Cups & Courage The Podcast

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam speaks with Viktoria, an award-winning breast cancer nurse specialist and global leader in breast cancer care.With over two decades working alongside people affected by breast cancer, Viktoria shares what it means to offer care that is not only clinically expert, but deeply human. From the vital role of breast care nurses, to the emotional weight of diagnosis, the pressures within the NHS, health inequalities, breast awareness, metastatic breast cancer, and the impact of small moments of connection — this conversation explores the care behind the care.Viktoria also reflects on courage, the importance of meeting people where they are, and why sometimes the most powerful support happens in the smallest, most ordinary moments.A thoughtful, honest and generous conversation about nursing, awareness, advocacy and the people at the heart of breast cancer care.Support the show

Helena is a three-time breast cancer survivor whose story opens up a powerful conversation about treatment, trauma, identity and self-advocacy. In this episode, she shares what it was like navigating three diagnoses, the mental toll that followed, and the reality of facing a system that did not always see or support her properly. It is honest, sharp, funny in places, and a vital reminder that cancer care is not experienced equally by everyone.Support the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam speaks with acupuncturist, researcher and author Beverley de Valois about the role acupuncture can play in cancer care and survivorship. They explore how it can support people through treatment and beyond, from managing hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety and nausea to improving quality of life after a diagnosis. It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation about supportive care, lived experience and the need for better awareness of what can help after treatment.Support the show

Shirley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, before facing a recurrence five years later in 2020. In this honest conversation, she reflects on reconstruction, body image, family support, living with uncertainty, and what courage really looks like when cancer becomes part of your story. It’s a warm, open episode about resilience, vulnerability and learning to live fully in the in-between.Support the show

Juliet was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago — a routine mammogram that changed everything. After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, she made a decision that surprised her medical team: she chose not to reconstruct. Instead, she fought for symmetry, autonomy, and the right to live in a body that felt honest to her.In this powerful episode, Juliet shares the emotional and physical reality of living with one breast, the long battle to be heard by her surgeon, and the relief she felt when she finally woke up flat. We talk about informed consent, medical culture, body image, advocacy, and why visibility matters for women who choose a different path.This is a conversation about courage — not just surviving cancer, but insisting on choice, dignity, and self-definitionSupport the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, we sit down with Charlayne — clinical nurse specialist, breast care nurse, and co-founder of a charity supporting young women with breast cancer. With over 40 years in nursing, Charlayne shares what it truly means to walk alongside people at the most frightening moments of their lives.We talk about vulnerability as courage, the shock of diagnosis, information overload, and the quiet but vital role breast care nurses play as translators, advocates, and anchors. Charlayne opens up about building support where none existed, creating safe spaces for young women, and why recovery is about far more than finishing treatment.We explore the gaps that still remain — support for children, partners, intimacy, and life after cancer — and the small acts of care that make a lasting difference.This is a conversation about compassion in practice, the power of being seen, and the courage it takes to hold space for others every single day.Support the show

When Carly was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at 37, it wasn’t her first encounter with cancer. With a family history of breast cancer and an unexpected discovery of the BRCA1 gene mutation, her diagnosis unfolded fast — from swollen lymph nodes to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction.In this deeply honest conversation, Carly shares the reality of navigating an aggressive diagnosis, making treatment decisions, advocating for the right medical team, and undergoing major surgery during lockdown. She talks openly about fear of recurrence, learning to live in a changed body, grief, humour, resilience — and the unexpected ways cancer reshaped her identity.We explore genetic testing, BRCA awareness, patient advocacy, mental health after treatment, preparing for surgery, and why joy, play, and self-compassion became essential parts of survivorship.A conversation about courage that’s quiet, real, and hard-won.Support the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, we sit down with Emma, who was diagnosed with de novo stage four metastatic breast cancer after what she thought would be a routine mammogram.Emma shares what it’s really like to live scan to scan — carrying a life-limiting diagnosis while feeling physically well, navigating constant uncertainty, and learning how to live alongside fear without letting it take over. We talk about genetic testing, late screening, advocacy, and the complicated relationship with a body that looks the same but no longer feels safe.This is a conversation about quiet strength, trusting medical teams, and redefining what courage looks like when cancer isn’t something you “get through,” but something you live with.A powerful, honest episode about awareness, autonomy, and choosing to live fully — even when tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.Support the show

