Brighter Podcast

Hosted by BrighterMagazine

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Brighter Magazine is the lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer. In this podcast series, we will share survivors’ stories of hope and encouragement, interviews with medical professionals, caregivers, and family members, as well as information about products that can ease the secondary issues of a life with cancer.

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21 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 538 min

Identity, Marriage, and Fertility - Katie and Taylor Fleenor

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. 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!

May 15, 2026Episode 453 min

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

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 requirementOne use per customerCan’t combine with other discountsBrighter 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!

April 20, 2026Episode 345 min

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

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. 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!

March 18, 2026Episode 247 min

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

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. 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!

February 16, 2026Episode 21 hr 14 min

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

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.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!

January 19, 2026Episode 148 min

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

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. 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!

December 28, 2025Episode 1149 min

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

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 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!

December 16, 2025Episode 1048 min

How to Sparkle Amidst the Clouds - Lexie Appleby

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.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!

October 10, 2025Episode 948 min

Hope Despite Double Diagnosis - Heather Nemec

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 SmithBrighter 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!

September 26, 2025Episode 81 hr 1 min

Nutrition's Role in Health and Healing - Cara Price

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 SmithBrighter 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!