Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Talaya, On the Other Side

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining!  Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER (https://episodes.fm/1580570728) as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment. Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed.  Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Cancer Survivorship: Redefining What It Means to Truly Live

    2d ago

    Cancer Survivorship: Redefining What It Means to Truly Live

    In this special National Cancer Survivor Month episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host and 15-year cancer thriver Talaya Dendy brings together seven survivors at different stages of their journey to explore what survivorship truly means. From newly diagnosed to 20 years out, Vanessa, Shoni, Savio, Jerry, Ebonie, Christopher, and Heather share their challenges, unexpected blessings, and the raw, unfiltered truth about life after a cancer diagnosis. Together, they redefine what it means to truly live. Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, or someone who loves a person carrying this story, this episode is for you. ✨ Episode Highlights: 00:00:37 What Does It Mean to Be a Cancer Survivor? 00:02:26 The Growing Number of Survivors and Why It Matters 00:04:09 The Physical, Emotional, and Financial Challenges of Survivorship 00:09:00 Vanessa Berrueta | Breast Cancer Survivor | Adapting Like a Butterfly 00:13:55 Shoni Brown | 10-Year Breast Cancer Survivor | Going Through It, Not Around It 00:31:22 Savio Clemente | Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor | Permission to Heal 00:37:58 Jerry McCormick | Prostate Cancer Survivor | It's a Bump, Not a Pothole 00:51:47 Ebonie Michelle | Bilateral Breast Cancer Survivor | Thrivership Over Survivorship 01:03:04 Christopher Shaddock | Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Survivor | Big Boy Pants On 01:14:01 Heather Von St. James | 20-Year Mesothelioma Survivor | Speaking for Those Who No Longer Can 01:18:34 Closing | What If You Were Always Becoming This? Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript182 📖 Sources referenced in this episode: American Cancer Society: cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/survivor-facts-figures.html American Association for Cancer Research: cancerprogressreport.aacr.org National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation: ncsd.org 📸 Photo of Heather Von St. James by Bump Opera. 🎙️ Connect with Our Guests: Review the transcript for this episode to connect with our guests. https://bit.ly/podscript182 Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. 📩 Stay Connected: Cancer touches millions of lives, and so does this community. Subscribe to the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER newsletter for conversations, resources, and support for the cancer community delivered straight to your inbox: https://bit.ly/OTOSNewsletter 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your preferred podcast app Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 22m
  2. Face It Head On: Remembering Kelly U'Ren Moody, Oral Cancer

    Apr 8

    Face It Head On: Remembering Kelly U'Ren Moody, Oral Cancer

    In this special rebroadcast, we honor the memory of Kelly U’Ren Moody, a devoted advocate and colleague who passed away on January 16, 2026. This conversation, originally recorded in September 2021, captures Kelly’s extraordinary spirit as she navigated a terminal oral cancer diagnosis. After being told in 2016 that she had only four to six months to live, Kelly went on to live a full, impactful life for nearly another decade. Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of gratitude and the unfiltered reality of long-term survivorship. She shares how she transitioned from a career in finance to health coaching just as her diagnosis changed her life, and how she chose to "face it head-on" every single day. In this Episode: Navigating the Terminal The Reality of Side Effects The Power of Gratitude Communicating with Loved Ones Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript181 About Kelly: Kelly was the creator of the blog Face It Head On, where she shared her journey with head and neck cancer to provide hope to others worldwide. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the advocacy work she championed within the cancer community. Visit Kelly's SocialsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyURenMoody LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyurenmoody/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyurenmoo/ Book: https://a.co/d/09KgBORm Original recording: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/living-looking-beyond-6-months Video: The Fight of my Life, https://youtu.be/DmcXbbUDzyk Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who needs a dose of hope today. You can also rate and review Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find these stories. Connect & Engage with Talaya: https://solo.to/cancerdoula 💜Let's Keep Navigating Cancer TOGETHER Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    31 min
  3. Podcasthon Special: Survivor Series with Talaya Dendy

    Mar 18

    Podcasthon Special: Survivor Series with Talaya Dendy

    "The 'all-clear' is often where the real work of healing begins." In this special Podcasthon 2026 episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy (Board-Certified Patient Advocate & Cancer Doula) pulls back the curtain on the unfiltered reality of life after cancer. Talaya shares her own 14-year "thriver" journey and explains why we must move beyond forced positivity to address the "Gumbo of Emotions" survivors face. This episode highlights the Survivor Series with Talaya Dendy, a multimedia initiative designed to reach individuals worldwide as they reconcile the past and design an entirely new chapter.Support the Vision: If you have the means, please consider supporting this vision for the future of survivorship with a tax-deductible donation. 🔗 Donate here: givebutter.com/survivorserieswithtalayadendy Survivor Series with Talaya Dendy is proudly fiscally sponsored by AIR (Association of Independents in Radio), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In This Episode: The "Why": Talaya’s 14-year journey and the "clean bill of health" trade-off. Guest Highlights: Reflections on trauma from Annamaria Scaccia, "buying a new bucket" with Tom Reaoch, and finding meaning in misery with Terry Tucker.The Mission: Making "not talking about these realities" taboo. The Deliverables: Monthly live panel discussions, storytelling, and global workshops. Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript180 Original Panel Discussion: https://www.ontheotherside.life/navigating-cancer-together-podcast/episode/1c1df3fd/national-cancer-survivor-month-whats-at-the-heart-of-survivorship Follow-Up Episode: https://youtu.be/JlET8Ljujiw?si=iCEWeJkqbpI2trbu Podcasthon 2025: https://www.ontheotherside.life/navigating-cancer-together-podcast/episode/ba47fb70/chlms-medi-helpz-strengthening-healthcare-advocacy Connect & Engage with Talaya: https://solo.to/cancerdoula 💜Let's Do it TOGETHER Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    16 min
  4. 2025 Recap: Navigating the Heart and Power of Cancer Stories

    12/31/2025

    2025 Recap: Navigating the Heart and Power of Cancer Stories

    How do we find the "heart" of survivorship? In this 2025 recap of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, we explore the most impactful cancer survivor stories of the year and share essential support for caregivers and patients. Host Talaya Dendy reflects on a landmark year for the show, providing a vulnerable 2025 cancer recap that balances professional milestones with her own personal 14-year health and survivorship journey. Whether you are navigating life after cancer or are currently in the thick of treatment, this episode offers a roadmap for the road ahead. We dive into the most-listened-to stories of the year, from prostate cancer awareness and men’s health to the "Choosing Flat" movement and why these patient and survivor-led voices are the true heartbeat of the cancer community. Stop navigating alone. Join us! ✨Episode Highlights: 00:07:11 The Top Stories of 2025: Prostate Cancer Awareness & Choosing Flat 00:10:17 Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Black Men’s Voices in Cancer 00:16:21 The 4:00 AM "Insomnia Club" 00:24:23 Talaya’s Favorite Moment: "What’s at the Heart of Survivorship? 00:32:14 14 Years NED & "Graduating" Oncology Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript179 Playlist: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/playlist/best-of-2025 Connect & Engage with Talaya: https://solo.to/cancerdoula 💜Let's Do it TOGETHER Share Your Thoughts: What was your favorite episode of 2025? Email NCTpodcastfan@gmail.com or leave a message on our fan page, https://fanlist.com/nctpodcast. Help Shape 2026: Take the Valued Listener Survey at bit.ly/nctlistenersurvey. Join the Waitlist: Be the first to enter our new safe space for survivors at ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist. Support Survivorship: Contribute to important survivorship conversations at https://givebutter.com/SurvivorSerieswithTalayaDendy Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    51 min
  5. The Healing Pen and Cancer: What's Next

    12/20/2025 ·  Bonus

    The Healing Pen and Cancer: What's Next

    In this Season One finale, host Talaya Dendy celebrates the milestone of completing The Healing Pen and a Mic Companion podcast. Reflecting on the live October workshop, Talaya shares why she has decided to keep her signature 5-hour "deep dive" format and how journaling serves as a vital tool for movement, not just reflection. This episode features moving testimonials from participants and a first look at the evolving future of the program for 2026 . Support Our Mission / Partner With Us: Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you! Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community. For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com. 💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible! In this episode, we discuss: The Power of the 5-Hour Intensive: Why meaningful conversations can’t be rushed and why this format led to major breakthroughs. Movement as Medicine: Using journaling as a spark for action to reach your optimal, healed self. A Safe Space for Vulnerability: How emotional and physical safety allowed participants to form lifelong bonds in just five hours. ✨Episode Highlights: 00:04:20 Journaling as a Tool for Action & Movement 00:05:41 Moving Participant Testimonials 00:06:41 The Future of the Healing Pen and a Mic Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen5 Ways to Support & Connect: Support the Mission: Donate to the Survivor Series here Join the 2026 Priority List: Sign up for the 'On the Other Side' Newsletter Work With Me: Visit my website for Cancer Doula Services Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    12 min
  6. A Bodybuilder's Evolution: Kidney and Thyroid Cancer

