What does it mean to truly start over after a life-altering diagnosis? In this powerful episode, breast cancer survivor and wellness advocate Susan "Belly" Varee shares her raw, unfiltered journey through chemotherapy, identity loss, and radical self-reinvention — and why healing is never a straight line.

Belly opens up about how cancer forced her to ask the hardest question: "If today was the last day of my life, how am I going to choose to live it?" From rediscovering a love of food and cooking during chemo (yes, even when everything tasted like metal) to confronting grief, setbacks, and the myth of overnight transformation, Belly's story is one of grit, hope, and the courage to grow beyond your comfort zone.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why healing is more like stepping stones than a straight shot — and why that's okay
• How food, culture, and connection became part of Belly's recovery
• The difference between living to exist and living with purpose
• Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself and expand what you thought possible
• How to "feel your feels" and move through the darkness toward the light

Whether you're navigating a health crisis, processing trauma, or simply searching for your next chapter — this episode is for you.

Belly's Bio and Contact Information

Susan "Belly" Varee is a teacher, single mother, breast cancer survivor, and author of Belly Knows Best — a deeply personal story about healing, identity, resilience, food, and rebuilding life after trauma. After years as a high-achieving educator, Ironman athlete, and self-described perfectionist, Susan's world shifted following her diagnosis. What followed was not only physical healing, but a journey of rediscovering purpose, creativity, and self-trust. Through storytelling, cooking, and honest conversations, she inspires audiences to move through fear, embrace change, and understand that healing is never linear. Her perspective is raw, authentic, empowering, and deeply relatable.

Signature Message

"It doesn't rain every day. Things will get better — you just have to have hope."

Connect with Belly

  Instagram : Belly Knows Best.

Facebook And Tik Tok : BK Knows Best

YouTube : Belly Knows Best.

Website :bellyknowsbest.net,

Book: Amazon and Belly’s website

The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found where you get your podcasts , including YouTube.