Michael and Mom Talk Cancer
by Michael and Ashlee
Join Michael and his mom Ashlee, as they talk cancer, how this tragedy changed their lives for the better, and gave them the courage to motivate and inspire others. Michael had been an athletic, healthy teenager. He was a surfer and sailor, rarely sick, never hospitalized. July 14, 2020 a routine blood test led to a life-changing cancer diagnosis. From day 1 Michael and his mom have embraced sharing their experience and the lessons they have learned on social media and now you can listen as they tell this story in more depth, from both perspectives, as well as special guest interviews.
Episodes
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Michael and Mom Talk to Lindsey and Thomas: Episode 66, Brain it On!
Michael and ashlee (Mom!) talk to Lindsey and Thomas Kealey, husband and wife, who have been navigating a journey of leukemia and caregiving, while also hosting a podcast! Michael and ashlee feel a kindred spirit stirring while interviewing these two souls who share so much in common. Thomas and...
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Michael and Mom Talk Hero Generation: Episode 65, Turning Caregiving Challenges into an Empowering Platform
Join Michael and mom as they talk to NicoleàBeckett and Dr. Shruti Roy, the two inspiring co-founders of Hero Generation—a digital platform designed by caregivers, for caregivers. At a relatively young age, both Nicole and Shruti became primary caregivers for their parents, while raising their…
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Michael and Mom Talk to Dee Polite: Episode 64, How Trauma Saves and SAVED his Life
Join Michael and Mom as they talk to the INSPIRATIONAL Dee Polite, AKA Trauma Saves. Dee (Devon) shares his shocking cancer diagnosis, a rare lymphoma, that started by taking his voice..... then it tried to take his life.... but Dee had other plans. Devon shares how he went from a 300lb "big" but...
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Michael and Mom Talk Glioblastoma Clinical Trial: Episode 63, Using Ultrasound to Break the Blood Brain Barrier
Join Michael and mom Ashlee as they talk to Michael Canney, Ph.D., who is leading an exciting Phase 3 clinical trial that holds the promise of reshaping brain cancer treatment in particular in glioblastoma. This trial is testing a new surgical implant using ultrasound to enhance chemotherapy...
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Michael and Mom Talk Carrying the Tiger with Tony Stewart: Episode 62, Cancer, Grace, and Joy
Join Michael and Ashlee, AKA mom, as they talk to author (and so much more!) Tony Stewart. Tony's wife, Lynn, was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. 6 years later, she died at home in hospice, with grace and peace. Tony shares this beautiful story with the world, in his new book Carrying the Tiger:...
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Michael and Mom Talk to Louna Kadoch: Episode 61, Love, Loss, and Allowing Life to Fall Into Place
Join Michael and ashlee AKA mom, as they talk to Louna Kadoch, mom of 3 and social worker who spent 20 years as a grief counselor before her own daughter, 12 year old Miriam, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2022. Tragically, after only 4 months, Miriam died, but this has brought the family…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer, Comics, and Apollo with Anita: Episode 60, The Awkward Life of Cancer
Join Michael and Mom as they talk to Anita, who started her page "The Awkward Life of Cancer" featuring Apollo the Alien to make her feel more normal. Or not normal, but accepting of herself in this awkward cancer life. A way to be creative, help someone else, help herself. Anita's smile is huge,...
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Michael and Mom talk to Mark and Mom (Yolanda): Episode 59, Esophageal Cancer, Cancer Buddy App, and Listen to Your Body
Join Michael and Ashlee (AKA mom) as they talk to Mark Sevillano and his mom, Yolanda. Mark went through an aggressive esophageal cancer that left him unable to swallow. Unable to eat. A single dad, he was so fortunate to have his family, in particular his incredible mom, beside him as he went...
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Michael and Mom Talk to Hal Eisenberg: Episode 58, Eastern, Western, Spiritual, and Snake Venom
Join Michael and mom as they talk to the beautiful philanthropist and highly decorated social worker from New York, Hal Eisenberg. This episode is special as Hal shares his very private and personal cancer story on the podcast, to the public, for the first time ever. They call it the big reveal!...
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Michael and Mom Talk to Kenny Perkins, AKA Your Cancer Guy: Episode 57, All Talk Oncology, Cancer Coaching and Mindset
Join Michael and Mom as they flip the tables and speak to podcast host, Kenny Perkins! Kenny, AKA, Your Cancer Guy, hosts his own cancer podcast, All Talk Oncology. He is a well-respected cancer coach, an author, and the best cheerleader and energy-booster out there! Kenny shares patient stories...
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Michael and Mom Talk to the Unstoppable "Miss Stayc": Episode 56, From Terminal Diagnosis to 29 Year Thriver
Join Michael and Mom (ashlee) as they talk to Miss Stayc, children's gymnastic coach extraordinaire! Diagnosed with a terminal lymphoma, Stayc took the hard road, decided to test an experimental new treatment her doctor offered as a last ditch effort, and paved the way for others to not only...
