BRCA & Beyond

Marisa Stachelski

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    When Survival Eases, and Deeper Healing Begins

    In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa talks about what healing can look like after preventative surgery, when survival mode eases, but your nervous system and emotions are still catching up. This conversation covers scanxiety, fight-or-flight responses, and the emotional side of recovery that can show up long after surgeries are done. From nervous system regulation to unexpected body image struggles, Marisa shares how the body continues to process medical stress even when life looks “back to normal” on the outside. If you’ve experienced preventative surgery, mastectomy recovery, reconstruction, hereditary cancer risk, or life after cancer, this episode offers connection and validation around the emotional layers of healing that often come next. It’s for anyone learning how to feel safe in their body again while navigating life after BRCA, colon cancer recovery, or major health decisions. Founding PartnerThis episode is brought to you by our founding partner, Auntie Tats’s Candle Shoppe. Each candle is hand-poured in small batches using clean, thoughtful ingredients like beeswax and coconut wax. No harsh chemicals, just soft, calming scents that help you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and feel more grounded in your space. And if you’ve been walking through recovery, grief, health anxiety, or big life transitions, you already know how important those quiet moments are. Find them at www.auntietatsscandleshoppe.com and on Instagram @auntietatsscandles—woman-owned and proudly supporting this community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  2. JAN 15

    Love, Danielle - A Film About Previvorship

    🎙️ Episode DescriptionMarisa sits down with the two women behind the powerful film Love, Danielle—actor, writer, and producer Devin Sidell and executive producer Amy Byer Shainman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about the emotional side of hereditary cancer, identity, healing, and what it really means to rebuild your life after a life-changing diagnosis. 🎬 About the FilmWhen Danielle, a happily married thirty-something, tests positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation, she learns that this puts her at a very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Thanks a lot, DNA. She struggles to carry on with daily life working at her bakery with her husband Pat and hanging out with her well-meaning but clueless friends—while watching her older sister Amy undergo chemotherapy for breast cancer. Danielle begins to face the weight of a life-altering decision: whether to preemptively remove her “ticking time bomb” breasts and reproductive organs before cancer has a chance to strike. Her decision-making process is layered with flashbacks to a complicated childhood, anesthesia-induced dreams, and difficult confrontations with her recovering alcoholic mother and self-absorbed television-star father. Ultimately, Danielle must learn how to prioritize her health, her future, and herself. 🎥 Where to Watch Love, DanielleYou can stream Love, Danielle on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube, or purchase a DVD copy. The film is also available for educational licensing through SWANK.com. Love, Danielle is currently being utilized by conferences and educational settings and is often paired with live Q&A sessions with Devin Sidell and Amy Byer Shainman for patient and provider education and empathy training. To license the film, visit SWANK.com and request a quote. 🌸 Meet the Women Behind the FilmDevin Sidell is an actor, writer, and producer who received her B.A. from Princeton University before returning to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film, television, and theatre. She has appeared on Malcolm in the Middle, The O.C., NUMB3RS, Ray Donovan, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, NCIS, Mayans MC, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and in Rob Zombie’s feature film 31 (Official Selection, Sundance Film Festival). Devin is also a recurring sketch performer on Jimmy Kimmel Live! A BRCA1 mutation carrier with a family history of breast and ovarian cancers, Devin chose to undergo both a preventative double mastectomy and preventative hysterectomy/oophorectomy in 2017 — earning her the label of “previvor.” Amy Byer Shainman is a BRCA1 carrier, previvor, advocate, author, and film producer dedicated to educating and empowering individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes. Known as BRCA Responder, she is the executive producer of the award-winning films Love, Danielle and Pink and Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer, and the author of the award-winning medical memoir Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew. Amy brings clarity, compassion, and visibility to the hereditary cancer community through storytelling and lived experience. 💗 Connect & Learn MoreFollow the film and its creators: Film: @lovedanielle.filmAmy: @BRCAresponderDevin: @devin.sidell www.devinsidell.comWebsite: www.lovedaniellefilm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  3. 12/10/2025

    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. 11/24/2025

    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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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.