What happens when you're given a terminal cancer diagnosis, but six years later, you're still here, still funny, and still figuring out how to live?

In Episode 11 of Big C Energy, actress, comedian, and author Annabelle Gurwitch joins Alison Haislip for an unapologetically honest conversation about living with stage 4 lung cancer, challenging the expectations of a terminal diagnosis, and finding humor in life's most unpredictable moments.

Diagnosed in 2020 after a routine COVID test led to an unexpected chest X-ray, Annabelle was blindsided by lung cancer despite never being a regular smoker. Six years later, she's continuing treatment with targeted therapy, navigating the uncertainty of an incurable disease, and refusing to let cancer define her personality.

Annabelle shares how precision medicine has given her more time, why she rejects the pressure to be a "cancer warrior," and how she's embraced being a self-proclaimed "cancer slacker." From confronting medical misinformation and financial challenges to touring Europe with a heavy metal band, she reveals how living with a terminal diagnosis has transformed her understanding of what makes life meaningful.

Drawing from her book, The End of My Life Is Killing Me, Annabelle reminds us that embracing life doesn't always mean chasing extraordinary experiences. Sometimes, it's simply enjoying a croissant, laughing with friends, or appreciating another ordinary day.

Topics discussed:

• How a routine COVID test unexpectedly led to a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis

• Living six years beyond the initial expectations of a terminal diagnosis

• Targeted therapy, precision medicine, and the realities of lifelong cancer treatment

• Why Annabelle calls herself a "cancer slacker" instead of a "cancer warrior"

• The emotional pressure to stay positive and appear inspiring

• Cancer misinformation, self-blame, and the importance of science-based care

• The financial realities of cancer treatment and navigating insurance challenges

• Finding humor, relationships, and everyday joy while living with uncertainty

• The importance of mentorship, community, and advocating for better cancer care

This episode is a reminder that you don't have to be inspirational every day to live a meaningful life. Sometimes, showing up exactly as you are is more than enough.

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/PhCFvMFyIxg

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox, & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: “Lived to Tell the Story” by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #AnnabelleGurwitch #LungCancer #AlisonHaislip #BreastCancer #Stage4Cancer #CancerAwareness #CancerSurvivorship

Cara Jade Myers went in for her very first mammogram at 40. What followed was the last thing she expected: cancer was found in both breasts.

In Episode 10 of Big C Energy, actress and writer Cara Jade Myers joins Alison Haislip for a uniquely personal conversation during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cara is the first guest on the show who was diagnosed after Alison, and the two actually met because a mutual friend connected newly diagnosed Cara with Alison for support. Now, only months into her own cancer journey, Cara is sharing what that experience has really been like.

Cara opens up about being diagnosed with stage one, hormone-positive breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy just weeks later, reconstruction, and beginning years of hormone therapy. She and Alison compare everything from post-mastectomy drains, implants and numbness to brain fog, body changes, fertility decisions, work, and the emotional whiplash of suddenly going from constant doctor appointments to being told, “See you in six months.”

Cara also shares why she initially kept her diagnosis private, why she ultimately decided to speak publicly about it, and her hope of bringing greater access to mammograms to Indigenous communities, particularly rural reservations where screening and healthcare resources can be difficult to access. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and patient advocacy, Cara's experience is a powerful reminder of why knowing your body and prioritizing your health matters.

And because this is Big C Energy, there’s also weed-shopping confusion, boobs that throw off your balance, “jobbers,” unsolicited advice about going bigger, and the unexpected freedom of eventually saying goodbye to bras.

Topics discussed:

• Cara Jade Myers’ breast cancer diagnosis at 40

• Finding cancer in both breasts during her first mammogram

• Dense breast tissue, ultrasound and biopsies

• The importance of early detection and breast cancer awareness

• Undergoing a double mastectomy just weeks after diagnosis

• Breast reconstruction, implants and post-mastectomy recovery

• Choosing between reconstruction options and getting a second opinion

• Tamoxifen and long-term hormone therapy

• Brain fog, hormones and processing a cancer diagnosis

• Fertility decisions after breast cancer

• Losing work opportunities after a cancer diagnosis

• Why Cara initially kept her diagnosis private

• The importance of finding a cancer community and asking for help

• Cara’s goal of improving mammogram access for Indigenous communities

• Learning to live in a changed body after breast cancer

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/QKfoul__xC4

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: “Lived to Tell the Story” by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #CaraJadeMyers #BreastCancer #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #CancerSurvivor #AlisonHaislip #CancerPodcast

Toks Olagundoye didn’t just survive breast cancer. She became one of the people helping others figure out how the hell to survive the experience, too.

In Episode 9 of Big C Energy, actress Toks Olagundoye joins Alison Haislip for an especially personal conversation. A year before this episode, Toks was one of the first breast cancer survivors Alison spoke with after her own diagnosis, becoming an early mentor and showing her what life on the other side could look like.

Toks opens up about being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after finally scheduling a mammogram she had planned to postpone. In just the two weeks surrounding her diagnosis, her cancer progressed from stage zero to stage one, reinforcing a lesson she now shares whenever she can: the earlier you know, the better. She also discusses multiple lumpectomies, chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstruction, fertility, menopause, ADHD, mental health, and continuing to work through treatment.

Together, Toks and Alison get candid about everything from choosing doctors who actually listen to you and navigating breast reconstruction to losing nipple sensation, the healthcare system, insurance, and the very different realities patients face depending on the support and resources available to them. And because this is Big C Energy, somehow there is also a breast surgeon, a poodle, a Rottweiler, and a medical metaphor neither of them will ever forget.

Topics discussed:

• Toks Olagundoye’s triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis

• Why early detection matters

• Lumpectomies, chemotherapy and double mastectomy

• Fertility decisions during cancer treatment

• Menopause, ADHD and women’s health

• Mental health during and after cancer treatment

• Finding doctors who listen and make you feel seen

• Racial disparities and representation in healthcare

• Breast reconstruction and life after mastectomy

• The financial realities of cancer care

• Working on Fatal Attraction and Frasier during treatment

• Why Toks became a cancer advocate and mentor

• The importance of community and support during treatment

🏆 Big C Energy is a Signal Awards finalist! Vote at vote.signalaward.com

Voting ends October 15!

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/nCGFzvdhjR0

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: “Lived to Tell the Story” by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #ToksOlagundoye #BreastCancer #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #CancerSurvivor #AlisonHaislip #CancerPodcast

Shannon Miller knew how to push through pain, pressure, and impossible odds. Then cancer taught the seven-time Olympic medalist that some things simply can’t be outworked.

In Episode 8 of Big C Energy, Olympic gymnastics legend Shannon Miller joins Alison Haislip for an honest conversation about being diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in her 30s, undergoing surgery and nine weeks of chemotherapy, and discovering that the mindset that made her an Olympic champion didn’t always translate to being a cancer patient.

Shannon opens up about the symptoms she initially overlooked, the moment she realized asking for help was a strength rather than a failure, and the long road back after chemotherapy. She and Alison also compare chemo brain, hair and eyebrow adventures, nausea, and all the other things cancer does that are, quite frankly, just rude. Now 15 years cancer-free, Shannon shares how the experience reshaped her approach to health, gratitude, community, and helping other patients through Salto Health (https://www.saltohealth.com/).

Topics discussed:

• Shannon Miller’s rare ovarian cancer diagnosis

• The ovarian cancer symptoms she initially overlooked

• Why there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer

• Going from Olympic athlete to cancer patient

• Why Shannon says you can’t “outwork” cancer or chemotherapy

• Surgery and nine weeks of BEP chemotherapy

• Learning to ask for and accept help

• Nausea, neuropathy, hair loss, and chemo brain

• Returning to Olympic commentary after treatment

• Life 15 years cancer-free

• Creating Salto Health to support people during cancer treatment

• Prioritizing health and appreciating everyday milestones

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/o_SBROPattg

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: “Lived to Tell the Story” by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #ShannonMiller #OvarianCancer #CancerSurvivor #CancerPodcast #Gymnastics #Olympics #AlisonHaislip #BreastCancer

Marissa Jaret Winokur was 27, newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, and fighting for doctors to listen to her. At the same time, she was fighting for the role that would change her career.

In Episode 7 of Big C Energy, Tony Award-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winokur joins Alison Haislip for a hilarious and deeply honest conversation about being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer, advocating to have the cancer removed from her body, and secretly navigating treatment while pursuing the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray.

Marissa shares why she kept her diagnosis private for years, how cancer changed her relationship with ambition, and why winning the Tony was ultimately just a bonus compared to making it to Broadway. She and Alison also talk about fertility, surrogacy, motherhood, the people who unexpectedly show up when you’re sick, and the importance of being proactive about your own health. And more than 20 years later, Marissa explains why she finally decided to make her cancer story part of her platform.

Topics discussed:

• Marissa Jaret Winokur’s cervical cancer diagnosis at 27

• Fighting to have doctors listen to her treatment wishes

• Pursuing Hairspray while secretly dealing with cancer

• Why Marissa kept her cancer diagnosis private

• Winning a Tony Award after cancer

• Fertility, hysterectomy, surrogacy, and motherhood

• How friends and family show up during cancer

• The importance of Pap smears and proactive health care

• Getting second opinions and advocating for yourself

• Processing cancer after active treatment ends

• Finding purpose in sharing your cancer story

• Life more than 20 years after diagnosis

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: “Lived to Tell the Story” by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #MarissaJaretWinokur #Hairspray #CancerSurvivor #CervicalCancer #CancerPodcast #Broadway #AlisonHaislip #BreastCancer #CancerAwareness

Rob Paulsen has spent his career giving a voice to some of animation’s most beloved characters. Then throat cancer threatened the very thing that made his career possible.

