When Tara Wilkes was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she was told that even with the most aggressive treatment she would likely only have 12 to 18 months to live. That was nine years ago.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Sarah sits down with Tara and her husband Neal to hear their extraordinary story of survival, faith, and the quiet strength it takes to face the unthinkable. From the first signs of fatigue to a life changing Whipple surgery, daily chemo, and years of follow-up scans, Tara shares how she fought for her life, one step and one prayer at a time.

They discuss the emotional toll, the importance of support systems, the role of faith, and what it means to truly live after a life-threatening diagnosis. If you or someone you love is walking through a difficult health journey, this episode is a must-listen.

Mentions:

There is No Place Like Hope: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1888387416?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PJA9A50DA3EDP6JMWZ1G_1&bestFormat=true

Tara’s Duke article: https://www.dukecancerinstitute.org/blogs/pancreatic-cancer-facing-formidable-foe

In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah welcomes hairstylist, author, and advocate Cintoria Franklin to share her powerful story of surviving domestic violence and finding healing through creativity, connection, and faith.

They explore how hairstylists often become unexpected mentors, the signs of silent suffering behind the chair, and what it truly means to choose yourself.. Cintoria also shares how she founded her nonprofit, Pass the Beauty, and the message behind her book, From Emptiness to Overflow.

Connect with Cintoria:

[email protected]

From Emptiness to Overflow- found on amazon 🔗https://a.co/d/9JncKvz

 passthebeautyinc.org

If you have ever felt totally overwhelmed trying to figure out what to eat, you are not alone, and this episode is for you. From carbs to protein to “is this even healthy?” host Sarah Crews sits down with seasoned nutrition and wellness consultant Holly Harris to cut through the noise and offer real, sustainable advice for nourishing your body, boosting energy, and feeling good in your skin.

With 22 years of experience, Holly shares practical ways to stop obsessing and start making confident choices around food. They talk about how less isn't always more, how to build lasting habits, and why you can have the margarita and still meet your goals. Plus, Holly shares the most important lab tests to help you understand your body and hormones better.

🧪 Holly’s Recommended Lab Panel for Women:

• CBC + Platelet Count (w/out Differential)
• CMP
• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Total Testosterone
• Free Testosterone
• TSH
• T3 Free
• T4 Free
• FSH
• Vitamin D Hydroxy
• DHEA Sulfate
• IGF-1
• LH
• A1C

🔗 Order labs online: privatemdlabs.com

📍Connect with Holly: hollylainharris.com

In this heartfelt episode, Sarah is joined by longtime client and friend Bonnie Brown, an educator, artist, and lifelong advocate for kindness and personal growth. Bonnie shares her powerful story of overcoming a difficult childhood, building a meaningful life through service, and finding joy in creativity and community.

Bonnie’s outlook is magnetic, and her life lessons are a reminder that purpose and connection matter at every age.

Interested in Bonnie’s book, Stress Management for Kids?

Reach out to her directly at [email protected].

Ever find yourself wondering why your hair won't grow past a certain length, why your salon color turns brassy, or why you can never quite replicate your stylist’s magic at home? In this solo episode, Sarah breaks down the top five hair related questions she hears behind the chair and gives you clear, honest answers that will help you take better care of your hair between salon visits.

From understanding the science behind hair growth cycles to learning why professional hair products and services come with a higher price tag, Sarah offers practical insight, heartfelt guidance, and empowering information to help you feel more confident in your hair decisions.

Have a hair question you have always wanted answered? Reach out to Sarah on Instagram @lessonsfromyourhairstylist or leave a review with your topic request. 

On this episode of Lessons From Your Hairstylist, Sarah sits down with professional makeup artist Mandy Davis to talk all things skincare, makeup, and bridal beauty. Mandy shares her career journey, the must have basics for healthy skin, and her practical approach to building a beauty routine without the overwhelm. They also dive into trends, bridal looks, caring for mature skin, and why personal connection matters when choosing your wedding beauty team.

Plus, in the fun “Cut It or Keep It” segment, Mandy weighs in on popular beauty trends and myths.

Connect with Mandy:

• YouTube: Mandy Davis MUA
• Instagram: @MandyDavisMUA

Ever wondered what is really in your shampoo or your snack? In this solo episode, Sarah shares her experience with the Yuka app, a free tool that lets you scan food and cosmetic products to get an instant health score. From ingredient safety to hidden additives, learn how this app could change how you shop (without the overwhelm). Think of it as your new wellness sidekick, just take it with a grain of salt… literally.

Yuka App- Available in the App Store

In this inspiring episode, Sarah Crews sits down with Kassie Kilpatrick- nurse, former performer, and rising Instagram influencer to talk about her emotional journey of embracing her natural gray hair. Kassie shares how letting go of hair dye led to unexpected growth, confidence, and joy, both inside and out. They dive into the pressures women face to stay youthful, how the "Silver Sisters" community became a lifeline, and why the real beauty of going gray is the transformation that happens within.

Kassie also offers practical tips for transitioning gracefully, handling judgment, and finding freedom in authenticity. If you are thinking about embracing your natural hair, or simply want to feel inspired to step into your truest self, this episode will uplift and empower you.

Follow Kassie: @allgrayvybaby

Have you ever brought your dream hair photo to your stylist and left the salon wondering why it didn’t turn out quite right? In this solo episode, Sarah shares candid insights from behind the chair on why clients often struggle to get the exact results they envision, and what both clients and stylists can do to bridge that gap.

Drawing on her decades of experience in the salon, Sarah offers real talk on communication breakdowns, hidden factors in hair photos, and the limitations of terminal growth (yes, that’s a thing). She also shares actionable tips for finding the right stylist and how to feel more confident in your consultations.

Whether you are frustrated with past salon visits or searching for your next hair bestie, this episode is packed with advice that will help you feel seen, understood, and equipped for your next appointment.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Lessons from Your Hairstylist, Sarah sits down with licensed clinical therapist Brendan McCarthy, her therapist and the founder of Session Psychology in East Nashville. Brendan shares a deeply insightful look into the transformative nature of therapy, especially for creatives, and how tapping into our authentic selves can change the trajectory of our lives.

In this episode, you will hear about:

• The concept of “unrest” and how recognizing it can be the first step toward meaningful healing.
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• How Brendan uses experiential therapy, getting clients out of the chair and into movement to deepen breakthroughs.
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• The importance of creating safe, relational spaces that feel aligned with a client’s world.
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• A behind-the-scenes look at Brendan’s own healing journey and how it informs his work with clients.
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• The rising interest in alternative therapies, including EMDR and psychedelics, and how they can lower defenses to allow for deeper healing.
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• Brendan’s analogy of therapy as an “emotional gym” and why ongoing mental health care should be normalized and accessible.

Plus, stick around for the “Cut It or Keep It” segment, where Sarah asks Brendan to weigh in on everything from teletherapy to BetterHelp to using therapy lingo with family and friends.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and is ready to do the work to find their way home to themselves.

Resources:

• Session Psychology – Brendan’s therapy practice in East Nashville
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• Sessions Podcast (hosted by Brendan & team)
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