Prowl The LAB Podcast

For our season opener, I am deeply honored to sit down with Mrs. Jennifer Douglas; wife, mom, author, speaker, and fierce patient advocate. We dive deep into her path through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond, as detailed in her book and video course, A Breast Cancer Journey: One Step at a Time.What started as a private, therapeutic outlet for Jennifer in 2020 has become an incredible resource for others. We didn't sugarcoat the experience. Instead, we dug into the realities of the journey:✨The Power of Self-Advocacy: Why setting physical and emotional boundaries, and learning to push for the specific care you need, is absolutely non-negotiable.✨Reclaiming Intimacy: We broke the silence on sexual wellness during and after cancer. Jennifer shares her proactive approach to finding medical providers who will have open, honest conversations about this critical, yet often overlooked, piece of women's health and femininity.✨The Emotional Truth: We validated the very real anger and fear that comes with the loss of normalcy, and why acknowledging these feelings is an essential step toward becoming "happy, healthy, and whole."Cancer can change your style, your identity, and even your support systems. But ultimately, this kickoff episode is about moving past simply surviving. It’s about learning to strive, rise, and thrive. Jennifer fully embodies this mindset and I am so honored to share this conversation with you.

Once again, we sit down with the amazing Dr. Tom Murray to discuss how couples can navigate life when health challenges touch a relationship. We discuss how roles shift and intimacy can feel distant. Join Prowl The LAB for a candid, compassionate conversation with Dr. Tom Murray, award‑winning author of Making Nice with Naughty (2023 Global eBook Silver Medalist), widely featured clinician, and dynamic educator seen in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, and The Daily Mail. Together, Dr, Murray and I explore practical, no‑nonsense ways couples and parents stay connected under stress. Grounded in our belief that healthy sexuality fuels holistic well‑being, Dr. Murray shares actionable strategies to navigate fear, fatigue, and changing identities while protecting desire, closeness, and joy.We’ll learn:🧑🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏼Simple rituals and communication frameworks that rebuild trust and tenderness.🧑🏿‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏾How to redefine intimacy (beyond intercourse) and keep pleasure on the table.👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏼Boundaries, self‑compassion, and co‑regulation skills that reduce resentment and burnout.🧑🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽Ways to support each other when one partner serves as caregiver, or when one partner navigates a diagnosis, treatment, or survivorshipCouples, this conversation is for you. We recognize the challenges that come with daily life. When adverse health states, trauma, or different‑ability comes into frame, the physical, emotional, and sexual bonds between partners get tested. This conversation aims to help couples turn that test into testimony.You can learn more about Dr. Murray and snag a copy of his book here: ⁠apathtowellness.com ⁠(Company)⁠drtommurray.com ⁠(Company)

This week, we sit down for a candid and powerful conversation with Ms. Alexandra Harbushka, founder of Life with Herpes, a leading resource dedicated to supporting individuals living with this common condition.In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into the often-unspoken emotional landscape of a herpes diagnosis. We explore the pervasive issues of stigma and shame that are unfortunately attached to the virus, and discuss how these deeply personal emotions are not just feelings, but powerful forces that can significantly influence health outcomes.Key Discussion Points:The Emotional Toll: How the fear of judgment keeps people silent, isolated, and prevents them from seeking essential physical and mental health support.The Shame-Health Connection: Understanding the scientific link between chronic emotional stress (shame, anxiety) and compromised immune function and overall well-being.Challenging the Narrative: Alexandra shares her journey from diagnosis to advocacy, offering actionable advice on how to reclaim your identity and move beyond a label.Communication & Relationships: Strategies for open, honest conversations with partners, friends, and family, and the importance of finding a supportive community.If you or someone you know has been impacted by an STD diagnosis, this episode offers a crucial blend of compassion, education, and empowering steps toward self-acceptance and optimal health.

