Cancer may be in the title, but this podcast is about so much more than cancer. It is about what happens when life wakes you up and you decide not to go back to sleep.
I’m Alex (La) Simms, and after an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis in 2017, I began questioning how I was living, what I was carrying and why I had spent so long putting myself last. Cancer became a catalyst, but the real story is everything that came next.
On Cancer Cured Me, I have honest, uplifting conversations about healing, nervous system regulation, natural health, manifestation, spirituality, emotional wellbeing, purpose and midlife reinvention. You’ll hear from leading experts, remarkable people who have transformed their lives after illness or adversity, and from me as I share what I am learning along the way.
This podcast is for anyone who feels overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in survival mode or simply knows there must be more to life. Expect practical tools, powerful stories, warmth, humour and new ways to feel safer in your body, trust yourself again and create a life with more energy, joy, freedom and meaning.
You shouldn’t have to wait for a diagnosis or a crisis to start living fully.
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
In this enlightening conversation, transformational wellness coach Danielle Cooper shares her personal journey from battling gut health issues to discovering the importance of nervous system regulation and sobriety. In her engaging and relatable way, she discusses the impact of long COVID on her health, her deep trauma work, and how these experiences shaped her approach to wellness coaching.
Danielle emphasises the power of self-healing through nutrition and nervous system regulation. She talks us through the significance of positive affirmations, grounding practices, and the science behind neurochemicals (CORE) in achieving well-being. We hear about Danielle's personal journey through grief and loss and she shares how getting out into nature and hugging a tree, along with movement and dance are key for her mental health.
Key Takeaways:
Nervous system regulation is crucial for personal growth.
Positive affirmations set a great tone for the day.
Transforming challenges into opportunities is a powerful mindset.
Creating new habits can help shift negative thought patterns.
Self-improvement is an ongoing journey with no end point.
Grounding practices can enhance your connection to nature.
Cold water exposure can have significant health benefits.
Movement, especially dancing, is vital for emotional well-being.
Grief is a natural process that requires time and support.
Finding alignment in life is essential for happiness.
Personal experiences of loss can lead to deeper connections with others.
It's important to process emotions rather than suppress them.
About Danielle Cooper
Danielle is a transformational coach who began her journey in Dublin and now calls Bristol home. She is deeply committed to helping individuals connect with their inner selves, fostering a sense of grounding, balance, and focus to empower them in achieving their biggest life goals and mastering significant life changes.
Beyond her coaching, Danielle’s passions include hiking, wild swimming, yoga, meditation, music, DJing, creating music, dancing, attending live music events, and exploring new places and countries. She values authentic human connections and believes in the transformative power of shared experiences.
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
A Deep Conversation with My Sister - Standing Tall with Abby Dufficy
Episode 5
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 01:00:31
In this uplifting episode, I sit down with my incredible sister, Abby Dufficy, to discuss her inspiring journey from struggling with her height to embracing it and creating a global community of tall women.
Growing up 6’1” from her early teens, Abby faced bullying and often felt isolated due to her height. She shares how this led her to keep herself and her life small for years, trying to avoid attention. But now, in her midlife, she’s rewriting the narrative. Abby opens up about how she found the courage to embrace her uniqueness, build a thriving online community for tall women, and launch her own clothing brand, Olim London, designed specifically to empower and celebrate tall women.
We dive into the challenges Abby faced in finding clothing that fit, the pivotal moment that inspired her to design her own pieces, and the joy she’s found in creating a supportive space where tall women can connect and share their stories. Abby’s journey is a testament to the power of owning your story, celebrating what makes you unique, and using your voice to inspire others.
Whether you’re tall, know someone who is, or just love stories of transformation and empowerment, this episode is packed with heartfelt moments, relatable experiences, and Abby’s contagious enthusiasm for life and fashion.
Takeaways:
Embrace what makes you unique instead of trying to hide it.
Build a supportive community to connect with others who share your experiences.
Turn personal challenges into opportunities for creativity and growth.
Celebrate your individuality—it can become your greatest strength.
Use your voice to inspire and empower others who feel isolated or unseen.
Invest in yourself by pursuing a dream that solves a problem you’ve experienced.
Confidence comes from owning your story, not from conforming to others’ expectations
Connect with Abby:
What is the Enneagram Personality System?
Episode 4
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 01:00:27
Today's episode is a great big dose of happiness and positivity with Enneagram expert Joanne Bonnett. One that will set you up for the day with a big smile on your face!
SPECIAL LISTENER OFFER:
For only £129 Joanne is offering our listeners a personalised Enneagram Profiling Report plus a 1:1 chat (Zoom) to explore what makes you, YOU. Discover how The Enneagram could help you #bemorehuman in life: at home, work and play!
Joanne (aka JoBo!) is a multi-talented force of nature, with a mission to help people thrive by truly being who they were created to be. In this upbeat conversation, we explore Jo's journey from a corporate marketing background to a fulfilling career working with The Enneagram. We discuss the impact of cancer on Joanne's family, the importance of celebrating life and birthdays, and the challenges of overcoming people-pleasing! She shares insights on setting boundaries and 'The Art of Saying No!', emphasising the need for self-care and loving kindness.
Joanne introduces us to The Enneagram - an easy to access yet powerful way to explore your unique perspective on all areas of life. In a deep and holistic way it shines a light into the many ways we show up in the world: in our relationships, families, teams & communities.
We talk about our desire to embrace authenticity and self-discovery, sharing personal stories and insights from Joanne's journey with The Enneagram and her late ADHD diagnosis. Our conversation culminates in a heartfelt message about self-acceptance and the value of being true to oneself.
About Joanne
Joanne has always been fascinated by seeking out that special something that shines in each of us. Now her work with The Enneagram brings joy - especially when she sees how self-awareness and acceptance can light a spark of hope in individuals and teams.
7 Simple Ways to Protect Your Mental Health This Winter with Top Psychologist & Author Suzy Reading
Episode 3
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 01:00:52
7 SIMPLE WAYS TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS WINTER
*** STOP PRESS***. SUZY READING WILL BE ONE OF OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS AT OUR NEXT LUXURY TRANSFORMATIONAL RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK @wildernessreserve SIMPLY DM THE WORD ***WAITLIST*** TO BE THE FIRST TO RECEIVE ALL THE DETAILS
Do you find winter hard? Does your mental health suffer in winter? Do you suffer with SAD or just get those January blues and can’t wait for it to be summertime again? Well, this is a lovely warm hug of an episode just for you!
In this life-affirming conversation with Suzy Reading, we explore the importance of self-care during the winter months and how to embrace winter as a wonderful, nurturing season, not just a season to ‘get through’.
Talking around Suzy’s latest book, Self-Care for Winter, we discuss the concept of wintering through self-care, its significance for mental and emotional health, and introduce a framework of seven gentle steps to nurture oneself through the challenges of winter. The discussion emphasises the need for connection with nature and ‘awe hunting’, the importance of comforting rituals and community, as well as the value of reflection as a means to foster well-being during the colder, darker months. Suzy demonstrates some practical exercises that take just moments to do but will completely lift your day.
Suzy’s concept of ‘Gentle January’ is a balanced approach to post-holiday wellness that ensures you are looking after yourself during the winter months and investing in your future self whilst doing so.
About Suzy Reading
Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist, yoga teacher and coach. Suzy has over two decades of experience in the health and wellbeing industry, working with individuals and organisations in keeping their people happy and healthy. She draws these modalities of psychology, movement and restorative practices uniquely together and is one of the top UK experts on self-care. Suzy is the psychology expert for wellbeing brand Neom Organics and is a founding member of The Nourish App. She figure skated her way through her childhood, growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and now makes her home in the hill of Hertfordshire, UK.
Women's Hormones 101 with Leading Expert Adele Wimsett
Episode 2
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 57:37
Are you a peri-menopausal or menopausal woman, suffering with PCOS or maybe you’re just in a phase of your life where you don’t feel like ‘you’ anymore and you have no idea why! In this episode, women’s health and hormone expert, Adele takes us through everything we never knew about our hormone health. She shares insights into our body’s hormone hierarchy, cyclical living and period health that people just aren’t talking about.
Give yourself the gift of this life changing episode – you are guaranteed to learn something that could be just what you needed to hear.
Key takeaways:
· Progesterone is crucial for mood stabilisation and nervous system regulation.
· Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly in progesterone levels.
· Testing, such as the Dutch test and Mira, rather than blood tests, provide valuable insights into hormonal health.
· Cyclical living aligns activities with the different phases of the menstrual cycle.
· Empowerment comes from understanding one's body and advocating for health.
· Adrenal health is crucial for overall well-being.
· Hormonal changes can significantly impact mental health, especially in women with ADHD.
· Getting sunlight in the morning is essential for hormonal balance.
· Prioritise protein intake to support adrenal health.
· No one is living a perfect health journey; it's about progress, not perfection.
About Adele Winsett
Adele is a Women’s Health Practitioner, supporting women from menarche to menopause. Adele offers online & in person hormone clinics, where she bridges the science & the woo, to support women to harmonise their hormones. With the additional option of functional medicine testing, Adele provides tailored lifestyle intervention to address hormone imbalances as well as creating a space to exploring HRT with specialist interest in ADHD & hormones.
The Lowdown on La and Why Cancer Cured Me
Episode 1
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 30:09
A big warm welcome to the very first episode of Cancer Cured Me!
Today, La kicks things off with a very special guest host - her long-suffering husband, Jason. Known for her love of a good chat (and her tendency to go off on tangents), La has enlisted Jason to keep her on track as they dive into all the big questions about her, the podcast, and the journey that inspired it.
This lighthearted and honest episode sets the stage for what Cancer Cured Me is all about - helping listeners get to know La, her story, and the uplifting, empowering content they can look forward to.
Here’s what Jason will be asking:
Who is La, and what’s the story behind her unique name?
Why on earth call the podcast Cancer Cured Me? What does that mean?
What inspired her to finally launch this podcast after dreaming about it for so long?
What kind of guests and topics can we expect in future episodes?
What’s the intention and purpose behind the podcast?
With plenty of positivity and good vibes, this episode is the perfect introduction to your host and the vibrant energy she’s bringing to this podcast. Happy listening!
About La Simms:
Meet your host, La—a mum of three, cancer survivor, and wellness advocate with a deep passion for helping others transform their lives. After years of thriving in the corporate events world, she now channels her skills into hosting retreats that inspire growth, healing, and balance.
Alongside podcasting and running retreats, La has a wellness business offering transformational coaching, reiki, lymphatic drainage massage and red light therapy. Her approach to wellness is deeply personal, influenced by her own journey through cancer and her love for practices like meditation, breathwork, and reformer pilates.
We're No 3 In the Apple Podcast Charts! Dreams Can Come True
Episode 7
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Duration 22:25
This wasn't the episode La was planning to bring you today, but don't worry, her fabulous guest will be here in a few weeks and instead, La has jumped in to create her first ever solo episode! In this (almost completely!) unplanned instalment, La shares her joy at achieving her dream as she comes to the end of her first week as a podcaster. However, a very dramatic curve ball was thrown to her at the weekend. Find out how she turns it around in this slightly impromtu episode.
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
The Shocking Truth That Most of Us Are Only Breathing at 20% of Our Full Capacity - Unlock the 80% and Heal Your Life with UK Coach of the Year Samreen McGregor
Episode 8
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 01:07:28
We breathe every moment of every day, but most of us are stuck at 20% of our full capacity. In today's conversation with UK Coach of the Year, Samreen McGregor, we explore the transformative power of breathwork and its impact on personal healing. Samreen shares her journey from a multicultural upbringing to becoming a successful coach and author, highlighting the deep challenges faced during her 9 year old son's devastating diagnosis and battle with cancer. The discussion delves into the importance of healing and the transformative power of breathwork with its physiological, emotional, and spiritual benefits, while also delving into the science behind breathwork and its ability to release pent-up emotions. Let's get everyone breathing at 100% capacity!
Highlights (and approximate time codes)
00:00 Introduction to Breathwork and Samreen's Journey
09:47 Samreen's Personal Story and Background
20:10 The Impact of Darshan's Illness on Family Dynamics
47:22 Physiological and Emotional Benefits of Breathwork
50:15 Spiritual Connections Through Breathwork
01:01The Breathwork Experience: A Journey of Transformation
Work with Samreen - The Tribe
If you’re curious about breathwork and how it can unlock deeper healing, join The Tribe as a founding member. Unlock a monthly membership giving you access to a live guided breathwork session, a 1:1 Breath analysis, pre-recorded meditations and so much more... enjoy your first 3 months for just £11/month (normally £22). Join here: www.breathewithsamreen.com
How to Regulate Your Nervous System When Your Child is Bullied
Episode 12
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • Duration 19:03
In this solo episode, I open up about navigating intense emotions, the challenges of being an empath, and the power of self-regulation. Inspired by Dr. Martha Beck’s insights on empathy and emotional resilience, I share a personal experience that tested my ability to stay grounded and strong.
You'll hear about:
The four stages of empathy and how to move from emotional overwhelm to clarity
How breathwork and tapping can shift your nervous system in real-time
My personal experience using deep breathwork to transform anger into compassion
Why emotional regulation is essential for both adults and children
This episode is for anyone who feels deeply, struggles to separate their emotions from others, or wants to learn practical techniques to regain peace. Join me as we explore how healing starts within.
Listen now and discover how you can harness the power of breath and mindfulness to navigate life's challenges.
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
About Your Host
Through her podcast and transformational wellness and healing retreats, La empowers others to take charge of their health, break free from toxic patterns and embrace a life of vitality. She shares many of the alternative and holistic practices that transformed her own life, helping others reconnect with their bodies, minds, and true potential.
To Connect or Work With La:
🔗 Insta @cancercuredme
🔗 Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com
How to Keep a Healthy Lymphatic System
Episode 11
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 47:33
The Lymphatic System is the least understood and most undervalued of all the body systems, yet if it stopped working we would die within 24-48 hours.
In today’s episode I talk to Jules Willcocks, one of the UK's leading experts on the subject of lymphatic health and the founder of Body Ballancer UK. Jules has been interviewed on TV and radio and extensively quoted in publications including Vogue, Tatler, Harper's Bazaar, Good Health Magazine and the Telegraph.
Jules explains the often-overlooked lymphatic system, its crucial role in detoxification, and how it supports the immune system. Through her fantastic 'aquarium' analogy and detailed explanations, Jules provides valuable insight into the anatomy of the lymphatic system, signs of its dysfunction, and practical tips for maintaining its health through movement and hydration which can literally transform your health.
We also talk about Body Ballancer - state-of-the-art compression therapy systems to the health, wellness and aesthetic markets and to individuals who are keen to improve or maintain their wellbeing.
For more information on Body Ballancer, visit: www.bodyballancer.co.uk or Insta: @bodyballancer
Other resources: Insta @stopchasing pain @thelymphaticmessage
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
About Your Host
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Cancer Cured Me, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
SPECIAL OFFER: Abby is offering a 10% discount on any purchases made from Olim London using the code: cancercuredme. Happy shopping!
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
The Enneagram is a powerful resource and illuminates the deep motivations behind how and why you think, feel and act the way you do: what drives you, triggers you, keeps you stuck or moves you forward.
Understanding The Enneagram can bring compassion, curiosity and deeper connection in our relationships. We benefit personally, professionally and spiritually from a more rounded, holistic view of how we (and others) see the world.
PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGIES FOR SOME SOUND ISSUES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED ON THE RECORDING
About La:
Meet your host, La - a mum of three, cancer survivor, and wellness advocate with a deep passion for helping others transform their lives. After years of thriving in the corporate events world, she now channels her skills into hosting retreats that inspire growth, healing, and balance.
Alongside podcasting and running retreats, La has a wellness business offering transformational coaching, reiki, lymphatic drainage massage and red light therapy. Her approach to wellness is deeply personal, influenced by her own journey through cancer and her love for practices like meditation, breathwork, and reformer pilates.
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
Adele offers some great resources through her website, including a menopause tracker, a hormones and ADHD handout and a doctor letter template for those with ADHD who require HRT
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her walking in nature with her Labrador, Max, soaking in the calming energy of the sea, or hanging out with her kids. Through her podcast, she shares her insights, experiences, and inspiration to help listeners embrace their own journeys toward a well-rounded, fulfilling life.
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
TO ACCESS THE COMPLIMENTARY 5 DAY BREATHWORK STARTER GUIDE THAT SAMREEN MENTIONS IN THIS EPISODE, SIGN UP FOR FREE AT WWW.BREATHEWITHSAMREEN.COM
About Samreen
Samreen McGregor is a coach, breathwork guide, and founder of Breathe with Samreen, where she helps people heal and reconnect with themselves through breath and body-based practices. Her journey into breathwork wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. When her son, Darshan, was diagnosed with cancer, she found herself navigating the emotional and physical toll of paediatric cancer, searching for ways to support both him and herself. That experience changed everything. With over 25 years in coaching, psychotherapy, and neuroscience, Samreen has worked with top executives and individuals seeking deep transformation. As the author of Leader Awakened, she is passionate about helping people regulate their nervous systems, release emotional blocks, and build real, lasting resilience—whether in leadership or life.
Connect:
Website: www.breathewithsamreen
Insta; @breathe_with_samreen
Book: Leader Awakened: Why accepting diversity drives power and freedom:
DOWNLOAD HERE! A free guide from your host to help you build calm into your day and regulate your nervous system. If you need some gentle support in every day life and some simple, quick tools to help you feel more like you again, download this FREE GUIDE NOW.
Through her podcast and transformational wellness and healing retreats, La empowers others to take charge of their health, break free from toxic patterns and embrace a life of vitality. She shares many of the alternative and holistic practices that transformed her own life, helping others reconnect with their bodies, minds, and true potential.
