Young Tongues

Barbara Fountain
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Non-Profit
  • Biweekly

The Young Tongues Podcast is a space for honest, unfiltered conversations about life with and after tongue cancer. Hosted by founder Barbara Fountain and fellow survivors, Jamie and Stef, the podcast brings together real patient voices, expert insights, and the conversations that don’t usually happen in clinical settings — from diagnosis and treatment to long-term effects, identity, and everything in between. Young Tongues is a global support charity for people aged 18–64 diagnosed with tongue cancer. Built from lived experience, it exists to make sure no one faces this diagnosis alone — providing community, practical support, and a platform to amplify the patient voice. Through this podcast, we share stories, challenge assumptions, and work towards a future where young people are diagnosed earlier, better supported, and truly understood. Whether you’re a patient, survivor, carer, clinician or researcher — you’re part of this conversation. https://www.youngtonguesglobal.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Nov 6

    Finding My Voice Again: Sarah Jay Hawley's Story

    What happens when the very thing that defines you is threatened by cancer? For professional singer-songwriter and vocal coach Sarah Jay Hawley, a diagnosis of tongue base and tonsil cancer raised a terrifying question: would she ever be able to sing again? In this episode, Barbara sits down with Sarah to explore her journey from the first subtle symptoms and challenges of getting a diagnosis to intensive radiotherapy, rehabilitation and the emotional impact of losing a part of your identity. Sarah shares how her knowledge of vocal health, determination to maintain her swallowing and singing abilities, and the support of her speech and language therapist helped her navigate treatment. Together, they discuss the realities of recovery, the importance of mental health support and the often-overlooked challenges of living with the long-term effects of head and neck cancer. But this is also a story of rediscovery. When singing became difficult, Sarah turned to other forms of creative expression, finding comfort and purpose in art, writing and sculpture. What began as a way to cope has since grown into The Art of Resilience, an exhibition exploring the cancer experience through creativity. It's a heartfelt conversation about learning to embrace the person you are today, finding joy in unexpected places and discovering that, even when cancer changes your voice, you still have something powerful to say. The discussed exhibition opens on Friday 27 November from 4pm to 7pm, and a programme of free creative workshops runs throughout the week.You can find the event details and booking information here:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-resilience-from-the-furnace-to-the-flow-tickets-2004228397088 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Finding My Voice Again: Sarah Jay Hawley's Story

  2. Oct 30

    Clinical Trials: Hope, Hard Choices & the Human Experience

    What happens when you're told there are no more treatment options? And how do you find your way into a clinical trial when you don't even know where to start? In this deeply personal episode, Barbara is joined by two very special Young Tongues members, Holly from the UK and Molly from the US, who share their very different experiences of participating in clinical trials following a recurrence of tongue cancer. For Holly, a second opinion opened a door she didn't know existed. Having initially been told there was little more that could be done, she is now experiencing encouraging results from a clinical trial. For Molly, clinical trials have offered precious additional time, but her experience also highlights the emotional pressures, difficult decisions and challenges of navigating experimental treatments. Together, they explore the realities of accessing clinical trials, understanding treatment options, managing side effects, navigating financial and geographical barriers, and the importance of being treated as a person rather than a research participant. It's an honest, sometimes emotional, but also wonderfully warm conversation about hope, uncertainty, friendship and why patients' voices must be at the heart of clinical research. Content note: This episode includes discussions of cancer recurrence, advanced disease, palliative care and end-of-life experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Clinical Trials: Hope, Hard Choices & the Human Experience

  3. Oct 22

    Joy Maxing: Finding Happiness After Cancer

    The three amigos are back! Barbara, Stef and Jamie reunite for a long-overdue catch-up, and as always, there's plenty of laughter, a little chaos and some brutally honest conversations. Following a particularly difficult few weeks for the Young Tongues community, the trio reflect on the emotional toll of losing friends to cancer, navigating anticipatory grief and learning how to hold space for both sadness and happiness. But how do you allow yourself to feel joy when you've experienced so much loss? And why, even years after treatment, can feeling happy and healthy sometimes trigger a fear that something terrible is just around the corner? From survivor's guilt and health anxiety to the frustrations of living with fatigue and a body that doesn't always cooperate, the conversation explores the complicated realities of life after cancer. And because this is Young Tongues, there's also plenty of silliness involving Halloween horrors, questionable hairstyles, salsa dancing and the joys of getting older. At the heart of it all is a simple message: Grief and joy can coexist. And sometimes, the best way to honour those we've lost is to make the absolute most of the life we still have. Welcome to the art of Joy Maxing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Joy Maxing: Finding Happiness After Cancer

