What happens when a physician sees the system fail someone she loves—and decides to change it for everyone else? In this powerful episode, Dr. Akanksha Sharma shares her journey from neurology resident to becoming a national leader in neuro-oncology and palliative care. Through stories of her mother’s silent brilliance and a patient who became family, Dr. Sharma reveals the gaps in brain tumor care—and how she’s working to close them with compassion, clarity, and courage. We dive into the myths surrounding palliative care, how caregivers are often overlooked in the medical system, and why asking “What will that time look like?” is as important as “How much time do I have?” This episode is a must-listen for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who believe that quality of life should never be an afterthought. https://www.linkedin.com/in/akankshamd/  https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach

When crisis hits, men are often told to stay strong and keep moving. But what happens when the weight of caregiving becomes too heavy to carry alone? In this powerful episode, Kyle Woody shares the origin story behind Jack’s Caregiver Coalition—a space where men supporting loved ones through illness can be seen, supported, and understood. From fixing fences to healing hearts, Kyle unpacks how vulnerability, community, and purpose helped him—and countless others—show up for their families without losing themselves in the process. If you're a caregiver, or love someone who is, this episode is for you. https://www.jackscaregiverco.org/ https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach

Cancer-Free, Not Carefree with Mariana Arnaut of @theaftercancer https://www.theaftercancer.com/ Survivorship isn’t the end—it’s a whole new chapter. We talk joy, connection, and the hidden struggles of life after cancer. 💛 🎧 Listen now. https://linktr.ee/myawarecoach

In this heartfelt episode, Jason Binder sits down with Chris Schuler, a dedicated brain cancer awareness advocate and caregiver to his late father, Donald. Together, they explore the relational impact of caregiving, grief, and healing in the wake of a glioblastoma diagnosis. Chris shares his caregiving journey, highlighting his close bond with his father, the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, and the profound lessons learned. They discuss how brain cancer shaped his relationships with his father, spouse, and children, illustrating the ripple effects of such an intense life experience. Key discussion points include: The role of caregiving in honoring a loved one's legacy. Practical strategies for balancing caregiving with other relationships. How grief and suffering can lead to purpose and transformation. Insights on how caregivers can seek and provide relational support amidst crisis. Jason and Chris also delve into practical advice for listeners navigating similar journeys, offering hope and emphasizing the importance of relational health in the healing process. This episode is a moving testament to resilience, love, and the enduring power of relationships.   Guest Bio: Chris Schuler is a brain cancer awareness advocate and venture partner at Daria Ventures. His mission is to amplify the work of organizations supporting patients with brain cancer and drive innovation in brain health. A former caregiver to his late father, Chris is deeply committed to transforming personal grief into advocacy and action for others facing similar challenges.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschuler/   See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/

In this heartfelt episode, Jason Binder sits down with Pam Cusick, Senior Vice President at Rare Patient Voice, to delve into the intersection of healthcare advocacy and relational health. Pam shares her 30-year journey in healthcare research, emphasizing the importance of amplifying patient and caregiver voices. Together, they explore the unique challenges rare diseases bring to relationships and the critical need for empathy, grace, and connection in caregiving dynamics. Discover how Rare Patient Voice empowers individuals by connecting them to research opportunities, offering financial recognition for their insights, and creating platforms for their stories to shape the future of healthcare. Pam and Jason discuss practical strategies for supporting caregivers, the role of community in breaking isolation, and how healthcare providers can enhance relational well-being for families navigating rare conditions. Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone passionate about patient advocacy, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights, anecdotes, and actionable advice to foster resilience and intimacy amidst the complexities of rare diseases. Rare Patient Voice: https://rarepatientvoice.com/for-patients/patients/   See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In this episode, we sit down with Alisha DeTroye, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA, a dedicated Physician Assistant and Regional Director of Advanced Practice at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Alisha shares how her grandmother’s battle with ovarian cancer inspired her career in neuro-oncology. Now overseeing over 1,150 healthcare professionals, she continues to maintain a part-time clinical practice. Alisha emphasizes the importance of quality of life and emotional support for brain cancer patients, recognizing the median survival of 18-21 months while highlighting each patient's unique journey. She passionately advocates for specialized care at academic institutions and sheds light on the emotional and relational challenges that patients and their families face. Throughout our conversation, Alisha underscores the power of humor and maintaining a sense of purpose as vital tools for coping with this challenging disease. Join us for an insightful discussion about the holistic care of brain cancer patients. See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/  

In this heartfelt episode, Esther Mallard shares her deeply personal journey of growing up with a parent affected by the cognitive challenges of a brain injury due to glioblastoma. Esther opens up about navigating trauma, mental health struggles, and finding resilience during her college years, all while coping with the emotional impact of her parent’s illness. The conversation explores how she managed these challenges, highlighting the importance of community, therapy, and emotional support. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the strength required to face profound adversity and the strategies that can help individuals and families find hope in difficult times.   See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/

After listening to Mike Rowe's podcast, The Way I Heard It, in an interview with Sabin Howard...I've been thinking a lot about grief, suffering and purpose while having a season with a lot of shaping. link to podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-i-heard-it-with-mike-rowe/id1087110764?i=1000665987577  See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Amanda R. Ferraro (https://cancerisanasshole.com/) to explore powerful stories of resilience through personal experiences with cancer, brain surgery, and family trauma. The conversation delves into the transformative role of emotional journaling as a coping tool, helping individuals process complex emotions, build resilience, and create open lines of communication within families. We also discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system as a cancer patient, emphasizing the vital role of patient advocates in managing appointments and offering emotional support. Lastly, we touch on the importance of empathy, open communication, and understanding in preserving marriages during the often tumultuous journey through illness. This episode is a heartfelt guide for anyone facing similar challenges, providing insights and hope.   See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we speak with Holly Richard, a leader who has dedicated over 20 years to executive roles in nonprofits, advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. After transitioning to a new role as a consultant with The Arc of NC, Holly has been able to focus more on a deeply personal mission—brain cancer advocacy. This shift in focus is rooted in an unimaginable loss: the passing of her beloved 28-year-old son, Derek, from glioblastoma in April 2019. This life-changing event led Holly to write her first book, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days: The Unthinkable Journey, in hopes of raising awareness and advocating for more funding for brain cancer research and clinical trials. Throughout the episode, Holly shares her personal experiences with grief, trauma, and cancer. She discusses the challenges of confronting painful experiences and the dire need for more research and funding to improve diagnosis and treatment options. Holly advocates for empathy, understanding, and support for individuals and families impacted by cancer and other life-altering conditions. Join us for an episode that not only shares Holly’s story of personal loss but also inspires collective action towards hope, healing, and change. See more at https://www.myawarecoaching.com/