Beating Cancer Daily with Saranne Rothberg ~ Stage IV Cancer Survivor

In today's episode, Saranne, the founder of the Comedy Cures Foundation, shares a heartwarming story about a nurse who found a unique way to navigate her cancer treatment while continuing to work. Saranne also draws inspiration from Beyonce's alter ego, Sasha Fierce, and reflects on a personal encounter with the superstar. Join Saranne as she explores the power of adopting different personas and strategies to face the challenges of cancer.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

In today's episode, Saranne, the founder of the Comedy Cures Foundation, shares a powerful daily routine that she incorporates into her life. This routine involves a unique form of hand washing that she learned from a religious practice. Saranne explains how this practice helps her wash away negative emotions and physical discomfort, allowing her to start each day with a fresh mindset. Join us as Saranne guides us through this transformative ritual and encourages us to try it ourselves.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

On this episode of Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne is joined by functional medicine expert Jacqui Bryan to explore the concept of “window of tolerance” and its essential role in cancer decision-making and emotional well-being. Reflecting on their own journeys through cancer diagnoses, Saranne and Jacqui discuss how moments of high stress and emotional overload can narrow or widen bandwidth for decision-making, the importance of understanding emotional arousal states (hyperarousal, optimal, and hypoarousal), and practical strategies to manage these intense moments. With relatable stories, gentle humor, and actionable guidance, they highlight ways to nurture yourself and make empowered choices, even during the most overwhelming moments of a Stage IV diagnosis or major life challenge.

Jacqui Bryan is a certified nutrition specialist, whole health educator, registered nurse, and skilled functional medicine practitioner. Drawing on her cancer survivor experience and expertise in nutrition and lifestyle modification, Jacqui is committed to helping clients and listeners alike find holistic strategies for stress management, emotional regulation, and healing.

“Everybody's tolerance window looks different. Stress, big emotions, strong reactions can push you outside of your window and throw you off balance, making it really hard to cope.”  ~Jacqui Bryan

Today on Beating Cancer Daily:

·      The window of tolerance describes the emotional bandwidth for handling big decisions and stress, and everyone’s different.

·      A cancer diagnosis can instantly disrupt your emotional balance, and it’s normal to cycle through stages of overwhelm (hyperarousal) or numbness (hypoarousal).

·      Asking for help and having a trusted support system, whether friend, family, care team, or survivor peer, can make decision-making clearer in these critical moments.

·      It’s important to practice grace with yourself; recognize when you simply don’t have the bandwidth for a choice and allow for rest.

·      Tools like meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, supportive relationships, and movement can help widen your window of tolerance.

·      Certain foods, especially nutrient-dense choices over highly processed options, support better emotional regulation and decision-making.

·      Being intentional about who you select as your “buddy” or support figure is vital; choose calming, helpful people rather than “energy vampires.”

·      Faith, service to others, and humor (such as Saranne’s “chemo comedy party”) can elevate your emotional state and move you towards optimal wellbeing.

Resources Mentioned:

Jacqui Bryan: JacquiBryan.com

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by 

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review. 

Have a blessed day! Saranne

In today's episode, Saranne, the founder of the Comedy Cures Foundation, shares a simple yet powerful technique she learned during her cancer journey. Instead of criticizing ourselves when we look in the mirror, Saranne encourages us to give ourselves the gift of a genuine smile. She explains how this practice not only boosts our mood but also has scientifically proven benefits in reducing stress and lowering heart rate. Join Saranne as she invites listeners to try this ancient wisdom and shares the positive impact it can have on our daily lives.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne welcomes back fan favorite Missy Hall, a breast cancer survivor and professional comedian, for an honest and humorous exploration of "cancer time." Together, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster that comes with finishing treatment, discuss the shift in priorities after hearing those chilling words, "you have cancer," and share the real-life adjustments to living with Stage IV survivorship. Through authentic conversation and comedy, they highlight how cancer reframes moments, alters emotional responses, and deepens gratitude for both small joys and monumental occasions.

Missy Hall is not only a seasoned stand-up comedian with a reputation for hilarious, heartfelt performances, but also a breast cancer survivor who returned to the stage just four days after surgery. Her willingness to share her journey, from diagnosis through treatment and remission, offers listeners insight, laughter, and encouragement. Missy’s candid approach and resilience inspire both those living with cancer and their families.

