In Rachael’s final podcast with Deborah and Lauren they discuss the 'new normal'.  This term is commonly used by doctors and cancer communities when people are finding a sense of normality in their lives after diagnosis and treatment. Dr Liz O'Riordan, who has recurrent breast cancer, joins the #YouMeBigC girls to talk about her experiences.  This podcast was released at the request of Rachael and her husband Steve.

About The New Normal

The coolest club you never want to be a part of… The team on the You, Me &amp; the Big C podcast are your BFF’s, your sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers.   A candid look at cancer, with Steve Bland, Deborah James and Lauren Mahon. Founded by Rachael Bland.

Health & Fitness

Actor and writer, Rosa Hesmondhalgh hosts this legacy episode discussing cancer and the creative arts, and how to remain creative when living with cancer. Rosa is joined in the studio by Britain's Got Talent finalist and stand-up comedian, Allan Finnegan, writer of 'FUFC' and member of the New Anthem Theatre Group, Mark Jackson, and Nottingham based artist, Carole Ellis. The episode begins with an extract from Rosa's award-winning one-woman show Madame Ovary, which she wrote about her experience with ovarian cancer. Please be advised that this episode contains some strong language

About Cancer and Creativity

Lauren Mahon hosts this legacy episode discussing the cost of having cancer. She speaks with 77-year-old Helen van Bueren who is living alone in Nottingham and is struggling to heat her home, and Sarah Mills, who explains how difficult it has been to be self employed following her cancer diagnosis. 
Lauren is then joined in studio with Marie Curie's public policy advisor, Rini Jones, and Macmillan advisor, Christopher Jones to answer your questions about cancer and the cost of living crisis.

About The Cost Of Cancer

Steve Bland returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and single parents. Steve is joined in the studio by Sophie Blake, who is living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is single parent to 16-year-old Maya, Ryan Mahon who lost his wife during the pandemic, and is now single parent to Lola and Pixie, and 22-year-old Sophie White, single mother to a nearly 2 year old, Remi. Sophie suffered a seizure in June 2023, and within weeks was diagnosed with glioblastoma and told she had just 12 to 18 months to live. Steve, Ryan, and the Sophie's discuss the challenges and rewards surrounding being a single parent affected by cancer.

About Single Parents Going Through Cancer

We wanted to share this podcast with you. In the week in which King Charles III shared his cancer diagnosis, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson asked why it’s important to talk about cancer. Stephen Fry talks about his own diagnosis of an aggressive prostate cancer and we also hear from Paralympian Erin Kennedy, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen, broadcaster Edward Stourton and from Steve Bland whose partner, the ‘You, Me and the Big C’ host Rachael Bland, died of cancer in 2018.  Nick also talks to Amol about his own experience of cancer and they speak to Professor Pat Price, one of the country’s leading oncologists, about why survival rates in the UK are lower than other countries. Details of help and support with cancer are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

About The Today Podcast on Cancer

Lauren Mahon returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and homelessness.  Lauren travels to Burnley to meet with Pastor Mick from The Church on the Street, and Thomas Linford, who after years of homelessness and a liver cancer diagnosis is currently residing in Palace House Care home in Burnley.  We hear from Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sheilagh Armstrong at The Wellspring, Stockport who work with those who are homeless or at the risk of losing their home. Manager of The Wellspring, Alex Knight and Project Worker, Paul Cornwall also join Lauren in the studio.

About The New Normal

Download our free app to listen on your phone