Stage Hope http://stagehope.com Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/stage-hope Stage Hope was created out of a shared experience of two friends walking similar paths at non adjacent moments of their lives. The thing in common, a cancer diagnosis; though challenging, out of it would come a mutual shared desire to cultivate space for storytelling, speaking through hard moments and highlighting the key element that drives many of us to aspire to better things, hope.  In this space you will hear about moments of adversity that many experience in life and the willingness to pull from the moment, light, lived lessons and insights that inspire. Our experiences, though singular, resonate across all people; the goal, to provide real life stories, resourceful tools that uplift the heart with hope you can carry with you. Stage Hope ba64afbe-9030-5e25-95b0-e8cd189f405c yes en Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:28:42 -0500 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:29:23 -0500 https://img.transistorcdn.com/ZQMW4WFqAbwUEGQ50Q60AADeSsSEoGibGQuhNLtFY7g/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83MDFi/Yzc1NzMzNTlkYWYw/NjczZGIzZTU0ZmYx/OGZjNi5qcGVn.jpg Stage Hope http://stagehope.com episodic Stage Hope Stage Hope was created out of a shared experience of two friends walking similar paths at non adjacent moments of their lives. The thing in common, a cancer diagnosis; though challenging, out of it would come a mutual shared desire to cultivate space for storytelling, speaking through hard moments and highlighting the key element that drives many of us to aspire to better things, hope.  In this space you will hear about moments of adversity that many experience in life and the willingness to pull from the moment, light, lived lessons and insights that inspire. Our experiences, though singular, resonate across all people; the goal, to provide real life stories, resourceful tools that uplift the heart with hope you can carry with you. Stage Hope was created out of a shared experience of two friends walking similar paths at non adjacent moments of their lives. Stage Hope No No Raising $13M Through Chemo and Why "Everything in Moderation" Is Junk | Vanessa Rissetto (Part 2) 8 8 Raising $13M Through Chemo and Why "Everything in Moderation" Is Junk | Vanessa Rissetto (Part 2) full 7755c25c-40c9-425a-b2d0-b91be88cb2dd https://www.stagehope.com/ Culina Health CEO Vanessa Rissetto on parenting through cancer, raising $13M mid-treatment, Lupron mood swings, and the nutrition myths she wants gone.


Connect with Stage Hope:

In part two of our conversation with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health, we start at home. Vanessa shares how she told her kids, then 11 and 9, about her cancer diagnosis, including showing them the actual studies because she knew they could handle the truth. She opens up about her decision to have her ovaries removed as a preventive step, what Lupron shots do to her mood, and the moment she had to apologize mid-therapy session because she'd just gotten her injection.

From there, we shift to the business she built while going through treatment. Vanessa started Culina Health to pay off her student loans, made nearly a million dollars in nine months without any marketing, and went on to raise $13 million with Blue Cross Blue Shield as her largest investor. She explains why 95% of her patients use insurance, what she told a Senator on Capitol Hill about who actually makes Americans healthier, and why she said no when a major industry group asked her to carry the weight of representation without giving her a real seat at the table. She also has opinions on nutrition, and she doesn't hold back. "Everything in moderation" is not a thing, cashews were never meant to be cheese, and if you're worried about Red Dye 40, she'd like to know how much Gatorade your kids are drinking.

We close with what keeps Vanessa grounded and hopeful. She talks about returning to piano and voice lessons, watching her kids grow into people she's proud of, and the nanny who makes her whole life possible. Plus, she reveals a surprising talent involving an arcade claw machine. Her final hope is one many listeners will feel: to finally believe what she tells herself instead of what other people say.

]]> Culina Health CEO Vanessa Rissetto on parenting through cancer, raising $13M mid-treatment, Lupron mood swings, and the nutrition myths she wants gone.


Connect with Stage Hope:

In part two of our conversation with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health, we start at home. Vanessa shares how she told her kids, then 11 and 9, about her cancer diagnosis, including showing them the actual studies because she knew they could handle the truth. She opens up about her decision to have her ovaries removed as a preventive step, what Lupron shots do to her mood, and the moment she had to apologize mid-therapy session because she'd just gotten her injection.

From there, we shift to the business she built while going through treatment. Vanessa started Culina Health to pay off her student loans, made nearly a million dollars in nine months without any marketing, and went on to raise $13 million with Blue Cross Blue Shield as her largest investor. She explains why 95% of her patients use insurance, what she told a Senator on Capitol Hill about who actually makes Americans healthier, and why she said no when a major industry group asked her to carry the weight of representation without giving her a real seat at the table. She also has opinions on nutrition, and she doesn't hold back. "Everything in moderation" is not a thing, cashews were never meant to be cheese, and if you're worried about Red Dye 40, she'd like to know how much Gatorade your kids are drinking.

We close with what keeps Vanessa grounded and hopeful. She talks about returning to piano and voice lessons, watching her kids grow into people she's proud of, and the nanny who makes her whole life possible. Plus, she reveals a surprising talent involving an arcade claw machine. Her final hope is one many listeners will feel: to finally believe what she tells herself instead of what other people say.

]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 2251 Culina Health CEO Vanessa Rissetto on parenting through cancer, raising $13M mid-treatment, Lupron mood swings, and the nutrition myths she wants gone.


Connect with Stage Hope:

In part two of our conversation with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health, we start at home. Vanessa shares how she told her kids, then 11 and 9, about her cancer diagnosis, including showing them the actual studies because she knew they could handle the truth. She opens up about her decision to have her ovaries removed as a preventive step, what Lupron shots do to her mood, and the moment she had to apologize mid-therapy session because she'd just gotten her injection.

From there, we shift to the business she built while going through treatment. Vanessa started Culina Health to pay off her student loans, made nearly a million dollars in nine months without any marketing, and went on to raise $13 million with Blue Cross Blue Shield as her largest investor. She explains why 95% of her patients use insurance, what she told a Senator on Capitol Hill about who actually makes Americans healthier, and why she said no when a major industry group asked her to carry the weight of representation without giving her a real seat at the table. She also has opinions on nutrition, and she doesn't hold back. "Everything in moderation" is not a thing, cashews were never meant to be cheese, and if you're worried about Red Dye 40, she'd like to know how much Gatorade your kids are drinking.

We close with what keeps Vanessa grounded and hopeful. She talks about returning to piano and voice lessons, watching her kids grow into people she's proud of, and the nanny who makes her whole life possible. Plus, she reveals a surprising talent involving an arcade claw machine. Her final hope is one many listeners will feel: to finally believe what she tells herself instead of what other people say.

]]> No "Cancer Saved My Life": Vanessa Rissetto on Advocacy, Survivorship, and Starting Over (Part 1) 7 7 "Cancer Saved My Life": Vanessa Rissetto on Advocacy, Survivorship, and Starting Over (Part 1) full 3dce46b5-736f-4345-b68e-1a8a0f33809e https://www.stagehope.com/ Dietitian and Culina Health CEO Vanessa Rissetto shares how self-advocacy led to her breast cancer diagnosis, her treatment choices, and life in survivorship.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Vanessa Rissetto has never followed a straight line. The registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health went from history major to marketing MBA to a second bachelor's degree before finding her calling in clinical nutrition. In Stage Hope's first in-person episode, recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey, Vanessa joins Cassandra and Kayoll to talk about growing up as "a good Haitian girl," why "what do you want to be when you grow up?" is the wrong question, and why it's never too late to change your mind.

Then the conversation turns to May 2023, when Vanessa was diagnosed with HER2 triple-positive stage 1A breast cancer after a year of persistent itching that doctors had dismissed as eczema. She walks through the providers who finally listened, the friends who mobilized to get her answers fast, and how she pushed for a treatment plan that let her keep showing up as the face of her company while raising millions in funding. Along the way, she shares practical advice for anyone who feels intimidated in the doctor's office, from using AI to find your blind spots to befriending the person at the front desk.

Vanessa also opens up about the harder parts of survivorship: the scans that bring back the fear, her decision about reconstruction, and the low hum of recurrence anxiety. She, Cassandra, and Kayoll talk honestly about being "the strong friend," reconciling Haitian culture and faith with science, and learning who really shows up when you need them. It's a raw, funny, and deeply real conversation about how cancer can force you to stop living for everyone else. Stay tuned for Part 2.

