Barbershop Quartet with Erin Weiss
In this episode, Erin reads her essay “Barbershop Quartet” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Body” issue. Erin’s piece is about her experience of life’s traumas as told in four parts via haircuts that culminate with the cut that comes due to a cancer diagnosis. April and Erin will discuss Erin’s process for sharing different and varied stories from her breast cancer experience, and the writing that happens away from the keyboard. They will also talk about the loss of femininity hair loss evokes, realizing the trauma wrapped up in long hair, and the relationship between identity and living with MBC. This episode contains explicit language.
The Hidden Struggle of Secondary Infertility with Susan DiGregorio
Susan DiGregorio was diagnosed just days before her 38th birthday with Stage Ib hormone positive breast cancer. Susan is a mom, wife, volunteer and also works in real estate. In this episode, Susan reads her piece “The Hidden Struggle of Secondary Infertility” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Susan’s story is about the complexities surrounding her inability to have another child after cancer. April and Susan will discuss the roles pets play in cancer, finding acceptance with hormone therapy side effects, and the time and layers in recovering from cancer’s aftermath. They will also talk about the significance of connecting with others within the cancer community.
Lucy’s Long Journey with Lauren Tarpley
In this episode, Lauren Tarpley reads her piece “Lucy’s Long Journey” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Lauren’s inspirational story is about unexpected and amazing experiences surrounding her post-cancer miracle baby. April and Lauren will talk about the challenges of not being able to breastfeed, finding the lessons in your own story, and the books Lauren has written. They’ll also discuss Lauren’s plans for her recently purchased farm.
Mama with DeDe Drake
DeDe Drake was a mother of a toddler when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer at 39. In this episode DeDe reads her essay “Mama” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. DeDe’s story is about being in the middle between parenting her young daughter and needing the loving support of her own mom -- all under one roof. April and DeDe will talk about the transformation of DeDe’s relationship with her mom through cancer, the vulnerability in asking for and accepting help, and the ways people can be specifically proactive when showing up to support. They will also discuss the reckoning and grief in the aftermath of treatment.
Longing to Belong with Ash Davidson
Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 when it was discovered during gender-affirming surgery. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.
Asymmetry with Julia D. Pereira
Julia D. Pereira is a psychologist and artist who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 32. In this episode of The Burn Julia reads her essay “Asymmetry” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. April and Julia will talk about magic caught in moments of uncertainty, finding strength in the unknown, and making important decisions with agency. They will also discuss finding a space to connect in breast cancer when you are queer.
Anniversary Special: Unexpected Truths
This one hour episode is our three year anniversary special. Wildfire production assistant, Monica Haro, and host, April Stearns, reflect on the unexpected truths found in the episodes from the past year. April will share what’s coming up for Wildfire and The Burn in the future, and give advice on writing your own story for both novice and returning writers.
“March 13” with Kate Rowbotham
Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Her story is about three generations of overlapping cancer. April and Kate will discuss understanding how love plays out in decision making, patient and caregiver experiences during the pandemic, and the intersection of work and cancer. They will also discuss the challenge of living with metastatic breast cancer and wondering about what comes next.
“The Power of the Unsent Letter: Dear Spirit Baby” with Tracy Ward
Tracy Ward joins The Burn podcast from the United Kingdom to read a piece from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II hormone positive breast cancer. She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby. This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and whether she has the strength to hang in for the waiting.
The Longest Goodbye with Mila Knight
Mila Knight returns to The Burn for another visit to share something special. In 2022 Mila was our guest reading her piece “Crawling in My Skin” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. In that story Mila shared how she turned to music for solace in hard times following her breast cancer diagnosis at 38. In that episode, Mila revealed she was working on recording a song that she was not yet ready to share. Now, Mila is ready to share her song, "The Longest Goodbye," in this episode. April and Mila will discuss the inspiration for her song, caregiver roles in cancer, and what pushed Mila to complete the song. They will also talk about Mila’s song writing process, what Mila has in the works, as well as fundraising and advocacy.
Finding My Breath: Poem & Meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki
We’re spotlighting one of Wildfire’s social media writers this week on The Burn. In this special episode, Justine shares a heartfelt poem and guides us through a meditation. Both pieces provide profound insights into the healing process and the importance of reconnecting with one’s breath after breast cancer.