Best Cancer Risk Reduction Podcasts (2025)

1
Jen Finkelstein: Wigs, Wegmans, and War Stories 46:44

8h ago46:44

46:44

Jennifer Finkelstein is not here for your pity, your pinkwashed slogans, or your performative awareness campaigns. She’s a 20-year young adult breast cancer survivor who turned trauma into a blueprint for action and built 5 Under 40, a no-BS nonprofit supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40. In this episode, we go full Gen X therapy …

1
You can heal your relationship with money: Jessica Moorhouse 26:35

7d ago26:35

26:35

What if the reason you’re stuck financially has nothing to do with money? We sit down with financial educator and author Jessica Moorhouse to explore the emotional and psychological roots of our relationship to money. Based on her new book Everything but Money, we unpack how shame, trauma, family history, and systemic inequality shape our financial…

1
Kill Bill Meets Jane Fonda: Ilaria Montagnani 38:08

7d ago38:08

38:08

What happens when a black belt, sword-slinging fitness icon gets cancer—twice? She picks up a camera and dares the universe to test her again. Ilaria Montagnani is not your average anything. She’s been building strong bodies (and stronger minds) for over 30 years as the founder of Powerstrike. She’s part Jane Fonda, part Uma Thurman, and very much …

1
Psychology can explain why you’re overwhelmed: Steven Heine 28:15

14d ago28:15

28:15

Why does life today feel so overwhelming? Steven Heine wants to answer this question by helping you better understand your own brain. As a social and cultural psychologist, Steven explains why so many of us feel anxious, disconnected and unsure of our purpose. We discuss how our brains are wired to crave meaning, why freedom often brings anxiety, a…

1
Patient No More, Bullsh*t No More: Helene M Epstein 40:01

14d ago40:01

40:01

Helene M. Epstein is not here to make friends with the healthcare system. She's here to dismantle the bullshit, one catastrophic medical error at a time. An ad agency veteran turned patient safety firebrand, Helene’s journey from business development to writer to “badass queen of patient safety,” is one hell of a ride. We talk about how her son was…

1
Salvatore Piano on the global epidemiology of acute kidney injury in hospitalised patients with decompensated cirrhosis 19:05

19d ago19:05

19:05

How does acute kidney injury presentation and management differ globally for patients hospitalised with cirrhosis? We spoke to Salvatore Piano, corresponding author of the landmark International Club of Ascites GLOBAL AKI study, about new data on regional variations in severity, phenotype, treatment, and outcomes across 5 continents. Read the full …

1
How harm reduction can fight the opioid crisis: Garth Mullins 42:45

21d ago42:45

42:45

There’s a side of the opioid crisis most people never hear—the view from inside. Garth Mullins is a podcaster and author who has experienced addiction, incarceration and loss, and he wants to shift the focus to saving lives. We explore why harm reduction is essential, how the war on drugs has failed communities, and what a health-based, compassiona…

1
Be Like Zach: Love, Loss, and Legacy 44:06

21d ago44:06

44:06

Jonathan and Jennifer Wall didn’t choose this path, but they’re walking it with purpose. After losing their son, Zach, they turned their grief into action, founding Zach’s Bridge, a lifeline for families navigating pediatric cancer. This episode isn’t about platitudes or silver linings—it’s about the raw, unfiltered reality of love and loss, the re…

1
How ocean plastics are affecting your health: Holly Hogan 34:09

28d ago34:09

34:09

Microplastics are found on every corner of the planet – even in our own bodies. Holly Hogan has seen the far-reaching impacts of ocean plastics first hand. She is a seabird biologist with over 30 years of experience and the author of Message in a Bottle: Ocean Dispatches in the Age of Plastic. Holly shares powerful stories about the devastating eff…

1
Love Is Rare. Life Is Strange: My Best Friend Sarah 50:31

28d ago50:31

50:31

Sarah Armstrong—forever Sarah Oakden to me, no matter what the legal documents say—isn't just my best friend. She's my first college friend, my musical theater soulmate, and the first person who truly saw me as an artist. She was there when I walked onto Binghamton’s campus, and she was there when I walked into cancer hell. And, because we’re nothi…

1
Gastrointestinal Cancers: Screening, Early Detection, and Risk Reduction 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

Dr. Yue Zhang breaks down the complex world of GI malignancies, explaining how colorectal, pancreatic, liver, esophageal, and stomach cancers each present unique challenges. She explains why these cancers are often detected too late—when treatment options become limited—and how proper screening can dramatically change outcomes. While screening guid…

1
True healing for men and their communities: Christopher Merasty 29:09

1M ago29:09

29:09

Christopher Merasty believes that true healing for men could transform entire communities. In 2020, he founded Men Of The North with the goal of providing accessible, culturally-grounded mental health resources for men. We discuss how his programs are changing lives in his community, the urgent funding needs for men’s mental health resources and wh…

1
Food for Thought: Cancer, Calories, and Kicking Ass 39:22

1M ago39:22

39:22

Food for Thought: Cancer, Calories, and Kicking Ass Vanessa Rissetto is back, and she’s bringing the same energy, wit, and unapologetic realness that made her a fan favorite. Last time, we talked nutrition and the rise of Culina Health. This time, life threw her a plot twist—breast cancer. Because, you know, irony. Vanessa was busy building a nutri…

1
Our bodies don’t always need to be fixed: Kate Gies 35:23

1M ago35:23

35:23

Born without an outer right ear, Kate Gies spent the better part of her childhood being told she needed to be fixed. She underwent 14 reconstructive surgeries in the attempt to achieve a “normal” appearance for a non-medical issue. Kate joins us to question the foundation of what we deem acceptable for our bodies, share her experience in the medica…

1
HPV, Anal Cancer, and the Fabulous Ms. Lillian Kreppel 39:23

1M ago39:23

39:23

EPISODE DESCRIPTION Lillian Kreppel doesn’t hold back. A seven-year anal cancer survivor and co-founder of the HPV Cancers Alliance, she has made it her mission to challenge stigma, fight misinformation, and push for better awareness of HPV-related cancers. In this episode, she sits down with Matthew Zachary to talk about her journey from high-powe…

1
How tech is changing lung cancer detection: Dr. Stephen Lam 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

Lung cancer is on the rise, even among those who have never smoked. Dr. Stephen Lam is a respirologist with the BC Cancer Research Centre, and has dedicated his career to lung cancer research and early detection. Stephen dives into the role of AI in predicting lung cancer risk and practical strategies to safeguard your lungs.…

1
IMPOSSICANT! Grace Charrier’s No-Holds-Barred Cancer Rebellion 37:57

2M ago37:57

37:57

Grace Charrier—a powerhouse advocate, author, and cancer survivor—whose journey from a Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis to global advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. Originally from Nigeria, Grace's life was upended when she was diagnosed following an unexpected health scare. Instead of retreating, she turned her experience i…

1
John Chia on the ASCOLT trial of adjuvant aspirin for colorectal cancer 13:29

2M ago13:29

13:29

John Chia discusses the results of the ASCOLT trial, which explored the effect of aspirin after completion of standard adjuvant therapy for patients with colorectal cancer. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00387-X/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this conversation…

1
How history shapes our view of women’s bodies: Sarah Thornton 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Why are women’s bodies, particularly breasts, both a source of empowerment and controversy? They are commodified, censored and debated. Sociologist and author Sarah Thornton joins us to explore how women’s bodies shape entire industries—from healthcare to fashion. Sarah also dives into her new book Tits Up: What Sex Workers, Milk Bankers, Plastic S…

1
The Art of Healthcare Fuckery 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

Buckle up, because Amy Gittelman is back, and this episode is one for the ages. A fellow SUNY Binghamton (yes, we still call it that) alum, Amy joins me for a hilarious and brutally honest deep dive into the absurdities of healthcare, insurance fuckery, and the general nonsense that plagues the system. From dodging medical debt landmines to battlin…

1
What really happens during menopause: Dr. Lori Brotto 32:44

2M ago32:44

32:44

Dr. Lori Brotto, renowned women’s sexual health expert and UBC professor, joins us to break down the changes menopause brings—and how to navigate them with confidence. From explaining a shifting libido to managing discomfort, Lori shares insights packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.

