How to Stay in the Light | Becky Olson | 5-Time Cancer Survivor, Speaker & Founder of Breast Friends

Becky Olson is a five-time cancer survivor, public speaker, founder of the Breast Friends nonprofit and radio show, and a champion for living fully. She’s also the mother of our first-ever guest, Elizabeth McGarry, and just like her daughter, she delivers truth bombs, ah-ha moments, and an unwavering commitment to joy. Even as her cancer has returned and spread, Becky focuses on humor, happiness, and hope. She shares her journey from sales rep to professional speaker, the founding of Breast Friends, and the power of doing what you love despite what life throws at you. Becky invites listeners to help her check off a major bucket list item from the comfort of their couch, proving that hope really is her favorite four-letter word. Chapters 00:00 Meet Becky Olson 03:25 Growing Up in Alaska, Colorado, and Oregon 07:40 From Sales Rep to Professional Speaker 12:15 First Cancer Diagnosis and Finding Purpose 16:55 Founding Breast Friends with Sharon 21:30 Humor, Happiness, and Hope in the Face of Cancer 26:10 Hosting the Breast Friends Radio Show 30:15 The Power of “Staying in the Light” 33:10 Why Everyone Should Have a Bucket List 37:50 How to Support Becky’s Bucket List Goals 42:12 Bringing People Back into the Light 46:00 Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage 50:15 Advice for Living Fully No Matter What The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices