Becoming Resilient Podcast: Recent Episodes
Patricia Russell
I believe resilience is a muscle that you exercise, and it gets stretched through every challenge we face. Resilience is not something you attain overnight. It is a process. On this podcast you’ll hear personal experiences, and we’ll share encouragement to help you on your journey. When cancer showed up and shook my world I learned some lessons that have changed the way I see and live in this world. I was determined to bounce back, and I want that for you too. We’re in this thing together and together is better when becoming resilient.
Black women diagnosed with breast cancer have a 40% higher mortality rate than white women. Despite this fact, diagnostic and educational tools often overlook how breast cancer symptoms look and feel on dark skin.
In this episode I’ll share how a Canadian black woman is advocating for change to the age of breast cancer screening be lowered from age 50 to 40. You’re invited to join Love & Nudes on World Cancer Day and be one of the first people to experience The Stage Zero Collection – tactile breast cancers screening bras for Black women. They will be unveiling this new collection and have you join our movement through the signing of our change.org petition on https://www.change.org/Stage0Collection
Don’t forget to drop a note or email me at Becomingresilient@gmail.com. Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, subscribe, share and leave a review.
Welcome 2023! I don’t know what the year will bring but I know like every other year we will face challenges and there will be a lot of reasons for us to want to quit. Don’t get me wrong I’ve faced many moments when I’ve felt I’ve had enough but if you love and trust God I want to share three reasons you why you can’t give up. Face this year with faith! You’ll make it.
Don’t forget to drop a note or email me at Becomingresilient@gmail.com. Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like,subscribe, share and leave a review.
We all know how deeply personal, talking about one’s health concerns are. In this episode we continue to speak with my guest, my beloved husband, Wayne Russell. He is sharing some of his intimate challenges and I really hope you hear his heart. Again I ask you to share with another man regardless of his health status. Why? To encourage them to know that their emotional, mental and physical health are all integrated and they need to know that they can speak openly about their concerns, pain or frustrations without judgement. No one needs to struggle alone. The day this episode airs, November 14, 2022 a popular black male celebrity has passed. While we may never know how deep his pain was, it’s obvious it was overwhelming. So when I tell you mental health is extremely important and we need to check in each other, especially those who appear to be strong. We don’t have to know details but we can let them know we care. I’m deeply thankful for my husband sharing on this episode.
Thank you for listening and be sure to leave a comment or share the YouTube episode and subscribe. I appreciate you for listening in. Be encouraged.
Here are some links that may be of help if you need further information on this topic:
https://pcstoronto.ca/recently-diagnosed/truenth/ Prostate Cancer Support Toronto
https://pcstoronto.ca/ https://wellspring.ca/ Wellspring Cancer Support
Cancer does not have any respect for who you are or what time of life you’re in. It’s a disease and like other diseases it does not make an appointment to show up in your life. Such was the case for my guest on today’s broadcast my amazing husband Wayne Russell. Some of you know him as Rev. Wayne Russell. He is a husband, brother, father, friend, pastor, coach, counsellor and I could go on because he means so much to so many. He opens up to what ends up going in to a part 2. I have an ask of you. Would you share it, especially with someone who needs to hear from the perspective of another man if they have been diagnosed with this issue. Listen in and be sure to leave a comment or share the YouTube episode and subscribe. I appreciate you for listening in. Be encouraged.
Here are some links that may be of help if you need further information on this topic:
https://pcstoronto.ca/recently-diagnosed/truenth/ Prostate Cancer Support Toronto
https://pcstoronto.ca/ https://wellspring.ca/ Wellspring Cancer Support
Movember, a play on the month November where awareness is given to men’s health. This used to be a topic I skipped over but not as more and more family, friends and acquaintences have come face to face with health issues particularly around prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health challenges. In this episode we’re bringing awareness to what the prostate is and why we must talk about it, especially in my community where we are from African descent. Oh and by the way once again:” are more likely than White or Asian men to have a range of genetic changes that increase their risk of getting the disease.”
(https://ca.movember.com/story/why-black-men-are-at-higher-risk-of-prostate-cancer#)
So let’s educate ourselves and support our men! Don’t forget to drop a note or email me at Becomingresilient@gmail.com. Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, subscribe,share and leave a review.
