Our BC Life podcast

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32:08

Did you know there’s an actual science to uncovering your hidden genius? It’s not about filling out a “dream job” worksheet—it’s about understanding how your brain is wired, identifying your natural aptitudes, and using them to thrive. This isn’t just a self-discovery exercise. It’s a game-changer for your career, your relationships, and how you show up in the world. Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison are redefining how we approach career discovery, proving that finding the right path isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about creating a life that aligns with who you actually are. ✅ Betsy Wills – Cofounder of YouScience, a groundbreaking psychometric assessment platform reshaping how we understand our talents. She’s also the Director of Marketing & Branding at Diversified Trust and a frequent lecturer at Vanderbilt University and NYU’s Stern School of Business. ✅ Alex Ellison – Founder of Throughline Guidance, a global college and career counseling practice. She’s a sought-after writer, speaker, and expert in college readiness and career development. ✅ Together, they co-authored Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents. Discovering your hidden genius isn’t just about career success—it’s about tapping into what makes you, you . Connect with Betsy & Alex: Website (Free Downloads): www.yourhiddengenius.com Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/your-hidden-genius-elizabeth-m-willsalexandra-ellison Related Podcast Episodes: How To Be You, But Better with Olga Khazan | 288 Finding Purpose Through Human Design with Emma Dunwoody | 228 195 / Finding (And Using) Your Voice with Amy Green Smith Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

Our BC Life

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Once you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, a million things run through your mind. One of the big things is how much you don’t know before getting caught in the cyclone of treatment with no time to process until you’ve entered the survivorship stage. This podcast will dive into the nitty-gritty of what you wish you knew then and what you know now. Listen to patients share their stories in digestible bites. Each episode will help you feel informed, hopeful, and less alone. From SHARE Cancer Support, This is Our BC Life.

28 episodes

Our BC Life

updated 17 days ago

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28 episodes

#Fitness #Medicine #Share

All episodes

Our BC Life

1
Bright Spot in the Darkness: Navigating Motherhood, Loss, and Cancer 47:40

17 days ago47:40

47:40

Guest Haley Pollack knows the deep impact of cancer — first as a daughter, then as a mother. After her mom died of breast cancer during her 20s, Haley faced her own colon cancer diagnosis at 37, just months after giving birth to her second daughter. In this heartfelt conversation, she opens up about navigating motherhood and cancer, the pain of stopping breastfeeding due to treatment, and the loneliness of not finding resources for young parents like her. Haley also shares how a connection with another young mom with cancer led to co-founding Bright Spot Network, a nonprofit that creates a safe space for young parents navigating cancer while raising small children, including those diagnosed during pregnancy. Haley reflects vulnerably on how her mother’s cancer experience shaped her own, the unexpected ways grief evolves, and the long journey to forgiving her younger self for how she coped during her mom’s illness. Together, we explore grief, legacy, and the importance of being gentle with our past selves. Learn more about Bright Spot Network here . Resources: Bright Spot Network…

Our BC Life

1
Restoring Confidence: A Beauty Expert’s Mission to Empower Breast Cancer Patients 39:48

6 weeks ago39:48

39:48

French-born beauty restoration expert Delphine Breyne knows firsthand the power of appearance in self-confidence. As the youngest of eight in a family with a strong history of breast cancer, she underwent genetic testing and remains vigilant about her health. Her deep personal connection to breast cancer fuels her passion for helping others feel like themselves again. Born with a condition that prevents eyebrow growth, Delphine understands what it’s like when people assume you’re sick or tired based on your appearance. This experience, combined with her extensive training across Europe and the U.S.—holding over 22 certifications—led her to develop a technique called Restoration through Micropigmentation, a natural-looking alternative to microblading. In this episode, Delphine shares that eyebrows are more than just facial features—they symbolize communication and expression. She discusses how beauty restoration can be a powerful tool for breast cancer patients during and after treatment, offering them a renewed sense of confidence and self-care. Resources: CEO and Founder of Delphine Eyebrow Couture and En Rose Paris Follow me on Instagram @delphineeyebrowcouture…

Our BC Life

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Part 2: The Emotional Impact of Misgendering, Finding Support, and Advocating for Inclusive Care in the Transgender Community 40:40

9 weeks ago40:40

40:40

Welcome back to Part II of our incredible conversation with Ash Davidson, a transmasculine nonbinary advocate who courageously shares their breast/chest cancer journey. In this episode, Ash opens up about the mental and emotional toll of navigating a cancer diagnosis while in the midst of their gender transition. We dive into the challenges they faced, including an experience about being misgendered at the oncologist's office—and the real impact and potential dangers this can cause. Ash doesn’t hold back as they share insights on how the healthcare system can become more inclusive and compassionate for the transgender community and all cancer patients. Ash also has a heartfelt and thought-provoking message specifically for the medical community. If you haven’t listened to Part I yet, be sure to check it out to get the full story.…

