MORTAL AND STRONG - The Podcast Mortal And Strong

Another episode of Mortal And Strong and today's episode is full of poignant reflections with a touch of dark humour. The wonderful and bubbly soul that is Jeannie, sharing her story of a de novo diagnosis of breast cancer. 5 Years ago, whilst enjoying life, working, a mum and wife - Jeannie was diagnosed with breast cancer that had already metastasised to the bones. Jeannie was breast-aware as had a strong family history of cancer, but despite this her usual breast symptoms meant it was spotted late. Jeannie shares the turbulent ride of coming to terms with a secondary cancer diagnosis; "grieving for the life you're not going to have anymore" and the feeling of living on 'borrowed time' as Jeannie has now surpassed her 5 year target. Jeannie talks openly and real about what it's like to live with secondary cancer; having a double life, the immense benefits of having a community of friends in the secondary community but the lows that come with experiencing more funerals at a young age. Jeannie shares with hilarious spirit her idea of a funeral that would capture the essence of 'Jeannie'. The beauty of how Jeannie articulates that despite preferring not to have cancer, that she wouldn't want to change anything, the intensity with which she now lives and enjoys life to its fullest is something she is actually grateful for. A wonderful insight into a view of living with an incurable disease that can help so many others.
Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Using art & the power of voice to empower, support charities and change the narrative of social stigmatisation of disease.
Founded by Dr Liz Murray. Podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray & Laura Middleton-Hughes. Photography Sammy Weston. Thank you to Norfolk Bound for providing the venue to film this episode.
For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new episode of Mortal And Strong and another Voice to add to the 100 being interviewed this season. Tracy W - sharing, amongst many things, her experience with connective tissue disease, heart disease including Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and heart failure brought on by an inherited condition putting her at increased risk at a young age. Tracy is a wonderfully positive spirited person who despite having a battle that can resonate with so many - in being belittled for years and having to fight to get a diagnosis, has still managed to stay positive and continuing to do the things she loves. Her hilarious anecdotes and stories of finding comfort in adopting new pets after receiving difficult medical diagnosis will leave you feeling moved and warm hearted. This episode covers so many poignant topics - from the long journey of how autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Sjogrens can gradually takes its toll, to the scary realisation of having a family history that puts you into the world of heart disease at a young age. We talk a lot on the importance of being an advocate for yourself, listening to your body and finding joy in life whilst also being strong at managing your own health.
Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Using art & the power of voice to empower, support charities and change the narrative of social stigmatisation of disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray, this episode is presented by Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes. Photography by Sammy Weston.
For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of the Mortal And Strong podcast and in this episode we have the honour of sharing another amazing Voice - Laura B. Laura B is sharing the unique and rare story of being diagnosed with Addison's disease - a rare endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 people in the UK and is more common in women. Laura B was first diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, plummeting her into premature menopause in her early 30's. After suffering bizarre and life-halting symptoms she was finally diagnosed with Addison's. If left untreated this can be a life threatening disease and requires lifelong steroids in Laura's case. Laura shares some powerfully poignant messages as she has gone through the turbulent process of struggling to know her own body, fighting the stigma of disease and feeling 'broken'. But now, Laura is beginning to (in her own words) 'get her sparkle back'. There are some amazing insights into how the strength of mind and attitude to living with a life changing disease can help provide new focus in rebuilding your life after disease diagnosis. Thank you to Laura B for sharing with us and being Voice No. 12 of 100 in this campaign.
Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray, this is a year long project sharing 100 Voices of real stories through our podcast, in conjunction with an innovative photo series 'Scars of Gold' inspired by Kintsugi to celebrate the scars both seen and unseen, as well as artists from all over the country producing 100 artworks. This project aims to raise money for charity, provide messages of hope, empowerment and support whilst also addressing social stigmatisation of disease. The project launched in 2024 focusing on Women's Health but every two years aims to address other health inequality issues. Podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and breast cancer advocate Laura Middleton-Hughes present the 2024 series focusing on Women's Health with two episodes released every week leading up to International Women's Day 2025.
For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Voice No. 11 (of 100) - the beautifully witty and honest published author and food-blogger Jo (Joanna Weston). In this podcast episode Jo shares her honest story, with all the highs and lows overcoming anorexia as a teenager, the honest struggles of trying to conceive (including miscarriage), her experience of both an ideal birth followed by a traumatic birth and how postnatal depression can manifest as intense guilt. Jo's incredible journey and message shows how the determination to overcome mental health issues by facing them head on can lead to a healthier mindset. From being a teenager with an unhealthy relationship to food, Jo has now become a successful author of healthy recipes for children and how to adopt the right positive approach to teach children healthy relationships with food. This episode is full of real honest truths that very few people talk about - from how trying to conceive can become an overwhelming 'mission', to how that bond doesn't always come instantly when you give birth. There are equally some brilliantly funny moments and this captures Jo's positive mindset and how overcome life changing health issues through life doesn't define you, but in Jo's case has made her a successful author, blogger and app creator. Thank you to Jo for being part of the Mortal And Strong project.
