Best April Stearns Podcasts (2024)

1
You Were There with Mardi Kaplan (Explicit) 33:18

1d ago33:18

33:18

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 ha…

1
Scan, Treat, Repeat with Cheri Henderson 32:07

8d ago32:07

32:07

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…

1
The Aftermath: Facing Lymphedema with Jaclyn Chung 32:09

15d ago32:09

32:09

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 treat…

1
Strange Bedfellows by Catherine Sumner (Explicit) 37:03

23d ago37:03

37:03

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 l…

1
Dating After a Mastectomy with Juni Bucher (Explicit) 37:16

29d ago37:16

37:16

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 …

1
Fearless by Kelley Franks 41:23

1M ago41:23

41:23

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 v…

1
Toplessness Transformed by Kathleen Moss (Explicit) 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

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. Kathl…

1
Why Not Me? With Sheryll Jalbuena 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

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 …

1
Lymphedema with Desi Maldonado 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

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 en…

1
I Thought All Love Was Off the Table with Chiara Riga 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

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 breas…

1
ITFW: Hair by Rebecca Hall 17:06

2M ago17:06

17:06

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 feat…

1
Reintroduction with Brittany Johnston 29:27

2M ago29:27

29:27

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 int…

1
ITFW: Just Hold Me with AnnMarie Giannino 10:09

3M ago10:09

10:09

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 feat…

1
We Can Do Hard Things with Deb Ontiveros (Explicit) 36:46

3M ago36:46

36:46

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 ” fro…

1
ITFW: Unbreakable Bonds: Lifelines for a Lifetime with Cathy Parker 12:48

3M ago12:48

12:48

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 feat…

1
I Want My Daughter to Know with Holly Taylor 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

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 diagnose…

1
ITFW: SOS with Vesna Zic-Côté 8:27

3M ago8:27

8:27

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 feat…

1
IT'S TIME TO GO (PART I) 28:42

3M ago28:42

28:42

It's so bittersweet that I share this podcast is coming to an end. The entire library of 120+ episodes will still be available anytime you want to listen, but I will not be creating new content, hosting new interviews or promoting the podcast after this. And to be clear, Facing Fear isn’t ending. Facing Fear is my umbrella of all my creative work l…

1
Ready for Love with Carrie Kreiswirth 47:10

3M ago47:10

47:10

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 punc…

1
ITFW: Fighting Pretty Again with Kara Frazier 10:46

3M ago10:46

10:46

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 feat…

1
Let the Mirror Shatter with Wang Shein 45:36

3M ago45:36

45:36

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 thri…

1
ITFW: Privilege with Christi Salcedo 8:44

4M ago8:44

8:44

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 feat…

1
Mermaid with Tara Coyote 30:38

4M ago30:38

30:38

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 …

1
ITFW: I Call Her Mother with Diana Mae Vega 9:11

4M ago9:11

9:11

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 feat…

1
PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY ROOKIES | RECALLING OUR FIRST EXPERIENCES WITH AMANDA HASENZAHL 4:18

4M ago4:18

4:18

Almost a year ago, Amanda and I signed up for a hippie dippie retreat in Joshua Tree, led by our friend and fearless leader, Emily Schromm. The weekend was themed around healing and we both needed exactly that at the time. When "plant medicine ceremony" popped up on the agenda, we were both nervous, but so excited to let go. Amanda and I share our …

1
Learning from Regrets with Tasha Carlson 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

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…

1
ITFW: The Lemonade Date with Danielle Thurston 8:48

4M ago8:48

8:48

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 feat…

1
My Body is a Changing Landscape with Anna Wassman-Cox 38:40

4M ago38:40

38:40

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 w…

1
ITFW: Love. At Last. with Leslie Martin 9:19

4M ago9:19

9:19

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 feat…

1
I Might Be in Love with All My Friends with Emily Rau (Explicit) 40:33

4M ago40:33

40:33

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 step…

1
ITFW: Heat Lightening with Emily Helck 10:03

5M ago10:03

10:03

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 feat…

1
EMILY SCHROMM | HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEART OPEN (Author, Entrepreneur, MTV's The Challenge Champion) 1:23:17

4M ago1:23:17

1:23:17

Emily Schromm is someone I first became aware of while watching one of my favorite shows, MTV's The Challenge. From reality TV to writing a book and owning multiple businesses at once, this episode will empower you to chase whatever dream you have. Emily and I talk about the healing retreat she held last year (including my first plant medicine cere…

1
18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz (Explicit) 36:53

5M ago36:53

36:53

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% Chan…

1
ITFW: Lice Doesn't Care if You Have Cancer with Melanie Masterson 6:07

5M ago6:07

6:07

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 feat…

1
Hair with Rebecca Hall 51:46

5M ago51:46

51:46

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 Re…

1
ITFW: Puberty in Purgatory at Thirty-One with Lauren Elise Oxenhandler 11:33

5M ago11:33

11:33

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 feat…

1
Listening to the Trees with Alyssa Tsagong 27:40

5M ago27:40

27:40

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 metasta…

1
ITFW: This is Cancer. with Meghan McCallum 12:40

5M ago12:40

12:40

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 feat…

1
WHY ART MATTERS WITH KEVIN SMOLA | MY BOOK'S ILLUSTRATOR & ART DIRECTOR (+ SOME OF THE VIRTUAL LAUNCH PARTY) 1:00:59

5M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

My book would not be possible without my co-creator and illustrator, Kevin Smola! He comes on the podcast to share his adventures as an artist from creating junk mail for a car dealership to becoming the Art Director at JD Finish Line. On the side, he's kept up his creative passion by starting The Smola Studio, a business where his creativity and c…

1
Traveling With Pets with Emma Jarrett 34:06

5M ago34:06

34:06

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 stand…

1
ITFW: Don't Call Me a Survivor with Brooke Perry 9:55

5M ago9:55

9:55

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 feat…

1
Fast Will Make Me Furious with Ann Camden (Explicit) 33:17

6M ago33:17

33:17

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 phy…

1
ITFW: A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss 18:10

6M ago18:10

18:10

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 feat…

1
10 Years Learning to Love a New Body with Dana Donofree (Explicit) 34:05

6M ago34:05

34:05

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 Maga…

1
ITFW: No. with Melanie Childers 7:48

6M ago7:48

7:48

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 feat…

1
THE PROCESS: BTS, FAQ'S AND THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I LEARNED FROM WRITING A BOOK 52:07

6M ago52:07

52:07

As we approach the launch date of my FIRST BOOK (!!!!), I wanted to take some time and talk about the process, some behind the scenes on how it came to be and answer some FAQ’s. I also elaborate on the biggest lesson I've learned while making this project come to life, imperfect art > no art. Who can relate? I’m so excited and so honored to see thi…

1
Slideshow: Writing Stories in Scenes with Kelley Franks 39:59

6M ago39:59

39:59

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. Kel…

1
ITFW: Living in the In Between with Amy Schnitzler 9:02

6M ago9:02

9:02

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 feat…

1
BURN IT ALL DOWN WITH APRIL JOHNSON STEARNS | MAGAZINE FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR 1:07:06

6M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Buckle in this for one… April and I talk about surviving breast cancer and how we’ve both watched our lives burn down around us, and why we’re better for it. Through our conversation, April leaves my jaw on the floor and it turns out we have more in common than cancer. OH AND SURPRISE… I’m a published author in the Wildfire Magazine! April created …

1
Surviving to Thriving After Breast Cancer with Anne Ferrier Crook 39:16

6M ago39:16

39:16

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…

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April Stearns Podcasts

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