Explore every episode of the podcast Brighter Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intimacy After Cancer: What’s Normal? - Heather Nemec and Meredith Mitstifer | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:39:35 | |
Cancer can change so much, including intimacy, body image, relationships, and the way you feel about yourself. In this episode, Graci is joined by Heather Nemec, a social worker and breast and non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, and Meredith Mitstifer, a clinical psychologist and ovarian cancer survivor, for an honest conversation about intimacy after cancer. Together, they explore:
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. | |||
| Education, Support and the Power of Community - Stephanie Hargis and the Ricardo Fisas Foundation | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:39:02 | |
Stephanie Hargis, a mother, social worker, and breast cancer survivor, joined Brighter Magazine and the Ricardo Fisas Foundation to share her story and reflect on the difference their partnership is making in the lives of women affected by cancer. This episode was a special collaboration between the two organizations, centered on education, support, and the power of community. To learn more about them, visit www.brightermagazine.org and www.ricardofisasfoundation.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. | |||
| Why We Avoid Screenings and Why We Shouldn’t: Marissa Griffin | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:31:30 | |
In this episode, Marissa shares her breast cancer diagnosis story and explains why screenings played such an important role in saving her life. We talk about why so many women fear mammograms and self-checks, how to navigate scanxiety after a diagnosis, and why routine screenings still matter after cancer. She also shares advice for advocating for yourself, asking questions, and making sure your voice is heard in every appointment. 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. | |||
| Identity, Marriage, and Fertility - Katie and Taylor Fleenor | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:38:11 | |
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. | |||
| What Treatment Does to Your Mouth and how to Heal It - Jill Meyer Lippert and Stephanie Zimmerman | 15 May 2026 | 00:53:40 | |
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 requirement 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. | |||
| Illuminating Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection - The Brighter Summer Program | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:45:03 | |
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. | |||
| Diving Into Your DNA - Exploring Genetic Counseling - UTSW Genetics Program - Janna Heady and Cheyla Clark | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:47:36 | |
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. | |||
| Rare Cancer: The Similarities, Differences and the Need for Support and Increased Research. | 16 Feb 2026 | 01:14:31 | |
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. | |||
| Reclaiming the Mind - The Value of Speech Prehab and Rehab - Emily Hammack | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:48:47 | |
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. | |||
| Prehab, Rehab, Neuropathy and the Lymphatic System - Amanda Grilli | 28 Dec 2025 | 00:49:50 | |
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. | |||
| How to Sparkle Amidst the Clouds - Lexie Appleby | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:48:00 | |
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. | |||
| Hope Despite Double Diagnosis - Heather Nemec | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:48:37 | |
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 Smith 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. | |||
| Nutrition's Role in Health and Healing - Cara Price | 26 Sep 2025 | 01:01:04 | |
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 Smith 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. | |||
| Looking Good to Feel Good. - Brittney Dorr | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:46:02 | |
Personal Stylist, Brittney Dorr shares with us the importance of looking good to feel good. She says, "Fashion is a vibe and everyone has one." Brittney experienced first hand the difference fashion made in her mom's personal experience with cancer and wants to provide that same value to other women through her work. In this episode we talk about investing a little effort in your dressing choices to make a big impact on the way you feel. Hosted by Helen Bowles and Graci Smith 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. | |||
| Special Food Service for Survivors and Caregivers - Culinary Care | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:28:33 | |
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. 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. | |||
| A Chrysalis Phase of Life - Natasha Parker | 10 Jun 2024 | 00:54:45 | |
Natasha Parker shares how she embraces what she sees as the chrysalis phase of cancer to develop beautiful wings to fly in the next phase of life. Natasha shares her empowering insight for women to be active participants in their treatment and how she drew on the courage of her grandmother to motivate her through the hard times. 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. 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. | |||
| A Mother's Heart - Debbie Norris | 09 May 2024 | 00:38:27 | |
A Mother's Day message for those who have experienced the loss of biological motherhood as a result of cancer. 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. 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. 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. | |||
| A Tapestry of Family Knits Together to Support One of Their Own - Heidi Paul | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:46:08 | |
Shortly after reconnecting with her biological mother, Heidi's biological mom is diagnosed with cancer and then Heidi herself. Hear how Heidi's family supported her and how her faith informed her outlook through the entire process. 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. 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. | |||
| Navigating your cancer treatment with a young child. - Stephanie Hargis | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:35:07 | |
How can life with cancer be equated to gardening?
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. | |||
| A surprising diagnosis just after losing a mother to cancer - Amy Zicarelli | 06 Feb 2024 | 01:02:06 | |
Still mourning from the loss of her mother to breast cancer, Brighter Ambassador, Amy Zicarelli was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shares her story with us, the importance of having or finding community and a very cool hair regrowth opportunity she has tried first hand. 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. | |||
| Oncology Massage - Amy Scottino | 18 Feb 2023 | 00:50:27 | |
Brighter Magazine's Jennifer Looney and Helen Bowles are joined by Amy Scottino, licensed massage therapist and survivor to discuss the benefits and beauty of massage therapy for women in treatment. 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. | |||
| Prevention and treatment for oral side effects of cancer. - Jill Meyer-Lippert | 07 Nov 2022 | 00:38:48 | |
Chemo and other treatments can take a toll on your oral hygiene causing mouth sores and worse. In our conversation with Jill Meyer-Lippert, dental hygienist, we discuss side effects and ways to combat them if not prevent them. 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. | |||
| Choosing a new approach to life when cancer permanently alters you - Jamie Shuey | 24 Oct 2022 | 00:39:43 | |
With an active life as a stunt woman turned USA Pickleball player. Jamie Shuey was sidelined when she had a Chondrosarcoma diagnosis and surgery that took away her ability to walk with confidence. Instead of giving up, Jamie took a new approach to her hobbies and a new approach to life. "Where there's a wheel, there's a way!" 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. | |||
| How cancer affects the mother-child relationship. Carol Goglia and daughter Cate | 10 Oct 2022 | 00:28:37 | |
In this episode, breast cancer survivor, Carol Goglia and her daughter Cate join summer intern, Libby Warren. Together, they share how Carol’s diagnosis affected their mother-daughter relationship and offer advice to other women experiencing this journey. 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. | |||