Best April Stearns Podcasts (2024)

1
A Reflection on Self Advocacy for Young Survivors 13:24

12h ago13:24

13:24

This is a very short recap of stirred thoughts and feelings after talking to Miriam last week about her amazing self advocacy as a young breast cancer survivor with complicated hormonal needs. Support my work by making a donation here: https://liberapay.com/abreastcancerdiary/ Links: The Facebook group for Flatties that I mentioned is here: https:/…

1
The Power of the Unsent Letter: Dear Spirit Baby with Tracy Ward 34:56

2h ago34:56

34:56

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. …

1
Young Breast Cancer Survivor and "Unicorn Breastie," Miriam Janove 42:11

6d ago42:11

42:11

My dear friend Miriam has a lot to say in this interview about work and breast cancer. She also makes a really good argument for getting a second opinion. Thank you for rating and reviewing the podcast! You can now watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/agbu6QjDiXs Support my work by making a donation here: https://liberapay.com/abreastcancerdiary/…

1
The Longest Goodbye with Mila Knight 37:12

3h ago37:12

37:12

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 musi…

1
Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett 28:25

9d ago28:25

28:25

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 p…

1
A Diary Entry Reflecting on TRAM Flap and Misappropriation of Blame 29:17

18d ago29:17

29:17

There are some terms to define from the last episode, but mainly I want to talk more about the idea of self blame and "I must have done something wrong" raised by Avena last week. This is a topic worth discussion. Support the podcast here: https://liberapay.com/abreastcancerdiary/ Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/agbu6QjDiXs Tran…

1
Finding My Breath Poem & Meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki 37:03

6d ago37:03

37:03

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 advoca…

1
Claim your Power, With Guest Avena Ward 43:42

9d ago43:42

43:42

My friend Avena had never told me her breast cancer story before this interview, so I'm hearing it fresh right along with you, and of course, her insights blew me away. Transcript: K: Today's guest is my friend, Avena Ward. She has been in my life just a short time, and she's been a writing partner to me, mostly online. We met each other through a …

1
The Least Terrible Option with Saroj Tharisayi (Explicit) 30:03

13d ago30:03

30:03

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 tre…

1
A Breast Cancer Terminology Primer 25:17

1M ago25:17

25:17

This week I've decided to define some terms that came up in my interview with April Stearns last Sunday, for the sake of those new to breast cancer culture. Hope this is useful to you! Transcript: Welcome back. Today, I'm going to be doing another one of my reflection episodes. This is going to be purely a reflection on the last episode. So if you …

1
Paper Aeroplane with Emma Jarrett 34:36

1M ago34:36

34:36

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 …

1
April Stearns - Telling Your Breast Cancer Story 49:15

23d ago49:15

49:15

The work that April does at Wildfire Magazine has been one of my biggest comforts in breast cancer recovery, because the stories told by her writers provide comfort and solidarity. I see April as an activist on many levels but mostly for the themes that she chooses for her magazine. Themes like "Body: A Changing Landscape" and "Fertility" and "Iden…

1
The Light Within the Darkness with Sally Joy Wolf 37:36

27d ago37:36

37:36

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 202…

1
Reflecting on Triple Negative and its Gray Areas 26:14

1M ago26:14

26:14

This is a follow up podcast episode to last week's in which I spoke to my friend Marquita Bass about her triple negative breast cancer diagnosis. I felt there was a little more to say on this subject before moving on. Links: In the podcast, I promised to provide resources in the show notes for learning more about personalized medicine in breast can…

1
Learning to Break Open with Julie Stonefelt 26:49

1M ago26:49

26:49

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…

1
Triple Negative, Double Tricky! with Guest Marquita Bass 39:34

1M ago39:34

39:34

This episode gets into some murky medical territory so it's important to note that your doctor is the only expert on whether chemo is for you. Personalized cancer treatment is still being tested in clinical trials at this time, but Marquita is one example among triple negative (TNBC) early stage breast cancer patients who might have taken chemo and…

1
Erin go Braugh with Gretchen Stelter (Explicit) 45:59

1M ago45:59

45:59

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 breas…

1
A Breast Cancer Diary Reflection on Flat Denial 11:32

1M ago11:32

11:32

Today I'm reflecting on how far I've come since my first mastectomy--the one in which I was denied flatness. Thanks for listening as I process my own anger and regret and allow them to officially become softer. Transcript: Welcome back. Today in episode three of the podcast, I just want to reflect a little bit on some of the themes that came out in…

1
"You Are Whole" with Image Activist Michaela Raes 21:58

2M ago21:58

21:58

Whether you're flat or reconstructed, if you've had a mastectomy you have scars on your chest, and the natural tendency for most of us is to hide them. What happens when we encounter someone who isn't as interested in hiding? For me, it's been magic each time a person shows a lack of shame to those around her, and that's all Michaela is doing with …

1
Meet Host Kathleen Moss 8:17

2M ago8:17

8:17

Thanks for checking out my new podcast! This episode is a super short intro to my story just in case you haven't heard it before. Thanks for listening! -Kathleen Episode One Transcript: [00:00:00] June 26, 2024. Dear diary, Wait.... Are you my diary? My name is Kathleen Moss. Welcome to my podcast. You may know me from my YouTube channels, "Etrogen…

1
Going At It Not So Alone with Miranda Gonzales 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

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 …

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

2M 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

3M 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
A Breast Cancer Diary, Season One Trailer 3:08

3M ago3:08

3:08

Welcome to my new podcast. The release date for the first episode is June 30th. Subscribe now so that you can listen then! Recognize this voice? Kathleen's youtube page is called "Estrogen Diaries with Kathleen Moss" where you'll find about 75 videos that you can check out while you're waiting to hear the new podcast.…

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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

April Stearns Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide