Christine Verini is a pharmacist by training, a nonprofit CEO by title, and an unapologetic empath by design. She now leads CancerCare, one of the oldest, least-known, and most impactful organizations in the country that actually helps real cancer patients deal with the practical garbage no one likes to talk about—like paying rent, affording a ride to chemo, or feeding their kids.

We talk about her career pivot from industry to impact, what it's like trying to scale empathy without losing your soul, and the daily gut-punch of knowing there are millions of people who still have no idea that CancerCare exists. Christine gets real about leadership, advocacy, burnout, and why being “pan-cancer” matters more than ever in a world obsessed with biomarkers, buckets, and branding.

She also dishes on what AI gets dead wrong, what patients actually want when they call for help, and why “ghosting” someone with cancer is still a thing. Buckle up. This one's packed with heart, brains, and a little righteous rage.

RELATED LINKS

• CancerCare
• Christine Verini on LinkedIn
• Christine’s CEO Announcement – PR Newswire
• Cancer Health 25: Christine Verini
• Christine on HealthyWomen
• BIO Convention Speaker Profile

FEEDBACK

Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jennifer Finkelstein is not here for your pity, your pinkwashed slogans, or your performative awareness campaigns. She’s a 20-year young adult breast cancer survivor who turned trauma into a blueprint for action and built 5 Under 40, a no-BS nonprofit supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40.

In this episode, we go full Gen X therapy session—from SNL nostalgia and cold caps to the absurdity of finding out you have cancer while looking for the remote. Jen drops real talk about founding a nonprofit when nothing existed for her age group, why mental health support isn’t optional, and how passing down designer scarves can mean arming someone for battle.

If you’re looking for honesty, grit, and a few inappropriate jokes about gastroenterology, this one’s for you. You'll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely leave knowing why Jennifer Finkelstein is a survivor, a fighter, and a damn legend.

RELATED LINKS

5 Under 40 Foundation

Jennifer Finkelstein on LinkedIn

About 5 Under 40: Board of Directors

Dan’s Papers: 5 Under 40 Supports Young Breast Cancer Survivors

FEEDBACK

Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com.

Let me know if you want shorter pull quotes, audiogram text, or promotional copy for LinkedIn, Instagram, or your newsletter.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a black belt, sword-slinging fitness icon gets cancer—twice? She picks up a camera and dares the universe to test her again.

Ilaria Montagnani is not your average anything. She’s been building strong bodies (and stronger minds) for over 30 years as the founder of Powerstrike. She’s part Jane Fonda, part Uma Thurman, and very much the action hero you wish was your personal trainer.

In this episode, we talk about what happens when everything you built your life on—movement, strength, purpose—gets sideswiped by disease. Twice. Ilaria opens up about diagnosis shock, bad doctor vibes, wielding swords post-mastectomy, and why working out through treatment is the best revenge.

We get into scanxiety, menopause side effects, nutrition spirals, and the moment she realized the fitness industry needed more truth—and less bullshit.

This one’s real, raw, and will either guilt you into planking or inspire you to finally cancel that gym membership you’ve never used. Either way, you’re gonna feel something.

RELATED LINKS

Stronger for Life documentary

Powerstrike official site

Ilaria on Instagram

Ilaria on LinkedIn

Workout programs and DVDs

Forza Sword Workout on Amazon

FEEDBACK

Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.