76: Faith-Fueled Songwriting as a Balm for Cancer | Lisa Simmons

Revamp your approach to healthy living with insights from celebrity chef Christina Pirello, who transformed her own life with a diet overhaul following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Christina reveals the simplicity of crafting nutritious meals using fresh ingredients and basic staples like lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. By focusing on knife techniques and embracing the joy of cooking, she makes healthy eating accessible and practical for everyone, debunking the myth that nutritious meals require complex recipes, fancy gadgets or unique skills.Start your own garden with Christina's practical advice on growing beginner-friendly plants like herbs, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini, and discover the ease of creating simple recipes. Next, explore the impact of different wheat varieties on digestion and gain valuable encouragement for those newly diagnosed with health conditions, emphasizing the importance of patience and peace on the healing journey.Christina's personal story of being diagnosed with terminal leukemia at age 26 and the pivotal role nutrition played in finding hope and resilience is not an episode to miss. Finally, learn about HealingStrong, a nonprofit that provides holistic support for those battling serious illnesses. Discover the benefits of joining local or online support groups, and leveraging the free resources available to empower your healing journey. Connect with Christina:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Christina Pirello, an emmy-winning celebrity chef, shares her extraordinary journey from her Italian roots to becoming a renowned authority in holistic health and nutrition. Christina's story is a testament to the power of change in daily nutrition, as a driving force in healing. Christina recounts her family traditions that shaped her culinary passions and how these early experiences influenced her path towards a healthier lifestyle later on.Christina's life took a dramatic turn when she was faced with a terminal leukemia diagnosis. Refusing to accept the conventional route and medical recommendations to her situation, she turned to macrobiotics, supported by her husband, Robert. Despite initial resistance and skepticism, her commitment to a strict diet brought about a remarkable recovery that left her doctors baffled. Christina opens up about these challenging times and how they propelled her into a career of teaching and inspiring others to embrace the healing power of nutrition.In this episode, you'll also get an inside look at Christina's transition from pastry chef to a celebrated cooking teacher and TV personality. Learn about HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cancer and other diseases, and discover how Christina's heartfelt dedication to holistic health continues to inspire and empower others on their wellness journeys. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, education, and the undeniable power of healthy cooking, and eating.Connect with Christina:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Ever wonder how a career in corrections can prepare someone for the battle of a lifetime? Meet Jim Tabler, who shares his incredible story from working in the psych ward and teaching trades to inmates, to facing a colon cancer diagnosis. Jim’s experience is a testament to the power of resilience. Jim and I discuss the practicalities of dietary changes and the emotional highs and lows of medical check-ups. We talk about the role of a supportive family system, specifically the encouragement from a spouse. Prayer and community support emerge as pivotal during the healing phase, and we highlight the invaluable resources provided by HealingStrong to help guide those on similar journeys.Jim shares how cancer has a way of reshaping life’s priorities and perspectives. Jim opens up about the spiritual growth spurred by his diagnosis and the significance of addressing diet, stress, and emotional well-being. We discuss the joy of grandparenthood, the impact of small acts of kindness, and the transformative power of community support groups. Plus, learn about how you can support HealingStrong’s mission to empower healing communities. Join us and find the inspiration to face your own challenges with renewed hope and strength.Contact Jim:[email protected]'s mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Julie DeKam faced a breast cancer diagnosis in December 2015. Though she considered herself healthy prior to her diagnosis, she realized this new trial would leap her into new and deeper levels of her faith. Julie found a peace that surpasses all understanding from Psalm 18:30, helping her embrace the journey that lay ahead. Her courage shines through in this podcast episode, where her powerful testament to the strength found in faith, community, and the HealingStrong network comes to life. As we sit down with Julie, she uncovers the emotional roller coaster of prioritizing her own health as a mother and homeschooler, and how the metaphor of securing your own oxygen mask first, resonates deeply with her story of discipline.Venturing into the world of alternative cancer strategies after learning she no longer had to continue with conventional, Julie begins to forge her own path in treatment. Rejecting the conventional route, she embarks on a holistic approach, guided by Chris Warks Square One program's pillars of nutrition, exercise, stress management and more. Her journey, underscored by the guidance of a Naturopath and the inspiring advocacy work of Chris Wark, ignites the monumental improvements and hormone regulation achieved through a plant-based diet and individualized care.The conversation also discussed the unfortunate circumstances of loss, but triumph, as a homeschool mom who confronts cancer amidst personal trials, including a friend's passing and her own divorce. Through these challenging times, Julie discovers a new level of depth in her relationship with God, along with a newfound relationship offering rays of hope. We end the episode with a focus on HealingStrong, a faith based nonproft supporting those with cancer and chronic illness by delving into the organization's pillars of nourishing the body, renewing the soul of those in healing, and how listeners can contribute to spreading this message of hope and renewal. Join us for these inspiring stories that not only touch the heart, but also offer practical strategies and encouragement for those walking a similar path.Connect with Julie:FacebookInstagramHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

