Cancer Cured Me

Alexandra Simms

This is NOT a podcast about cancer - it's about living well.  It’s a reminder to celebrate life and not to wait until a big diagnosis comes along to live your best life. On this podcast we talk about healing, manifesting and living your best life. We cover all forms of wellness, natural health and nervous system regulation. We humans have the ability to lead magnificent, enriched and fulfilling lives of our dreams but we need to create a safe environment in our bodies for these manifestations to become reality Many of our guests have gone through and survived some form of disease, adversity or near death experience and have used that wake up call to change for the better and create an incredible life of purpose. These stories are absolutely awe inspiring and will open you up to what is possible if you make some simple changes to your daily life. We have incredible experts sharing their vast knowledge on all aspects of wellness, disease prevention, healing modalities, manifestation, spirituality and mental health optimisation. Meet your host: Alex (La to her friends and family) After receiving a completely unexpected cancer diagnosis in 2017 my world caved in.  But my journey through treatment and recovery also forced me to recognise many uncomfortable truths about my life.  I’d neglected myself.  I’d pushed down trauma and become a world class people pleaser in order to feel safe.  Getting ill made me realise I had to stop sweating the small stuff and make lasting changes for the better.  Quite literally, cancer cured me from all that crap, and in its own strange way, proved to be the catalyst that’s led me to an infinitely happier life.   This podcast is my way of sharing all the learning so that YOU don't have to get cancer to realise just how great your life can be. Remember - YOU hold all the cards to achieve the life of your dreams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Truth About Healing Cancer with Philly J Lay

    Today I’m talking to Philly J Lay - author of The Natural Wellness Journal, host of The Wellness Way Podcast, and the creator of the Wellness Way Festival and her upcoming Health Hub day at the College of Naturopathic Medicine on 1 March. Philly is often seen as a controversial character - but what I’ve always loved about her is that she’s relentlessly fighting for the greater good, even when that means being shut down or shadow banned. In this episode, she shares more of her personal story - including surviving a near-death medical procedure, living with chronic illness and autoimmune issues, facing a thyroid tumour, and then choosing to take a very different path to healing. We talk about the pieces so many people don’t address when it comes to healing - trauma, mindset, nervous system, community support, and the environment you’re asking your body to live in. We also get into practical, real-life wellness - food shopping without going broke, reducing toxic load, simple daily breathwork, EFT/tapping, gratitude, and why finding “your people” matters more than doing any of it perfectly. Important note: This conversation is for educational purposes and personal opinion only. Nothing discussed is medical advice. If anything brings up questions for you, please speak with your own medical professional. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health information, pressured into decisions when you’re scared, or like you just want to understand your body better - this one will give you plenty to think about. In this episode, we cover Philly’s story - from spinal surgery trauma and two years in bed, to rebuilding her healthAutoimmune issues, thyroid surgery, and why she chose to step away from conventional routes (in her own case)The mind-body-spirit approach - and why healing is rarely “one magic thing”Trauma, emotional load, and the patterns we carry in the bodyEFT tapping, matrix re-imprinting, journalling - and “you can’t clean the house unless you can see the dirt”Informed consent - what it can look like to ask better questions and slow decisions downBreathwork as a daily non-negotiable (even if you’re busy)Food as information - simple ways Philly reduces “toxic load” without spending a fortuneA very honest chat about platforms, censorship, and why certain wellness topics get flaggedThe Wellness Way Health Hub - what it is, who it’s for, and what you can expect on the dayAbout Philly J LayPhilly J Lay is the author of The Natural Wellness Journal, host of The Wellness Way Podcast, and the creator of the Wellness Way Festival and in-person Health Hub events. She’s known for her blunt honesty, deep research, and passion for helping people feel empowered to learn how their bodies work - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Events mentionedWellness Way Health Hub - Sunday 1 March 2026 (College of Naturopathic Medicine). CLICK HERE TO BOOK Philly is bringing together guest speakers, practitioners, workshops, and wellness testing/tech for a full day of learning and support. Discount code: PHILLY20 (20% off tickets) Join us at my retreat…Wilderness Reserve RetreatIf listening to this has you craving proper nervous system support, deep rest, and the kind of environment where you can actually exhale - my Wilderness Reserve Retreat (Suffolk) is 6-9 March 2026. We’ll be weaving in so many of the tools we talk about here - breathwork, EFT/tapping, regulation, beautiful food, and real healing conversations. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. FEB 11

