What happens when breast cancer changes not only your body, but the way you see your relationships, your future, and what matters most? Katherine is joined by librarian, empowerment coach, and breast cancer survivor Kate Houston for an open conversation about sisterhood, receiving support, writing through experience, and making space for a life that feels true after diagnosis.

Together, they speak about Cancer: The Gift, a collaborative memoir created by women with breast cancer, and the healing that can come from sharing the parts of the story that are often held quietly.

Key takeaways:

• Why connection with other women who understand breast cancer can ease isolation and help you feel seen
• How learning to receive support can be one of the most vulnerable parts of a breast cancer diagnosis
• Why writing your story can create space for reflection, release, and a different perspective on what you have lived through
• How breast cancer can change relationships, priorities, boundaries, and the way you choose to live after treatment
• Why you do not have to have every answer straight away, and how to make room for your own sense of knowing when decisions arise

About Kate Houston:
Kate Houston has spent her life in a deep relationship with story. She is a lifelong librarian, a past Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and a former Newbery Award Committee member. She is also an Empowerment and Relationship Coach for women over 40, supporting high-achieving women to reconnect with themselves and create the love and life they truly want.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, Kate brings a lived understanding of the uncertainty, grief, change, and possibility that can follow diagnosis. Her experience deepened her commitment to connection, self-worth, and the belief that love and meaningful life remain possible after cancer.

Kate lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, Matt, and her dog, Bowie. Alongside her coaching work and continuing library career, she writes, dances, bikes, and helps lead writing spaces for women who want to tell their stories.

Links:
Free Resilient Remission Assessment: breastwise.co.nz/resilient-remission-assessment
Free 30-minute Clarity Call: breastwise.co.nz/clarity-call
Breast Wise Website: breastwise.co.nz
Breast Wise Instagram: @breastwisenz

Learn more about Cancer: The Gift, order the book, and join the writing-circle waitlist: cancerthegift.com

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare team before making decisions about your care.

After breast cancer treatment ends, the body can still feel on high alert. Katherine is joined by kinesiologist and wellbeing coach Alex Bowles for a gentle conversation about nervous system regulation, scan anxiety, emotional stress, and learning to reconnect with your body in breast cancer recovery.

Together, they explore what kinesiology can look like in practice, why it can be hard to slow down after treatment, and the value of feeling safe, supported, and understood in the survivorship gap.

Key takeaways:

• Why fear, anxiety, and physical tension can continue after breast cancer treatment has finished
• A plain-language explanation of kinesiology and how Alex uses gentle muscle testing in her sessions
• Why nervous system regulation can be an important part of life after breast cancer
• A simple emotional stress-release practice Alex shares for meeting difficult feelings with awareness
• Why having one safe person or supportive community can make a difference during breast cancer recovery

About Alex Bowles:
Alex Bowles is a wellbeing coach, kinesiologist, and public speaker who supports women through every season of life. She is the founder of Shine Naturally and Director of the Academy of Healing Arts, where she is helping bring kinesiology to New Zealand.

Having presented at kinesiology conferences, Alex brings both depth of knowledge and a warm, heart-centred approach to her work. Drawing on a range of kinesiology modalities, somatic work, quantum medicine, and vibrational remedies, she supports women to move beyond overwhelm, reconnect with themselves, and remember who they are. Alex offers both in-person and online sessions, as well as kinesiology masterclasses covering techniques for pain relief, energy, grounding, and connection.

Links:
Free Resilient Remission Assessment: breastwise.co.nz/resilient-remission-assessment
Free 30-minute Clarity Call: breastwise.co.nz/clarity-call
Breast Wise Website: breastwise.co.nz
Breast Wise Instagram: @breastwisenz

Alex Bowles / Shine Naturally Website: shinenaturally.co.nz
Alex Bowles / Shine Naturally Instagram: @shinenaturally
Alex’s Kinesiology Masterclass and Newsletter: Visit shinenaturally.co.nz to learn more and sign up

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare team before making decisions about your care.

Katherine shares why traditional meditation never worked for her and how she stumbled into an unexpected form of nervous system regulation during chemotherapy: knitting. It's an honest conversation about active relaxation as an alternative to stillness, especially for high achievers and recovering perfectionists who struggle to switch off.

Key Takeaways:

• Meditation isn't the only path to nervous system regulation, active, tactile practices can settle a busy mind just as well.
• If stillness and sitting-still meditation have never worked for you, that's not a personal failing.
• Repetitive, rhythmic activities like knitting, gardening, or cooking can help regulate the nervous system during high-stress periods, including cancer treatment.
• Revisiting an old hobby you've dismissed could be your own starting point for active relaxation.
• Small, joyful, tactile moments can bring a sense of stability and control during active treatment.

Links:
Free Resilient Remission Assessment: breastwise.co.nz/resilient-remission-assessment
Free 30-minute Clarity Call: breastwise.co.nz/clarity-call
Website: breastwise.co.nz
Instagram: @breastwisenz

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team.