From Cancer Survivor to Advocate

— Today's conversation explores a powerful question: What if the most difficult moment of your life became the beginning of your most meaningful work? At the heart of this episode is From Patient to Advocate: Turning Survivorship into Impact, a book about what can happen after the shock of a life-changing diagnosis—when fear, uncertainty, and survival begin to transform into purpose, service, and hope. This is not simply a cancer story. It is a roadmap for anyone who has ever wondered what to do with the wisdom gained through adversity. We'll explore how lived experience can become a form of expertise, why our stories matter, and how people can move from feeling powerless to becoming active participants in their own healing and in the systems that shape their lives. We'll also talk about the emotional realities of serious illness, the role of mindfulness, therapy, community, and resilience, and the surprising ways advocacy itself can become part of the healing process. Ultimately, this is a conversation about turning pain into purpose, finding meaning in what we never would have chosen, and discovering that even our hardest chapters can become a source of contribution, connection, and hope. Valeria sits with Tim McDonald  — He is the author of  "From Patient to Advocate: Turning Survivorship into Impact: A Healthcare Advocate's Guide." Tim is also a healthcare advocate, speaker, and community builder who turned his stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis into a mission for change. He translates patient experience into meaningful action for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare organizations through leadership roles with Fight Colorectal Cancer, Man Up To Cancer, HOPA, and the PAN Foundation. Now host of Advocacy at Work, Tim uses storytelling and advocacy to raise awareness and drive impact. He is the author of the brand-new book, From Patient to Advocate. To learn more about Tim McDonald and his work, please visit: https://www.timmcdonaldadvocate.com/

— There are moments in life that change us forever—moments when everything we thought defined us suddenly falls away. The loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the collapse of a career, or an unexpected life transition can leave us asking one profound question: Who am I now? While these experiences can feel like the end of our story, they can also become the beginning of something entirely new. Sometimes our greatest breakdowns become the doorway to our deepest healing. Sometimes the very challenges we spend years trying to avoid become the teachers that lead us back to ourselves. Today, we're exploring what it means to transform pain into purpose, rebuild our identity after loss, and discover the resilience we never knew we possessed. We'll talk about why true healing isn't about returning to who we once were, but about becoming who we were always meant to be. And we'll explore how even life's darkest seasons can reveal unexpected gifts, deeper meaning, and a renewed sense of hope. Joining us today is Richard Lobo, bestselling author of The Trifecta Code, whose personal journey reminds us that our greatest crises don't have to define us—they can become the catalyst for profound transformation. Valeria sits with Richard Lobo — He is the bestselling author of "The Trifecta Code: When Crisis Becomes the Catalyst for Profound Change." The Trifecta Code is a powerful exploration of rebuilding life after profound personal loss. Following the collapse of his family, marriage, and career within the span of a year, Richard transformed his greatest challenges into the foundation of his life's work. With more than 15 years of experience as a senior creative film editor for the NFL, he understands what it takes to perform under pressure and has developed a practical framework to help others navigate adversity with resilience. Through his writing and speaking, Richard inspires people to embrace life's most difficult moments as opportunities for healing, transformation, and lasting personal growth. To learn more about Richard Lobo and his work, please visit: https://ricklobo.com/

— Today's conversation is about a health issue that affects millions of families but is rarely talked about openly. While it primarily impacts men, it often becomes a shared experience for couples. If your partner is waking up several times a night to use the bathroom, struggling with urinary symptoms, or simply saying, "It's just part of getting older," this episode is for you. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is an incredibly common condition as men age, yet many delay seeking help—even though effective treatments are available. The result isn't just interrupted sleep for them; it can affect the well-being, rest, intimacy, and quality of life of both partners. Today, we'll explore what BPH really is, the signs to look for, how to start compassionate conversations with a loved one, and the treatment options that can help men regain comfort, confidence, and a better quality of life. Joining us today is urologist Dr. Sravan Panuganti, who specializes in men's urologic health and is passionate about helping patients find effective, personalized solutions so they can get back to living life more fullyValeria sits with Dr. Sravan Panuganti — He is a urologist with Carolina Urology Partners and an assistant professor in urology at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, S.C. Dr. Panuganti completed his college education at the University of Pittsburgh. He then went on to medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in urological surgery at Jefferson New Jersey Hospitals in Southern New Jersey, followed by a fellowship in men's sexual medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. He is also a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. His specialty interests in urology include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). He believes in early intervention for BPH and is trained in a variety of treatment options. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, two kids, and dog. To learn more about Dr. Sravan Panuganti and his work, please visit: https://www.laborie.com/patients/conditions/optilume-for-bph/

— In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become disconnected—from ourselves, from one another, and from the natural world. We're constantly chasing the next task, the next notification, the next destination, often forgetting that some of life's greatest healing happens when we simply slow down and pay attention. But what if one of the most powerful practices for reducing stress, restoring mental clarity, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of peace wasn't another productivity hack—but simply spending intentional time among the treesToday, we're exploring the beautiful practice of forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku—a gentle invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse ourselves in nature through our senses. We'll talk about the growing science behind this practice, how it supports our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, and why slowing down may be one of the most profound pathways to joy. Valeria sits with Amanda Chapman   — She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1997 and has worked with people from all walks of life and ages from diverse backgrounds.  Amanda is also a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy; a Certified Heart Math Practitioner; a Certified Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapist; and a Certified Life Coach, with a specialty in Spiritual Direction. Amanda currently offers both counseling and nature-based services through a branch of Elizabethton Counseling and Arts Center, located at Shakti in the Mountains, in Johnson City, Tennessee.  Within her practice, Amanda specializes in what she calls Psycho-Spiritual Counseling, a blend of traditional psychotherapy or "talk therapy", outdoor or nature connection experiences, and spiritual direction or guidance. In addition to her counseling services, Amanda offers seasonal forest bathing experiences, which are guided nature walks, inspired by the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku," an outdoor practice that opens doors for physical and mental system regulation and relaxation and a reconnection to Mother Earth.  Amanda also offers workshops and facilitates community talks on various subjects, such as Spiritual Awakenings, How to Age with Grace and Gusto, the Hidden Powers of the Highly Sensitive Person, Animal Communication, and Embracing the Inner Child. She also hosts and guides a local monthly group that explores the nature of reality and spirituality.  Amanda's personal story of spiritual awakening will be coming out in a soon-to-be published nonfiction anthology, What Happened Next: Stories of Life Altering Encounters, and she is currently working on her memoir.  Amanda is a proud native of her community and loves sharing the magic of what nature and spirit can do for our hearts, bodies, and minds. When not working, Amanda can be found spending time with her granddaughter or just sitting in silence in her backyard woods, listening to the birds and watching the deer and squirrels, and the occasional neighborhood bear.  To learn more about Amanda Chapman and her work, please visit: https://www.oneforestworld.com/

— Today, we're exploring one of life's most profound and universal questions: What does true healing really mean? When facing illness, especially something as life-altering as cancer, it's easy to focus solely on the physical body. But what if healing is also about nurturing the mind, strengthening the spirit, cultivating hope, and discovering meaning even in life's greatest challenges? In this meaningful conversation, we'll explore the powerful intersection of science, compassion, faith, and integrative medicine. We'll discuss how lifestyle, emotional well-being, relationships, and our inner life can influence the healing journey, and why treating the whole person—not just the disease—may offer a more complete path toward health and resilience. Whether you or someone you love has been touched by cancer, or you're simply interested in what it means to live with greater vitality, purpose, and hope,  this episode offers wisdom that extends far beyond medicine.  Valeria interviews Dr. Francisco Contreras  — He is a globally recognized surgical oncologist and a pioneer in integrative cancer care. As President and Medical Director of Oasis of Hope Cancer Center in Tijuana, Mexico, he has spent more than four decades combining cutting-edge medical treatments with metabolic therapies, nutrition, and compassionate, faith-based care to support the healing of the whole person. Building on the legacy of his father, founder of Oasis of Hope, Dr. Contreras has helped thousands of patients from around the world while advancing a holistic approach that unites science, lifestyle, and the healing power of the human spirit. He is also an internationally respected author, educator, and speaker, having co-authored several influential books on cancer treatment, hope, and integrative medicine. To learn more about Dr. Francisco Contreras and his work, please visit: https://www.oasisofhope.com/

— What if the greatest obstacle to living a joyful, authentic life isn't what happens to us—but the patterns we use to cope with it?  Whether it's grief, fear, shame, or the desire to escape difficult emotions, many of us carry habits that quietly pull us away from ourselves. Today's conversation explores what it means to face those patterns with honesty, courage, and compassion, and how even our deepest struggles can become a doorway to healing, purpose, and freedom. We'll talk about resilience, self-awareness, the power of keeping promises to ourselves, and why following our inner compass may be the truest path back to joy. Valeria interviews Colleen Clifford  — She is the author of  "Life Beyond The Binge: A Commercial Fisherwoman's Journey Home." Colleen Clifford is also a commercial fisherwoman, speaker, and most importantly a mental health advocate.  As she moves through her 6th decade of life, surprisingly it's been her most authentic.  It wasn't until her late husband's death by alcohol-related suicide and her last dangerous drinking episode; that she vowed to change. Colleen explores through her writing and speaking opportunities the intersection of grief, binge drinking, suicide, resilience, and the hidden patterns we use to survive.  There is a silver lining in all the tragedy.  A promise made to her late husband and to herself.  To share her message, it only takes one time of drinking too much for a life to change forever.  Through podcast interviews, her book, Life Beyond the Binge, A Commercial Fisherwoman's Journey Home and speaking engagements, Colleen offers hope to others through non-judgmental curiosity and compassion. To learn more about Colleen Clifford and her work, please visit: https://lifebeyondthebinge.com/

— What if many of the struggles we face today—our relationships, self-doubt, anxiety, or the ways we cope with life's challenges—are rooted in emotional patterns that began long before we were aware of them? As children, we all have fundamental emotional needs, and when those needs go unmet, we often develop beliefs and protective strategies that help us survive but may no longer serve us as adults. In today's conversation, we'll explore the science of Schema Therapy and how understanding these deeply ingrained patterns can help us heal childhood wounds, cultivate self-compassion, build healthier relationships, and strengthen what therapists call our "Healthy Adult"—the part of us that can respond to life with wisdom, resilience, and love. Valeria sits with Dr. Leslie Muetzelfeldt  — She is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and she works with adults in private practice in Central London.   Her background includes neuropsychology, Intensive Care/ Major Trauma and Adult Mental Health. Dr Muetzelfeldt employs an integrative, person-centred approach using Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness and EMDR. Her warm and empathetic approach aims to help adults develop self-compassion and healthier relationships by processing childhood traumas, building emotional resilience, and an ability to tolerate uncertainty.  Learn more about Dr. Leslie Muetzelfeldt and her work!

— Why do we keep repeating the same painful relationship patterns, even when we desperately want things to be different? Why do some people fear abandonment, while others pull away when relationships become too close? And how much of our ability to love, trust, and feel emotionally safe is shaped by the experiences we had long before we entered our first romantic relationship? Attachment theory suggests that our earliest relationships create a blueprint for how we connect with others throughout life. These unconscious patterns can influence everything from our communication style and conflict resolution to our sense of self-worth, emotional security, and capacity for intimacy. The encouraging news is that these patterns are not fixed. With awareness, compassion, and intentional effort, it is possible to heal old wounds, develop greater emotional resilience, and create relationships built on trust, safety, and genuine connectionIn today's conversation, we'll explore the fascinating world of attachment styles, how they shape our inner lives and relationships, why so many of us get stuck in predictable cycles of conflict and disconnection, and what it takes to move toward more secure, healthy, and fulfilling connections—with others and with ourselves. Because at the heart of every human being is a desire to feel seen, understood, accepted, and loved. Valeria interviews  Marc Cameron — He is the author of  "Understanding Your Attachment Style: The Path to Overcoming Unhelpful Patterns and Building Healthy, Secure Relationships." Marc Cameron is an author, speaker, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Newport Beach, California specializing in couple's therapy. Alongside his private practice, Marc and his wife, Amy, lead How We Love, an organization founded by Milan and Kay Yerkovich birthed from their groundbreaking book on attachment by the same name.  Marc firmly believes that developing secure attachments is the key to creating strong and fulfilling connections between couples and within families. He guides people in enhancing communication, building trust, and deepening emotional bonds by helping them understand how insecure attachment styles create predictable dysfunctional relationship cycles—and how these patterns can be overcome. His book, Understanding Your Attachment Style (2025), outlines this approach in detail. In addition, Marc is certified in EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma and is a regular co-host on New Life Live!, America's top Christian counseling call-in radio program with a weekly audience of over 2 million listeners. Learn more about Marc Cameron and his work!

— Why do we keep finding ourselves in the same relationship patterns even when the people in our lives change? What if our greatest relationship challenges aren't simply about the other person, but about something within ourselves that's asking to be seen, understood, and healed? Relationships have an incredible way of reflecting who we are. They can reveal our deepest fears, our emotional wounds, our attachment patterns, and the beliefs we've carried about ourselves for years. Rather than seeing conflict as something to avoid, what if we began to see it as an invitation to grow? In today's conversation, we'll explore why we choose certain partners, how our early experiences shape the way we connect with others, and why healing begins with self-awareness. We'll talk about attachment styles, emotional resilience, and how intentional personal growth can help us move beyond simply surviving our relationships toward creating deeper, healthier, and more authentic connections. If you've ever wondered why the same challenges seem to repeat themselves in your relationships—or how changing yourself can transform the way you love—this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and a beautiful reminder that the path to meaningful relationships always begins within. =Valeria shares sacred space with Christina Ajagbe — She is the author of  "From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide to Personal Growth and Intentional Couple Connection." Christina is also an integrative practitioner who combines counselling, psychotherapy, and life coaching to help individuals and couples overcome obstacles, build confidence, and create more fulfilling lives. Her work is grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and positive change when supported within a safe, compassionate, and empowering environment.  Throughout her career, Christina has been deeply committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing through early intervention and personal development. She works with clients to increase self-awareness, identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen emotional resilience, and successfully navigate the transitions and challenges that arise throughout adult life.  Alongside her work with individuals, Christina has extensive experience supporting couples as a relationship psychotherapist. She provides a safe, respectful, and non- judgmental space where couples can explore the underlying dynamics of their relationship, improve communication, rebuild connection, and work towards meaningful and lasting change.  Her professional journey has included working within charity organizations and private practice, supporting people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. These roles have strengthened her appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and reinforced her belief in the transformative power of self-understanding and intentional growth.  Christina's personal story is one of self-discovery and authenticity. Like many people, there were periods in her life when she found herself following paths shaped by external expectations, education, and established systems. She often questioned whether she was pursuing what truly mattered to her or simply following a route she believed she should take.  Over time, she encountered experiences that brought a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment. What once appeared to be detours became valuable lessons, equipping her with wisdom, compassion, and insight. Through this journey, she came to understand that no experience is ever truly wasted when it contributes to personal growth and self- awareness.  By embracing her authentic self, Christina discovered a greater sense of peace, purpose, and alignment in her own life. These experiences continue to inform her work, enabling her to support others as they uncover their own potential, navigate life's challenges, and create lives that feel meaningful and authentic.  Recognizing that personal growth is a lifelong journey, Christina remains committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and development. She believes that when people begin living in alignment with who they truly are, the possibilities for growth, fulfilment, and transformation become limitless.  Through her blogs, courses, and professional work, Christina shares the lessons, reflections, and insights she has gained along the way, encouraging others to embrace their own journey with courage, self-awareness, and intention.  To learn more about Christina Ajagbe and her work, please visit: https://www.thekeyphase.com/

— What separates those who thrive from those who remain stuck? Is success determined by talent, circumstances, or something deeper?  In today's conversation, we explore the power of mindset and how the way we think shapes the way we live. We'll discuss how limiting beliefs can quietly hold us back, why resilience is often more important than talent, and how our thoughts, emotions, and daily habits influence the results we create in our lives. We'll also dive into the relationship between mindset, manifestation, and purposeful action—examining how lasting transformation occurs when we align our vision with consistent effort. Along the way, we'll explore practical tools for overcoming self-doubt, navigating setbacks, cultivating confidence, and developing the mental resilience needed to pursue our dreams. At its heart, this conversation is about becoming the person capable of creating the life you desire—not through luck or circumstance, but through intentional awareness, growth, and action. It is an invitation to discover how changing your mindset can open the door to greater success, fulfillment, meaning, and joy. Valeria sits with Alexander Pelley — He is the author of  "The Champion's Mindset: Unlocking The Power Of Positive Thinking, Manifestation, Success."  Alexander (Alex) Pelley is a global mindset and business strategist and the international best-selling author of The Champion's Mindset. He is a certified speaker and coach with Maxwell Leadership and the Brave Thinking Institute, holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, and completed the Marketing Strategy program at Cornell University. Over the past 20 years, Alex has coached business executives to achieve extraordinary levels of success, and following a profound personal tragedy, he dove into in-depth research on mindset, neuroscience, and performance. He now combines these experiences to help leaders and high performers unlock breakthrough results in both business and life. Today, he empowers entrepreneurs, executives, and elite performers with the Champion's Mindset—a practical framework for mental resilience, clarity, and peak performance. To learn more about Alexander Pelley and his work, please visit: https://alexanderpelley.com/