What happens when a serious illness challenges your ability to be present for your loved ones, while also taking care of your own mental health?

Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist, best-selling author, and expert in practical optimism, discusses how to navigate the emotional complexities of illness, family life, and self-care. Dr. Varma shares her personal story of caregiving while managing a demanding medical career and the lessons she’s learned along the way about resilience, self-compassion, and the power of optimism.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The practice of practical optimism: How being intentional about positivity can help you navigate life’s most difficult moments.
• Emotional resilience: Techniques for building mental toughness, especially when facing life-changing events.
• Parenting through adversity: How to balance your own health and your children's emotional needs during tough times.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(05:14) The impact of cancer on caregiving and burnout

(08:36) How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helped Dr. Varma manage stress

(12:53) Building emotional resilience in children

(15:14) The Four Ms of Mental Health

(22:12) The role of self-compassion in managing guilt

(25:37) Oasis moments for parents seeking balance

(27:31) Managing fear and uncertainty in cancer treatment

(30:16) Dr. Varma's thoughts on optimism and mental health

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Sue Varma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudeepta-varma-m-d-p-c-dfapa-8a48286/
• Connect with Dr. Sue Varma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorsuevarma/?hl=en
• Dr. Sue Varma’s official website: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/
• Check out Dr. Sue Varma’s book Practical Optimism: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/
• Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ 
• Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family 
• Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ 
• Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com 

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis pushes you to redefine your values, relationships, and identity?

Christine Handy, a breast cancer survivor and author, shares her incredible journey of overcoming physical and emotional adversity. From battling a life-threatening illness to navigating the challenges of motherhood, modeling, and self-worth, Christine opens up about how her experiences have reshaped her perspective on life, health, and personal strength.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The emotional realities of parenting with cancer: Why children often respond with anger or withdrawal, and how parents can begin to repair and reconnect.
• The healing power of storytelling and sisterhood: How vulnerability, friendship, and honest conversations can lift us from isolation into empowerment.
• What it means to rebuild a life after illness: From letting go of perfectionism to embracing presence, Christine and Amri explore the internal shifts that come with second chances.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:01) Christine's medical journey begins

(13:02) The impact of cancer on family and parenting

(21:54) Public speaking and advocacy

(25:08) A new beginning: Teaching and healing

(25:27) Sea waves of support: A symbol of hope

(25:44) A second chance: Reevaluating priorities

(27:03) The seduction of society's shiny objects

(28:00) The impact of illness on relationships

(29:14) Balancing work and personal life

(29:58) The challenge of slowing down

(39:01) Building self-esteem and self-worth

(43:28) Apologizing and teaching our kids

Resources:

• Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-handy-3056ba125/
• Connect with Christine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinehandy1/?hl=en
• Christine’s official website: https://christinehandy.com/
• Check out her novel Walk Beside Me: https://christinehandy.com/book-movie/
• Check out Christine’s film Hello, Beautiful: https://christinehandy.com/movie/
• Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ 
• Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family 
• Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ 
• Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com 

The Space Between is the podcast where strength and vulnerability meet for families navigating life with cancer.

Hosted by Amri Kibbler, a cancer survivor and parent, each episode offers honest stories, expert insights, and heartfelt support for those balancing treatment, caregiving, and parenting - often all at once.

If you're walking this path, you’re not alone. This is your space to feel seen, find connection, and heal.