returns to The Burn today to read her essay “A Guest Room for MBC” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “MBC: Stage IV Survivorship” issue. Erin is a mom and psychotherapist who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer following her very first mammogram at 42. She’s been living with breast cancer since August 2019. Her piece is about making space for metastatic breast cancer in her life and establishing boundaries for its coexistence. Erin found a way to contain this diagnosis in her life so she can live her life. April and Erin will discuss the therapeutic writing technique of anthropomorphization, anticipatory grief, and what it’s like moving into a new house with metastatic breast cancer in the back of your mind. Please note, this episode contains explicit language. More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/ (https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Madison Hager was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer at 29, just months into the coronavirus pandemic. Today she reads her piece “The Chocolate Chip Cookie That Broke the Camel’s Back” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. It’s about facing her pre-cancer demons while simultaneously facing cancer. The modern conception of a cancer survivor is that they are enlightened, and have all the answers to living joyfully and with fulfillment. But oftentimes, whoever you were before cancer, whatever anxieties or pre-occupations you had before diagnosis, they will still be there. Madison and April will discuss cancer misconceptions, cancer meeting you where you are, illness shaming, and bargaining for measures of control in cancer. They’ll also touch on how the writing process can transform a question into a path direction. Please note, this episode contains depictions of and discussion around disordered eating, and explicit language. More about Madison: https://maddyhascancer.com/ (https://maddyhascancer.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Jessica Wajda was 32 when she was diagnosed with Stage III Triple Negative breast cancer. Today, Jessica reads her piece “I Still Love You” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Body” issue. This is not a mainstream cancer story, or one that people are used to hearing. Jessica says doctor’s gave her just 4 years to live if she didn’t do the rigorous treatment of chemo, surgery, and radiation they prescribed. Jessica decided that wasn’t the path for her. She writes about finding strength within herself to rise up from the fear and listen to her body and intuition to heal in her own way. Along the way, she discovered a surprising love for her cancer, and herself. April and Jessica discuss writing with conviction to care for yourself through sharing your truth without worrying what others might think. More about Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawajda/ (https://www.instagram.com/jessicawajda/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Today we are going to hear a story about flipping the script with Jen Pogue. Jen is an actor and producer living in Toronto, Canada. She was diagnosed at 37 with Stage IV Triple Negative metastatic breast cancer. She reads her piece “My Life is a Movie” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “MBC: Stage IV Survivorship” issue. What happens when cancer comes along and startles you into a starring role in the movie you never wanted to see much less be in? Jen finds what is beautiful in life: being present, letting your heart take the driver’s seat, and realizing what makes you happy. April and Jen discuss reclaiming some power that is lost with a cancer diagnosis through writing, and how cancer is represented in film. Jen’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” More about Jen: https://www.jpoandco.com/ (https://www.jpoandco.com) https://www.instagram.com/jpo_in_to/ (https://www.instagram.com/jpo_in_to/) https://www.facebook.com/poguejen/friends (https://www.facebook.com/poguejen/friends) More about Woman On Screen Out Loud podcast: https://www.womenonscreen.ca/wosoutloud (https://www.womenonscreen.ca/wosoutloud) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Certified resilience and leadership coach Melanie Childers was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, hormone-positive breast cancer. Today, Melanie reads her piece “No” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “(In)fertility” issue. A decade ago, cancer made Melanie’s fertility choices final. A cancer diagnosis that affects reproductive organs that comes well after menopause is not going to land the same way the same diagnosis will decades prior. It is heartbreaking, maddening, painful in a way that is hard to articulate. Melanie wrote her piece 4 years ago, and today has the retrospect of 10 years to share her reflections. April and Melanie will talk about what processing and grief looks like now and how cancer clarifies life’s path. They’ll also discuss how writing is a powerful way to process wounds, and allows for a way to revisit previous versions of ourselves when we read our written words later in time. Melanie’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” This episode contains explicit language. More about Melanie and The Bad Bitch Entrepreneur podcast: https://www.melaniechilders.com/ (https://www.melaniechilders.com) https://www.instagram.com/the_underbelly/ (https://www.instagram.com/the_underbelly/) More about this episode’s sponsor, “Life Reconstructed” author