BRCA & Beyond

Marisa Stachelski
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

BRCA & Beyond is where real talk meets real life with a gene mutation. I’m Marisa, a BRCA2 previvor, colon cancer survivor, wife, and mom of two, and I know firsthand how overwhelming, emotional, and downright confusing this journey can be. But here’s the truth — your gene mutation does not define you. Your choices do. And there is a full, beautiful life waiting beyond this diagnosis. Here, we’ll talk about the decisions no one ever expects to face, the emotions that come with them, and the messy, beautiful, complicated life that happens in between. You’ll hear honest stories (mine and others’), practical tips, and guides that make the path a little clearer. We’ll welcome guests who share their own journeys and expertise, offering fresh perspectives, hope, and encouragement. We’ll laugh when we can, cry when we need to, and remind each other that joy still exists, even in the chaos. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, deep into decision-making, or simply searching for connection, this is a space to feel understood, supported, and never alone. Pull up a seat, friend. We’re in this together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis During Christmas

    Three days before Christmas in December 2022, my world shifted. In this episode, I share what it was really like to receive heavy medical news during the holidays, before there was a plan, answers, or clarity. Just fear, uncertainty, and the pressure to keep showing up while the rest of the world was celebrating. This conversation isn’t just about one diagnosis. It’s about navigating medical uncertainty during the holidays...whether you’re waiting on results, facing a genetic mutation, preparing for preventative surgery, recovering from treatment, or sitting in that uncomfortable in-between where nothing is clear yet. I talk about the shock of unexpected test results, hearing difficult news confirmed out loud, and the loneliness that can exist even when you’re surrounded by people. About smiling through gatherings while your mind is somewhere else. About carrying something heavy while trying to protect the joy around you. If this season feels harder than it looks, this episode is for you. We talk about giving yourself grace, letting the holidays be different, saying no when you need to, and protecting your peace when everything already feels like too much. You’re not doing the holidays wrong. You’re just navigating something really hard — and you’re not alone. 🤍 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

  2. DEC 17

    BRCA, Cancer, and the Mental Load we Carry.

    In this episode we’re diving into the often-unspoken emotional and mental health layers of a BRCA or cancer diagnosis, the anxiety, grief, fear, and mental load that can linger long after the medical conversations end. I’m joined by Laura, a licensed psychotherapist in New York and New Jersey and a National Certified Counselor, who works closely with women navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, physical illness, self-esteem struggles, religious and spiritual concerns, and relationship challenges. Laura has a special passion for supporting previvors—individuals living with increased hereditary cancer risk, including BRCA carriers—and understands the unique emotional toll that comes with knowing your risk before illness ever appears. Together, we talk about why these feelings are so common, why they make sense, and how women can begin to process the invisible trauma that often accompanies a diagnosis or genetic discovery. This conversation is validating, grounding, and a reminder that your emotional experience deserves just as much care as your physical health. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure why this journey feels heavier than you expected—this episode is for you. ✨ Connect with Laura: Instagram: @healinginstrides Website: https://www.healinginstridestherapy.com/ 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  3. DEC 10

    What Started as a Diagnosis Became Her Purpose and Post Swim.

    In this episode, Lauren Yerkes shares the life-altering moment that reshaped everything: being diagnosed with Stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer in April 2022, just three days before her 38th birthday. She later learned she was also BRCA2 positive, adding another layer to an already overwhelming journey. What followed was a season of fear, resilience, and transformation that she never could have prepared for. Lauren opens up about the shock of her diagnosis, the emotional weight of facing such an aggressive cancer at a young age, and how treatment changed her physically and mentally. But she also takes us into the unexpected part of her story, the part that became her purpose. After finishing treatment, Lauren created Post Swim, a post-mastectomy swimwear brand designed to support women who are healing, rebuilding confidence, and learning to love their bodies again. What began as her personal struggle grew into a mission to help survivors feel seen, supported, and comfortable in their skin. This conversation is honest, warm, and deeply inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered how Post Swim came to be—or how someone finds purpose inside the hardest chapter of their life — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. And as a special thank-you to our listeners, Lauren is offering 20% off your Post Swim order with the exclusive code LIVINGWITHBRCA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  4. NOV 24

