In this episode of Cups & Courage, Samantha is joined by Thalie, CEO of Breast Cancer UK, for a thoughtful and honest conversation about breast cancer prevention, personal loss, and the courage it takes to step towards someone who is struggling rather than retreating.

Thalie shares the story of losing her mum to breast cancer, how grief changed the way she sees friendship, support and community, and why showing curiosity and care can be one of the most powerful things we can offer someone going through a difficult time.

They also talk about Breast Cancer UK’s work around prevention, including modifiable risk factors, lifestyle, environmental factors, alcohol, chemicals, and why prevention should never be framed as blame.

A grounded, informative and deeply human conversation about knowledge, choice, support and the importance of helping people feel less alone.

Support the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam talks to Tamsin about being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 after previously being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in her twenties.

Tamsin shares her experience of being told she would need a double mastectomy, the pressure and assumptions around reconstruction, and how she came to the decision to remain flat.

This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about body image, femininity, choice, confidence, medical follow-up, and what it means to feel like yourself after cancer treatment.

Tamsin also talks about the long-term effects of earlier cancer treatment, the importance of joined-up care, and why patients often have to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system.

Cups & Courage shares honest personal stories from people affected by breast cancer. The views shared are those of the guest and host and do not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about your health, please speak to a doctor or healthcare team.

Support the show

Toni was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2020, on her 60th birthday.

In this gentle and honest conversation, Toni shares her experience of having a lumpectomy, radiotherapy during Covid, and the emotional impact that came afterwards.

She speaks with real bravery about body confidence, feeling different in her own skin, the anxiety of follow-up mammograms, faith, family, friendship, and learning to let people support her.

This episode is a reminder that every breast cancer experience matters, even when we’re tempted to compare it to someone else’s. Toni’s story carries a quiet courage, and there will be something in it that many people recognise.

Cups & Courage shares real conversations and lived experiences around breast cancer. This episode is not medical advice, but we hope it helps you feel informed, supported and less alone.

Support the show

Lisa is the face — and unmistakable pink hair — behind the Pink Ribbon Foundation, a small but mighty grant-making charity supporting breast cancer charities across the UK.

In this episode, Lisa talks about what courage means to her, why the charity has stayed intentionally small, and how keeping overheads low allows more money to reach people who need support during diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

She shares the emotional impact of the Bold Is Beautiful photography project, the power of practical support — from counselling and wigs to respite holidays — and why checking your breasts, knowing your body and advocating for yourself matters.

A warm, honest conversation about purpose, loss, visibility, fundraising, friendship and the people who make breast cancer support possible.

Support the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam sits down with Emma — physiotherapist, speaker, host of When Life Gives You Lemons, and breast cancer survivor.

Emma shares how a tiny symptom after a run led to her diagnosis during lockdown, why exercise became a lifeline through treatment, and how movement helped her feel connected to herself during an incredibly uncertain time. She also talks openly about mastectomy, reconstruction, body confidence, gratitude, and learning to live more presently after cancer.

This is a conversation about self-advocacy, trusting your gut, asking again when something doesn’t feel right, and finding the confidence to keep pushing — even when it feels uncomfortable.

Emma’s story is full of honesty, strength and perspective: from treatment and recovery to podcasting, public speaking, and training for an Ironman.

A reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s facing what’s in front of you, one step at a time.

Support the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam speaks with Viktoria, an award-winning breast cancer nurse specialist and global leader in breast cancer care.

With over two decades working alongside people affected by breast cancer, Viktoria shares what it means to offer care that is not only clinically expert, but deeply human. From the vital role of breast care nurses, to the emotional weight of diagnosis, the pressures within the NHS, health inequalities, breast awareness, metastatic breast cancer, and the impact of small moments of connection — this conversation explores the care behind the care.

Viktoria also reflects on courage, the importance of meeting people where they are, and why sometimes the most powerful support happens in the smallest, most ordinary moments.

A thoughtful, honest and generous conversation about nursing, awareness, advocacy and the people at the heart of breast cancer care.

Support the show

Helena is a three-time breast cancer survivor whose story opens up a powerful conversation about treatment, trauma, identity and self-advocacy. In this episode, she shares what it was like navigating three diagnoses, the mental toll that followed, and the reality of facing a system that did not always see or support her properly. It is honest, sharp, funny in places, and a vital reminder that cancer care is not experienced equally by everyone.

Support the show

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam speaks with acupuncturist, researcher and author Beverley de Valois about the role acupuncture can play in cancer care and survivorship. They explore how it can support people through treatment and beyond, from managing hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety and nausea to improving quality of life after a diagnosis. It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation about supportive care, lived experience and the need for better awareness of what can help after treatment.

Support the show