Kim Harms: https://kimharms.net/ (https://kimharms.net) Ida Sukrungruang’s essay: https://brevitymag.com/issues/issue-49-may-2015-gender/after-the-hysterectomy/ (https://brevitymag.com/issues/issue-49-may-2015-gender/after-the-hysterectomy/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Erin Stodola was 28 when she was diagnosed with Stage I Triple Negative breast cancer. She carries the BRCA1 gene. Today, Erin reads her piece “The Moments Between” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Identity & Aftermath” issue. Erin never gave her breasts much thought or considered them as part of her identity - until she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then she thought about them a lot in their natural, reconstructed and absent forms and found a new identity along the way in between each version of her chest. Erin completed a Masters of Museum Studies program that focused on feminism and anti-colonial curation. April asks Erin what role, if any, her cancer plays in her museum work when thinking about breasts, identity, beauty standards, and the role of representation in art, academia and popular culture. Erin’s piece is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/erinstodola/ (https://www.instagram.com/erinstodola/) More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) More about this episode’s sponsor, “Life Reconstructed” author Kim Harms: https://kimharms.net/ (https://kimharms.net)
Mila Knight was 38 when she was diagnosed with Stage II hormone-positive breast cancer. In this episode Mila reads her piece “Crawling in My Skin” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. Mila has always turned to music for solace in hard times, so it was no wonder that music also lifted her up while going through cancer treatment. Her journaling turned to song-writing, and then she took her passion and her pain and channeled it into a fundraising concert. April and Mila will discuss the burden of breaking ancestral and generational trauma cycles through sharing previously unspoken experiences, and becoming a patient advocate by shining the light on disparities in healthcare while following her dreams. More about Mila: https://www.instagram.com/milaknightsings/ (https://www.instagram.com/milaknightsings/) More about Mila's podcast: https://ofsongmind.com/about/ (https://ofsongmind.com/about/) More about Susan G. Komen’s Health Equity Initiative: https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/health-equities-initiative/ (https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/health-equities-initiative/) More about Memorial Sloan Kettering Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities (IHCD) Service: https://www.mskcc.org/departments/psychiatry-behavioral-sciences/immigrant-health (https://www.mskcc.org/departments/psychiatry-behavioral-sciences/immigrant-health) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) More about this episode’s sponsor Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/ (https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/)
Natalie Bello Silva was diagnosed at 27 with Stage II hormone-positive breast cancer. In this episode Natalie reads her piece “Street Light” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Changemakers” issue. This issue centered on the ones who have experienced breast cancer themselves, and how that experience has inspired a business to serve the community, making the cancer experience easier for the next person to be diagnosed. Like Natalie who founded Scarves for Healing, a business that supports women facing hair loss. April and Natalie will discuss how Natalie’s mom empowered her to be aggressive if cancer is aggressive, turning points, finding your light, being a light, and inspiring light. More about Natalie and Scarves for Healing: https://www.instagram.com/scarvesforhealing/ (https://www.instagram.com/scarvesforhealing/) https://scarvesforhealing.com/collections/all (https://scarvesforhealing.com/collections/all) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) More about this episode’s sponsor Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/ (https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/)
Ann Camden was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 38. She then had a Stage IV recurrence at 45. Now at 51, she was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease - fluid of the brain, spine and many other organs. She is currently undergoing aggressive treatment. Ann is a mother of twin teenage girls and married to her college sweetheart, Jeff. In this episode, Ann reads her piece “Riding Shotgun” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2019 “Love & Intimacy” issue. Ann’s story is about riding shotgun as her husband drives but it’s so much more than that. There are celebrations and heartbreak, big questions, mundane errands, and through it all a beautiful soundtrack. April and Ann discuss grieving, how Ann talked with her husband about her cancer, the writing process of using memories anchored in sensory detail like music, and legacy writing. Ann’s essay is included in Wildfire’s upcoming book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor.” More about Ann: https://www.instagram.com/anncamdennc/ (https://www.instagram.com/anncamdennc/) Ann’s blog: https://down-not-out.com/ (https://down-not-out.com) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) More about this episode’s sponsor Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/ (https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/)