When Dave Vass's world was impacted by the cancer of those around him, it began a journey of deeper faith and passion towards helping others heal. As a tech entrepreneur transformed into a visionary for alternative health, Dave's journey is not just his own. His story, which involves personal loss and an evaluation on the medical system, left him wanting to help those who have felt the weight of a diagnosis and yearned for more than just conventional treatments. Our heartfelt conversation in this episode traverses these deeply personal waters, as we uncover the profound impact of cancer on personal perspectives and the immense need for proactive healing communities.Imagine a place where the stillness of nature meets the cutting edge of cancer-fighting protocols—a sanctuary in the heart of British Columbia, born from loss, a leading from the Lord and a passion for genuine healing for others. Dave Vass guides us through the transformation of scenic woodlands into a tranquil retreat that offers peace and strength to those in the throes of battling cancer. Each episode we aim to uplift and empower, and this conversation with Dave is a testament to that mission. Together, we shed light on the HealingStrong organization, a beacon for those navigating the overwhelming journey of health challenges. It stands as a reminder that amidst the trials, one is never truly alone—the warmth of community and shared experiences can be a vital lifeline. We wrap up with an invitation to join the collective journey towards wellness, whether through finding a local group, online resources, or simply by extending a hand to those in need. Tune in and we pray this episode serves as a reminder of the resilience and the power found within having a healing community.Learn more about Dave's healing retreat:The Healing OasisSchedule a Call with Dave to LEARN MORE:Schedule a Call HereFollow the Healing Oasis:FacebookInstagramHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

John Richardson (President of Richardson Nutritional Center), an advocate for nutritional therapy and a true believer in the science of Laetrile, brings hope, and deep dives into the heart of natural health and Biblical wisdom. Together, we peel back the layers surrounding the controversial amygdalin derivative and its role in cancer therapy, challenging long-held misconceptions and offering a fresh perspective on what it means to harness nature's gifts for our well-being.The discussion reaches beyond our hosts personal experience and into the realm of science, where Laetrile, often termed vitamin B17, is met with skepticism from the medical and media arenas. With a collection of recovery stories and a critical look at the myths tied to its cyanide content, the discussion covers a side that's seldom told—one that's rooted in both empirical evidence and a profound respect for the ancient texts that guide us. As John shares the journey of his father, a pioneering doctor who documented seventy cancer recoveries with Laetrile, we're reminded of the transformative power of faith and the potential locked within the humble apricot seed.Wrapping up this episode is a heartfelt introduction to HealingStrong, an organization  that offers resources, community, and support for anyone navigating the undesired path of cancer or other diseases. The importance of diet, the benefits of vitamins found in apricot seeds, and the ways in which we can all support our bodies' natural defenses are discussed. This conversation is more than an exchange of ideas; it's an invitation to look beyond conventional, and embrace the strength found in community, and to walk a path of hope and healing.Order Apricot Seeds: Laetrile - Richardson Nutritional Center*Receive an automatic 10% discount (at checkout) by using the link to place your order... not only do you save, but RNC will give a portion of your purchase back to HealingStrong that helps us continue our work in serving and supporting those facing a diagnosis! We thank you for your purchase today!HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Over the past three decades, Earlene Irving has weathered life's storms without a single visit to the doctor, a feat she credits to her steadfastness to biblical principles, both in diet and daily living. Our conversation with Earlene isn't just an exploration of organic foods and clean living; it's a deep look into how her conversational relationship with God has anchored her through life's unrest. Her story discusses the understated yet powerful role of stress management and the comfort found in moments of quiet reflection, offering peace in a broken world.Discovering Earlene's personal narrative, we navigate the intersection of obedience, faith, and healing. Confronted with a severe illness, she faced the brink of despair but found her compass in her faith, which guided her back to health. This episode exemplifies how the trials that test our faith can also deepen it, illustrating the biblical tale of Naaman as a parallel to our modern struggles with health and obedience. Listeners will find great comfort in Earlene's testament to the power of unwavering faith and the courage to seek wisdom, even when it defies conventional logic. Finally, we highlight the incredible work of HealingStrong, the non-profit that Earlene champions. This organization's mission resonates throughout our discussion—providing hope, community, and resources for those on the healing path. Earlene's invitation to join the HealingStrong group in North Carolina extends beyond our discussion. This episode is more than a podcast; it's a vessel carrying messages of empowerment and the indescribable connection of how faith, health, and community support can carry one through even the darkest of times.Connect with Earlene's Group:Meets in-person and onlineHarmony/Raleigh/Central North [email protected] Mentions:-Chris Wark & Square Onechrisbeatcancer.com-HealingStronghealingstrong.org-HealingStrong Groupshealingstrong.org/group-directoryHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