]]> Dietitian and Culina Health CEO Vanessa Rissetto shares how self-advocacy led to her breast cancer diagnosis, her treatment choices, and life in survivorship.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Vanessa Rissetto has never followed a straight line. The registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health went from history major to marketing MBA to a second bachelor's degree before finding her calling in clinical nutrition. In Stage Hope's first in-person episode, recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey, Vanessa joins Cassandra and Kayoll to talk about growing up as "a good Haitian girl," why "what do you want to be when you grow up?" is the wrong question, and why it's never too late to change your mind.

Then the conversation turns to May 2023, when Vanessa was diagnosed with HER2 triple-positive stage 1A breast cancer after a year of persistent itching that doctors had dismissed as eczema. She walks through the providers who finally listened, the friends who mobilized to get her answers fast, and how she pushed for a treatment plan that let her keep showing up as the face of her company while raising millions in funding. Along the way, she shares practical advice for anyone who feels intimidated in the doctor's office, from using AI to find your blind spots to befriending the person at the front desk.

Vanessa also opens up about the harder parts of survivorship: the scans that bring back the fear, her decision about reconstruction, and the low hum of recurrence anxiety. She, Cassandra, and Kayoll talk honestly about being "the strong friend," reconciling Haitian culture and faith with science, and learning who really shows up when you need them. It's a raw, funny, and deeply real conversation about how cancer can force you to stop living for everyone else. Stay tuned for Part 2.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stage Hope Stage Hope 2583 Dietitian and Culina Health CEO Vanessa Rissetto shares how self-advocacy led to her breast cancer diagnosis, her treatment choices, and life in survivorship.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Vanessa Rissetto has never followed a straight line. The registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health went from history major to marketing MBA to a second bachelor's degree before finding her calling in clinical nutrition. In Stage Hope's first in-person episode, recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey, Vanessa joins Cassandra and Kayoll to talk about growing up as "a good Haitian girl," why "what do you want to be when you grow up?" is the wrong question, and why it's never too late to change your mind.

Then the conversation turns to May 2023, when Vanessa was diagnosed with HER2 triple-positive stage 1A breast cancer after a year of persistent itching that doctors had dismissed as eczema. She walks through the providers who finally listened, the friends who mobilized to get her answers fast, and how she pushed for a treatment plan that let her keep showing up as the face of her company while raising millions in funding. Along the way, she shares practical advice for anyone who feels intimidated in the doctor's office, from using AI to find your blind spots to befriending the person at the front desk.

Vanessa also opens up about the harder parts of survivorship: the scans that bring back the fear, her decision about reconstruction, and the low hum of recurrence anxiety. She, Cassandra, and Kayoll talk honestly about being "the strong friend," reconciling Haitian culture and faith with science, and learning who really shows up when you need them. It's a raw, funny, and deeply real conversation about how cancer can force you to stop living for everyone else. Stay tuned for Part 2.

]]> No Rewiring the Fog: Focus, Faith, and the Fight to Slow Down 6 6 Rewiring the Fog: Focus, Faith, and the Fight to Slow Down full e0c5c54d-e3fd-4fb4-978f-840735632a61 https://stagehope.com Facing cognitive decline from cancer treatment? Discover how to reclaim your focus, overcome digital distractions, and use holistic habits to heal your mind.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Have you ever felt like your brain is constantly flipping through channels, unable to settle on just one? For many cancer survivors, cognitive decline and focus issues linger long after treatment ends, making everyday tasks feel exhausting. In this episode, we unpack the reality of post-treatment brain fog and share actionable strategies to help you reclaim your mental clarity. 

Cassandra and Kayoll get real about the mental burden of balancing high-functioning careers, motherhood, and the invisible cognitive shifts that accompany cancer survivorship. They explore how relentless digital distractions compound this mental haze and openly debate their personal coping mechanisms, from experimenting with attention medications to embracing holistic approaches like fasting, nutrition, and analog time-blocking. Discover the reassuring science behind neuroplasticity that proves your brain can heal, but you'll have to tune in to find out the one everyday habit you must break to truly find peace. 

If you found comfort and practical advice in our journey, please subscribe, like, and leave a review for Stage Hope!

]]> Facing cognitive decline from cancer treatment? Discover how to reclaim your focus, overcome digital distractions, and use holistic habits to heal your mind.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Have you ever felt like your brain is constantly flipping through channels, unable to settle on just one? For many cancer survivors, cognitive decline and focus issues linger long after treatment ends, making everyday tasks feel exhausting. In this episode, we unpack the reality of post-treatment brain fog and share actionable strategies to help you reclaim your mental clarity. 

Cassandra and Kayoll get real about the mental burden of balancing high-functioning careers, motherhood, and the invisible cognitive shifts that accompany cancer survivorship. They explore how relentless digital distractions compound this mental haze and openly debate their personal coping mechanisms, from experimenting with attention medications to embracing holistic approaches like fasting, nutrition, and analog time-blocking. Discover the reassuring science behind neuroplasticity that proves your brain can heal, but you'll have to tune in to find out the one everyday habit you must break to truly find peace. 

If you found comfort and practical advice in our journey, please subscribe, like, and leave a review for Stage Hope!

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:51:16 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 2650 Facing cognitive decline from cancer treatment? Discover how to reclaim your focus, overcome digital distractions, and use holistic habits to heal your mind.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Have you ever felt like your brain is constantly flipping through channels, unable to settle on just one? For many cancer survivors, cognitive decline and focus issues linger long after treatment ends, making everyday tasks feel exhausting. In this episode, we unpack the reality of post-treatment brain fog and share actionable strategies to help you reclaim your mental clarity. 

Cassandra and Kayoll get real about the mental burden of balancing high-functioning careers, motherhood, and the invisible cognitive shifts that accompany cancer survivorship. They explore how relentless digital distractions compound this mental haze and openly debate their personal coping mechanisms, from experimenting with attention medications to embracing holistic approaches like fasting, nutrition, and analog time-blocking. Discover the reassuring science behind neuroplasticity that proves your brain can heal, but you'll have to tune in to find out the one everyday habit you must break to truly find peace. 

If you found comfort and practical advice in our journey, please subscribe, like, and leave a review for Stage Hope!

]]> No Underneath the Beautiful: What Cancer Survivors Carry After Treatment Ends 5 5 Underneath the Beautiful: What Cancer Survivors Carry After Treatment Ends full e20d7286-c8db-4084-8c65-0cae5f9f8d26 https://stagehope.com How do you balance parenting and cancer treatment? Discover the hidden realities of cancer survivorship, caregiver burden, and finding joy in hard seasons.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but doing it while raising toddlers adds an entirely new layer of complexity to the journey. In this special listener Q&A episode of the Stage Hope Podcast, we pull back the curtain on their personal experiences balancing motherhood, grueling treatments, and the delicate transition into survivorship. Tuning in will give you a raw, honest look at finding joy in the darkest seasons and equip you with practical insights for supporting yourself or a loved one through life-altering medical news. 

After kicking things off with a well-deserved celebration of a New York Knicks playoff win, we dive deep into the realities of parenting through cancer and building a reliable support system. We explore the heavy choices around privacy, shedding light on why keeping a diagnosis quiet can sometimes be the ultimate form of self-preservation. You'll hear a vital conversation about the often-overlooked reality of caregiver burden, as well as the hidden psychosocial and physical effects of oncology treatment that linger long after chemo ends. Discover the simple mindset shift that helped both moms show up for their families, and find out what strange, lingering physical sensation might actually be a surprising sign of cellular healing. 

If this conversation resonated with you or could help someone you love, please subscribe, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or YouTube!

]]> How do you balance parenting and cancer treatment? Discover the hidden realities of cancer survivorship, caregiver burden, and finding joy in hard seasons.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but doing it while raising toddlers adds an entirely new layer of complexity to the journey. In this special listener Q&A episode of the Stage Hope Podcast, we pull back the curtain on their personal experiences balancing motherhood, grueling treatments, and the delicate transition into survivorship. Tuning in will give you a raw, honest look at finding joy in the darkest seasons and equip you with practical insights for supporting yourself or a loved one through life-altering medical news. 

