Gratitude Geek – Details, episodes & analysis

What happens when cancer crashes your life and your livelihood? In episode 281 of the Gratitude Geek podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur and cancer thriver Deb Krier to talk candidly about living with Stage 4 breast cancer while still showing up for your clients, your business, and most importantly—yourself.

Deb and I don’t sugarcoat anything. We’ve both walked through cancer diagnoses, nerve damage, port drama, chemo fog, and endless unsolicited “cures.” And yet—we kept going. Sometimes we paused. Sometimes we powered through. And we both learned how to run our businesses in radically new ways.

This is the episode I wish existed when I was first diagnosed. It’s equal parts support group, strategy session, and a little redhead sass.

• What “working through cancer” really looks like
• Tools and therapies (traditional and woo) that actually help
• How to decide what business tasks to keep, delegate, or drop
• The mental game of staying visible while your body is falling apart
• Why we should stop apologizing for our boundaries
• Deb’s philosophy: “You’re the boss. Not cancer. Not your doctor. You.”

Connect with Deb Krier

• Deb Krier’s Website: https://tryingnottodie.live
• Deb’s Facebook Group: Support Group on Facebook
• Deb on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deborahkrier
• Deb’s Podcast: The Business Power Hour
• Episode Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/281 

Deb Krier is the founder of TryingNotToDie.LIVE, a platform that empowers individuals navigating cancer to live boldly and on their own terms. A seasoned marketing and PR professional, Deb brings the same fearless spirit to her work as she does to her personal health journey. Diagnosed with Stage 4 triple positive breast cancer in 2015 and later thyroid cancer, Deb has refused to let illness define her. She now inspires others to take ownership of their journey, build resilient communities, and find purpose—no matter the diagnosis.

Deb’s moment of gratitude? This conversation. And I’m right there with her.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro: When business and cancer collide
• 02:30 Deb’s first diagnosis: Stage 0 to Stage 4 overnight
• 06:15 Chemo, septic shock, and working from a hospital bed
• 09:40 Why Kandas stopped her podcast—and what brought it back
• 13:10 Ports, Herceptin, insurance battles, and treatment evolution
• 19:30 Complementary therapies: What helped, what didn’t
• 24:00 Oncologists vs primary care: Why you need both
• 27:10 When to fire your doctor (and how to find a better one)
• 31:30 Humor as medicine: Princess Anastasia Beaverhousen enters
• 36:00 The real deal with medical marijuana and biosimilars
• 40:20 Cancer’s impact on business decisions and boundaries
• 44:10 Deb’s advice for newly diagnosed entrepreneurs
• 47:00 Kandas’ take: cancer doesn’t define your business
• 48:30 Moment of gratitude & wrap-up

If you're living with cancer and still running your business—or supporting someone who is—this episode is for you. Cancer might change your schedule, your capacity, and your boundaries. But it doesn’t get to take your voice.

Stay groovy, my friends.

===

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe 

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast 

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch 

What if joy isn’t a fleeting feeling but the ultimate business strategy?

In episode 280, Air Force veteran, mental health advocate, and transformational leader Kimberly Mitchell — known as the "Joy Warrior" — shares her Journey to Joy System. Kimberly reveals how healing your inner world and rewriting limiting beliefs can unlock unstoppable success in life and business.

We explore why so many women struggle with money mindsets, how to turn fear into fuel, and why curiosity (not hustle) is the ultimate growth tool. From roller skating as an adult to reframing joy in daily tasks, Kimberly’s stories will have you rethinking what’s possible for you and your business.

“Joy isn’t a reward at the finish line — it’s the fuel that gets you there.” — Kimberly Mitchell

• Joy as a business strategy, not just a feeling
• Why healing your beliefs is the foundation of success
• How to transform money mindsets with respect and gratitude
• The power of curiosity and rewriting your personal story
• Embracing joy in "irrational" or unexpected ways to reconnect with yourself

Connect with Kimberly Mitchell

🖇️ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/oekimm/ 

📝 Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/280

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction
• 2:00 — From Air Force to Corporate: Kimberly’s Journey
• 7:30 — Discovering the Power of Inner Work
• 12:00 — Overcoming Fear & Limiting Beliefs
• 17:00 — Joy as a Business Strategy
• 22:00 — Intention & Reframing
• 27:00 — Applying Joy Practically in Business
• 31:30 — Diversity, Openness & Community Impact
• 36:00 — Managing Money with Joy
• 41:00 — Finding Joy in Tedious Tasks
• 45:00 — Embracing Fun & Irrational Joy
• 48:00 — Legacy, Curiosity & Empowering Women
• 49:30 — Gratitude & Closing

===

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe 

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast 

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch 

What if talking about death actually helped us live better?

