Cancer & Peace Podcast

Peter Scalzo
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly Series

You have cancer. It is a surreal identity shift. The word “cancer" transports the person's identity to “cancer patient” in a world of the physical, emotional, and spiritual unknown, including pain, suffering, and the threat of death. After diagnosis, does cancer have to define my identity and, therefore my existence? Can I have a purposeful and meaningful inner life as a cancer patient? Does spirituality play a role? We are having a discussion. Join us in the discussion. It is possible to travel in a place of serenity and peace on the cancer journey. Join a 17-year cancer survivor still on the journey as the Podcast host with his friend, Sean Stewart, a fellow recovery participant acting as the Podcast’s facilitator.

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  1. 11/14/2025

    Cancer & Peace Moments #1: The Role of Emotions

    In this moment from Cancer and Peace, Peter shares how a simple journal became the key to his healing—after 14 surgeries and a 5% survival rate. We talk about the power of feeling your emotions, how numbing pain also numbs joy, and why processing your emotions is essential for peace. 📖 Featuring insights from Brene Brown and Pete Scazzero 💡 Includes the “H.E.A.R.T. Check” tool for emotional awareness #CancerJourney #EmotionalHealth #HealingThroughFeeling #CancerAndPeace

    15 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    C&P Moments - Episode #2

    In this special C&P Moments episode, Peter shares how a simple act of gratitude transformed his darkest moments in the ICU. Sean explains how gratitude impacts the nervous system—and why it's more than a nice idea... it's a healing tool. ⏳ 3 Real Moments from Episode 12: Gratitude in the ICU Why Gratitude Changes the Body The Gifts Hidden in the Journey ✨ Whether you're navigating cancer, grief, or any hard season, this conversation will shift your perspective. 📝 More resources at: https://cancerandpeace.com 🎧 Full episode: “Gratitude” – available wherever you get your podcasts 📖 Read Peter's story: Cancer and Peace (book info on the website)

    17 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    Cancer & Peace Moments #3: Benevolent Detachment

    In this C&P Moments episode, Sean and Peter talk about benevolent detachment—the simple yet powerful practice of releasing control and finding peace in uncertainty. Peter shares his experience with anxiety, healing, and learning to let go of everyone and everything to God. Sean explores how this detachment leads to a “non-anxious presence,” using tools like John Eldredge’s Pause app and the H.E.A.R.T. Check to stay grounded. ✨ Topics: Surrender vs. control in the cancer journey Finding peace through spiritual awareness Living with open hands and a calm heart 🕊️ Watch the full episode: “Benevolent Detachment” 📖 Learn more: cancerandpeace.com #CancerAndPeace #BenevolentDetachment #FaithAndHealing #EmotionalHealth #LettingGo #NonAnxiousPresence

    17 min

  4. 12/05/2025

    Cancer & Peace Moments #4: Is There A Silver Bullet

    In this C&P Moments episode, Peter and Sean ask a question many wrestle with in the cancer journey: Is there a silver bullet? They explore how our search for perfect cures or quick fixes often distracts from peace—and how acceptance, surrender, and faith bring freedom. Peter shares personal moments from his own healing story and the spiritual lessons that carried him through. ✨ Topics: The Serenity Prayer in real life Fixing vs. Listening Finding peace when there’s no easy answer 🕊️ Watch the full episode: Is There a Silver Bullet? 📖 Learn more at: cancerandpeace.com #CancerAndPeace #FaithAndHealing #SerenityPrayer #LetGoAndLetGod #HealingJourney #PeaceNotPerfection

    17 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Cancer & Peace Moments #5: No Grace No Peace

    In this C&P Moments episode, Peter and Sean talk about one of the hardest lessons in healing — learning to receive grace. Peter shares how years of independence and self-reliance were stripped away by illness, forcing him to embrace humility and the love of others. Together, they explore the truth that peace begins when we stop performing and start receiving. ✨ Topics: The myth of the self-made man From burden to blessing Grace vs. Transactional love 🕊️ Watch the full episode: No Grace, No Peace 📖 Learn more at cancerandpeace.com #CancerAndPeace #GraceAndPeace #FaithJourney #HealingThroughGrace #LetGoAndLetGod

    21 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    Cancer & Peace Moments #6: Transactional Peace

    In this C&P Moments episode, Peter and Sean unpack what it really means to find peace — and how trying to earn it keeps us from ever experiencing it. Peter shares the powerful moment when, in the depths of surgery and despair, he discovered peace as a gift, not a reward. Sean reflects on recovery, mercy, and learning to trust God rather than perform for Him. ✨ Topics: The myth of “earning peace” Peace through mercy and surrender Trusting God in suffering 🕊️ Watch the full episode: Transactional Peace 📖 Learn more at cancerandpeace.com #CancerAndPeace #FaithAndHealing #TrustOverFear #PeaceThroughGrace #LetGoAndLetGod

    19 min

  7. Jan 2

    Cancer & Peace Moments #7: From Ashes

    What can be built from ashes? In this episode of Cancer & Peace Moments, Peter Scalzo shares the moment his cancer journey brought him to the end of himself — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When every source of identity and meaning was stripped away, he found himself in a place of nothingness, what he calls ashes. Together, Peter and Sean explore how pain, loss, and suffering can become a doorway rather than an ending — and how true peace is often found only when we stop trying to build life on our own strength. In this episode: What it means to reach the end of yourself Why ashes feel like failure, but aren’t How pain can become a doorway to peace Letting go of false hope and opening the door to restoration For more resources, visit cancerandpeace.com and explore Peter’s book and additional teachings on the journey toward peace.

    12 min

  8. Jan 9

    Cancer & Peace Moments #8: The Gift of Limits

    What if your limitations aren’t working against you? In this episode of Cancer & Peace Moments, Peter Scalzo and Sean Stewart explore the idea of the gift of limits — how cancer, disability, and life circumstances force boundaries we never asked for, yet may be exactly where peace is found. From career loss and physical limitations to redefining value, purpose, and busyness, this conversation challenges the belief that productivity equals worth. Instead, it invites listeners to consider how limits can create space for deeper connection, healing, and trust. In this episode: How cancer introduces unavoidable limits Why limits often feel like loss — but aren’t Letting go of performance-based identity Finding peace by embracing boundaries instead of fighting them For more resources, visit cancerandpeace.com and explore Peter’s book and additional teachings on peace, recovery, and spiritual growth.

    8 min
See All Season 2 (25)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

You have cancer. It is a surreal identity shift. The word “cancer" transports the person's identity to “cancer patient” in a world of the physical, emotional, and spiritual unknown, including pain, suffering, and the threat of death. After diagnosis, does cancer have to define my identity and, therefore my existence? Can I have a purposeful and meaningful inner life as a cancer patient? Does spirituality play a role? We are having a discussion. Join us in the discussion. It is possible to travel in a place of serenity and peace on the cancer journey. Join a 17-year cancer survivor still on the journey as the Podcast host with his friend, Sean Stewart, a fellow recovery participant acting as the Podcast’s facilitator.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Scalzo
  • Episodes
    170
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by Cancer & Peace Podcast by Peter Scalzo, Sean Stewart, and John MacKay
  • Show Website
    Cancer & Peace Podcast