  4. Oct 16

    Going the Extra Mile: Danielle's Story

    What does it take to run an ultramarathon just months after cancer treatment? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Danielle Welsh from Melbourne, Australia, who shares her experience of being diagnosed with tongue cancer at 43, undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, and navigating the challenges of recovery while raising two young children. A lifelong endurance athlete, Danielle was determined to keep moving throughout treatment, adapting her exercise routine even as the side effects became increasingly difficult. But her story goes far beyond physical fitness. Together, Barbara and Danielle explore the importance of self-advocacy, the difficult decisions patients face around treatment, and the gaps in care that often emerge once treatment ends. They discuss why survivorship needs a more holistic approach, the value of finding the right healthcare professionals, and the emotional challenges of explaining cancer to young children. An insightful and thought-provoking conversation about resilience, patient-centred care, and finding ways to regain control when cancer turns your world upside down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Going the Extra Mile: Danielle's Story

  5. Oct 11

    Kylie Young on Life and Leadership After Tongue Cancer

    What happens when tongue cancer threatens not just your health, but your ability to communicate, work and live life on your own terms? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Kylie Young from New Zealand, who shares her remarkable journey from a persistent tongue ulcer and delayed diagnosis to major surgery, radiotherapy and life beyond treatment. Kylie speaks candidly about the challenges she faced, including complications with feeding, feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, and navigating the emotional and physical impact of losing her tongue. But this is also a story of resilience, humour and rediscovering what's possible. Despite initially being told her teaching career might be over, Kylie has gone on to become a General Manager, demonstrating that a speech impairment doesn't have to stand in the way of leadership. Together, Barbara and Kylie explore the importance of individualised care, supportive employers, finding your voice after cancer, and learning to embrace life with its new challenges. An honest, uplifting and thought-provoking conversation about being heard, challenging expectations and refusing to let cancer define your future. 💬 Need Support?If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here: 🌍 Website 🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website 💌 Contact us: podcast@youngtonguesglobal.com 📢 Get InvolvedWe’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it: ✨ Volunteer & share your experience 🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast 🧠 Take part in research opportunities 💛 Support Our WorkWe’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going. 👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here 📲 Follow & ConnectInstagram | Facebook | TikTok | Mailing List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kylie Young on Life and Leadership After Tongue Cancer

  6. Oct 1

    When the Nurse Becomes the Patient

    Tara Hanley was used to being the nurse — not the patient. In this episode, Tara joins Barbara to share her journey from a persistent tongue ulcer and repeated biopsies to eventually hearing the words: “It’s cancer.” As a public health nurse and mum of two young children, Tara talks candidly about trying to stay positive for everyone around her while privately confronting her own fears. She shares how she prepared her children for surgery, why she recorded herself reading their favourite stories before treatment, and what it was like returning to work and everyday life afterwards. They also explore the parts of recovery that others don’t always see: scanxiety, lymphoedema, changes to eating and speech, survivor guilt, and the strange experience of everyone else moving on while you’re only beginning to process what happened. Warm, funny and deeply relatable, this is a conversation about becoming the patient, finding your new normal and recognising that you don’t have to have had the “worst” cancer experience for it to have changed your life. 💬 Need Support?If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here: 🌍 Website 🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website 💌 Contact us: podcast@youngtonguesglobal.com 📢 Get InvolvedWe’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it: ✨ Volunteer & share your experience 🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast 🧠 Take part in research opportunities 💛 Support Our WorkWe’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going. 👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here 📲 Follow & ConnectInstagram | Facebook | TikTok | Mailing List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    When the Nurse Becomes the Patient