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient, and then the advocate? In this deeply human conversation, we sit down with Dr. Liz O'Riordan, a former consultant breast surgeon whose life changed at 40 with a Grade 3 breast cancer diagnosis. After chemotherapy, a chest wall recurrence that led to going flat, surgical menopause, and a second recurrence in 2023, Liz’s world shifted again, this time from the operating theatre to survivorship, from clinician to narrator of her own story.To close out this amazing month of solidarity, advocacy, and hope Dr. O'Riordan and I explore how illness reshapes identity, career, body image, and intimacy. Liz speaks candidly about grief, fertility loss, and the pressure to “bounce back,”. Through writing and advocacy, she’s forged a path that honors pain and possibility; becoming the woman, wife, and physician she is today.Within this episode we also discuss:• How caring for women with breast cancer informed Liz’s empathy, communication, and clinical lens before her own diagnosis• Moving from physician to patient; going flat; surgical menopause; targeted therapy; and the physical and emotional realities of recurrence• Retiring from the work she loved, navigating grief, and building a new identity and purpose through writing and voice• Sexuality and wellness after cancer and naming libido changes without shame, co-creating intimacy, and aligning care with consent, comfort, and curiosity• Releasing pressure to “return to normal,” setting boundaries, and rebuilding connection on your termsThis episode centers dignity, agency, and the full truth of survivorship. If you’re navigating treatment, recurrence, or life after cancer, you’ll find language, validation, and practical hope here.Learn more about and contact Dr. Liz O'Riordan here: www.liz.oriordan.co.uk

Erinn Hoel is a licensed sex therapist and the founder of Hoelistic Health, where she specializes in helping women reclaim their natural desire and deepen intimate connection in their relationships.As the creator of the signature Desire to Fire Method, Erinn has developed a comprehensive three-phase approach that addresses the root causes of low libido. Her methodology focuses on removing the underlying blocks that inhibit sexual desire, enhancing natural arousal responses, and empowering women to experience fulfilling intimacy that feels effortless rather than obligatory.Through her holistic methodology practice, Erinn has helped hundreds of women reclaim their sensuality and desire, resulting in transformations that enhance not only intimate relationships but overall confidence, self-worth, and increased life satisfaction.Contact Erinn Here:https://www.hoelistichealth.com/

Today on this episode of the Prowl The LAB podcast, we welcome Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, respected breast medical oncologist, educator, and advocate, to explore how social media can be a true equalizer for accessible, trusted oncology information. We talk candidly about showing up with integrity online: staying evidence‑based; centering patients and caregivers, and; providing information and/or resources that reduce harm and close equity gaps.This matters in the virtual space because most people search online first, algorithms amplify both facts and myths, and misinformation can delay care, erode trust, and widen disparities, especially for communities already facing barriers. This conversation offers practical guardrails for clinicians, advocates, and patients: cite and date sources, align with current guidelines, be clear when data is evolving, disclose conflicts, correct mistakes openly, use inclusive language, and reject shame‑based narratives. You’ll leave with a better understanding about why integrity and ethnical behavior is so critical to guarding against misinformation, decreased knowledge, shame, fear, or overwhelming feelings of helplessness.Follow Dr. Teplisky here:LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/eleonora-teplinsky-md-fasco-220aa02Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/?__pwa=1#Interlude Podcast:https://www.Interludecancerstories.com

About Talaya Dendy:2025 Bush Fellow | Founder Cancer Doula, Guide, & Advocate | Cancer Thriver | Founder “Survivor Series” |🎙️Podcast Host of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER | Survivorship Expert | Motivational SpeakerAbout this episode: If you’ve never heard of a “cancer doula,” you’re not alone. Talaya Dendy pioneered this role to walk beside patients and families with practical guidance, emotional steadiness, and informed advocacy, from appointments and decisions to the unseen moments in between. Talaya’s work bridges the gap between what we’re told and what we need to carry it, honoring culture, identity, and the realities so many of us face along the way.  Though we spoke a while ago, I held this episode especially for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as it is one of the closest to my heart, and one that truly fed my soul. So, this is an invitation to anyone navigating diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship, especially our sisters and brothers who’ve carried more than their share up until this moment. I left the conversation truly changed; with deeper gratitude and a renewed commitment to reclaim the pieces of myself that healing asked me to hide. I’m sharing it with you because It will meet you with purpose and grace, exactly where you are. Listen in, and if it resonates, pass it to someone who needs this kind of support right now.The Services:1. Holistic Wellness Guidance2. Emotional & Mindset Support3. Patient Advocacy Support & Healthcare Navigation Guidance4. Communication GuidanceWhat You Can Expect:✔ To be truly heard, seen, and valued throughout your journey.✔ Personalized support tailored to your unique needs. ✔ Expert guidance and empathy from a Certified Patient Advocate and trained Health & Wellness Coach. ✔ A compassionate partner and guide who understands your journey. ✔ Holistic support that addresses the whole personHow To Contact Talaya Dendy:On the Other Side:ontheotherside.life (Company)substack.com/@cancerdoula (Other)talayadendy.pro (Portfolio)

