Leaning In with Liz Baron Cohen: Cancer, Joy & Joining Worlds

Guest: Liz Baron Cohen — acupuncturist, psychotherapist (transpersonal), Five Rhythms teacher, author, plant-medicine facilitator, trauma-informed therapist… and one of the kindest humans I know. Episode theme: How Liz is meeting a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis with courage, curiosity, and a mission: to build a bridge between Western oncology and complementary care—and to reclaim joy along the way. Donate here: GoFundMe — Aliza's Healing Journey Quick Take Liz spent her first year post-diagnosis pursuing non-medical routes; the tumours grew (didn't spread). She then started chemotherapy—and feels stronger on it than expected. She's fundraising to rent a home hyperbaric oxygen chamber (£1,300–£1,500/month; purchase can be £48k–£100k). Having it at home means daily use for Liz and opening her doors so local cancer patients who can't afford clinic sessions (£150 each, ~3x/week) can benefit too. Core insight: it's not "alternative versus" Western—it's both/and. Let's get the two worlds holding hands for patients. Deep work: reclaiming her name ("Elisa" = joy), learning to let love in, setting boundaries for empathy, and living for herself—beyond titles and roles. Listen Highlights (Chapters) 00:00 – Why this conversation matters; introducing Liz. 01:09 – Diagnosis (June; ~14 months in). What she tried first, and why. 03:14 – Starting chemo—and the surprise: "I actually feel really good on it." 03:45 – Why hyperbaric oxygen? Costs of clinics vs. home rental; sharing access. 05:20 – Work on pause, reality of bills, and pouring inheritance into healing. 06:26 – Liz's mum, a pioneer (70s aerobics, early whole-foods); family history. 07:27 – Chemo fears, misinformation, and nuance beyond Instagram hot takes. 08:31 – The dream: integrating complementary & Western medicine. 10:15 – BLISS in Notting Hill: a creative health centre (healing meets culture). 12:21 – Pete's story about Hannah: "Draw Your Future" & envisioning outcomes. 13:30 – Liz's north star: reclaiming joy (and what joy really is). 16:45 – Alignment: the projected self vs. the inner world. 17:52 – Radical generosity & being part of each other's stories. 20:39 – "Alternative" vs. "complementary" and why labels get in the way. 21:43 – Hitting emotional bottom; grief, daily tears, and what moved through. 23:17 – The warrior in her; Jewish ancestry and survival threads. 24:22 – From fighting to surrendering; allowing support. 24:52 – The true cost: £150k+ spent; redefining luxury (to sit, walk, eat). 27:59 – Family constellations: restoring the flow of love in systems. 29:05 – Who am I without titles? Identity after stopping work. 33:14 – "When you're ill you have one problem." Perspective reset. 34:18 – "I can see the spirit in your eyes." What that means to Liz. 35:20 – Spirit having a human experience? Indigenous circles & being heard. 38:00 – Realising spirit is there to help her, too. 39:07 – Why telling our stories matters (and stops sleepwalking). 40:12 – Sitting with the underdog; human connection as medicine. 41:49 – Trust issues, patriarchy, Western medicine—and choosing chemo. 43:26 – Chemo-sensitivity testing (~£5,000) and personalising treatment. 49:20 – "Empathy without boundaries is self-harm." 51:08 – What the cancer taught her: joy, trust, letting love in. 52:13 – How to reach Liz & how we can help (together). 📝 Note: Timestamps are approximate to guide your skim & re-listens. Key Ideas & Quotes Both/And Healing: "The only people who suffer when the two worlds split are the patients. My dream is to get them holding hands." Joy as a Practice: "My name, Elisa, means joy. I'm reclaiming my name." Receiving Love: "I knew spirit existed to help others through me. I didn't realise spirit existed to help me, too." Boundaried Empathy: "Empathy without boundaries is self-harm." Perspective: "When you're well, you've a thousand problems; when you're ill, you've one." How You Can Help Liz (and Others) Donate to the Hyperbaric Fund: Help rent a home chamber so Liz can use it daily and offer sessions to local cancer patients who can't afford clinic prices. Goal: cover a 6-month minimum rental (est. £1,300–£1,500/month). Donate here: GoFundMe — Aliza's Healing Journey Bridge-Builders Wanted: If you're an oncologist, nurse, researcher, integrative clinician, or complementary practitioner, reach out to help convene a joint event/working group for practical collaboration. Resources & Contacts Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliza_bc/ GoFundMe: Aliza's Healing Journey Mentioned in the Conversation Family Constellations  Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy  Infrared Sauna, Vitamin C IVs, Diet & Supplements  Chemo-sensitivity/biomarker testing (~£5,000) to personalise treatment "Draw Your Future" (Patti Dobrowolski TED talk) Ideas from Louise Hay, Caroline Myss, Candace Pert; Five Rhythms; indigenous circle practices Medical disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences and perspectives. It is not medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals for diagnosis and treatment. About Liz Baron Cohen Clinician, movement teacher, facilitator, space-maker. Liz has spent decades helping others heal. Now she's inviting healing to help her—and using her journey to model integrated care, community support, and a return to joy.