Talking To Charlie.

Charlie

Welcome to Talking To Charlie - the home of real life experiences from those directly or indirectly affected by cancer,  plus the many other challenges that life can sometimes throw at us - www.talkingtocharlie.com

  1. Understanding IVF w/ Jessica Manns

    05/12/2025

    Understanding IVF w/ Jessica Manns

    In this episode, Charlie is joined by embryologist Jessica Manns, who practices out of Radiance Fertility Clinic, Western Pennsylvania's only private fertility practice.  She is also a massive advocate for wanting to help people further understand IVF and everything surrounding it.  They discuss the complications that both men and women face when starting chemotherapy and the prospect of being left infertile post treatment.  The options they then have to hand should they want to explore starting a family post treatment.   Cryopreservation of sperm and eggs and what is involved.  As well as a detailed discussion about IVF including the process, side effects and over-riding costs. And whilst IVF can be one option to explore, there are also other alternatives including surrogacy.  Something that Jessica is now more than familiar with, as she is currently 36 weeks pregnant with another couples child. Chemotherapy can leave you infertile but that doesn't mean to say you can't start a family.  This episode is for anyone looking for that reassurance and for those who might be considering IVF.  Website: www.talkingtocharlie.com Instagram: @talkingtocharlie  DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    36 min
  2. 'Ripples' caused by Prostate Cancer w/ Simon Waterfield

    01/09/2025

    'Ripples' caused by Prostate Cancer w/ Simon Waterfield

    In this episode, Charlie is joined by Simon Waterfield whom he originally reached out to on Instagram, in light of his strong online presence addressing his own personal cancer experiences.  He is also the author of the book - 'Ripple in Still Water: A reflection of life with cancer' - relaying said experiences and exploring how emotions and trains of thought are changed, sometimes permanently through a series of short stories. They discuss Simons original diagnosis and his continued battle with prostate cancer.  Focusing on how prevalent prostate cancer is amongst men and more importantly, the need to be talking about your symptoms, illnesses and alike with friends and family. They take a deeper dive into his book, recognising that cancer can go beyond just the physical effects and can have many mental health concerns associated with it too. Simon is a passionate advocate for wanting to raise further awareness of the risks of prostate cancer and the potential implications for men, as we grow older.  This becomes more and more apparent throughout the episode and is demonstrated even further, through his continued commitment to run a Prostate Cancer Support Group, as well as volunteering with Macmillan as a Cancer Buddy. His book can be found on Amazon or please do take some time to visit his website www.prostateripples.com for further information. A really informative episode for anyone who might be going through their own prostate cancer diagnosis or need an additional resource for a close friend or relative. Website: www.talkingtocharlie.com Instagram: @talkingtocharlie  DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    48 min
  3. Boarding School: The consequences of abandonment w/ Richard Hughes

    10/17/2024

    Boarding School: The consequences of abandonment w/ Richard Hughes

    In this episode, Charlie is joined by Richard Hughes, a practicing psychotherapist whose particular areas of interest include relationships, issues men face and boarding school trauma.  A reference to the psychological harm done to many children who were sent away to boarding school. Following the previous episode with Jamie and his suggestion that his experience at boarding school lead to his various struggles with addictions and wearing 'a mask' for much of his early adulthood, they explore this theory further and their own respective experiences in more detail. They discuss the issues of abandonment and how this can manifest into adulthood.  Struggles with intimacy, relationships and battling the boarding double bind.  That feeling of anxiousness, hurt and being let down at school but unable to say anything because you risk upsetting your parents, who have spent a lot of money to send you there. The need for a secure attachment throughout our childhood, characterised by feelings of safety, trust and the ability to seek comfort when needed.  Which can be absent at boarding school.  A great listen for anyone who might have been to private school and feels that something may be a little 'off' in the way that they now feel and ultimately, what we can do to start to navigate these feelings. Website: www.talkingtocharlie.com Instagram: @talkingtocharlie  DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    43 min
  4. Rising from the dark: A story of hope and healing w/ Jamie Blyth

    09/10/2024

    Rising from the dark: A story of hope and healing w/ Jamie Blyth

    In this episode, Charlie is joined by his old school friend Jamie, who he first met when they were sent to boarding school at the age of 7.  Whilst a friendship blossomed back then, they soon found themselves going there separate ways as life took its course. Fast forward 40 years and a chance school reunion cricket match, they have been able to reconnect and get up-to-speed on their respective lives. To say Jamie has been through his fair share of challenges would be an understatement; and in this episode, he relays first-hand what those past 40 years have been like for him. This includes his experience with drink & drug addiction; suicidal ideation; close encounters with the 14K triad gang in Hong Kong and the befriending of a wild otter off the coast of South Africa. Remarkably and whilst by his own admittance he did hit rock bottom, he has now been able to turn his life around and finds himself helping others who have been through similar challenges. A true story of hope and inspiration for anyone who may be going through similar; and to also know, that they should never give up. Website: www.talkingtocharlie.com Instagram: @talkingtocharlie  DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    1h 18m

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Welcome to Talking To Charlie - the home of real life experiences from those directly or indirectly affected by cancer,  plus the many other challenges that life can sometimes throw at us - www.talkingtocharlie.com