    Cancer as the Catalyst – Why This Podcast Is Becoming a Home for Hope & Healing Stories

    This week’s episode is a short but deeply meaningful one – because the direction of the podcast is changing, and today I explain exactly why. Over the past year of Cancer Cured Me, the clearest message from listeners has been this: “Your story gives me hope.” People on a cancer journey – and those who’ve come through one – keep reaching out to share how deeply they resonate with my belief that cancer wasn’t a punishment, but the catalyst that cracked life open. After nearly eight years of living this truth, I am ready to take the podcast where it always wanted to go. What This New Direction Is All About This podcast is becoming the go-to space for real stories of hope – stories that show what’s possible, reshape limiting beliefs, and give you evidence that healing really can happen. Expect conversations with: People who’ve healed against the odds, backed by their lived experienceExperts like Dr Sam Watts whose teachings combine science, ancient wisdom, and grounded, actionable healing principlesParents, partners, and survivors who’ve walked through the darkest moments and found light, purpose and new beginningsHolistic health pioneers, including upcoming guest Philly J. Lay 💛 Why This Matters Hope isn’t a fluffy concept. It’s one of the biggest predictors of survival. When you hear a story of someone healing from something “incurable,” your nervous system receives evidence that it’s possible for you, too. This is the heartbeat of Year Two of the podcast. 🌿 What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why the podcast is shifting and what sparked the decisionHow people are already using “Cancer Cured Me” as their storyThe role hope, purpose, and belief play in the healing journeyHow lived experience – not certification – is what people often crave mostA preview of upcoming guests, including survivors, parents, and natural health expertsThe beautiful story of a retreat guest who went from planning her funeral to planning her futureHow conventional medicine and holistic healing can work hand in handA first look at my upcoming 12-week collective for people seeking support, regulation, and purpose after cancerIf you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
  3. JAN 28

    How to Be Selfish: A Guide for People Pleasers and Boundary Setting

    FULL RETREAT DETAILS HERE If what Suzy shares resonates, she’ll be running a two-hour self-advocacy workshop at my Spring Retreat at Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk from 6-9 March 2026. Susie’s session alone will be genuinely life-changing - especially if you’re ready to stop people-pleasing and start living in a way that includes you too. Suzy Reading returns to the podcast to unpack her new book How to Be Selfish - a powerful reframe of selfishness as self-advocacy, self-trust and learning to live like you matter too. This conversation is for the women who: feel selfish for restingstruggle to say noautomatically apologise (even when they’ve done nothing wrong)find it hard to receive support, compliments or kindnesslook successful on the outside, but feel stretched and dysregulated underneath Key themes we cover Why “selfish” isn’t the real problem - shame and guilt areHow women are conditioned to be the good girl (pleasant, compliant, endlessly available)The “pandemic of not enoughness” - and why it’s not a personal failingHow modern culture twists resilience into hyper-independenceWhy learning to receive is essential for healthy relationships (not a burden)How to advocate for yourself without becoming cold or uncaringWhy confidence isn’t just mindset - it’s head, heart and body Suzy’s 7 steps to self-advocacy (from the book) Reclaim your mind - unpick limiting beliefs and shift from thoughts to self-talkReclaim your senses - take back control of attention and reduce overwhelmReclaim your body - regulate the nervous system so it feels safe to speak upReclaim your right to feel - emotions aren’t “negative”, they’re informationReclaim your moral compass - clarify values and what actually matters to youBoundaries with self - sleep, habits, energy, and keeping promises to yourselfAdvocate with others - communicate needs clearly and receive support Tools you can try today (simple, but powerful) Hand on heart + sip of tea/waterAsk: Where am I at? What do I need?Then do one small thing to meet that need.Somatic holds (circuit breakers for stress):hold one thumbhold your own handgive yourself a hugthe “face hug” - warm your hands, cradle your chin, breathePosture reset for confidenceWhen we’re collapsed forward, it’s harder to say no.Try shoulder rolls or “V to W” arms while breathing. A gentle reminderYou don’t need to wait until you feel worthy to take care of yourself. The feeling of worth often comes from the nourishing action. If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  4. JAN 21