1
Unf*cking Healthcare with Deb Gordon 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

Welcome to another episode of Out of Patients, where we get real about the absolute circus that is the American healthcare system. If you've ever been trapped in a medical billing nightmare, gaslit by insurance reps, or just generally felt like healthcare is an elaborate game designed to screw you—this one’s for you. Joining me is the indomitable D…

1
Simple habits to reduce dementia risk: Dr. Saskia Sivananthan 34:20

2M ago34:20

34:20

Did you know women are almost twice as likely as men to develop dementia? Dr. Saskia Sivananthan, neuroscientist and CEO of the Brainwell Institute, dives into the science of brain health. She breaks down why dementia rates are higher in women and, most importantly, what we can do to lower our risk.

1
Cancer, AI, and the Meaning of Life 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

You know how some people enter your life with a knock, a bang, or maybe even a LinkedIn request? Not Rebecca Batterman, returning champion to Out of Patients, making her dramatic second appearance, Back in 2019, she karmically appeared like a plot twist in a film noir—unexpected, inevitable, and full of surprises. An AI strategist, an optimist (yes…

1
How a craving became a delicious Canadian product: Lilian Umurungi-Jung 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

What if your biggest craving led to a successful business idea? When Lilian Umurungi-Jung was pregnant, she found it difficult to find nourishing food products and decided to make her own snacks at home. As the owner and founder of Mumgry, Lilian’s business makes nut butters that are delicious, nutritious and have simple ingredients. She shares how…

1
The Big Talk: Where Legacy Meets Spotlight 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Tricia Brouk isn’t just a storyteller—she’s a story architect, crafting narratives that connect humanity. A former ballet dancer turned award-winning director, choreographer, and transformational speaker coach, Tricia brings her unique journey to the mic in this captivating conversation. From dancing in iconic opera houses to choreographing Hollywo…

1
Break free from diet culture: Shana Spence 28:44

3M ago28:44

28:44

Are you tired of the endless cycle of dieting, guilt and food rules? Shana Spence is a registered dietitian nutritionist and she dives into how to heal your relationship with food to reclaim the joy of eating. Shana breaks down why diet culture is so pervasive, how it harms our mental and physical health, and what we can do to unlearn restrictive f…

1
Mad Science: AI, Mental Health, and the Future of Sanity 46:08

3M ago46:08

46:08

Get ready for a wild ride with Matt Lewis, the Tony Stark-meets-Jerry Seinfeld of the mental health AI world. As a multi-degreed polymath, Matt has been ahead of the curve on AI since MySpace was a thing. In this episode, we dive into everything from neuroethics and AI-powered mental health solutions to existential fears of Skynet ruining your day.…

1
Cancer Genetic Testing: A Personalized Approach to Your Health 25:32

3M ago25:32

25:32

What if understanding your genetic makeup could transform your approach to health care? Genetic testing is revolutionizing how we approach hereditary cancer risks, offering hope for prevention and personalized care. Dr. Ranjit Goudar shares insights on the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at Virginia Oncology Associates, emphasizing individualized approach…

1
[BONUS] HannahPod: A Solo Act with Dad 15:44

3M ago15:44

15:44

What happens when you give a 14-year-old the mic and let her fly solo without her twin brother? Magic, that’s what. This episode of Out of Patients features my daughter, Hannah, on her seventh (yes, seventh) appearance on the show, but this time she’s stealing the spotlight solo. From reminiscing about slushy Christmas Eves and rare baby illnesses …