When health challenges touch a relationship, roles shift and intimacy can feel distant. Join Prowl The LAB for a candid, compassionate conversation with Dr. Tom Murray, award‑winning author of Making Nice with Naughty (2023 Global eBook Silver Medalist), widely featured clinician, and dynamic educator seen in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, and The Daily Mail. Together, Dr, Murray and I explore practical, no‑nonsense ways couples and parents stay connected under stress. Grounded in our belief that healthy sexuality fuels holistic well‑being, Dr. Murray shares actionable strategies to navigate fear, fatigue, and changing identities while protecting desire, closeness, and joy.We’ll learn:🧑🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏼Simple rituals and communication frameworks that rebuild trust and tenderness.🧑🏿‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏾How to redefine intimacy (beyond intercourse) and keep pleasure on the table.👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏼Boundaries, self‑compassion, and co‑regulation skills that reduce resentment and burnout.🧑🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽Ways to support each other when one partner serves as caregiver, or when one partner navigates a diagnosis, treatment, or survivorshipCouples, this conversation is for you. We recognize the challenges that come with daily life. When adverse health states, trauma, or different‑ability comes into frame, the physical, emotional, and sexual bonds between partners get tested. This conversation aims to help couples turn that test into testimony.You can learn more about Dr. Murray and snag a copy of his book here: apathtowellness.com (Company)drtommurray.com (Company)

In this debut solo episode, Ebonie Michelle inviteslisteners into a powerful reflection on our value as women, beyond partnership. Through two of the 5 Circles of Sexuality—Identity and Sensuality—she explores what it means to define your worth on your own terms, especially as women navigating chronic illness, trauma, or different-ability. This is not a conversation about waiting for love; it’s about loving ourselves in this moment, whether single or partnered. Through radical self-recognition, a focus on self-care,and unapologetic truth-telling, Ebonie offers a blueprint for sovereign living regardless of relationship status. Whether married, dating, or single by choice or circumstance, this episode is a reclamation of joy, presence, and the powerof our womanhood.

In this powerful episode, relationship and sex therapist Shadeen Francis joins us to explore what it means to seek joy, thrive with purpose, and live our intimacy with authenticity, especially when our stories include illness, trauma, or difference. Healthy sexuality isn’t just about technique orperformance, it’s also about emotional intelligence: the self-awareness, empathy, communication, boundaries, and values alignment that allow our desire to be both honest and healing.Together, we unpack how reframing our experiences can turnthe test into a testimony. Shadeen offers practical ways to move from shame to self-trust, from silence to language, and from survival to thriving. We discuss consent as a practice of care, boundaries as an expression of self-respect, and how pleasure can be a compass for holistic well-being.Shadeen Francis is a licensed marriage and family therapist and recognized relationship and sex therapist, educator, and speaker. Her work focuses on intimacy, emotional wellness, and liberation, with a reputation for making conversations about sexuality accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free. She teaches and consults with organizations, leads workshops and keynotes on healthy relationships and sexual wellness, and has been featured across national media for her expertise.Shadeen  is also a speaker, advocate, and author known for groundbreaking work at the intersection of social justice, sexuality, and optimal health. You’ve seen her on ABC, NBC, CBS, Jameela Jamil’s “Dear Shadeen,” and collaborating with NBA All-Stars, Playboy, Bumble, and more. To learn more about Shadeen and her amazing work, we encourage you to visit her website and follow her for more inspiration and powerful insights.Website: https://www.shadeenfrancis.comSocials: @shadeenfrancis