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Michael and Mom Talk to the Sexy Barefoot-Ostomate, Amy Hart: Episode 55, Loving Herself Through Colorectal Cancer, Ostomy, and Lynch Syndrome
Join Michael and Mom as they talk to Amy Hart. Amy is a colorectal cancer survivor; she lives with Lynch Syndrome and has permanent Ostomy. She is beautiful, sexy, smart, and funny! She is a mama, wife, has a full-time career and she advocates not only for colorectal cancer, but for ALL women AND...
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Michael and Mom Talk Breast Cancer and Power Lifting: Episode 54, LaShae Rolle Staying Strong After Cancer
Join Michael and Ashlee (Mom) as they talk with LaShae Rolle, AKA Strong After Cancer. She shares her story of how she went from elite college basketball athlete to pursuing her PHD in Public Health, all the while continuing her athletic side as a power lifter. While in the middle of her studies,...
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Michael and Mom Talk with Childlife Specialist Grisell Canizales: Episode 53, Oncology 101 for Children AND Parents
Join Michael and Ashlee (AKA Mom) as they talk with Michael's Child life specialist, Grisell. She shares her story of hoe she became a child life specialist, as well as stories of her experiences that changed perspective and lives. Child Life is not such a known specialty, but Michael and ashlee...
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Michael and Mom Talk Survivorship with Lana Chehabeddine: Episode 52, Camp UOTS, ThriveFest, and Living with Long Term Complications
Michael and mom ashlee talk to Lana about living an adult life after pediatric cancer. It is not only the lasting emotional and psychological effects, but the long term physical effects are real. Chemo, radiation, and bone marrow transplant all come with a price. Lana shares her story of...
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Michael and Mom Talk Bring-A-Voice: Episode 51, Jason Pinchoff from Tragedy to Changing Lives
Join Michael and mama ashlee as they talk to Jason Pinchoff. Jason shares the unbelievable true story of first his mother diagnosed with breast cancer, and then tragically, just as she is declared in remission, his father and sister are killed in a car accident. His mother relapsed immediately,...
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Michael and Mom Talk CAKE with Rashad Hayes: Episode 50, Cancer, C.A.K.E., and Learning to Care for Yourself!
Meet Rashad Hayes, motivational speaker, author, social worker, cancer survivor. Rashad met Michael and mom at Cancercon, and instantly connected. Rashad is charismatic, funny, wise beyond his years, and full of the best advice. From a small town, thinking football would save him, things took a...
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Michael and Mom Talk To Chris, AKA Mr. Pound for Pound: Episode 49, Defying the Odds through Fitness and Mindset
Join Michael and mom, ashlee, as they talk to 20 year old Chris Archila, AKA Mr. Pound for Pound. Chris was diagnosed just after his 20th birthday with stage 4 liver cancer. The doctor told him he had 2 years to live, but Chris is fighting and making every moment count. He continues to work out…
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Michael and Mom Talk to Cristina Llerena: Episode 48, Surviving and LIVING with Stage 4 Cancer
Join Michael and mom, ashlee, as they talk to Cristina, AKA Cristi. She shares her surprising cancer diagnosis at such a young age. She continues chemo, medications, infusions, but all the while, living her best life. Studying, going to concerts, sharing her story on social media! Her perspective...
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Michael and Mom Talk to Erica Sand: Episode 47, Caregiving, Cancer, and a New Book!
Join Michael and Mom (ashlee) as they talk to the beautiful, talented actor, voice actor, model, copywriter, mother, and soon-to-be author about her journey. Erica was caregiver to her mother going through brain cancer, then found herself on her own cancer journey. Join the trio as they talk…
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Michael and Mom Talk to Holly Teixeira About 17 Strong: Episode 46, Ryan, Cancer, Trips and more..
Join Michael and Mom (ashlee) as they talk to the upbeat, enthusiastic Holly Teixeira about her son Ryan and the Foundation 17 Strong, born out of his own cancer story. Ryan wanted to grant AYA's (adolescents and young adults facing cancer) a wish, a trip to a place of their dreams! Ryan passed...
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Michael and Mom Talk with Leia Hunt: Episode 45, Leia's Kids and MORE!
Michael and mom are HONORED to be joined by the beautiful, passionate, author, podcaster, inspirational speaker, founder of Leia's Kids ( https://leiaskids.org/ ) , 2 time cancer survivor and all around incredible human, Leia Hunt! Leia met Michael and ashlee at Cure Fest in Washington DC, bonded...
