The Cancer Liberation Project

What does healing after breast cancer really look like? In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, I sit down with breast cancer survivor, certified personal trainer, and Cancer Exercise Specialist Melissa Grosboll to explore life after a cancer diagnosis. Melissa shares how a routine mammogram led to her stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis, the decisions she made during treatment, and how the experience inspired her to help other cancer survivors regain strength, confidence, and hope.

We discuss the critical role of exercise in cancer recovery, including how movement can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve range of motion...

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, Hayley sits down with Kevin Donaghy, who joins her from Scotland to share his remarkable journey with stage IV metastatic melanoma. After initially being told his stage II melanoma had been successfully treated, Kevin received the devastating news 18 months later that the cancer had spread to his lung and spine. Diagnosed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced not only a life-threatening illness but also the isolation and uncertainty that came with lockdowns and cancer treatment.

Kevin opens up about the emotional impact of his diagnosis, his...

In this inspiring episode, Hayley sits down with Josh Vintner-Jackson, a young adult living with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Diagnosed at just 29 years old while living in Austin, Texas, Josh shares his unexpected cancer journey—from emergency surgery during the COVID pandemic to years of treatment, recurrence, and ongoing challenges.

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, more than 40 rounds of chemotherapy, and countless hospital stays, Josh has remained committed to living fully. He opens up about the mindset shifts, daily habits, and resilience practices that have helped him navigate uncertainty, maintain hope, and keep moving forward through adversity.

Jo...

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, Hayley sits down with cancer survivor, coach, researcher, and patient advocate Teresa Ferreiro to talk about navigating cancer with more agency, resilience, and self-trust. Teresa shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 36 years old after already enduring the heartbreak of losing a baby late in pregnancy. Her husband discovered the lump, and what followed was an intense journey through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation — but also a powerful inner search for healing, balance, and empowerment.

Throughout the conversation, Teresa opens up about making informed ch...

Bron Watson, a nurse, educator, and entrepreneur, shares how her life before cancer was driven by constant giving—to her patients, her business, and her family. Despite appearing successful, the pace came at a personal cost. At 48, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed quickly by surgery and treatment. Even during chemotherapy, she continued pushing herself until she had a moment of clarity: continuing at that pace could cost her life. That experience became a turning point, forcing her to reevaluate how she was living and reconnect with herself.

She later faced a second, unrelated diagnosis—incurable bloo...

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, I sit down with Nancy Studervant, a mother whose life shifted dramatically when her 18-year-old son was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma shortly after climbing Mount Rainier. What began as knee pain was initially misdiagnosed, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis and the start of a long, complex journey. Nancy shares the emotional weight of that moment and the critical decisions that followed, including aggressive chemotherapy, surgery, and navigating the pressure to act quickly within the conventional medical system.

As her son experienced relapse, Nancy began expanding beyond standard treatment...

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, I sit down with Nancy Studervant, a mother whose life shifted dramatically when her 18-year-old son was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma shortly after climbing Mount Rainier. What began as knee pain was initially misdiagnosed, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis and the start of a long, complex journey. Nancy shares the emotional weight of that moment and the critical decisions that followed, including aggressive chemotherapy, surgery, and navigating the pressure to act quickly within the conventional medical system.

As her son experienced relapse, Nancy began expanding beyond standard treatment...

Dr. Miller is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, medical educator, lecturer, writer, formulator, and musician. In 2005, he graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine's, "Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine" program, and then in 2018 completed his "Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine" degree at the Pacific College of Health and Science. Post-graduation from OCOM in 2005 he spent 2 months in Nanjing, China where he completed a clinical internship at Nanjing’s acclaimed, “House of Celebrity Doctors.” 

For the past 20 years, Dr Miller has devoted a large part of his time and energy to working closely with pati...

Dr. Goodyear is a Board-Certified OB/GYN and a leading expert in integrative oncology with nearly two decades of experience blending conventional and holistic cancer therapies.

