What’s Behind the Bra? – Breast Cancer Stories of Hope & Survival

In this heartfelt episode of Heart of the Spectrum, host Monique J. Bass sits down with autism mom Irisa Nickie Leverette for an honest and inspiring conversation about motherhood, advocacy, and raising a child on the spectrum.

Irisa shares her personal journey navigating the highs, challenges, and beautiful moments of parenting within the neurodivergent community. From everyday experiences to the importance of awareness, acceptance, and unconditional love, this episode shines a light on the strength of autism families and the power of sharing real stories.

This conversation is about more than awareness — it’s about understanding, connection, and celebrating the unique brilliance within the autism community.

Join us as we continue to keep our foot on the gas for autism acceptance all year long.

Hosted by Monique J. Bass Heart of the Spectrum Podcast & Docuseries Voices. Innovation. Possibility.

#HeartOfTheSpectrum #AutismAcceptance #AutismMom #NeurodivergentVoices #AutismAwareness #PodcastCommunity #SpecialNeedsParenting #InclusionMatters

Welcome to another powerful episode of Heart of the Spectrum, Inc., where we share real stories, real families, and real conversations that bring awareness, acceptance, and understanding to the neurodivergent community.

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend, Newark firefighter and proud autism dad, Ike Jordan, as he opens up about fatherhood, advocacy, and raising his incredible son, Prince.

Prince’s mind is nothing short of extraordinary. With a photographic memory, he can recite the alphabet in Russian and other languages — abilities that weren’t learned in school but discovered through his unique way of processing the world. His story is a reminder that neurodivergent minds are powerful, gifted, and deserving of celebration.

This conversation goes beyond autism awareness — it’s about acceptance, understanding, and recognizing that every child learns, communicates, and shines differently.

In This Episode:

• A father’s perspective on raising a child with autism
• Prince’s incredible memory and language abilities
• The beauty of neurodivergent thinking
• Breaking stereotypes around autism
• Why acceptance matters beyond Autism Awareness Month
• Creating space for neurodivergent voices and families

At Heart of the Spectrum, Inc., we believe awareness doesn’t end in April — we keep our foot on the gas all year long, highlighting stories that inspire, educate, and build community.

Listen, Share & Support Help us continue creating safe spaces and powerful conversations for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

#HeartOfTheSpectrum #AutismAcceptance #NeurodivergentVoices #AutismDad #Neurodiversity #AutismCommunity #Awareness365 #PodcastLife #InclusiveVoices #DifferentNotLess

Hip hop legend Roxanne Shanté joins host Monique Bass on What’s Behind The Bra? to share her powerful journey as a 2-time breast cancer survivor.

In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Roxanne opens up about the moment she was first diagnosed, the emotional and physical battles she faced, and the strength it took to fight not once—but twice. Known for her confidence and groundbreaking impact in hip hop, she reveals a more vulnerable side, reminding us that even the strongest voices face life-changing challenges.

This episode highlights the importance of early detection, support systems, and resilience, while giving flowers to a woman who continues to inspire across generations.

✨ A story of survival. ✨ A story of strength. ✨ A story that could save lives.

🎙️ Hosted by Monique Bass, Breast Cancer Survivor & Founder of What’s Behind The Bra? 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: What’s Behind The Bra? 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms

💗 To request or support a comfort care package, visit: www.behindthebra.org

In this heartfelt episode of Heart of the Spectrum, host Monique Bass sits down with Sadie Pegues-Hall—founder of Meet The Woman Behind The Business™, Editor-in-Chief, entrepreneur, autism advocate, and devoted mother—for a deeply personal conversation about her journey raising a daughter on the autism spectrum.

Sadie opens up about the emotional realities of motherhood, navigating diagnosis, balancing entrepreneurship with parenting, and how her daughter’s journey inspired her advocacy work within the autism community.

Together, Monique and Sadie discuss the challenges autism families face, the beauty in celebrating every milestone, and why compassion, awareness, and inclusion matter more than ever.

This episode is for every parent, caregiver, and advocate who has ever felt unseen in their journey.

Topics Covered: • Sadie’s autism motherhood journey • Navigating diagnosis and acceptance • Parenting challenges and triumphs • Building advocacy through lived experience • Advice for parents of newly diagnosed children • Creating more compassionate communities for autism families

🎧 Stream on all major podcast platforms 📺 Watch full episodes on the Heart of the Spectrum YouTube Channel

#HeartOfTheSpectrum #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #AutismParenting #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Heart of the Spectrum, host Monique Bass sits down with Tray Kearney to share her powerful journey as a mother navigating life with autism.

Through love, faith, and resilience, Tray opens up about her experiences raising her son, the emotional highs and lows, and the deep, unbreakable bond that defines her journey.

This conversation goes beyond words—highlighting the strength it takes to advocate, the patience required to understand, and the beauty found in every milestone, no matter how big or small.

💙 In a touching moment, Tray shares a song that represents her journey—“You Are Not Alone”—reminding us all of the power of connection, love, and community.

As we honor Autism Awareness and Acceptance, this episode serves as a reminder that every child’s journey is unique, and every parent’s voice matters.

✨ In This Episode:

• Tray’s journey as a mother of a child with autism • The emotional and spiritual strength behind her story • Advocacy, awareness, and breaking misconceptions • The power of love, patience, and understanding • A special musical moment that captures her journey

🤝 Stay Connected

Follow Heart of the Spectrum for more real conversations and impactful stories Subscribe, share, and help spread awareness

🎥 Listen & Watch

Available on all podcast platforms + YouTube 🗓 New episodes stream Sundays

💬 Join the Conversation

What part of Tray’s story touched you the most?

🔖 Tags

Autism Awareness, Autism Acceptance, Special Needs Parenting, Autism Journey, Neurodiversity, Autism Mom, Advocacy, Inclusion, Heart of the Spectrum Podcast

🎙️ Episode Notes – Heart of the Spectrum ft. Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Heart of the Spectrum, host Monique Bass sits down with Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, Founder and Executive Director of Nassan’s Place, to share her journey from motherhood to advocacy.

After her son was diagnosed with autism, Nadine transformed her personal experience into purpose—creating Nassan’s Place, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by autism, especially in underserved communities.

Now, with her son at 21 years old, Nadine opens up about what the journey looks like beyond childhood, the challenges families face as their children grow into adulthood, and the importance of continued support, awareness, and resources.

💜 This episode also highlights a meaningful collaboration, as Heart of the Spectrum was honored to donate inspirational journals to the incredible moms and caregivers at Nassan’s Place.

🎉 As we kick off Autism Awareness Month, Nadine shares details about her upcoming events and how the community can get involved, support, and show up for families navigating autism.

✨ In This Episode:

• Nadine’s journey from diagnosis to advocacy • Raising a child with autism into adulthood • Building Nassan’s Place from the ground up • Founder-to-founder insights and leadership lessons • The importance of community support and resources • Autism Awareness Month events and initiatives

🤝 Support & Stay Connected

Learn more about Nassan’s Place and upcoming events Follow Heart of the Spectrum for more impactful conversations

🎧 Listen & Watch

Available on all podcast platforms + YouTube New episodes stream Sundays | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

💬 Join the Conversation

What part of this episode resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts and help us spread awareness.

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Healing Beyond the Scars: Areola Restoration & Confidence Reclaimed

Episode Notes: In this powerful episode of What’s Behind The Bra? – Healing Stories, I sit down with paramedical tattoo artist Tammy Tracey to talk about the life-changing impact of 3D areola reconstruction after breast cancer.

This conversation goes far beyond aesthetics — it’s about restoring confidence, reclaiming identity, and healing emotionally after the physical battle. Tammy shares her expertise, the artistry behind her work, and the deep connections she builds with survivors through this transformative process.

We also open up about the journey of survivorship — the unseen layers of healing that continue long after treatment ends.

✨ Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or supporter, this episode is a reminder that healing is personal… and powerful.

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: What’s Behind The Bra?

🎟️ GIVEAWAY: We are currently offering a chance to WIN a 3D Areola Reconstruction Tattoo. Enter now through the link in bio.

💗 About What’s Behind The Bra? What’s Behind The Bra? is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness and supporting survivors year-round through storytelling, community, and care initiatives.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of What’s Behind The Bra? – Healing Stories, we sit down with Bridget Tutt McCray — breast cancer survivor, Pastor, author, and founder of the Pink Gurl Project.

Bridget shares her deeply personal journey after being diagnosed with Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a life-changing moment that tested her faith but ultimately revealed her purpose. Through 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and unwavering belief in God, she emerged not just as a survivor—but as a vessel of hope for others.

From pain to purpose, Bridget created the Pink Gurl Project, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and supporting women navigating breast cancer and chemotherapy through faith, encouragement, and community.

This episode is filled with: ✨ Raw truth and testimony 🙏🏽 Faith that never wavered 💪🏽 Strength through the storm 🎀 Purpose born from pain

Bridget reminds us all: “Breast cancer is not always a death sentence… God is still a healer.”

🎧 Tune In:

📺 Watch on YouTube: What’s Behind The Bra? 🎙️ Listen on all podcast platforms

🔗 Follow & Support:

💖 Pink Gurl Project, Inc. 💖 What’s Behind The Bra? Foundation

In this powerful episode of What’s Behind The Bra? – Healing Stories, host Monique J. Bass sits down with Jeanelle Adams, a stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer survivor and patient advocate from Newark, New Jersey.

Diagnosed at just 33 years old, Jeanelle shares the emotional reality of receiving a life-changing diagnosis as a young woman and the challenges she faced navigating the healthcare system.

During this conversation, Jeanelle opens up about the visible and invisible scars of cancer, the importance of advocating for yourself in medical spaces, and the health disparities that continue to impact women of color.

Her journey has transformed into a mission to raise awareness, empower women to trust their bodies, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

This episode is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a story of strength, resilience, and purpose.

In This Episode We Discuss

• Being diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer at 33 • The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis at a young age • Medical dismissal and health disparities affecting women of color • The visible and invisible scars of chemotherapy and treatment • Turning survival into advocacy and awareness • Encouraging women to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health

About the Podcast

What’s Behind The Bra? – Healing Stories is a podcast and platform dedicated to sharing real stories of survival, healing, and resilience. Through powerful conversations, we uncover the journeys behind diagnoses, life challenges, and the strength people carry every day.

Connect & Follow

Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Pandora

Follow for more healing stories and awareness:

Instagram: @moniquejbass YouTube: What’s Behind The Bra?

This week on What’s Behind The Bra? Healing Stories, Monique Bass sits down with Ronita Boyles to share her powerful journey through cancer treatment. Ronita opens up about the physical and emotional changes that came with chemotherapy, including the dramatic change in her skin tone that many people don’t talk about.

Through faith, resilience, and courage, Ronita reminds us that while cancer may change the body, it cannot break the spirit. Her story is one of strength, honesty, and survival.