Note of warning for sensitive listeners, this episode touches on suicidal ideation. Jen Rozenbaum is a photographer and author who was diagnosed at 41 with Stage IIb hormone-positive lobular breast cancer. In this episode Jen reads her piece “The Search to Feel Alive” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. Jen tackles the hard subject of suicidal ideation, and the difference between being alive and feeling alive. How do you live your life once you are done with breast cancer treatment and declared No Evidence of Disease when the reality is it is an unrecognizable new life littered with the rubble of your pre-diagnosis existence? What if all you want to do is get in bed and never get out? What if you aren’t the badass cancer warrior people think you are? How do you cope when well-meaning outsiders say “at least you are alive” and “you should be celebrating” but you feel minimized and isolated from those comments? The breast cancer community is starting to talk more about mental health, anxiety, and depression - but not so much about suicidal ideation. April will talk more with Jen about survivor’s guilt, and the turning points to find help. More about Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenrozenbaum/ (https://www.instagram.com/jenrozenbaum/) https://jenrozenbaum.com/ (https://jenrozenbaum.com) Jen’s podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/66z9UYVr7oYRMXpNIihhMz (https://open.spotify.com/show/66z9UYVr7oYRMXpNIihhMz) Jen’s book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-f-ck-just-happened-a-survivors-guide-to-life-after-breast-cancer-jen-rozenbaum/1138492714 (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-f-ck-just-happened-a-survivors-guide-to-life-after-breast-cancer-jen-rozenbaum/1138492714) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) More about this episode’s sponsor Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/ (https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/)
Tracy Cushing had been practicing emergency medicine for 19 years and then one day that shifted and she became a cancer patient. In this episode, Tracy reads her piece “What My Medical File Won’t Tell You” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. Tracy was diagnosed at 45 with Stage 2 lobular breast cancer. This is the story of one woman taking back her medical file to fill in the gaps, all the while asking how, as she dons the title of survivor, she can keep her identity as an athlete, too. Tracy also talks with April about being lobular in a ductal focused treatment world, and her advocacy in the lobular breast cancer arena. More about Tracy: https://www.instagram.com/tracycrushescancer/ (https://www.instagram.com/tracycrushescancer/) and https://www.instagram.com/vegandoctormom/ (https://www.instagram.com/vegandoctormom/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) More about Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance: https://lobularbreastcancer.org/ (https://lobularbreastcancer.org) More about SheStrong: https://shestronginc.com/ (https://shestronginc.com)
Whitney was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice – the first time at 30 and then again at 32. While her diagnosis of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome provided the hint to a cancer mystery, it also gave Whitney a built-in support system because the gene ran in her family. In this episode, Whitney reads from her piece “The Cancer Gene” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Family” issue. More about Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/boobiequeenchronicles/ (https://www.instagram.com/boobiequeenchronicles/) More about The Boobie Queen Company: https://www.boobiecrowns.com/ (https://www.boobiecrowns.com) and https://www.facebook.com/boobiequeenchronicles (https://www.facebook.com/boobiequeenchronicles) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Tamira Jubber was 29 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her story is one about finding meaning in life experiences that spanned from a childhood in Zimbabwe to a sudden departure to the US, and then to a breast cancer diagnosis that ran parallel to her sister donating a kidney to a stranger. This is the story of one woman asking why her life path has led where it has, and discovering some answers along the way through the help of a few decades’ view and some unexpected twists that led to chance encounters. In this episode, Tamira reads her piece “‘Linda: My Tamoxifen Tester‘” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue. More about Tamira: https://www.instagram.com/meandher2neu/ (https://www.instagram.com/meandher2neu/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. Other resources mentioned in this episode include: https://www.baysnet.org/ (https://www.baysnet.org) https://onestopcbdbusiness.com/ (https://onestopcbdbusiness.com)
Megan-Claire Chase was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at 39 after watching her mother go through her own cancer. Her mom was still very much in need of caregiving when Megan was diagnosed and this led to some hard truths about being a daughter and a caregiver to a parent. What do you do when you need love and nurturing while at the same time being that for a parent? In this episode, Megan reads her piece “‘When Cancer Worlds Collide‘” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “Caregivers” issue. More about Megan-Claire: https://www.instagram.com/warriormegsie/ (https://www.instagram.com/warriormegsie/) https://twitter.com/warriormegsie (https://twitter.com/warriormegsie) https://warriormegsie.com/ (https://warriormegsie.com) https://blogs.webmd.com/breast-cancer/megan-claire-chase (https://blogs.webmd.com/breast-cancer/megan-claire-chase) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop)
Sondra Price was diagnosed at 20, 24, and 28 with malignant phyllodes tumors that led to two lumpectomies, a bilateral mastectomy, implant reconstruction, and an explant to flat closure. She found her way to flat closure on her chest the long way around, and because of that, she’s now a fierce advocate for others to truly know what their breast surgery options are. Because the truth is, if you don’t know your options, you don’t really have any. Sondra is the President of a non-profit organization called Flat Closure Now, and the co-founder of the website BS Breast Cancer. In this episode, Sondra reads her piece “The Road to Advocacy” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Changemakers” issue. More about Sondra: https://www.instagram.com/sondrarprice/ (https://www.instagram.com/sondrarprice/). Flat Closure NOW https://www.instagram.com/flatclosurenow/ (https://www.instagram.com/flatclosurenow/) BS Breast Cancer https://twitter.com/bsbreastcancer (https://twitter.com/bsbreastcancer) NowThis video featuring Melanie Testa and Sondra https://www.facebook.com/NowThisNews/posts/2905998266156945 (https://www.facebook.com/NowThisNews/posts/2905998266156945) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Denise Archer was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 45. She is a maker that has been sewing since she was 15 years old. Denise reads her piece “The Uneven Thread of Synchronicity” from the 2020 “Survivorship” issue of Wildfire Magazine. This is the story of a woman using hobbies as a lifeline to carry us through survivorship. Her story is about works in progress: the sewing in your hand, stitching your story into the fabric of your family story, of generations of women holding needle and thread, and also the work in progress that is your body after a cancer diagnosis. More about Denise https://www.instagram.com/h.o.m.u.n.c.u.l.u.s/ (https://www.instagram.com/h.o.m.u.n.c.u.l.u.s/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Our guest today is Meaghan Calcari Campbell from San Francisco who was diagnosed at 32 with Stage 2 Triple Positive breast cancer. She is reading a piece she wrote titled “Dear One” from the 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue of Wildfire Magazine. It is a story about a life transformed by what cancer took away. It is our first about another path to motherhood. A circuitous path that began in not wanting it and ended in needing a community to make it happen. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Meaghan: https://www.instagram.com/calcarious/ (https://www.instagram.com/calcarious/). More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://www.baysnet.org/ (https://www.baysnet.org).
Today we are going to hear a piece about legacy - breast cancer as legacy, storytelling as legacy. Whether it is a gift received or a gift given, something passed knowingly or subconsciously. The power of storytelling as legacy is important for the teller and the recipient. Our guest is Lisa Laudico, reading her piece “Legacy” from the 2020 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine. In the summer of 2017, Lisa became the 4th generation in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer but the only one to be diagnosed at Stage IV de novo. Lisa lives with her family in Connecticut. She is the creator of Our MBC Life Podcast. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Our MBC Life: https://www.ourmbclife.org/about (https://www.ourmbclife.org/about). More about SHARE Cancer Support: https://www.sharecancersupport.org/ (https://www.sharecancersupport.org).
Our guest today is Jessica Lynne who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. After she was diagnosed, she learned certain thoughts and patterns no longer served her. She grew up with a strong family story of independence. An independence worn like armor to protect against life’s bumps and bangs. That is until one day she learned it was the one thing hurting her more than anything else. When she reached out for support during her treatment, she became amazed and grateful. Today, Jessica is here to read her piece “I Was Alone Until Wasn’t” that appears in Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Community” issue. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Jessica Lynne: https://www.instagram.com/mommajfox/ (https://www.instagram.com/mommajfox/).
Our guest today is Tova Wolking, an attorney from Oakland, California. She is reading her piece “Swim” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue. In the wake of Tova’s mom passing away, breast cancer took root in her body. She was diagnosed with stage 3, hormone positive breast cancer at age 43. She also discovered she was positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation. This is the story of one woman asking how to find the key to unlocking her own grief about her breast cancer when her mother took so many of those answers with her when she died. Note of warning for sensitive listeners, this episode touches upon loss and suicide. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Bay Area Young Survivors at https://www.baysnet.org (https://www.baysnet.org).