    Stop Trying to Fix Hormonal Imbalance and Do This Instead

    In this powerful and deeply reassuring episode, I am joined by BANT-registered nutritionist and hormone expert Hannah Alderson, author of Everything I Know About Hormones.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, hormonal, confused by conflicting advice, or blamed your body for not behaving “properly” – this conversation is for you. We gently dismantle the idea that hormones are something to “fix” or fight. Instead, we explore a far more compassionate – and science-backed – approach: Your hormones aren’t broken. They’re responding to the environment they’re living in. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why Hormones Are Not the EnemyBeing “hormonal” has become an insult – but in reality, hormones are your greatest allies. Hannah explains why symptoms often arise not because hormones are faulty, but because modern life makes it incredibly hard for them to do their job. The “VIP Hormones” You Actually Need to UnderstandWith over 50 hormones in the body, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Hannah simplifies things by focusing on the key players that influence most symptoms, including: Cortisol (stress and energy)Insulin (blood sugar and fat storage)Oestrogen, progesterone and testosteroneThyroid hormonesMelatonin and serotoninYou don’t need to know everything – just the right things. Why “Balancing Hormones” Is the Wrong GoalHormones don’t want to be balanced – they want to move. They work in rhythms, cycles and relationships. Hannah explains why the idea of hormone “balance” is misleading, and what to focus on instead. Cortisol, Burnout and Why You Wake Up ExhaustedIf you’re tired-but-wired, struggle to get out of bed, rely on coffee, or feel flat and unmotivated, cortisol may be running the show. Hannah breaks down: The cortisol awakening responseWhy skipping breakfast can worsen stress in womenHow chronic stress disrupts sleep, weight, mood and hormonesBreakfast, Blood Sugar and Energy (Without Perfection)This episode offers some of the most practical, doable advice you’ll hear: Why breakfast matters for women’s hormonesHow to eat within 90 minutes of waking without overwhelmSimple, realistic options like smoothies or eggsWhy it’s not about calories, fasting trends, or willpowerInsulin Resistance – The Hormone Link No One Explains ClearlyHannah explains insulin resistance in a way that finally makes sense – and why it affects: Fat storage (especially around the middle)Energy levels and brain fogPCOS, perimenopause and menopause symptomsHormone transport in the bodyAnd most importantly – how small changes can reverse it. The Role of Stress, Sleep and the Nervous SystemThis conversation goes far beyond food. You’ll hear why: Stress is not a personal failureThe nervous system needs safety, not pressureLight exposure, phones, routines and boundaries matterOxytocin (connection, laughter, love) is cortisol’s kryptoniteWhy Consistency Beats PerfectionHannah shares why wellness plans fail when they’re too rigid, and how: Tiny, repeatable habits change the brainSelf-discipline eventually creates motivationYou don’t need to “start again on Monday”Feeling good becomes the rewardA Key Takeaway From This Episode“The biggest job isn’t fixing your hormones – it’s creating an environment where they can thrive.”This episode is a permission slip to: Stop blaming your bodyStop chasing extremesStart listening, responding, and supporting yourself gentlyAbout Hannah AldersonHannah Alderson is a BANT-registered nutritionist specialising in women’s hormone health. She combines clinical science with real-life practicality, helping women understand their bodies without fear or overwhelm. Her book, Everything I Know About Hormones, breaks down complex science into simple, compassionate guidance that actually fits real life. 👉 Follow Hannah on Instagram: @hannahaldersonnutrition 👉 Learn more or book a discovery call: hannahalderson.com If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 29m
  5. JAN 14

