If you're here, you're likely worried about cancer, how not to get it, how to heal from it or how to save someone you love. I believe we can all beat cancer. Your genes are not your destiny. Your prognosis is not your fate. You do have the power to change your story. What you do does matter.

So, now you want to know exactly what to do. And this conversation is going to help you figure that out. How knowing the specifics, not just about your cancer or cancer risk, but about how your body’s functioning right now, will tell you exactly what you need to support it.

Today’s guest is someone who has profoundly changed my life and helped guide me towards the right way to continue to prevent cancer recurrence. Patrice Surley is a functional nutritionist with over 25 years of clinical experience. Many of my GBM warriors know Patrice because she meets with patients who’ve gotten the toughest diagnoses. And it never scares her. Like a detective, she’s determined to find the secrets of your body, what’s getting in the way of your body’s ability to fight cancer, and how to decode the mystery, remove the obstacles, so your immune system can do it’s job.

She’s also part of your medical team, advocating for YOU as an individual, and appreciates that success is highest when nutrition, supplementation and medicine are used appropriately according to your personal needs.

Have you worried about cell phones and technology causing cancer, chemicals in your home or environment? Today we’re going to ease those worries a bit. Our bodies are stronger than we think.

If you have cancer, have you wondered if there are secret drugs your medical team isn’t sharing with you that could be the answer to your prayers? Things like Ivermectin, Metformin, Methylene Blue? THC? Nicotine? These are all being thrown around on social media and the Cure for cancer that your doctor’s not telling you. Is it real? Is it dangerous? We’re going to talk about all of these topics today.

I’m going to ask something of you. What’s the most important question you have about how to treat cancer beyond what your doctors are telling you? Or preventing it? Diet, supplement, repurposed drug…I want to know your questions. We’re going to do a follow up with mini deep dive sessions into each topic so you can hear the science, the research, and how to know if this is right for you. Also please let me know if you’d like to do an Instagram Live. I’m here to help YOU!

Please follow us on Social media, follow and subscribe to this podcast and share with someone you love. I want to keep connecting you with all of the experts who have helped me become an outlier so you too can beat the odds. But I need your support to keep creating this free content.

Patrice Surley, Integrative Oncology Nutritionist, Patient Advocate

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-surley-43a5a15a

https://www.patricesurley.com/about

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

If cancer runs in your family should you get tested? Do you want to? Why would you even want to know? What about other inherited diseases?

Today, I'm interviewing genetic expert Natalie Samson. You may have seen her on social media as the founder of Golden Genetics. And she is bringing all the good feels to the field of genetic testing and counseling.

We talk about what types of inherited mutations you can test for, from Alzheimers and dementia to cancer and autism. We differentiate somatic gene testing (testing of tumor tissue) from germline testing (inherited genes). We talk about how knowing your genetic makeup can inform everything from early detection to what treatments might be more effective based on your biology. Also, Natalie is an expert in nutrigenomics which inform lifestyle choices like nutrition, supplements and movement. We dive into the ketogenic diet for cancer and when it's not a good choice. And my favorite thing Natalie says is "there is no perfect genome." Indeed there is not. We are all unique and understanding our body's makeup will help us live better, healthier, longer lives.

Natalie Samson is a dedicated Board-Certified Genetic Counselor devoted to transforming healthcare through personalized, integrative, and preventative approaches. She also obtained her Integrative Health Coach Certification and is completing her Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certification. She established her own practice, Golden Genetics to introduce an integrative approach to genetic counseling and testing, combining it with nutrition and nutrigenomics. She focuses on cancer, neurology and nutrigenomics and her aim is to provide unparalleled, personalized care in genetic counseling and testing.

Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor (she/her)

natalie@goldengeneticshealth.com│ Direct (858) 330-0317

@goldengeneticshealth on instagram

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

Today marks the 7th anniversary of my incurable brain cancer diagnosis. To celebrate this milestone, I'm dedicating this special episode to all my brainy friends, the brain cancer thrivers and their caregivers.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant Dr. Andrea Wasilewski. In this episode we talk with Dr. Wasilewski, a board-certified neurologist, neurooncologist, and director of the Givens Brain Tumor Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I'm so grateful to have Dr. Wasilewski as my primary neurooncologist and I know she's part of the reason I'm an outlier, alive and well seven years after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Dr. Wasilewski will discuss the pillars of health she thinks are essential to battling brain cancer, from lifestyle to food and mindset. We'll also talk about off-label drugs, homeopathic treatments, the future of cancer treatment and clinical trials.

If you are wondering if Glioblastoma is really as rare as they say or if the number of patients getting diagnosed each year is actually going up, we'll talk about that too. And the are two big takeaways here that you will not want to miss: should you get a 2nd opinion and how important is sleep.

As always, I'm here for you! Let me know wha you think of this episode.

Love you guys!

ABOUT:

Dr. Andrea Wasilewski

Director, Givens Brain Tumor Center

Minneapolis, MN

Allina Health

Board Certified Neurologist and Neurooncologst

2024 Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Top Doctors: Rising Stars

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

I’m so happy you’re here with me. And I’m so darn happy to be back. It’s been a little while since I’ve been here with you but I promise it’s for a really really exciting reason.
I’ve been traveling to Europe every month since November and will continue to do so for a while. And there are 2 very big reasons why that’s happening. And 2 very big reasons why this is good news for you.

First I’m going to let you in on a secret. Dr William Li is a new friend of mine and one of the most incredible humans I’ve ever met. I know most of you know Dr. Li. He is changing the world by changing the way we understand food and how it affects our bodies from a scientific medical point of view…and he’s showing us how LOVING our food can change our health. In November I went to London to present to Dr. Li’s Angiogenesis Foundation about being an outlier and how food has been part of my life saving story.I am acting as an advocacy ambassador for the Angiogenesis Foundation which means I will be sharing brand new, top tier life saving information with you about what foods you add to your diet can fight and prevent disease.

