Cancer is a Stupid Jerk

About Cancer is a Stupid Jerk

Uncorking a Story presents, Cancer is a Stupid Jerk, a podcast where we share real stories from fighters, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes who stand face-to-face with cancer and say, 'Not today.' We're all about embracing the laughs amongst the tears, finding elements of joy and lessons along the way, and proving time and again that love, laughter, and community are important tools on the treatment journey. So, whether you're in the thick of the fight, cheering someone on, or just here to be inspired by incredible tales of courage, resilience, recovery, and the undeniable power of the human spirit, you're in the right place because, together, we're showing cancer that it picked the wrong fight.

Publisher

Mike Carlon

Category

health & fitness · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

21 Jun 2024

Latest episode

4 Aug 2024

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Aug 2024

   Cannabis vs. Cancer: Uncorking the Truth with Dr. Benjamin Caplan

   "Cannabis, when supplemented with traditional pharmaceuticals like chemotherapy for cancer, seems to work better in every way." — Dr. Benjamin Caplan In this episode of Cancer is a Stupid Jerk, host Mike Carlon sits down with Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a renowned family physician and expert in medical cannabis. Over the past 17 years, Dr. Caplan has overseen the care of more than 250,000 patients and mentored hundreds of physicians. He shares his unconventional journey into the world of medical cannabis, dispels common myths, and highlights the therapeutic potential of this versatile plant. Whether you're skeptical or curious about cannabis, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights and a fresh perspective on its use in modern medicine. Key Themes Enhanced Tolerance of Chemotherapy: Dr. Caplan discusses how cannabis can improve patients' ability to tolerate chemotherapy, reducing side effects and enhancing overall quality of life during treatment. Pain Management: The episode highlights the efficacy of cannabis in managing chronic pain associated with cancer and its treatments, offering a natural alternative to opioids. Improved Sleep and Anxiety Relief: Learn how cannabis can help cancer patients achieve better sleep and manage anxiety, contributing to better mental health and well-being. Supporting Overall Well-being: Dr. Caplan explains how cannabis can contribute to a more pleasant life and potentially a more peaceful end-of-life experience, emphasizing its holistic benefits. Scientific Insights on Cancer: The conversation covers the science behind cannabis's effects on cancer cells, including its role in angiogenesis and potential to complement traditional cancer treatments. Patient Stories and Real-life Applications: Dr. Caplan shares compelling patient stories that illustrate the transformative impact of cannabis on the lives of cancer patients and their families. Guidance for Caregivers: Practical advice and insights for caregivers on how to support their loved ones using cannabis as part of their treatment regimen, emphasizing safety and efficacy. Buy The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook: Reverse Disease, Treat Pain, and Enhance Your Wellness with Medical Marijuana and CBD Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A2aqtL Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781637742679 Connect with Dr. Caplan https://www.CEDclinic.com https://www.BenjaminCaplan.com https://www.CaplanCannabis.com Podcast: https://www.GreenTableTalkPodcast.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/drcaplan Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/c/CEDclinic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbenjamincaplan Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #MedicalCannabis #CannabisResearch #DrBenjaminCaplan #CannabisBenefits #CancerTreatment #ChemoSupport #CannabisAndCancer #CannabisCare #PatientEmpowerment #ModernMedicine #EndocannabinoidSystem #TherapeuticCannabis #PainManagement #AnxietyRelief #CaregiverSupport #CannabisHealing

2. 

   28 Jul 2024

   Run Your Own Race with Bill Potts: Transforming Pain into Purpose in the Fight Against Cancer

   "When you have to think about dying, it teaches you how to live better." – Bill Potts In this episode of Cancer is a Stupid Jerk, we dive deep into the resilient journey of Bill Potts, a five-time cancer survivor, motivational speaker, and business leader. Bill shares his personal experiences with cancer, the battles he fought, the lessons he learned, and how he transformed his pain into purpose. This episode is a beacon of hope and motivation for cancer patients and caregivers alike, demonstrating the power of positivity, perseverance, and community in the face of adversity. Key Themes Ownership of Your Journey: Bill emphasizes the importance of taking control of your cancer journey, making informed decisions, and seeking second opinions. The Role of Positivity: Maintaining a positive attitude can significantly impact your healing process and relationships with your care team and loved ones. Turning Pain into Purpose: Inspired by a pastor’s advice, Bill wrote a book to help other cancer patients navigate their journey, turning his pain into a source of hope and guidance for others. Faith and Spirituality: Bill’s strong Christian faith provided him with strength and comfort throughout his cancer battles, highlighting the importance of spiritual support. Living in the Moment: Cancer taught Bill to prioritize meaningful experiences, relationships, and a disciplined lifestyle, focusing on what truly matters in life. Support Systems: The importance of having a strong support system, including family, friends, and healthcare professionals, to provide emotional and practical support during the cancer journey. Advice for New Patients: Bill’s top advice for new cancer patients is to get a second opinion from a high-volume cancer center and to own their journey, making it a personal and proactive battle. Buy Up for the Fight Amazon: https://amzn.to/3s7W33i Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781774581681 Connect with Bill Website: https://www.billcpotts.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcpotts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billcpotts Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillCPotts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billcpotts93/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@billcpotts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK0EbVMSYQ8B6BYPwOWZIQQ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #RunYourOwnRace #CancerSurvivor #Motivation #Hope #CancerJourney #FaithOverFear #PositiveMindset #CancerSupport #Resilience #FightCancer

