Brighter Podcast

Education, Support and the Power of Community - Stephanie Hargis and the Ricardo Fisas Foundation

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Stephanie Hargis, a mother, social worker, and breast cancer survivor, joined Brighter Magazine and the Ricardo Fisas Foundation to share her story and reflect on the difference their partnership is making in the lives of women affected by cancer. This episode was a special collaboration between the two organizations, centered on education, support, and the power of community. To learn more about them, visit www.brightermagazine.org and www.ricardofisasfoundation.org.

Brighter Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer and provides magazines at no cost to survivors in need. Brighter Magazine is a 501c3. All donations are tax deductible. Subscribe at BrighterMagazine.org or donate today at give.brightermagazine.org/donate.

Follow us on social @BrighterMagazine!

Why We Avoid Screenings and Why We Shouldn’t: Marissa Griffin

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Marissa shares her breast cancer diagnosis story and explains why screenings played such an important role in saving her life. We talk about why so many women fear mammograms and self-checks, how to navigate scanxiety after a diagnosis, and why routine screenings still matter after cancer. She also shares advice for advocating for yourself, asking questions, and making sure your voice is heard in every appointment.

Identity, Marriage, and Fertility - Katie and Taylor Fleenor

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

At age 23 and just two months before getting married, Katie was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Refusing to let cancer define their future, she and her fiancé, Taylor, moved up their wedding, and the two optimistically embarked on the unexpected season ahead. Now, three years later, Katie is cancer-free and the two are expecting their first child in August. Their story is one of faith, resilience, and finding joy even in life’s hardest moments.

What Treatment Does to Your Mouth and how to Heal It - Jill Meyer Lippert and Stephanie Zimmerman

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Registered Dental Hygienist and founder of the Side Effect Support LLC, Jill Meyer Lippert, and her friend Stephanie Zimmerman, a childhood cancer survivor, pediatric oncology nurse practitioner, and founder of LifeCare Patient Advocacy & Care Coordination LLC joined Graci, Brighter’s Program Manager, on this episode of the Brighter Podcast!

Together, they explore the critical role of oral care during cancer treatment and survivorship, break down common oral side effects and their impact on overall health, and share practical, easy-to-implement tips for maintaining a healthy mouth before, during, and after treatment.

Side Effect Support is offering Brighter listeners 20% off their first order at SideEffectsSupport.com using the code BRIGHTER.*

Listeners are also encouraged to visit https://checkyourmouth.org/wp/ to learn more about oral self-checks.

*No minimum purchase requirement
One use per customer
Can’t combine with other discounts

Illuminating Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection - The Brighter Summer Program

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Brighter welcomed four former Brighter Summer Program interns to this month’s episode of the podcast to showcase the opportunities offered through Brighter’s high school summer internship and to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the illuminate guide, Brighter’s resource focused on cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection. These four young women played a key role in the article development, spread design, and overall mission of illuminate, and we couldn’t be more proud of the work they contributed. If you or someone you know would be interested in reading the illuminate guide, please visit the Resources page at www.brightermagazine.org.

Diving Into Your DNA - Exploring Genetic Counseling - UTSW Genetics Program - Janna Heady and Cheyla Clark

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400

UT Southwestern Medical Center genetic counselors Jana Heady and Cheyla Clark joined the Brighter Podcast to share insight from their work in the Cancer Genetics Program. In this episode, they walked listeners through the value and purpose of genetic counseling and testing, addressing fears and common fears and misconceptions, explaining varying referral rates, and outlining what a genetic counseling and testing process would look like. From their clinical experience, Jana and Cheyla also explored the many reasons individuals choose to pursue genetic counseling, such as assessing personal risk, understanding hereditary trends, taking proactive, preventative steps, and equipping family members with information to make informed decisions of their own.

Rare Cancer: The Similarities, Differences and the Need for Support and Increased Research.

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Join us as we awareness for rare cancers with Katie Coleman, rare cancer survivor, technologist, and nonprofit founder of COA and Lindsay Looney, daughter of Brighter's friend Jennifer who we lost to a rare form of head and neck cancer just over a year ago. They will share with us what it's like to be diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the need for additional support and further research.

Reclaiming the Mind - The Value of Speech Prehab and Rehab - Emily Hammack

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Emily Hammack, Speech Pathologist with Baylor Scott and White in Dallas, helps us understand cancer related cognitive decline ("chemo brain"), dysphasia, and the value of speech therapy to help you regain control and confidence.

This podcast is particularly helpful for our head and neck cancer friends.

Prehab, Rehab, Neuropathy and the Lymphatic System - Amanda Grilli

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Amanda Grilli, an Oncology Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Certified Cancer Coach, is devoted to helping those affected by breast cancer reclaim their strength, identity, and quality of life during, after, and beyond breast cancer. Amanda joined us today to help us understand the value of physical prehab, rehab, neuropathy and the lymphatic system as it relates to cancer and cancer treatment.

To learn more about Amanda visit her website at www.thebreastcancer-pt.com

How to Sparkle Amidst the Clouds - Lexie Appleby

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Lexie Appleby, breast cancer advocate, former NFL cheerleader, Wife of Big 10 Coach, nonprofit professional and influencer shares what it was like being diagnosed with cancer at a young age, what fibroadenomas are and the role they played in her experience, how she navigated health care and doctors while moving states, and the importance of breast exams.

Hope Despite Double Diagnosis - Heather Nemec

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Heather Nemec, licensed clinical social worker and Brighter writer, shares her experience being diagnosed with two different forms of cancer, finding hope in the waiting and we even touch on the topic of intimacy during and after treatment!

Hosted by Helen Bowles and Graci Smith

Nutrition's Role in Health and Healing - Cara Price

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Nutrition Coach, Cara Price shares her nutrition journey and the role food plays in our happiness, health and healing. Cara shares the value of the four "S's" - Soul, Sleep, Sustenance, Strength and offers helpful information and tips to make small changes for big reward.

Hosted by Helen Bowles and Graci Smith

Looking Good to Feel Good. - Brittney Dorr

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Personal Stylist, Brittney Dorr shares with us the importance of looking good to feel good. She says, "Fashion is a vibe and everyone has one." Brittney experienced first hand the difference fashion made in her mom's personal experience with cancer and wants to provide that same value to other women through her work. In this episode we talk about investing a little effort in your dressing choices to make a big impact on the way you feel.

Hosted by Helen Bowles and Graci Smith

Special Food Service for Survivors and Caregivers - Culinary Care

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Courtney Johnson experienced an incredible outpouring of care and love from her family and friends as her dad dealt with his cancer diagnosis. Processing and healing from the loss of her father, Courtney found a way to continue that care and love by feeding other survivors and their caregivers, as the survivors receive treatment in Chicago and Dallas area hospitals.

For more information on Culinary Care visit. https://culinarycare.org/

Hosted by Helen Bowles

A Chrysalis Phase of Life - Natasha Parker

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Natasha Parker shares how she embraces what she sees as the chrysalis phase of cancer to develop beautiful wings to fly in the next phase of life. Natasha shares her empowering insight for women to be active participants in their treatment and how she drew on the courage of her grandmother to motivate her through the hard times.

Hosted by Helen Bowles

A Mother's Heart - Debbie Norris

Thu, 09 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

A Mother's Day message for those who have experienced the loss of biological motherhood as a result of cancer.

Debbie Norris shares her experience and how she has put her "Mother's Heart" to practice in many rewarding ways.

Hosted by Helen Bowles

A Tapestry of Family Knits Together to Support One of Their Own - Heidi Paul

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Shortly after reconnecting with her biological mother, Heidi's biological mom is diagnosed with cancer and then Heidi herself. Hear how Heidi's family supported her and how her faith informed her outlook through the entire process.

Hosted by Helen Bowles and Vivian Armendariz

Navigating your cancer treatment with a young child. - Stephanie Hargis

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

How can life with cancer be equated to gardening?

Hear how Brighter Ambassador, Stephanie Hargis has navigated her experience with her darling, young daughter along side every step of the way. What a sweet and beautiful way to explain what is going on in your body without instilling fear in a young child. Don't miss her "funny" story at the end and her encouragement to advocate for yourself.

Hosted by Helen Bowles and Vivian Armendariz

A surprising diagnosis just after losing a mother to cancer - Amy Zicarelli

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Still mourning from the loss of her mother to breast cancer, Brighter Ambassador, Amy Zicarelli was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shares her story with us, the importance of having or finding community and a very cool hair regrowth opportunity she has tried first hand.

Hosted by Helen Bowles and Vivian Armendariz

Oncology Massage - Amy Scottino

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Brighter Magazine's Jennifer Looney and Helen Bowles are joined by Amy Scottino, licensed massage therapist and survivor to discuss the benefits and beauty of massage therapy for women in treatment.

Prevention and treatment for oral side effects of cancer. - Jill Meyer-Lippert

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Chemo and other treatments can take a toll on your oral hygiene causing mouth sores and worse. In our conversation with Jill Meyer-Lippert, dental hygienist, we discuss side effects and ways to combat them if not prevent them.

Choosing a new approach to life when cancer permanently alters you - Jamie Shuey

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

With an active life as a stunt woman turned USA Pickleball player. Jamie Shuey was sidelined when she had a Chondrosarcoma diagnosis and surgery that took away her ability to walk with confidence. Instead of giving up, Jamie took a new approach to her hobbies and a new approach to life. "Where there's a wheel, there's a way!"

How cancer affects the mother-child relationship. Carol Goglia and daughter Cate

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, breast cancer survivor, Carol Goglia and her daughter Cate join summer intern, Libby Warren. Together, they share how Carol’s diagnosis affected their mother-daughter relationship and offer advice to other women experiencing this journey.