Cancer Hope Network: Peer Support With Purpose Out Of Patients With Matthew Zachary podcast

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 session—from SNL nostalgia and cold caps to the absurdity of finding out you have cancer while looking for the remote. Jen drops real talk about founding a nonprofit when nothing existed for her age group, why mental health support isn’t optional, and how passing down designer scarves can mean arming someone for battle. If you’re looking for honesty, grit, and a few inappropriate jokes about gastroenterology, this one’s for you. You'll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely leave knowing why Jennifer Finkelstein is a survivor, a fighter, and a damn legend. RELATED LINKS 5 Under 40 Foundation Jennifer Finkelstein on LinkedIn About 5 Under 40: Board of Directors Dan’s Papers: 5 Under 40 Supports Young Breast Cancer Survivors FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. Let me know if you want shorter pull quotes, audiogram text, or promotional copy for LinkedIn, Instagram, or your newsletter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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Kill Bill Meets Jane Fonda: Ilaria Montagnani 38:08

11 days 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 the action hero you wish was your personal trainer. In this episode, we talk about what happens when everything you built your life on—movement, strength, purpose—gets sideswiped by disease. Twice. Ilaria opens up about diagnosis shock, bad doctor vibes, wielding swords post-mastectomy, and why working out through treatment is the best revenge. We get into scanxiety, menopause side effects, nutrition spirals, and the moment she realized the fitness industry needed more truth—and less bullshit. This one’s real, raw, and will either guilt you into planking or inspire you to finally cancel that gym membership you’ve never used. Either way, you’re gonna feel something. RELATED LINKS Stronger for Life documentary Powerstrike official site Ilaria on Instagram Ilaria on LinkedIn Workout programs and DVDs Forza Sword Workout on Amazon FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

18 days 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 misdiagnosed over 15 times (yes, really), why some doctors should come with warning labels, and how American healthcare gaslights patients like it's a competitive sport. She also explains why she’s giving away her new book for free, one chapter at a time, and how AI might actually be useful—if it stops hallucinating citations. This is not a light listen. It’s the real deal. You’ll walk away angry, inspired, and a lot more dangerous as a patient. RELATED LINKS Helene's Substack: https://helenemepstein.substack.com Patient Safety Resources: https://www.pfps.us Helene's Website: https://www.hmepstein.com/meet-helene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmepstein FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

25 days 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 relentless unfairness of childhood cancer, and how the Walls are refusing to let their son’s memory fade into the void. Jon and Jenn open up about what Zach taught them, how they’ve reshaped their lives in his honor, and why “Be Like Zach” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a call to action. We talk about the power of community, the frustrating gaps in pediatric cancer care, and how they’re making sure no other family has to walk this road alone. If you’ve ever wondered what real resilience looks like, this is it. RELATED LINKS: Zach’s Bridge Zach’s Rules for Life Be Like Zach - Substack Jonathan Wall on LinkedIn Jon’s Post: What Cancer Taught Me About Work Rett’s Roost Blog - Jonathan’s Writing Zach’s Story - OSI FEEDBACK: Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

5 weeks 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 nothing if not in sync, a few decades later, she got her own cancer badge of honor, and I was right there with her every step of the way. This episode is a love letter to friendship, music, and those moments that change your life forever. We nerd out over Sondheim, Binghamton's infamous "Theater 101 with Dr. Susan Peters." and the weird and wonderful rabbit holes that turn into entire alternate realities across decades of aging gracefully and falling with style. We talk about how cancer is the worst club with the best people and how surviving it together just adds another verse to the song we’ve been singing for 30 years. It’s funny. It’s real. It’s a master class in love, laughter, and musicals that should have been bigger; with a big tip of the hat to Nancy Ford and Gretchen Cryer for their acclaimed musical "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road" Oh, and RIP to the legendary Denny’s on Vestal Parkway. You will be missed. FEEDBACK: Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