He has served as medical director for multiple integrative cancer clinics, authored three books—including Breaking the Cancer Code—and is a sought-after speaker and podcaster on innovative treatments like high-dose IV vitamin C, Precision Therapy Stacking, and Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy. Dr. Goodyear is dedicated to empowering both patients and physicians through education, advocacy, and cutting-edge care.

This conversation explores Dr. Nathan Goodyear’s journey from a conventional OB/GYN ba...

Dr. Adrian is a naturopathic physician specializing in integrative cancer care and chronic conditions. She holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry, is a graduate of Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, and is an active member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Education remains one of her greatest passions, leading her to  serve as residency director for one of North America’s only naturopathic complex chronic disease and oncology-focused residencies.

During our conversation, Dr. Adrian shares how her early fascination with whole-person medicine led her to naturopathic oncology, where she focuses on bridging the gap between conventional tre...

Dr. Williams is a medical doctor originally trained in oncology who now practices integrative, holistic cancer care. His work blends the best of conventional medicine with biologically grounded therapies that support the body’s own regulatory and healing systems. Through his clinical practice and educational platforms, Dr. Williams helps patients cut through overwhelm, understand their options, and make confident, personalized decisions about their care. He is known for his patient-centered approach, his clarity in simplifying complex cancer concepts, and his commitment to empowering individuals on their recovery and prevention journey.

During our conversation, Dr. Williams shares his jo...

Dale shares his powerful journey after being diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer following years of dismissed symptoms. After finally receiving testing that revealed a large primary tumor with metastasis, he was placed on a palliative care pathway and given a limited prognosis. Determined to explore every possible option, Dale began researching extensively and chose to combine conventional treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy with evidence-informed complementary therapies and metabolic strategies.

Throughout his treatment, Dale developed a highly personalized, integrative approach that included nutritional therapy, targeted supplementation, lifestyle changes, and therapies designed to support immune function and treatment effectiveness...

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, Hayley speaks with Paul about the deeply personal journey that led him to hydrogen-rich water and its role in healing. Paul shares how his wife suffered for years with debilitating menstrual cycles, thyroid dysfunction, anemia, and severe fatigue—symptoms that worsened to the point where he feared losing her. Everything changed when she began drinking hydrogen-rich water, experiencing rapid improvements in energy and resilience, followed by long-term normalization of her cycle, iron levels, and overall health. This experience sparked Paul’s mission to understand the science behind hydrogen and help others faci...

Ryan is the cofounder along with his wife Teddy, of The Stern Method, a platform informing and inspiring families preventing or reversing cancer to succeed on all fronts. 

In May of 2014 their son Ryder was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of the nervous system eleven days before his first birthday. Through an integrative approach leaving nothing on the table, and ridding their lives of all possible causes, which included building a non-toxic house in the middle of the woods, today Ryder is thriving.

Along with The Stern Method website and social media p...

Dr. Contreras, serves as director, president, and chairman of Oasis of Hope Hospital. A distinguished surgical oncologist, Dr. Contreras is renowned for combining conventional and alternative medical treatments with emotional and spiritual support to provide patients with the most positive treatment experience possible.

After graduating from medical school at the Autonomous University of Mexico in Toluca, Dr. Contreras specialized in surgical oncology at the University of Vienna in Austria, where he graduated with honors. He has authored fifteen books concerning integrative therapy including: The Art and Science of Undermining Cancer, 50 Critical Cancer Answers, The Hope o...

Lise Alschuler, ND, MBA, FABNO, is the President & CEO of Sonoran University of Health in Tempe AZ. She is a Professor of Naturopathic Medicine at Sonoran University and retains her rank as a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona where she was previously the Associate Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.

She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University. Dr. Alschuler completed her naturopathic medical training at Bastyr University where she also completed her residency in general naturopathic medicine.

She is board certified...

Janet is a Doctor of Osteopathy and Doctor of Natural Medicine who specializes in integrative oncology and metabolic health. She's the founder of Nurture and Restore Wellness, where she helps patients understand the deeper terrain of their health, the systems and patterns that influence cancer growth and healing.