In this episode, our guest Dana Donofree reads her piece “10 Years Learning to Love a New Body” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Body” issue. Some of the hardest aspects of being diagnosed with breast cancer come long after chemo, surgeries, or radiation. For many, the trauma of what was just endured begins to affect our mental health profoundly and needs to be talked about more - like the long term effects of needing to take back the body. Our guest today is Dana Donofree who was diagnosed with stage I, HER2+ breast cancer at 27. A decade later she represents those walking around with both mental and physical side-effects. In that time, she has created a business to help others address the difficulties she faced. She is the founder of the brand AnaOno Intimates based in Pennsylvania. This episode contains explicit language. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. Learn more about Dana and AnaOno: https://www.instagram.com/daynadono/ (https://www.instagram.com/daynadono/) https://www.anaono.com (https://www.anaono.com) https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/ (https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/) https://twitter.com/AnaOnoIntimates (https://twitter.com/AnaOnoIntimates) https://www.facebook.com/anaonointimates (https://www.facebook.com/anaonointimates)
Our guest today is Erica Fitch. Erica was 12 when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two decades later at 30, she was diagnosed with DCIS: stage 0, estrogen positive breast cancer when her own daughter was 2. She carries the BRCA2 mutation. Her story today is about growing up with intimate knowledge of illness and the parallels when you face it yourself. And how to write about deeply personal stories that have been sewn into the fabric of your identity. Erica is reading her piece “Memories in Color: Four Generations” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue, where she uses the structure of color to explore and write the hard stories in our lives. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Erica https://www.instagram.com/beeing_erica/ (https://www.instagram.com/beeing_erica/). Find more information about color symbolism here: https://www.writersdigest.com/prompts/the-color-of-ideas-color-associations-writing-prompt
Today’s guest is Stefanie LeJeunesse, who was diagnosed at 39 with stage IV lobular metastatic breast cancer. She is reading her piece titled “My Jiminy Cricket” from Wildfire Magazine’s April/May 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. It is a story that is on the one hand a eulogy and on the other hand asks some pretty big questions about the cancer experience. Experience with cancer friendships, talking about death, writing eulogies to honor the ones we lose, and the need to make space to really acknowledge that being in the breast cancer community means facing loss. We are going to hear a story about cancer friends - the ones that walked the cancer path before us, and sometimes forge on into death before us as well. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Stefanie and Cancer for Breakfast at: https://www.cancerforbreakfast.com/ (https://www.cancerforbreakfast.com/) https://www.instagram.com/cancerforbreakfast/ (https://www.instagram.com/cancerforbreakfast/) Twitter https://twitter.com/cancerbreakfast?s=20 (https://twitter.com/cancerbreakfast?s=20) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/359505152218690/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/359505152218690/). Cancer for Breakfast Facebook group for caregivers https://www.facebook.com/groups/447845883434998/ (https:/www.facebook.com/groups/447845883434998/).
Today’s guest is Stephanie Kinkel reading her piece from Wildfire Magazine’s February 2021 issue called “Bay Area Young Survivors.” Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. She carries the gene mutation ATM. Stephanie and her sister were quite young when they lost their parents to cancer. Thus, Stephanie says, she was not altogether surprised to discover her own lumps or the genetic predisposition. Her piece is called “Permanent.” It’s about losing your hair to chemo; but, it’s never “just hair.” Today’s story is about a relationship between a mother and a daughter, and about loss - of identity, of hair, of a mom. And it’s about the discovery of a new identity and those astonishing chemo curls. More on Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/skinkelstudios/ (https://www.instagram.com/skinkelstudios/) and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.kinkel.3 (https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.kinkel.3). More about Bay Area Young Survivors at http://www.baysnet.org/ (http://www.baysnet.org/). More about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/. Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Today’s guest is Nikki Leigh Mckean from Canada. The piece she is reading is titled “I’ll Meet You in the Field'' from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 issue “Identity & Aftermath.” Nikki was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 34. A second cancer diagnosis came two years later - stage II breast cancer. Nikki describes what it means to throw out the “Cancer Binder'', to become fully the hero of her own story, and to use inspiring words of others to feel whole. She purged her mind and physical space of the things that no longer served her in a post-cancer world. In the wake of this purge, she is now widly free and living a life where the main experience is love in a world of endless possibility. She’ll also talk about the difficult role of the caregiver to just be present and bear witness while the person they love is going through cancer. More about Nikki: https://www.nikkimagic.com/ (https://www.nikkimagic.com/) and https://www.instagram.com/nikkileighmckean/ (https://www.instagram.com/nikkileighmckean/). More about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. More about Rethink Breast Cancer at https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/ (https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/).
Our guest today, Anna Crollman, was diagnosed at age 27 with stage II breast cancer. Anna writes beautifully about post-cancer depression in Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “Mental Health” issue. Anna found herself enveloped in depression following her breast cancer treatment. Having faced depression in her life before, she knew the warning signs, but that didn’t save her from having to go through a rough time. Fortunately for us she learned some things along the way that made recovery easier. While people who haven’t experienced cancer might think otherwise, the time following active treatment can be extremely challenging both physically and mentally. How do you feel safe again trying to live in the aftermath? More about Anna: https://www.instagram.com/mycancerchic/ (https://www.instagram.com/mycancerchic/) and https://www.mycancerchic.com (https://www.mycancerchic.com). More about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Today, Tracy Ward joins us from the United Kingdom to read a piece from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue. She was diagnosed at 36 with stage II hormone positive breast cancer. She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby. This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and does she have the strength to hang in for the waiting. More about Tracy: http://www.tracyleeward.com/ (http://www.tracyleeward.com/) and https://www.instagram.com/tracyleeward/ (https://www.instagram.com/tracyleeward/). More about Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
We all want to know where we belong, where our people are: where are the ones who understand us and accept us completely? Since her diagnosis at 34 and in the 20+ years she’s lived with metastatic breast cancer, Laurie Ratliff has navigated many communities within breast cancer, searching for others like herself. At last she found her place in the so-called pink sisterhood. When she found her home, she also found herself in the unexpected role of an advocate for a type of breast reconstruction called aesthetic flat closure. Learn more about Laurie on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@statisticaloddity? (https://www.tiktok.com/@statisticaloddity?) and https://www.instagram.com/statisticaloddity/ (https://www.instagram.com/statisticaloddity/). More about Wildfire Magazine at https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Today, Jasmine Souers is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s “Social” issue. We are going to hear about finding one’s place in the aftermath of being diagnosed young, when no one else you know has experienced what you have. How do you find others like you? Jasmine found her people at a breast cancer conference one weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. And from there began the work of helping others feel that they too belong. We hope today’s episode will inspire you to connect with the resources discussed, or to begin to form your own group. More about Jasmine at https://www.instagram.com/jazzythebcbaddie/ (https://www.instagram.com/jazzythebcbaddie/). More about Wildfire Magazine at https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://breastofus.com/ (https://breastofus.com/) https://www.youngsurvival.org/ (https://www.youngsurvival.org/) https://www.baysnet.org/ (https://www.baysnet.org/)
April wants to tell you a story from her own breast cancer survivorship. It’s a story that will shed light on why she focuses so much energy on the younger breast cancer community with her work with both Wildfire Magazine, her writing workshops, and this podcast. As always, she'll tie this together with a writing prompt at the end to help you use writing to heal your own story. Today, April shares a piece she wrote about what it’s like to be young and diagnosed, and finding your people. Additionally, here are a few resources designed specifically with younger breast cancer patients in mind: https://www.youngsurvival.org/ (https://www.youngsurvival.org/) https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/ (https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/) https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerportraitproject/ (https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerportraitproject/) https://www.breastcancerportraitproject.org (https://www.breastcancerportraitproject.org) https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
When Meghan Koziel was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was dating and knew she wanted a family someday. She was diagnosed at 26 with stage II, estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer. Like many women diagnosed in their childbearing years, Meghan underwent fertility preserving measures. There are few heartaches like the one of holding space in your heart for a child that hasn’t yet, or can’t, come. Fortunately, there are women like Meghan who have been able to go on and welcome children after diagnosis. Ultimately today’s story is about one woman asking if she can trust her body again, and wondering if she can find something joyful in a body that had become the source of so much heartbreak. Today, Meghan is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2018 “Parenting With Cancer” issue, “She Sparkles On: Pregnancy After Cancer.” Find Meghan online at https://shesparkleson.com/ (https://shesparkleson.com/) and https://www.instagram.com/meghankoziel/ (https://www.instagram.com/meghankoziel/). More about Wildfire Magazine at https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Kira Hodgson was diagnosed at 31 with Stage III, estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer. Kira writes about what happens when you are literally the only one in your friend group that has had to deal with something as serious as cancer. Kira came face to face with what this new reality looked like one day at Dolores Park in San Francisco. She asks, can we still be friends when I know the truth about how fragile life can be? Today, Kira is reading a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue, “A Fragile Invincibility.” More about Kira at https://kira-hodgson.medium.com/about (https://kira-hodgson.medium.com/about) and https://www.instagram.com/kirahodgson/ (https://www.instagram.com/kirahodgson/). More about Wildfire Magazine at https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Erin Weiss was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) following her very first mammogram at 42. She’s a mom and a psychotherapist and she’s been living with breast cancer since August 2019. Erin’s story takes us right to the day she received this devastating diagnosis, and shows us what it’s like to not only bear that weight on a very real, very day-to-day level, but also how to shift that weight to something more manageable. Erin’s story gives us the opportunity to develop empathy for one another, and for the metastatic breast cancer community. And for those not facing MBC, it also gives us a little bit of a road map should we ever find ourselves in Erin’s shoes. Erin’s story is one of hope - hope for her, and hope for us. Today, Erin is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue. More on Erin at https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/ (https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/) Learn more about Wildfire Magazine athttps://www.wildfirecommunity.org ( https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Kristen Carbone was young when her mother was diagnosed with the early-stage breast cancer that would eventually metastasize to her organs. At 31, in a step that allowed Kristen a measure of control, a step in healing her grief for her mother, she had a preventative bilateral mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer herself. In the process of this surgery, Kristen learned that her mother is with her now in the help she accepts from friends and family, and that moving on is not a betrayal to her mother. Today, Kristen is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Grief & Acceptance” issue. Learn more about Brilliantly at http://www.brilliantly.co (http://www.brilliantly.co), and http://www.instagram.com/brilliantly.co (http://www.instagram.com/brilliantly.co). Learn more about Wildfire Magazine at http://www.wildfirecommunity.org (http://www.wildfirecommunity.org). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Sara Olsher is intimately aware of how hard -- but also how necessary and ultimately rewarding -- talking to small kids about adult challenges affecting them can be. Sara believes facing mountains like a cancer diagnosis gives us a chance to show our kids how to handle the hard stuff head-on, with grace. Today, Sara is here to read a piece she wrote for Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 Changemaker issue, “Talking to Kids About Cancer.” More about Sara at http://www.mightyandbright.com (http://www.mightyandbright.com) and http://www.saraolsher.com (http://www.saraolsher.com). More about Wildfire Magazine at http://www.wildfirecommunity.org (http://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
When Katie Murray was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was surprised to discover that old traumas she thought she had dealt with were reawakened within her. She turned to writing to ground herself - quite literally on the gurney going into and emerging from surgery - and make sense of all she'd been through, prior to cancer, and then during her cancer treatment. Katie is reading for us today a story she wrote for the fifth annual (2021) Body issue of Wildfire Magazine, "Naked Narrative." Trigger warning: this episode includes a discussion of miscarriage. More about Katie https://www.instagram.com/1day_2019/ (https://www.instagram.com/1day_2019/). More about Wildfire Magazine http://www.wildfirecommunity.org (http://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.
Introducing The Burn, your weekly dose of transformative storytelling from the writers behind Wildfire Magazine. We are the ones "too young for breast cancer," but facing a life after diagnosis nonetheless. Hosted by the founder and editor-in-chief, April Stearns. April's belief is that telling your story can be the difference between a difficult cancer experience being traumatic and a difficult cancer experience being empowering. Each week we'll hear personal stories of how one woman is facing life after diagnosis and what lessons she's learning along the way. Come for the stories, leave inspired to put pen to paper and explore your own. Learn more about Wildfire Magazine and our writing community for young breast cancer survivors and fighters at http://www.wildfirecommunity.org (http://www.wildfirecommunity.org). Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/ (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org) Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops) Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop (https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop) Send your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org.