    Dr. Sam Watts: Why Everyone Has the Potential to Heal from Cancer

    If you want practical steps, real hope, and a calm, empowering perspective on cancer prevention and living with cancer, this episode is for you. FOR A FREE MORNING ROUTINE LIKE THE ONE MENTIONED BY DR SAM WATTS IN THE INTERVIEW CLICK HERE In Part 2 of my interview with Dr Sam Watts, we go deeper into his book The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer and the research behind “exceptional cancer patients” (ECAPs) - people who outlive terminal prognoses and challenge what we think is possible. We talk about potentiality - Dr Sam’s belief that while outcomes vary, everyone has the potential to survive, because we can clearly see that long-term survival happens across many cancer types. We explore why hope and meaning/purpose (dharma) show up again and again in exceptional survivorship and how mindset isn’t about pretending everything is fine - it’s about learning skills that help you respond in an adaptive way, even when things feel terrifying. Dr Sam also explains the concept of immune surveillance - the idea that fully malignant cells may arise in the body more often than we realise, and the immune system routinely clears them. From circadian alignment and movement to nutrition, herbs, hobbies, and relationships, this episode is packed with grounded tools that support the body’s healing environment - what Dr Sam calls the body’s “internal soup”. Key TakeawaysEveryone has the potential to survive - because we have clear examples of people who outlive terminal prognoses across many cancers.Hope and meaning/purpose consistently show up in exceptional survivorship.Mindset is not denial and it’s not blame - it’s learning skills that support an empowered inner response.The body may be clearing malignant cells more often than we realise - understanding this can be deeply empowering.Supporting the “internal soup” (sleep/circadian rhythm, inflammation, blood sugar, immunity, stress) can change the terrain cancer relies on.Lifestyle factors aren’t “soft” - relationships, work satisfaction, and joy/hobbies can have measurable effects on health. Resources MentionedWebsite: mindbodymedical.co.ukInstagram: @drsamwattsBook: The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer - Dr Sam WattsBook: Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor FranklBook: Cancer as a Turning Point - Lawrence LeShanOlive oil: Back to Roots (early harvest, polyphenol-focused)If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  6. JAN 7

    The Profound Healing Power of Ayurveda - Dr Sam Watts Reveals the Truth

    Can ancient wisdom support modern recovery? Dr. Sam Watts is a highly respected clinical practitioner of Ayurveda and holds a PhD in Cancer Survivorship. In this deeply insightful episode, he breaks down the fundamentals of Ayurveda, what it really is and how it serves as one of the most robust health systems for creating balance and preventing disease.. In this deeply grounding and empowering conversation, Dr Sam demystifies what Ayurveda really is – and why it may be one of the most robust, proven health systems for creating balance and preventing disease. Rather than being complicated or restrictive, Dr Sam explains that Ayurveda is fundamentally simple, intuitive, and deeply individualised. At its core, it offers each of us a personal health manual – helping the body return to homeostasis and function as it was designed to. We explore why many modern health trends fail, how Ayurveda differs from “one-size-fits-all” wellness advice and how small, sustainable changes can profoundly impact long-term health. This episode is especially powerful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by health advice, confused by conflicting recommendations, or disconnected from your body’s signals. In this episode, we cover: Why Ayurveda is simple by design – and how it’s been over-complicated in the WestHow Ayurveda works as a complete, preventative health system, not a diet or quick fixThe concept of individualisation – why what’s “healthy” depends on youUnderstanding the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) as your personal blueprintWhy symptoms like anxiety, inflammation, fatigue, or weight gain need different approaches in different peopleThe difference between prakriti (your natural state of balance) and vikriti (imbalance)How daily stress quietly accumulates – and how Ayurveda helps you “wipe the dust away”Why empowerment, autonomy, and self-awareness are central to true healthThe importance of circadian rhythm, morning routines, and natural lightHow simple practices like walking outside, self-massage, oil pulling, and breathwork support whole-body healthWhy popular trends like fasting or cold exposure work for some people – and not for othersHow Ayurveda aligns with modern science around homeostasis, nervous system regulation, and disease preventionKey takeaway:Ayurveda isn’t about being perfect or doing everything. It’s about understanding your body, making small aligned choices, and creating the conditions for health to emerge naturally. As Dr Sam shares, when you know what your body needs, health becomes something you actively participate in – not something that happens to you. Connect with Sam: Insta @drsamwatts Book - The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer by Dr Sam Watts available now here For a simple morning routine, click here to download a free simple guide If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m
  7. 12/31/2025