Her work brings together science, compassion, and personalized care. Janet uses data-driven functional testing, targeted nutrition, and metabolic therapies to help people restore balance, strengthen immunity, and support the body's innate ability to heal.

Her approach combines scientific precision with compassionate care, empowering patients to restore balance...

Leslie is a personal trainer with expertise in cancer exercise intervention and chronic disease, a Pilates instructor, running coach, HIIT trainer, and grief counselor with over two decades of experience helping people optimize their health and wellness through the mind/body connection. She’s passionate about helping people through their own wellness journey by providing exercise and training tips.

In this episode, Leslie shares about exercise oncology—the growing field that uses movement to improve cancer outcomes and overall well-being. After losing several loved ones to cancer, Leslie was inspired to help survivors rebuild strength, confidence, and hope...

A member of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Program, a Corporate Facilitator, and a Certified DISC Consultant, Diana Fritz is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through open, engaging, and values-driven leadership. Her mission is to create a meaningful impact and ensure every person she encounters feels valued.

Beyond her professional achievements, Diana is a devoted wife, mother, and committed volunteer. She thrives on sharing insights about leadership, resilience, and navigating challenges with authenticity.

In this deeply moving episode, Diana shares her remarkable 12-year cancer journey — one that began unexpectedly with what seemed like a minor eye irri...

Sandy is an award-winning actress who recently added stage 4 cancer survivor to her remarkable life journey. A passionate yogi, creative, and producer, she is dedicated to inspiring others through her experiences. While undergoing her battle with cancer, Sandy authored a poignant book titled Cancer Ramblings: From Why to Why Not?, offering hope and guidance to those facing similar challenges.

In addition to her work in the creative arts, Sandy is passionate about the healing arts through various modalities such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound bathing to promote wellness and resilience. 

By blending her talents i...

Robert Scott Bell, D.A. Hom. (American Academy of Clinical Homeopathy1994) is a homeopathic practitioner, an author and an expert in silver and copper therapeutics. As a keynote speaker, lecturer and educator, he shares his expertise and practical experience with a broad range of audiences from Health Care and Wellness Professional forums, to Natural Industry trade and consumer shows, addressing those who are seeking the depth of his knowledge, education and key insights from his years of holistic practice.

RSB co-authored Unlock the Power to Heal with Ty Bollinger. He hosts the popular Robert Scott Bell Show si...

Margie is a physical therapist, integrative health coach, author, and happiness trainer. Margie has over 30 years of experience helping people with osteoporosis and osteopenia improve their bone health through a comprehensive integrative approach. She hosts the Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast and has hosted four summits on Natural Approaches to Osteoporosis and Bone Health. Margie oversees all the osteoporosis initiatives for the state of New Jersey as a physical therapy representative to the NJ Interagency Council on Osteoporosis.

Margie has lectured to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, hospitals, and women’s groups throughout the country. She has...

Debbie is a wealth mentor. She’s a rebel with a cause: helping conscious entrepreneurs rewrite their stories about money, power, and purpose. After building successful businesses, making millions, and teaching abundance for decades, Debbie found herself face-to-face with a cancer diagnosis, broke and on food stamps. That experience didn’t break her—it activated her. Through feminine energy, intuition, and radical reinvention, she not only healed her body and rebuilt her wealth, she reimagined what true success really means.

Today, Debbie is the author of Your Inner Billionaire—a potent blend of prosperity principles, spiritual truth, and no-n...

Krishna is a subconscious and somatic therapist, Internal Family Systems practitioner, PSYCH-K facilitator, and licensed acupuncturist who has led over 30,000 patients to their health and wellness goals for the last 22 years. She currently specializes in subconscious therapy, IFS, and the nervous system.

In this episode, Krishna shares how trust and belief led her to a career rooted in deep healing and transformation. She walks us through how Psych-K works to rewire subconscious patterns, how she helps clients identify the beliefs keeping them stuck, and how this process can create real, lasting change.