In this deeply honest conversation, Sam sits down with Sophie — diagnosed in 2020 with stage 3 breast cancer. Sophie shares her story with raw clarity: from a mammogram that missed her cancer, to the shock of finding it in 13 lymph nodes, the fear of a liver lesion, and the strange reality of chemo, menopause, and body changes no one prepares you for.We talk about courage not as fighting, but as walking forward without knowing the outcome. Sophie reflects on reframing her experience, making friends with chemo (yes, really), navigating implants and body image after reconstruction, and the pressure to live a “new life” after cancer — even when you’re still figuring out who you are now.This is one for anyone living in the messy middle: grateful to be here, but still carrying the weight of it. With biscuits (contentious choices were made), humour, vulnerability, and a whole lot of truth.🫖 Expect: body talk, menopause chat, cancer reality, self-worth, hope, therapy, courage (real courage — not the inspirational quote version). 🍪 Biscuit of choice: fig rolls — surprisingly divisive.Support the show

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Jacqui  — a Black Women Rising ambassador whose breast cancer diagnosis arrived just six weeks into a brand-new chapter of her life. Jacqui shares how shock, dismissal, and relentless side effects shaped her experience, and how she had to fight to be heard in a healthcare system that repeatedly minimised her pain.She speaks openly about the pressure to return to work, the financial fear that pushed her beyond her limits, and the emotional cost of holding everything together for her family. Jacqui also explores the deep generational reasons why trust in healthcare can be fractured for Black women, and why visibility, representation, and safe spaces are vital.From navigating endocrine therapy and complex side effects to discovering survivorship therapy, mindfulness, and community support, Jacqui traces the long road from numbness to feeling again — and the role Black Women Rising played in helping her reclaim her voice.This episode is about courage that isn’t loud or dramatic — it’s about refusing to stay stuck in fear, learning to rest, asking for help, and allowing yourself to feel. Jacqui’s story is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and that none of us should have to do it alone.Support the show

When lifelong friends Anna and Katie were both diagnosed with the same rare type of breast cancer within two years, their worlds turned upside down.In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, they talk about friendship, loss, and the courage it takes to keep pushing when the system doesn’t listen. From the uncanny parallels between their diagnoses to the differences in their treatment, they share how grief, humour, and self-advocacy helped them through.Together they reflect on reconstruction, menopause, and identity — and the ongoing impact cancer has on family, body image, and confidence. This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and hard-won wisdom about listening to your gut and fighting to be heard.🎧 Cups & Courage shares raw, real conversations about breast cancer, body image, and the courage it takes to live life on your own terms.Support the show

In this deeply honest episode of Cups & Courage, Saskia shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, navigating surgery, radiation, and the often-conflicting world of medical advice.A professional working in oncology herself, Saskia offers a rare dual perspective — as both patient and insider — on how information, bias, and communication shape our choices. She opens up about wanting agency in her treatment, the emotional gap left by rushed consultations, and the quiet courage it takes to simply live each day after diagnosis.Together, Saskia and host Samantha Vale explore what bravery really means, how cultural attitudes shape our responses to illness, and the importance of listening — to ourselves, to each other, and to the space between being “well” and “not well.”Cups & Courage is a podcast that shares real, raw, and hopeful conversations around breast cancer — the messy middle, not just the milestones.Support the show

When Alice Nicholson discovered she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, she made the life-changing decision to undergo preventative double mastectomies — not because she had cancer, but because she didn’t want to wait for it.In this open and emotional conversation, Alice shares how she navigated the medical system, grief after losing both parents and her sister, and the reality of reconstructive surgery — from the practical to the deeply personal. She and host Samantha Vale talk candidly about body image, identity, and the moments of courage that come when taking control of your own story.With honesty, humour and heart, this episode explores what it really means to choose prevention — and how to rebuild life, body, and confidence afterwards.🎧 Cups & Courage shares lived experiences of breast cancer, preventative surgery, and recovery — with warmth, honesty, and a little bit of tea.Support the show

When Tashmia first raised her symptoms, she was told she was too young and that “women like you don’t get cancer.” For three years, her concerns were dismissed — until her cancer was finally found.In this raw and vital conversation, Tashmia shares the reality of being a British South Asian woman navigating breast cancer: the racial bias and cultural blind spots in healthcare, the taboos that keep women silent, and the painful invisibility that comes when systems aren’t built with you in mind.From being denied a double mastectomy because she was “too young and might meet someone,” to being handed a prosthetic nipple that didn’t match her skin, her story exposes the systemic inequalities that too many women face — and the exhausting burden of constant self-advocacy.But Tashmia also shares courage, resilience, and a shift in perspective that’s both empowering and inspiring. She speaks openly about parenting through treatment, reshaping her relationship with her body, and the quiet power of putting one foot in front of the other.This is not just one woman’s story — it’s a call to see, listen, and do better.Support the show

