INTERLUDE: Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky

By Eleonora TeplinskySociety & Culture Medicine Health & Fitness Personal Journals

INTERLUDE: Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky episodes

October 12, 2025 184. Rebecca Bloom (Women’s health, workplace and benefits advocate and author of When Women Get Sick)
On today’s episode, I am speaking with Rebecca Bloom, a Yale College and New York University School of Law educated women’s health, workplace and benefits advocate, storytelling coach, editor and content strategist. A former workplace and benefits attorney, Rebecca advocates for women coast-to-coast, her longest and proudest affiliation with Bay Area Cancer Connections, where she has served as a healthcare advocate, insurance and workplace advisor for women fighting breast and ovarian cancer for over 26 years. Rebecca’s book When Women Get Sick: An Empowering Approach for Getting the Support You Need (Broadleaf Books 2025), shares the learnings and stories and provides guidance for women navigating serious illnesses. In this conversation, Rebecca offers practical advice on managing healthcare and workplace challenges, including navigating insurance, communicating with your medical team and building support networks. This is a must listen for anyone experiencing a health issue, caregivers, family and friends.
Follow Rebecca on Instagram
Rebecca’s Website and Link to her Book
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
49 min
September 27, 2025 183. Rachel Frankenthal, PA-C (All About Gynecologic Cancer, Menopause and Survivorship)
On today’s episode, I am speaking with Rachel Frankenthal, a board-certified and licensed Physician Associate and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with a Masters in Public Health. She specializes in gynecologic oncology, treating women with gynecologic cancers as well as women at high risk for cancer due to genetic mutations. Rachel has a special passion for menopause and cancer survivorship care. She developed the menopause clinic for cancer survivors at UCLA and has played an integral role in developing the gyn cancer survivorship program. Rachel is a certified yoga and pilates instructor and on faculty at the Heather Hirsch Academy where she teaches a course on hormone therapy for gynecologic cancer survivors.
On today’s episode, we talk about gynecologic cancer, menopause, and survivorship. We break down some of the critical but often overlooked side effects after a gynecologic cancer diagnosis and how to care for our patients in a comprehensive and holistic way, discuss menopause management, knowing your cancer risk and risk reduction and much more.
Follow Rachel on Instagram
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
43 min
September 06, 2025 182. Dani Binnington (Founder of Menopause and Cancer)
On today’s episode, I am speaking with Dani Binnington, a leading advocate for women navigating menopause after cancer — a challenge many say is harder than treatment itself. She is the founder of Menopause and Cancer and host of the Menopause and Cancer podcast. Dani blends her own cancer and early menopause experience with expert guidance to help women understand their options when menopausal hormone therapy isn’t as straightforward or may not be an option. She is the author of the newly released, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, a #1 Amazon bestseller. On today’s episode, we talk about the challenges of menopause during and after cancer, how to help patients understand what truly is happening and available options.
Follow Dani on Instagram
Dani’s Website
Buy Dani’s book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer
Listen to the Menopause and Cancer Podcast
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
59 min
August 16, 2025 181. Dr. Jessica Zucker (Psychologist, Author and Breast Cancer Survivor)
On today’s episode, I am speaking with Dr. Jessica Zucker. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning books NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives and I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. Jessica is also a breast cancer survivor and shares her personal experience including the challenges of post treatment life, endocrine therapy, and survivorship.
Follow Jessica on Instagram
Jessica’s Website
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
51 min
August 09, 2025 180. Maimah Karmo (Founder and CEO of Tigerlily Foundation, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor and Fierce Advocate)
On today’s episode, I speak with Maimah Karmo. Maimah is the CEO and Founder of Tigerlily Foundation, a national women’s health and oncology organization providing education, awareness, advocacy and hands-on support to young women before, during and after cancer. She founded Tigerlily Foundation after being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at age 32 and seeing firsthand the importance of this work. Maimah is a fierce advocate, a bestselling author, mother, speaker, transformational coach, and philanthropist. On today’s episode, we talk about the work she is doing, the challenges she’s faced, how Tigerlily came to be and how this incredible organization empowers and educates women every single day.
Follow Maimah on Instagram
Maimah’s Website
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
49 min
July 12, 2025 179. Dr. Alexandra Sowa (Obesity Medicine Specialist and Author of The Ozempic Revolution)
On today’s episode, I speak with Dr. Alexandra Sowa. Dr. Sowa is a board certified internal medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist and the author of The Ozempic Revolution, a comprehensive user guide to GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. She is also the founder of the SoWell Method: a 360 degree treatment plan for obesity that includes the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. On today’s episode, we talk all about weight loss medications, how they should be used, what to reasonably expect, who can use them, side effects and more!
Follow Dr. Sowa on Instagram
Dr. Sowa’s Website
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
43 min
June 21, 2025 178. Dr. Krystle Zuniga: Your Cancer Nutrition Questions Answered
On today’s episode, I speak with Dr. Krystle Zuniga and we are talking all about cancer nutrition. Dr. Zuniga has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian. She is a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition, an educator, scientist and science communicator. On today’s episode, we talk everything you need to know about oncology nutrition and the evidence-based recommendations. We break down common myths and misinformation that circulates around cancer nutrition, talk about supplements, and talk about every day actions you can take to support your health and optimize quality of life.
Follow Dr. Zuniga on Instagram
Dr. Zuniga’s Website
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
45 min
June 06, 2025 177. Melissa Berry (Triple Negative Breast Cancer, BRCA, and Becoming the Cancer Fashionista)
On today’s episode, I speak with Melissa Berry, also known as the Cancer Fashionista. Melissa is a 12 year TNBC survivor, a BRCA mutation carrier and the founder of Cancer Fashionista. She is a passionate advocate in the breast cancer community and works to help those affected by cancer maintain their sense of self and style throughout cancer and find beauty during treatment and beyond. On today’s episode, we talk about her diagnosis and treatment, how Cancer Fashionista was born, parenting and the conversations she has had with her daughters, dating after cancer, body image, mental health and finding yourself throughout it all.
Cancer Fashionista
Follow Melissa on Instagram
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
42 min
May 31, 2025 176. Brooke Laster, LCSW (Mental Health and Cancer)
On today’s episode, I speak with Brooke Laster, LCSW on mental health and cancer. Brooke is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with a virtual private practice serving adults in NJ and NY that are living with cancer, chronic illness, chronic pain, and grief and loss. With over 18 years in the oncology and general medicine field, Brooke’s mission is to empower patients as they navigate difficult life altering diagnoses by helping them to find ways to cope with the mental health struggles that often arise. Brooke is passionate about educating her patients to better understand the way their brain and body works, teaching them strategies and skills to self manage the complicated emotions and challenges that arise so they can live life more fully even when it looks different.
On today’s episode, we talk about managing the mental health challenges that arise at different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment – from early stage to metastatic disease. We discuss strategies for effective communication with loved ones, the importance of self-compassion and mental health support, parenting with cancer and so much more. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this conversation offers practical wisdom on mental health and cancer.
Episode Highlights:
[02:37] Introduction to Brooke Laster’s background as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in oncology and her journey from hospital settings to private practice
[07:15] The multifaceted role of social workers in cancer care – providing practical support, financial guidance, and emotional counseling
[14:50] Mental health challenges at different stages of cancer treatment – from diagnosis anxiety to treatment depression to survivorship uncertainty
[21:05] Navigating the transition from active treatment to post-treatment life and managing expectations
[27:30] Effective communication strategies for patients to express their needs to loved ones
[32:45] Self-compassion techniques and the importance of validating your own experience
[37:20] Support strategies for caregivers and family members
[41:35] Special considerations for patients living with metastatic disease
[44:50] The value of mental health support throughout the cancer journey
Resources Mentioned:
Brooke’s Website
Follow Brooke on Instagram
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
51 min
May 09, 2025 175. Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Certified Functional Medicine Physician)
On this episode, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt. Dr. Knackstedt is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in implant-based and microsurgical breast reconstruction. She is currently an Assistant Professor in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at Duke University. She completed her MD/PhD at Medical University of South Carolina where her PhD thesis focused on Vitamin D and inflammation. She pursued an integrated plastic surgery residency and microsurgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic during which she also became certified in Function Medicine. Her research interests are prehabilitation for breast cancer, particularly for women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
On this conversation, we talk about everything related to breast reconstructive surgery, including flaps, implants, and topics such as implant rupture concerns, breast implant associated lymphoma (linked to textured implants) and breast implant illness. In the second half of the episode, we talk about functional and integrative medicine exploring evidence based supplements such as creatine, optimization for surgery and surgical recovery, research on red light therapy, the importance of finding trusted sources for medical information on social media and more!
Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky, on TikTok, YouTube, or on any other social media platform. You can also visit her website at http://www.drteplinsky.com.
Follow Dr. Knackstedt on Instagram and on her surgical recovery page on Instagram.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
55 min

About INTERLUDE: Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky

From the publisher's feed

A diagnosis of cancer is life changing. We spend so much time discussing treatment plans and physical side effects of treatment but we don't always have the opportunity to truly discuss how a cancer diagnosis affects a woman emotionally -- her feelings, worries, and fears. However, these conversations need to take place. In this podcast, we will have these difficult conversations. I will be speaking with women who are all at various stages of cancer treatment. We will talk about anything and everything related to the cancer experience. Many women feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable at in-person support groups or may not have anyone to discuss their experiences with. My hope is that this podcast will provide support, encouragement, inspiration, hope, courage, and most importantly, strength to women as they navigate through their own cancer journey.