3. 

   21 Jul 2024

   Finding Joy in Small Moments, with Ann Bancroft

   "I wasn't interested in writing about my own cancer journey, but I was interested in the idea of what if my situation had been flipped." — Ann Bancroft In this heartfelt episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Michael Carlon sits down with Ann Bancroft, a remarkable two-time breast cancer survivor who has made her literary debut at the age of 71. Bancroft shares her journey from a career in journalism to becoming a novelist, the challenges she faced during her cancer treatments, and how she found inspiration in the small joys of life. Her debut novel, "Almost Family," explores the power of unlikely friendships and the healing nature of love. Join us as we uncork Ann's inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and finding purpose in every chapter of life. Key Topics: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Insights into Ann's personal experience with breast cancer, the treatments she underwent, and the emotional and physical impact. Transition from Journalism to Fiction: Ann discusses her shift from a long career in journalism to writing fiction, emphasizing the challenges and creative freedom it brought. Writing as Therapy: The therapeutic and transformative power of writing, and how Ann used it to process her experiences and emotions. Finding Joy in Small Moments: How Ann's cancer journey taught her to appreciate the small, beautiful moments in life. Creating "Almost Family": The inspiration behind her debut novel and the significance of its themes, such as found family and facing terminal illness with humor and honesty. Overcoming Publishing Challenges: Ann's path to getting her novel published, including the setbacks and the eventual success with a hybrid publisher. Encouraging Aspiring Writers: Advice and motivation for aspiring writers, especially those who might think it’s too late to start their literary journey. Buy Almost Family Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eVDxyV Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647426668 Connect with Ann Website: https://annbancroftauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552070758051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bancroftann/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecarlon/ #UncorkingAStory #AnnBancroft #CancerSurvivor #AuthorJourney #AlmostFamily #WritingTherapy #Inspiration #Resilience #BookLovers #LiteraryDebut

4. 

   14 Jul 2024

   Running from Cancer, with Severine Tarayre

   "You have to be open to help because you can't do it all alone. Your support system is crucial." —Severine Tarayre In this episode of "Cancer is a Stupid Jerk," host Mike Carlon sits down with Severine Tarayre, a resilient French-American and nine-year survivor of triple-negative breast cancer. Diagnosed at the age of 36, just days after running her first half marathon, Severine shares her incredible journey through aggressive treatment, her unwavering passion for running, and the invaluable support system that helped her every step of the way. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of strength, community, and the lessons learned along the journey. Key Themes: The Initial Diagnosis: Severine's discovery of her lump and the shock of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Aggressive Treatment: The rigorous chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and radiation therapy she underwent. Maintaining Normalcy: Balancing a demanding career in market research with intensive cancer treatment. Support System: The crucial role of family, friends, and colleagues in her journey, including practical help and emotional support. Running as Therapy: How Severine used running to cope with the stress and challenges of post-treatment life. Silver Linings: The positive changes in Severine's perspective on life, health, and priorities following her battle with cancer. Advice for Others: Severine's guidance for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers on accepting help and building a strong support network. Connect with Severine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/severinetarayre/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecarlon/ #CancerSurvivor #BreastCancerAwareness #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #RunningTherapy #SupportSystem #Inspiration #CancerJourney #HealthAndWellness #SurvivorStories #PodcastEpisode

5. 

