Best Cancer Risk Reduction Podcasts (2025)

1
Jen Finkelstein: Wigs, Wegmans, and War Stories 46:44

1d ago46:44

46:44

Jennifer Finkelstein is not here for your pity, your pinkwashed slogans, or your performative awareness campaigns. She’s a 20-year young adult breast cancer survivor who turned trauma into a blueprint for action and built 5 Under 40, a no-BS nonprofit supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40. In this episode, we go full Gen X therapy …

1
Kill Bill Meets Jane Fonda: Ilaria Montagnani 38:08

8d ago38:08

38:08

What happens when a black belt, sword-slinging fitness icon gets cancer—twice? She picks up a camera and dares the universe to test her again. Ilaria Montagnani is not your average anything. She’s been building strong bodies (and stronger minds) for over 30 years as the founder of Powerstrike. She’s part Jane Fonda, part Uma Thurman, and very much …

1
Patient No More, Bullsh*t No More: Helene M Epstein 40:01

15d ago40:01

40:01

Helene M. Epstein is not here to make friends with the healthcare system. She's here to dismantle the bullshit, one catastrophic medical error at a time. An ad agency veteran turned patient safety firebrand, Helene’s journey from business development to writer to “badass queen of patient safety,” is one hell of a ride. We talk about how her son was…

1
Salvatore Piano on the global epidemiology of acute kidney injury in hospitalised patients with decompensated cirrhosis 19:05

20d ago19:05

19:05

How does acute kidney injury presentation and management differ globally for patients hospitalised with cirrhosis? We spoke to Salvatore Piano, corresponding author of the landmark International Club of Ascites GLOBAL AKI study, about new data on regional variations in severity, phenotype, treatment, and outcomes across 5 continents. Read the full …

1
Be Like Zach: Love, Loss, and Legacy 44:06

22d ago44:06

44:06

Jonathan and Jennifer Wall didn’t choose this path, but they’re walking it with purpose. After losing their son, Zach, they turned their grief into action, founding Zach’s Bridge, a lifeline for families navigating pediatric cancer. This episode isn’t about platitudes or silver linings—it’s about the raw, unfiltered reality of love and loss, the re…

1
Love Is Rare. Life Is Strange: My Best Friend Sarah 50:31

29d ago50:31

50:31

Sarah Armstrong—forever Sarah Oakden to me, no matter what the legal documents say—isn't just my best friend. She's my first college friend, my musical theater soulmate, and the first person who truly saw me as an artist. She was there when I walked onto Binghamton’s campus, and she was there when I walked into cancer hell. And, because we’re nothi…

1
Gastrointestinal Cancers: Screening, Early Detection, and Risk Reduction 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

Dr. Yue Zhang breaks down the complex world of GI malignancies, explaining how colorectal, pancreatic, liver, esophageal, and stomach cancers each present unique challenges. She explains why these cancers are often detected too late—when treatment options become limited—and how proper screening can dramatically change outcomes. While screening guid…

1
Food for Thought: Cancer, Calories, and Kicking Ass 39:22

1M ago39:22

39:22

Food for Thought: Cancer, Calories, and Kicking Ass Vanessa Rissetto is back, and she’s bringing the same energy, wit, and unapologetic realness that made her a fan favorite. Last time, we talked nutrition and the rise of Culina Health. This time, life threw her a plot twist—breast cancer. Because, you know, irony. Vanessa was busy building a nutri…

1
HPV, Anal Cancer, and the Fabulous Ms. Lillian Kreppel 39:23

1M ago39:23

39:23

EPISODE DESCRIPTION Lillian Kreppel doesn’t hold back. A seven-year anal cancer survivor and co-founder of the HPV Cancers Alliance, she has made it her mission to challenge stigma, fight misinformation, and push for better awareness of HPV-related cancers. In this episode, she sits down with Matthew Zachary to talk about her journey from high-powe…

1
IMPOSSICANT! Grace Charrier’s No-Holds-Barred Cancer Rebellion 37:57

2M ago37:57

37:57

Grace Charrier—a powerhouse advocate, author, and cancer survivor—whose journey from a Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis to global advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. Originally from Nigeria, Grace's life was upended when she was diagnosed following an unexpected health scare. Instead of retreating, she turned her experience i…

