Best Peersupport Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Recovery Advocacy Matters – Part 2 27:48

9h ago27:48

27:48

A Conversation with Carina Raya – Part 2 In this insightful episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon continues her compelling conversation with Carina Raya, delving deeper into the critical issues surrounding addiction, harm reduction, and public health policy. They shed light on the stark realities of the overdose crisis and challenge co…

1
Drawing Through the Darkness: Maya’s Story of Art & Healing 6:29

1d ago6:29

6:29

Maya, a young cancer patient and gifted artist, shares how drawing became her outlet during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Inspired by animator Vivienne Medrano, Maya dove into digital art to escape the fear and isolation of hospital life. Now, she's setting her sights on SVA in NYC with hopes of turning her pain into powerful animation. In …

1
“I Thought I Was Dying” – Maya on Cancer, Panic Attacks, and Finding Hope 11:11

22d ago11:11

11:11

Maya, a 15-year-old high school student, shares the deeply personal story of how her childhood fear of getting cancer became real. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), she takes us through the moment she first felt symptoms, her terrifying ER experience, and how the diagnosis changed everything. In this episode of Life on Pause, Maya also o…

1
Preserving Parenthood: Fertility Options for Young Cancer Patients 13:59

25d ago13:59

13:59

In this episode of Life on Pause, we explore a critical—but often overlooked—aspect of cancer care: fertility preservation. Joined by Dr. Mindy Christianson, a national expert in reproductive endocrinology from the Cleveland Clinic, and Shanan Vanatta, the Fertility Preservation Coordinator at Penn State Health, we take a closer look at the options…

1
Why Recovery Advocacy Matters – Part 1 26:15

1M ago26:15

26:15

A Conversation with Carina Raya – Part 1 In part one of this four-part interview, host Michelle Lennon, CEO of Archways, engages in a powerful conversation with Carina Raya, a remarkable student at George Washington University heading to med school with a strong focus on public health. This first discussion centers around the critical importance of…

1
Pain Medication and Recovery 30:46

2M ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon interviews Darryl Lennon about his experiences navigating major surgeries while maintaining his recovery. Darryl shares his journey, starting with his initial addiction after a severe accident, through years of hardship and recovery, and finally, his strategies for managing pain medication …

1
Finding Strength in Support: Young Adults on Cancer, Community, and Coming Back Stronger 33:13

2M ago33:13

33:13

In this episode of Life on Pause, young adult cancer survivors open up about the incredible power of support systems. From family and friends to classmates, coworkers, and even strangers, our guests share how they leaned on their communities—both online and offline—through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. You’ll hear honest stories of: Facin…

1
Navigating Cancer’s Impact on Education & Career Paths 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

How does a cancer diagnosis impact education and career aspirations? In this episode of Life on Pause, seven young adult cancer survivors share their personal experiences of having their lives disrupted by cancer during pivotal academic and professional moments. From reimagining career paths to navigating education with ongoing treatment, their sto…

1
Cara, College, and Connection: Finding Recovery in Community – Part 2 26:51

3M ago26:51

26:51

A Conversation with Cara LaPlante – Part 2 Link to Part 1 - https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f166bb7 Welcome to another episode of Archways' Threads! This podcast explores the threads of family and recovery support services that weave together the tapestry of life in recovery. In this episode, we continue our conversation with Cara LaPlante, diving d…

1
Cara, College, and Connection: Finding Recovery in Community – Part 1 26:05

4M ago26:05

26:05

A Conversation with Cara LaPlante – Part 1 Welcome to Archways' Threads, a podcast exploring the tapestry of recovery and family support. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone interested in enhancing their well-being and supporting others in their recovery journey. Our host, Michelle Lennon, CEO of Archways, introd…

1
The Evolution of Family Support – Part 3 28:24

5M ago28:24

28:24

A Conversation with Karen Welford – Part 3 Listen to part one of this conversation here - https://share.transistor.fm/s/19935724 Listen to part two of this conversation here - https://share.transistor.fm/s/f2130591 In this final installment of our three-part series, Michelle Lennon concludes her insightful conversation with Karen Welford about the …

1
The Evolution of Family Support – Part 2 27:19

6M ago27:19

27:19

A Conversation with Karen Welford – Part 2 Listen to part one of this conversation here - https://share.transistor.fm/s/19935724 In this episode of Archways' Threads, Michelle Lennon is joined by Karen Welford for the second installment of their conversation about family support and strengthening. They delve into the vital role of family resource c…