   7 Jul 2024

   Not the Final Chapter, with Diane Gilman

   "Life handed me lemons, but I made some lemonade out of them."—Diane Gilman In this powerful episode, we welcome the remarkable Diane Gilman, affectionately known as the "Queen of Jeans." Diagnosed with breast cancer at 71, Diane shares her incredible story of resilience, transformation, and newfound purpose. Despite her battle with cancer, Diane pivoted from a highly successful career in tele-retail to inspire and empower women over 50. She discusses the profound lessons learned from her experience and how she now dedicates her life to helping women reinvent themselves and thrive in their later years. Diane's story is a testament to the power of positivity, reinvention, and the human spirit's resilience. Key Topics The Transformative Power of Adversity: Diane Gilman's battle with breast cancer was a catalyst for profound personal growth and change. She turned a challenging diagnosis into an opportunity to reevaluate her life and purpose, demonstrating how adversity can lead to powerful transformations. Reinventing Oneself After a Major Life Event: After leaving her successful career in tele-retail, Diane reinvented herself as a mentor and advocate for women over 50. Her story highlights the possibilities for new beginnings and careers, even after significant life events. The Importance of Community and Support: Diane emphasizes the crucial role that community and support play in the healing process. By staying connected with her audience and forming new supportive relationships, she found strength and encouragement to navigate her journey. Overcoming Societal Expectations and Stereotypes About Aging: Diane challenges societal norms and stereotypes about aging, advocating for women to defy expectations and pursue their passions. Her message encourages women to embrace their age with confidence and determination. The Role of Mindset in Battling Illness: Diane's positive mindset played a critical role in her battle with cancer. She adopted a proactive and hopeful attitude, showing that mental resilience and a determined outlook can significantly impact the healing process. The Impact of Stress on Health and the Need for Lifestyle Changes: Diane's experience underscores the detrimental effects of stress on health. She highlights the importance of making lifestyle changes to reduce stress, prioritize well-being, and prevent illness, advocating for a balanced and mindful approach to life. Buy Women Thrive Vol. III: Inspiring True Stories of Women Overcoming Adversity Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RW0PL4 Connect with Diane Website: https://dianegilman.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeGilman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDianeGilman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dg2jeanqueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedianegilman Podcast: https://thedianegilman.com/podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianegilman4 Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

6. 

   30 Jun 2024

   Riding the Waves: Meg Stafford's Unfiltered Journey Through Cancer

   Relying on others and allowing yourself to be helped can be one of the most powerful lessons learned during a cancer journey.— Meg Stafford In this episode of Cancer is a Stupid Jerk, we meet Meg Stafford, a breast cancer survivor (rider) who shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and the lessons she learned along the way. Meg, a therapist and writer, discusses how she balanced cancer treatment with maintaining a sense of normalcy in her life. This conversation is filled with humor, resilience, and valuable insights for anyone facing a similar journey. Key Topics: Life Before Cancer: Meg describes her active life as a therapist, writer, and mother of two before her cancer diagnosis, highlighting her enjoyment of cycling and spending time with her family. Diagnosis and Initial Reactions: Meg found a lump during Memorial Day weekend and quickly initiated medical consultations, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis. She candidly discusses the anxiety of waiting for results and the relief of having a supportive treatment team. The Triathlon of Treatment: Meg underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, referring to this comprehensive treatment approach as a "triathlon." She shares how she managed the physical and emotional challenges of each phase. Incorporating Alternative Therapies: To support her body through the rigors of treatment, Meg incorporated acupuncture and massage, which she found helpful in managing side effects and maintaining her well-being. Writing as Therapy: Meg documented her journey through a blog-like email distribution list, which later became her book, "Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C." Writing helped her process her experiences and provided a way to keep friends and family informed without repeatedly recounting her story. Community and Support: Meg emphasizes the importance of accepting help from others and the profound impact of community support. From food chains organized by friends to strangers offering assistance, she found strength in the kindness of those around her. Advice for Those Newly Diagnosed and in Treatment: Meg advises those newly diagnosed to take one day at a time and focus on activities they enjoy. For those in treatment, she encourages remembering that the difficult period is often temporary and to nurture themselves in meaningful ways. Buy Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bnU8sV Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781936214365 Connect With Meg Personal Website: https://megstafford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstafford2183/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-stafford-5568b714/ eMail: megstaf@aim.com Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

7. 

   23 Jun 2024

   Living for Myself Again, with Suzanne Marriott

   Working together in a collaborative manner with my husband, based on love and trust, was one of the most important things. - Suzanne Marriott In this episode of "Cancer is a Stupid Jerk," host Mike Carlon interviews Suzanne Marriott, who was diagnosed with colon cancer while caring for her husband, who was living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Suzanne shares her journey through cancer treatment, the challenges of being a caregiver, and the lessons she learned along the way. This powerful conversation highlights the resilience and strength required to navigate such life-altering experiences. Key Topics Life Before Diagnosis: Suzanne describes her active life with her husband before his MS diagnosis. They enjoyed hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and traveling together. However, their lives changed as his MS progressed, and they had to adapt their activities. About six years into his MS, Suzanne was diagnosed with colon cancer, shifting their dynamic as they both faced serious health challenges. Fight with Cancer: Suzanne details her diagnosis of colon cancer, which initially presented as anemia. Her primary care physician ordered the correct tests, leading to the discovery of the cancer through a colonoscopy. She describes the intense and prolonged chemotherapy treatments she underwent and the physical and emotional toll they took on her. Reciprocal Caregiving: During her treatment, Suzanne's husband, despite his own health struggles, provided as much support as he could. They developed a reciprocal caregiving relationship, each taking care of the other as needed. Their deep bond and mutual support were crucial during this challenging time. Spiritual Practices and Intuition: Suzanne emphasizes the importance of her spiritual practices and intuition in navigating her cancer journey. She utilized a combination of Western medicine and various spiritual practices, including Tibetan Buddhism, shamanic journeys, and active imagination techniques. These practices helped her maintain a sense of purpose and inner strength. Lessons from Cancer: Cancer taught Suzanne valuable lessons about self-care and identity. She realized the importance of living her life for herself, not just as a caregiver. This shift in focus helped her develop a stronger sense of self and resilience, benefiting both her and her husband. Advice for Those Newly Diagnosed: Suzanne advises those newly diagnosed with cancer to join support groups. She found these groups invaluable for sharing experiences, gaining knowledge, and feeling less isolated. Support groups can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand the journey. Advice for Caregivers: For caregivers, Suzanne stresses the importance of developing a collaborative relationship with the person they are caring for, based on love, trust, and open communication. She also highlights the value of caregiver support groups, which can provide essential emotional and practical support. Buy Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver’s Transformative Journey Amazon:https://amzn.to/3AIGrnJ Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647424367 Connect With Suzanne Website: https://suzannemarriottauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannemarriottauthor/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

8. 

   21 Jun 2024

   I Cancelled God, with Cindy Finch

   “Oh, I cancelled God. I canceled Him many times. I'm like, you're fired. You're done. This is ridiculous.” At thirty-one, Cindy Finch was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Oh, and she was also pregnant. After giving birth to her son, Cindy’s health declined, and she eventually faced multiple organ failure. After being told she had only six days to live, she experienced the ultimate dark night of the soul over two thousand miles away from home and bargained with God before ultimately cancelling Him.  But the Lord works in mysterious ways, and in the throes of an existential crisis, believing her death was imminent, Cindy wrote a poem to her children, reassuring them that they would one day reunite. After reading that poem, entitled 'On That Shore,' Cindy realized that God had indeed answered her questions after all. Hers is a story of bravery, resilience, and finding the courage to demand answers to the big questions—and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Meet Cindy Finch Cindy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in helping people through their darkest times. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and has been featured in the  Los Angeles Times, HuffPost, and CURE magazine. A cancer survivor herself, Cindy writes and works from lived experiences. She’s helped thousands of people through their suffering, encouraging them to move forward and keep enduring to come out invincible. Key Themes: Embrace Every Moment: Cindy emphasizes the transformative impact of facing mortality, both one's own and that of loved ones. This confrontation with death strips away the trivial concerns of life, highlighting what truly matters: health and relationships. Cindy shares her own health struggles post-cancer, which reinforced her belief in cherishing each moment. Health is Wealth: Surviving cancer taught Cindy to fiercely protect her health. Her experiences with heart, liver, and lung failures post-cancer treatment at various medical facilities, including a challenging stint at UCLA, underscored this lesson. The significant surgeries she underwent made her realize the critical importance of health above all else. Importance of Personal Connection: Cindy shared the story of how she was approached by a fellow cancer warrior at a grocery store and the deep friendship that followed. The bond they formed exemplifies the importance of connection and support among those facing serious health challenges. The Role and Recognition of Caregivers: Cindy underlines the often overlooked role of caregivers. They juggle countless responsibilities while providing support to those fighting cancer. The emotional and physical toll on caregivers can be immense, as they experience secondary and vicarious trauma from their proximity to suffering and potential loss. Buy Cindy’s Book: When Grief Is Good: Turning Your Greatest Loss into Your Biggest Lesson Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bbA10s Connect with Cindy Website: https://www.cindyfinch.com/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.