Candidly with Carolyn
Candidly with Carolyn
Podcast Description
Candidly is your real-talk podcast that explores processing, living with and life after cancer - by your thrivership hypewoman and cancer slayer, Carolyn Van. Hang out with us as we have human conversations, include diverse perspectives, answer your questions and go there on topics that are not always discussed amongst friends, family, support networks and in the public discord from those who have been there and get it.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into multiple themes related to cancer experiences, including emotional recovery, community support, and navigating life's challenges post-diagnosis. For instance, episodes focus on topics like the financial burdens of cancer, relationships altered by illness, and cultural aspects of healing, demonstrating a commitment to exploring the multifaceted nature of life after cancer.
We’re changing the way we talk about cancer. Join us as we discuss intersections of life and The Big C. Our collection of conversations welcomes you hang out with us as we include a variety of perspectives, answer your questions, and go there on topics that are not often being discussed amongst friends, family members, clinical settings, support networks and in the public discord. Hosted by non-Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer survivor and your thrivership hypewoman, Carolyn Van.
In 2019, Sam Megarry went to the hospital thinking that she had appendicitis. She had no idea what she was about to encounter around the bend – a Stage 3 colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome diagnosis. Her life was suddenly flipped upside down at 28 years old.
Carolyn and Sam met in group therapy at Gilda's Club Toronto where a small crew of young adults in their 20s and 30s at different stages and phases of their cancer experiences met on a regular basis. Even through some seriously frigid icy snow storms, they still met week-to-week. To some, it was the only time they felt truly heard, seen and understood in their every day lives.
As Carolyn and Sam continued through their 30s – they went on to experience more life changes. A few years later, Carolyn reaches out to Sam to invite her on to the pod. They catch up and candidly chat about going from therapy icks to making it a career, how cancer might have impacted their relationship with change itself, questionable wellness narratives, cancer as depicted and perceived in Hollywood, and of course – they answer your questions!
We're so pumped to hang out with you. Go ahead and hit that play button.
(01:23)- Welcome to this conversation & an intro to Sam Megarry
(05:30)-Sam's first experience with going to therapy
(07:10)-Wellness, working in it, and the industry
(10:40)-Sam's relationship with therapy now
(14:30)-Our relationship with change itself
(17:00)-So…about that pandemic. How it was like from our seat in the house
(22:40)-The challenges of finding the right therapist as a persons experiencing cancer
(26:20)-When Sam encountered a therapist that was not the right fit
(27:50)-A therapists' lived experiences with cancer
(38:10)-Beyond the body. What about the rest of us?
(41:47)-Question From Pareetah
(45:41)-When they think you're being an alarmist
(47:40)-Question From Madison
(51:30)-Parenthood & genetic considerations
(57:10)-Question from Gideon
(59:35)-”But…you look and seem so healthy!”
(1:00:45)-When Chadwick Boseman passed
(1:07:57)-Question from Kim
(1:08:51)-When they go in for a hug
(1:11:27)-Question from Bree
(1:11:47)-Cancer plots in film and tv
(1:15:00)-Parting words from Sam
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Learn more about Sam Megarry here. We’re thrilled to know that she's making her way through the professional psychotherapy world.
What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment or give us a rating!
Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found – and we’ll promise to bring you more human-first conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.
Have a question for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]
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The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording – and do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving. What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might 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.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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