Besties with Breasties Podcast

Hosts Beth Wilmes and Jamie dive into the surprisingly tricky topic of oversharing — both in everyday life and in the middle of a breast cancer journey. Beth (more traditional) and Jamie (a "recovering over-sharer") swap stories about where they each draw the line with their husbands, from farting etiquette to who gets to see medical drains and incisions, and debate whether keeping a little mystery in a marriage makes it stronger or just creates distance.

The conversation turns more personal as they unpack a listener's message from a husband who says he misses "the mystery" after years to...

What does it really mean to survive breast cancer?

Beth sits down with Amy Brace and Jenna Sartorius — co-founders of the Pink Power Hour podcast — for an honest, unfiltered conversation about life after a diagnosis. Amy is navigating the long-term side effects of treatment, including reconstruction that failed and hormone-induced hair loss. Jenna has been living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer — including a brain tumor she had surgically removed — for over three years, carrying a weight most people around her would never guess. Together, they're proof that survivorship looks nothing like the pink ribbon suggests.

In thi...

Beth and Jamie get real about one of the loneliest feelings during breast cancer treatment — when the people around you just aren't showing up the way you hoped. But instead of writing them off, the duo explores a reframe that changes everything: what if it's not that people don't care, but that you're expecting the wrong kind of support from them?

They break down five distinct types of support — social, emotional, informational, esteem, and tangible — and share personal stories about the friends, family members, and unexpected humans who showed up in each of those ways during their own di...

Beth and Jamie tackle one of the most painful and seldom-talked-about sides of a breast cancer diagnosis: when your biggest expected supporter becomes your biggest source of stress. Inspired by a real anonymous scenario shared by a listener, they unpack what's really going on when a loved one's fear shows up as control — from fighting over wigs and GoFundMes to taking over medication routines.

In this candid and deeply relatable episode, Beth and Jamie discuss:

In this episode, Beth and Jamie sit down with Dr. Renata Sledge — who, for the record, thinks her own name sounds like a supervillain — an assistant professor of social work and licensed clinical social worker whose research focuses on the deeply human side of healthcare.

Renata spent 15 years watching patients surrounded by doctors, family, and friends who all wanted to help — and yet still feeling profoundly alone. That gap between wanting to be supported and actually feeling it sent her back to school for her PhD, and it's the question at the heart of this conversation.

Toge...

What happens when a breast cancer diagnosis isn't the worst thing that happens to you during treatment?

In this episode, Beth and Jes sit down with Sarah, a mom of two who discovered her husband had been unfaithful at the very end of her radiation — revealed not by a confession, but by a doctor's visit. Sarah opens up about navigating that devastating double blow, the rage and grief that followed, and how she made the brave decision to walk away even at her most vulnerable.

But this isn't just a story about betrayal. It's a st...

In this candid and eye-opening episode, Beth and Jess sit down with Kevin — the husband of Ally, a previous guest who shared her experience dating after a breast cancer diagnosis. Kevin offers a rare and refreshingly honest male perspective: what modern dating is actually like, what went through his mind when Ally disclosed her mastectomy just four dates in, and how he navigated attraction, vulnerability, and fear of recurrence in real time.

Kevin opens up about the moment Allie told him she'd had a double mastectomy before reconstruction, why her confidence put him at ease, and how he...

In this heartfelt episode, the Besties dive into finding love after breast cancer. Guest Ally shares her incredible journey of being diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer at just 31 years old, going through a grueling 10.5-hour double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction, and remarkably getting back into the dating scene just months later.

Ally opens up about the vulnerable moment of trying on bathing suits and realizing her future husband would never know her "real body," the courage it took to reveal her scars during an intimate moment, and how she met her now-husband on eHarmony just...

This episode explores the often-overlooked topic of dating after breast cancer. Hosts Beth and Jes sit down with Michelle, a nine-year survivor who shares her candid experiences navigating the dating scene post-diagnosis.

Michelle opens up about her journey from diagnosis at age 39 through treatment (double mastectomy and chemotherapy), and how she rebuilt her confidence and self-image afterward. The conversation tackles the real questions many survivors have: When do you tell someone about your diagnosis? How do you handle body image changes? What's it really like out there?

The discussion reveals an encouraging truth: breast cancer...

Join Beth, Jess, and guest Meg for an honest and relatable conversation about the cringiest, most frustrating things people say to breast cancer patients—and how to handle them without losing your mind.

Meg, a 30-year-old mom of two, shares her recent diagnosis journey: from finding a lump while pregnant to fighting for a mammogram when doctors dismissed her concerns due to her age. She opens up about the loneliness of treatment, the exhausting "you're so strong" comments, and the infuriating "free boob job" remarks that completely miss the trauma of amputation and reconstruction.

This ep...

Join Beth and Jess as they dive into one of the most emotionally complex parts of the breast cancer journey: how friendships change. In this candid conversation, the hosts explore why some relationships deepen while others fade after a cancer diagnosis.

Beth and Jess share personal stories about discovering which friends could handle the weight of cancer and which couldn't. They discuss the "Midwest nice" culture of keeping struggles private, the surprising people who stepped up (and those who didn't), and why emotional immaturity—not lack of caring—often explains why some friends disappear during hard times.

Beth, Jess, and Jamie tackle one of the hardest parts of survivorship: looking in the mirror and recognizing the person staring back. This episode starts with a simple question—how do you feel about your body in one word?—and the answers reveal everything. "Accepting." "Strong." "Disappointed." From there, the conversation goes deep into the gap between who they were before cancer and who they are now.

They dive into the power of positive thinking—not the toxic "just be happy" kind, but the intentional practice of choosing gratitude and joy even when it's hard. The conversation explor...

New season. New Besties. New Topics.

When you're going through breast cancer treatment, finding voices that truly understand what you're experiencing can feel like discovering a lifeline. That's exactly what the Besties with Breasties podcast has been for so many patients and survivors—and this season, we're excited to introduce you to the new co-hosts who will be walking alongside you.

Beth Wilmes, founder of Faith Through Fire, with co-hosts Jess and Jamie, both young breast cancer survivors and moms, share their personal stories, discuss what inspired them to get involved with Faith Through Fire, an...

Hormone therapy is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of life after breast cancer. In this episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess Anderson welcome Dr. Katherine Clifton, board-certified medical oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine, for an in-depth conversation on hormone suppression therapy and survivorship.

This episode breaks down what breast cancer survivors need to know about Tamoxifen vs. Aromatase Inhibitors, how long hormone therapy should last (five years vs. ten years), and why treatment adherence is one of the biggest challenges in breast cancer care today. Dr. Clifton explains how...

In this inspiring episode of Besties with Breasties, Beth and co-host sit down with Michelle, a young mom who faced the shock of an early breast cancer diagnosis and the unexpected emotional toll of a later recurrence. Michelle opens up about the fears, identity shifts, and challenges of navigating motherhood through treatment—sharing what it’s really like to balance caring for your children while trying to care for yourself.

With honesty and grace, Michelle discusses the heartache of losing breastfeeding, preparing for surgery, and processing the complex emotions that follow a recurrence. Her story highlights not just...

In this powerful episode, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess open up about one of the most common—and least discussed—challenges breast cancer survivors face: the fear of recurrence. From the emotional weight of scanxiety to the subtle ways anxiety influences daily life, they break down what this fear really looks like and why it’s so normal.

Beth and Jess share their personal stories, discuss how recurrence anxiety shows up in thoughts and behavior, and offer practical coping strategies, including distraction techniques, mindfulness, and breathwork. They explore the importance of community support, survivorship mentorship, and mental health...

In this deeply moving episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Beth, Jamie and special guest Pastor Patti Kirkland, explore one of life’s most profound topics — death, faith, and the Christian belief in eternal life.

With honesty and compassion, Pastor Patti shares how her personal experiences with grief and loss have shaped her understanding of hope, eternity, and God’s promises. Together, the group unpacks the fear surrounding mortality and reveals how faith can transform that fear into peace, purpose, and perspective.

This episode speaks to breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and anyone walking through hardship or uncertainty — r...

What does it really mean to take personal responsibility after cancer — and how do you do it without guilt or shame?

In this honest and empowering episode of the Besties with Breasties Podcast, hosts Beth and Jessica, unpack what “taking control” looks like after treatment.

They dive into how trauma shapes us, what we can and can’t control, and how mindset, discipline, and grace work together in healing. It’s a conversation about self-compassion, empowerment, and finding peace after the storm.

You’ll hear:

Weight Gain After Breast Cancer: Hormones, GLP-1s, & Real Talk on Survivorship

Weight gain after breast cancer is real — and rarely talked about. In this honest and empowering episode of the Besties with Breasties Podcast, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jamie Grieshaber break down the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that make post-treatment weight management so challenging.

They share personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips to help survivors navigate hormones, menopause, GLP-1 medications, and emotional health — all with honesty, humor, and heart.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

-The link between weight...

Women’s Health Unlocked: Cycle Syncing & Nervous System Balance

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Besties with Breasties Podcast! Hosts Beth Wilmes and Jamie Grieshaber are joined by fitness expert and functional nutritionist Natali Kummer to dive deep into cycle syncing, nervous system regulation, and holistic women’s wellness.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how to:

-Sync your workouts with your menstrual cycle to support energy, strength, and recovery.

-Understand the role of the nervous system in women’s health and how to regulate stress for better balance.

-Shift...

Empowered Movement: Exercise, Menopause, and Thriving After Cancer

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast! Hosts Beth Wilmes(author, nonprofit founder) and Jamie Grieshaber, are joined by special guest Leeny Hoffman, a certified menopause fitness and health coach. Together, they explore how women can use movement to feel stronger, more energized, and more empowered during menopause and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

-How to shift your mindset around exercise in midlife

-The science and myths of fitness during menopause

-Practical tips for building a...

Menopause Made Manageable: Small Tweaks for Massive Impact

Welcome to another episode of Besties with Breasties Podcast! Hosts Beth Wilmes (author, speaker, and founder of Faith Through Fire) and Jamie Grieshaber, dive deep into the realities of menopause, midlife, and thriving after breast cancer. This episode features Jen Schroer, RN, NBC-HWC, a board-certified nurse coach and founder of Clarity Health and Wellness Coaching. After overcoming burnout and hormonal shifts in her 40s, Jen now empowers women to reconnect with their bodies, release perfectionism, and create lasting lifestyle changes.

0:00 – Welcome & Introductions

00:45 – Snake Stories & Menopause Fear...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast! Hosts Beth Wilmes and Jamie Grieshaber are joined by special guest Kelly Burke, founder of Career Slay, to discuss the journey of career transformation after a breast cancer diagnosis. Kelly shares her powerful story of being diagnosed at 29 while pregnant, navigating treatment during the pandemic, and ultimately finding new purpose and joy in her work.

Whether you’re a survivor, supporter, or simply seeking motivation to make a change, this episode is packed with honest conversation, practical advice, and hope for anyone facing life’s unexpected turn...

Creating a Motivation Mindset: Exercise as Self-Care with Dr. Michelle Segar

In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, host Beth Wilmes, founder of Faith Through Fire, and co-host Jamie Grieshaber, talk about their personal experiences and relationship with exercise. They welcome Dr. Michelle Segar, a behavioral sustainability scientist, health coach, and author of the bestselling book 'No Sweat,' to discuss how to reframe exercise from a chore to a gift. Dr. Segar shares her insights on the science of motivation, behavior change, and sustainable wellbeing, offering practical advice for making lasting, feel-good habits. The...

