Dying to Tell You

Faith in the Face of Challenge: A Reflection

Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Deanna, how we all turn to faith in our own ways in times of challenge and fear. And how we can all try to find the peace inside to know we're ok.
We also share a remembrance from Beth Stevens of her grandfather, which will change how you see penny farthing bicycles from here on out. 
Music for this episode is from Trevor Ransom, "The Lamp Kept Us Warm But Now We Walk" and "Finding Rest" by Greg McKay. 

Deanna: Answered Prayers & Time to Say Goodbye

On the side of an ice-covered Wyoming highway, staring down an out-of-control semi, Deanna prayed and got a truly unexpected answer—she made it off that road alive but less than a year later was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. What she sees now is that she was given time to say goodbye.
>>Theme Music by Michael Shynes, "The Other Side"<<
Music featured in this week's episode:
Tom West, “Antarctica”
Straight White Teeth, “Tell It In a Letter”
Maya Isacowitz, “All of the Miles”
Duce Williams, “Pray”
Feu Marinho, “Sopro do Mar”

Cancer, A Beautiful Gift in Ugly Wrapping: A Reflection

Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Lee, who sees her tumor not as an enemy to fight, but as part of who she is. Tune in for his thoughts on acceptance, beautiful gifts in ugly wrapping, and the wisdom of Mike Tyson. And let us know what your thoughts are, either on social media or as a comment on the episode itself.
Music for this episode is from Trevor Ransom, "The Lamp Kept Us Warm But Now We Walk."

Lee: Co-Existing with Cancer

Nearly fourteen years ago, Lee discovered she had an inoperable tumor at the top of her spinal cord, an astrocytoma that left her partially paralyzed. After initial medical options ultimately proved either too risky (radiation) or not an option at all (chemotherapy), Lee began down a more holistic path and hasn't undergone any additional conventional treatment for her cancer. 
Instead, Lee has used traditional ceremonies like Ayahuasca and Dietas to diagnosis and process what's happening in her body. She has learned to co-exist with her cancer and sees it as an integral part of herself, not an enemy to fight. 
>>Theme Music by Michael Shynes, "The Other Side"<<
Music featured in this week's episode:
Low Light, "Undertow"
Maya Isacowitz, "Can't Wait"
Nono, "Un Coin Tranquille"

The Loss and Awareness of ALS: A Reflection

Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Rachel. ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's) is a disease of progressive, irretrievable loss. And unlike other diseases like dementia, you're only too aware of what you're losing. 
But as Rachel has shown us and Cody reflects on—that loss doesn't have to mean you stop living while you're still alive.
Included in this bonus episode is also a remembrance shared with us by a listener on social media about her beloved abuelo—a man who fixed many things. 
Music for this episode is from Trevor Ransom, "The Lamp Kept Us Warm But Now We Walk" and "Finding Rest" by Greg McKay. 

Rachel: Changing Your Perspective as ALS Changes You

Rachel has ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Recently, she sat down to talk with Cody about her personal journey, what she's learned about valuing what we have now in life, and a ton of helpful information on ALS.
Also on the podcast...Peach the bulldog! 
>>Theme Music by Michael Shynes, "The Other Side"<<
Music featured in this week's episode:
Beò, Sémø "This Life of Time"
Ziv Moran "I Wish"
Southern Call "Black Motorcycle"
Paper Planes "Girl Like You"
 

The Inspiring Call To Care For Others: A Reflection

Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on his conversation with Dr. Bob and the idea of faith and caring. In the most human sense, faith and caring are about compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the wellbeing of others. Quoting Ram Dass, Cody talks about what “walking each other home” really means.
Music for this episode is from Trevor Ransom, "The Lamp Kept Us Warm But Now We Walk" 

Bob: Caring For Each Other Throughout Life...and Death

Bob is a retired pediatrician with prostate cancer who has seen diagnosis and treatment procedures change dramatically over the decades. His devotion to his family and his deep understanding of the medical world open up a fascinating conversation with Cody around the themes of living well, facing difficult realities, and the importance of caring for one another. 
>>Theme Music by Michael Shynes, "The Other Side"<<
Music featured in this week's episode:
Backward Days "So Clear"
The Talbott Brothers "Family"
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra "Flower Duet Lakmé"

The Simple Things We Turn To In Loss: A Reflection

Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on his conversation with last week's guest, Denise, and the beautiful, little parts of life that make it worth living. 
We also share a lovely remembrance of a good friends' grandmother, who figured prominently in Cody's youth.

Denise: Courage, Cancer, and Simply Being

Denise says she doesn't see herself as brave. In her eyes, she's simply facing her cancer diagnosis directly and doing what she has to do.
It's a special kind of courage, accepting the difficult things as they are and doing whatever you can in the name of what's most important, which for Denise means being here as long as she can be for her family.
But her point still stands—is that brave, simply human, or both?
>>Theme Music by Michael Shynes, "The Other Side"<<
Music featured in this week's episode:
Low Light "Never Lost"
Chris Mason "Love Is More Than a Feeling"
Louis Island "A Little Longer"