Ready to ignite your journey toward sexual confidence, joy, and holistic wellness? Join us for the highly anticipated premiere of our Erotic Empowerment Series, airing at 8:30pm CST! In this bold, inspiring episode, we welcome the phenomenal Ruth Ramsay—internationally recognized Erotic Expert, Adult Sex Educator, Author, Speaker, and Coach.Ruth’s story is one of fearless self-discovery and advocacy. From her early days captivating London audiences as a celebrated striptease artist, Ruth has embodied liberation, creativity, and radical self-expression. Her decades-long career has seen her champion the rights and well-being of marginalized communities—especially people with disabilities—shaping the erotic arts into a more inclusive, empowered space. As the founder of the UK’s first union for adult industry workers and the powerhouse behind the viral TEDx talk “Revamp Your Sex Life In Six Minutes,” Ruth inspires individuals and couples worldwide to embrace their sexuality with pride and confidence.In this intimate conversation, Ruth shares wisdom on reclaiming pleasure, overcoming shame, and unlocking the healing potential of erotic self-awareness—reminding us that a vibrant sex life is key to optimal health and quality of life.Please note: This episode explores mature, NSFW themes designed to celebrate sexual empowerment. Grab a cozy spot—whether you’re soaking in a bath, relaxing together on the couch, or sharing a quiet moment outdoors—and let Ruth’s insights spark new joy, connection, and self-assurance in your own journey.Tune in at 8:30pm CST for an electrifying start to our Erotic Empowerment Series—where your story of reclaiming pleasure and well-being begins!Learn and Experience:https://www.ruthramsay.com/https://ruthramsay.substack.com/abouthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdsXQstosHudkEDEe-zFaQ

This week I sit down with Dr. Tiffany Troso, a trailblazingMedical Oncologist whose 26-year career, over two decades of which were spent at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has shaped the landscape of women’s cancer care. In this episode, Dr. Troso shares what first inspired her to pursue oncology, how her journey and perspective have evolved, and the transformative breakthroughs she’s witnessed in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship over the past 25 years.We explore Dr. Troso’s empowering strategies for helpingwomen navigate the challenges of cancer with clarity and confidence, while discussing the essential role that empathy and open communication play in building meaningful patient relationships. She offers a forward-thinking perspective onthe future of oncology, including a sneak peek at her upcoming publication, and highlights how culture, education, and the strength of community can profoundly impact women’s cancer journeys.Dr. Troso’s legacy is rooted in her unwavering commitment towomen facing breast and gynecological cancers, combining world-class clinical expertise with authentic, patient-centered compassion. Now, as a Medical Oncology Physician Concierge, she continues her mission to transform fear intoresilience and hope, guiding women through every step of their journey.Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a loved one,working in healthcare, or simply passionate about women’s wellness, this episode will leave you informed, uplifted, and inspired. Tune in to be part of the conversation at the intersection of compassion, innovation, and empowerment.To find out more about Dr. Troso, you can find her here:https://winningthecancerjourney.com/

Surviving breast cancer is just the beginning of thejourney—what comes next can redefine your life. In this empowering episode, Ebonie Michelle sits down with Dr. Michele D. Clark, LMSW—known as “The Hope Dealer”—to explore what true healing and community look like after cancer. Dr. Clark’s resilience shines through her extraordinary story: after overcoming two strokes, a TIA, and Stage 2 Breast Cancer, she turned her experiences into LIFT™ After Breast Cancer, a movement centered on self-rediscovery, self-care,and authentic sisterhood.Together, they dig deep into the realities of survivorship,share powerful strategies for holistic wellness, and spotlight the importance of nurturing both body and spirit. Dr. Clark’s journey is a beacon for survivors, caregivers, and anyone passionate about women’s health and empowerment.Tune in for honest conversation, practical tips, andinspiration to help you reclaim your joy, build supportive community, and break the silence around life after breast cancer. Because at Prowl The LAB, we believe thriving is possible—and no survivor has to do it alone.Listen now, and let’s grow stronger together.You can learn more about or follow Dr. Clark here: https://www.micheledclark.com/

