Author Chat with Brad Buchanan

Explicit content warning

02/21/24 • 61 min

Have you ever witnessed the metamorphosis of the human spirit through the darkest of times? Brad Buchanan, PhD, MA, a resilient cancer survivor and former English professor, joins us to share his captivating journey of battling cancer, undergoing a stem cell transplant, and living with the complex aftermath of Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD). In a narrative that weaves vulnerability with triumph, Brad opens up about the transformative role of writing in his path to healing and how he embraced a new philosophy of acceptance in the face of relentless health challenges.
As we navigate Brad's story, we uncover the paradoxical nature of GVHD – the condition that both fights cancer and poses its own life-threatening complications. His words chronicle his personal battle and serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar adversities, illuminating the profound psychological shifts accompanying such journeys.
Our discussions transcend the individual stories, touching on the collective experience of illness, the quest for meaning amidst uncertainty, and the heartfelt solidarity we share with all our listeners. Join us for this episode that reminds us of the indomitable human spirit's capacity to confront, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
You can read more about Brad at https://www.bradthechimera.com and about CancerBridges at http://www.cancerbridges.org.

General Links:

Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

General Links:

Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Previous Episode

Author Chat with Ethan Joella

When the pages of a book flutter closed, the story lingers, etching itself into the fabric of our beings. Such is the essence of our latest chat with Ethan Joella, PhD, MA, MFA, MS, a revered storyteller and University of Delaware educator, whose novels "A Little Hope" and "The Quiet Life" tenderly sketch the intricate dance of life's trials and the resilience of the human spirit. Our conversation with Ethan stretches beyond the written word, touching on the raw inspiration drawn from personal heartache—how the loss of a loved one can bleed into the pages of fiction, offering solace and understanding to those who find their own stories reflected in his characters.
Objects hold the weight of memories, and as Ethan reads from "A Quiet Life," we're enveloped in the poignant symbol of a towel, a relic of love and loss. This moment opens a window into the psychology of attachment, guiding us through the fabric of our sentimental ties to the material world. Ethan's dual mastery of English and psychology shines a light on these connections, unearthing the deeper truths hidden in the everyday and leaving us to ponder the relics of our lives that we cling to for comfort and remembrance.
Much like any passion, writing demands a delicate balance with life's ceaseless rhythm. Ethan's insights on finding time for creativity amid the bustle stir a chord within us, nudging aspiring writers to embrace discipline and cherish the act of storytelling as a bridge to legacy.
Join us for a heartening journey through literature's power to connect and heal, as we unwrap the stories of one author's devotion to the craft amidst the tender complexities of life.
https://www.ethanjoellawriter.com/

General Links:

Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/
Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimera
G [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormd
CancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/

Next Episode

Author Chat with Liz O'Riordan

When the surgeon's scalpel is aimed at oneself, the world turns on its head. Dr. Liz O'Riordan, MD, FRCS, PhD, a former British surgeon now on a mission to educate after multiple breast cancer diagnoses, joins us to share her compelling story. In a transparent and touching narrative, Liz recounts the duality of her life as both caretaker and patient, threading through her personal experiences the pearls of wisdom that have emerged from her role reversal. Her book "Under the Knife" is more than a memoir; it's a call to action for deeper empathy and understanding in the face of illness.
The depth and breadth of cancer's impact on life's balance beam are laid bare as Liz guides us through her strategies for coping and thriving post-diagnosis. Initiatives like CancerBridges.org become lifelines in this journey, providing community support and essential tools for those navigating the treacherous waters of long-term survivorship. Liz also peels back the layers on the wheel of life concept, reminding us that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for those in high-stress professions like surgery. The conversation delves into the delicate interplay between fate and choice regarding cancer causation, urging listeners to embrace self-compassion over guilt.
In our final reflections, Liz lights the path to self-improvement and seizing joy in everyday life, urging us all to take even the smallest step toward healthier living. The message is clear: thriving, not just surviving, is the goal. Her candor and the relatable anecdotes shared throughout the episode underscore the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing life's moments. We're left with a strong sense of gratitude, both for Dr. O'Rioaden's vulnerability in sharing her story and for the community of listeners who join us in this ongoing conversation about life, health, and personal growth.
https://liz.oriordan.co.uk/

General Links: