The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

The Cancer Pod
  • 4.8 (48)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

A cancer diagnosis brings decisions, side effects, and a million questions you never saw coming. Whether you’re navigating treatment, adjusting to life after cancer, or supporting a loved one, The Cancer Pod gives you the evidence, tools, and community to move forward with clarity. Hosted by Dr. Leah Sherman, an integrative practitioner and breast cancer survivor, this show bridges conventional cancer care with evidence-based complementary approaches. From interviews with experts in oncology to stories from #cancerinsiders who have used their diagnosis to help others, the podcast explores an array of important topics including managing side effects, demystifying supplements, exploring complementary treatments, and survivorship. No fluff, no toxic positivity—just honest, empowering, and at times funny conversations to help you make informed choices every step of the way. Support the podcast and join our community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecancerpod Disclaimer: This podcast is for education, entertainment, and informational purposes only. Do not apply any of this information without first speaking to your doctor. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast by the hosts and their guests are solely their own.  

  1. 5d ago

    Inherited: A Life Without a Cure with Melanie Ezell

    When faced with a Stage IV terminal cancer diagnosis at age 37, how do you keep living, surfing big waves, and raising a child? In this powerful episode, author and big-wave surfer Melanie Ezell joins Leah to share her unfiltered story of surviving Stage IV ovarian cancer, navigating recurrences, and finding profound joy despite an incurable diagnosis. Melanie, author of the memoir Inherited: A Life Without a Cure and writer behind the popular Substack An Incurable Life, opens up about using big-wave surfing to mirror her mental health, taking ownership of her healing, and building a life fully lived alongside mortality. In this episode: Surfing as a Mirror: Melanie’s journey from Michigan to riding big waves in Hawaii and Mexico—and how the ocean reflects her inner emotional state.The Diagnosis: Her BRCA1 genetic mutation background, subtle ovarian cancer symptoms, and receiving a Stage IV diagnosis in 2022.Integrative & Alternative Cancer Care: Navigating ketogenic and Gerson diets, fasting, supplements, Dr. Joe Dispenza meditation, and plant medicine (Ayahuasca and Psilocybin) in search of the “root” cause of her cancer.Addressing Emotional Roots: How tackling codependency, resentment, setting firm boundaries, and writing her memoir became crucial parts of her healing journey.(Note: Brief mention of past eating disorders). Subscribe to Melanie on Substack: https://substack.com/@melanieezellVisit her website http://www.melanieezell.comFollow her on Instagram @yogasurfmel and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/melanie.malskiBuy her book, Inherited: A Life Without a CureLeave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    Inherited: A Life Without a Cure with Melanie Ezell

  2. Sep 16

    Life, Illustrated with James Burns, Artist and Prostate Cancer Advocate

    What happens when a graphic designer decides to document his own cancer diagnosis in a comic, panel by panel? Georgia-based artist and prostate cancer education advocate James Burns joins Leah to talk about his autobiographical medical graphic novels “The Death of Me” and “The Half-Life,” which chronicle his stage 4A prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life after. James shares why he posted his diagnosis publicly on Instagram and how he pushes back on the expectation that men need to stay stoic through illness. He talks about his earlier comics that documented the time he had treatment for detached retinas, losing his voice following thyroid surgery, and a fall that lead to a completely unrelated surgery.  He also gives specifics of this diagnosis and treatment, from an elevated PSA to MRIs, biopsy, and PMSA PET scans to 28 fractions of radiation therapy. James talks candidly about ADT side effects including brain fog and hot flashes, and how he uses exercise and weightlifting to combat the muscle loss from taking hormone blocking medication.  Head to his website https://burnscomics.com/ to download PDFs of his comics. Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpburns and on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jpburns.bsky.social September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about prostate cancer at malecare.org Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    Life, Illustrated with James Burns, Artist and Prostate Cancer Advocate

  3. Sep 2

    Can Exercise Actually Fight Cancer? The Science of Movement with JC Rodriguez

    Can working out actually change what's happening inside your body during cancer treatment?  Dr. Leah Sherman sits down with certified clinical exercise physiologist JC Rodriguez to unpack the real science behind exercise and cancer—including how movement may redirect blood flow away from tumors, alter tumor metabolism, and boost immune surveillance. JC breaks down what this looks like in practice: how to move through severe fatigue with “mentally small” wins like a 5-minute walk or in-bed stretches, why consistency matters more than intensity, and general targets for cardio and strength training (individualized to each person). He also covers managing joint pain from hormone therapy, exercising safely with a port, and where to find accessible, cancer-specific fitness support — from YMCA Livestrong to ACSM-certified specialists. Visit JC’s website and learn more https://www.oncolofit.com/ Download JC’s FREE Get Stronger in 21 Days Guide: https://oncolofit.aweb.page/thriving-after-cancer-guide Get his FREE Cancer Recovery Starter Kit: https://www.oncolofit.com/beat-cancer Follow JC on social media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oncolofit/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jc.oncolofit YouTube https://youtube.com/@jc.oncolofit 00:41 Meet JC Rodriguez 01:28 What Is Cancer Exercise Science 03:15 How Exercise Fights Cancer 05:49 Starting With Fatigue 09:06 Low Impact Options 10:05 Inflammation And Movement 11:37 How Much Exercise Weekly 12:45 Strength Training Basics 14:00 Weight Gain And Muscle Loss 18:15 Radiation Fatigue Differences 19:45 Hormone Therapy Joint Pain 23:48 Exercising With A Port 31:01 How To Find A Cancer Exercise Program 34:41 Why J.C. Chose Oncology 37:16 Free Downloadable Guides And Tips 38:27 Final Advice And Wrap Up Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    Can Exercise Actually Fight Cancer? The Science of Movement with JC Rodriguez

  4. Aug 19

    Sound Healing with Sandy Duarte

    What if sound could help you heal? Sandy Duarte is an award-winning actress, author,  Stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, registered yoga instructor, and one of OncoDaily's 2026 Top 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors. While undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, she turned to crystal singing bowls to calm her nervous system. Her practice has expanded into sound baths, women’s retreats, and community healing, bringing the singing bowls to hospitals, corporate settings, and museum installations. In this interview, Sandy describes her personal experience using Peter Hess® therapy singing bowls, which are placed on the body specifically for Sound Massage. Sandy also talks about her book, Cancer Ramblings, a real-time reflection of her experience with cancer treatment. What is your experience with sound therapy? Leave a comment below! Visit Sandy’s website: cancerramblings.com Follow Sandy on social media: https://www.instagram.com/sandy__duarte https://x.com/sandyduarte https://www.tiktok.com/@cancer.ramblings Find her on IMDB.  Buy her book on Amazon. Subscribe to her YouTube channel. Learn more about Peter Hess® Singing Bowls. Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    Sound Healing with Sandy Duarte

  5. Aug 5

    End-of-Life Planning with Dr. Susan Abernethy

    Death is a topic most of us avoid...until we can’t. But what if talking about it early actually gave us more peace, not less? In this episode, Leah sits down with Dr. Susan Abernethy, founder of Mudança Healing, whose path from naturopathic medicine and nonprofit leadership (including Make-A-Wish) led her to become an end-of-life doula. Susan shares how having honest conversations early, especially after a cancer or dementia diagnosis, can ease the pressure of rapid-fire medical decisions, bring clarity to what really matters, and offer real comfort to both patients and the families who love them. We get into the practical side too: the gaps hospice care often leaves behind, the toll caregiving takes on families, and why services like respite matter so much. Susan also walks us through the tools she uses in her workshops—from Death Decks to checklists—to help individuals and organizations get ready for what's ahead, not just legally, but practically and emotionally. This conversation is a gentle reminder: planning for the end isn’t morbid. It is an act of care for the people you love. Connect with Susan: www.mudancahealing.com and on Instagram @mudanca_healing Resources mentioned in this episode: All There Is with Anderson Cooper https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-there-is-with-anderson-cooper/id1643163707 Death, End-of-Life, and Dementia Decks https://thedeathdeck.com/collections/shop-all-decks A Good Death by Margaret Rice https://bookshop.org/a/103670/9781911632146 Learn more about end-of-life doulas at https://inelda.org/ Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    End-of-Life Planning with Dr. Susan Abernethy