When Jessica (Jessi) Cohen's routine ultrasound revealed a reality no parent should ever confront—her unborn baby, diagnosed with severe hydrocephalus and missing brain parts—their story took a turn towards the extraordinary. This episode invites you to walk alongside Jessi as she recounts the anguish and hope that defined her journey from that life-altering diagnosis to witnessing her daughter, Naysa Angélica's (her name means miracle of God, messenger of God), astonishing defiance of medical expectations. Through this conversation we discover a mother's undying faith and the deep strength she drew from it amidst the toughest decisions a parent could face.Navigating a path seeped with medical opinions that often echoed hopelessness, Jessi's story sheds light on the often-clinical detachment and the contrasting support through select healthcare specialists. Her high-risk pregnancy, marked by anxiety-inducing consultations and a prenatal supplement discovery, Jessi will not just touch your heart, but also testify to the profound impact of faith. Every update, every doctor's visit, and the eventual emergency C-section—a moment of crisis enveloped in prayer and song—reminds us of the immeasurable depths of God's grace in life's toughest times.We end this episode by sharing in the joy of Naysa Angélica's progress, a living testament to the miraculous health, found in God our Healer. Jessi's story doesn't end with a miraculous birth; it's an ongoing victory of overcoming the odds, from Naysa's achievements in crawling and speaking to the prospect of a bright future. And for those seeking support on their own healing journeys, we share the hope found in HealingStrong—a faith-based cancer and disease support community that embodies the very essence of hope and empowerment, reminding us all that even amidst life's greatest trials, we are never alone.We know this episode will bless you!Visit our Bible Study Plans mentioned in the interview:YouVersion Bible PlansTo download for free any of the HealingStrong Bible plans, please visit: healingstrong.org/refreshHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Discover strength, faith, and culinary passion as we're joined by Jill Sonlin, a two time cancer survivor whose life story defies the odds. Jill received an early stage breast cancer in 2017, and in 2022 received an aggressive Non Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis. Jill's story is one of unshakeable belief and divine intervention, with her career as a nurse evolving into a remarkable journey as a French-trained chef. Her resilience not only carried her through the darkest of times, but also ignited a fervent dedication to health, wellness, and the nourishment of others. In our heartfelt conversation, she opens up about her personal battles, her transition into the world of culinary arts, and how she utilizes her platform to spread hope and invaluable knowledge in the realm of healing.Imagine facing the depths of illness only to be touched by a sense of peace so profound it reshapes your entire being. That is the essence of Jill's near-death experiences, which we uncover in an emotionally rich discussion. Her fight with breast cancer, the unexpected emergence of lymphoma, and the spiritual encounters that guided her through it all—Jill's narrative is a powerful reminder of the complexities of cancer treatment, but also celebrates the impact of faith in overcoming life’s most formidable challenges.Pivoting toward the collective journey of healing, we spotlight HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization that Jill champions. HealingStrong's mission is to embolden those seeking to reclaim their health, providing a sanctuary for connection, support, and education grounded in the belief that healing is not just possible, but achievable. Through local and online groups, HealingStrong spreads the message that in togetherness and faith, we can rise above adversity. Tune in for an episode that's not just a story but a source of inspiration, teaching us all that when we stand together in community, our potential for wellness knows no bounds.Connect with Jill:InstagramHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Cortney Campbell's return to our podcast isn't just another episode; it's a deep and moving continuation of her story, one that resonates with anyone who's felt the weight of anxiety and depression. As she opens up about the unforeseen resurgence of mental health struggles after welcoming her third child, Cortney discusses the complex dance between life's joys and challenges, and how generational experiences shape our interactions with our children and ourselves.When the walls close in and the air feels too heavy to breathe, where do you turn? Cortney shares lifelines—faith, and practical tools that offer solace in the storm of parenting and personal turmoil. This episode shares an honest look into the rawness of motherhood intertwined with the pursuit of emotional well-being.Ending on a note of hope, Courtney dives into capturing your thoughts and turning them into positive thought patterns, especially when life throws its harshest curves, like a cancer diagnosis. We discuss the transformative potential of diet, exercise, cognitive therapy, and connect these personal strategies to the broader narrative of overcoming and thriving. Whether it's about embracing the present moment or reaching out to communities like HealingStrong for free group support, this episode is an invitation to join us on a journey of healing, empowerment, and rediscovering the resilience that lies within the body God so miraculously designed.Connect with Cortney Campbell, the "anticancermom" on:Cortney's blogFacebookInstagram HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program