October is recognized as breast cancer awareness month. While there are flag raising events (which I’ve been a part of), gala’s to fund raise and educational events many are asking after all this time is there no cure found yet? While there is no one size fits all cure or treatment please note that often scientific trials often arise that we can participate in. Did you know that many have helped to prolong people’s lives? Listen in on the conversation about how you might be part of finding the cure to breast cancer.
Don’t forget to drop a note or email me at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, subscribe,share and leave a review.
If you’ve heard it once it’s worth hearing again. Have you heard that before? Well here you go in this episode you’ll get 10 tips to help you cope on your journey through treatment. You can apply these to any challenge you’re going through adn if you have others please drop a note or email me at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, subscribe,share and leave a review.
I choose joy is what you will hear from my sisterfriend Shireen Spencer and on this episode I’m getting her perspective on how she navigated her cancer journey. The diagnosis may have the same title but our journey’s are different. Shireen chose to purpose her pain and as a result you can Listen to her new single at: https://apple.co/3zxNkXN or purchase and read one of her books with her most recent titled Prayers for you: 365 days of Heartfelt Prayers and Meditations https://word-alive-press-bookstore.myshopify.com/collections/shireen-spencer
Listen to her new single at: https://apple.co/3zxNkXN
Connect with Shireen at: https://connect3withshireen.com/
Don’t forget to leave a comment or drop us an email at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
I am a Foodie! That’s right, I have an international palette. Some flavours I enjoy more than others. That said, we know that everything is not beneficial to our ongoing health. So going through cancer treatment there are some things that are more beneficial for you such as water and others you should run from. In this conversation with Maggie Millwood, Holistic Nutritionist & Natural Health Educator we’ll get some insight on some of a better diet during and after cancer. Grab a notepad you’ll learn something I’m sure.
Maggie can be reached at Perfect Health Solutions, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Services
The YES, YOU CAN! Holistic Nutrition Cancer Specialist bringing hope to women seeking natural health solutions through diagnosis, recovery and remission.
Website: https://wwww.perfecthealthsolutions.ca
Phone: text or call 416-580-9909
IG: www.instagram.com/theperfectnutritionist
FB: www.facebook.com/theperfectnutritionist
YouTube: Maggie's Perfect Health Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChLXY_Js8mMrX_zX_RRcFPA
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiemillwood/
Don’t forget to leave a comment or drop us an email at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
NOTE: THIS IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. SPEAK WITH YOUR MD REGARDING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS THEY MAY HAVE.
We all know how important exercise is for our health on the regular but when going through cancer I’m going to suggest to you that it is an extra added benefit. Moving your body in dance, walking, stretching is part of your healing protocol that you don’t want to ignore. Let’s talk about 10 benefits of exercise during and after your treatment. There is no lmiit. Remember, consult with your doctor before doing any major hurdles but please move your body. You can thank me later.
Don’t forget to leave a comment or drop us an email at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
If you’ve ever been to the hospital and seen someone hooked up to a monitor you see the lines go up and down and hear a beep. While they may be sleeping or wake up off and on the machine tells the staff they are still breathing, and they are still here. Have you ever felt like you’re still breathing but you’re tired? I know discouragement can set in along the way so let’s talk about it. What do you do when you’re simply - tired? You C.A.R.E. cry, assess, remember and encourage.
Don’t forget to leave a comment or drop us an email at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
Relationships as most of us know don’t grow when things are only rosey. The marriage relationship is one that will definitely go through good times and bad. Well on this episode I’m sitting with my husband, Wayne as well as Vince and Anita Alexander we call them framily (friends/family) who we’ve known for 19 years. It’s a candid conversation and I feel there will be a part 2 down the road! It went too quickly.
The Alexanders are candid and transparent about getting used to the nuances of marriage, struggles with infertility, and life events. They are two of my favourite people because they shoot straight. You’ll have to let me know if you want to hear more from them so don’t forget to leave a comment or drop us an email at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
It is not unusual for many of us when diagnosed to think that we’ve done something to cause our situation to happen. When it comes to a cancer or health diagnosis we often ask this. I know I did. In this episode we’ll address this question and other myths that come with the questions of “why is this happening to me? Was it my fault?”. Does this sound familiar? Caution on who you listen to and what you read. Remember that everything that happens has the potential to help us become resilient so spend time doing what you enjoy and will bring you joy.
We would love to hear from you if you have questions or thoughts or even topic suggestions You can email us at Becomingresilient@gmail.com. Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
One of the lines in the hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus” states “take it to the Lord in prayer”. Can I tell you that prayer is a lifeline. God wants us to talk with and to Him. He doesn’t want us to replace Him with anyone else. It’s been proven that those who pray go through treatment and recover quicker than those who don’t. That’s some pretty powerful information right there. In this episode, we talk about the power of prayer A few scriptures I make mention of are as follows:
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Hebrews 11: 6 (NLT) And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Phillipians 4:4, 6 4 (NLT) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
(6) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
If prayer is not something you do, you can easily learn because it’s a conversation withGod. That’s it, but do remember that conversations involve talking and listening. Don’t forget listening and waiting are also involved in prayer. Don’t give up, but pray. As my Mom says “pray about everything!” Share this with at least 3 people and comment below.
We would love to hear from you if you have questions or thoughts or even topic suggestions You can email us at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
This thing called cancer is not a solo affair. Yes you may be the one experiencing this in your body but I’ll tell you - your family may not be feeling all but of the effects but they are part of your journey. If you’re married, your spouse is going to deal with their own feelings. So go easy on them. Extend patience and allow them to feel their feelings. I’ve got some suggestions:
Be patient - they don’t know what they don’t know
Allow them to process what’s happening - it really is not all about you!
Give them a chance to express their thoughts with you.
They may not always have the stamina to be warm and fuzzy
I’m speaking with my beloved husband, Wayne Russell and he’ll give you his perspective and what it felt like to be on the other side walking this journey. So sit back and lean in!
We would love to hear from you if you have questions or thoughts or even topic suggestions You can email us at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
We’ve all had bad hair days but for the person going through breast cancer it’s a whole different thing when you talk about a bad hair day. Most if not all people on any form of cancer treatment will experience one, two or months of this. Let’s talk about what that looks like but also maybe having another perspective on the whole “hair” thing.
Here are some companies you can check out for hair coverings you can purchase for yourself or a friend. If you know someone who is going through treatment these are great options.
Curl Story Co. (Canadian) https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/CurlStoryCo. on
Instagram: @Curlstoryco.
Cokanna (Canadian): https://cokanna.ca/
Instagram: @Cokannadesigns
Loza Tam (U.S.): https://lozatam.com/
Instagram: @loza_tam
We would love to hear from you if you have questions or thoughts or even topic suggestions You can email us at Becomingresilient@gmail.com.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
If you’re an athlete and you’ve been in a team sport, you understand what it’s like to have a good team. Teams have to work together for the end result which is to score and win. You can do that when everyone plays their role. When that team works together, you’re bound to win.
On this episode we talk about the importance of having a team around you while going through a cancer journey. Even if you yourself are not experiencing this you can learn the impact your presence can have on someone who is going through this.
Connect with people who
We would love to hear from you if you have questions or thoughts. You can email us at Becomingresilient@gmail.com. Your squad, your team really makes a difference on how you move through this so choose carefully.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
How much are you listening?
So many times, our body is speaking to us. It’s telling us something is happening, but we ignore the whispers. We’re moving so fast that we don’t take the time to clue in and check to see what is happening.
How often have you ignored an ache, pain or feeling? When should you go to your practitioner? You have one body. Are you hearing the signals. Are listening? How are you responding.
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
Welcome to the Becoming Resilient podcast where you’ll find encouragement, education and empowerment to keep moving forward whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or any other challenge. Everything that happens to you is not just for you so the lessons you learn should be shared. Your host, Pat Russell believes resilience is a muscle that is built from the lessons we learn. She will share thoughts learned along with guests to help you on this journey called life.
When facing a diagnosis, the way you push through begins in your mind.
Make the decision on how you are going to face this challenge. Some of the decision includes what we listen to and who we listen to. There are so many voices from friends and relatives to articles and celebrity experiences. Be mindful but determine out the gate to fight and win
Available on podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor) and YouTube channel (Patricia Russell). Like, Subscribe, Share and leave a review.
When you hear a diagnosis of cancer it can stir up a variety of thoughts and misconceptions. We’ll consider what it does not mean for you. You can be assured that it can be better than you think!
I believe resilience is a muscle that you exercise, and it gets stretched through every challenge we face. Resilience is not something you attain overnight. It is a process. On this podcast you’ll hear personal experiences, and we’ll share encouragement to help you on your journey. When cancer showed up and shook my world I learned some lessons that have changed the way I see and live in this world. I was determined to bounce back, and I want that for you too. We’re in this thing together and together is better when becoming resilient.