We also explore...

Jamie is a Holistic Health Coach, working with women to help them develop healthy, loving relationships with their minds and bodies through optimizing nutrition, mindset and movement. She is a mental health advocate, lifelong dancer and passionate about all things wellness. Jamie resides in Jersey City with her loving husband, Nick. She is the host of the FWD Think Tank Podcast, a place of hope, inspiration and wisdom on all things wellness, integrative health and sharing stories of hope from people who have overcome serious health challenges.

In 2023, to her shock, Jamie discovered a rare thymic tumor a...

Dr. Carol is a Naturopath, Acupuncturist, and Homeopath with over 20 years of experience helping women recover their health and restore their life to move beyond breast cancer. 

Her live group program, Empowered Against Recurrence, provides holistic and evidence-based strategies to understand what’s really happening in your body, release fear, and develop a mindset of strength, self-trust, and possibility.

During our conversation, Carol shares how her friend’s breast cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for her path into naturopathic medicine. She offers practical strategies to reduce treatment side effects, guidance for navigating 'fast' menopause brought on by...

Andy is a resilient survivor and inspirational author who has overcome numerous life-altering challenges—a victim of childhood sexual abuse and bullying, the loss of his mother at an early age, and the eventual estrangement from his father, his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and the loss of his youngest son to suicide.

Despite enduring multiple surgeries, grueling chemotherapy treatments, and the tragic loss of his youngest child, he has demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance, developed a deep understanding of resilience, and knows firsthand what it takes to overcome monumental challenges.

His book Overcoming Life’s Tou...

Dr. Nalini Chilkov is the Founder and Creator of the OutSmart Cancer® System (outsmartcancer.com) and the author of the best-selling book 32 Ways to OutSmart Cancer: How to Create a Body in Which Cancer Cannot Thrive. Dr. Nalini’s OutSmart Cancer Programs are recognized as the most comprehensive, science-based, safe, natural programs for supporting cancer patients, cancer survivors and those who do not want to get cancer to Get Well, Stay Well, and Live Well beyond cancer.

As a leading-edge authority on Integrative Cancer Care, Immune Enhancement, and Optimal Nutrition and Wellness Medicine, Dr. Nalini...

Ashley is the founder and CEO of Rebuild-A-Bitch, a nonprofit whose goal is to ensure women impacted by cancer have both the mental and physical health support by providing scholarships for women to receive mental health or intimacy coaching. Ashley was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April of 2021, and after a lengthy treatment plan that included three surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, she’s finally shifted from survival mode to learning how to support other women.

From her own experience, she knows the value of both physical movement and a focus on your mental health during a tr...

Laura is a certified Life, Health, and Nutrition Coach, trained by the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health in the Metabolic Approach to Health. After being diagnosed twice with breast cancer—most recently stage four—she decided to step out of the one-size-fits-all approach and into a more integrative, bio-individual way of healing.

Today, she supports women who've been through a breast cancer diagnosis in creating lives that are not only healthier—but more joyful, meaningful, and self-compassionate than ever before.

She’s also the host of the Better Than Before Breast Cancer podcast, where she shares rea...

Diane is a legacy creator for business executives, an award-winning author, a keynote speaker, a Stage III breast cancer survivor, and an advocate for those challenged by the long-term psychological effects of cancer. She founded the Center for Oncology Psychology Excellence (COPE) at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology, the first specialty program in the country to offer graduate-level coursework in psychosocial oncology to clinical psychology students. She is a national speaker on women in business, survivorship and philanthropy, and an advocate for individualized psychosocial support for cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers as a sta...

Trish lives in Fort Collins CO. with her husband, Roger of 17-years and two kids Ryan and Kela (Kayla).  She is the founder of HOPE Journey, a teacher, and a cancer THRIVER who knows firsthand the challenges that come with this disease. She is a Metabolic Terrain Advocate through MTIH, and has a passion to help others, especially guiding them to optimal health. She is a believer of HOPE! The word itself and her acronym… Healing=Healed, Optimism=Opportunity, Perseverance= Purpose, Educate=Empowerment. She is the author of Knowing the B.A.S.I.C.S. a memoir that is fil...