In Episode 6 of Big C Energy, legendary voice actor Rob Paulsen joins Alison Haislip for a hilarious, heartfelt conversation about his stage III throat cancer diagnosis, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and finding humor when things were at their hardest.

Rob reflects on being told that his doctors could cure him, but would “almost have to kill” him first, and how his ability to laugh became part of the medicine that carried him through treatment. He and Alison also discuss second opinions, trusting your gut when choosing doctors, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and why surviving cancer gave Rob an even deeper appreciation for the characters and fans who have shaped his life.

And yes, the voice behind Yakko, Pinky, Raphael, and Donatello brings a few familiar voices along for the ride.

Topics discussed:

• Rob Paulsen’s stage III throat cancer diagnosis

• Chemotherapy and radiation treatment

• How cancer threatened his career as a voice actor

• Finding humor during cancer treatment

• Why second opinions matter

• Trusting your gut when choosing your medical team

• Life after throat cancer and treatment side effects

• The impact of Animaniacs and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• Connecting with fans and children facing serious illness

• Using kindness and humor to help others

• Head and neck cancer awareness and resources

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/pcfHrwEb7Ao

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: “Lived to Tell the Story” by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #RobPaulsen #CancerSurvivor #ThroatCancer #CancerPodcast #Animaniacs #NinjaTurtles #AlisonHaislip #BreastCancer

Barry Watson was just 28 years old and starring on 7th Heaven when he was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkin lymphoma.

In Episode 5 of Big C Energy, Barry joins Alison Haislip for a heartfelt conversation about navigating cancer in the public eye, enduring chemotherapy while at the peak of his career, and how surviving cancer gave him an entirely new appreciation for life.

Barry shares the shocking moment he received his diagnosis, the challenges of treatment, the people who unexpectedly showed up for him, and how cancer ultimately changed the way he approaches family, gratitude, and everyday life. Together, he and Alison reflect on the mental side of chemotherapy, the importance of accepting help, advocating for yourself, and why listening to your body can make all the difference.

Topics discussed:

• Barry Watson's Stage 2B Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis at age 28

• Going through chemotherapy while starring on 7th Heaven

• How cancer changed his outlook on life

• The people who showed up and those who disappeared

• The emotional and mental challenges of chemotherapy

• Becoming a father after cancer

• Learning to accept help during treatment

• Recognizing symptoms and advocating for yourself

• Why listening to your body matters

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/cvhHnbBj4e8

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio – https://linkin.bio/bigcenerg

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: "Lived to Tell the Story" by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #BarryWatson #7thHeaven #CancerSurvivor #HodgkinLymphoma #CancerPodcast #CancerAwareness #AlisonHaislip #BreastCancer

Scott Hamilton has beaten cancer more than once. But he'd tell you that's only part of the story.

In Episode 4 of Big C Energy, Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton joins Alison Haislip for a heartfelt conversation about surviving cancer, finding purpose through adversity, and why he believes cancer was one of the greatest teachers of his life.

Scott reflects on his battle with testicular cancer, multiple brain tumors, the importance of becoming your own advocate, and how those experiences inspired him to launch groundbreaking cancer support and research initiatives, including the Fourth Angel mentoring program and ChemoCare. Along the way, he shares why he prefers "period of vigilance" over remission, why he believes in getting seventh opinions, and what it truly means to move beyond survivorship into "thrivership."

Topics discussed:

• Scott Hamilton's testicular cancer diagnosis

• Living with multiple brain tumors

• The power of the Fourth Angel mentoring program

• Why Scott says "get seventh opinions"

• Thrivership vs. survivorship

• Building resilience through adversity

• Finding purpose after cancer

• Cancer research and immunotherapy

• Supporting children through a parent's diagnosis

▶️ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/SJ8OspigpjA

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, CastBox & iHeartRadio - https://linkin.bio/bigcenergy/

Big C Energy is part of the Community Health Media Podcast Network, where meaningful conversations help patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals learn from one another, one story at a time.

Featured music: "Lived to Tell the Story" by Coby Brown

Purchase the song here: https://cobybrown.bandcamp.com/track/lived-to-tell-the-story

#BigCEnergy #ScottHamilton #CancerSurvivor #Thrivership #CancerPodcast #Olympics #CancerAwareness #AlisonHaislip #BreastCancer