Episodes
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Shangrong Lee was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer at age 43 in 2017. Shangrong is a mother, wife and marathon runner. She is a Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, and a Young Advocate Alumni for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. In this episode, Shangrong reads her essay “The Story About My Body” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Shangrong’s piece is about receiving a cancer diagnosis that transports her back in time growing up Asian when she felt like her body wasn’t a safe space because she looked different from ridiculous American beauty standards. Then she found running, and found her way to feeling safe in her body again. April and Shangrong will discuss running as an enjoyable lifestyle, body comparisons, and accepting body betrayal. They will also talk about Shangrong’s advocacy work with For the Breast of Us and Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
More about Shangrong: https://www.instagram.com/shangrongs.vibes/
More about our episode sponsor:
Less Radical Podcast
https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mMdQpSdVr9kKSGXTfYLmo
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.breastofus.com/
https://www.lbbc.org/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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Hannah Haworth was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, and she carries both the Check2 and ATM genetic mutations. Hannah is an author of teen fiction and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. In this episode, Hannah reads her essay “The Deformed Woman” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Hannah’s piece is about attending a support meeting only to hear a woman raging about the changes to her body and realizing she is not angry about her similar body, but rather, feels transformed. April and Hannah will discuss Hannah’s experience of writing her usual fiction books versus cancer memoir, embracing the privilege of aging, and the road to finding a support group that resonates. Hannah will also share two of her favorite writing prompts.
More about Hannah:
https://www.instagram.com/hannahjayneauthor/
https://www.hannah-jayne.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHannahJayne
More about our episode sponsors:
Less Radical Podcast
https://pod.link/1767700499
https://cancerculture.substack.com/podcast
Resensation
https://www.resensation.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADC90IQsJbb48LEuw53Hoo9Fa3Pln&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Yy5BhD-ARIsAI0RbXbQpYzvDXACzT2cKM-g-ZJI6bN5bNUUr0TsWnPK8Mx5xGLxXpLFuMYaAotqEALw_wcBhttps://www.resensation.com
https://www.instagram.com/resensation?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://www.facebook.com/resensation/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
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Episodes manquant?
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This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little fall break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy some Halloween fun. Production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from January 2022 to reshare. Enjoy!
Megan-Claire Chase was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at 39 after watching her mother go through her own cancer. Her mom was still very much in need of caregiving when Megan was diagnosed and this led to some hard truths about being a daughter and a caregiver to a parent. What do you do when you need love and nurturing while at the same time being that for a parent? In this episode, Megan reads her piece "When Cancer Worlds Collide'" from Wildfire Magazine's 2018 "Caregivers" issue.
More about Megan-Claire: https://www.instagram.com/warriormegsie/
Get the “Caregivers” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-caregivers
Listen to more episodes centered on caregivers:
Well, Let’s Start a Podcast by Danielle Hernandez
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/958ded9e-a99d-4531-be9c-e9d459dc49a2/
I Call Her Mother by Diana Mae Vega
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aa086054-221d-4dce-96c5-bb28f4451138/
Let the Mirror Shatter by Wang Shein
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7fb3d4a9-b5d7-4a17-9d7e-419fab782f86/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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Psychotherapist Erin Weiss returns to The Burn for a third visit. Erin was diagnosed with Stage IV de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) following her first mammogram at age 42. She’s been living with MBC since August 2019. In this episode, she reads her essay “Barbershop Quartet” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Erin’s piece is about her experience of life’s traumas as told in four parts via haircuts that culminate with the cut that comes due to a cancer diagnosis. April and Erin will discuss Erin’s process for sharing different and varied stories from her breast cancer experience, and the writing that happens away from the keyboard. They will also talk about the loss of femininity hair loss evokes, realizing the trauma wrapped up in long hair, and the relationship between identity and living with MBC. This episode contains explicit language.
More about Erin: https://www.instagram.com/emweiss/
More about our episode sponsor AnaOno:
https://www.anaono.com/
https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/
Purchase the “Body” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body24
Listen to past episodes featuring Erin:
A Guest Room for MBC
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/
Feeling Good as Hell?
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0facf0f6-8529-4634-bd65-5bed0ce76546/
Listen to past episodes featuring AnaOno founder Dana Donofree:
10 Years Learning to Love a New Body
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2550ea8c-41b9-4314-9072-f612cf7394ba/
Chest Inclusivity
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/03ba8e52-d604-4937-91e4-689238b12bfe/
More episodes about hair:
Permanent: It Was Never Just About Hair with Stephanie Kinkel
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b7d01912-1bd1-47c4-9f2a-2c547ed328b9/
Hair with Rebecca Hall
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1a34adcc-dc65-439d-8c42-f6a9de3677dc/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire...
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Susan DiGregorio of Maine was diagnosed just days before her 38th birthday with Stage Ib hormone positive breast cancer. Susan is a mom, wife, volunteer and also works in real estate. In this episode, Susan reads her piece “The Hidden Struggle of Secondary Infertility” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Susan’s story is about the complexities surrounding her inability to have another child after cancer. April and Susan will discuss the roles pets play in cancer, finding acceptance with hormone therapy side effects, and the time and layers in recovering from cancer’s aftermath. They will also talk about the significance of connecting with others within the cancer community.
More about Susan:
https://www.instagram.com/suelaspada/
https://www.facebook.com/susan.laspada
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-digregorio-24495b25/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:
March 13 with Kate Rowbotham
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Mama with DeDe Drake
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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Lauren Tarpley of South Carolina returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer. Lauren is a mom, wife and third generation urban homesteader. In this episode, Lauren reads her piece “Lucy’s Long Journey” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Lauren’s inspirational story is about unexpected and amazing experiences surrounding her post-cancer miracle baby. April and Lauren will talk about the challenges of not being able to breastfeed, finding the lessons in your own story, and the books Lauren has written. They’ll also discuss Lauren’s plans for her recently purchased farm.
More about Lauren:
https://www.instagram.com/typeaguidetocancer/
https://www.instagram.com/thefarmacychs/
Listen to another episode featuring Lauren:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/105cd59d-202d-48aa-9567-a3d41ee28fc4/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
If you liked this episode, you might like this one too:
Pregnancy After Cancer with Meghan Koziel
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/459ec640-fd41-4ee9-8fe8-46feec0f758a/
Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:
March 13 with Kate Rowbotham
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Mama with DeDe Drake
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
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DeDe Drake of Michigan was a mother of a toddler when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 39. In this episode DeDe reads her essay “Mama” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. DeDe’s story is about being in the middle between parenting her young daughter and needing the loving support of her own mom - all under one roof. April and DeDe will talk about the transformation of DeDe’s relationship with her mom through cancer, the vulnerability in asking for and accepting help, and the ways people can be specifically proactive when showing up to support. They will also discuss the reckoning and grief in the aftermath of treatment.
More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 that was discovered during during gender affirming surgery. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, and the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.
More about Ash:https://www.instagram.com/transashtoning/
Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:
Slowing Down to Write One Moment with Dawn Amodeo https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f/
Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Queering Cancer https://queeringcancer.ca/
National LGBT Cancer Network https://cancer-network.org/
Rethink Breast Cancer https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/
Young Survival Coalition https://youngsurvival.org/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine:
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Julia D. Pereira is a psychologist and artist who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 32. In this episode Julia reads her essay “Asymmetry” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Julia writes beautifully about the theme of uncertainty. April and Julia will talk about magic caught in moments of uncertainty, finding strength in the unknown, and making important decisions with agency. They will also discuss finding a space to connect in breast cancer when you are queer.
More about Julia: https://magicofthewild.substack.com/
More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/
Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:
Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/
Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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Celebrate three years of The Burn by going behind the scenes with us! This one-hour episode is our anniversary special. The tables are turned once again on host April Stearns: production assistant Monica Haro takes the mic & asks April all the questions. April reflects on the unexpected truths found in the episodes from the past year. She’ll share what’s coming up for Wildfire and The Burn in the future and advise on writing your own story for both novice and returning writers.
This podcast emerged as an extension of Wildfire Magazine's storytelling, aiming to bring untold breast cancer stories to life through the voices of the writers themselves and allowing us to dig into the craft of memoir writing through the lens of breast cancer. We’ve learned our listeners have found value in the behind-the-scenes discussions and updates shared in our anniversary episodes. April believes firmly that writing and sharing stories can be a transformative process, offering healing, self-discovery, and connection with others. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning some perspectives on unexpected truths, tips on writing, and future plans for Wildfire and The Burn that you don’t want to miss! This episode contains explicit language, but like April always says, “Cancer is a salty business, and sometimes salty language is called for!”
More about April: https://www.instagram.com/i_heart_my_life/
More about Monica: https://www.instagram.com/monicawashere/
Listen to the past anniversary episodes:
Cancer’s Lesson (Part 1 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fb933a4d-5665-45a8-ab2d-b8326da87602/
Cancer’s Lesson (Part 2 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ed476337-f8e9-4eb2-b30e-51a61558839d/
Stories of Resilience and Healing - Reflecting on 100 Episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/882eb9c5-ec7e-48a3-85a8-95f408f8a802/
Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
More about Young Survivor Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/
More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/
Listen to past episode mentioned here:
Together We Are Thriving, Celebrating, and Reflecting with LaTonya Davis & Jayden Holmes
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c2b6cadc-ef03-4191-96c1-bb2ab2384e4f/
The Light Within the Darkness with Sally Joy Wolf
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d995ba03-7cef-4eac-982a-aafecf6c32fd/
Let the Mirror Shatter with Wang Shein
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Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Her story is about three generations of overlapping cancer. April and Kate will discuss understanding how love plays out in decision making, patient and caregiver experiences during the pandemic, and the intersection of work and cancer. They will also discuss the challenge of living with metastatic breast cancer and wondering about what comes next.
More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katerowb/
Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
More episodes from the MBC community:
A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/
I Thought All Love Was Off the Table with Chiara Riga
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fd4aedbd-0ac1-404c-aa92-1a8304034d56/
Inviting Conversations About Death with Kim Angell
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78dbe9bd-3198-47ff-a889-63c3b28d732e/
Legacy Writing with Lisa Laudico
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/44242953-1bd2-43e3-9d38-c3ef4722d3f0/
18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine:
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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. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II hormone positive breast cancer.
She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby. This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and does she have the strength to hang in for the waiting.
More about Tracy:
https://www.instagram.com/tracyleeward/
Purchase the 2020 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-family20
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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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 music for solace in hard times following her cancer diagnosis at 38. In that episode, Mila revealed she was working on recording a song that she was not yet ready to share. Now, Mila is ready to share her song, "The Longest Goodbye", in this episode. April and Mila will discuss the inspiration for her song, caregiver roles in cancer, and what pushed Mila to complete the song. They will also talk about Mila’s song writing process, what Mila has in the works, as well as fundraising and advocacy.
More about Mila: https://milaknight.com/
Listen to another episode featuring Mila: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e1f4464-7b93-48bb-8d2f-3362dcdd4e22
Purchase the 2021 “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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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 person. April and Stephanie talk about queer role models in breast cancer, visibility fatigue, and the various segments of allyship in Cancerland. They will also discuss the challenges of survivorship.
More about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/_the_radiatedlizard/
Listen to another episode featuring Stephanie: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5c2902ca-299f-4c83-a843-b0c88ba1b9de/
Purchase the “Queer in Cancerland” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
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More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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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 advocate, social psychologist, professor and yoga teacher diagnosed at 23. Justine reads her poem “Finding My Breath After Cancer" that was featured on our Instagram in March 2023. Her piece is about living with implants for 10 years and explanting to an aesthetic flat closure at 33 and reconnecting with her body. Justine will also guide a meditation she wrote “Observing Your Breath with Loving-Kindness.” April and Justine will discuss cultivating a richer path of healing after cancer, Justine’s journey to aesthetic flat closure, making decisions under pressure and survivorship. They will also discuss writing meditations and tips on starting a meditation practice.
More about Justine: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjus/
Read Justine’s poem published on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsShn0Oatj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submission
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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 treatment. April and Saroj will talk about where Saroj’s life is now since writing this essay three years ago, Saroj’s layered emotions surrounding cancer and her relationship with her mom, and DIEP flap surgery and belly buttons. They will also discuss survivorship, as well as what criteria drove Saroj’s decision making when there were not many options. This episode contains explicit language.
Purchase the “Bay Area Young Survivors” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-bays21
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Direct episode link: Episode URL for Captivate:
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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 parent her young children the way she is accustomed during her cancer treatment. April and Emma will talk about parenting and communicating differently with our children after a cancer diagnosis, the role of writing in parenting, and the minimization of being told your breasts have done their job when losing them. Emma will also share her advice on writing about cancer.
Connect with Emma:
https://www.instagram.com/emmajarrettwrites/
https://www.instagram.com/emmajbreastless/
https://emmajarrett.substack.com/
https://emmajarrett.ca/
Purchase the “Family” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24
Listen to another episode featuring Emma: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ef401f5e-553d-4fac-bb98-a646e3e5c42f
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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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 2023 “MBC: Lessons Learned” issue. It’s a piece about finding both joy and hope in uncertainty, and the silver linings that exist alongside the scars. April and Sally discuss being both incurable and hopeful, thriving while living with MBC for 6 years, and toxic positivity. They will also discuss post traumatic growth.
More about Sally Joy Wolf:
https://www.sallywolf.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sallyshoots/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-wolf-932139/
Strip Down Rise Up documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/80208242
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Purchase the 2023 "MBC: Lesson Learned" issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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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 State, and a co-founder of Wild Homestead Living. Today, Julie reads her piece “After Death Leaves Its Calling Card” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. It’s a piece about a cancer diagnosis meeting you exactly where you are on life’s path and folding into your existing life. Cancer and the loss of Julie’s best friend in an accident 20 years prior become interlinked. That earlier loss is deeply connected to the trauma cancer brings, and Julie finds a breakdown becomes a breakthrough. April and Julie discuss using writing to recenter, writing as a means to help those close to you understand you better, and finding joy in choosing yourself and realizing your dreams.
More about Julie and Wild Homestead Living: https://wildhomesteadliving.com
More about Wildfire: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
Purchase the 2022 "Cancer Culture" issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/printcc22
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
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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 breast cancer diagnosis. April and Gretchen will talk about updates in Gretchen’s life since her last visit, how traveling reoriented Gretchen to herself after cancer, solo travel tips, and being open with your breast cancer story - or not. They will also discuss tips on writing different pieces of your story. This episode contains explicit language.
Connect with Gretchen: https://www.instagram.com/editorstet/
Purchase the “Travel & Adventure” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/mbc23
Listen to another episode featuring Gretchen: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9d56eeba-ece9-44bf-87df-0a7caa7d48e1
If you liked this episode, you might like “Quebec Beckons” with Anita Saesing: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/20800b87-9c19-4a15-b7b3-20e06504c695
Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter
Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops
Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop
*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free
More about Wildfire Magazine:
https://www.wildfirecommunity.org
https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions
Direct episode link: Episode URL for Captivate:
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