1
Cancer, Weight Changes, and Self-Image: A Survivor’s Perspective 9:21

6M ago9:21

9:21

In this candid bonus episode of Life on Pause, young adults share their personal experiences with body image during and after cancer treatment. Through heartfelt stories, they explore the challenges of rapid weight changes, self-perception, and the emotional impact of visible scars. As they recount experiences with weight loss, steroids, and the co…

1
Unforgettable Smells: Cancer Survivors Share Sensory Triggers 3:42

6M ago3:42

3:42

In this bonus episode of Life on Pause, young adult cancer survivors open up about the powerful sensory triggers that bring back memories of their cancer treatment. From the sharp scent of hand sanitizer to the saline flushes that evoke a distinct taste, these triggers linger long after treatment. Hosted by Corene Parrish, the conversation delves i…

1
Sweet and Salty: How Cancer Changes Your Relationship with Food 35:54

7M ago35:54

35:54

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish and a group of young adult cancer survivors gather to explore the complex relationship between food and cancer. Reflecting on life before, during, and after treatment, they discuss the surprising ways cancer impacted their cravings, taste preferences, and emotional connections with food. Fr…

1
The Evolution of Family Support – Part 1 25:15

7M ago25:15

25:15

A Conversation with Karen Welford – Part 1 Welcome to this episode of Archways’ Threads, where host Michelle Lennon speaks with Karen Welford, a pioneer in family support and strengthening practices. With over 40 years in the field, Karen has seen family support evolve from intuitive acts of kindness to a well-defined practice rooted in evidence an…

1
Survivorship Clinics: Facing the Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer 4:19

7M ago4:19

4:19

Surviving cancer is only the beginning of the journey. In this episode of Life on Pause, Nathan Smelser, Corene Parrish, and Sammy Szurkowski dive into the emotional and practical challenges of navigating life after cancer. From the overwhelming amount of medical information shared during survivorship clinics to the long-term side effects that surf…

1
The Real and Raw Side of Friendships During Cancer 9:33

7M ago9:33

9:33

Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a teenager is challenging, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. In this episode of Life on Pause, we hear personal stories from Corene Parrish, Nathan Smelsar, and Sammy Szurkowski, who share how their friend groups responded during their cancer journeys. From high school drama to unwavering su…

1
Real Stories of Young Cancer Survivors: Balancing School and Treatment 53:56

8M ago53:56

53:56

Returning to school after a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming challenge, filled with unique hurdles and unexpected moments. In this episode of Life On Pause, young adult cancer survivors Sammy, Nathan, and Corene share their personal stories of navigating the educational landscape during and after their treatments. From missed school days to …

1
Peer Support and the RCOS of New Hampshire – Part 3 20:01

8M ago20:01

20:01

Conversations with Cheryle Pacapelli - Part 3 Link to Part 1 of the conversation - https://share.transistor.fm/s/df5940a4 Link to Part 2 of the conversation - https://share.transistor.fm/s/eba97cd7 Welcome to the latest episode of Archways Threads! Today, we conclude our powerful 3-part conversation with Cheryle Pacapelli, Project Director for New …

1
Peer Support and the RCOS of New Hampshire – Part 2 20:56

9M ago20:56

20:56

Conversations with Cheryle Pacapelli - Part 2 Link to Part 1 of the conversation - https://share.transistor.fm/s/df5940a4 Welcome to the latest episode of Archways Threads! In part 2 of this 3-part interview, Michelle Lennon continues her insightful conversation with Cheryle Pacapelli, Project Director of the Recovery Centers in New Hampshire. They…

1
Exploring Family Planning After Cancer: Joe Apgar’s Adoption Journey 38:22

9M ago38:22

38:22

In this compelling episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Joe Apgar, a cancer survivor and CEO of Pelotonia, to explore the deeply personal journey of family planning after a cancer diagnosis. Joe shares his and his wife’s decision to pursue adoption following his battle with testicular cancer and the challenges they faced a…

1
Infertility After Cancer: Reflections on Parenthood and Life 8:29

9M ago8:29

8:29

In this poignant episode of Life on Pause, hosts Corene Parrish and Jill Robertson dive into the complex and emotional journey of navigating infertility, especially in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Corene shares her personal experiences as both a cancer survivor and someone facing infertility, reflecting on how these challenges have shaped her pe…

1
Dealing with Infertility & Cancer: A Survivor’s Perspective 7:35

9M ago7:35

7:35

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish shares her personal journey of managing life after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 16. Join Corene and Jill Robertson as they discuss the emotional challenges of dealing with cancer, infertility, and the struggle to maintain control in the face of overwhelming circumst…

1
Exploring Fertility Preservation During Cancer Treatment: Expert Insights from Penn State Health 21:46

9M ago21:46

21:46

In this episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Dr. Stephanie Estes, a fertility specialist at Penn State Health, to explore the complex intersection of cancer treatment and fertility preservation. Building on the recent webinar "Cancer and Blood Disorders: When Disease Treatment Pushes Fertility and Family Planning Decisions…

1
Peer Support and the RCOS of New Hampshire – Part 1 21:03

10M ago21:03

21:03

Conversations with Cheryle Pacapelli - Part 1 Archways' Threads is a show designed for people interested in the practices of supporting families and individuals affected by problematic substance use. Each episode, Michelle Lennon (President and CEO of Archways Recovery Community Organization and Family Resource Centers) and guests speak about topic…

1
Rising Above: Stories of Resilience from Young Cancer Survivors 12:21

11M ago12:21

12:21

In this inspiring episode of Life On Pause, join host Emma G as she celebrates the resilience and triumphs of young cancer survivors at the Four Diamond Graduation Party. Hear from Tucker Haas, a four-time cancer survivor turned motivational speaker; Juval Green, a high school student and aspiring college athlete; and Carmen Guzman, a recent Penn S…

1
Coming Soon – Archways’ Threads Podcast 3:07

1y ago3:07

3:07

Welcome to Archways’ Threads, a show focusing on the threads of family and recovery support services that help make up the tapestry of life in recovery. Join us as we share stories from peers and participants in the field and practice of peer recovery support and family support and strengthening. This podcast is sponsored by Health Market Connect, …

1
Lessons Learned 39:32

2y ago39:32

39:32

People experience many impactful lessons throughout young adulthood. Although a cancer diagnosis can change a young adult's life trajectory, it also provides learning opportunities and influential experiences. These lessons learned throughout a young adult's cancer experience can contribute to shaping their life journey and forming the person they …

1
Forced Realities and Choices 55:04

2y ago55:04

55:04

Experiencing a serious health event, like a cancer diagnosis, can change a person's priorities, decisions, and overall life path. Young adults with cancer experience different obstacles as they undergo uncontrollable life changes due to their diagnosis and treatment. So how can young adults continue to move forward with cancer influencing their dec…

1
The Many Sides of Fear 48:44

2+ y ago48:44

48:44

Everyone has fears that develop and change throughout their life. However, significant health events like a cancer diagnosis can simultaneously alter many aspects of life as they reveal a new set of potential outcomes - and concerns. So how do young people impacted by cancer cope with the fears brought on by their diagnosis? Life on Pause is a podc…

1
Looking Back To Look Forward 41:58

2+ y ago41:58

41:58

Those impacted by cancer gain strength and resiliency from their experiences, which carry them from year to year and remain present throughout their lifetimes. As we enter a new year, reflecting on the past can help us recognize and appreciate the lessons that will stick with us and guide us in the future. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and …

1
Cancer in a Strange Land 33:15

2+ y ago33:15

33:15

As a part of life, people often face new situations that take them out of their comfort zones. A unique experience like traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but unfamiliar circumstances can also cause significant unease, especially when they are due to health complications. And while a first-time cancer diagnosis may feel like uncharted …

1
Toxic Positivity and Grief Tourism 48:43

2+ y ago48:43

48:43

Society generally expects people to maintain behaviors and attitudes considered "appropriate" for the situations they face. But when a person is experiencing cancer, acting according to other people's expectations can be incredibly detrimental to their mental health. Toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset acro…

1
Challenges vs. Comfort 28:01

2+ y ago28:01

28:01

Life constantly presents people with new scenarios that can be challenging, causing them to seek the security of their comfort zones. Young adults who experience cancer often face significant challenges regarding their treatments and health. Yet, it is common for people to find solace in the things that bring them comfort through difficult times. S…

1
Dating After Cancer 33:16

2+ y ago33:16

33:16

As if dating as a young adult wasn’t complicated enough, cancer survivors must navigate additional circumstances surrounding their past and current health. Unfortunately, this can make several aspects of the dating process tricky, like disclosing your past diagnosis to potential partners, determining the qualities you look for in a partner, and ove…