    12/17/2025

    A Bodybuilder's Evolution: Kidney and Thyroid Cancer

    In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes back award-winning journalist, poet, and two-time cancer survivor Annamaria Scaccia. Annamaria shares her powerful story of surviving both kidney and thyroid cancer by age 40 and how she is transforming her life through bodybuilding and advocacy. They discuss the psychological power of strength training, the challenges of managing rare cancer types, how cancer impacts relationships, and the importance of self-awareness in the healing process. Tune in to discover how physical discipline, raw truth, and giving yourself grace can help you reclaim your power and navigate the complex emotional landscape of long-term survivorship. ✨Episode Highlights: 00:02:32 Annamaria’s Origin Story 00:05:39 Transitioning from Kickboxing to Bodybuilding after a Kidney Cancer Diagnosis 00:09:18 Bodybuilding for Healing and Trauma Recovery 00:17:45 Self-Awareness and the Truth of the Iron 00:20:50 Navigating a Second Cancer Diagnosis 00:27:41 Addressing Multiple Primary Cancers Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript178 Connect & Engage with Annamaria: Links: https://linktr.ee/gotchascaccia?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e18723c7-b1a1-4be2-9794-507317879f6cInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchascaccia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamariascaccia/Podcast: https://www.kidneycancer.org/podcast/ National Cancer Survivor Month Episode: https://youtu.be/JlET8Ljujiw?si=f1_b4aAJ_rkTopk2 Join the Community: Looking for a safe space to share your raw truth? Join the waitlist for the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER Cancer Community Forum. Connect with others in a private, supportive environment completely free from the noise and distractions of social media. Be the first to know when we open: https://www.ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 10m
  7. Cancer Survival, Journaling, & Advocacy: Lisa Beckendorf

    12/13/2025 ·  Bonus

    Cancer Survival, Journaling, & Advocacy: Lisa Beckendorf

    In this powerful episode of the Healing Pen and a Mic companion podcast, host Talaya Dendy sits down with Lisa Beckendorf, a celebrated cancer survivor and patient advocate. Lisa shares her personal journey through multiple cancer diagnoses and the pivotal moment she transitioned from a career in commercial real estate to full-time advocacy. Initially asking, "Why me?", she realized her experience was a powerful way to give back to the cancer community. This conversation dives into the transformative impact of journaling and storytelling in the healing process. Lisa highlights how the practice, central to the Healing Pen and a Mic Workshop offers emotional release, fosters deep community connections, and is a critical tool for personal growth. Whether you are navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or seeking to turn your personal story into powerful action, this episode offers invaluable insights on finding solace, strength, and purpose through writing and community. Support Our Mission / Partner With Us: Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you! Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community. For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com. 💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible! ✨Episode Highlights: 01:44 Lisa's Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy 04:49 The Healing Power of Journaling and Storytelling 09:15 Observations and Impact from the Healing Pen Workshop 12:21 Advice for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers 15:07 Lisa's Role in Advocacy and Research (ECOG-ACRIN, MNCCTN) Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen4 Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/nctnewsletter and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a life-changing conversation. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    18 min
  8. Journaling, Healing, and Life After Cancer with Jennifer Schultz

    12/06/2025 ·  Bonus

    Journaling, Healing, and Life After Cancer with Jennifer Schultz

    In this powerful and heart-centered episode, Talaya Dendy welcomes Jennifer Schultz, a four-time melanoma survivor, university professor of public speaking, and passionate advocate. Recorded live during The Healing Pen and a Mic Journaling Workshop at the Mali Center in St. Paul, Jenn shares the intimate reality of her 10-year battle with recurrent cancer and her journey into survivorship. Drawing from her personal experience and professional expertise, Jenn offers hope, discussing how she found safety, community, and solace not only through support groups but also by harnessing the transformative impact of journaling. Tune in for Jenn's inspiring story and her dedication to educating and empowering cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. This episode is filled with invaluable life lessons and a strong sense of community. Support Our Mission / Partner With Us: Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you! Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community. For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com. 💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible! ✨Episode Highlights: 01:13 Recurrent Melanoma: Jenn’s 10-Year Journey and Diagnosis 04:15 Solace: Support, Community & Healing 07:16 Journaling: Transformative Writing Impact 08:53 Bravely Becoming: Insights into Jenn’s Book and Upcoming Project 10:35 Community Connection: Impact of the Workshop and Final Thoughts Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen_3 Connect & Engage with Jenn: Website: https://jennpatrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenn_patrice/ https://www.instagram.com/thenextchapterwithjenn/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferpschultz/ Book: Bravely Becoming: Overcoming Grief and Loss to Find Yourself Again, https://a.co/d/dTLjuwR Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/nctnewsletter and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a life-changing conversation. Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    16 min

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About

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining!  Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER (https://episodes.fm/1580570728) as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment. Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed.  Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.