In this inspiring episode of Cups & Courage, we sit down with Nevo — a breast cancer survivor, image consultant, and stylist — who empowers women to reconnect with their bodies and confidence after treatment. Diagnosed in 2012, Nevo shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, and how fashion and styling became powerful tools for healing, self-expression, and resilience.We explore courage, body image, cultural barriers, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Full of honesty, warmth, and practical wisdom, this conversation is for anyone navigating life after breast cancer.Support the show

In this inspiring conversation, we meet Priyanka, a teacher, children’s author, and mother of two, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at the age of 36. Her journey has included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a mastectomy with reconstruction, and multiple revision surgeries — but also powerful moments of advocacy, family resilience, and finding her voice.Priyanka shares:What it was like to receive her diagnosis in a difficult consultationHow her young daughters shaped every decision she made about treatmentWhy family honesty and openness became central to her cancer journeyThe challenges of reconstruction and the impact on her body imageWriting a children’s book to help families talk about cancerSpeaking out against stigma and silence around cancer in the South Asian communityFrom dancing in the kitchen with her children to walking the catwalk on International Women’s Day and even an invite to Downing Street, Priyanka’s story is one of courage, representation, and creating space for others to speak openly about cancer.Cups & Courage shares lived experiences of people affected by breast cancer. These conversations are not medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, please consult your doctor or healthcare team.Support the show

In this moving episode, we speak with Rosie, a clinical psychologist whose world changed when she was diagnosed with stage four incurable bowel cancer in 2021. Against all odds, Rosie went into remission in 2022, and later faced further life-altering decisions after testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation and undergoing a double mastectomy.Rosie shares with honesty and warmth what courage means to her: facing pain with an open heart and going through suffering, not around it. We explore her personal cancer journey, the psychological impact of treatment, the choice to go flat, and how her lived experience now shapes her work in oncology psychology.Together, we talk about:The shock of a stage four diagnosis and the whirlwind of treatmentChoosing between reconstruction and going flat after mastectomyThe inner voice that became her ally during the hardest timesHow cancer changed her perspective on life, meaning, and identityThe balance between stoicism, vulnerability, and courageRosie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and redefining what it means to truly live.Cups & Courage shares lived experiences of people affected by breast cancer. These conversations are not medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, please consult your doctor or healthcare team.Support the show

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Georgette Oni, one of only a handful of surgeons in the UK dual-qualified in both plastic surgery and surgical oncology. Georgette shares her unique perspective on breast reconstruction — from the surgical options available, to the psychological impact, to the challenges of ensuring women across the UK receive consistent, compassionate care.Together, we explore:What courage means in the context of cancer treatmentDifferent types of breast reconstruction and when they’re offeredHow information is shared with patients during overwhelming timesThe role of body image, culture, and personal choice in surgical decisionsWhy access and experiences vary across regions and communitiesGeorgette’s advice for anyone starting their own cancer journeyGeorgette reminds us that no question is too small, and that asking — and asking again — can make all the difference.Cups & Courage shares lived experiences of people affected by breast cancer. These are personal perspectives and do not replace medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, please speak to your doctor or healthcare team.Support the show

Charlotte was just 32 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. What followed was a whirlwind of treatment, failed reconstructions, cancelled surgeries, and years of fighting to be heard.In this powerful conversation, Charlotte shares what it really means to advocate for your body in the face of a system that doesn’t always listen. From gruelling chemo to choosing to live flat, she speaks with raw honesty about pain, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward — even when it feels impossible.In this episode, we talk about:The whirlwind of diagnosis and “dose-dense” chemotherapy.The battle for informed choice in surgery and reconstruction.Living with chronic pain and the decision to go flat.The emotional toll of being denied and delayed care.Finding community, advocacy, and better days ahead.Grab a cuppa and join us for Charlotte’s story — a conversation about courage, self-advocacy, and the power of lived experience.Support the show

Welcome to Cups & Courage — the podcast that’s breaking the silence around breast cancer.Hosted by Samantha Vale, breast cancer survivor and advocate, Cups & Courage shares raw, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve faced breast cancer head-on — patients, survivors, clinicians, and loved ones.These are honest stories about body image, treatment choices, survival, grief, humour, biscuits (always biscuits 🍪), and the courage it takes to keep going when life throws its hardest punches.🎙️ Expect laughter, tears, and powerful truths you won’t hear in a clinic room. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, love someone who has, or simply care about the real human side of healthcare — this podcast is for you.👉 Hit subscribe and join us as we challenge stigma, share lived experience, and remind each other that none of us are alone.#CupsAndCourage #BreastCancer #PodcastSupport the show