w/Jenni Tooley

Quick note before we dive into this week’s episode- many thanks to our founding members, annual subscribers, and donors! You’ve made 11 episodes of this podcast possible. I have four more in the hopper which will cost $500 to produce. If you believe this conversation is valuable, please subscribe or drop a tip in the tip jar!

Thank you! Let’s dive in!

Cancer Chronicles Ep 9: Living in the MomentHow much of your life are you trying to plan right now—and is it really working?

Hi there, welcome back to another raw and unfiltered episode of the Cancer Chronicles! This is Confessions of an Aging Ingenue podcast with your sweet host, Jenni Tooley.

This weekend has been rough—when I say rough, I mean it in all the messy, real ways. It’s Day 19 out of 28 in my chemo and radiation marathon, and, well, let's just say those side effects are not messing around. I used to think I could plan for things, but now, life’s giving me a whole new perspective. 

This episode, I’m taking you with me through the ups and downs of showing up as I am, whether that’s at the gym, lifting lighter weights than I used to, or simply getting through the day.

I'll be sharing a conversation I had with a man who’s been fighting his own cancer battle for over a year, reminding me that every day is different and unpredictable. And isn’t that true for all of us, whether we’re in treatment or just living our lives? It’s about being present, adjusting as needed, and learning to let go of rigid plans that just don’t serve us anymore.

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling defeated by plans that didn’t work out, or you’re in need of some encouragement to keep showing up even when things are hard, I hope this episode brings you strength and peace. Because cancer or no cancer, life’s twists and turns are unavoidable, but thriving comes from meeting each day as it is.

If something in today’s episode resonates with you, let it settle in—trust me, it will. And if you’d like to support the podcast or check out what’s happening over at jennitooley.com, there’s always something new popping up. 

For those who prefer one-time support over a subscription, you can contribute directly via my Tip Jar on Stripe.

Take care, and I’ll catch you next time. You are loved.

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements. 

And Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far! 

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Thanks for reading Jenni Tooley Presents! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Hello! Welcome back to another episode of the Confessions of an Aging Ingénue, Season 3! It’s the ‘Cancer Chronicles’ and I’m Jenni Tooley, your guide through the chaos.

In this episode, I’ll be sharing the raw reality of day 11 of my chemo and radiation treatment. The truth is, it's a full-time job! Between juggling doctor's appointments, handling finances, and figuring out how to deal with nausea and fatigue, it's a lot. But I'm here, showing up, sharing the real, unfiltered, messy journey with you.

The questions are rolling in, and I’ll be tackling a few of them while also giving you a glimpse into what my new day-to-day looks like.

This post is public so feel free to share it with someone who might need a dose of hope or humor.

We’re talking all about the questions people ask me, the logistics of treatment, and how my life has taken a detour I never expected. But even in the chaos, there's laughter, love, and support from Team Jenni (shoutout to my friends, family, and a ton of rectal humor).

This episode is for anyone going through a tough time, for everyone who's fighting something, big or small; whether it's cancer, another health issue, or just the daily chaos of life. You'll hear about my experiences, my ups and downs, and maybe even something that'll help you or someone you care about get through their own detours.

So, if you're here for some real talk, practical advice, or just to laugh with (and at) me, you're in the right place! Grab a seat and come along for the ride.

If you’re enjoying this journey with me, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — you never know who might need a little humor or hope right now. And for those who prefer one-time support over a subscription, you can contribute directly via my Tip Jar on Stripe.

Stay connected by visiting www.jennitooley.com for updates and to join the Jenni Tooley Presents Community on Substack. Your support means everything, and you never know what exciting content might pop up next!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Why is it so hard to ask for help?

Welcome to another episode of the Confessions of an Aging Ingénue, Season 3! with Jenni Tooley. As we continue the Cancer Chronicles, I’m opening up about the chaos and challenges that come with cancer, but more importantly, how I’ve found ways to maintain a joyful perspective despite it all. One of the biggest lessons? Learning to ask for help. I know how tough it can be to admit you need support, but there’s a beauty in allowing others to step in and share the load. Accepting help, as I’ve found, brings not only relief but also a deeper sense of connection and joy.

I talk about how saying “yes” to opportunities—even when faced with adversity—has been a crucial part of my journey. And how the small but significant moment that bring me happiness, like enjoying a delicious meal or receiving thoughtful gestures from friends. These simple pleasures have uplifted my spirit during treatment and remind me that joy can be found, even in the toughest times.

Thanks for reading Jenni Tooley Presents! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This episode is for anyone who’s faced personal challenges, especially health-related, anyone seeking practical tips on how to navigate life’s difficulties with humor and grace, and anyone who needs help but doesn’t know how to ask or receive it.

Whether you're dealing with something similar or just looking for a little bit of light in your own struggles, I know you will find something meaningful in my story.

Tune in for an episode full of laughter, raw honesty, and incredible insights.

If this episode resonates with you or could help someone you know, please share it! Your support means the world. Visit www.jennitooley.com to stay updated.

Join the community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:

Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Ever wondered how to find laughter in life’s toughest moments?

Welcome back to Confessions of an Aging Ingénue, Season 3! I’m your sweet host Jenni Tooley and I’m excited to have you join me on another unfiltered episode of the Cancer Chronicles.

I’m chronicling my journey, experiences and most importantly, the lessons I’m learning as someone diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer. But don’t worry, this isn’t a sad story. I’m bringing my sense of humor, vulnerability, and realness to the forefront, turning this journey into something relatable and—absolutely—uplifting.

I take you with me through the wild ride of my first day of chemo and radiation. Between the six-centimeter tumor I’m determined to shrink and trying weasel coffee, I’m finding ways to laugh, stay grounded, and assemble a support team to help me through. It's all about staying positive, even when life gets messy. Along the way, I’ve created rituals like meditating with my cats and taking my chemo pills with a dose of gratitude. These small actions help me stay present and find joy in the midst of the chaos.

This post is public so feel free to share it with someone who could use it:)

In this episode, you’ll get a firsthand account of my cancer journey, with raw honesty and practical insights on how I manage both the emotional and physical challenges. I’ve learned that it’s possible to find calm and even laughter in the most uncertain times. You’ll hear how I’ve been able to navigate this life-changing experience by creating new routines, focusing on gratitude, and surrounding myself with a strong support system. If I’m going to feel like crap, let’s condense it all and get it done quicker!  This approach—along with the idea of finding fun even in tough situations—keeps me grounded.

This episode is packed with laughter, honesty, and heart—whether you're dealing with cancer or just trying to manage life’s everyday chaos. So, tune in!

If this episode resonates with you or could help someone you know, please share it! Your support means the world. Visit www.jennitooley.com to stay updated, join the community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

Your support means the world. Visit the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

Join the community our Substack community- you never know what might pop up!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Have you ever felt like life is spinning out of control, and no matter how hard you try, the chaos just keeps piling up?

Welcome back to Confessions of an Aging Ingenue with Jenni Tooley! Like you already know, I have been diagnosed with Cancer and I’m inviting you to join me on this wild ride. Don’t worry, it’s not going to be all doom and gloom. There will be laughs, tears, and of course, some good ol’ rectal humor.

In this episode, I’m sharing more about the chaos that’s swirling around me—both inside and out. Before my diagnosis, I was already exploring the idea of becoming a "chaos coach," helping people find peace in their messiest moments. And now? I’ve been thrown right into the ultimate chaos myself. From world crises to personal health battles, chaos is everywhere. But I’m learning how to find peace within it, and I’m here to share that journey with you. 

This post is public so feel free to share it with someone who could use it:)

Chaos is universal, and whether it’s global events or personal health scares, it hits all of us. The difference lies in how we handle it. Instead of battling chaos, I’m learning to live with it, and that’s where peace surprisingly starts to show up.

Whether you’re dealing with global craziness, family drama, or just the everyday chaos in your mind, this episode is for you. I’ll be talking about the chaos in our bodies, the monkey mind we can’t quiet, and how a simple deep breath can be our greatest tool.  Did you know that your heart and gut have their own "brains"? Yeah, I didn’t either. But it’s true, and we’ll explore how they help us stay grounded when things feel out of control.  I’ll also walk you through the magic of belly breathing and how it calms the nervous system, sending a message to your body that says, "Hey, it’s okay." 

Spoiler alert: You can’t fight chaos, but you can find your peace in the middle of it.

Tune in now and let’s figure out how to find peace, even when everything’s exploding around us.

Join the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And Daniel,Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Hello love! Jenni Tooley here- I’ll keep my note to you brief today so we can dig into the episode. Thank you so much for your support. Without you this podcast would not exist which means you=amazing!

Fun fact: Did you know that our substack provides transcripts for subscribers who lean more toward reading than listening?

Now let’s dig in!

Welcome to another inspiring, insightful, and entertaining episode of Confessions of an Aging Ingénue. I’m your host, Jenni Tooley, and I’m excited to have you join me. This is season 3 - the Cancer Chronicles - where I share my journey and experiences with rectal cancer.

It's been a wild rollercoaster, and in this episode, I’m sharing about the subtle symptoms I initially brushed off as no big deal—like a bit of blood in my stools during perimenopause—only to later discover I was facing a stage 3 cancer diagnosis.

Finding out I had cancer was, of course, a massive shock. The experience has been intense, but I’m determined not to let it weigh me down. Instead, I’m embracing the lessons this journey offers and sharing them with you!

I realized that the small things in life—much like my symptoms—can build up and lead to big changes, so I'm embracing the power of acceptance. And in my own journey, I’ve realized that while cancer is undeniably challenging, it’s far from the scariest thing I’ve ever faced.

In this episode, I share my candid journey through treatment, approaching it with grace, humor (yes, even a few rectal jokes), and a surprising sense of calm. I’ll be sharing about my experiences with anemia, finding support in therapy, and the importance of taking proactive steps for mental health during tough times.

I have discovered that small actions, whether positive or negative, can add up over time. It's all about pausing, reflecting, and finding strength in the little things, no matter what challenges come your way.

Episodes are free to the public. Please share with anyone you think could benefit:)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity, whether it's cancer or any other life challenge. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to laugh through the pain, and to keep moving forward with strength and grace.

Join me for an inspiring, heartfelt episode filled with honesty, humor, and an unbreakable spirit.

Your support means the world. Visit the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

Join the community our Substack community- you never know what might pop up!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

What’s the best way to ask and receive help during a challenging health journey?

Welcome back to another insightful and humor-filled episode of the "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue" with Jenni Tooley. In today’s episode of this raw and real Season 3, aptly titled "Cancer Chronicles.", Jenni takes us through yet another week of navigating the unexpected twists and turns of life with cancer. But this isn’t just about the big "C"—it's about learning to release control, ask for help, and find peace in life, especially when facing particular challenges.

Life is full of unexpected disasters, and navigating them can feel overwhelming—especially when you're already facing something as challenging as cancer. In this episode, Jenni shares a candid, heartfelt account of her recent challenges, from dealing with a last-minute pet sitter crisis to managing the mental gymnastics of an upcoming medical procedure.

So, tune in to hear how Jenni manages these disasters with grace, humor, and a whole lot of resilience. You'll discover insights on how to cope when it feels like the rug is pulled out from under you; the importance of trusting your intuition, and the place of asking for and receiving help—even when it's hard. Don't miss this raw and honest conversation that reminds us all that chaos is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. As usual, get set for a mix of raw humor, emotional transparency, and practical wisdom!

If today's episode resonated with you, give yourself the time and space to let these insights move from your head to your heart.

To stay connected, support the podcast, or learn more about Jenni's journey, head over to www.jennitooley.com.

Join her Substack, explore the latest content, and consider financially supporting the podcast to keep these heartfelt stories coming.

Thank you for listening! Your support means the world. Let’s continue this journey together—one step, one breath, and one laugh at a time.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Credits:

Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Until next time!

Connect with me:

Instagram: Jenni Tooley

Facebook: Jenni Tooley

Website: Jennitooley.com

Hiya love! I want to share something with you before we dive into this week’s podcast episode. Just two episodes in and we’ve already made an impact! Yesterday I received a beautiful DM from a woman who has been following the podcast and has just received a cancer diagnosis. Here’s a tidbit:

…Just so much to take in. And hearing your story has helped! …Thank you for getting the word out…

I’m so grateful that she felt that she could reach out to me and is benefitting from my sharing my journey so vulnerably. It took some time and courage for me to decide to do it and it’s paying off!

The podcast is currently supported- like so much of my work- by real people like you! You can keep the goodness flowing by subscribing to this substack below or dropping a tip in the tip jar here.

Thank you so much to the supporters of the cast- Carol, Tess, Tom, Jenny, Pam, Linda, and Patricia! Because of you, I have been able to produce and publish 7 episodes so far! You truly are making a difference in my life as well as the lives of others:) Now let’s get this show started!

In this episode, Jenni opens up about the challenges of being vulnerable and letting others step in. Tune in to learn how she breaks through the fear of being a burden and how you too can. It’s time to release control and breathe easier. Don't miss this raw and honest conversation that reminds us all that chaos is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. As usual, get set for a mix of raw humor, emotional transparency, and practical wisdom!

Love ya lots! I’ll see you next week!

How do you stay mentally and emotionally grounded during a life-altering diagnosis?

Welcome to another episode in Season 3 of Confessions of an Aging Ingénue with Jenni Tooley.

From the moment she woke up from a routine colonoscopy to hear the words "you have cancer," life took a major detour. For someone who’s been a pretty healthy human—ex-vegan, fitness enthusiast, conscious eater—this diagnosis was a shocker. But that’s life, right? It hands you lemons, and you learn to make lemonade.

Today, still on Cancer Chronicles, Jenni is going into the details—what it’s like navigating the medical system, dealing with insurance headaches, and putting together a care calendar for my fur babies. She shares the strategies that are keeping her sane and grounded, from finding the right healthcare advocate to making the most of the resources available, including grants and wellness support.

And hey, even if you don’t have cancer, there’s something here for you. We’re all dealing with our own chaos, and the lessons Jenni is learning and sharing about staying calm, advocating for oneself, and keeping high-spirits can be applied to any challenge. Plus, there’s plenty of rectal humor to keep things light. Because if we can’t laugh, what can we do?

This episode is not just about cancer—it's about dealing with life's unexpected twists and turns with courage, humor, and grace. Whether you’re battling an illness, facing a personal challenge, or simply looking for a dose of raw honesty and inspiration, this episode offers something for everyone.

If something in this episode resonated with you, take a moment to let it sink in. Remember, these insights are meant to move from your head to your heart. And if you want to support the podcast, head over to www.jennitooley.com. Join the Substack, or consider a financial contribution to keep the podcast going. You never know what else is in store!

Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Your support and love mean everything. Until next time, take care and keep your spirits high!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Credits:

Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:

Instagram: Jenni Tooley

Facebook: Jenni Tooley

Website:...

Get full access to w/Jenni Tooley at www.jennitooley.com/subscribe

THANK YOU!

Thanks so much to Carol, Tess, Tom, and Pam for becoming paid members of this substack! Because of you, we are able to produce four more episodes of the podcast!!! Whoop! Since you all rock so much, I’m making Episode 2 available to you here a day before it goes public!

Keep the episodes coming by becoming a paid member of the substack!

Episode 2 covers how I’m staying mentally and emotionally grounded during a life-altering diagnosis. This episode is not just about cancer—it's about dealing with life's unexpected twists and turns with courage, humor, and grace. Whether you’re battling an illness, facing a personal challenge, or simply looking for a dose of raw honesty and inspiration, this episode offers something for everyone.

Where “The Cancer Chronicles” came from and where it’s going

I started talking to my phone on May 28- and then kept talking to it whenever the mood struck. Since then, I have recorded 16 episodes that follow my journey from diagnosis through the first round of treatment. It’s raw vulnerability at its best- the ups, the downs, how I’m finding peace in the midst of chaos, and some good old rectal humor.

I believe that sharing my story and how I am finding peace in the midst of chaos is not only cathartic for me but will serve many others. There’s so much cancer out there right now. “The Big C” strikes fear and silence into most- so let’s talk about it. It’s part of life. It sucks- but it doesn’t have to suck if we all stick together and find the joy in the gift it brings. That gift is presence.

Come be present with me and take a small action today that could change your life- or someone else’s. Listen to the podcast. Share it with your people. Donate to the production fund. Take out a paid subscription to this substack. Whatever helps you connect.

Thank you so much for being part of this community. I know you’re rooting for me- just like I’m rooting for you!Love ya lots!Jenni

*You have the option of opting out of these letters and listening on your favorite podcast platform instead. But why would you want to do that? You’ll miss all the fun!