1
John Chia on the ASCOLT trial of adjuvant aspirin for colorectal cancer 13:29

2M ago13:29

13:29

John Chia discusses the results of the ASCOLT trial, which explored the effect of aspirin after completion of standard adjuvant therapy for patients with colorectal cancer. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00387-X/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this conversation…

1
The Art of Healthcare Fuckery 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

Buckle up, because Amy Gittelman is back, and this episode is one for the ages. A fellow SUNY Binghamton (yes, we still call it that) alum, Amy joins me for a hilarious and brutally honest deep dive into the absurdities of healthcare, insurance fuckery, and the general nonsense that plagues the system. From dodging medical debt landmines to battlin…

1
Unf*cking Healthcare with Deb Gordon 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

Welcome to another episode of Out of Patients, where we get real about the absolute circus that is the American healthcare system. If you've ever been trapped in a medical billing nightmare, gaslit by insurance reps, or just generally felt like healthcare is an elaborate game designed to screw you—this one’s for you. Joining me is the indomitable D…

1
Cancer, AI, and the Meaning of Life 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

You know how some people enter your life with a knock, a bang, or maybe even a LinkedIn request? Not Rebecca Batterman, returning champion to Out of Patients, making her dramatic second appearance, Back in 2019, she karmically appeared like a plot twist in a film noir—unexpected, inevitable, and full of surprises. An AI strategist, an optimist (yes…

1
The Big Talk: Where Legacy Meets Spotlight 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Tricia Brouk isn’t just a storyteller—she’s a story architect, crafting narratives that connect humanity. A former ballet dancer turned award-winning director, choreographer, and transformational speaker coach, Tricia brings her unique journey to the mic in this captivating conversation. From dancing in iconic opera houses to choreographing Hollywo…

1
Mad Science: AI, Mental Health, and the Future of Sanity 46:08

3M ago46:08

46:08

Get ready for a wild ride with Matt Lewis, the Tony Stark-meets-Jerry Seinfeld of the mental health AI world. As a multi-degreed polymath, Matt has been ahead of the curve on AI since MySpace was a thing. In this episode, we dive into everything from neuroethics and AI-powered mental health solutions to existential fears of Skynet ruining your day.…

1
Cancer Genetic Testing: A Personalized Approach to Your Health 25:32

3M ago25:32

25:32

What if understanding your genetic makeup could transform your approach to health care? Genetic testing is revolutionizing how we approach hereditary cancer risks, offering hope for prevention and personalized care. Dr. Ranjit Goudar shares insights on the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at Virginia Oncology Associates, emphasizing individualized approach…

1
[BONUS] HannahPod: A Solo Act with Dad 15:44

3M ago15:44

15:44

What happens when you give a 14-year-old the mic and let her fly solo without her twin brother? Magic, that’s what. This episode of Out of Patients features my daughter, Hannah, on her seventh (yes, seventh) appearance on the show, but this time she’s stealing the spotlight solo. From reminiscing about slushy Christmas Eves and rare baby illnesses …

1
The Natanya Experience: A Tsunami of Wit, Wisdom, and Whoa 36:53

3M ago36:53

36:53

Prepare for a whirlwind of brilliance with Dr. Natanya Wachtel—a self-proclaimed "failed therapist" turned media maven, behavioral strategist, and all-around badass. In this episode, we dive into her transformative journey from navigating personal loss to spearheading innovative mental health initiatives and reimagining her own identity in a world …

1
“Don’t Google It” with Jen Singer 36:16

3M ago36:16

36:16

Back for Round 2 and wielding her wit like a machete, Jen Singer returns to Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary. Cancer survivor, heart failure "graduate," and creator of the 'Just Diagnosed Guides,' Jen has seen it all — and she's here to help YOU see it all more clearly. From dismantling medical jargon to calling BS on "Stay Strong" toxic positi…

1
No Time for Why: Sean Wachter Returns 37:39

4M ago37:39

37:39

Prepare to be inspired and entertained as Sean Wachter returns to Out of Patients! Sean, aka "The Cancer Fighter," is a two-time melanoma survivor, professional wrestler, coffee shop entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed 'f**ked up Forrest Gump.' With a resume that includes Madison Square Garden, WWE dreams, and a 'We Got This' People's Champion belt, …

1
Hannes Hagström on screening for advanced liver fibrosis alongside retina scanning in people with type 2 diabetes 21:23

4M ago21:23

21:23

Hannes Hagström discusses a study investigating the feasibility of screening for advanced liver fibrosis alongside retina scanning in people with type 2 diabetes. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00313-3/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this conversation on social…

1
Mariana Arnaut: The After Cancer 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

In this lively and insightful episode of Out of Patients, host Matthew Zachary sits down with Mariana Arnaut, Founder and CEO of The After Cancer, a groundbreaking platform helping cancer survivors navigate the uncharted waters of life post-treatment. Joined by his sharp and witty Chief of Staff, Jen Ramprasad, the trio dives into the gaps in survi…

1
[BONUS] The GenX/GenZ Ultimate Therapy Throwdown 43:36

4M ago43:36

43:36

What happens when two fresh-faced Gen Zers—Matthew Zachary Worldwide Chief of Staff Jenisa Ramprasad and Marketing Intern Lauren Woodring—sit down with a cranky, nostalgia-fueled Gen Xer (ahem, Matthew Zachary)? Chaos, hilarity, and surprisingly deep insights. This is not your typical Out of Patients episode. What started as a casual, unscripted ch…

1
The 2024 Koby & Hannah Year End Wrap Up 34:39

4M ago34:39

34:39

It’s the annual Out of Patients tradition you didn’t know you needed—Matthew’s miracle IVF twins, Koby and Hannah, are back on the mic for their 5th appearance! These famous 14.5-year-old personalities are here to make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even sing the alphabet incorrectly (spoiler: they hate the new version). Dive into a delightful blend…

1
The Compassion of Nursing and Storytelling 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

Join us as we welcome Gina Bright, an infusion nurse and remarkable author. She offers a heartfelt narrative about her early encounters with AIDS patients amid the fear and stigma of the 1980s and shines a light on the compassion and resilience required in nursing. Her unique blend of caregiving and literary talent offers an enlightening perspectiv…

1
Pixel Perfect: Jordan and Anna Rathkopf 38:04

4M ago38:04

38:04

When life hands you a cancer diagnosis, you grab a camera. Anna and Jordan Rathkopf turned their battle with HER2-positive breast cancer into a groundbreaking photojournalistic journey. Join Matthew Zachary as he chats with the Rathkopfs about their book, HER2: The Diagnosed, The Caregiver, and Their Son, their nonprofit work, and the absurdity of …

1
Cathy Lu on intestinal ultrasound for assessing and monitoring Crohn's disease small bowel strictures 11:15

5M ago11:15

11:15

Cathy Lu (University of Calgary) discusses a consensus statement on the use of intestinal ultrasound for assessing and monitoring small bowel strictures in Crohn's disease. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00265-6/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this conversation…

1
Crossroads4Hope: Amy Sutton’s Guide to Navigating Cancer Support 36:27

5M ago36:27

36:27

In this full-circle conversation, Matthew Zachary sits down with Amy Sutton, Executive Director of Crossroads4Hope, to dive deep into the evolution of cancer support and the profound legacy of organizations like the Wellness Community. From reminiscing about pre-internet cancer advocacy to envisioning a future rooted in public health and equity, th…

1
Pulverizing The Stigma: The Return of Robots in Jon Nelson's Head 37:06

5M ago37:06

37:06

In this highly anticipated follow-up, we welcome back Jon Nelson, the man who went from battling relentless, treatment-resistant depression to becoming a pioneering advocate for mental health. Jon’s journey with deep brain stimulation (DBS) wasn’t just a breakthrough; it was a total game-changer. Now, with “robots in his head” pumping 23 million pu…

1
The Legend of Jonny Imerman 43:06

5M ago43:06

43:06

In this hilariously heartfelt episode, Matthew Zachary sits down with his long-time friend and cancer warrior, Jonny Imerman, the trailblazing founder of Imerman Angels. With candor and camaraderie, they explore the raw truths of cancer survival, sharing stories about the “two bald Jews” throwing wild Young Adult Cancer Happy Hours, and the life-ch…

1
Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis 23:31

5M ago23:31

23:31

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jacob Hall, a radiation oncologist at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA). Dr. Hall is on a mission to bring the technological advances of oncology into the realm of osteoarthritis management to VOA, offering an alternative that provides lasting pain relief without the invasiveness of surgery. Discov…

1
Cancer Hope Network: Peer Support with Purpose 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

In this episode, host Matthew Zachary dives into the history and mission of Cancer Hope Network (CHN) with Executive Director Beth Blakey and Program Officer Marielle McLeod, a young adult cancer survivor. Founded in 1981, Cancer Hope Network is a vital peer support organization that connects cancer patients and caregivers with mentors who’ve been …

1
[HIATUS] The Inimitable Lisa Simms Booth 33:20

6M ago33:20

33:20

On the show today: Lisa Simms Booth is Executive Director at The Smith Center for the Healing Arts and former Senior Director for Patient and Public Engagement at The Biden Cancer Initiative. She is such an extraordinary human being who've I've wanted her on my show for such a long time and, well, here she is. Lisa has this extraordinary way to def…

1
Peter De Cruz on the PREDICT-UC trial of intensified versus standard dose infliximab for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis 14:42

6M ago14:42

14:42

Peter De Cruz (University of Melbourne) discusses the PREDICT-UC trial of intensified versus standard dose infliximab induction therapy for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00200-0?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this co…

1
[HIATUS] Kara Goldin: Hint! Hint! (A Show That's ACTUALLY Good for You) 34:35

6M ago34:35

34:35

Today I talk to Kara Goldin — health product entrepreneur, breast cancer advocate, and the Founder and CEO of HINT Inc. Kara calls herself an accidental entrepreneur because she invented a product that she wanted but couldn’t find: unsweetened, fruit-infused water. Now HINT is available everywhere as a healthy and natural alternative to diet drinks…

1
Shahida Din and Beatriz Gros on the harms associated with receiving placebo in trials of drugs for inflammatory bowel disease 34:15

6M ago34:15

34:15

Shahida Din (Western General Hospital, Edinburgh) and Beatriz Gros (Reina Sofía University Hospital, Cordoba) discuss two new papers on the harms associated with receiving placebo in induction and maintenance trials of biological therapies and small molecules in inflammatory bowel disease. Read the full articles: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/…

1
[HIATUS] In The Bubble with Andy Slavitt: From CMS to Accidental Podcast Hero 37:12

6M ago37:12

37:12

For most healthcare geeks, Andy Slavitt may be best known as the Former Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). For millions more, he is the podcast hero we didn't know we needed and the one we so clearly deserved as the host of Lemonada Media's award-winning podcast, "In The Bubble with Andy Slavitt." Launche…

1
[HIATUS] Lithium: Not Just For Batteries 35:09

6M ago35:09

35:09

Dr. Sudhir Gadh is a board-certified psychiatrist and Commander in the US Navy Reserve. He is also Medical Director for the Center for Recovery and Wellness, with a core focus on low-dose Lithium, as a comprehensive approach for patients to improve brain function. Joining Matthew live in-studio, they talk about our nation is failing to address the …

1
[HIATUS] Ask MZ Anything with Carly Flumer 32:57

7M ago32:57

32:57

Returning champion to Out of Patients, advocacy badass Carly Flumer flips the script on Matthew Zachary as she takes the reins for an AMA (Ask Matt Anything) reverse interview. Hilarity ensues as we take a trip down memory lane as to how the sausage was made, the very origins of Stupid Cancer and the young adult cancer movement, and how we've arriv…

1
Revolutionizing Cancer Care: Advances in Radiation Oncology 31:08

7M ago31:08

31:08

Experience the advances in cancer treatment with Dr. Michael Miller from Virginia Oncology Associates as he shares his inspiring journey into the field of medicine, rooted in the influence of his sister’s nursing career. Discover the game-changing technologies revolutionizing radiation oncology, such as the TrueBeam Varian Linear Accelerator. Dr. M…

