The Big C

Join us as we talk to Elise Pride.In this episode, Elise shares the story of her sister Jemma - Diagnosed at just 32 with a rare and aggressive Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR Exon 20) despite being a non-smoker, Jem’s journey challenges the stigma often associated with lung cancer.When a life-extending treatment became available at a cost of $20,000 per month and wasn’t yet on the PBS, Jem chose to fight - not just for herself, but for others. She became a fierce advocate for access, using her voice to push for change. The drug was approved just two days after she passed, but her efforts will now help Australians access life-saving treatment.Now, Elise and her family are continuing Jem’s legacy through The Jem Project, launching May 2026 in partnership with Rare Cancers Australia. Built from Jem’s own lived experience, the initiative includes a free online portal, a 450-page journal, and wellness grants designed to support others navigating cancer.This episode is about love, loss, advocacy, and the lasting impact one person can have. Jem’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, your voice can create change far beyond your own life.Some resources below:https://www.rarecancers.org.au/ https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/https://www.instagram.com/strongerwithjem/

Join us as we talk to Sage Wilder.At just 22 years old, Sage was living an active life playing high level football and working in construction when severe pain and unexplained symptoms led to a shock diagnosis — acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Within hours, his life changed completely.What followed was intensive chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant from his father, and a battle that tested not just his body, but his mindset.Today Sage is in remission, he is a husband, a father, and passionate about helping others find strength through movement and mindset during cancer.This is a powerful and honest conversation about facing an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosis at 22, enduring intensive treatment, and creating a meaningful life grounded in family, resilience, and purpose.Some resources below:https://www.leukaemia.org.au/https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia/https://arrow.org.au/

Nikki and Sam are back with the first episode of Season 3!We catch up on life, share what’s been going on, and get excited about all the amazing things to come this season.

In this bonus recap episode, we catch up on all the recent events - from the McGrath Foundation’s 20 year anniversary breakfast and La Roche Posay’s 50 year celebration to SXSW and the Rare Cancers Australia Long Lunch. It’s been a busy few months filled with connection, purpose, and plenty of in person catch ups with past podcast guests.Special mentions to:McGrath Foundation - https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/La Roche Posay - https://www.laroche-posay.com.au/Skin Check Champions - https://skincheckchampions.com/Rare Cancers Australia - https://www.rarecancers.org.au/Mummy's Wish - https://www.mummyswish.org.au/

In this bonus recap episode, Nikki shares all about the lead up to her wedding - from her amazing hens to an unexpected challenge when her dad needed gallbladder surgery just after arriving from the UK. She reflects on the celebrations with Nick and their loved ones in Fiji, and the moments that made it all so special. Special mentions to:Royal North Shore Hospital - https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/RNSH/Pages/default.aspxSofitel Fiji - https://www.sofitel-fiji.com/Virgin Australia - https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/Kendell Tyne Photography - https://www.kendelltynephotography.com/Moira Hughes Bridal (Wedding Dress) - https://moirahughes.com.au/Faika Karim (Wedding Eve Dress) - https://www.instagram.com/faikacollection/?hl=enLaher (Rings) - https://laher.co/MJ Bale (Suits) - https://www.mjbale.com/Country Road (Boys Outfits) - https://www.countryroad.com.au/William Lee (DJ) - https://www.instagram.com/djwillfj/?hl=en

In this episode, Sam talks about the surgery she had back in July - a right capsulectomy and bilateral autologous fat grafting (a procedure to remove the capsule, or thickened scar tissue, around a breast implant). She shares what the experience was like, from surgery and recovery through to follow-up. Special mentions to:Dr Samriti Sood - https://www.drsamsood.com.au/Northern Beaches Breast Clinic - https://www.nbbreastclinic.com.au/Northern Beaches Hospital - https://northernbeacheshospital.com.au/

THATS A WRAP!We just turned one and this is our final episode of Season 2, we can't believe it.We sat down side by side for a quick wrap-up before life takes us in two very different directions (for now!). Nikki is off to get married in beautiful Fiji, and Sam is preparing for her second breast surgery and the recovery that follows.We touch on what is going on for us right now and take a moment to thank you – our amazing listeners – for coming along on the ride with us.We’ll be back soon with Season 3, ready to dive into more stories, share more experiences, and open up the conversation around whatever you want to hear. Until then, take care and don’t forget to reach out with any topics or voices you want us to explore next.

Join us as we talk to Dr Samriti (Sam) Sood.Samriti Sood is a breast oncoplastic and general surgeon, mum of three, and a vital part of the multidisciplinary team that supported co-host Sam through her own breast cancer journey.Dr Sood shares insight into her personal life - from moving from India to Sydney, early conversations with her parents about cancer and when she realised she was destined to become a surgeon. With cancer always lingering in her thoughts, she was driven to make a difference, and found her purpose in breast surgery.We explore the types of surgery she loves most, how she unwinds after a big day, and what fuels her unwavering passion for her work. It’s an open and heartfelt conversation that highlights the powerful impact of compassionate, expert care.LINKShttps://www.drsamsood.com.au/https://thebigcpodcast.com/

Join us as we talk to JK & Dave.JK was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma in early 2024. What started as a lump he assumed was a cyst quickly turned into a whirlwind of intensive chemotherapy, marathon training between treatment cycles, finding purpose through a simple question to a nurse: “What can people do to help?”, a moment that led to the creation of How Bloody Good - a campaign encouraging eligible people to donate blood and raising awareness around its importance. With over 450 donations so far and a goal of 500, JK’s impact continues to grow. He also recently shaved his head for the World's Greatest Shave, raising nearly $2,000.Joined by Dave, his haematologist and the brother of JK’s close friend—we hear how JK became a bright light on the ward, even pedalling through chemo on an exercise bike, setting a 30km PB, and inspiring other patients around him. Despite his physical recovery, JK shares openly about the mental lag that lingers: the challenges with cognitive function, returning to work, and the anxiety that comes with it.Now working four days a week with Fridays reserved to reset and be present as a dad, JK reminds us that just because someone looks back to normal, doesn’t mean they’re fully there yet. This is a story about grit, purpose, and the power of showing up with energy that’s hard to put into words.LINKShttps://www.instagram.com/howbloodygood/https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centrehttps://thebigcpodcast.com/