Join us as we talk to Nadine Pike. Nadine opens up about losing her mum to breast cancer after a seven year battle. While her friends were off exploring the world in their 20s, Nadine was at home, caring for her mum and supporting her dad, all while trying to make sense of an illness no one really talked about. Her mum kept the details private and Nadine carried the guilt of not asking more questions. Grief wasn’t something Nadine had the space or tools to face back then, so she tucked it away, carrying on as best she could. Even 25 years later, the ache remains - especially around milestones where she longs for her mum’s presence the most. Birthdays are the hardest, quiet reminders of all the moments she wishes she could have shared with her best friend. LINKS<a href="https://thebigcpodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebigcpodcast.com/</a><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-program/having-a-breast-screen/book-your-free-breastscreen-mammogram-appointment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-program/having-a-breast-screen/book-your-free-breastscreen-mammogram-appointment</a>

Nadine Pike: Growing Up While Saying Goodbye

Join us as we talk to Lisa Vergadin. At just 30 years old, Lisa’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. Doctors not only told her she had cancer but that she would not be able to have have children. For Lisa and her partner, it felt like their dreams had been shattered. Originally from Italy and living in Australia on a visa that made her ineligible for Medicare, Lisa faced challenges navigating treatment, finances, and the emotional toll of her diagnosis. But she refused to accept the limits placed on her future. Lisa shares her perspective on life, emphasising the importance of cherishing small moments, creating meaningful memories with others, and being mindful of where she invests her energy. LINKS<a href="https://thebigcpodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/</a><a href="https://thebigcpodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebigcpodcast.com/</a>

Lisa Vergadin: Cervical Cancer Shattering Dreams

Join us as we talk to Courtney Mangan. Courts was 29 when she was first diagnosed with melanoma, after doctors discovered the mole on her right shoulder was cancerous. Since then, she has undergone multiple surgeries to remove melanomas from her arm, back, bowel, and thigh, along with 65 cancer treatment sessions. Through her journey, Courts has made it her mission to raise awareness about skin safety. She openly shares her experience of living with cancer online, educating her community on the importance of protecting their skin. She emphasizes a crucial message: melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers, and taking steps to protect our skin can save lives. Beyond the physical challenges, Courtney also speaks about the emotional toll of her diagnosis, especially as she watches friends around her getting married and starting families while she navigates her reality of life with cancer. LINKShttps://thebigcpodcast.com/

Courtney Mangan: Hearing you have Melanoma, 4 Times

Join us as we talk to Reece Carter. At 27, just six weeks after moving to LA, Reece was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In this episode, he shares the importance of trusting your instincts and seeking a second opinion if something feels off. Reece recalls spending the day before surgery at Disneyland - his right testicle’s "last outing" - and shares his experience navigating treatment in the US, which was fortunately covered by his travel insurance. Reece now resides in Sydney, and this April will mark 10 years since his diagnosis. On April 1st, he will celebrate the release of The Lost Notes of the Soul Spinners, the third book in his series. LINKSPre Order The Lost Notes of the Soul Spinners here - <a href="https://amzn.asia/d/bl2jvg3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://amzn.asia/d/bl2jvg3</a><a href="https://thebigcpodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebigcpodcast.com/</a>

Reece Carter: Facing The Big C in LA

Join us as we talk to Jess Armstrong. After facing breast cancer in 2023, Jess - founder, and director of FUCA Organic Skincare - found herself frustrated by the lack of effective skincare for chemo and radiation sensitised skin.The products recommended to her were filled with unnecessary fragrances and fillers, ingredients she no longer wanted in her beauty and personal care routine. With a background in product development and marketing, Jess knew she could do better. She set out to create FUCA, a line of fragrance-free, sophisticated formulas designed for even the most reactive, irritated skin - without compromising on aesthetics. Beyond building her brand, Jess is passionate about giving back. She supports Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and donates FUCA products to those undergoing treatment in oncology wards, ensuring others facing similar challenges have access to the gentle, effective skincare they deserve. In this episode, she shares her journey from diagnosis to entrepreneurship, her passion for clean skincare, and how FUCA is redefining the industry for those who need it most. LINKShttps://fucaorganic.com/https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/&nbsp;https://autumn2025.shitboxrally.com.au/unicorn-squad (Shit Box Rally that Nikki mentions in the intro)https://thebigcpodcast.com/

Jess Armstrong: Conquering Breast Cancer, Building FUCA, and Redefining Skincare

Nikki and Sam are back with Season 2 of The Big C! Join Nikki and Sam for another season of raw, honest and inspiring converations with those impacted by cancer - whether having faced a diagnosis of thier own or supporting a loved one. LINKShttps://thebigcpodcast.com/

Season Two: Let's Kick it Off

THATS A WRAP!&nbsp;This episode is a really quick recap / wrap up of the very first season of The Big C. We not only shared our personal stories but brought on 14 inspiring guests who shared their powerful stories, and along the way, we learned so much. We have had an amazing time, and connected with so many wonderful people.&nbsp; The opportunities that have come our way have been truly humbling, and we’re so grateful for all the support.&nbsp; We’re taking a well-deserved break and can’t wait to return in 2025 for more meaningful conversations. Stay tuned!

Season One: That's a Wrap

Join us as we talk to Barry Du Bois. Many of you will know Barry as the co-host of the Logie award-winning lifestyle TV show The Livingroom, alongside Amanda Keller, Miguel Maestre and Dr Chris Brown.During that period of time, he also shared his own life experiences with Mental Health and Cancer. He talks to us about his experience with being diagnosed with two different types of Myeloma, 7 years apart. Barry is a proud board member of RUOK day and Leukemia Foundation ambassador who has become a sort after keynote speaker and coach specialising in Resilience, thriving after adversity and motivation.

Barry Du Bois on Living with Myeloma

In this episode Sam talks about her journey though surgery, post surgery and radiation. She shares what options she was given for surgery, how she was unexpectedly admitted back to hospital due to an infection and how recovery delayed her 3 weeks of radiation.

Bonus Episode: Surgery and Post Surgery

Cancer is ******, let's talk about it!

A new podcast series that dives into the unspoken topics surrounding cancer and caregiving. Discover insights into the supportive words that make a difference, the types of assistance that matter, and the profound impact on mental and physical well-being. Meet the co-hosts - Sam Burge who diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2023, born in Sydney, now living in Melbourne and working for a large advertising company, oOh!media. And Nikki Shah who was a caregiver, born in the UK, now living in Sydney and founded her groundbreaking company <a href="www.mymuse.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MyMuse</a>.

The Big C

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