    Change Your Morning, Change Your Life

    Change your morning, change your life - DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE Today’s episode of Cancer Cured Me is live on New Year's Eve 2025, but I’m not doing a year in review. I’m not recapping achievements, milestones or lessons learned. Instead, I’m giving you a gift. A gift that you can use on New Year’s Eve… or in February… or in the middle of a random Tuesday when you suddenly realise you’re tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. This gift is about one thing: Building rock-solid self-belief, gently, consistently and in a way your nervous system can actually trust. Because here’s what I know to be true from my own healing journey. Self-belief isn’t something you think your way into. It’s something you train your system into. Most of what runs our lives sits in the subconscious. Old stories. Old habits. Old emotional wiring from childhood, relationships, school, work or moments when we learned (often unconsciously) that we weren’t safe, capable or enough. And no amount of willpower or affirmations alone can override that. What does change it… is showing your system, again and again, that: You do what you say you’ll do. You show up for yourself. You create safety, calm, and consistency inside your body. That’s why I’ve created something simple, practical, and genuinely doable, a tiny morning practice that takes minutes, not hours, and builds the foundation for real, embodied self-belief. Not a rigid routine. Not a 5am bootcamp for your soul. Not another thing to fail at. Just small, intentional practices that: Calm your nervous systemSet the emotional tone of your dayCreate internal safety instead of fight-or-flightRewire your identity into someone who trusts and believes in themselves And over time, that changes everything. Because you deserve to live with a regulated nervous system. You deserve to trust yourself. You deserve to believe that change is possible for you not someday, not for other people, but for you. Change your morning, change your life - DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x Come and connect with me! Instagram: @cancercuredme Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is NOT a podcast about cancer - it's about living well.  It’s a reminder to celebrate life and not to wait until a big diagnosis comes along to live your best life. On this podcast we talk about healing, manifesting and living your best life. We cover all forms of wellness, natural health and nervous system regulation. We humans have the ability to lead magnificent, enriched and fulfilling lives of our dreams but we need to create a safe environment in our bodies for these manifestations to become reality Many of our guests have gone through and survived some form of disease, adversity or near death experience and have used that wake up call to change for the better and create an incredible life of purpose. These stories are absolutely awe inspiring and will open you up to what is possible if you make some simple changes to your daily life. We have incredible experts sharing their vast knowledge on all aspects of wellness, disease prevention, healing modalities, manifestation, spirituality and mental health optimisation. Meet your host: Alex (La to her friends and family) After receiving a completely unexpected cancer diagnosis in 2017 my world caved in.  But my journey through treatment and recovery also forced me to recognise many uncomfortable truths about my life.  I’d neglected myself.  I’d pushed down trauma and become a world class people pleaser in order to feel safe.  Getting ill made me realise I had to stop sweating the small stuff and make lasting changes for the better.  Quite literally, cancer cured me from all that crap, and in its own strange way, proved to be the catalyst that’s led me to an infinitely happier life.   This podcast is my way of sharing all the learning so that YOU don't have to get cancer to realise just how great your life can be. Remember - YOU hold all the cards to achieve the life of your dreams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.