  6. Jul 1

    Self-Care and Advocacy with Dr. Holly Lucille

    What does it actually mean to advocate for yourself in the medical system? Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, RN, ONC sat down with Dr. Tina Kaczor for a candid conversation about helping patients access the best possible care through self-advocacy and shared decision-making. Navigating a cancer diagnosis is incredibly overwhelming. Between well-intentioned opinions from loved ones and rushed informed consent, it’s easy to feel lost. Dr. Lucille brings compassion and pragmatism to the table, explaining why we need to slow down, understand the true risks and side effects, and look at the whole picture—physical, emotional, and spiritual. In this episode: The Power of Slowing Down: How to navigate a new diagnosis without being rushed into decisions.The Myth of "Forced Positivity": Breaking down the toxicity of societal pressure to stay positive.Holistic Resilience: The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), relationships, and the practice of habitual nourishment.Healing Tools that Work: A look at trauma-informed strategies like EMDR, brainspotting, and the role of spirituality in recovery.Want to learn more about Dr. Lucille? Visit her website. Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    Self-Care and Advocacy with Dr. Holly Lucille

  7. Jun 3

    Grief, Guilt, and Identity After Cancer with Natasha Ewa, MSW, LCSW, C-MBT

    Survivor’s guilt is a common and not often talked about emotional experience after cancer. Dr. Leah Sherman sits down with returning guest Natasha Ewa, licensed clinical social worker and founder of I Thrive Therapy and Wellness, for an honest conversation about what survivor’s guilt actually looks like, why body image after cancer is so personal, and what healing can feel like on the other side. The conversation widens to cover grief over pre-cancer identity, hypervigilance, reconstruction decisions, and Natasha’s documentation of her own DIEP flap experience and complications. Whether you’re navigating survivorship yourself or supporting someone who is, this one meets you where you are. Visit the I Thrive Therapy and Wellness website Follow Natasha on Instagram Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    Grief, Guilt, and Identity After Cancer with Natasha Ewa, MSW, LCSW, C-MBT

  8. May 6

    The Power of Connection with Beth Blakey, CEO, Cancer Hope Network

    Cancer Hope Network CEO Beth Blakey on Peer Mentorship, Caregiver Support, and Connection in Cancer Care Beth Blakey, CEO of Cancer Hope Network, discusses the organization’s 46-year mission to ensure no one faces cancer alone. The unique model of free, confidential, one-on-one peer mentorship connecting patients and caregivers with trained cancer survivors or caregivers continues to touch lives. Blakey shares her personal story that led her to join the organization in 2019, and how she rose to become the CEO. She explains how, even in the midst of rapid technological advances, one thing has not changed: the need for personal connections. Cancer Hope Network facilitates these connections the old-fashioned way, through helping patients and their caregivers one on one. Blakey also outlines key initiatives: Cancer Hope Network en Español, the TACT (Talking About Clinical Trials) program, and Hopeful Hearts for parents of children and adolescents with cancer. Learn more about the expert cancer care and support of Cancer Hope Network on their website. Follow Cancer Hope Network: Instagram Facebook TikTok  Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Patreon. Buy Me a Coffee and support the podcast! Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category.  Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books. Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com Follow @TheCancerPod on social media: InstagramBlueskyFacebookLinkedInYouTube

    The Power of Connection with Beth Blakey, CEO, Cancer Hope Network
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4.8
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

A cancer diagnosis brings decisions, side effects, and a million questions you never saw coming. Whether you’re navigating treatment, adjusting to life after cancer, or supporting a loved one, The Cancer Pod gives you the evidence, tools, and community to move forward with clarity. Hosted by Dr. Leah Sherman, an integrative practitioner and breast cancer survivor, this show bridges conventional cancer care with evidence-based complementary approaches. From interviews with experts in oncology to stories from #cancerinsiders who have used their diagnosis to help others, the podcast explores an array of important topics including managing side effects, demystifying supplements, exploring complementary treatments, and survivorship. No fluff, no toxic positivity—just honest, empowering, and at times funny conversations to help you make informed choices every step of the way. Support the podcast and join our community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecancerpod Disclaimer: This podcast is for education, entertainment, and informational purposes only. Do not apply any of this information without first speaking to your doctor. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast by the hosts and their guests are solely their own.  

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