Candidly with Carolyn

Carolyn Van

All of us are affected by The Big C, or will be. CwC is a collection of candid conversations amongst those who have, as well as those contributing to better Cancer Futures - recorded for you to eavesdrop in on. Listeners can expect honest and in-the-moment real-talk, an array of human perspectives and exploration on topics that aren't being discussed enough amongst friends, family members and in the public discord. Hosted by non-Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer survivor and your thrivership hypewoman, Carolyn V.

  1. It changed everything. The AMA cancerversary episode with Carolyn.

    APR 12

    It changed everything. The AMA cancerversary episode with Carolyn.

    You asked. She answers. Carolyn is happily passing the mic to others with CANDIDLY - guiding you through a variety of very human cancer-related experiences, and tackling your questions with guests. But some of you sneakily found a way to send in questions for her. She - finally - got around to answering them. Enjoy this personal reflection guided by what you wanted to know. For Carolyn, March 19th carries some weight. It's the day she was awoken in her hospital bed at Toronto General Hospital by a gentle nudge and the sight of the attending doctor and his posse of bright eyed bushy tailed residents staring down at her. Before she could rub her eyes and sit upright, she heard was "Blah bleh bleh bleh. Lymphoma Cancer". She was 28 years old, in her prime, and it was this very moment when her very active life was abruptly halted. * Cue tire screeching sound effect * 12 years and a great deal of intentional efforts to process and reflect - she likes to take a moment every year on the day to acknowledge the event that ended up changing everything for her. This year, she added answering your Ask Me Anything (AMA) questions to her 03/19 rituals. Well....that was the plan, at least. Ooops! (00:00)-An intro to this episode. (00:36)-Things didn't go according to plan. March was...a month. (01:39)-It's a remarkable thing. (02:19)-The complex relationship with hospitals (and University Health Network - UHN). (04:29)-Q: Have you processed everything? (06:17)-Q: What's the craziest thing someone said? (10:20)-Q: What did cancer change for you? (15:37)-Q: What's your favourite CwC interview? (19:15)-Q: What was the toughest part about being diagnosed with cancer? (24:42)-Q: Is there anything you would you have done differently? (29:22)-Q: How did you move on? (32:30)-Q: How would you have liked to be supported by those closest to you other than the platitude of "Get well soon" and "You got this!"? (36:45)-Q: How did sex and intimacy change for you? (39:10)-Thank you & Wrap up. -- What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    41 min
  2. I had to work out in my mind 'What does manhood & masculinity look like?' with Chris Ho, Testicular Cancer Survivor & Leadership Coach

    MAR 5

    I had to work out in my mind 'What does manhood & masculinity look like?' with Chris Ho, Testicular Cancer Survivor & Leadership Coach

    It was 2013 and Chris Ho was in his early-30s living a normal young professional life. It was an exciting time! And then….he was hit with testicular cancer. A profound story that includes some loss - including that of both of his testicles. It turns out, Chris gained far more and it's been life changing. Chris and Carolyn share parallels in their lives - and beyond being disrupted by The Big C while building out their lives in their young adulthood. From how this life event changed their inner wirings, a comfort with the topic of mortality, being a child of Vietnamese refugees who fled from their war-torn motherland with parents who survived what most of our worst nightmares are made of, and how cultural differences, influences and evolving generational values play a role in how they move through life today. You’ll get to learn about the moments leading up to Chris’ testicular diagnosis and surgeries, how being faced with what's often regarded as a 'gendered' cancer changed his relationship with masculinity, how this carries through in raising two boys, and how all of this might have contributed to some generational healing. We also address your submitted questions! We're happy to introduce you to Chris through this candid conversation! Go ahead and hit that play button.  (00:43)-Welcome to this convo & an intro to Chris. (04:10)-The beginning. "I had no health issues. Life was good" (05:00)-"I felt a little lump" (07:50)-"I actually didn't tell my fiance" (09:40)-"I didn't want to worry my parents" (10:30)-"If you keep this in there, you're going to die" (13:40)-Cancer shows up again. This time, in another way. (14:15)-Chris sees dad cry for the first time - ever. (17:00)-"We don't talk about death enough" (18:30)-Chris' wife has some big news to share. (20:20)-"It still gets me...all the time". Chris' sees dad cry for the second time. (21:10)-What's shared in final days. The courage it takes. (27:57)-Generational & cultural differences about manhood. (30:18)-Chris and his wife want to try for another kid but.... (32:25)-Mental Health as the biggest struggle. Without testicles what does manhood even look like? (36:10)-What we could do a better job with when it comes to Testicular Cancer. (42:15)-Fatherhood through their boyhood. (46:20)-Immigrant Parents vs. First Generation. (49:10)-How much do Chris' kids know about cancer and death? (52:05)-Question from Lillian. (59:10)-Question from Niraj. (1:05:35)-Question from Christoff. (1:09:50)-Question from Alexander. (1:15:40)-What about caregivers? -- Learn more about Chris Ho ⁠here⁠. We're thrilled to know that he is offering guidance to future leaders - or those who might want to level up their leadership skills - through his conscious leadership practice. What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    1h 19m
  3. The burden and impact is insane with Dr. Cedric Tremblay, Leader in Pediatric Hematological Diseases & Asst. Professor, Immunology

    2025-12-19

    The burden and impact is insane with Dr. Cedric Tremblay, Leader in Pediatric Hematological Diseases & Asst. Professor, Immunology

    A live on-location recording from Calgary, we welcome Dr. Cedric Tremblay on to the pod! Freshly after sharing the stage at a researcher's conference, Carolyn and Cedric plop down on a set of comfortable armchairs to chat about people with lived cancer experiences, the burden of childhood cancers, lessons learned as a once upon a time young-er researcher, leveraging cross-border 🇦🇺 citizenship and experience to fuel momentum in 🇨🇦 Canada, and what might be missing in evidence-based investigatory cancer research efforts. Aside from playing lead roles at ⁠CancerCare Manitoba⁠, ⁠Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)⁠, and ⁠Pediatric Research in Oncology in Manitoba: Innovation, Science, Excellence (PROMISE)⁠, Dr. Cedric Tremblay is fostering the next generation of immunology researchers through the ⁠University of Manitoba⁠ and is committed to incorporating PWLLE's (People With Lived and Living Experience) in his pediatric leukemia research. For those with lived experiences of childhood cancers, Dr. Tremblay's unwavering commitment might leave you feeling hopeful. For emerging scientists, Dr. Tremblay offers up some life advice that you'll want to consider. For his mentors, students and mentees - this might feel like a love letter to you. Enjoy this candid conversation with Dr. Cedric Tremblay! (01:20)-Welcome to our hangout! (07:19)-"There's no way we can do pediatric research centered in Canada" (09:09)-The burden of pediatric leukemia. (10:12)-Engaging PWLLE (People With Lived and Living Experience). (11:18)-Cedric's journey that led him to do what he does today. (15:20)-The importance of collaboration and cross-border experience and insight. (17:45)-Manitoba's superpower for longitudinal studies. (22:00)-Our Indigenous population is important and the data is missing. (23:25)-Some populations might be traumatized. (24:55)-It's a long-game. How Cedric keeps going on challenging days. (27:58)-Cedric reflects on his ECR experiences and lessons learned. (33:50)-ECR workshop sessions that stood out for Cedric. (35:57)-Indigenization in cancer research. (36:25)-What Cedric hopes to see more of in cancer research. (39:00)-Knocking down silos. (42:31)-Oysters & Farewells What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    45 min
  4. I was 28 years old. I didn't want to stop and talk about what was happening with Sam Megarry, Psychotherapist and Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Survivor

    2025-11-17

    I was 28 years old. I didn't want to stop and talk about what was happening with Sam Megarry, Psychotherapist and Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Survivor

    In 2019, Sam Megarry went to the hospital thinking that she had appendicitis. She had no idea what she was about to encounter around the bend - a Stage 3 colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome diagnosis. Her life was suddenly flipped upside down at 28 years old. Carolyn and Sam met in group therapy at Gilda's Club Toronto where a small crew of young adults in their 20s and 30s at different stages and phases of their cancer experiences met on a regular basis. Even through some seriously frigid icy snow storms, they still met week-to-week. To some, it was the only time they felt truly heard, seen and understood in their every day lives. As Carolyn and Sam continued through their 30s - they went on to experience more life changes. A few years later, Carolyn reaches out to Sam to invite her on to the pod. They catch up and candidly chat about going from therapy icks to making it a career, how cancer might have impacted their relationship with change itself, questionable wellness narratives, cancer as depicted and perceived in Hollywood, and of course - they answer your questions! We're so pumped to hang out with you. Go ahead and hit that play button.  (01:23)- Welcome to this conversation & an intro to Sam Megarry (05:30)-Sam's first experience with going to therapy (07:10)-Wellness, working in it, and the industry (10:40)-Sam's relationship with therapy now (14:30)-Our relationship with change itself (17:00)-So...about that pandemic. How it was like from our seat in the house (22:40)-The challenges of finding the right therapist as a persons experiencing cancer (26:20)-When Sam encountered a therapist that was not the right fit (27:50)-A therapists' lived experiences with cancer (38:10)-Beyond the body. What about the rest of us? (41:47)-Question From Pareetah (45:41)-When they think you're being an alarmist (47:40)-Question From Madison (51:30)-Parenthood & genetic considerations (57:10)-Question from Gideon (59:35)-"But...you look and seem so healthy!" (1:00:45)-When Chadwick Boseman passed (1:07:57)-Question from Kim (1:08:51)-When they go in for a hug (1:11:27)-Question from Bree (1:11:47)-Cancer plots in film and tv (1:15:00)-Parting words from Sam __ Learn more about Sam Megarry ⁠here⁠. We’re thrilled to know that she's making her way through the professional psychotherapy world. What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    1h 16m
  5. I didn't want them to worry about losing their only parent with Aisha McClellan, Stage 4 Cervical Cancer Survivor & Patient Advocate

    2025-10-09

    I didn't want them to worry about losing their only parent with Aisha McClellan, Stage 4 Cervical Cancer Survivor & Patient Advocate

    We are back to our regular programming answering your questions survivor-on-survivor style - this time with Aisha McClellan! Aisha was diagnosed with cervical cancer just as she was about to turn 32 years old. Shortly after, she was told that she could have 3 months to live. Spoiler alert: years later, she joins us on the pod - and we'd love for you to meet her! Carolyn and Aisha met and hit it off while travelling for work. Months later, while back in Toronto - Carolyn had a touching and tearful encounter with a stranger. It inspired her to appreciate the lived experiences of parenthood through cancer and reach out to Aisha via voicenote to go there with all of you. Carolyn and Aisha catch up and get in to it. From how getting cancer as a young mother changed her approach and outlook on parenting, shifts in identity, what's missing from the conversation, and of course they answer your - super thoughtful, might we add - questions! Parent-to-Parent, Friend-to-Friend, Survivor-to-Survivor. Hypewoman-to-you! Hit that play button while you're whipping up some magic in the kitchen, doing a deep clean, on a drive or stroll, or during your night time wind down routine. Either way, come get cozy with us and hang out with Carolyn and Aisha. Enjoy! (01:55)- Welcome To This Conversation (02:35)-About Aisha McClellan and Her Diagnosis (05:55)-A New Normal For Aisha? (10:20)-How Cancer Might Have Shifted Aisha's Approach To Parenting (12:40)-"Are My Kids - Too - Dependant On Me?" I Want To Be There For Them While I'm Here (13:35)-Processing The Diagnosis While Offering Life Teachings To Her Kids (15:25)-That Profound Moment With Her Daughter That Catalyzed Some Shifts (17:30)-Kids Have Sophisticated Wiring (18:45)-What Might Have Better Prepared Aisha For This (21:50)-Why Aisha Took A Beat Before Doing Advocacy Work (23:50)-What's Missing From The Conversation (27:40)-Surprising & Standout Lessons Learned (31:10)-Question From Kent (42:00)-Question From Huma (54:40)-Question From Janelle (1:05:15)-Parting Message From Aisha -- Follow Aisha on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@aishatheadvocate What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    1h 9m
  6. It's the entire reason I'm still here with Katie Coleman, Software & AI Engineer & Rare Cancer Patient Advocate

    2025-08-25

    It's the entire reason I'm still here with Katie Coleman, Software & AI Engineer & Rare Cancer Patient Advocate

    Welcome to another special edition Live from AACR 2025 Chicago episode of Candidly with Carolyn! This time with Katie Coleman, software engineer, author of Too Young For Cancer and Rare Cancer Patient Advocate. Facing a cancer diagnosis especially as a young adult can be very lonely and isolating as it is. What happens when we are diagnosed with 1 of only 10 known stage 4 cases in the entire world - where information and resources are so limited? Carolyn and Katie find a nook at the conference convention centre to chit chat, try to ignore hearing nearby event staff getting sassy with one another, discuss how their cancer experiences and facing mortality might have inspired how they move through life today, advocacy post-the Apple Cider Vinegar Netflix series, building systems that empower patients and clinicians alike, and of course - share laughs along the way. Come hang out with us. Enjoy! Learn more about Katie Coleman's advocacy works at https://www.katiekickscancer.com/ and Contexlia at https://www.contexlia.com/ (01:08)-Welcome to this conversation! Come hang out with us. (04:04)-Advocates tend to have this fierceness - an observation from Dr. Emil Lou (07:00)-When advocate fierceness is nurtured by community (09:13)-What inspired Katie to build Contexlia? (11:50)-Advocates have a vested interest (12:20)-When Katie and others showed up for another patient (14:30)-Relentlessly moving the ball forward as advocates (15:26)-Advocates with lived cancer experiences make great builders of things (18:11)-You have stage 4, is there....a succession plan? (21:50)-The biggest post-cancer challenge for Katie (23:17)-The Apple Cider Vinegar Netflix series (24:50)-What can sometimes feel icky (27:17)-We're not - that - special. (27:42)-The approach to data information management for Contexlia (29:40)-The power of context and sentiment (31:35)-Creating solutions that stick (33:00)-A case for demonstrating what advocates know (33:40)-Challenges with keeping track of medical records (34:49)-"The Medical Assistant went from stressed to so excited" (37:40)-"I got dismissed a lot in the medical system" (38:50)-We have front and centre seats to breaks in the system (40:30)-When we can see the passion re-emerge from clinicians __ What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    46 min
  7. Unifying an entire country to tackle pressing issues with Dr. Fei-Fei Liu, Scientific Director at the Institute of Cancer Research

    2025-07-02

    Unifying an entire country to tackle pressing issues with Dr. Fei-Fei Liu, Scientific Director at the Institute of Cancer Research