1
[HIATUS] Dr. Ashani Weeraratna on "Is Cancer Inevitable? " 25:48

7M ago25:48

25:48

Today, I speak with Dr. Ashani Weeraratna. She's a leading cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins, and President Biden appointed Ashani to the National Cancer Advisory Board. She's also a researcher at the National Cancer Institute AND the author of a new book called Is Cancer Inevitable? Her book takes us inside her research lab and reveals how new in…

1
[HIATUS] 1990s Cancer: AOL or Bust with Steve Friedman 32:40

7M ago32:40

32:40

On the show today, my brother from another mother — Steve Friedman, is the Senior Advisor of Operations for SEER at the National Cancer Institute. (We'll get into all the acronyms later in the show because I know you're looking forward to that.) Steve was diagnosed back in the 1990s with testicular cancer while in his 20s. So he brings with him a p…

1
[HIATUS] The Chutzpah Show with Sarah Cotenoff 34:11

7M ago34:11

34:11

On the show today, I welcome 'First mover in Audio & Podcasts" Sarah Cotenoff, Former co-founder of Podsights — and, more importantly — my former intern at The Stupid Cancer Show. Losing your father to cancer as a teenager is never a good thing. But the forced maturity it gives you can ultimately come in handy if and when more crap you didn't expec…

1
[HIATUS] Dr. Mark Lewis Is the Twitter We're Looking For 32:26

8M ago32:26

32:26

Dr. Mark Lewis is the Director of GI Oncology at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City. He is also a young adult survivor of pancreatic cancer, a thought leader on #MEDTwitter, and one of the funniest and down-to-earth physicians you're likely to meet. Motivated by losing his father to cancer, coupled with a genetic predisposition for empathy,…

1
[HIATUS] Stupid Cancer: You Know What It Is with Alison Silberman 32:18

8M ago32:18

32:18

On the show today, I'm so thrilled to welcome live in-studio Alison Silberman, CEO at Stupid Cancer (my old job, as you may know), and Shannon Wyant, a fellow AYA cancer survivor and sitting committee member of the Stupid Cancer Board of Directors (also my old job as you may know.) The best conversations are those without an agenda that manifest fr…

1
[HIATUS] Lynch Syndrome: Try To Not Get Cancer? 29:56

8M ago29:56

29:56

Today on the show, we talk to powerhouse couple David and Robin Dubin, who founded Alive and Kickn to advocate for those with the Lynch gene. At age 29, Dave was diagnosed with colon cancer and Lynch Syndrome. Few have heard of it, but Dave and Robin are trying to change that. Because Lynch is a genetic pre-condition to cancer that affects 1 out of…

1
[HIATUS] This Little Diagnostic Went To Market... 36:01

8M ago36:01

36:01

On the show today, I'm thrilled to welcome – LIVE IN STUDIO — Liz Cormier-May, CEO of Mammogen, and Marty Keiser, CEO at IV Bioholdings. It's hard to blend funny, entertaining wit with healthcare jargon like diagnostics, market access, go-to-market strategy, etc. And yet, somehow, we did it. The process is gnarly and ridiculous, but now more than e…

1
[HIATUS] Overhead: Dan Pallotta on How Great Nonprofits Actually Work 28:18

8M ago28:18

28:18

On today's show, we welcome one of the most influential human beings of my career: Dan Pallotta, champion of charity and the entire nonprofit business sector. Dan's take on how we as a culture think about charity the wrong way planted a bedrock philosophy in my head for how I was going to grow and lead Stupid Cancer to scalable success without the …

1
[HIATUS] The One With Jane Sarasohn-Kahn 39:35

9M ago39:35

39:35

Today's show is not a "very special episode" of Different Strokes, Facts of Life, Family Ties, Webster, or Blossom, BUT it is a "very special episode" nonetheless. Jane Sarasohn-Kahn has been a friend, a teacher, a mentor, a sherpa, a conscience, and a big sister to me for over 15 years. I mean it when I say she is as close to her biological family…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Cancer Risk Reduction Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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