    Breast Cancer at 32: Tanner Roe’s Story of Strength

    In this episode, I sit down with Tanner Roe, a 32-year-old flight attendant from San Diego whose life changed the moment she heard the words “you have breast cancer.” Diagnosed with Stage 1B breast cancer and currently in active treatment, Tanner has become a source of strength and honesty in a season most of us can’t imagine. Through humor, vulnerability, and a willingness to share the parts people don’t always talk about, Tanner has found her own way to navigate the fear, the heaviness, and the uncertainty, while giving herself full permission to feel every hard moment along the way. She shares her journey openly in hopes of helping others feel seen, understood, and less alone. In this conversation, Tanner opens up about: The moment her diagnosis changed everythingWhat active treatment has looked and felt likeHow she finds moments of humor amid the hardAllowing herself to process the emotional weight of it allHow listening to your intuition could quite literally save your lifeWhat intimacy looks like during treatment To follow Tanner’s journey, find her on Instagram at @Tbroe11. For more on her cold-capping experience, her Penguin case study is available here: https://penguincoldcaps.com/user-stories/tanners-cold-capping-story/ This episode is real, raw, and full of the kind of strength you can feel. Tanner’s story will stay with you long after you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m

  5. NOV 17

    Early Detection Saved Me

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Marisa opens up about the early symptoms; she tried to rationalize the pain, the moments she was doubled over, and the day she saw blood in her stool and knew something was seriously wrong. She shares the raw truth about how easily she could have ignored the signs… and how that one decision to listen to her intuition changed everything. You’ll hear her walk through her colon cancer diagnosis, the shock of discovering she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, and how understanding her genetics helped her take back control of her health and her future. This episode is a reminder of how important it is to notice repeated symptoms, trust your gut, and speak up even when it feels uncomfortable. You’ll also hear about the emotional side of advocating for yourself, the fear, the second-guessing, the frustration when providers dismiss concerns, and the courage it takes to say, “No, something isn’t right.” Throughout the conversation, Marisa shares what early detection actually looks like across hereditary cancers. She also discusses how many women struggle to access genetic testing through traditional providers and shares JScreen as a resource for those seeking clarity without barriers. Through www.jscreen.org, listeners can order an at-home saliva kit, return it easily, and have it analyzed through Myriad Genetics’ gold-standard hereditary cancer panel, which includes BRCA1, BRCA2, and over 60 genes connected to cancers. A genetic counselor reviews results with you so you understand exactly what they mean for your life and your family. Benefits of JScreen: – No clinic wait-times – No need to find your own prescriber – Post-test genetic counseling – Access to trusted, high-quality testing – Easy for relatives to get tested too – The right test with the right interpretation The program fee is $49, and listeners can use promo code BRCAandBeyond10 for $10 off. Insurance is billed afterward, and many people pay $0 out-of-pocket. A $249 self-pay cap is available for those with high deductibles or who don’t meet traditional “criteria” for testing. But at the heart of this episode, beyond any program or test, is a simple truth: Listening to your body matters. Your genes matter. And early detection truly can save your life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  6. OCT 23

    The Truth After the Expanders: What No One Tells You About Exchange Surgery

    After months of discomfort, expanders, and emotional exhaustion, the day finally came, exchange surgery. In this episode, I share what it was really like: the calm I felt heading into the operating room, waking up without the hard weight of expanders for the first time, and all the things no one tells you about recovery. It wasn’t perfect...there was swelling, bruising, and that strange “in-between” feeling of adjusting to a new body again, but this time, I knew the process, the restrictions, and the rhythm of healing. I even found moments of humor, peace, and perspective that made me realize just how far I’d come. From the quiet after surgery to the unexpected laughter along the way, this episode is for anyone navigating the “after” part of their BRCA or reconstruction journey. I also share how you can connect with me and our growing community, whether you want to talk, share your story, or even join me as a guest on the podcast. Because healing isn’t just about recovery — it’s about rediscovery. And sometimes, it starts with a laugh, a scar, and a story that reminds you you’re not alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  7. The Fill That Broke Me (and Healed Me)

    OCT 16

    The Fill That Broke Me (and Healed Me)

    In this raw and honest episode, I share what happened after my nipple-sparing double mastectomy, the days of drains, the strange world of tissue expanders, and the mix of fear and faith that followed. From the relief of having my drains finally removed, to the panic attack I had during my first fill in the Holland Tunnel, this episode pulls back the curtain on what recovery really feels like. You’ll hear the truth about expanders, the tightness, the tingling, the emotional toll of living in a body that doesn’t yet feel like your own, and the small, quiet moments of progress that begin to rebuild you from the inside out. This isn’t just about surgery. It’s about learning to trust your body again, finding peace through faith, and realizing that healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal. If you’re navigating your own BRCA journey, facing surgery, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone in the fear, the discomfort, or the slow rediscovery of who you are becoming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  8. OCT 3

    The Day I Let Go of My Breasts

    The days leading up to my preventative double mastectomy felt like living in slow motion. Every bedtime routine, every hug with my boys, every glance in the mirror carried a weight I can’t fully describe. I prayed. I cried. I tried to hold onto ordinary moments, knowing life would never feel the same. In this raw episode, I take you into those final days before surgery, the surreal walk into the operating room, and what it was like to wake up in a body that no longer felt like mine. I share the pain of drains and expanders, the grief that crashed over me in the shower, and the strange coexistence of fear and peace. I also talk about my choice to undergo a nipple-sparing mastectomy — and why, for me, holding onto anything I could mattered. The lift and reduction I had beforehand, the identity I lost, and the faith that gave me clarity when I needed it most. This isn’t just a story about surgery. It’s about grief, motherhood, faith, and finding resolve when everything feels broken. If you’re facing your own surgery or supporting someone who is, I want you to know: you’re not alone in the fear, the grief, or the healing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  9. SEP 22

    Clarity in the Crossroad

    When you’re BRCA positive, one of the hardest moments comes when you’re standing at the crossroad: Do I keep going with surveillance, or do I choose preventative surgery? Both options are heavy. Both come with fear, loss, and uncertainty. In this episode, I share how I prayed desperately for clarity, and how God answered with signs I couldn’t ignore. Two women, two conversations, one day… and suddenly, the decision I had been agonizing over became undeniable. I’ll take you into the raw emotions of that moment, the fear that didn’t go away, and the peace that still carried me into surgery. If you’re facing your own impossible decision, or walking alongside someone who is, this episode is here to remind you that clarity will come, and peace is possible even when you’re still afraid. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts + Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  10. SEP 12

    Surveillance or Surgery: The Choice That Haunts Us

    When you test positive for a BRCA mutation, one of the hardest questions you’ll ever face is this: Do I live under constant surveillance, or do I undergo surgery before cancer ever arrives? In this raw and unfiltered episode, Marisa opens up about standing at that exact crossroad — and the fears, doubts, and sleepless nights that came with it. She shares what it was like to live scan-to-scan, the weight of her colon cancer experience, and the emotional tug-of-war that made surveillance unbearable. With honesty and compassion, she walks you through how she wrestled with the decision and what finally brought her peace. This isn’t a medical lecture. It’s a heart-to-heart conversation about identity, motherhood, fear, loss, and choosing a path forward when both options feel impossible. If you’re navigating your own BRCA journey, or love someone who is, this episode will remind you that your fears are valid, your questions matter, and the “right” choice is the one that gives you peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  11. SEP 2

    So You Tested Positive for BRCA… Now What?

    When I got the call telling me I tested positive for BRCA2, my world stopped. I was sitting in my car, expecting to hear “everything’s fine,” and instead I was handed words that changed my life forever. In this episode, I open up about that moment, the fear, the anger, and the impossible choices that followed—and what it really feels like to live with a BRCA diagnosis. This is the episode I wish I’d had the day I got the call. Together, we’ll talk about the pain points every newly diagnosed woman faces, the steps you can take to navigate the medical and emotional chaos, and most importantly, the positives of knowing. Because BRCA isn’t a life sentence, it’s a turning point. “If you’ve just gotten the call and you feel like your world is upside down, pull up a chair, bestie, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  12. AUG 21

    The Story Behind BRCA & Beyond

    In this first episode of BRCA & Beyond, I open up about the journey that brought me here — from an unexpected colon cancer diagnosis to discovering I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation. I share the fears, decisions, and moments that forever changed my life, and why I felt called to create this podcast as a safe, honest space for women navigating the same path. This is my story, my why, and the beginning of a conversation I hope will remind you: you’re not alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

BRCA & Beyond is where real talk meets real life with a gene mutation. I’m Marisa, a BRCA2 previvor, colon cancer survivor, wife, and mom of two, and I know firsthand how overwhelming, emotional, and downright confusing this journey can be. But here’s the truth — your gene mutation does not define you. Your choices do. And there is a full, beautiful life waiting beyond this diagnosis. Here, we’ll talk about the decisions no one ever expects to face, the emotions that come with them, and the messy, beautiful, complicated life that happens in between. You’ll hear honest stories (mine and others’), practical tips, and guides that make the path a little clearer. We’ll welcome guests who share their own journeys and expertise, offering fresh perspectives, hope, and encouragement. We’ll laugh when we can, cry when we need to, and remind each other that joy still exists, even in the chaos. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, deep into decision-making, or simply searching for connection, this is a space to feel understood, supported, and never alone. Pull up a seat, friend. We’re in this together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Marisa Stachelski
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marisa Stachelski
  • Show Website
    BRCA & Beyond