In this powerful episode of Life Expectancy: Sisters Surviving and Thriving, Stacey and Julee break down the complexity of the UNOS transplant list through both lived experience and medical insight. They explain how the national system works, what MELD and PELD scores mean, and the brutal math behind liver transplant eligibility. Julee shares the advocacy it took to get Stacey accepted after multiple rejections, while Stacey recounts the physical, emotional, and cognitive toll of end-stage liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy. Together, they explore the logistical, ethical, and deeply personal realities of navigating a life-or-death waitlist, culminating in Stacey’s placement on […]

In this episode of Life Expectancy: Sisters Surviving and Thriving, Julee and Stacey reflect on real-world events that struck a personal chord during their transplant and recovery journey. From headlines that triggered painful memories to public narratives that shaped their private fears, the sisters explore how the news intersects with illness, advocacy, and survival. What starts as commentary on the world around them becomes a raw, deeply personal look at trauma, loss, and the fragile hope that comes with second chances. With their signature blend of candor, wit, and vulnerability, they unpack the emotional echoes of current events and invite […]

In this episode of Life Expectancy, the sisters go head-to-head in the best way possible—comparing notes from opposite sides of the hospital bed. Stacey was the patient. Julie was the advocate. But their experiences, emotions, and responsibilities couldn’t have been more different. This episode explores the clash between what it feels like to be sick and what it feels like to watch someone you love nearly die. They unpack: There are sharp moments and soft ones. Laughter and tension. And some truly illuminating insights into how misalignment—even with the best intentions—can create chaos. But most of all, this episode is […]

In this deeply personal episode of Life Expectancy: Sisters Surviving and Thriving, Julie and Stacey take a courageous step backward in order to move forward—by unpacking the complicated history that shaped their relationship, their identities, and their survival. From childhood trauma and family conflict to the long stretches of silence, this conversation doesn’t flinch. Julie opens up about leaving home as a teen to escape a toxic environment, and Stacey recalls growing up in the aftermath, unsure why her big sister suddenly vanished. Together, they navigate early family dynamics, generational clashes, mental health struggles, addiction, and the roles they were […]

Welcome to the very first episode of Life Expectancy – Sisters Surviving and Thriving. Meet Julie and Stacie: two sisters bound not just by blood, but by trauma, resilience, and an unshakeable bond forged through liver transplant, breast cancer, addiction, and advocacy. In this raw and revealing conversation, they introduce the heart behind the podcast: building a space where survivors, caregivers, and families can find solidarity, support, and useful tools for navigating some of life’s most terrifying challenges. You’ll hear what it’s like to be the patient and the health advocate—how their roles differed, collided, and ultimately helped them survive and thrive together. This episode covers: Why they’re finally ready to talk about it now What it means to be a health advocate when time is running out The emotional strain of recovery, grief, and healing (on both sides) A breakdown of critical concepts like the UNOS list, MELD scores, and the stages of grief How roles, perspectives, and communication can make or break the transplant journey Why community, support, and even humor matter more than ever You’ll also learn about their blog, resource hub, and the curated playlists that helped them cope and communicate during the hardest moments. It’s not always polished. It’s not always pretty. But it’s always honest. Subscribe now and come with us—because surviving is just the start.