What happens when your child whispers, “It hurts everywhere, Mama”?

When the unthinkable becomes your reality, how do you show up — not just for your child, but for yourself? Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree shares the moment her world split in two with her daughter’s cancer diagnosis, and the extraordinary path it put her on.

Here’s what Laura’s story reveals:

• How trusting her intuition led to a life-saving diagnosis and years of fierce advocacy

• The power of creating a new “normal” when the old one shatters overnight

• Why she turned her pain into purpose, writing the guidebook she so desperately needed

From redefining resilience to honoring the lessons that only come with time, Laura opens up about what she learned through crisis — and how she’s turning that knowledge into a lifeline for others.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The night Laura's daughter told her she hurt “everywhere” — and how that changed everything

• What it feels like when you hear “your child has cancer”

• Stepping into the role of advocate without a manual

• The mental load and emotional weight of caregiving

• Finding community with other parents — and facing survivor’s guilt

• The moment a stranger handed her a lifeline in the hospital hallway

• Choosing not to live in the trauma for three years straight

• How a simple monologue unearthed a deeper calling to write her book

• Collaborating with her daughter’s oncologist decades later

• Why she believes parents need options, not just hope

More About Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree

Website: cancerparentshandbook.com

IG/FB/LinkedIn: @cancerparentshandbook

When Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree’s 3-year-old daughter, Cecilia, was diagnosed with leukemia, she was thrown into the chaos of childhood cancer—only to realize there was no guide, no roadmap, no expert to turn to. Determined and terrified, she became a crash-course “cancer expert,” uncovering the emotional, logistical, and relational challenges parents face.

Her book, The Cancer Parent’s Handbook: What Your Oncologist Doesn’t Have Time to Tell You, is the guide she wishes she’d had—practical, no-nonsense, and packed with strategies to help parents move beyond paralyzing stress and grief. Laura teaches families how to ask for help, build support systems, and advocate fiercely for their children while holding their own lives together.

Now an author, speaker, and advocate, she equips parents to navigate the relentless world of pediatric cancer and chronic illness with strength, clarity, and a solid plan. She lives in Los Gatos, California, and travels nationwide to support families, medical teams, and advocacy groups.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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What happens when your body tells you the truth before your mind is ready to hear it?

Andrew Lang had built a life around doing the most. He was a teacher, a union rep, and a quiet emotional anchor for everyone around him. But underneath it all, exhaustion was building until one night, his body gave out, and that unexpected breaking point became the beginning of something new.

Here’s what you’ll take away from Andrew’s story:

• Letting go of the need to fix everything can create space for clarity and compassion.
• Gentleness is not weakness; it's a powerful response to burnout and emotional overload.
• Healing often begins with halting steps, not grand plans.

Topics Discussed

• What burnout can actually feel like in the body before the mind registers it
• The illusion of being “good enough” and how overperforming keeps us stuck
• Carrying others’ emotional weight, especially in under-supported school systems
• The pivotal bike ride that marked Andrew’s shift from burnout to beginning again
• Why silence can be the most honest response when everything gets too heavy
• The decision to walk away from teaching after years of pouring everything in
• Starting again with intention, not obligation
• Creating space for honest storytelling and the power of community
• Redefining personal success through presence and permission
• Learning to say no, and how that can unlock a different version of life

Andrew Lang is an educator in the Pacific Northwest and core facilitator of the Gentle Change Collective, where he leads folks in finding sustainable ways to turn their experiences of overwhelm into action that brings repair and healing in their communities.

Links:

Gentle Change Collective: https://www.andrewglang.com/gentlechange

Resource that guides you in developing sustainable actions within the context we're currently living in: https://practice.andrewglang.com/products/gentle-change-starter-kit

🎧 Listen to Andrew Lang's episode now at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/183

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

I’m excited to share something new.

It’s Okay If… is a short-form podcast I created as part of my own healing journey — a space for bite-sized permission slips to feel what you feel and be exactly where you are.

Each episode is under 3 minutes, and a new one drops every Wednesday at noon.

In this short intro, I’ll share why I made this show, what you can expect, and how you can listen.

🎧 First 3 episodes release on Wednesday, May 21

Follow It’s Okay If… on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

💻 https://feeds.captivate.fm/its-okay-if/

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Alex Knight joins me again to share how his life has shifted since we last chatted on The Life Shift. We kick things off by revisiting the pivotal moments that shaped his relationship with music and how those experiences continue to influence his life decisions. Alex shares that music has been a constant anchor, helping him navigate expectations and societal pressures. Since our last episode, he’s become more aware of how music plays a role in his happiness and creativity, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions without the weight of external validation.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of how sharing our stories can lead to unexpected insights and connections, making it easier to embrace the journey we’re on.

The Life Shift Rewind

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

Links referenced in this episode:

• patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast
• www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

What if you woke up one day unable to speak, move, or even swallow?

Vanessa Abraham, a thriving speech pathologist and mother, was plunged into a life-threatening health crisis that left her trapped in her own body. With no clear diagnosis and a long road ahead, she found herself on the other side of the hospital bed, experiencing everything she once treated.

In this episode, Vanessa shares how she reclaimed her voice, fought for her life, and redefined her identity in the aftermath. You’ll hear:

• What it's like to live with post-intensive care syndrome (PICS)
• How motherhood fueled her survival
• Why community and mental health advocacy are at the heart of her healing

About Vanessa Abraham

Vanessa Abraham, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a certified speech pathologist, author, and advocate for ICU survivors. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked extensively with children using communication devices, a skill she unexpectedly relied on during her own medical journey. Vanessa is now a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care and post-intensive care syndrome awareness, using her personal story to educate and inspire others. Her memoir, Speechless, captures her journey from provider to patient and back, offering hope and insight to those navigating similar challenges.

Connect with Vanessa:

• Book: Speechless on Amazon
• Instagram: @speechless_slp
• Facebook: Speechless SLP

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

Topics Discussed

• The rare Guillain-Barre variant that left Vanessa paralyzed overnight
• Transitioning from a speech pathologist to an ICU patient
• The fear and confusion of not having a diagnosis for four months
• Using communication boards and eye gaze to connect with her care team
• Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and its emotional toll
• How her daughter became her reason to live
• Reclaiming her identity after losing her independence
• Returning to work with a trauma-informed perspective
• The mental health gap in ICU aftercare
• Her book Speechless and its mission to educate clinicians and families

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this special solo episode of The Life Shift Podcast, I step away from interviews to reflect on the three people who shaped me most—my mother, my grandmother, and my father. Mother’s Day has always felt complicated, layered with grief, gratitude, and unexpected resilience.

I share how losing my mom at eight changed everything, how my grandmother stepped in and became my safe place, and how my father quietly carried the weight of it all while helping me find my way forward.

This episode is a tribute to them—and to you, the listener, who may also feel the complex emotions that days like this bring.

If this episode resonates, please consider following the show and leaving a review to help others find these stories.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

💌 Stay connected: Follow on Apple Podcasts

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Marty Klein returns for a bonus episode where we dive into his journey since his original appearance on The Life Shift Podcast. The main takeaway from our chat is how sharing his story about losing his mom at a young age has impacted him and helped him reflect on the deeper shifts it created in his life.

We discuss the nuances of dealing with grief, the importance of talking about it openly, and how sharing experiences can lead to unexpected connections with others. Marty shares how he initially felt unsure about sharing his story but found that it sparked important conversations with friends and family. We also touch on how revisiting these stories can help us understand not just the shifts themselves, but the ongoing effects they have on our lives.

The Life Shift Rewind

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Have you ever felt trapped by the need for certainty in your life? Allison Carmen, a spiritual teacher, author, and podcaster, shares her journey from being addicted to certainty to embracing the power of "maybe."

Allison takes us through her early years, where anxiety and worry dominated her life. She recounts the pivotal moment when a simple Daoist story about a farmer and his horse opened her eyes to a new way of thinking that would change her life forever.

From Certainty Addiction to Embracing the Unknown

• How Allison's need for certainty affected her daily life and relationships
• The power of the word "maybe" in shifting perspective and reducing stress
• Learning to find hope and possibility in life's uncertainties

Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns

• Allison's experience of using her own teachings to cope with a sudden divorce
• The importance of accepting what is while maintaining hope for the future
• How embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth and new opportunities

Cultivating a "Maybe" Mindset

• Practical ways to incorporate "maybe" thinking into your daily life
• The difference between using "maybe" as a tool and adopting it as a life perspective
• How this mindset can help in making decisions and facing challenges

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• In what areas of your life might you be clinging to certainty?
• How could adopting a "maybe" mindset change your approach to stress and worry?
• What possibilities might open up if you embraced uncertainty more fully?

This conversation reminds us that life's uncertainties can be a source of hope and potential rather than fear. Allison's journey offers practical insights for anyone looking to reduce anxiety and find more peace in the face of life's unknowns.

About Allison Carmen

Allison Carmen is an author, TEDx speaker, podcaster, business consultant, and CFO/General Counsel at the Motherhood Center of New York. She holds a B.A. in accounting, a J.D. in law, and a Master of Law in taxation. Allison’s books include The Gift of Maybe: Offering Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times and A Year Without Men: A Twelve Point Guide to Inspire and Empower Women. She also hosts the podcast 10 Minutes to Less Suffering, where she shares tools to help alleviate daily stress. Allison is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, The Daily Beast, and AARP and is a sought-after speaker and media guest.

Connect with Allison Carmen

• Website: allisoncarmen.com
• Podcast: 10 Minutes to Less Suffering on Allison's website
• Books: Available on Allison's website
• Social Media: Find Allison on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn via her website.

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Becca Berkey is back to chat about her journey since her appearance on The Life Shift. We dive right into the heart of the conversation, exploring how her experiences have shaped her perspective on vulnerability and connection. Becca reflects on a pivotal moment from her childhood that introduced her to the concept of shame, and we discuss how those early experiences can influence our adult lives. There’s a lot to unpack about how sharing our stories can foster deeper connections and understanding among us. Plus, she shares some exciting life updates, including her new dual role at the university and the lessons she's learning along the way. It was a real treat to catch up with Becca and see how her journey continues to unfold.

The Life Shift Rewind

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Have you ever wondered what life could be like without alcohol? Emily Holland, a podcast consultant and community manager, shares her journey of overcoming addictions and rediscovering herself through a life of sobriety and self-worth.

Emily takes us through her early years, where alcohol became a constant companion from the tender age of 13. She recounts the pivotal moment on a ski slope that sparked a realization that would change the course of her life forever.

From Numbing to Feeling: Embracing a Life Without Alcohol

• How Emily's relationship with alcohol evolved from teenage experimentation to adult coping mechanism
• The power of taking breaks from drinking to gain clarity and perspective
• Learning to navigate social situations and emotions without the crutch of alcohol

Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity

• Emily's journey of self-discovery and building confidence in sobriety
• The importance of grieving your relationship with alcohol and acknowledging its role in your life
• How embracing vulnerability led to deeper connections and personal growth

Ongoing Growth and Self-Reflection

• Emily's continued journey of self-improvement, including addressing anxiety
• The value of seeking professional help and being open to different therapeutic approaches
• How sharing your story can inspire and support others on similar paths

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• In what ways might you be using external substances or behaviors to numb difficult emotions?
• How can you create more space for authenticity and vulnerability in your life?
• What steps can you take to build self-belief and confidence in your abilities?

This conversation reminds us that personal growth is an ongoing journey, and it's never too late to make positive changes in our lives. Emily's story is a testament to the power of self-reflection, courage, and the impact of embracing our authentic selves.

About Emily Holland

Emily Holland (she/her/hers) is the co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative Consulting, where she helps small business owners and creatives increase their impact. When she’s not working, Emily spends her time trail running, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, or enjoying the outdoors with her rescue dog, Kayda. Based in Boulder, Colorado, and originally from upstate New York, Emily is passionate about connection, creativity, and embracing life’s adventures.

Connect with Emily Holland:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-holland

- Email: [email protected]

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early: https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Subscribe to The Life Shift Newsletter: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletter/

The Life Shift was just named one of the top 60 life-changing podcasts by FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcasts/

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

YouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast

Website: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy