Carolyn welcomes wellness practitioner, Stefanie Anne Rico on to the pod. They met through a wellness studio in Toronto, Canada for women of color where Carolyn is a regular participant at and where Stefanie leads Yoga sessions. On this episode, we explore themes of community, ancestry and spirituality through healing and grieving. Your questions lead Carolyn and Stefanie through a discussion on finding our people, healthy communication, and navigating the emotional landscape of cancer - while emphasizing the need for understanding in both personal and professional contexts. Put on some soft pants and cozy up with us for this conversation.

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this episode? Drop us a comment! We look forward to hearing from you.

Rate us and follow/subscribe for future episodes.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at candidlythepod@gmail.com.

(00:05)-Hello! Welcome to Candidly

(00:25)-About Stefanie and Our Conversation

(04:24)-Community and Its Significance

(09:08)-Navigating Grief and Personal Loss

(12:29)-Everyone Has a Connection to Cancer

(14:18)-My roots are my Superpower

(19:21)-Surrendering When Fighting For Your Life

(23:30)-Decolonizing Therapy and Embracing Diversity

(25:28)-Understanding Bias and Perspectives in Therapeutic Relationships

(29:11)-Question from Kate

(29:42)-Communicating Needs in Times of Crisis

(33:35)-The Emotional Landscape of Caregiving

(37:52)-Finding Your Community

(38:55)-Question from Aparna

(41:46)-It Starts With Us

(45:46)-Seeking Familiarity When Thrusted into Chaos

(46:04)-Question from Francine

(48:47)-Caregivers Need Care Too

(52:05)-A Sense of Agency For Cancer Patients

Learn more about Stefanie Anne Rico, Integrated Wellness Practitioner at ⁠https://www.stefanieannerico.com/

Have a question for a future episode of Candidly? Email us at candidlythepod@gmail.com.

______________________

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast - and do not represent the opinions of podcast partners. This podcast should not be used as official professional medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance with depth.

Carolyn welcomes fellow cancer survivor Ariz Bhimani of BRFZY on to the pod. After they geek out and catch up on venture building, they address questions submitted by you. From supporting those with cancer, friendships and dating with cancer, and seeking help amidst overwhelm Carolyn and Ariz highlight familiar themes of empathy, relating, adaptability and going for it. Hang out with us as Carolyn and Ariz share laughs and relate over life, venture building and moments along their cancer experiences.

What did you connect with on this episode? What did you enjoy most from this conversation? Drop a comment about this episode. We look forward to hearing from you!

Rate us and follow/subscribe for future episodes.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at candidlythepod@gmail.com. (00:01)-Welcome to Candidly!

(00:26)-Intro to BRFZY and the conversation

(02:39)-Catch up with Ariz

(05:15)-Ariz's 2024 Lesson Learned

(07:32)-When Things Don't Go According To Plan

(10:40)-Truths of the Wild-Wild-West

(11:19)-BRFZY and Ariz's cancer diagnosis

(13:35)-The Impact on Relationships

(19:25)-A Disconnect Between Inner and Outer self

(20:30)-What Morpheus said to Neo

(21:55)-Where Is That Confirm Override Button?

(24:05)-A Strategic Pause

(28:08)-How You Feel is How You Feel

(30:07)-Chemo, Show Me You Mean It!

(33:00)-Question from Ayushi

(34:30)-Processing Cancer Looks Different

(36:22)-Aging Parents

(37:05)-De-centering Ourselves

(37:45)-Supporting supporters

(43:12)-Question from Nerosa

(47:10)-Quality Relationships

(48:22)-Disclosure While Dating

(52:40)-Others' response to C-word

(53:50)-Grieving Pre-Cancer Self and Relationships

(57:00)-Question from Evan

(59:50)-Traits of Comfort and Belonging

(01:01:25)-Advocating for Ourselves

(01:03:08)-Therapy as Part of the Treatment Plan

(01:05:19)-BRFZY in 2025
Through those peak pandemic isolation days some started families, some ended up with fur children but for Ariz, he got diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 20 years old. Ariz understands the challenges that come with physical recovery from treatment in the pelvic area all too well. He knows the kind of impact products like BRFZY can have on those recovering from surgery, chronic conditions and sports. Learn more about Ariz's pandemic baby, BRFZY and get on that launch list at brfzy.com
Follow BRFZY on instagram: instagram.com/brfzy2023
___________________
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast - and do not represent the opinions of podcast partners. This podcast should not be used as official professional medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance with depth.

Carolyn welcomes Ilene Shiller from Wellspring on to the pod to discuss the relationship between cancer, work and finances. From shifts in professional interests, what to say to hiring managers, feeling a lack of motivation, and what to do when everyone else seems to be levelling up in their careers while you've been fighting for your life - we address questions submitted from 4 individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Hang out with us and enjoy!

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop a comment about this episode. Rate us and follow/subscribe for future episodes. We look forward to hearing from you!

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at candidlythepod@gmail.com.

(00:01)-Hello! Welcome to Candidly

(00:28)-About WellSpring and Guest, Ilene Shiller

(02:00)-Catch up with Ilene and intro to episode

(02:35)-The Financial Impact of Cancer

(07:42)-Uncovering Hidden Costs That Cancer Patients Face

(11:59)-Seeking Support. Resources for Financial and Career Recovery

(15:34)-Question from Jillian

(17:34)-Living the Life of Work

(21:31)-Feeling Behind in Life

(22:50)-Question from Jake

(23:44)-Career Gaps and Job Seeking

(25:00)-Swivelling conversations away from cancer

(28:00)-Question from Kelly

(29:00)-Disclosing cancer

(31:39)-When bringing up the C word might be beneficial

(34:55)-Question from Jamie

(35:33)-Big questions that come after trauma

(37:41)-Shifts in identity

(40:40)-Getting back that motivation mojo

Being diagnosed, living with and living after cancer can be overwhelming, as it is. Part of the overwhelm includes the significant financial health implications. In fact, up to 40% of cancer patients in Canada report experiencing financial distress*.

Those who submitted questions for this episode were diagnosed with cancer under the age of 40 years old. Compared to non-cancer cancer peers, young adults who have been impacted by cancer (an under-researched, often mis-understood and vulnerable sub-segment within cancer population) are 1.4X more likely to have outstanding credit card debts**.

Learn about Wellspring and their programs at wellspring.ca

___________________

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast - and do not represent the opinions of podcast partners. This podcast should not be used as official professional medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance with depth.

*Fitch MI, Longo CJ. Emerging understanding about the impact of financial toxicity related to cancer: Canadian perspectives.

**YAC Prime Study