Dying to Tell You

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"

Do We Need to be Remembered? : A Reflection

Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Sandra and an idea from Thich Nhat Hanh called Interbeing.
This week we're also starting our Remembrances, in which we read remembrances from listeners of loved ones lost. Stick around to the end of the Reflection to hear them. 

Sandra: Silver Linings in the Face of Terminal Illness

Silver linings. Looking for the good. These don’t have to be ways of ignoring the challenging parts of our lives. They can be a way of accepting all of our experiences—the so-called good and bad—in a light of positivity and growth.
This the lesson Sandra teaches us in her conversation with Cody, which took place in Sandra’s backyard sanctuary on a lovely spring day in Boulder, CO. In addition to her silver linings and her personal story living with a brain tumor, Sandra also shares helpful information and advice on death administration—taking care of the logistics of dying so that your family and friends don’t have to.

Life Happens For Me, Not To Me: A Reflection

Cody reflects on his conversation with last week's guest, Riyaz, and the meaning of the words "life happens for me, not to me."