The second reason I’ve been going to Europe monthly is to see Dr. Saskia Biskup, my hero, and to get a new vaccine. This is a prophylactic vaccine like we all got as babies to prevent mumps and polio but it’s customized to prevent me from getting the other cancers that have been passed down to me in my genes. I’m so incredibly grateful to be getting a new dose of the superpower that I know is helping keep me alive. And to be the test person for this treatment that I truly believe will be the future of cancer treatment for all of you - in combination with lifestyle, a vaccine like this could actually prevent you or your kids from every getting cancer.

You guys, I say cancer saved my life. And it did. I wasn’t truly living until I was told I was going to die. That’s why I’d never go back. I’d choose this bright, beautiful version of life, even if it’s scary, even if it’s shorter, than the one I was living before. And I want the same for all of you - but ideally without the cancer wake up call. I’m sure all of you have been touched by cancer in some way, either yourself or someone you love, but I am here to help you live BETTER and without fear and fully present and in love with your life.

I can’t think of a better person to help demonstrate the beauty of living truly in the present than my guest today. Someone who lives in the Netherlands but now I get to see nearly every month!

Maggie Walker is a Birth Doula Postpartum Doula and Death Doula. And she is love personified. Caregiving is the core of her existence and the way she holds space for those in that magical liminal space between the here an the infinite … is so moving. I know you’re going to be filled with awe and inspired to love your life after listening to this conversation.

You can find Maggie Walker at
www.maggiewalker.nl
Instagram @themindfulmama_nl

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

Do you know what’s really strange, having these two things at the same time: survivor’s guilt and imposter syndrome. Survivor’s guilt and the not quite understanding why the heck I got to survive a cancer most people don’t is what prompted me to live my cancer story out loud. And ultimately start this podcast. At first it's exciting and feels so right, but then the imposter syndrome kicks in: who am I to do this work? I'm not an expert in anything. I'm not a doctor. Have you ever felt his way?

In this podcast we talk about finding your purpose and the gifts found in taking a leap of faith in order to live a more meaningful life. My guest, Jeremy Ling shares his story about leaving a great job as a medical engineer and taking a big risk.

He is now pioneering a new clinical trail for brain cancer that started with saving french bull dogs. (Who knew our beloved pets could get brain cancer too?!) And now he’s part of a clinical trial that’s saving human lives ! And what makes his story all the more compelling is that Jeremy Ling had all the reasons to doubt his career decision. He had a great job as a medical device expert but left the security because he felt called to do something bigger, something new, something risky, something that didn’t guarantee that same steady paycheck but something that combined this tremendous natural love for music and gift for mastering sound technology into a career using ultrasound to destroy cancer cells.

Jeremy Ling is the Chief Technology Officer for Alpheus Medical, a startup device company pioneering novel cancer treatments and supported by some of the foremost thought leaders in brain cancer, as well as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS). He is also a father of four and a dear friend. I’m so excited he is here today.

www.alpheusmedical.com

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

So many of us are in the sandwich generation, parenting our children and caring for our aging parents at the same time. And it's hard stuff. Choosing where to be and when - and giving ourselves grace when maybe we would choose differently knowing what we know now is sometimes hard to accomplish. I know I struggle with it. But my guest today has really been helping me with that. And I know she's going to help you too! Laura's story is statistically impossible and almost hard to believe, but what's more breathtaking is her storytelling and the beauty she discovered in such a dark place.

Laura Dill is the author of the book "Daughter: Embracing the Difficult Journey of Caring for a Dying Parent without Falling Apart" and founder of the Slay Society, a non profit organization benefiting caregivers. And not only has she found her purpose, but I imagine you too will be inspired to find yours.

https://www.slaysocietyinc.ca

Purchase the book here:
https://a.co/d/0dGyF1j

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

Today's expert will no doubt make your life feel so much better. If you're like me, you can go down the proverbial rabbit hole on the internet searching for medical answers, big and small, and often that causes more anxiety.

Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna is an award-winning, board-certified neurosurgeon . He is the Chief of Neurological Surgery at New York-Presbyterian and Brooklyn Methodist, and he is a Professor of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell and the Director of the Brain Metastases Program. He is also the Co-director of the Rhodes Center for Glioblastoma.

We talk about life as a brain surgeon, some of the nuance of Glioblastoma, the importance of clinical trials and how they are defined - and why it's so important to look beyond the standard of care. And lastly, Dr. Ramakrishna shares his passion project: a new tool for making health care accessible in a vetted, helpful way online, between appointments. For not only GBM but ALS, dementia, fertility and more Roon is going to change our lives for the better.
www.Roon.com

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast

Rebecca aka That Brainy Blonde is not only a survivor but an outlier. Having beaten impossible odds, her story might just be what you need to change your own. Rebecca has been both the caregiver to her mom and a survivor to one of the world's toughest, most incurable cancers...until now!

The Brainy Blonde Podcast is here to inspire and motivate you and to empower you with the tools I’ve been learning so that you too will create a life that’s not just stranger than fiction but better than you could have ever imagined.

The Brainy Blonde Podcast has a mission: to help you change the story about your life and take control of what’s been holding you back. I’m going to share my life with you and connect you with some incredible survivors, experts on the future of not only medicine but true wellness. I’ll share my best secrets and connect you with research and experts to back it up.

Starting this July with an episode you won't want to miss!

I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here. If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better.
Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon!
Love you, Rebecca

https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/
https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast