Talking To Charlie.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by embryologist Jessica Manns, who practices out of Radiance Fertility Clinic, Western Pennsylvania's only private fertility practice.  She is also a massive advocate for wanting to help people further understand IVF and everything surrounding it. They discuss the complications that both men and women face when starting chemotherapy and the prospect of being left infertile post treatment.  The options they then have to hand should they want to explore starting a family post treatment.  Cryopreservation of sperm and eggs and what is involved.  As well as a detailed discussion about IVF including the process, side effects and over-riding costs.And whilst IVF can be one option to explore, there are also other alternatives including surrogacy.  Something that Jessica is now more than familiar with, as she is currently 36 weeks pregnant with another couples child.Chemotherapy can leave you infertile but that doesn't mean to say you can't start a family.  This episode is for anyone looking for that reassurance and for those who might be considering IVF. Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Simon Waterfield whom he originally reached out to on Instagram, in light of his strong online presence addressing his own personal cancer experiences. He is also the author of the book - 'Ripple in Still Water: A reflection of life with cancer' - relaying said experiences and exploring how emotions and trains of thought are changed, sometimes permanently through a series of short stories.They discuss Simons original diagnosis and his continued battle with prostate cancer.  Focusing on how prevalent prostate cancer is amongst men and more importantly, the need to be talking about your symptoms, illnesses and alike with friends and family.They take a deeper dive into his book, recognising that cancer can go beyond just the physical effects and can have many mental health concerns associated with it too.Simon is a passionate advocate for wanting to raise further awareness of the risks of prostate cancer and the potential implications for men, as we grow older.  This becomes more and more apparent throughout the episode and is demonstrated even further, through his continued commitment to run a Prostate Cancer Support Group, as well as volunteering with Macmillan as a Cancer Buddy.His book can be found on Amazon or please do take some time to visit his website www.prostateripples.com for further information.A really informative episode for anyone who might be going through their own prostate cancer diagnosis or need an additional resource for a close friend or relative.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Michael, who was diagnosed with testicular at the age of 20.They have a very open and honest conversation about his own experience, when having to confront his diagnosis and at such a young age.  Navigating decisions around his fertility, removal of his testicle and the implications that this then had when interacting with the opposite sex and his local community - before then heading to sea with the Navy.They also discuss his role now as a ambassador for Movember, a community that unites every year in November to take on mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.Having raised in excess of £30,000 to date, he now finds himself taking a daily dip in the Irish Sea!For any guys out there who might be going through similar, this episode will bring you hope and reassurance through what can otherwise be a very daunting time.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Richard Hughes, a practicing psychotherapist whose particular areas of interest include relationships, issues men face and boarding school trauma.  A reference to the psychological harm done to many children who were sent away to boarding school.Following the previous episode with Jamie and his suggestion that his experience at boarding school lead to his various struggles with addictions and wearing 'a mask' for much of his early adulthood, they explore this theory further and their own respective experiences in more detail.They discuss the issues of abandonment and how this can manifest into adulthood.  Struggles with intimacy, relationships and battling the boarding double bind.  That feeling of anxiousness, hurt and being let down at school but unable to say anything because you risk upsetting your parents, who have spent a lot of money to send you there.The need for a secure attachment throughout our childhood, characterised by feelings of safety, trust and the ability to seek comfort when needed.  Which can be absent at boarding school. A great listen for anyone who might have been to private school and feels that something may be a little 'off' in the way that they now feel and ultimately, what we can do to start to navigate these feelings.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by his old school friend Jamie, who he first met when they were sent to boarding school at the age of 7.  Whilst a friendship blossomed back then, they soon found themselves going there separate ways as life took its course.Fast forward 40 years and a chance school reunion cricket match, they have been able to reconnect and get up-to-speed on their respective lives.To say Jamie has been through his fair share of challenges would be an understatement; and in this episode, he relays first-hand what those past 40 years have been like for him.This includes his experience with drink & drug addiction; suicidal ideation; close encounters with the 14K triad gang in Hong Kong and the befriending of a wild otter off the coast of South Africa.Remarkably and whilst by his own admittance he did hit rock bottom, he has now been able to turn his life around and finds himself helping others who have been through similar challenges.A true story of hope and inspiration for anyone who may be going through similar; and to also know, that they should never give up.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Lydia who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer over four years ago.  You might recall her husband, Hadley also joined him on the show a few episodes back.Lydia gives a detailed account of how she continues to overcome her ordeal, exploring different remedies and medicines that she believes have all attributed to where she finds herself today.  These include reiki meditation, sound bars, oxygen chambers and more.Trying not to despair despite everything and retaining a positive mental attitude throughout, all playing their part too.Her perseverance and positivity, as well as numerous hobbies have allowed her to have as balanced a life as possible, whilst continuing to be a mother to her three children.She continues to take matters into her own hands, keeping her cancer at bay and with a core belief that it will never return.A truly inspiring account for anyone out their who might be feeling overwhelmed by it all and in need of some inspiration.  Never give up.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Lucy who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 28.Living a seamlessly normal life, her world was turned upside down when she discovered a small lump above her left breast on Christmas Eve last year.Fast forward 6 months and Lucy tells of her remarkable story and how she now finds herself with no evidence of having cancerous cells in her body at all.Realigning her mindset, thinking and attitude towards her diagnosis; as well as making some significant changes in her lifestyle.  She was able to overcome adversity, when at times the outlook had looked very bleak.A truly inspiring story that can bring hope to all those women out there who might be suffering in a similar vein.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Hadley whose wife has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer following 6 months of failed chemotherapy.As a successful businessman and father of 3 teenage children, he's had to learn to manage his emotions and mental health for the benefit of all those around him and in particular his wife, Lydia.  As they greet every day as a blessing, with profound positivity and enthusiasm.They explore how he had to admit to himself that he was struggling, but at the same time wanted to show strength when faced with the reality of the situation.  How setting and celebrating short term goals has really brought a fresh perspective to both their lives, as they take each day one at a time with a sense of gratitude, enjoyment and laughter.This is a very emotional and raw account of what life is like living with cancer and as a partner of someone who has been diagnosed.*It also includes a world exclusive of his son Alfie's song 'Don't Let Go!', that he wrote for his mother upon her diagnosis.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Hazy's mother Alice, following the previous episode with her husband, Paddy.Having had a very candid and somewhat emotional discussion with Paddy about Hazy's diagnosis, her subsequent treatment and the magical moment when she rang the bell in Great Ormond Street Hospital.  Charlie & Alice now discuss what life has been like for herself specifically and her family, post ringing the bell and up to the present day.They explore how it wasn't just a matter of going back to life as they knew it, but something completely different entirely.  Realising the profound effects, both physically and emotionally that the whole experience has had on her and the family.As a mother, this is very heart-warming and real account of how when we put our minds to it, we can overcome adversity and actually seek opportunity in the worst of situations.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by his very good friend Paddy Richardson.  Paddy is a successful businessman and married father of three.  Rewind nine years and Paddy and his wife Alice, received the news that no parent would ever wish to get, that their child had cancer.  Their youngest daughter Hazel, only 18 months old at the time was diagnosed with a very rare form of leukemia called Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (JMML).They discuss the whole experience first-hand.  From her initial diagnosis to the magical moment when she rang 'the bell' in Great Ormond Street Hospital two years later.  They also explore the intense roller coaster of emotions experienced by himself as a parent, his wife and their eldest daughter Romy too.This episode is for any parent or family who has had a child diagnosed with a serious illness, but also goes to show the value in being there for one another no matter what.Website: www.talkingtocharlie.comInstagram: @talkingtocharlie DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.