"With great laughter comes great responsibility." ~Missy Hall

Today on Beating Cancer Daily:

• Cancer changes the perception and value of time, making moments feel more precious and urgent.
• Experiencing Stage IV survivorship can bring a rollercoaster of emotions, including anxiety, joy, and a new sense of prioritization.
• Returning to work—or the stage—so soon after treatment is both a necessity and daunting, given industry pressures and personal challenges.
• Many survivors redefine their lives as "before cancer" and "after cancer," affecting everything from closet organization to relationships.
• Social support and sharing the journey are vital for some; others choose to keep their diagnosis private, and both paths are valid.
• Intentionality becomes a guiding principle, resulting in focused living and the pursuit of meaningful connections and experiences.
• Cancer teaches resilience and shifts the focus from comparing oneself to others to living authentically and cherishing loved ones.
• Rethinking time as circular rather than linear, inspired by religious and philosophical views, opens the possibility for second chances and new beginnings.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by 

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review. 

Have a blessed day! Saranne

In today's episode, Saranne, the founder of the Comedy Cures Foundation, shares a unique strategy called Your Cancer Pity Party. Saranne discusses how she takes a few minutes each day to acknowledge and mourn her challenges and frustrations, allowing herself to release those emotions. By setting a timer and giving herself a designated time for her pity party, Saranne finds that she can then move forward with her day, free from carrying the weight of those burdens. Join Saranne as she explains how this practice has helped her navigate her cancer journey and find more joy in her daily life.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

In today's episode, Saranne, the founder of the Comedy Cures Foundation, shares a simple yet powerful practice to start your day on a positive note. Despite battling stage 4 cancer for 30 years, Saranne believes in the importance of laughter, joy, and fun in our daily lives. She discusses how starting each day with humor and laughter can profoundly impact even during the toughest times. Saranne shares her personal ritual of beginning the day with a joke or a funny video, emphasizing the significance of giving oneself the gift of laughter. Tune in to discover the transformative power of laughter and how it can bring lightness to even the darkest moments.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

In this thought-provoking episode, Saranne invites listeners to explore the power of self-observation in the face of life's challenges. With a personal journey through cancer as her backdrop, Saranne shares how realizing the ability to observe oneself can create a transformative shift in perspective. By embracing this concept, she discovered a newfound resilience and the ability to navigate her cancer journey with grace. Join Saranne as she encourages listeners to take a moment to observe their own lives and experience the profound impact it can have.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

Welcome to another episode of Beating Cancer Daily with Saranne. In today's episode, Saranne shares a humorous and absurd encounter with someone who called her "cancer Barbie." She reflects on the pressure to look a certain way during cancer treatment and as a survivor, and discusses her own experience of embracing her baldness. Join Saranne as she navigates the expectations and perceptions surrounding appearance in the cancer journey.

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne

Inflammation has become a central theme in health discussions, especially for cancer survivors seeking to support their healing and overall wellness. Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne welcomes Jacqui Bryan, a functional medicine expert and longtime survivor, to discuss the significance of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in supporting cell health, reducing inflammation, and boosting memory and brain function. Their engaging conversation highlights the importance of whole foods for cancer patients and caregivers, provides practical strategies for incorporating PC into daily meals, and brings humor to the sometimes tricky world of medical terminology and nutrition.

Jacqui Bryan is a certified nutrition specialist, registered nurse, whole health educator, and certified health coach. With over twenty-two years as a breast cancer survivor and fifteen years in clinical practice, she uses her experience and compassion to guide patients, caregivers, and survivors toward food-based choices that protect and rebuild their health. Jacqui’s expertise in functional medicine and dedication to patient empowerment make her a trusted voice within the cancer community.

"Phosphatidylcholine is actually found in many foods and it's also made in the body, your body is this brilliant machine, and it really takes what it needs and then it lets go of the rest." ~Jacqui Bryan

Today on Beating Cancer Daily:

·     Phosphatidylcholine, or PC, is vital for supporting cell health, memory, inflammation, and liver function

·     Food sources of PC include egg yolks, soybeans, preferably organic, sunflower seeds, fish, peanuts, and liver

·     Cancer survivors and caregivers should focus on whole, clean foods rather than supplements for PC

·     Supplements may carry risks of side effects, medication interactions, and unpredictable potency

·     Whole foods containing PC offer additional benefits, such as protein and fiber, for overall well-being

·     Approaches to soy in cancer diets vary and should be based on individual health and medical advice

·     Moderation is key; excessive PC or supplement use can cause unwanted symptoms, including upset stomach, sweating, and fishy body odor

·     Always consult with medical providers before introducing supplements, especially for those in active cancer treatment or with chronic conditions.

Guest Contact Information:

Jacqui Bryan

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025.

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by

Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg.

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

https://www.comedycures.org/

To write to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8

To record a message to Saranne or a guest:

https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions

To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:

https://www.comedycures.org/

Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:

http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate

THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review.

Have a blessed day! Saranne