Mortal And Strong was founded by Dr Liz Murray and is a UK project to empower humans with stories of strength and resilience through art. A national project applying the art of Kintsugi to human scars to instil hope and demonstrate strength through a powerful photographic series 'Scars of Gold'. With podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes who are leading the MAS project in 2024 to address Women's Health in a new and bold approach. Capturing the voices of 100 people who have experienced major health issues early on in life, combining this with 100 artworks to produce something major. In a bid to address social stigmatisation of disease, support and empower others on their own journey, and address gender inequalities in health. MAS 2024 is focusing on Women's Health with 2 podcasts released each week between International Women's Day 2024 and IWD 2025, the project will end with a National exhibition showcasing the voices, the Artwork and celebrating the cause. To learn more, or for support on any issues covered, please visit our website or social media handles @mortalandstrong.
For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another Mortal And Strong episode with Voice No. 10 (of 100) for the 2024 project focusing on Women's Health. Viv shares how very powerful and honest story of the true rollercoaster that women experience when getting a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer early on in life. Viv's secondary diagnosis was de novo, which means the cancer is already metastatic at presentation. Viv epitomises what Mortal and Strong is all about - when Viv initially received her diagnosis she began looking online for stories of hope, of other women living well with secondary cancer. Now she is here sharing her story of finally finding a way to live life well and enjoy her life. Viv talks to Liz and Laura about the warning signs of metastatic disease, the lesser spoken symptoms of menopause, and the stigma of looking well despite facing a daily battle of uncertainty. A lovely conversation between three women discussing exactly what it is to face your mortality at a young age, but still finding ways to live well. Thank you to Viv for sharing with us.
Mortal And Strong is a UK project to empower humans with stories of strength and resilience through art. A national project applying the art of Kintsugi to human scars to instil hope and demonstrate strength. With podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes who are leading the MAS project in 2024 to address Women's Health in a new and bold approach. Capturing the voices of 100 people who have experienced major health issues early on in life, combining this with 100 artworks to produce something major. In a bid to address social stigmatisation of disease, support and empower others on their own journey, and address gender inequalities in health. MAS 2024 is focusing on Women's Health with 2 podcasts released each week between International Women's Day 2024 and IWD 2025, the project will end with a National exhibition showcasing the voices, the Artwork and celebrating the cause. To learn more, or for support on any issues covered, please visit our website or social media handles @mortalandstrong.
For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. Mortal And Strong™️ content, Scars of Gold and IP copyright protected. Founder Dr Liz Murray. 

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Introducing another Voice from the 2024 Mortal And Strong project - Voice No. 9 and the wonderful soul that is Tracy. In this episode Tracy shares her journey of originally being diagnosed with primary breast cancer before then later being diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer. Tracy is an NHS nurse and shares the unique insight into what it is like when someone has inside medical knowledge, and how 'knowing too much' can have both benefits and negatives. Tracy talks about the reality of how hard Radiotherapy can be, the impact of having to tell her family about her secondary diagnosis and trying to live life to the fullest. One of the key discussions in this episode is surrounding the HER 2 - Low debate - a topic of current controversy as a drug that can potentially help patients with secondary breast cancer is not currently available in England on the NHS for HER2 - LOW patients, despite ongoing campaigns to make this drug available, a drug which could potentially offer a life line to some people. Thank you to Tracy for sharing her honest story of resilience to help support and educate others on another aspect of Women's Health.
Mortal And Strong is a UK project to empower humans with stories of strength and resilience through art. A national project applying the art of Kintsugi to human scars to instil hope and demonstrate strength. With podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes who are leading the MAS project in 2024 to address Women's Health in a new and bold approach. Capturing the voices of 100 people who have experienced major health issues early on in life, combining this with 100 artworks to produce something major. In a bid to address social stigmatisation of disease, support and empower others on their own journey, and address gender inequalities in health. MAS 2024 is focusing on Women's Health with 2 podcasts released each week between International Women's Day 2024 and IWD 2025, the project will end with a National exhibition showcasing the voices, the Artwork and celebrating the cause. To learn more, or for support on any issues covered, please visit our website or social media handles @mortalandstrong.
For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.