Navigating Boundaries Post-Breast Cancer with Henry Amar | Besties with Breasties Podcast Join hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes in this insightful episode of Besties with Breasty as they explore the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Special guest Henry Amar, a renowned life strategist and TED speaker, shares his wisdom on fear-based versus love-based boundaries and how to find the balance that leads to an empowered and authentic life. Discover practical tips and profound insights to help breast cancer survivors navigate relationships and personal growth. Plus, enjoy light-hearted segments like Boobs in the News! Don't miss this enriching conversation designed...

S5E23: Empowered Healing: Bridging Traditional and Integrative Cancer Care by Beth Wilmes & Sarah Hall

Empowering Your Kids to Overcome Health Challenges | Besties with Besties Podcast In this episode of the Besties with Besties podcast, hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Willis, both breast cancer survivors and advocates for healthy living, delve into the topic of children's health and wellness. They discuss the alarming rise in chronic illnesses among kids, the factors contributing to this epidemic, and how parents can lead by example to foster healthier lifestyles. From nutrient-dense foods and reduced screen time to prioritizing sleep and handling anxiety, Sarah and Beth share personal stories and practical advice. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation...

Besties with Breasties: Alcohol, Cancer Survivorship, and Healthy Lifestyles In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, hosts Sarah Hall, a certified health and wellness coach, and Beth Wilmes, founder of the nonprofit Faith Through Fire, discuss their personal experiences with alcohol consumption post-breast cancer diagnosis. They delve into the rise of alcohol dependence among middle-aged individuals, particularly cancer survivors, and its negative impacts on mental and physical health. The podcast emphasizes understanding why people drink, the risks associated with alcohol for cancer survivors, and offers practical guidance on reducing alcohol intake. Highlights include insightful discussions on mental...

In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, hosts Sarah Hall, a certified health and wellness coach, and Beth Willis, founder of Faith Through Fire, discuss mindful eating and the impact of sugar on health with guest Jenna Meyer, a registered nurse and integrative nutritional health coach. They explore the effects of sugar on the body, the significant risks of excessive consumption, and practical strategies for reducing sugar intake. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, balanced blood sugar levels, and starting the day with a savory breakfast. Additionally, they touch on the benefits of continuous glucose monitors...

In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, co-hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes, founder of the nonprofit Faith Through Fire, delve into the topic of vulnerability. They are joined by Kara, a member of Faith Through Fire, who shares her journey with breast cancer and subsequent mental health struggles. Kara discusses the challenges she faced, including hyper-vigilance and anxiety following her treatment, and the importance of vulnerability in her path to recovery. The episode also covers the significance of seeking intensive mental health care and de-stigmatizes inpatient treatment. Kara's story highlights how admitting the need for help...

In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of Besties with Breasties Podcast, hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes sit down with Stephanie Girard, a breast cancer survivor with a story of transformation. Diagnosed with stage two lobular carcinoma, Stephanie didn’t just face cancer—she faced herself and asked the hard questions: What now? What’s next? Her answers led her down a new path, shifting her career toward counseling and diving headfirst into a life of greater purpose and service. The conversation explored what it really means to rebuild after breast cancer—not just your body, but your sense of self...

In this episode, Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes continue the discussion of topics around reducing recurrence/disease progression by introduce the topic of CTDNA testing, also known as liquid biopsy. They explain how this test measures small fragments of cancer DNA in the blood and its potential benefits and limitations. The conversation includes insights from Dr. Cynthia Ax, an integrative breast surgical oncologist, who shares her perspectives on why doctors and patients opt for CTDNA testing, the emotional impacts of receiving test results, and the importance of a holistic approach to cancer care. The episode also touches on issues...