1
Radiation Therapy 34:52

2+ y ago34:52

34:52

For those who have not gone through cancer treatments before, many aspects of experience may be unknown. This can mean that new cancer patients feel surprised and caught off guard by the processes and side effects of various cancer treatments, especially in the case of radiation therapy. So what should new radiation therapy patients be aware of to …

1
Survivors In Healthcare 32:04

2+ y ago32:04

32:04

The cancer experience can be challenging, painful, and even traumatic. Still, there are healthcare professionals who have experienced cancer themselves and make it their mission to help other patients overcome their health battles. So what makes someone want to work in the healthcare field after surviving cancer, and in what ways does their own pas…

1
Parenting During A Bone Marrow Transplant 32:22

3y ago32:22

32:22

Cancer can come in many forms and may involve different patient treatments. There is no typical cancer journey, and factors like interpersonal relationships, treatment methods, and individual coping strategies can influence a patient’s experience. Young adults with cancer may have to learn to address challenging situations like maintaining parental…

1
Survivorship Day Exploration Part 1 13:00

3y ago13:00

13:00

Cancer affects many lives in different ways, leaving survivors and their loved ones with unique experiences and stories. And while it is essential to support cancer patients currently battling cancer, recognizing the effort and strength of cancer survivors is deeply important. For this reason, Penn State Children's Hospital hosts Survivorship Day e…

1
Changes and Fitting In 16:33

3y ago16:33

16:33

As if young adulthood wasn’t challenging enough, experiencing cancer at this stage of life can cause one to feel disconnected from their peers. It is common for cancer patients to lack a sense of belonging with others, especially in settings like school or work. So how can young adults with cancer cope with feeling out of place and like they don’t …

1
Exercise with Treatment 37:59

3y ago37:59

37:59

Exercise plays a vital role in our quality of life. But for cancer patients focused on recovery, many are uninformed on healthy exercise practices for people in treatment. Unfortunately, exercise oncology is still an underserved area in medical science, and while recent progress has been made in the field, we still have a long way to go. So what sh…

1
Not Dead Yet 33:59

3y ago33:59

33:59

The cancer journey can introduce many changes into a patient's life, creating new obstacles and challenges for them to endure. But taking on a new life philosophy may be able to support patients in managing these difficulties and gaining a healthy perspective on the life that they have. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults liv…

1
A Fork In The Road 34:19

3y ago34:19

34:19

Experiencing an unforeseen circumstance like cancer can cause your life to deviate from the path you had initially set out upon. This episode of Life on Pause discusses cancer's impact as a "fork in the road" and how it can significantly alter the lives of those who experience it. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living wi…

1
Palliative Care 27:44

3y ago27:44

27:44

The role of healthcare professionals is to support the health and comfort of patients through each phase of their treatment. This episode of Life on Pause discusses the sensitive topic of palliative care, and listeners are encouraged to use their best judgment and discretion. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with ca…

1
Chemotherapy: What to Expect 44:47

3y ago44:47

44:47

Chemotherapy involves so much more than just treating cancer. Chemotherapy treatments involve various side effects that can challenge patients mentally, physically, and emotionally. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Kasara talks with guest speakers to discuss their experiences receiving chemotherapy treatments for their cancer diagnoses. T…

1
Hardship on Treatment 20:16

3y ago20:16

20:16

Life with cancer looks different for everyone, and for young people especially, it can be challenging to manage a diagnosis while still moving forward with life's other experiences. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Brady Lucus chats with guest speaker Colton Cook, a college student who has been in treatment for his cancer diagnosis. Toget…

1
First Descents: The Therapeutic Effects of Adventure 43:15

3y ago43:15

43:15

Even after recovery, cancer can still leave challenging effects on those who have experienced it. However, taking part in a new adventure can be beneficial and healing for cancer survivors. First Descents is a program for young adults impacted by cancer that provides them with outdoor adventures and helps them heal through psychosocial support and …

1
Hershey’s First Bone Marrow Transplant: A Caregiver’s Journey 36:27

3y ago36:27

36:27

The cancer journey can have a profound impact on the patient and those close by providing support. Finding oneself in the role of caregiver for a cancer patient can be an emotionally exhausting experience for a young adult, as they try to maintain support and composure in times of worry and hurt. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young …

1
Brain Tumors 41:51

3y ago41:51

41:51

So many aspects of our lives rely on our brains’ health and proper functioning. For individuals who have been diagnosed with brain tumors at a young age, their cancer experiences have had lasting effects on them physically, as well as their views on life. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host and guest speakers speak on their experiences with …

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