When English teacher Lesley Kaminski got the notification “invasive breast cancer” on her Apple Watch mid-class, her world stopped. But what happened next was more than treatment — it was transformation.

In this episode, Lesley shares how she went from collapse to control: reframing chemo from something she had to do into something she got to do. You’ll hear how a compassionate nurse navigator helped her find hope, how her husband lost 90 pounds alongside her healing, and how community and gratitude became her most powerful medicine.

If you’ve ever wondered how to face cancer without feeling crushed by it, this conversation will give you the mindset and tools to move from survival mode to truly living again.

🎙 Hosted by Joelle Kaufman, founder of Kicking Cancer’s Ass — the podcast where we trade whispers and fear for raw honesty, unexpected joy, and real strategies that help you reclaim your power.

Tags: cancer mindset, breast cancer survivor, cancer reframe, fear to power, cancer stories, emotional healing, gratitude, nurse navigator, cancer podcast

If your insurance denies your cancer treatment, it can feel terrifying — but a “no” is not the end.
Most people don’t know that 75% of insurance appeals win. You have more power than you think.

In this episode of Kicking Cancer’s Ass, health advocate and bestselling author Rebecca Bloom explains, in clear and simple steps, how to reverse an insurance denial and get the care you need.

Rebecca shares:

• Why cancer claims often get denied the first time
• How the insurance system works behind the scenes
• What to say (and what not to say) when you call your insurer
• How to write an appeal that gets noticed
• How to build a “care team” so you’re not fighting alone
• How to stay calm and focused during the process

This episode is here to help you feel less afraid, more supported, and more in control during cancer treatment.

Whether you’re facing a denial right now or want to be prepared for the future, this conversation gives you a clear path forward — and real hope.

Are you facing cancer treatment and wondering what you can do right now to improve your results?

This isn’t about being a warrior; it’s about being smart. I’m Joelle Kaufman, host of Kicking Cancer’s Ass, and I’m sharing the proven physical and psychological strategies—what I call “prehab”—that can actually improve your response to treatment by up to 30%.

Cancer is tough, but your battle is also against the side effects of chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery. You need to condition both your mind and body to absorb the shock and maximize your positive outcome.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Power of Movement: Why being physically active is protective, maintains muscle, improves outcomes, and builds mental resilience.
• Proactive Defense: How to stay ahead of side effects like pain, nausea, and neuropathy by establishing a proactive defense before they become disabling. This includes using antiemetics and exploring cooling options like ice socks/mittens.
• The Hair/Intimacy Conversation: Why you need to proactively discuss sexual side effects, and if cold capping is right for you.
• Prepare Your Mind: Learn how to eliminate chaos and build your “All-Star Team” (not just medical!).
• Happiness Tripwires: Discover the neuroscience behind creating “Free Uppers”—small, consistent, joyful moments (like jokes, music, or routines) that boost dopamine, serotonin, and resilience, maximizing your steady dose of joy.
• The Power of Delegation: It’s okay to ask for practical help like meals and childcare. People want to help—give them the playbook.

Ready to shift your mindset from a defensive stance to an offensive strategy? Listen now to start your prehab and give yourself the best odds of kicking cancer’s ass!

Available on Spotify, Apple, and all audio platforms. Watch on YouTube @kickingcancersasspodcast.