Our BC Life

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Part 1 – Wanting to Be Me: A Transgender Person’s Experience with an Unexpected Breast/Chest Cancer Diagnosis 32:28

11 weeks ago32:28

32:28

In this first episode of season three, I talked with Ash Davidson. I am presenting their story as a two-part series to fully explore their experience as a transmasculine non-binary person navigating breast/chest cancer. In Part One, Ash shares their journey of self-discovery, gender transition, and the challenges transgender individuals face in healthcare. The conversation delves into feelings of euphoria post-top surgery and their emotional upheaval after getting an unexpected invasive ductal (IDC) diagnosis a few weeks later. Stay tuned for Part Two which will be released on Thursday, January 30th.…

Our BC Life

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Season 02 E11 - 2024 Episode Highlights: Stories of Resilience, Advocacy, and Transformation 23:21

15 weeks ago23:21

23:21

Welcome to the wrap-up of season two of Our BC Life ! I can't believe we’ve already made it through another season. A huge thank-you to all our incredible guests for trusting me with their stories of survivorship, sharing their experiences to remind others they’re not alone. This special episode brings you highlights from all our previous episodes—offering a bird's-eye view into the diverse and complex world of early-stage breast cancer survivorship. Because as we know, it’s more than just pink—it’s our BC life.…

Our BC Life

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Looking Beyond the Ribbon to Tackle Financial Toxicity 40:43

19 weeks ago40:43

40:43

In 2013, Bobbie Menneg was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and had 15 positive lymph nodes removed, but fortunately, did not develop lymphedema. With a strong family history of breast and kidney cancer, she hesitated to pursue genetic testing—until a doctor encouraged her to take the step. After falling down the "Dr. Google" rabbit hole, she realized it wasn't what she needed. Confident in her medical team, she fully trusted that they were providing the best possible care. Her message? Advocate for yourself, build a care team you trust, and always come prepared with questions for your doctors. Recognizing that many patients needed financial support beyond medical expenses, she founded Beyond the Ribbon . The organization helps ease the burden by covering everyday bills, providing medical equipment, and offering gift cards for groceries, gas, etc. She’s seen the stress visibly lift from patients’ shoulders as they receive much-needed support.…

Our BC Life

1
Eating for Peace and Not Panic After Breast Cancer 45:42

23 weeks ago45:42

45:42

Our guest, Cathy Leman, MA, RD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a specialty in eating disorders and an invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) breast cancer survivor. At the time of her diagnosis, Cathy had just completed the Chicago Half-Marathon and felt at the peak of her health—she was a personal trainer in addition to being a dietitian. Cancer, especially breast cancer, was the last thing on her mind given her active, healthy lifestyle, making the diagnosis all the more shocking. After completing surgery and 20 rounds of radiation- her surgery didn't require a reconstruction option; it required skin grafting to "rebuild" the area from where the tumor was removed -Cathy felt compelled to combine her personal experience with breast cancer and her professional expertise as a dietitian to help others navigate life after breast cancer. She recognized the unique challenges survivors face, particularly when their cancer is hormone-driven, and this led her to create the Peaceful Plate program, designed specifically for breast cancer survivors looking to make lifestyle changes and adopt healthier eating habits. In our conversation, we also explore the key differences between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist, along with their distinct specialties and how they can complement each other in patient care. We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need. Thanks for listening!…

Our BC Life

1
When Breast Cancer No Longer Dominates Your Thoughts 36:12

28 weeks ago36:12

36:12

Imagine being just eight years old and seeing your mother disfigured from a Halstead radical mastectomy due to breast cancer because reconstruction wasn't an option back then. That was Deb Hackenberry’s first introduction to the harsh reality of breast cancer. Later in life, Deb would face her own diagnosis—very early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)—largely due to her family history. But it wasn’t just her family history. Environmental factors such as living near factories in New York and being close to the World Trade Center during 9/11 also potentially played a role in her diagnosis. Motivated by her passion for research and compassion for others, Deb dedicated 14 years to volunteering at SHARE Cancer Support, leading a support group for DCIS patients, and assisting callers on the breast cancer patient support line. She also shares insights into where she is now on her advocacy journey. We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need. Thanks for listening!…

Our BC Life

1
A Mother’s Breast Cancer Propels Daughter Into a Career in Genetics 39:23

33 weeks ago39:23

39:23

When a family member is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can impact the whole family. Our guest, Barbara Spears (Barb), understands this well. Her diagnosis of invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC) changed the course of her daughter Chrissy's career from pharmacy school to becoming a genetic counselor. Barb shares how her diagnosis took her by surprise and how the support of her husband Bill and daughter helped her through the surgeries and treatments. We also discuss the importance of participating in breast cancer research, having a trustworthy medical team, and how the experience strengthened her bond with her daughter. You may recall her daughter Chrissy Spears, who was also a guest on our show this season. You can listen to her episode from earlier this year titled "Her Mom’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis Changed Trajectory of Her Career" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, or any other podcast platform of your choice. We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need. Thanks for listening!…

Our BC Life

1
Turning Pain Into Purpose and Transformation After Breast Cancer 41:48

37 weeks ago41:48

41:48

We all have some shared breast cancer experiences, but everybody’s walk is different. Invasive ductal carcinoma (ILC) survivor Dr. Michele D. Clark, LMSW, has a breast cancer experience with so many unexpected twists and turns that it will have you on the edge of your seat to hear what happens next. She survived two massive strokes and then was diagnosed with breast cancer all before she was 40 years old. She had moments where she felt like her world was crumbling around her but soon realized it was actually falling into place. Listen to how she had to pause in her pain to pull out the passion and the purpose in her life that led to the creation of LIFT After Breast Cancer, LLC. We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need. Thanks for listening!…

Our BC Life

1
Gender-Affirming Care with Transgender Breast/Chest Cancer Survivor 31:33

41 weeks ago31:33

31:33

Breast/chest cancer can take away a lot, but it can also give a lot. Spencer Hayward, a transgender man and survivor of invasive ductal (IDC) breast cancer, shares his journey from diagnosis to experiencing surgical frustrations and what it is like to receive gender-affirming care. The weight that lifted after his double mastectomy was physical and Spencer shares an amazing moment where his nurse recognized him as a man. His life mottos are spreading joy, kindness, and grace to others. Spencer emphasized the importance of allowing individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community to live fully and authentically in their truth. The conversation turned philosophical as we discussed empathy and acknowledging one's struggles. In the words of Elton John, Spencer is still standing. We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need. Thanks for listening! MUSIC CREDIT: 'Harmony' Prod. by MetzMusic…

Our BC Life

1
The Importance of Storytelling and Patient/Doctor Relationship 41:34

46 weeks ago41:34

41:34

It is crucial to establish a strong partnership with your care team following a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, Doretha Burrell, a 17-year stage II invasive ductal carcinoma (ILC) survivor, emphasized the significance of the trust and rapport she built with her oncologist, which greatly contributed to her healing and participation in a clinical trial. She also shared a lighthearted anecdote about using the “cancer card” to get out of a speeding ticket. Doretha highlights the importance of sharing our stories because they bring hope to our loved ones and even strangers while helping to humanize us to our medical team. MUSIC CREDIT: 'Peace' - Prod. by MetzMusic…

Our BC Life

1
Shifting Expectations With Breast Cancer In Your 20s 46:32

49 weeks ago46:32

46:32

In your 20s and 30s, you may not have had many interactions with the healthcare system besides visiting a family member in the hospital. There exists a group of people called Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA), who are underrepresented when it comes to being diagnosed with a serious medical condition before the age of 40. Our guest, Kelsey Litwin, was diagnosed with stage IIIB triple-negative (TNBC) breast cancer and the BRCA1 mutation when she was only 24 years old. If it had not been for her family, especially her mom who is a TNBC survivor, she wouldn’t have known what to do next after she felt a lump. Kelsey shares her story to emphasize the importance of health literacy, finding community for healing, and the need for a discussion around fertility preservation. MUSIC CREDIT: "Rise" - Prod. by MetzMusic…

Our BC Life

1
Her Mom’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis Changed Trajectory of Her Career 43:08

1 year ago43:08

43:08

When someone in your family is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can affect the entire family. Our guest Chrissy Spears, knows this well because her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer her senior year of college. When she and her mother received genetic testing, she was impressed by their genetic counselor’s compassion and insight. It's interesting to learn how one experience can change the trajectory of someone's career. Chrissy had initially planned to attend pharmacy school after graduation but ended up becoming a genetic counselor instead. Today, she is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and a Certified Genetic Counselor at The Ohio State University, Division of Human Genetics. Some of the topics we discussed include the intricacies of genetic testing and counseling, dealing with situations where one does not know one's family history, and gender-affirming care and training, as well as the criteria used to determine if a patient is a good candidate for genetic counseling.…

Our BC Life

1
Navigating Breast Cancer - From What Was to What Is 42:04

1 year ago42:04