6 weeks 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 nutrition empire when she got diagnosed. So, naturally, she texted, “WTF do I do now?” to her closest cancer Sherpas—yours truly included. Spoiler alert: She powered through, beat cancer, and kept scaling Culina Health to new heights. We get into it all—being a cancer patient when you're supposed to be the health expert, the emotional whiplash of survivorship, the absolute clown show that is American food regulation, and why European Oreos are apparently less cancerous than ours. Also, parenting, loneliness, and why the healthcare system still makes zero sense. Get ready for a wild ride of truth bombs, wisdom, and laughter with one of the sharpest voices in nutrition and entrepreneurship. RELATED LINKS Vanessa on LinkedIn Culina Health Vanessa’s Website Vanessa’s Story on HLTH Vanessa on Breast Cancer - TODAY What Vanessa Learned About Food After Cancer Daily Mail: Vanessa on an Unexpected Symptom SurvivorNet: Vanessa on Nutrition and Cancer FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

7 weeks 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-powered sales to full-time advocacy, the absurd misconceptions surrounding HPV, and why more doctors should be doing rectal exams—but aren’t. With her signature humor and relentless drive, Lillian shares how she turned her diagnosis into a movement, what it takes to make people uncomfortable for the right reasons, and why she refuses to stop talking about the HPV vaccine. It’s an eye-opening, unfiltered, and surprisingly hilarious conversation about a serious issue too many people ignore. RELATED LINKS HPV Cancers Alliance: https://hpvca.org/ Lillian's Story (MSKCC): https://www.mskcc.org/experience/hear-from-patients/lillian Interview on HPVWorld: https://www.hpvworld.com/articles/anal-cancer-and-hpv-a-history-of-awareness-and-stigma-interview-with-lillian-kreppel/ Speaking With Lillian Kreppel (Ask About HPV): https://www.askabouthpv.org/stories/speaking-with-lillian-kreppel-co-founder-of-the-hpv-cancers-alliance European Cancer Organization Feature: https://www.europeancancer.org/content/lillian-kreppel.html Anal Cancer Survivor Feature (Patient Resource): https://www.patientresource.com/Anal_Cancer_Survivor_Lillian_Kreppel FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

8 weeks 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 into action, launching Cancer Convos with Grace B , writing the memoir IMPOSSICANT! , and becoming a voice for patients navigating the complexities of cancer care worldwide. Matthew and Grace dive into the realities of living with cancer, from the absurdities of the U.S. healthcare system to the deeply ingrained stigmas surrounding the disease in Africa. They explore the critical role of doctor empathy, the perils of consulting “Dr. Google,” and the relentless frustration of dealing with insurance providers. The conversation is raw, unfiltered, and filled with humor, as they trade stories about survivorship, advocacy, and the power of storytelling in making sense of the chaos. This episode delivers a mix of inspiration, honesty, and irreverence—showcasing Grace’s unwavering determination to change the cancer narrative, one conversation at a time. RELATED LINKS: Grace Charrier on LinkedIn Cancer Convos with Grace B on YouTube Grace’s Memoir: IMPOSSICANT! on Amazon Blue Note Therapeutics Rare Patient Voice Imerman Angels American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Red Door Community Health Union Advocates for Collaborative Education FEEDBACK: Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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The Art of Healthcare Fuckery 40:56

9 weeks 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 battling insurance companies that seem hellbent on denying care, we go all in. But wait—there's more! We reminisce about our Binghamton days, debate the superiority of Wegmans over every downstate grocery store, and expose the dark art of healthcare billing fraud (spoiler: it's as bad as you think). Amy, a seasoned healthcare badass, drops wisdom bombs on why the industry is broken, what we can do about it, and why she’s basically a mix of Miranda Priestly, Leslie Knope, and Dolly freakin’ Parton. If you've ever yelled at your insurance company, fought a medical bill, or just wanted to flip a table over the state of American healthcare, this episode is for you. RELATED LINKS: Amy Gittelman on LinkedIn Amy’s Odyssey Feature on PM360 Amy’s Profile on OncoDaily Veradigm Healthcare Solutions FEEDBACK: Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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Unf*cking Healthcare with Deb Gordon 42:35