After kicking things off with a well-deserved celebration of a New York Knicks playoff win, we dive deep into the realities of parenting through cancer and building a reliable support system. We explore the heavy choices around privacy, shedding light on why keeping a diagnosis quiet can sometimes be the ultimate form of self-preservation. You'll hear a vital conversation about the often-overlooked reality of caregiver burden, as well as the hidden psychosocial and physical effects of oncology treatment that linger long after chemo ends. Discover the simple mindset shift that helped both moms show up for their families, and find out what strange, lingering physical sensation might actually be a surprising sign of cellular healing. 

If this conversation resonated with you or could help someone you love, please subscribe, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or YouTube!

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 2736 How do you balance parenting and cancer treatment? Discover the hidden realities of cancer survivorship, caregiver burden, and finding joy in hard seasons.


Connect with Stage Hope:

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but doing it while raising toddlers adds an entirely new layer of complexity to the journey. In this special listener Q&A episode of the Stage Hope Podcast, we pull back the curtain on their personal experiences balancing motherhood, grueling treatments, and the delicate transition into survivorship. Tuning in will give you a raw, honest look at finding joy in the darkest seasons and equip you with practical insights for supporting yourself or a loved one through life-altering medical news. 

After kicking things off with a well-deserved celebration of a New York Knicks playoff win, we dive deep into the realities of parenting through cancer and building a reliable support system. We explore the heavy choices around privacy, shedding light on why keeping a diagnosis quiet can sometimes be the ultimate form of self-preservation. You'll hear a vital conversation about the often-overlooked reality of caregiver burden, as well as the hidden psychosocial and physical effects of oncology treatment that linger long after chemo ends. Discover the simple mindset shift that helped both moms show up for their families, and find out what strange, lingering physical sensation might actually be a surprising sign of cellular healing. 

If this conversation resonated with you or could help someone you love, please subscribe, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or YouTube!

]]> No Dropping the Ball: Work, Recovery, and the Superwoman Schema 4 4 Dropping the Ball: Work, Recovery, and the Superwoman Schema full ddccbd93-5288-4990-a6cf-b9800a209122 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fe3dbeb Struggling to find work-life balance during or after cancer treatment? Learn how to escape the Superwoman Schema, beat burnout, and finally prioritize joy.


Episode Resources:

Have you ever felt like you're constantly dropping balls in the endless juggling act of being a working professional and a parent? In this episode, we get real about the myth of work-life balance, sharing their deeply personal experiences of navigating demanding careers during and after cancer treatment. Tune in to gain a refreshing, honest perspective on setting boundaries, managing burnout, and giving yourself permission to step back when life throws its hardest curveballs.


The conversation dives into the complex realities of cancer survivorship and returning to the workforce, from battling post-treatment brain fog to overcoming the intense pressure of feeling left behind by peers. Together, we unpack the "Superwoman Schema" - a psychological framework that heavily pressures women of color to flawlessly execute their professional and familial roles - and debate the hidden costs of constantly choosing resilience over rest. We explore practical, habit-building strategies to calm morning anxiety before you even touch your inbox. However, the ultimate breakthrough hinges on a thought-provoking five-million-dollar question that will completely redefine how you prioritize your own personal joy.


If this honest conversation resonated with your own daily juggling act, be sure to subscribe to Stage Hope and leave a review!


Connect with Stage Hope:

]]> Struggling to find work-life balance during or after cancer treatment? Learn how to escape the Superwoman Schema, beat burnout, and finally prioritize joy.


Episode Resources:

Have you ever felt like you're constantly dropping balls in the endless juggling act of being a working professional and a parent? In this episode, we get real about the myth of work-life balance, sharing their deeply personal experiences of navigating demanding careers during and after cancer treatment. Tune in to gain a refreshing, honest perspective on setting boundaries, managing burnout, and giving yourself permission to step back when life throws its hardest curveballs.


The conversation dives into the complex realities of cancer survivorship and returning to the workforce, from battling post-treatment brain fog to overcoming the intense pressure of feeling left behind by peers. Together, we unpack the "Superwoman Schema" - a psychological framework that heavily pressures women of color to flawlessly execute their professional and familial roles - and debate the hidden costs of constantly choosing resilience over rest. We explore practical, habit-building strategies to calm morning anxiety before you even touch your inbox. However, the ultimate breakthrough hinges on a thought-provoking five-million-dollar question that will completely redefine how you prioritize your own personal joy.


If this honest conversation resonated with your own daily juggling act, be sure to subscribe to Stage Hope and leave a review!


Connect with Stage Hope:

]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 2778 Struggling to find work-life balance during or after cancer treatment? Learn how to escape the Superwoman Schema, beat burnout, and finally prioritize joy.


Episode Resources:

Have you ever felt like you're constantly dropping balls in the endless juggling act of being a working professional and a parent? In this episode, we get real about the myth of work-life balance, sharing their deeply personal experiences of navigating demanding careers during and after cancer treatment. Tune in to gain a refreshing, honest perspective on setting boundaries, managing burnout, and giving yourself permission to step back when life throws its hardest curveballs.


The conversation dives into the complex realities of cancer survivorship and returning to the workforce, from battling post-treatment brain fog to overcoming the intense pressure of feeling left behind by peers. Together, we unpack the "Superwoman Schema" - a psychological framework that heavily pressures women of color to flawlessly execute their professional and familial roles - and debate the hidden costs of constantly choosing resilience over rest. We explore practical, habit-building strategies to calm morning anxiety before you even touch your inbox. However, the ultimate breakthrough hinges on a thought-provoking five-million-dollar question that will completely redefine how you prioritize your own personal joy.


If this honest conversation resonated with your own daily juggling act, be sure to subscribe to Stage Hope and leave a review!


Connect with Stage Hope:

]]> No Food as Medicine, Without the Obsession | Wendy Lopez, RD on Wellness, Joyful Eating & Slowing Down 3 3 Food as Medicine, Without the Obsession | Wendy Lopez, RD on Wellness, Joyful Eating & Slowing Down full b942eec6-0056-4e75-8a52-a2ff505cc60e https://share.transistor.fm/s/0a89e910 Tired of toxic diet culture? Registered dietitian Wendy Lopez shares practical tips for plant-forward eating, stress-free meal prep, and food freedom.

Episode Resources:

Are you exhausted by rigid wellness trends and the constant pressure to eat perfectly? In this episode, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Wendy Lopez breaks down how to genuinely nourish your body without sacrificing the cultural joy of eating. Tune in to discover practical ways to balance a plant-forward lifestyle, simplify busy weeknight meals, and ditch the perfectionist mindset that makes nutrition feel like an overwhelming chore. 

We dive into the surprising realities behind organic food labels and why connecting with local farmers might actually be the smarter choice for your health. Wendy unpacks the darker side of modern wellness culture, explaining how to embrace intuitive eating and mindful nutrition without spiraling into stressful, disordered habits. The conversation also explores the deep ties between holistic health and major life transitions, touching on everything from breast cancer recovery to navigating IVF. You will walk away with a fresh perspective on disease prevention and a much-needed reminder to slow down, process your emotions, and reclaim your personal identity. 

Hit play to rethink your relationship with food, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation like this one!

Connect with Stage Hope:

]]> Tired of toxic diet culture? Registered dietitian Wendy Lopez shares practical tips for plant-forward eating, stress-free meal prep, and food freedom.

Episode Resources:

Are you exhausted by rigid wellness trends and the constant pressure to eat perfectly? In this episode, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Wendy Lopez breaks down how to genuinely nourish your body without sacrificing the cultural joy of eating. Tune in to discover practical ways to balance a plant-forward lifestyle, simplify busy weeknight meals, and ditch the perfectionist mindset that makes nutrition feel like an overwhelming chore. 

We dive into the surprising realities behind organic food labels and why connecting with local farmers might actually be the smarter choice for your health. Wendy unpacks the darker side of modern wellness culture, explaining how to embrace intuitive eating and mindful nutrition without spiraling into stressful, disordered habits. The conversation also explores the deep ties between holistic health and major life transitions, touching on everything from breast cancer recovery to navigating IVF. You will walk away with a fresh perspective on disease prevention and a much-needed reminder to slow down, process your emotions, and reclaim your personal identity. 

Hit play to rethink your relationship with food, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation like this one!

Connect with Stage Hope:

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 2682 Tired of toxic diet culture? Registered dietitian Wendy Lopez shares practical tips for plant-forward eating, stress-free meal prep, and food freedom.

Episode Resources:

Are you exhausted by rigid wellness trends and the constant pressure to eat perfectly? In this episode, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Wendy Lopez breaks down how to genuinely nourish your body without sacrificing the cultural joy of eating. Tune in to discover practical ways to balance a plant-forward lifestyle, simplify busy weeknight meals, and ditch the perfectionist mindset that makes nutrition feel like an overwhelming chore. 

We dive into the surprising realities behind organic food labels and why connecting with local farmers might actually be the smarter choice for your health. Wendy unpacks the darker side of modern wellness culture, explaining how to embrace intuitive eating and mindful nutrition without spiraling into stressful, disordered habits. The conversation also explores the deep ties between holistic health and major life transitions, touching on everything from breast cancer recovery to navigating IVF. You will walk away with a fresh perspective on disease prevention and a much-needed reminder to slow down, process your emotions, and reclaim your personal identity. 

Hit play to rethink your relationship with food, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation like this one!

Connect with Stage Hope:

]]> No Do Less, Better: Reflection, Purpose, and the Season Ahead 2 2 Do Less, Better: Reflection, Purpose, and the Season Ahead full 55cfe794-6d6e-47c8-a13a-fe400922ec6c https://youtu.be/CX2LcV0e4a4 Overwhelmed by goals? In this podcast episode, discover how daily self-reflection, finding your purpose, and doing less better transforms personal growth.

Episode Resources:

Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of starting projects but struggling to cross the finish line? In this episode of Stage Hope, Kayoll and Cassandra explore the transformative power of daily self-reflection and how to break free from the heavy pressure of doing it all. Tune in to learn how shifting your focus to doing "less better" can help you reclaim your time, energy, and overall peace of mind. 

The co-hosts open up about the realities of juggling motherhood, demanding careers, and how surviving a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis radically shifted their approach to time management and work-life balance. They break down actionable self-development strategies, including the ARC framework for beating procrastination and the bold concept of "heading to the red" when faced with daunting tasks. You'll hear an honest conversation about setting boundaries, the hidden dangers of perfectionism, and why relying on a strong spiritual foundation can help center your daily actions. Will working harder on yourself than your job actually cure your burnout, or is the real secret to personal growth simply learning to embrace the chaos? 

If you are ready to set intentional goals for the season ahead, make sure to subscribe and leave a review!

]]> Overwhelmed by goals? In this podcast episode, discover how daily self-reflection, finding your purpose, and doing less better transforms personal growth.

Episode Resources:

Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of starting projects but struggling to cross the finish line? In this episode of Stage Hope, Kayoll and Cassandra explore the transformative power of daily self-reflection and how to break free from the heavy pressure of doing it all. Tune in to learn how shifting your focus to doing "less better" can help you reclaim your time, energy, and overall peace of mind. 

The co-hosts open up about the realities of juggling motherhood, demanding careers, and how surviving a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis radically shifted their approach to time management and work-life balance. They break down actionable self-development strategies, including the ARC framework for beating procrastination and the bold concept of "heading to the red" when faced with daunting tasks. You'll hear an honest conversation about setting boundaries, the hidden dangers of perfectionism, and why relying on a strong spiritual foundation can help center your daily actions. Will working harder on yourself than your job actually cure your burnout, or is the real secret to personal growth simply learning to embrace the chaos? 

If you are ready to set intentional goals for the season ahead, make sure to subscribe and leave a review!

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 3591 Overwhelmed by goals? In this podcast episode, discover how daily self-reflection, finding your purpose, and doing less better transforms personal growth.

Episode Resources:

Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of starting projects but struggling to cross the finish line? In this episode of Stage Hope, Kayoll and Cassandra explore the transformative power of daily self-reflection and how to break free from the heavy pressure of doing it all. Tune in to learn how shifting your focus to doing "less better" can help you reclaim your time, energy, and overall peace of mind. 

The co-hosts open up about the realities of juggling motherhood, demanding careers, and how surviving a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis radically shifted their approach to time management and work-life balance. They break down actionable self-development strategies, including the ARC framework for beating procrastination and the bold concept of "heading to the red" when faced with daunting tasks. You'll hear an honest conversation about setting boundaries, the hidden dangers of perfectionism, and why relying on a strong spiritual foundation can help center your daily actions. Will working harder on yourself than your job actually cure your burnout, or is the real secret to personal growth simply learning to embrace the chaos? 

If you are ready to set intentional goals for the season ahead, make sure to subscribe and leave a review!

]]> No Two Friends, Same Diagnosis, One Bold Vision 1 1 Two Friends, Same Diagnosis, One Bold Vision full 95ebe3f5-2b52-41d7-9287-5928067db1e2 https://youtu.be/O5NHvh_64pY Two breast cancer survivors launch the Stage Hope Podcast, sharing raw stories of diagnosis, motherhood, and finding joy beyond the struggle.

Meet Cassandra Dell and Dr. Kayoll Gyan - an engineer and a nurse scientist, two mothers, and friends who are done waiting for the 'right time' to share their stories. In this debut episode of the Stage Hope Podcast, they rip the Band-Aid off and open up about theirbreast cancer diagnoses, treatment journeys, and what it really means to find hope on the other side of a life-altering experience.

From the gut-punch of reading "carcinoma" on a patient chart to making impossible decisions about fertility in the middle of a cancer fight, Cassandra and Kayoll walk through the raw, unfiltered reality of young motherhood colliding with a breast cancer diagnosis. They explore the emotional weight of the diagnostic waiting period, the grief of plans interrupted, and how faith, community, and identity shift when life throws its hardest curveball. What stands out is their shared commitment to talking about cancer not from a place of fear, but from one of resilience, purpose, and even joy - proving that vulnerability and courage are two sides of the same coin.

If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to the Stage Hope Podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a review to help others find this community of hope and honest conversation.

]]> Two breast cancer survivors launch the Stage Hope Podcast, sharing raw stories of diagnosis, motherhood, and finding joy beyond the struggle.

Meet Cassandra Dell and Dr. Kayoll Gyan - an engineer and a nurse scientist, two mothers, and friends who are done waiting for the 'right time' to share their stories. In this debut episode of the Stage Hope Podcast, they rip the Band-Aid off and open up about theirbreast cancer diagnoses, treatment journeys, and what it really means to find hope on the other side of a life-altering experience.

From the gut-punch of reading "carcinoma" on a patient chart to making impossible decisions about fertility in the middle of a cancer fight, Cassandra and Kayoll walk through the raw, unfiltered reality of young motherhood colliding with a breast cancer diagnosis. They explore the emotional weight of the diagnostic waiting period, the grief of plans interrupted, and how faith, community, and identity shift when life throws its hardest curveball. What stands out is their shared commitment to talking about cancer not from a place of fear, but from one of resilience, purpose, and even joy - proving that vulnerability and courage are two sides of the same coin.

If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to the Stage Hope Podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a review to help others find this community of hope and honest conversation.

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:55:49 -0400 Stage Hope Watch on YouTube Stage Hope 2883 Two breast cancer survivors launch the Stage Hope Podcast, sharing raw stories of diagnosis, motherhood, and finding joy beyond the struggle.

Meet Cassandra Dell and Dr. Kayoll Gyan - an engineer and a nurse scientist, two mothers, and friends who are done waiting for the 'right time' to share their stories. In this debut episode of the Stage Hope Podcast, they rip the Band-Aid off and open up about theirbreast cancer diagnoses, treatment journeys, and what it really means to find hope on the other side of a life-altering experience.

From the gut-punch of reading "carcinoma" on a patient chart to making impossible decisions about fertility in the middle of a cancer fight, Cassandra and Kayoll walk through the raw, unfiltered reality of young motherhood colliding with a breast cancer diagnosis. They explore the emotional weight of the diagnostic waiting period, the grief of plans interrupted, and how faith, community, and identity shift when life throws its hardest curveball. What stands out is their shared commitment to talking about cancer not from a place of fear, but from one of resilience, purpose, and even joy - proving that vulnerability and courage are two sides of the same coin.

If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to the Stage Hope Podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a review to help others find this community of hope and honest conversation.

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