In episode 271 of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte sits down with Nikki Smith, an INELDA-certified death doula and grief coach, to explore the often-avoided topic of dying—and why it's time to stop pretending we’ll live forever.

Nikki shares:

• How a death doula supports the dying and their loved ones

• What practical tools—like checklists—can ease grief and prevent family conflict

• Why casseroles aren’t the only way to help a grieving friend

• How talking openly about death can help us appreciate life more

• What midlife women in business need to know about legacy and medical advocacy

Whether you're planning for yourself or a loved one, this episode is your permission slip to start the conversation—because the business of dying is very much about how we choose to live.

Listen in and learn:

• The surprising role of a death doula

• How to prepare for end-of-life with intention

• What to do before the casseroles start showing up

Connect with Nikki the Death Doula

• Website: https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1lYa9JYPS4DCemfvClnNmC?si=2c37680712be4082 
• Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/271

Ready to grow your business with clarity and community? Join Robusta: http://kandasrodarte.com/robusta 

This engaging conversation between Kandas Rodarte and Craig Andrews is a goldmine of practical insights for anyone looking to improve their marketing strategies. From the art of crafting compelling first-time offers to relationship-building techniques that mirror the stages of courtship, this episode offers actionable advice that can transform the way you approach your marketing efforts.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a marketing expert who has successfully transformed businesses and strategies to generate revenue and build lasting customer relationships. Tune in now and get ready to unlock the secrets of charging for first-time offers and enhancing your marketing game.

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/183 

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.

Discovering Resilience and Growth: Unpacking Emotional Baggage with Donna Tashjian. Join us in this insightful podcast as Donna Tashjian, a seasoned Life Mastery Coach, author, and inspiring podcaster, takes us on a transformative journey from overcoming challenges as a teen mom to embracing change for personal development. Explore the power of video for marketing, navigating life's transitions, and harnessing the potential of vision boards for lasting success.

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/171

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.

In this episode, we are thrilled to have R Scott Edwards, a seasoned comedy entrepreneur, join us. Scott shares his fascinating journey of starting over a dozen companies, including comedy clubs, art galleries, and restaurants. He opens up about his experiences working with famous comedians like Bob Saget, Jerry Seinfeld, and Robin Williams.

Through his storytelling, Scott emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passions and finding ways to share them with the world. Throughout the interview, Scott imparts valuable wisdom for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs alike. He encourages listeners to learn from both their failures and successes, highlighting that failures are just stepping stones on the path to success.

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/181 

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.

The world's #1 failure guy is this week's guest on Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.  Ben Currier discusses his journey to becoming the world's number one failure guy after facing multiple job terminations. He shares insights into his podcast, where he interviews people about their failures and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a path to growth. Ben also encourages viewers to say yes to new opportunities and step outside their comfort zones to expand their horizons.

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/180 

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.

Artist and author Michael Magrutsch explores the power of human potential and neurodiversity. He advocates for artists to shift their focus from the end product to the creative process, embracing their unique superpower of creativity. Michael's captivating insights challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to appreciate the limitless potential of human connection and self-expression through art.

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/179

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.

Utilizing the power of storytelling and search keywords, Atiba catapults brands to the coveted first page of Google. With a proven track record as an award-winning marketer, Atiba has been featured on Traffic & Conversion Summit and USA Today. His expertise lies in Video SEO, offering valuable insights on leveraging videos for marketing purposes and maximizing the impact of video content strategies. Atiba's knowledge extends beyond Video SEO, encompassing topics like marketing, digital marketing, organic traffic, content repurposing, social media dominance, the customer journey, and AI. He is based in the Washington, DC area and is known as an IG Food Influencer.

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/178 

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.

In this captivating episode of the Gratitude Geek podcast, I chat with the absolutely fabulous Jennifer S. Wilkov, founder and CEO of Speak Up Women. We delve into the empowering topic of speaking up and finding one’s authentic voice.

Jennifer’s infectious enthusiasm and inspiring message resonate throughout the conversation, especially as she shares how speaking up saved her from death. From organizing the first Speak Up Women conference at the United Nations to her unwavering advocacy for women’s rights, Jennifer’s passion for empowering women shines through.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and fear, stepping into their power, and making a meaningful impact. Whether it’s in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or community involvement, Jennifer encourages everyone to embrace their self-worth and confidently express their beliefs.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode filled with inspiration and actionable advice. 

Find the complete show notes with links and resources:  http://momgeek.com/177 

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://gratitudegeek.com

Follow us on social and join the conversation!

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudegeek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitudegeek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratitudegeek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitudegeek

Support Gratitude Geek, a relationship marketing podcast.

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness.  As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this mission and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://momgeek.com/donate.