1
How ‘momfluencers’ are shaping motherhood: Sara Petersen 35:30

3M ago35:30

35:30

Social media can distort the reality of life in many different ways – motherhood is no exception. Sara Petersen is an author and culture writer with a love/hate relationship with ‘momfluencers’, where the private work of mothering is turned into a public performance. The message is simple but fraught: we’re all just a couple of clicks away from a b…

1
The Natanya Experience: A Tsunami of Wit, Wisdom, and Whoa 36:53

3M ago36:53

36:53

Prepare for a whirlwind of brilliance with Dr. Natanya Wachtel—a self-proclaimed "failed therapist" turned media maven, behavioral strategist, and all-around badass. In this episode, we dive into her transformative journey from navigating personal loss to spearheading innovative mental health initiatives and reimagining her own identity in a world …

1
Canadians deserve more internet choice: Zainul Mawji 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

More competition among internet providers means more innovation and choice for Canadians. Zainul Mawji joins us to explain how TELUS is standing up for Canadians’ right to choose their Internet provider. As the Executive Vice-president of TELUS and President of TELUS Consumer Solutions, Zainul unpacks the federal government’s recent appeal asking t…

1
“Don’t Google It” with Jen Singer 36:16

3M ago36:16

36:16

Back for Round 2 and wielding her wit like a machete, Jen Singer returns to Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary. Cancer survivor, heart failure "graduate," and creator of the 'Just Diagnosed Guides,' Jen has seen it all — and she's here to help YOU see it all more clearly. From dismantling medical jargon to calling BS on "Stay Strong" toxic positi…

1
Reclaiming the untold stories of Canada: Tanya Talaga 31:56

3M ago31:56

31:56

For the first couple of weeks of January, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from 2024. Take another listen to our conversation with Tanya Talaga. For Tanya, memory is not just about the past. It’s a tool for survival and resistance. Remembering and honouring ancestors through stories ensures that their spirits and wisdom continue t…

1
No Time for Why: Sean Wachter Returns 37:39

4M ago37:39

37:39

Prepare to be inspired and entertained as Sean Wachter returns to Out of Patients! Sean, aka "The Cancer Fighter," is a two-time melanoma survivor, professional wrestler, coffee shop entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed 'f**ked up Forrest Gump.' With a resume that includes Madison Square Garden, WWE dreams, and a 'We Got This' People's Champion belt, …

1
Hannes Hagström on screening for advanced liver fibrosis alongside retina scanning in people with type 2 diabetes 21:23

4M ago21:23

21:23

Hannes Hagström discusses a study investigating the feasibility of screening for advanced liver fibrosis alongside retina scanning in people with type 2 diabetes. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00313-3/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this conversation on social…

1
We need to talk about periods: Dr. Jen Gunter 38:16

4M ago38:16

38:16

For the first couple of weeks of January, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from 2024. Take another listen to our conversation with Dr. Jen Gunter. She has made it her mission to change how we think about menstrual health as a key component of overall wellness. So much of what we know about menstruation is a myth or simply false. A…

1
Mariana Arnaut: The After Cancer 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

In this lively and insightful episode of Out of Patients, host Matthew Zachary sits down with Mariana Arnaut, Founder and CEO of The After Cancer, a groundbreaking platform helping cancer survivors navigate the uncharted waters of life post-treatment. Joined by his sharp and witty Chief of Staff, Jen Ramprasad, the trio dives into the gaps in survi…

1
[BONUS] The GenX/GenZ Ultimate Therapy Throwdown 43:36

4M ago43:36

43:36

What happens when two fresh-faced Gen Zers—Matthew Zachary Worldwide Chief of Staff Jenisa Ramprasad and Marketing Intern Lauren Woodring—sit down with a cranky, nostalgia-fueled Gen Xer (ahem, Matthew Zachary)? Chaos, hilarity, and surprisingly deep insights. This is not your typical Out of Patients episode. What started as a casual, unscripted ch…

1
The 2024 Koby & Hannah Year End Wrap Up 34:39

4M ago34:39

34:39

It’s the annual Out of Patients tradition you didn’t know you needed—Matthew’s miracle IVF twins, Koby and Hannah, are back on the mic for their 5th appearance! These famous 14.5-year-old personalities are here to make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even sing the alphabet incorrectly (spoiler: they hate the new version). Dive into a delightful blend…

1
The Compassion of Nursing and Storytelling 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

Join us as we welcome Gina Bright, an infusion nurse and remarkable author. She offers a heartfelt narrative about her early encounters with AIDS patients amid the fear and stigma of the 1980s and shines a light on the compassion and resilience required in nursing. Her unique blend of caregiving and literary talent offers an enlightening perspectiv…

1
Pixel Perfect: Jordan and Anna Rathkopf 38:04

4M ago38:04

38:04

When life hands you a cancer diagnosis, you grab a camera. Anna and Jordan Rathkopf turned their battle with HER2-positive breast cancer into a groundbreaking photojournalistic journey. Join Matthew Zachary as he chats with the Rathkopfs about their book, HER2: The Diagnosed, The Caregiver, and Their Son, their nonprofit work, and the absurdity of …

1
Cathy Lu on intestinal ultrasound for assessing and monitoring Crohn's disease small bowel strictures 11:15

5M ago11:15

11:15

Cathy Lu (University of Calgary) discusses a consensus statement on the use of intestinal ultrasound for assessing and monitoring small bowel strictures in Crohn's disease. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00265-6/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_generic_langas Continue this conversation…

1
Find your money strategy for 2025: Mark Ting 34:34

5M ago34:34

34:34

Money is more than dollars and cents—it's about strategy. Mark Ting is a life-long entrepreneur who understands that financial planning can be complicated. When it comes to personal finance, Mark says we all need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. He shares his own tried-and-true personal finance strategies, how to deal with inflation …

1
Crossroads4Hope: Amy Sutton’s Guide to Navigating Cancer Support 36:27

5M ago36:27

36:27

In this full-circle conversation, Matthew Zachary sits down with Amy Sutton, Executive Director of Crossroads4Hope, to dive deep into the evolution of cancer support and the profound legacy of organizations like the Wellness Community. From reminiscing about pre-internet cancer advocacy to envisioning a future rooted in public health and equity, th…

1
Saving lives with food allergy immunotherapy: Dr. Edmond Chan 37:52

5M ago37:52

37:52

Can we train our immune systems to overcome food allergies? Dr. Edmond Chan is the Head of the Division of Allergy in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia and is leading an immunotherapy program to help children overcome their food allergies. We discuss how immunology is reshaping lives and offering hope to many people…

1
Pulverizing The Stigma: The Return of Robots in Jon Nelson's Head 37:06

5M ago37:06

37:06

In this highly anticipated follow-up, we welcome back Jon Nelson, the man who went from battling relentless, treatment-resistant depression to becoming a pioneering advocate for mental health. Jon’s journey with deep brain stimulation (DBS) wasn’t just a breakthrough; it was a total game-changer. Now, with “robots in his head” pumping 23 million pu…

1
Building community for Black women in hockey: R. Renee Hess 33:08

5M ago33:08

33:08

For R. Renee Hess, a chance encounter with Pittsburgh Penguins fans led to a lifelong passion for hockey. She has become a passionate advocate for Black women in hockey through education, representation and community building. Renee discusses her new book Blackness is a Gift I Can Give Her: On Race, Community and Black Women in Hockey and how she’s…

1
The Legend of Jonny Imerman 43:06

5M ago43:06

43:06

In this hilariously heartfelt episode, Matthew Zachary sits down with his long-time friend and cancer warrior, Jonny Imerman, the trailblazing founder of Imerman Angels. With candor and camaraderie, they explore the raw truths of cancer survival, sharing stories about the “two bald Jews” throwing wild Young Adult Cancer Happy Hours, and the life-ch…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Cancer Risk Reduction Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen