"Join us on an inspiring journey through life's trials - from high school romance to marriage, parenthood, and confronting the devastating impact of brain cancer. Together, we've continued to grow, emerging stronger. Discover how we've found healing, learned to grieve and experience the transformative power of community. This podcast offers hope and guidance for overcoming adversity and leading from our scars."
Publisher
Jason + Tracy Binder
Category
health & fitness · religion & spirituality · society & culture
Hope and Honesty: Redefining Care for Brain Cancer with Dr. Akanksha Sharma
What happens when a physician sees the system fail someone she loves—and decides to change it for everyone else? In this powerful episode, Dr. Akanksha Sharma shares her journey from neurology resident to becoming a national leader in neuro-oncology and palliative care. Through stories of her mother’s silent brilliance and a patient who became family, Dr. Sharma reveals the gaps in brain tumor care—and how she’s working to close them with compassion, clarity, and courage. We dive into the myths surrounding palliative care, how caregivers are often overlooked in the medical system, and why asking “What will that time look like?” is as important as “How much time do I have?” This episode is a must-listen for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who believe that quality of life should never be an afterthought.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akankshamd/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akankshamd/)
https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach (https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach)
29 Apr 2025
Fixing Fences, Feeling Nothing: A Caregiver’s Awakening with Kyle Woody
When crisis hits, men are often told to stay strong and keep moving. But what happens when the weight of caregiving becomes too heavy to carry alone? In this powerful episode, Kyle Woody shares the origin story behind Jack’s Caregiver Coalition—a space where men supporting loved ones through illness can be seen, supported, and understood.
From fixing fences to healing hearts, Kyle unpacks how vulnerability, community, and purpose helped him—and countless others—show up for their families without losing themselves in the process. If you're a caregiver, or love someone who is, this episode is for you.
https://www.jackscaregiverco.org/ (https://www.jackscaregiverco.org/)
https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach (https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach)
15 Apr 2025
Cancer-Free, Not Carefree with Mariana Arnaut of @theaftercancer
Cancer-Free, Not Carefree with Mariana Arnaut of @theaftercancer (https://www.instagram.com/theaftercancer/?hl=en) https://www.theaftercancer.com/ (https://www.theaftercancer.com/)
Survivorship isn’t the end—it’s a whole new chapter.
We talk joy, connection, and the hidden struggles of life after cancer. 💛
🎧 Listen now.
https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach (https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach)
17 Dec 2024
Honoring a Father's Legacy: Navigating Brain Cancer and Relational Health with Chris Schuler
In this heartfelt episode, Jason Binder sits down with Chris Schuler, a dedicated brain cancer awareness advocate and caregiver to his late father, Donald. Together, they explore the relational impact of caregiving, grief, and healing in the wake of a glioblastoma diagnosis. Chris shares his caregiving journey, highlighting his close bond with his father, the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, and the profound lessons learned. They discuss how brain cancer shaped his relationships with his father, spouse, and children, illustrating the ripple effects of such an intense life experience. Key discussion points include: The role of caregiving in honoring a loved one's legacy. Practical strategies for balancing caregiving with other relationships. How grief and suffering can lead to purpose and transformation. Insights on how caregivers can seek and provide relational support amidst crisis. Jason and Chris also delve into practical advice for listeners navigating similar journeys, offering hope and emphasizing the importance of relational health in the healing process. This episode is a moving testament to resilience, love, and the enduring power of relationships.
Guest Bio: Chris Schuler is a brain cancer awareness advocate and venture partner at Daria Ventures. His mission is to amplify the work of organizations supporting patients with brain cancer and drive innovation in brain health. A former caregiver to his late father, Chris is deeply committed to transforming personal grief into advocacy and action for others facing similar challenges.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschuler/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschuler/)
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
3 Dec 2024
Voices of Resilience: Navigating Rare Disease with Empathy and Advocacy with Pam Cusick
In this heartfelt episode, Jason Binder sits down with Pam Cusick, Senior Vice President at Rare Patient Voice, to delve into the intersection of healthcare advocacy and relational health. Pam shares her 30-year journey in healthcare research, emphasizing the importance of amplifying patient and caregiver voices. Together, they explore the unique challenges rare diseases bring to relationships and the critical need for empathy, grace, and connection in caregiving dynamics. Discover how Rare Patient Voice empowers individuals by connecting them to research opportunities, offering financial recognition for their insights, and creating platforms for their stories to shape the future of healthcare. Pam and Jason discuss practical strategies for supporting caregivers, the role of community in breaking isolation, and how healthcare providers can enhance relational well-being for families navigating rare conditions. Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone passionate about patient advocacy, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights, anecdotes, and actionable advice to foster resilience and intimacy amidst the complexities of rare diseases.
Rare Patient Voice: https://rarepatientvoice.com/for-patients/patients/ (https://rarepatientvoice.com/for-patients/patients/)
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
8 Oct 2024
Reminding us of our Why with Alisha DeTroye
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
In this episode, we sit down with Alisha DeTroye, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA, a dedicated Physician Assistant and Regional Director of Advanced Practice at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Alisha shares how her grandmother’s battle with ovarian cancer inspired her career in neuro-oncology. Now overseeing over 1,150 healthcare professionals, she continues to maintain a part-time clinical practice. Alisha emphasizes the importance of quality of life and emotional support for brain cancer patients, recognizing the median survival of 18-21 months while highlighting each patient's unique journey. She passionately advocates for specialized care at academic institutions and sheds light on the emotional and relational challenges that patients and their families face. Throughout our conversation, Alisha underscores the power of humor and maintaining a sense of purpose as vital tools for coping with this challenging disease. Join us for an insightful discussion about the holistic care of brain cancer patients.
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
10 Sept 2024
[UPDATED AUDIO] Growing Up in the Shadow of GBM ... with Esther Mallard
In this heartfelt episode, Esther Mallard shares her deeply personal journey of growing up with a parent affected by the cognitive challenges of a brain injury due to glioblastoma. Esther opens up about navigating trauma, mental health struggles, and finding resilience during her college years, all while coping with the emotional impact of her parent’s illness. The conversation explores how she managed these challenges, highlighting the importance of community, therapy, and emotional support. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the strength required to face profound adversity and the strategies that can help individuals and families find hope in difficult times.
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
2 Sept 2024
Grief & Purpose
After listening to Mike Rowe's podcast, The Way I Heard It, in an interview with Sabin Howard...I've been thinking a lot about grief, suffering and purpose while having a season with a lot of shaping. link to podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-i-heard-it-with-mike-rowe/id1087110764?i=1000665987577 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-i-heard-it-with-mike-rowe/id1087110764?i=1000665987577)
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
27 Aug 2024
It's Communication, Duh ... with Amanda R. Ferraro
In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Amanda R. Ferraro (https://cancerisanasshole.com/ (https://cancerisanasshole.com/)) to explore powerful stories of resilience through personal experiences with cancer, brain surgery, and family trauma. The conversation delves into the transformative role of emotional journaling as a coping tool, helping individuals process complex emotions, build resilience, and create open lines of communication within families. We also discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system as a cancer patient, emphasizing the vital role of patient advocates in managing appointments and offering emotional support. Lastly, we touch on the importance of empathy, open communication, and understanding in preserving marriages during the often tumultuous journey through illness. This episode is a heartfelt guide for anyone facing similar challenges, providing insights and hope.
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
13 Aug 2024
Sharing Our Scars with Holly Richard
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we speak with Holly Richard, a leader who has dedicated over 20 years to executive roles in nonprofits, advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. After transitioning to a new role as a consultant with The Arc of NC, Holly has been able to focus more on a deeply personal mission—brain cancer advocacy.
This shift in focus is rooted in an unimaginable loss: the passing of her beloved 28-year-old son, Derek, from glioblastoma in April 2019. This life-changing event led Holly to write her first book, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days: The Unthinkable Journey (https://amzn.to/3AkJdm5), in hopes of raising awareness and advocating for more funding for brain cancer research and clinical trials.
Throughout the episode, Holly shares her personal experiences with grief, trauma, and cancer. She discusses the challenges of confronting painful experiences and the dire need for more research and funding to improve diagnosis and treatment options. Holly advocates for empathy, understanding, and support for individuals and families impacted by cancer and other life-altering conditions.
Join us for an episode that not only shares Holly’s story of personal loss but also inspires collective action towards hope, healing, and change.
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
19 Jul 2024
Catching Up on Life with GBM
Today's podcast catches you up on our life...kids competing at USAT nationals, Thank You cards from Fog, GBM Day, our article in the NW Observer
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
19 Jun 2024
Mission Trip to Bahamas
How we handled our mission trip to the Bahamas and how cancer once again raised its head.
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
5 Jun 2024
Dr Kelly R. Conner, Neuroscientist/PA-C & CarePartner
We are honored to welcome Dr Kelly R. Conner to talk with us about neuroscience, marriage, and care-partnering. An authentic and vulnerable experience.
***Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.***
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
24 May 2024
Sharing Our Story with Fog Pharma
This is us raw right after we spent an hour with Fog Pharma sharing our story at the company's first offsite for the entire staff.
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
15 May 2024
Mothers Day
A discussion of Mother's Day, Upcoming Neuro Appointment/Roadtrip & Speaking Engagement
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
8 May 2024
Leading From Our Scars - Our Why & Story
Thank you for listening to our first ever podcast episode. We created this podcast as a resource for those experiencing the impact of Cancer on their Marriage. A 2009 journal article from the ACS concluded that if the wife is the patient, 88% of marriages in their study ended in separation or divorce. This podcast is our battle to save marriages. We plan to record weekly. If you find yourself needing more resources, check out www.myawarecoaching.com Blessings, J+T
See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/ (https://www.myawarecoaching.com/)
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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