    Live from Chicago, we've got another special edition instalment for you! This time, we welcome Dr. Fei-Fei Liu on to the pod. Aside from treating breast cancer patients at Princess Margaret Hospital and fostering the next generation of scientists and clinicians through the University of Toronto - she is setting the sails for Canada's investigative priorities as Scientific Director of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). While tens of thousands of American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting #AACR25 conference delegates excitedly move to and from meeting rooms, Carolyn and Dr. Liu find a place to sit down, take a breather and chat about both professional and personal life topics - and share some high-fives. Hit that play button and hang out with us as Carolyn and Dr. Liu delve into pressing issues surrounding cancer research, the increasing incidence of cancer - particularly among younger populations, and the importance of data. They go on to discuss collaborative efforts to acheive positive impact on public health, investing in mobilizing data intelligence, and how a framework for Canada might serve as a practical tool to support unified forward movement. For emerging clinicans and scientists listening, Dr. Liu leaves you with some solid life advice that you'll want to consider! (00:45)-Welcome To Our Hangout! (03:35)-From Fei-Fei to Dr. Liu (07:34)-Setting The Strategic Priorities For Canada (08:30)-Early Detection & Risk Reduction (10:04)-Improving Survivorship (11:26)-Data Strategy & Advanced Analytics (11:58)-A Unifying Framework For Canada (12:43)-Longitudinal Cohorts (13:20)-Environmental Data - And Stitching Together Data Sets (14:10)-Who Might Be In The Best Position to Lead This Framework? (14:50)-Health Data As A National Asset (15:18)-Who's At The Table From The Start? (16:31)-What Dr. Liu Is Looking To Learn More About (18:15)-But It's Not Just Cancer... (20:07)-Through The Rollercoasters, What keeps Dr. Liu Motivated? (21:05)-Reflecting On The Smoking Cessation Campaign (22:47)-The Perception Of Canadians (24:10)-The Advice Dr. Liu Would Offer Up To The Young(er) Fei-Fei (26:30)-High Fives! ______________________ Learn more about how progress in cancer control has led to a substantial number of cancer deaths avoided in Canada here Follow ICR on LinkedIn Find Dr. Liu on BlueSky What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    30 min
  8. I am not a cancer sufferer with Carmen Monge, Author & Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

    2025-06-06

    I am not a cancer sufferer with Carmen Monge, Author & Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

    Live from Chicago, join us for this special edition instalment of Candidly With Carolyn where we welcome Carmen Monge - Author, Researcher & Globe Trotting Cancer Patient Advocate on to the pod to hangout. They meet in the lobby of their hotel in Chicago and catch their breath after hurriedly getting ready from one conference event to another. Pour yourself a cup of your favourite coffee, hit that play button and hang out with Carolyn and Carmen as they walk-and-talk about accessibility in cancer care, biases and blindspots in research design, delivery and communication, ethnicity, reclaiming and authoring our identities and patient-informed language around cancer. (00:35)-Welcome To This Hangout! (05:00)-Accessibility of New Treatments. (06:34)-Collaboration. Let's Not Start From Scratch. (07:48)-Cultural Considerations. The Seemingly Little Things Make A Difference. (09:40)-Neurodiversity Is Often Overlooked. (11:40)-The Less Visible Human-Factors. (12:50)-Asia, Beyond India. (14:20)-Biases In Research Leadership And Design. (14:50)-I Grew Up Thinking I Was White. How Racism and Imperialism Can Impact Identity. (16:35)-Admiring the LGBTQIA Community. (21:10)-Who Authored? Who Got To Author? And Who Gets To, Moving Forward? (23:33)-Patients Informing & Authoring Cancer Communications. (25:10)-Are We Headed In The Right Direction? (26:45)-"They Lost The Battle To Cancer" is....ick. (29:40)-Can-Can And The Adventure of Ming Island. (30:50)-Lets Get Better At Facing And Talking About Cancer. ______________________ Learn more about Carmen's children's book Can-Can and The Adventure of Ming Island ⁠here⁠. What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠candidlythepod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ __ The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

    36 min
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About

All of us are affected by The Big C, or will be. CwC is a collection of candid conversations amongst those who have, as well as those contributing to better Cancer Futures - recorded for you to eavesdrop in on. Listeners can expect honest and in-the-moment real-talk, an array of human perspectives and exploration on topics that aren't being discussed enough amongst friends, family members and in the public discord. Hosted by non-Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer survivor and your thrivership hypewoman, Carolyn V.

Information

  • Creator
    Carolyn Van
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carolyn Van
  • Show Website
    Candidly with Carolyn