  7. Sep 27

    When a Cold Isn’t Just a Cold

    What happens when an everyday cold meets a body that’s been through tongue cancer treatment? With Barbara away, Stef and Jamie have been left in charge of the podcast — which may or may not have been a terrible decision. After Stef is struck down by a particularly nasty cold, they get talking about something that probably feels very familiar to many people in the Young Tongues community: being ill after treatment just isn’t the same as it was before. Dry mouth gets drier. Swallowing becomes harder. Coughing, sneezing and clearing phlegm can suddenly become a logistical operation. Medication isn’t always easy to take. And when familiar pains return — particularly around the ear, jaw or neck — an innocent virus can also bring some very unwelcome thoughts about recurrence. Stef and Jamie talk candidly about the long-term realities of treatment, invisible side effects, fatigue, learning to give yourself permission to rest, and why friends and family may not always understand just how much effort goes into appearing “normal.” There are also saline sprays, emotional-support water bottles, disastrous food choices, humidifier experiments, “mouth lube” and considerably more discussion of bodily functions than Barbara would probably have authorised. It’s honest, occasionally gross, surprisingly funny and ultimately a reminder of why we talk about this stuff in the first place. Because however weird the side effect, however ridiculous the situation, and however many years it’s been since treatment — chances are, another Young Tongue gets it. 💬 Need Support?If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here: 🌍 Website 🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website 💌 Contact us: podcast@youngtonguesglobal.com 📢 Get InvolvedWe’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it: ✨ Volunteer & share your experience 🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast 🧠 Take part in research opportunities 💛 Support Our WorkWe’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going. 👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here 📲 Follow & ConnectInstagram | Facebook | TikTok | Mailing List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    When a Cold Isn’t Just a Cold

  8. Sep 17

    ACC: Finding Your Voice After Tongue Cancer

    Last week on The Young Tongues Podcast, Dr Patrick Ha helped us understand the science behind adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) – an incredibly rare form of cancer that can affect the tongue. This week, we hear what it can actually mean to live through it. Barbara is joined by Young Tongues member Sonya, who was diagnosed with ACC at the base of her tongue four years ago after experiencing jaw pain for several years and initially being treated for TMJ. Her eventual diagnosis came in terrifying circumstances, following a medical emergency that nearly cost Sonya her life. She went on to undergo a 100% glossectomy and laryngectomy, followed by radiotherapy, and today continues to live with and receive treatment for metastatic disease in her lungs. But this episode is about so much more than cancer treatment. Sonya speaks with remarkable openness – and plenty of her trademark humour – about losing her tongue and natural voice, learning to communicate differently, adjusting to a completely changed relationship with food, stepping away from a career that had been central to her identity, and figuring out who she was when productivity could no longer define her worth. A central part of Sonya's story is voice banking and virtual voicing. Before surgery, she had just a few weeks to discover that voice banking even existed and record as much of her voice as she could. Today, advances in AI allow Sonya to communicate using a cloned version of her own voice – technology she says has given her not only a voice, but confidence, independence and a sense of identity. 💬 Need Support?If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here: 🌍 Website 🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website 💌 Contact us: podcast@youngtonguesglobal.com 📢 Get InvolvedWe’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it: ✨ Volunteer & share your experience 🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast 🧠 Take part in research opportunities 💛 Support Our WorkWe’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going. 👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here 📲 Follow & ConnectInstagram | Facebook | TikTok | Mailing List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ACC: Finding Your Voice After Tongue Cancer
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Young Tongues Podcast is a space for honest, unfiltered conversations about life with and after tongue cancer. Hosted by founder Barbara Fountain and fellow survivors, Jamie and Stef, the podcast brings together real patient voices, expert insights, and the conversations that don’t usually happen in clinical settings — from diagnosis and treatment to long-term effects, identity, and everything in between. Young Tongues is a global support charity for people aged 18–64 diagnosed with tongue cancer. Built from lived experience, it exists to make sure no one faces this diagnosis alone — providing community, practical support, and a platform to amplify the patient voice. Through this podcast, we share stories, challenge assumptions, and work towards a future where young people are diagnosed earlier, better supported, and truly understood. Whether you’re a patient, survivor, carer, clinician or researcher — you’re part of this conversation. https://www.youngtonguesglobal.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara Fountain
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Young Tongues
  • Show Website
    Young Tongues

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