What happens when a critical care nurse becomes a cancer survivor and turns trauma into transformation?Join me as I sit down with Stephanie (Stef) Gayhart (she/they)—a queer, genderqueer nurse, cancer survivor, and trauma-informed coach whose lived experience redefines what holistic healing can look like. Stef’s journey takes us from the bedside to the boardroom, and ultimately to the founding of Purple Phoenix Survivorship. We’ll dive deep into the barriers to cancer screening faced by gender minority populations, the importance of trauma-informed peer support, and how those with lived experience are driving real change in healthcare.At the heart of our conversation is the urgent need for culture and identity-affirming care in cancer treatment. Too often, marginalized individuals encounter additional layers of bias and hardship during diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Stef’s work shines a light on the power of affirming care—care that not only recognizes, but celebrates, the unique identities and needs of each patient.Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a candid discussion that champions advocacy, healing, and the transformation that comes from centering culture and identity within cancer care.Here is a Little About Stef:Stephanie (Stef) Gayhart (she/they) is a queer, genderqueer cancer survivor, nurse, and trauma-informed coach. After completing nursing school in 2011, she worked bedside in critical care for 8 years until her diagnosis with stage 3 oral tongue cancer in August 2019. Her unique experiences as both a cancer survivor and nurse led her to pursue her Master in Healthcare Innovation from Ohio State University School of Nursing in 2023, and then to obtain trauma-informed coaching training and certification in 2024. Stef left the healthcare system in 2024 to found Purple Phoenix Survivorship, LLC (www.stefgayhart.com) where they provide coaching and consulting and have worked on various projects centered on trauma-informed care and coaching. In May 2025 Stef had their first article published in Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing entitled Barriers and Solutions to Cancer Screening in Gender Minority Populations. She was also listed as a co-author in an abstract presented at ASCO in May 2025 highlighting the work she was a part of with building a trauma-informed peer support program for cancer survivors called Presently. Stef lives in Maryland with her son and their cat, and volunteers actively with both the Ulman Foundation and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). 

This week’s Prowl The LAB podcast episode is especially close to my heart as I sit down with the amazing Liz Hansen—owner of Chicago Boudoir Photography, TEDx speaker, and passionate advocate for women’s confidence. Liz has been a professional photographer since 2011, and she truly believes that every woman—regardless of age, size, or shape—deserves to feel empowered and recognize her unique beauty. Through her work in the Chicago area, Liz helps women see themselves in a new light, using beautiful portraits as a tool for self-love and confidence.In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to feel sexy and to celebrate your curves and scars, even when life delivers unexpected changes. Liz shares how the boudoir experience is a gift for yourself, not just others, and how powerful it can be to embrace your beauty at every stage. I hope our conversation resonates with every woman navigating a challenging path—reminding you that beauty, confidence, and joy are always within reach.Liz currently lives in Evanston, IL with her husband and two teenage daughters, and she can’t wait to help you see yourself through her empowering lens.You can book your session with Liz here:https://chicago-boudoir.com/

Joan Pendleton serves as the Development Director for the Lupus Foundation of America, overseeing the San Francisco, Arizona, and Chicago markets. With a deep passion for the lupus community, Joan advances the LFA’s mission through her leadership in research, education, advocacy, and direct services for patients. She is the creative force behind signature initiatives such as the Walk to End Lupus Now events, Lupus & You education programs, and the launch of vital support groups—including helping Tracy Wilson establish the Oakland Support Group.In this inspiring conversation, Joan and I explore the mission and goals of the LFA, shining a light on the wealth of resources available to lupus thrivers, physicians, pharmacists, advocates, caregivers, and stakeholders. We also underscore the critical importance of healthy sexuality and sexual wellness education for both physicians and thrivers—and our shared dedication to advancing this for the lupus community.Beyond her professional impact, Joan’s personal commitment shines through as she leads her own Chicago Walk team, proudly co-captained by her big yellow retriever. Joan’s energy and advocacy continue to inspire and uplift the entire lupus community.Visit our website for a link to the Lupus Foundation of America and other resources for Lupus Thrivers:https://www.prowlthelab.com/

Podcast Premiere: In Honor of Global Lupus Awareness DayCelebrate the launch of the Prowl The LAB podcast with our inspiring first guest, Shanelle Gabriel, M. Ed.—poet, internationally touring singer, educator, and lupus advocate. We sat down with her prior to her debut at Carnegie Hall, when she brought her unique energy to our heartfelt conversation about living and thriving with lupus.Known for performances on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and sharing stages with legends like Nas, Jill Scott, and Nikki Giovanni, Shanelle uses her artistry as a lifeline since her lupus diagnosis in 2004. In this episode, she joins Ebonie Michelle to discuss how poetry, music, and storytelling have empowered her and others to reclaim their voices, build resilience, and find hope while facing chronic illness.Whether you’re on your own health journey, supporting someone else, or just seeking inspiration, this episode offers powerful insights into healing, creativity, and thriving through adversity.You can find out more about Shanelle, especially her upcoming events at https://www.ShanelleGabriel.com

This mini-episode is an introduction to Prowl The LAB by host, Ebonie Michelle and includes a brief description of what our podcast is all about. We can't wait to welcome you into our community!