The Burn

Lauren Tarpley of South Carolina returns to The Burn for a second visit.  She was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer.  Lauren is a mom, wife and third generation urban homesteader.  In this episode, Lauren reads her piece “Lucy’s Long Journey” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue.  Lauren’s inspirational story is about unexpected and amazing experiences surrounding her post-cancer miracle baby.  April and Lauren will talk about the challenges of not being able to breastfeed, finding the lessons in your own story, and the books Lauren has written.  They’ll also discuss Lauren’s plans for her recently purchased farm.  

More about Lauren: 

https://www.instagram.com/typeaguidetocancer/

https://www.instagram.com/thefarmacychs/

Listen to another episode featuring Lauren:

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/105cd59d-202d-48aa-9567-a3d41ee28fc4/

Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine:  https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24

If you liked this episode, you might like this one too:

Pregnancy After Cancer with Meghan Koziel

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/459ec640-fd41-4ee9-8fe8-46feec0f758a/

 Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:

March 13 with Kate Rowbotham

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/

Mama with DeDe Drake

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cf1633e-3721-4522-bd72-efb5a51146d9/

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

DeDe Drake of Michigan was a mother of a toddler when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 39.  In this episode DeDe reads her essay “Mama” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue.  DeDe’s story is about being in the middle between parenting her young daughter and needing the loving support of her own mom - all under one roof. April and DeDe will talk about the transformation of DeDe’s relationship with her mom through cancer, the vulnerability in asking for and accepting help, and the ways people can be specifically proactive when showing up to support.  They will also discuss the reckoning and grief in the aftermath of treatment.  

More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/

Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24

Listen to more episodes from the “Family” issue:  

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/118270c8-979b-466f-8b7a-53d025106a08/

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 that was discovered during during gender affirming surgery.  In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue.  Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community.  April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, and the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars.  They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.

More about Ash:https://www.instagram.com/transashtoning/

Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine:  https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24

Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:

Slowing Down to Write One Moment with Dawn Amodeo https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a082c76d-bd6e-4345-adc5-2b3ac29af98f/

Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Queering Cancer https://queeringcancer.ca/

National LGBT Cancer Network https://cancer-network.org/

Rethink Breast Cancer https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/

Young Survival Coalition https://youngsurvival.org/

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Julia D. Pereira is a psychologist and artist who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 32.  In this episode Julia reads her essay “Asymmetry” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Julia writes beautifully about the theme of uncertainty.  April and Julia will talk about magic caught in moments of uncertainty, finding strength in the unknown, and making important decisions with agency.  They will also discuss finding a space to connect in breast cancer when you are queer. 

More about Julia: https://magicofthewild.substack.com/

More about our episode sponsor Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org/

Listen to more episodes from the “Queer” issue:  

Stay Visible with Stephanie Millett

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf5a9ce5-4858-43b1-88ff-d4b00cb8623c/

Purchase the “Queer” issue of Wildfire Magazine:  https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Celebrate three years of The Burn by going behind the scenes with us!  This one-hour episode is our anniversary special. The tables are turned once again on host April Stearns: production assistant Monica Haro takes the mic & asks April all the questions. April reflects on the unexpected truths found in the episodes from the past year. She’ll share what’s coming up for Wildfire and The Burn in the future and advise on writing your own story for both novice and returning writers. 

This podcast emerged as an extension of Wildfire Magazine's storytelling, aiming to bring untold breast cancer stories to life through the voices of the writers themselves and allowing us to dig into the craft of memoir writing through the lens of breast cancer. We’ve learned our listeners have found value in the behind-the-scenes discussions and updates shared in our anniversary episodes. April believes firmly that writing and sharing stories can be a transformative process, offering healing, self-discovery, and connection with others. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning some perspectives on unexpected truths, tips on writing, and future plans for Wildfire and The Burn that you don’t want to miss! This episode contains explicit language, but like April always says, “Cancer is a salty business, and sometimes salty language is called for!”

More about April: https://www.instagram.com/i_heart_my_life/

More about Monica: https://www.instagram.com/monicawashere/

Listen to the past anniversary episodes:

Cancer’s Lesson (Part 1 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fb933a4d-5665-45a8-ab2d-b8326da87602/

Cancer’s Lesson (Part 2 of 2): 6 Truths Anniversary Special with April Stearns and Monica Haro: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ed476337-f8e9-4eb2-b30e-51a61558839d/

Stories of Resilience and Healing - Reflecting on 100 Episodes:  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/882eb9c5-ec7e-48a3-85a8-95f408f8a802/

Buy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

More about Young Survivor Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/

More about Bay Area Young Survivors: https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/

Listen to past episode mentioned here:

Together We Are Thriving, Celebrating, and Reflecting with LaTonya Davis & Jayden Holmes

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c2b6cadc-ef03-4191-96c1-bb2ab2384e4f/

The Light Within the Darkness with Sally Joy Wolf

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d995ba03-7cef-4eac-982a-aafecf6c32fd/

Let the Mirror Shatter with Wang Shein

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7fb3d4a9-b5d7-4a17-9d7e-419fab782f86/

The Least Terrible Option with Saroj Tharisayi

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/14fa05d3-514c-46c1-ba44-5255b6275229/

18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/

The Kittens with Janelle Tellone

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/08dcd647-87ca-491e-bbff-cfe1d131a070/

I Call Her Mother with Diana Vega

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aa086054-221d-4dce-96c5-bb28f4451138/

18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/

We Can Do Hard Things with Deb Ontiveros

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5b5ba0ea-1150-4797-849d-3d7116447c6a/

You Were There with Mardi Kaplan

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d09f0d5a-cf15-4fa8-ae41-b21179a1e587/

Lymphedema with Desi Maldonado

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0cc3a053-d550-4ed1-97ea-b0f4d687c3f4/

The Aftermath:  Facing Lymphedema with Jaclyn Chung

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/858c0ea4-8f1b-48c1-a70d-0b04b50ad524/

Frayed Jeans and Roses with Tina Conrad

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8b78550e-2d73-4ec9-8d3c-eed431dbbee6/

Going At It Not So Alone with Miranda Gonzales

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0c1b7939-eb02-47c9-81a3-082c0d161ab2/

The Day My Nipple Fell Off with Laurie Pomeranz

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/decba87d-81f9-4e58-91b0-5ad50d95a7ea/

Get Monica’s Anniversary Special prompt list here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/podcast

Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

Follow Wildfire Magazine on IG and FB:

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.  In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue.  Her story is about three generations of overlapping cancer. April and Kate will discuss understanding how love plays out in decision making, patient and caregiver experiences during the pandemic, and the intersection of work and cancer.  They will also discuss the challenge of living with metastatic breast cancer and wondering about what comes next.

More about Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katerowb/

Purchase the “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine:  https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/family24

More episodes from the MBC community: 

A Guest Room for MBC with Erin Weiss https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f4b0f3b-d769-4ef9-bacb-ddfed49a86ef/

I Thought All Love Was Off the Table with Chiara Riga

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fd4aedbd-0ac1-404c-aa92-1a8304034d56/

Inviting Conversations About Death with Kim Angell

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78dbe9bd-3198-47ff-a889-63c3b28d732e/

Legacy Writing with Lisa Laudico

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/44242953-1bd2-43e3-9d38-c3ef4722d3f0/

18% Chance of Light with Laurie Pomeranz

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbe400e4-eeeb-4104-bce9-aad5be0fe969/

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy Labor Day.  Wildfire production assistant Monica Haro selected this episode from November 2021 to reshare.  Enjoy!

Tracy Ward joins us from the United Kingdom to read a piece from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue.  She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II hormone positive breast cancer.

She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby.  This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and does she have the strength to hang in for the waiting. 

More about Tracy:

https://www.instagram.com/tracyleeward/

Purchase the 2020 “Family” issue of Wildfire Magazine:  https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-family20

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Mila Knight returns to The Burn for another visit to share something different and special from our usual format.  We often wonder what came next after an episode airs - this is that episode!  In 2022 Mila was our guest reading her piece “Crawling in My Skin” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue.  In that story Mila shared how she turned to music for solace in hard times following her cancer diagnosis at 38.  In that episode, Mila revealed she was working on recording a song that she was not yet ready to share.  Now, Mila is ready to share her song, "The Longest Goodbye", in this episode. April and Mila will discuss the inspiration for her song, caregiver roles in cancer, and what pushed Mila to complete the song.  They will also talk about Mila’s song writing process, what Mila has in the works, as well as fundraising and advocacy.  

More about Mila:  https://milaknight.com/

Listen to another episode featuring Mila: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e1f4464-7b93-48bb-8d2f-3362dcdd4e22

Purchase the 2021 “Body” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/digital-body21

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

Stephanie Millett returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25.  Stephanie is now 35 and living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Stephanie reads her essay “Stay Visible” from the 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue of Wildfire Magazine.  Stephanie’s piece is about her experiences of breast cancer as a queer person.  April and Stephanie talk about queer role models in breast cancer, visibility fatigue, and the various segments of allyship in Cancerland.  They will also discuss the challenges of survivorship.  

More about Stephanie:  https://www.instagram.com/_the_radiatedlizard/

Listen to another episode featuring Stephanie: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5c2902ca-299f-4c83-a843-b0c88ba1b9de/

Purchase the “Queer in Cancerland” issue here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/p/queerincancerland24

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submissions

This week, we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little summer break from our regular podcast schedule.  Wildfire team member Angela Firman selected this episode from July 2023 to reshare.  Enjoy!

This is our first episode of The Burn featuring a guided meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki.  Justine is a breast cancer advocate, social psychologist, professor and yoga teacher diagnosed at 23.  Justine reads her poem “Finding My Breath After Cancer" that was featured on our Instagram in March 2023.  Her piece is about living with implants for 10 years and explanting to an aesthetic flat closure at 33 and reconnecting with her body.  Justine will also guide a meditation she wrote “Observing Your Breath with Loving-Kindness.”  April and Justine will discuss cultivating a richer path of healing after cancer, Justine’s journey to aesthetic flat closure, making decisions under pressure and survivorship.  They will also discuss writing meditations and tips on starting a meditation practice.

More about Justine: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjus/

Read Justine’s poem published on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsShn0Oatj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Buy the Wildfire book Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today’s Young Breast Cancer Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Get the free Wildfire “Hot Flashes” email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/newsletter?rq=newsletter

Learn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshops

Shop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop

*Free* Get Wildfire and The Burn freebies here: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/free

More about Wildfire Magazine: 

https://www.wildfirecommunity.org

https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_bc_magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfirecommunity

Information on submitting your story for consideration to be published in Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/submission