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors with Jessica Balladad: A Journey of Advocacy and Innovation In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes introduce Jessica Balladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and creator of the 'Feel For Your Life' app. The app is a groundbreaking tool that helps women perform self-breast exams, track changes, and set reminders. Jessica shares her diagnosis journey and her passionate work in healthcare reform and breast cancer advocacy. The discussion also covers societal issues around self exams, insurance hurdles, and legislative efforts. Find more about Jessica here: https://www...

In this episode of Besties with Breasty, hosts Sarah Hall, a health and wellness coach, and Beth Willis, founder of Faith Through Fire, discuss their personal experiences with stress management as breast cancer survivors. They explore the impact of stress on cancer progression and overall health and share effective techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The hosts also discuss the importance of building resilience through supportive relationships and self-care strategies. Additionally, the episode includes a humorous segment called 'Boobs in the News' and information on the Faith Through Fire Survivorship Bootcamp. 00:00 Introduction to Besties with Breasty...

In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes discuss the significance of anti-inflammatory foods and diets in reducing chronic inflammation and promoting overall health, especially for breast cancer survivors. They explore the benefits of specific foods like berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, and flax seeds, and caution against certain meats and processed foods. Additionally, they highlight the impact of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber on cancer prevention. 00:00 Introduction to Besties with Breasties 00:48 Casual Chat and Wicked Movie 02:25 Fidgeting and ADD Discussion 05:01 Anti-Inflammatory Diet Insights 08:44 Sponsor Message: Faith Through Fire Survivorship Boot Camp 15:50 Boobs...

In this episode of the Besties with Breasties podcast, hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes conversation centers around chronic inflammation's role in cancer development and overall health, diving into its effects on the body, lifestyle habits that contribute to inflammation, and strategies for managing it. The episode also highlights anti-inflammatory habits, the impact of diet, exercise, and stress management, and the potential use of anti-inflammatory medications. 00:00 Introduction to Besties with Breasties 00:45 Personal Health Journeys 02:29 Inflammation and Cancer 02:57 Faith Through Fire's Survivorship Boot Camp 04:12 Understanding Chronic Inflammation 08:47 Boobs in the News 11:43 Managing Inflammation for Cancer Prevention 14:18 Betting on the Fight 14:30...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Sarah and Beth dive into the fascinating science of breathing as explored in James Nestor's book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Together, they unpack key takeaways from the book, including how the way we breathe impacts our overall health, the connection between breath work and stress reduction, and practical tips to improve your breathing habits for better well-being. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of cancer treatment or just looking for simple ways to enhance your health, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Plus, don't miss this week's "Boobs in...

In this special gift episode for our listeners, we invite you to join us for a powerful breathwork meditation with Kim Hall. This time is designed to help you let go of the old thoughts and patterns that no longer serve you and make space for the desires and intentions you wish to bring into your life. Guided by mindful breath, this session will leave you feeling lighter, more centered, and ready to embrace a future aligned with your most authentic self. Important Contraindications for Activating Breathwork: While this practice can be transformative, activating breathwork may not be suitable for...

In this episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Sarah Hall and Beth Wilmes discuss the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being, particularly for breast cancer survivors. They highlight the detrimental impacts of sleep deprivation on cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health, sharing insights from experts Matthew Walker, Dr. Huberman, and Dr. Mark Hyman. The discussion delves into practical strategies for improving sleep quality, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule, minimizing blue light exposure, and optimizing nutrition. The episode also features insights from Sarah and Beth's personal experiences and explores the broader significance of sleep in managing...

In this episode of Besties with Breasties Podcast, hosts Sarah & Beth discuss strateties to declutter life and reduce stress. They both share their personal experiences with breast cancer and the challenges of busy modern life. they delve into the significance of managing time, clearing physical and digital clutter, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. The episode includes practical tips for minimalism, advice on managing over-scheduled lives, and emphasizes the health benefits of reducing the stress associated with clutters lives and physical spaces. 00:00 Introduction to Besties with Breasties 00:45 Catching Up and Casual Chat 02:21 Today's Topic: Decluttering and De-stressing 03:08...