Anniversary Special: Unexpected Truths
Celebrate three years of The Burn with us!
Listen as Production Assistant, Monica Haro, takes the mic and asks host, April Stearns, all the questions.
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Reflecting on Hard Truths and Unexpected Discoveries: Celebrating Three Years of The Burn
This podcast marks a special milestone for us — our three-year anniversary! 🎉 The Burn emerged as an extension of Wildfire Magazine's storytelling, aiming to bring untold breast cancer stories to life through the voices of the writers themselves and allowing us to dig into the craft of memoir writing through the lens of breast cancer. We’ve learned our listeners have found value in the behind-the-scenes discussions and updates shared in our anniversary episodes. In honor of this anniversary, we’re flipping the script and taking a deep dive into some of the profound truths and unexpected revelations that have surfaced over the past year.
As of now, we’ve produced 158 full episodes of The Burn and 50 mini-episodes featuring stories from the Igniting the Fire Within anthology. Our latest milestone is the release of our 50th issue of Wildfire Magazine, focusing on work and career — a topic close to many of our hearts.
One of the most powerful takeaways from listening to three years of episodes of The Burn is the immense hope embedded in every story. As April noted, hope can be found in understanding that you’re not alone and in learning from others’ experiences. Every story shared in Wildfire Magazine and The Burn contributes to a collective resilience that helps us all move forward.
As we celebrate this anniversary, I want to thank each of you for being a part of our community. Your stories, your courage, and your willingness to share have made The Burn podcast a source of comfort, understanding, and hope for so many. Here’s to many more years of sharing, learning, and growing together.
Turning the Spotlight on Visibility
One recurring theme in our episodes this year has been the challenge of visibility. For many young survivors, navigating how and when to share their stories can be daunting. It’s not just about being visible but about managing the emotional toll of public exposure. Guests like Deb Ontiveros and Madi Kaplan have discussed the practice of “triaging” yourself when it comes to visibility — finding the balance between advocating for others and protecting your own well-being.
As April Stearns beautifully put it, visibility takes many forms. Whether it’s through personal storytelling, social media, or public speaking, there’s no right or wrong way to share your journey. The key is finding what feels authentic and sustainable for you. And remember, it’s okay to step back and reclaim your privacy if you need to.
Finding Your Space
Another significant theme has been the quest for finding or creating safe spaces within the breast cancer community. This year, we introduced our first-ever queer issue of Wildfire Magazine, which was a groundbreaking moment for us. It highlighted the importance of carving out spaces where everyone feels seen and understood.
As April pointed out, the notion of a monolithic “pink sisterhood” is a myth. Our experiences with breast cancer are as diverse as we are. Sometimes, the best we can do is offer a knowing glance or a supportive nod to someone who understands, without the need for a deep connection.
Embracing Glimmers: Insights from Recent Podcast Guests
Earlier this year, our podcast had the profound pleasure of hosting Wang Shein, a caregiver whose wife, Janice, passed away from metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Wang’s discussion about finding "glimmers" in life amidst profound loss was nothing short of uplifting. His story was not just a narrative of loss but a testament to finding moments of hope and light even in the darkest of times.
The concept of glimmers, as Wang described, refers to those small, fleeting moments of beauty or joy that shine through our everyday lives, even when things seem bleak. Wang’s perspective on finding these glimmers in his continued advocacy work and daily life was incredibly inspiring. It was a refreshing deviation from the typical narrative of personal struggle that often dominates discussions around breast cancer.
What stood out in our conversation was Wang's ability to see his late wife’s presence in various aspects of his life, finding motivation and solace in the memories they shared. His commitment to volunteering and supporting other caregivers, despite his own grief, highlighted a profound resilience and hope. This approach to coping and healing—by focusing on these small but significant glimmers — has deeply impacted how I view gratitude and appreciation in my own life.
In fact, I've adopted the term "glimmers" into my personal practice and workshops. Instead of seeking grand gestures of gratitude, I now keep a "Save the Day" list on my phone. These are simple, everyday activities — like watching a movie with my child or taking a walk with my partner — that add a bit of sparkle to an otherwise mundane day. The term glimmer, with its inherent sense of subtlety and lightness, has become a more fitting and evocative way to express these small yet meaningful moments.
Unexpected Truths in Breast Cancer
Our episodes have also brought to light many unexpected truths. We heard about the struggles of lymphedema from Desi Maldonado and Jacqueline Chung whose stories have provided both heart-wrenching and inspiring insights. Our podcast also delved into some unexpected truths about breast cancer that many might not be familiar with. For instance, Saroj Tharisayi’s discussion on DIEP flap surgery revealed that, even though some patients lose their belly buttons in the process, they can actually have a new one created from their own tissue. This unexpected tidbit was a fascinating revelation, particularly for those who might undergo similar procedures.
Another memorable moment was our conversation with Laurie Pomeranz, who humorously yet poignantly shared her experience with nipple-sparing mastectomy. These stories, filled with both humor and hardship, underscore the reality that breast cancer is a journey filled with both expected and unforeseen challenges.
Navigating the Complexities of Motherhood
The theme of motherhood, as it intersects with breast cancer, emerged strongly in recent episodes. We’ve explored various dimensions of this topic, from Saroj’s struggle with discussing her diagnosis with her own mother to Diana Vega’s experience of being cared for by a surrogate maternal figure during treatment. LaTanya Davis’s story of becoming a maternal figure for her late sister’s son brought another layer of emotional depth to the discussion.
The upcoming issue of Wildfire Magazine, which will focus on mothers and daughters, promises to further illuminate these intricate dynamics. It’s clear that breast cancer can profoundly impact maternal relationships, whether through caregiving roles, shared experiences of the disease, or the emotional legacies left behind.
Encouragement for Writers
For those contemplating sharing their stories, especially under the theme of motherhood or any other deeply personal subject, remember that Wildfire is a supportive space. Whether you’re writing under a pseudonym or seeking to share your story in a safe and respectful manner, we encourage you to take the leap. Your voice matters, and your experiences, however small or large, contribute to a broader understanding of life with breast cancer.
Many of our contributors have found their voices through our platform, and the act of writing can be incredibly therapeutic. Whether you're an experienced writer or someone who has never penned a word before, know that your story is valuable. We offer extensive support to help you craft and share your narrative, and our writing workshops are designed to guide you through the process of expressing and refining your thoughts.
Whether you’re exploring glimmers of hope, navigating unexpected truths, or reflecting on the complex role of motherhood, your stories have the power to resonate and inspire. Embrace the small moments of beauty, acknowledge the hidden truths, and don’t hesitate to share your journey with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Writing Prompt Inspired by Today’s Episode
Think about unexpected truths. You’re going to approach this prompt in two parts.
Tell about an unexpected truth you learned during your experience of breast cancer.
Start with a list. Set your timer for eight minutes and make a list of things you know to be true now about experiencing breast cancer from your personal experience.
Circle one of the truths you listed. Set your timer for eight more minutes and tell that story. What did it look like? How did it make you feel?
*Tip for selecting from your list: Look for the one that has a little more energy around it. There's a little zing to it. Or maybe you even have a feeling of, Oh, I definitely am not allowed to tell that story. Or I could not tell that story. My mom wouldn't like it if I told that story. That's the one.
Without stopping or editing, see what needs to come out and where it will take you.
BONUS PROMPTS: We have a special anniversary gift for you! We’ve put together a 10-prompt printable journal with our favorite writing prompts from the last year of the podcast. Get yours here.
Happy writing!