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Michael and Mom Talk Recent Life and Struggles: Episode 44, Just Us
Michael and mom shoot the breeze, talking about recent struggles, Michael's recent breakup, adapting to long-term illness and the internal AND external scars. As usual, the two are full of laughter and hope, even while facing so many challenges. #gvhd #cancer #bmt #chronicillness #caregiving
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Michael and Mom Talk to Axel Schura: Episode 43, Five Days to Live
Join Michael and mom, Ashlee, as they talk, laugh, connect, bond with Axel Schura, mindset and business coach, philanthropist, social media rockstar, health and wellness guru, successful podcaster, cancer survivor. Given 5 days to live in 2022, Axel is now opening up and sharing his life-changing...
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Michael and Mom Talk to the Patient from Hell! Episode 42, The Brilliant Samira Daswani
Join Michael and mom as they talk to Samira Daswani, savvy business woman, cancer survivor, host of the podcast Patient from Hell, and the founder of the incredible resource for ALL cancer survivors and caregivers: Mantacares.com https://mantacares.com/ .Samira is funny, wise, generous…
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Michael and Mom Talk Purpose: Episode 41, Purpose can change and evolve
Join Michael and mom, ashlee, as they chat about a recent Instagram comment from someone looking for purpose. Purpose is sometimes obvious, sometimes not. Sometimes BIG, sometimes simple. It changes and evolves.... Both Michael and ashlee share how purpose gets them out of bed, passion gives them...
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Michael and Mom Talk to Michelle Rapkin: Episode 40, Cancer Sucks, but You'll Get Through It
Join Michael and mama ashlee as they welcome 3-time cancer survivor and author extraordinaire Michelle Rapkin. She discusses both her cancer diagnoses and treatments, as well as her newly released book, "Cancer Sucks, But You'll Get Through It". the book a detailed guide from someone who…
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Michael and Mom Talk Knee Recovery: Episode 39, Healing is not Linear
Join Michael and ashlee (AKA mom) as they sit on the couch and reflect about a recent tough day, reminding them that life is not linear, healing is not linear. As usual, the two laugh together, but always find the deeper meaning behind the laughter. Listen as they bring honesty and humor to the...
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Michael and Mom Talk Rare Disease Day: Episode 38, Living with a Rare Disease (or 2!)
Michael and Mom talk cancer (specifically hepato splenic t-cell lymphoma) and chronic graft versus host disease, the two rare diseases that Michael lives with. Our dear friends at Lumanity asked us to answer a few questions and share our two perspectives, unique experiences, living with a rare...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 37, an Inspiring Conversation with the Incredible Weston Lord
Join Michael and ashlee (mom), as they talk to Weston Lord. Weston has survived 2 bone marrow transplants, 4 "tussles" with cancer, and many complications, including GVHD, like Michael. In Weston's own words: "Over the years, I have come to terms with the fact that the struggle is good.…
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Michael and Mom Talk Knee Replacement: Episode 36, the Behind the Scenes Story
Join Michael and mom (Ashlee) as they laugh, share some of the more humorous moments post knee replacement surgery, plus, the continued love and gratitude. As always, they somehow find the joy in the most challenging of moments. The beauty in the pain... even while delaing with physical pain and...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 35, Michael and mom Shoot the Breeze
Join Michael and mama Ashlee as they talk PTSD, those cancer fighting words, toxic positivity, and as usual, LOVE! By the way, this episode was recorded BEFORE Michael underwent a complicated knee surgery, but the lessons, the perspective, are universal, timeless.... for now.......
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: episode 34, Dr. Erica Harris talks 60 days to Live!
Join Michael and Mom as they talk to THE Dr. Erica Harris! Survivor, BMT recipient, double lung transplant recipient. She is a motivational speaker, a mindset health expert (Rise, Survive and Thrive Alive), Tex x speaker, podcast host, retired chiropractor and MOM of two boys! She is smart…
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Episode 33, Jeff Boothman, on "How to be a Cancer Patient"
Jeff Boothman shares his cancer story with Michael and ashlee, and how he turned his struggle into a self-help "manual" in the form of his new book: HOW TO BE A CANCER PATIENT. No one teaches you how to deal with this life changing diagnosis, but Jeff shares his wisdom and knowledge, having been...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 32, a quick chat on guidance, broken records, loss, and love, with Michael & Mom
Join Michael and Mom as they chit chat for a few moments, reflecting on life of late..... Michael talking about letting his illness guide him, NOT control him. Ashlee discussing how love is NOT their broken record, but a message that needs to be heard over and over again.... It is a SHORT chat…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: episode 31, Talking Patches and Positivity with Brian Burkhardt
Join Michael and Mom as they talk to Brian Burkhardt from the Oliver Patch Project. Brian shares the story of how his son's cancer diagnosis brought his family, his community, and the pediatric cancer world together through milestones that are celebrated with colorful, artistic patches. The…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Rob Long, More than an Uplifting Athlete, Talking Brain Cancer, Rare Disease, Research and more...
