Shows
Test Those Breasts ®Ep. 98: From Fear to Facts: Taking Action Against Hidden Barriers w/ Dr. Cari CroghanSend us a textReal talk, no ribbons, no fluff. Dr. Cari Croghan and Jamie Vaughn dig into the tough barrier topics: fear, cultural dismissal, bias, the absurd hoops we must jump through just to access care, and cultural barriers. From breast changes to insurance denials, we’re done whispering about it. This one’s about knowing your body, trusting your gut, and refusing to be brushed off. Listen in and share it with someone who needs that nudge to speak up and push back, perhaps with a little help!
2025-10-0747 minTest Those Breasts ®Ep. 95 (Part 2): What Happens When The Treatment Ends But The Journey Doesn't?Send us a textJamie and Luan Lawrenson-Woods explore the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare settings. They dive into personal experiences with cognitive challenges, identity shifts, and finding purpose after diagnosis.• Luan shares how her podcast "Rewritten Me" emerged from the information gap about reconstruction options in Australia• Both discuss experiencing "chemo brain" and cognitive difficulties post-treatment, including word-finding problems and anxiety• Trauma from diagnosis creates lasting PTSD symptoms that aren't always recognized by others who expect survivors to "get back to nor...
2025-08-2846 minTest Those Breasts ®Ep. 95 (Part 1): Boob Dimples & TV Angels: How a Chance Encounter Saved Luan Lawrenson-Wood's LifeSend us a textWhen Luan Lawrenson-Woods saw a raw TV interview about metastatic breast cancer, she had no idea it would save her life. At 46, she booked a mammogram she wouldn’t have been called for until 50—and learned she had an aggressive, rare lobular breast cancer. It had been silently growing, showing no lump and only a hidden dimple in her breast crease she never noticed.In this candid conversation, the award-winning Australian patient advocate shares her path from diagnosis in 2017 through chemo, mastectomy, radiotherapy, and DIEP flap reconstruction, to becoming a fierce voic...
2025-08-1437 minTest Those Breasts ®Ep. 94: Anna Crollman on Surviving, Thriving, and Fighting for Health Equity"Send us a text🗓️ Episode Summary: In this fiery and inspiring episode, host Jamie Vaughn welcomes Anna Crollman—10-year breast cancer survivor, founder of My Cancer Chic, national patient advocate, and cause marketing manager at Cake Body. Anna shares her personal journey from diagnosis at age 27 to becoming a force for healthcare equity and empowerment. The two dive deep into survivorship, relationship dynamics, fertility preservation, the politics of healthcare, and why knowing your breast cancer risk today could save your life tomorrow.💡 What You’ll Learn:Who Anna was bef...
2025-08-0446 minTest Those Breasts ®Ep. 93: From Face Down in the Grass to Changing State Law: Gail Menasco's RebellionSend us a textIn this powerful episode, Jamie sits down with Gail Menasco, a breast cancer survivor, insurance advocate, and founder of the BRA Society, to unpack how one woman’s relentless fight for access to care led to real legislative change.Gail shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed at 38 and navigating a broken insurance system that nearly denied her the muscle-sparing surgery she needed. Instead of giving up, she researched surgical options, challenged insurance denials, switched jobs for better coverage, and ultimately pushed through Senate Bill 1137 in Oregon to expand access to...
2025-07-261h 02Test Those Breasts ®Episode 69: Gail Menasco's Fight for Fair Healthcare & Personal Victory over CancerSend us a textImagine receiving a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 37. Gail Menasco, owner of "Menasco Consulting" and a fierce advocate for healthcare reform and health equity, shares her compelling journey from being an adventurous mom and business owner to navigating the shockwaves of a cancer diagnosis. Through her personal story, Gail underscores the critical importance of regular self-checks and the whirlwind that follows the initial discovery of a lump. She opens up about her mission to support others through the maze of information, insurance hurdles, and treatment decisions, offering invaluable insights...
2025-07-251h 03Test Those Breasts ®Episode 92: Harnessing Humor & Advocacy in the Face of Adversity w/ Andrea MouldingSend us a textBreast cancer is a challenging journey shaped by personal stories and community support. Breast cancer survivor, Andrea Moulding 's story illustrates the power of humor in coping with diagnosis and survivorship while creating awareness and connection through her creative projects.• Andrea shares her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment journey • Discussion on the importance of humor in survivorship • Role of community in healing and advocacy • Andrea's creative outlets: books and podcast (Stay On The Bus and Get It Off Your Chest...
2025-02-1549 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 91: Finding Strength & Community in Challenging Times w/ Kerry KellySend us a textKerry Kelly's journey from breast cancer diagnosis at age 29 through treatment to survivorship captures the essence of resilience and community support. She shares valuable insights on early detection, personal transformation, and the importance of connection during challenging times. • Kerry’s lump discovery during pregnancy • Transition from diagnosis to treatment • Coping strategies during isolation • Emotional toll of losing hair • Challenges faced post-treatment • Importance of community support and groups, such as Evoke Warriors and Cancer Community Clubhouse • Early detection as a key to survival • Kerry’s role in advocating f...
