What happens when you trust your gut—even when the world tells you not to?

In this episode of The Feisty Heroine Podcast, Rachel talks with writer Marla Stein, a 53-year-old New Yorker turned Valencia, Spain local, about two defining “feisty heroine” moments: advocating for herself at 32 after a doctor dismissed a breast lump (which proved to be cancer) and, years later, rebuilding a life abroad after a stage 4 neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis just three months into her Spain move.

Marla shares how women’s intuition and self-advocacy became non-negotiable tools—guiding hard pivots, setting boundaries, and choosing a nontraditional path. From finding community and care in Spain to embracing acceptance, surrender, and reinvention, she offers grounded wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or pressured by “shoulds.”

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why listening to your inner voice can be life-saving—especially in women’s health

• How to advocate for yourself with doctors, family, and systems

• Living fully with a chronic diagnosis: mindset, humor, and tiny daily joys (beach walks, writing, meditation)

• Choosing an unconventional life abroad and giving yourself permission to pivot—at any age

Feisty reminder: there’s rarely a “perfect time.” Make the decision; the path appears.

**Also, Marla is on Substack! You can follow her writings here.

(Keywords: women’s intuition, self-advocacy, women’s health, stage 4 cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, resilience, reinvention, living abroad, Valencia Spain, personal growth, acceptance, surrender, empowerment)