Join Michael and mom as they talk candidly to Rob Long, former football star at Syracuse, brain cancer survivor, literally beating every odd, and now Executive director of Uplifting Athletes. He turned his very dismal brain cancer diagnosis into a new path, to help others going through rare...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: JJ Singleton, Never Tell him the Odds
Join Michael and mom (ashlee) as they interview JJ Singleton, diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the young age of 27. He has been through relapse, he has been told his cancer is incurable, but somehow he is here, advocating, inspiring, beating every odd. He has a special passion for mental…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 28, Meet Michael's Girlfriend, Suzie!
Join Michael and ashlee as they chat with special guest, Michael's girlfriend Suzane Lima, AKA Suzie Q! They talk casual, getting-to-know Suzie conversation, as well as going a little deeper, asking Suzie what it is like dating a 22 year old cancer survivor living with a chronic illness. Suzie is...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 27, Michael and Mom Take a Trip!
Join Michael and mom (ashlee) as they talk about taking their first trip since Michael was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2020. The duo talk about packing meds, COVID, taking a hotel bath, but most importantly, they share the beautiful experience they had attending Stupid Cancer's…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 26, The Extraordinary, Matthew Zachary
Join Michael and ashlee as they speak with Matthew Zachary, entertainer, speaker, provocateur, advocate, cancer rebel. Matthew was diagnosed with brain cancer as a college senior. He was only 21 years old. He wasn't sure he would make it to his 22nd birthday. That was 27 years ago. Matthew is one...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 25, Talking with THE Marques Ogden
Join Michael and ashlee (mom) as they speak with Marques Ogden, who had it all, lost it all, and is now sharing his message of inspiration with us. Marques is a former NFL player, who became a successful entrepreneur, but then hit rock bottom, lost his fortune, turned to alcohol and painkillers,...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 24, Bouncing Forward
In this episode, Michael and mom (ashlee) have an honest, short conversation about the difference between "Bouncing Forward" and "Bouncing Back". The two have learned so much in the last 3 years, and somehow, the lessons just keep coming! They feel such a strong purpose to share their perspective...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 23, Talking to the amazing Andy (and son!) from Project Outrun
Join Michael and mom as they talk to Andy Shepperd who singlehandedly started his beautiful foundation, Project Outrun (learn more HERE: https://projectoutrun.org/ ). This brilliant, artistic, generous human shares the "why" and the "how" he started his foundation for pediatric oncology patients…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 22, the day we spoke with Kristin Connor from CURE!
Join Michael and mom, ashlee, in this enlightening interview with Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE Childhood Cancer. Kristin joined CURE in 2006 as the Chief Executive Officer, leaving her law practice after her own personal experience with her son's cancer diagnosis. Her son was fortunate and is…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 21, A Quick Update & Reminder About Love, Peace, and Patience
Join Michael and Mom and they sit together and chat about recent updates to Michael's treatment and how they deal best: LOVE. This episode is a simple conversation, a reflection on continued treatments, continued struggles, but also new lessons... the two discuss not chasing peace, not chasing...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 20, Suzette Smith, Oncology Physical Therapist talks Benefits of PT!
Michael and mom, ashlee, talk to oncology physical therapist Suzette Smith. Suzette completed the first EVER oncology rehab residency at Beaumont Hospital and is currently working for Henry Ford hospital. She wrote a chapter on Prevention and Wellness for the textbook "Oncology Rehabilitation, a...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 19, talking to the one and only Matt Ode!
Michael and mom talk to cancer survivor and coach, Matt Ode who went from cancer to coma at age 24, when he was diagnosed with stage 3C testicular cancer. After chemo and 5 surgeries Matt almost died multiple times from his severe complications. Before his cancer diagnosis Matt was a healthy...
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 18, Talking to Survivor and Inspiration, Chuck Keels
Michael and mom talk to cancer survivor Chuck Keels about his miraculous story of healing from his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis. After being placed in hospice and sent home to die peacefully, Chuck ended up back to the hospital with a broken back, felt the presence of God, and survived. He…
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Michael and Mom Talk Cancer: Episode 17, Grateful, but Frustrated
In this episode, Michael and his mom ashlee talk about new lessons.... living life in that in-between place, between cancer and health. Michael confesses to being both grateful for being alive, yet so frustrated by the complications he must live with, in cancer's wake. They both encourage you to...
About this show
Join Michael and his mom Ashlee, as they talk cancer, how this tragedy changed their lives for the better, and gave them the courage to motivate and inspire others. Michael had been an athletic, healthy teenager. He was a surfer and sailor, rarely sick, never hospitalized. July 14, 2020 a routine blood test led to a life-changing cancer diagnosis. From day 1 Michael and his mom have embraced sharing their experience and the lessons they have learned on social media and now you can listen as they tell this story in more depth, from both perspectives, as well as special guest interviews.
Hosted by
Michael and Ashlee