2025-02-0442 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 90: Integrative Healing and Personal Power with Crissy FlorioSend us a textThis episode focuses on empowerment through holistic healing in the face of breast cancer. Jamie Vaughn and Crissy Florio discuss personal journeys, the importance of preventative health, emotional recovery, and the role of community support, as well as the launch of Crissy's book, "For the Love of Jugs." • Emphasis on the importance of holistic healing • Discussion of preventative care before a breast cancer diagnosis • Importance of emotional and energetic healing during recovery • Role of yoga and personal practices in healing • Navigating support networks and community resources • Launch of Cri...
2025-01-3044 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 89: Sonja Zipser's Path from Struggle to Self-DiscoverySend us a textSonja Zipser's journey through breast cancer reveals how adversity can catalyze transformation and self-discovery. By embracing spiritual healing and self-love, she has emerged as a mentor, helping others navigate their healing paths. • Introduction to Sonja's story and background • Diagnosis of breast cancer and the importance of self-advocacy • Navigating metastatic cancer and personal loss • Emphasizing the power of self-love and holistic healing • Sonja's transition into a mentorship role for others • Encouragement for listeners to nurture their own healing journeyshttps://www.instagram.com/iamsonjazipser/http...
2025-01-2435 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 88: Discovering Personal Growth in the Face of Cancer with Spencer MooreSend us a textEmpowerment through education and self-advocacy takes center stage as Spencer Moore shares her breast cancer journey with Jamie Vaughn. By fostering community support and providing relatable resources, they emphasize the importance of knowledge in overcoming fear of breast cancer.• Spencer shares her personal story of early-stage breast cancer • Importance of educating oneself on breast health • Engaging in regular self-exams as a preventive measure • Discussion around genetic vs. environmental factors in breast cancer • Highlighting the Know Your Lemons initiative as a resource • Tips for finding c...
2025-01-1456 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 87: (Part 2) Amy Banocy & Jamie Vaughn's Lessons from 2024, Embracing Fearlessness & GrowthSend us a textThis Part 2 episode highlights the emotional complexities of surviving breast cancer and the importance of vulnerability and community support in healing. Jamie and Amy discuss personal growth, trauma, and the transformative power of self-care practices that contribute to a lasting recovery.• Discussing trauma's role in survivorship • The emotional impact of breast cancer and its treatment • Emphasizing the strength found in vulnerability • Community support as a healing mechanism • Lessons learned from writing a book about survivorship • Importance of self-care throughout life • Taking healing retreats for personal growth • Naviga...
2025-01-0737 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 86: (Part 1) Amy Banocy & Jamie Vaughn's Lessons from 2024, Embracing Fearlessness & GrowthSend us a textA heartfelt conversation unfolds as Jamie Vaughn and Amy Banocy discuss their lessons learned in 2024. The conversation connects to the complexities of breast cancer survivorship, focusing on fear, authenticity, and the importance of community. Their insights offer inspiration and connection for listeners, highlighting their journeys and shared lessons learned throughout the year. • Addressing fear as a part of the survivor experience • Importance of community support in healing journeys • The role of storytelling in reclaiming power • Finding authenticity after facing adversity • Embracing vulnerability to promote healing • Insights on...
2024-12-3130 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 85: Empowering Patients & Caregivers w/ Dr. Tiffany Troso: A New Era in Cancer CareSend us a textIn this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Tiffany Troso-Sandoval MD, a distinguished medical oncologist with a quarter-century of experience in women's cancers. Dr. Troso shares her insights from a recent breast cancer symposium, illuminating groundbreaking patient care and treatment strategy advancements. As she shares her journey from the clinic to her broader role in cancer advocacy through her company, Winning The Cancer Journey, Dr. Troso unveils some of her plans aimed at educating and empowering both patients and caregivers.We explore the complex world of...
2024-12-2452 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 84: Navigating Loss and Inspiring Change – Caren Roblin’s Mission After Her Mother’s PassingSend us a textAfter the heart-wrenching experience of losing her mother at a tender age, Caren Roblin, a passionate advocate for women's health, shares her poignant journey of navigating life before, during, and after her mother’s battle with breast cancer. Her story casts light on the enduring influence of maternal love and how profound loss can fuel a mission to educate others about the critical importance of early screenings and self-care, even without health insurance.We delve into personal reflections on how sudden loss during childhood shapes one's perspective on life an...
2024-12-1746 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 83: Transforming Personal Trials into Advocacy w/ Marilyn Getas-ByrneSend us a textMarilyn Getas Byrne, once a prominent television news anchor, unravels her compelling transition into a tireless breast cancer advocate. Her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40, while raising young children. This journey reshaped her career as she shifted from reporting headlines to crafting narratives that resonate with survivors and their support networks. Through her stories, she offers hope and resilience, showcasing the powerful connection she builds with others, including our serendipitous meeting through TikTok.Our conversation shines a light on the...
