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In this heartfelt episode, proudly sponsored by KIC, we celebrate our birthdays while reflecting on the highs and lows of life’s journey. From navigating the emotional toll of health challenges and fertility struggles to finding strength in community support, we dive deep into topics that resonate with so many. We explore the privilege of aging, the complexities of relationships and intimacy, and the critical importance of health advocacy and education. With a mix of raw emotion, candid conversations, and hopeful plans for the future, this episode is a testament to resilience, connection, and the power of storytelling to make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Aging is a privilege that deserves celebration.
• It's okay to feel angry or frustrated about health challenges.
• Fertility struggles can take an emotional toll, but open conversations help.
• Advocacy is key for early detection and better health outcomes.
• Sharing personal stories can reduce stigma and help others feel less alone.
• Community support is transformative during personal health journeys.
• Health education needs to be prioritized in schools to save lives.
• Our future projects offer hope and the chance to make an even greater impact.

Thank you to today's sponsor KIC

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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This week on Sh!t Talkers, Sophie and Kellie sit down with Michelle, a brave and inspiring voice in the fight against melanoma. 

Michelle opens up about her journey—from carefree days at the beach covered in baby oil to the life-altering moment she received a Stage III melanoma diagnosis at just 32 years old. Fast forward a few years, and that diagnosis escalated to Stage IV.

Through raw and honest conversation, Michelle shares:
✨ How her perspective on sun safety changed forever
✨ The warning signs that led to her diagnosis
✨ The grueling treatments she’s endured and the lessons she’s learned along the way
✨ Her mission to raise awareness and save lives by advocating for better sun protection and early detection

This isn’t just a story about melanoma—it’s a wake-up call for all of us to take sun safety seriously. 

Michelle’s resilience, vulnerability, and determination to make a difference will move and inspire you. 💛

Tune in now to hear her story. 🎧 Let’s start conversations that matter—because your skin is worth protecting.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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In this powerful episode, we bring together the journeys of Jay Allen OAM and Emily Tepper, two incredible advocates for skin cancer awareness and patient support. Jay shares his experience with melanoma and his mission to promote early detection, free skin checks, and sun safety through the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Meanwhile, Emily opens up about her battle with melanoma at 25, the emotional and physical toll of treatment, and her ongoing management of lymphedema. Together, they emphasize the importance of education, community support, and resilience in the fight against skin cancer. This conversation highlights real-life stories that underscore the life-saving importance of early detection, the value of support networks, and the transformative power of advocacy and education in creating lasting change.

Key Takeaways:

• Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or background.
• Early detection is crucial—regular skin checks save lives.
• Support networks are vital for both physical and emotional recovery.
• Advocacy efforts like Jay's 333 km walk from Canberra to Sydney raise funds and awareness for skin cancer prevention.
• Managing health conditions post-treatment, such as lymphedema, requires resilience and adaptation.
• Education on sun safety and sunscreen use, especially for children, is essential for prevention.
• Community outreach and patient advocacy are game-changers in the fight against melanoma.
• Life after cancer involves navigating new realities with courage and determination.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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In this powerful episode, Kellie is joined by Dr. Kristy Edwards, a GP specializing in skin cancer, and Chloe to discuss the importance of sun safety, skin health, and proactive prevention. Together, they share personal stories and professional insights, shedding light on the often-overlooked realities of skin cancer and the emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment. From balancing motherhood and returning to work to debunking common myths about tanning and UV exposure, they stress the significance of regular skin checks and simple lifestyle changes that can reduce risk.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the early warning signs of skin cancer, the importance of being vigilant year-round—even in cooler months—and how awareness and education have successfully reduced melanoma rates. Through these shared experiences, the episode empowers individuals of all ages to prioritize their skin health and offers a reminder that no one should face skin cancer alone.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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Each and every review helps us keep this pod on the air!

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In this inspiring episode, hosts Kellie and Sophie are joined by Sontse creator Jayde Houndalas to dive into the personal and professional journey of building a community-driven brand centered on skin health. Together, they share stories of navigating life’s challenges, balancing business and personal goals, and the impact of skin cancer awareness on their lives. With a focus on holistic health, Jayde opens up about her motivations for launching Sontse—a brand dedicated to safer tanning alternatives and committed to giving back to skin cancer foundations. Cassidy also joins to share her personal experience with skin cancer, shedding light on genetic testing, family influences, and the vital importance of regular skin checks.

Throughout this conversation, the group emphasizes the value of early detection, proactive health measures, and community support in raising awareness and empowering others. Their stories reveal the emotional toll of skin cancer, the power of storytelling in advocacy, and the message that skin health impacts everyone. Tune in to learn more about how Sontse is making a difference and why being proactive about sun protection and skin checks can truly save lives.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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Each and every review helps us keep this pod on the air!

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In this dynamic episode, Soph and Kellie sit down to dive into the real-life challenges and joys of family and parenting. Soph shares her experience of preparing for a family trip, from the practicalities of packing to the emotional rollercoaster of balancing family dynamics. She opens up about the memorable milestones of parenting and the ways she navigates the day-to-day while holding onto the big picture.

The conversation is full of relatable insights as Soph and Kellie discuss the power of open communication with children, especially around sensitive topics. They explore how creating a safe space for kids to ask questions fosters trust and understanding. Both women highlight the value of community engagement for personal growth, celebrating how sharing their experiences can help others feel less alone. The episode is a refreshing take on the ups and downs of motherhood, the unique challenges it brings, and the meaningful connections that can blossom along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Packing for family trips is a mix of logistics and emotions.
• Family dynamics require compromise, empathy, and adaptability.
• Parenting milestones are a chance to recognize growth and celebrate.
• Open communication with children strengthens family bonds.
• Kids are often more perceptive than we might assume.
• Safe spaces for questions foster confidence and connection in kids.
• Community involvement enriches personal and family life.
• Sharing stories can be a powerful way to support others.
• Parenting involves navigating both independence and interdependence.
• Future plans bring motivation, excitement, and purpose.

Tune in for an episode full of insights, humor, and the reminder that parenting is a journey best shared with those who understand the highs and lows of family life.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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Heart-Wrenching Cancer Battle

In this raw and emotional episode, Sophie opens up like never before as she sits down with her mother, Meri, to recount the devastating moment they were hit with Sophie’s shocking cancer diagnosis. Together, they share the untold story of facing this terrifying disease head-on—from misdiagnosed symptoms to the brutal reality of chemotherapy—and how their bond became a lifeline through the darkest of days.

How Do You Survive a Nightmare Like This?

You'll hear them dive deep into:

• The shocking early warning signs everyone missed.
• The life-shattering moment they heard the word "cancer."
• Why advocating for your own health could be the difference between life and death.
• How the emotional toll tore at their family but brought them closer.
• The inside scoop on the real difference between public and private healthcare.
• Coping strategies that will resonate with anyone who’s walked through illness or cared for a loved one.

This conversation will shock you, inspire you, and teach you how family, resilience, and early detection can mean everything when faced with the unthinkable.

Listen Now to hear their journey of love, survival, and unwavering strength in the face of cancer.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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In this heartfelt episode, oncology nurses Kellie, Sophie, and Jaz share their insights into the deeply emotional and challenging world of cancer care. The conversation highlights the profound impact of seeing patients who are very unwell and the importance of mental health support for both nurses and patients alike. The nurses reflect on the different care needs across age groups, and the necessity of challenging assumptions and stereotypes to provide compassionate, individualized care.

Balancing physical and emotional care is a daily challenge for these nurses, and they talk about how personal experiences and continuous learning are key to understanding patient reactions, especially in a field where drug reactions and the growing prevalence of cancer in younger people are significant concerns. The episode also explores the difference between public and private healthcare systems, the emotional journey of patients living with cancer, and the vital importance of living life to the fullest for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Through personal stories, this conversation sheds light on the strength and resilience that oncology nurses witness in their patients and how these moments inspire them amidst the often difficult realities of their work.

Key Topics Covered:

• Emotional toll and mental health support in oncology nursing
• Unique care needs of different age groups
• Challenging assumptions and stereotypes in patient care
• Continuous learning and understanding drug reactions
• Rise of cancer prevalence in younger people
• Impact of cancer on patients' lives
• Public vs. private healthcare experiences
• The emotional journey of cancer patients
• Finding joy and perspective through living life to the fullest

 This episode is ideal for anyone interested in the human side of healthcare, the complexities of oncology nursing, and the inspiring resilience of patients facing cancer. 

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

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Each and every review helps us keep this pod on the air!

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In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Renee Staska, a mother whose life has been profoundly shaped by her three children’s battle with Neiman-Pick Type C1 – a rare and devastating form of childhood dementia. Renee shares her journey through the daily struggles of living with a terminal condition that is invisible to the outside world, yet an overwhelming reality for her family.

With raw honesty, she opens up about the emotional toll it takes and the immense strength required to navigate this difficult path. Renee sheds light on the importance of support, not just from loved ones, but from the wider community, emphasizing how vital awareness and research are for rare diseases like Neiman-Pick.

Renee’s involvement with the Little Heroes Foundation and the upcoming Run Robbie Run event also offers hope and resources for families like hers. This is more than just a fight for her children—it’s a fight for awareness, understanding, and the chance for a better tomorrow for those facing unimaginable challenges.

Tune in to hear her inspiring story, and let’s spread awareness together. ❤️ #ChildhoodDementia #NeimanPickC1 #InvisibleIllness #SupportMatters #LittleHeroesFoundation #RunRobbieRun #AwarenessAndResearch

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

Like our show? Please leave us a review here.
Each and every review helps us keep this pod on the air!

Send us Fan Mail

In this heartfelt episode, Kellie and Sophie open up about their deeply personal experiences with cancer and chronic illness, shedding light on the emotional and financial challenges they continue to face. They explore the impact these journeys have had on their relationships, the ongoing quest for self-acceptance, and the toll of navigating profound life changes. Through candid reflection, they discuss the burden of medical expenses, the trauma of hospital stays, and the essential need for mental health support.

The conversation emphasizes the power of sharing personal stories as a way to create connection and offer comfort to others going through similar struggles. Kellie and Sophie also touch on the complexities of mourning their former selves while embracing the process of self-discovery. Above all, they highlight the importance of finding joy and meaning in life, even amidst adversity, and encourage listeners to seek out those moments of connection and hope, no matter the circumstances.

Hosted by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards
Produced by Kellie Finlayson & Sophie Edwards

Like our show? Please leave us a review here.
Each and every review helps us keep this pod on the air!