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.
A collection of candid conversations amongst humans who have directly been impacted by cancer as well as those committed to contributing to Cancer Futures. Listeners can count on honest real-talk, an array of perspectives and exploration 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.
It all began in 2013. Chris Ho was in his early-30s, living a normal young professional life. It was an exciting time! And then….he was hit with testicular cancer. A profound story that includes loss – including that of both of his testicles. It turns out, Chris gained far more and it's been life changing.
Chris and Carolyn share parallels in their lives – far beyond being disrupted by The Big C while building out their lives in their young adulthood. From how facing mortality head-on changed their inner wirings, a comfort with the topic of mortality, being a child of Vietnamese refugees who fled from their war-torn motherland with parents who survived what most of our worst nightmares are made of, and how cultural differences, influences and evolving generational values plays a role in how they move through life today.
You’ll get to learn about the moments leading up to Chris’ testicular diagnosis and surgeries, how being faced with what's often regarded as a 'gendered cancer' changed his relationship with masculinity, how this carries through in raising two young boys, and how all of this might have contributed to some generational healing. We also address your submitted questions!
We're happy to introduce you to Chris Ho through this candid conversation! Go ahead and hit that play button.
(00:43)- Welcome to this conversation & an intro to Chris Ho.
(04:10)-The beginning. ”I had no health issues. Life was good”
(05:05)-”I felt a little lump”
(08:12)-”I actually didn't tell my fiance”
(10:10)-”I didn't want to worry my parents”.
(10:50)-”If you keep this in there, you're going to die”
(14:09)-Cancer shows up again. This time, in another way.
(14:30)-Chris sees dad cry for the first time ever.
(18:35)-We don't talk about death enough.
(20:07)-Facing the possibility of death – and – celebrating a new life. At the same time.
(22:48)-The invaluable gift Chris received in final day moments.
(28:05)-Evolving generations values & skills.
(29:05)-How a gendered cancer shifted Chris' understanding of manhood and masculinity.
(31:20)-Chris and his wife try for another kid. Cancer shows up – again.
(33:00)-Without testicles what does manhood look like? Mental Health as the biggest struggle.
(37:43)-What we could do a better job with when it comes to mens mental health.
(46:30)-Fathering young boys.
(51:34)-How much do Chris' kids know about cancer and death?
(54:17)-Question from Lillian.
(1:01:15)-Question from Niraj.
(1:07:45)-Question from Christoff.
(1:12:07)-Question from Alexander.
(1:18:00)-What Chris would like to see more of.
—
Learn more about Chris Ho here. We're thrilled to know that he is offering guidance to future leaders – or those who might want to level up their leadership skills – through his conscious leadership practice.
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 bring you more conversations like this one about life with and after cancer.
Have a question for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]
Follow Candidly With Carolyn on Instagram
__
The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners – but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all 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.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.