10 weeks 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 Deb Gordon , a relentless champion for healthcare consumers, co-founder of Umbra Health Advocacy , and co-director of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates . She literally wrote the book ( The Healthcare Consumer’s Manifesto ) on navigating this broken system—and she’s here to help you get unf*cked . We talk about why the healthcare system is a hot mess, how patient advocacy is (unfortunately) a booming business, and why you shouldn’t have to fight tooth and nail just to get the care you’re entitled to. And yes, there are people you can hire to help you navigate the bureaucratic hellscape of prior authorizations, medical bills, and misdiagnoses. It’s an infuriating conversation—but also wildly empowering. If you’ve ever thought, Where the hell was this when I needed it? —well, now you know. RELATED LINKS 📖 The Healthcare Consumer’s Manifesto 🌍 Umbra Health Advocacy 🏛 Alliance of Professional Health Advocates ✍️ Deb Gordon on Forbes 🔗 Deb Gordon on LinkedIn FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

11 weeks 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, those exist), and a young adult cancer survivor, Rebecca is here to school us on everything from the future of AI in healthcare to why nostalgia is a coping mechanism we all need. In this no-BS conversation, we talk about the state of innovation (is it still a buzzword?), the wild advancements in early cancer detection, and whether AI-generated empathy is just another overpromised tech fantasy. We also take a detour into the absurdity of pinkwashed cancer fundraising, the evolution of cancer portrayals in pop culture, and the ultimate question: Can you separate the art from the artist? Come for the cancer survivorship insights, stay for the South Park references and existential musings on whether you'd rather live in the past (with no antibiotics) or the future (with AI clones of yourself). RELATED LINKS Rebecca Batterman on LinkedIn Understanding AI on Maven Rebecca’s Articles on Adweek Breast Positivity as Self-Care FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review *Out of Patients* on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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The Big Talk: Where Legacy Meets Spotlight 43:59

12 weeks 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 Hollywood blockbusters, she has mastered the art of turning moments into movements. In this episode, Tricia and I dive deep into the magic of storytelling as a service, the difference between telling a story and truly captivating an audience, and how vulnerability can transform lives. Whether you’re looking to step into the spotlight or just understand how to leave a meaningful legacy, Tricia’s insights will challenge and inspire. Plus, don’t miss her tales of collaborating with icons like James Gandolfini and Susan Sarandon, and her hilarious take on 80s nostalgia. Hit play and discover why Tricia Brouk is the influential voice you didn’t know you needed. RELATED LINKS: Tricia Brouk’s Website Tricia’s Book: The Influential Voice LinkedIn Profile The Big Talk Podcast FEEDBACK: Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

13 weeks 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. Matt shares the real scoop on how AI can revolutionize diagnosis, therapy, and even the very definition of sanity—while hilariously lamenting the difficulty of spelling “rhythm.” If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is here to save the world or just mess with your playlist, this episode is for you. Join us as we balance hope, skepticism, and an unhealthy number of 80s references in this thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud conversation. RELATED LINKS Matt Lewis on LinkedIn LLMental Official Website Matt’s Feature on MM+M Online FEEDBACK Like this episode? Rate and review *Out of Patients* on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

13 weeks 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 to deep dives into the hexagonal perfection of honeycombs, this mini-episode is packed with wit, banter, and a healthy dose of dad jokes. We touch on everything from gaming nostalgia to family quirks, proving once again that sometimes the best conversations happen when you just press record. Whether you’re a longtime listener of the Zachary family chronicles or new to the Out of Patients universe, this one’s got laughs, lessons, and a little love for everyone. Feedback Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

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

14 weeks ago36:53