2024-12-1046 minTest Those Breasts ®Ep 82: Channeling Pain & Trauma Thru Acts of Self-Love & Building Brighter Connections w/ Gillian LichotaSend us a textWhen faced with the daunting challenge of a breast cancer diagnosis, who do you turn to for support? This episode features the remarkable journey of Gillian Lichota, the resilient founder and CEO of the iRise Above Foundation. As she recounts her personal battle with breast cancer that began during pregnancy and later recurred, Gillian shines a light on the profound impact of meaningful friendships and community support. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of nurturing connections, where self-love and compassion play pivotal roles in t...
2024-12-0349 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 81: A Journey of Strength & Advocacy: Lea Appleton's Breast Cancer Story at Age 29Send us a textCould you imagine facing a breast cancer diagnosis at just 29? My guest, Lea Appleton, did just that, transforming a harrowing experience into a powerful story of resilience and advocacy. Lea, an ICF professional certified coach and bestselling author, joins me to share her journey, from navigating the complexities of the healthcare system to advocating for herself when her concerns were overlooked. Her story shines a light on the critical role of intuition and persistence in health advocacy, particularly for young women confronting the unexpected.Lea's battle with breast cancer...
2024-11-2651 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 80: A Legacy of Love & Resilience: Nancy Kinnear's Daughter Savanah's Metastatic Breast Cancer StorySend us a textNancy Kinnear's powerful story of love and resilience takes us on a journey through the trials and triumphs of supporting her daughter Savanah in her six-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Nancy shares the unbreakable bond they formed and how Savanah’s strength and advocacy profoundly impacted everyone she touched. Listeners will discover how Nancy’s faith and the steadfast support of her husband continue to guide her through grief and into a purpose-driven life dedicated to honoring Savanah's legacy.Through Nancy's eyes, we explore the emotional and physical land...
2024-11-1944 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 79 - Encore: Breast Cancer Survivor, Dee Cloud's Insights on Health, Boundaries, & Reclaiming Life Post-CancerSend us a textThis is an "Encore" episode this week! Can you imagine seeing your breast cancer diagnosis not as a death sentence, but as a mere speed bump? That's exactly how Dee Cloud , our inspiring guest, approached her journey. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Dee shares how she transitioned from a fearful people pleaser to a confident advocate for living vibrantly after cancer. Her story is an empowering testament to resilience, highlighting her path through chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation while focusing on finding purpose and happiness amidst the chaos....
2024-11-1342 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 78: Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Care: Dr. Colleen O'Kelly Priddy's Passionate MissionSend us a textDr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, our esteemed guest with an impressive track record in breast surgical oncology, shares her passionate journey and mission to revolutionize breast cancer care at Renown in Reno, Nevada. With October designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. O'Kelly-Priddy enlightens us on the critical importance of screening mammograms and breast self-awareness. She also introduces the groundbreaking Conrad Breast Center, which promises comprehensive care with integrated surgical, medical, and imaging services, setting a new standard in the region.Navigating the complexities of post-cancer life...
2024-11-0551 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 77: Empowering Global Breast Health Education w/ Dr. Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont of Know Your Lemons FoundationSend us a textJoin me as I sit down with Dr. Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont , the remarkable founder of the Know Your Lemons Foundation, who has turned the world of breast health education on its head. With a unique approach using lemons as a metaphor, Dr. Beaumont breaks down barriers and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer symptoms and screenings. Her journey from a childhood on a potato farm in Idaho to creating a global movement is both inspiring and enlightening. Discover how personal loss fueled her passion to educate millions and why her...
2024-10-3058 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 76: A Journey of Empowerment and Resilience with Maureen StephensonSend us a textJoin me, as I sit down with the remarkable Maureen Stephenson , a certified nutrition health coach, inspiring breast cancer survivor, and advocate for holistic wellness through Crawl, Walk, Run Fitness. Maureen shares her powerful story of transformation from surviving an abusive relationship after immigrating from Jamaica to becoming a beacon of strength for women navigating menopause. She opens up about a pivotal moment when lifestyle changes, particularly in nutrition and exercise, provided relief from debilitating joint pain in her 40s. This journey not only renewed her own w...
2024-10-2233 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 75: From Healing to Helping: Claudia De Pasquale’s Inspiring StorySend us a textClaudia De Pasquale's remarkable journey from a healthcare marketing professional and mother of 3 to a breast cancer survivor and advocate is both inspiring and transformative. Claudia joins us to share her story of founding My Cancer Diaries, a blog that provides crucial support to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Through heartfelt reflections, Claudia sheds light on the emotional, mental, and spiritual facets of healing, offering gratitude for her two-year anniversary since diagnosis and discussing the profound impact of balancing motherhood with cancer treatment.The intricacies of...
2024-10-1545 minTest Those Breasts ®Episode 74: Redefining Post-Surgery Comfort: Leah Wyrick's Breakthrough Surgical Bra DesignSend us a textMeet Leah Wyrick, a trailblazing entrepreneur whose passion transformed personal adversity into an innovative solution for breast cancer survivors. Inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, Leah founded Three Strands Recovery Wear and designed the revolutionary Resilience Bra to address the unmet needs of post-surgical patients. This episode takes you on Leah's journey from high school student to a leader in the recovery garment industry, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing post-operative care through thoughtful design and collaboration with medical professionals.Discover how...
2024-10-0833 min