Sylvie, a French lawyer turned health advocate, author, and entrepreneur, is dedicated to continuing the Beljanski family legacy as international leaders in health and environmental research. She is the Founder and President of The Beljanski Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focusing on natural approaches to cancer, and serves as CEO of Maison Beljanski, an international dietary supplement company combining science and nature to create innovative health and beauty products.

Her book, “Winning The War On Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure” has received numerous accolades, including the Amazon Best Seller and International Book Awards. In addition to h...

Dr. Loretta is a highly skilled Directional Non-Force Technique Chiropractor and Toxicity Specialist. As the creator of Lymph-Biologics™, she stands out as the sole practitioner in the country using this method. With a background in holistic nutrition and experience as an author, Dr. Loretta is dedicated to helping others achieve optimal health and wellness. She works with patients worldwide through telemedicine or in-person at her office in New York City. 

During our conversation, Dr. Loretta shares how she helps people with lymphedema by addressing underlying toxicity in the body, how she tests for toxicities, signs that toxicity is p...

Dr. Rahman was born and brought up in what is now Bangladesh. After his medical education in Dhaka, New York, and Houston, he practiced cancer medicine for thirty-five years in San Angelo, Texas. He is an adjunct professor of biology at Angelo State University and an advisory council member of the Charles E. Cheever Jr. Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. His articles, essays, and stories have appeared in many publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Guardian Weekly, and more. In his book, Connected Lives, he...

Having studied and taught a variety of natural health modalities and therapies, Patricia has been a lifetime student of integrative health and wellness.

For over 25 years she has been teaching and providing private consultations on health protocols customized to her clientele’s personal needs. 

During the past twelve years, Patricia has focused her expertise on the natural prevention of breast cancer. She is a professional advocate and practitioner for the promotion of radiation-free thermography.

Her public seminars and lectures are designed to educate women about the serious health...

Jean-Pierre is a lifelong inventor and prides himself on living a creative life. Seeking to live a conscious life, he learned Transcendental Meditation at the age of 14 and considers that form of spirituality the 'best thing that ever happened' to him. 

Blessed with perfect health for most of his life, his life was turned upside down last year when he learned that he had Multiple Myeloma and might have three to five years to live. Facing the worst news he could have gotten- but not one to ever give up - he then embarked on an incredible heal...

Mari spent most of her life trying to avoid being in her body. Between surviving childhood sexual abuse and living with type 1 diabetes since 1981, the trauma of her life left her with PTSD and two suicide attempts. But her mindset changed when Mari discovered the magic of distance cycling at age thirty-nine—the same year she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. Now a three-time cancer survivor, Mari has continued her life as an amateur endurance athlete. She has volunteered with the American Diabetes Association, and she created Team Red and the Red Rider Program for cy...

Dr. Fazio’s journey in dentistry is both unique and inspiring. After graduating from New York University College of dentistry in1988 and experiencing severe health problems, Dr. Fazio’s research and personal experience led him to discover the harmful effects of mercury exposure in dental practices.

Trained by Dr. Hal Huggin’s in mercury-safe amalgam-removal protocols, Dr. Fazio’s transformation has not only profoundly impacted his own health but also profoundly impacted the way he practices dentistry. He is passionate about providing mercury-free and mercury-safe treatments, insuring a healthier dental experience for his patients.

During our conv...

Dr. Marlene Siegel has been in private practice for 40 years with the last 25 years being a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. 

She is a respected author, international lecturer, researcher for integrative veterinary technologies and a clinical practitioner. She has a special expertise in Ozone Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy and Detoxification. 

Her veterinary hospital has the widest array of alternative therapies in the world. Dr. Siegel’s focus is on BioRegulatory Medicine- identifying the root cause of disease and establishing safe and effective solutions. Because she is a problem solver, she has deve...