Behind the Bra

“He (my son) will be raised by two women. I’ve seen it happen where someone is raised with two dads, two moms, there is this automatic thought that “Oh no, they’re going to be gay too.” If that’s what he wants, then that’s what he wants.” “Disclaimer with this Pink on Pride Behind the Bra Podcast: There will be a lot of sex talk. Breast cancer is a very sexual diagnosis. Breasts are a part of a sexual being.” - Z She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34. Five years later, Melissa Barreras-Espinoza considers herself in remission and is looking forward to motherhood with her partner Jaclyn and newborn son, Rogan. To put it proudly, Melissa is a lesbian woman who has a newborn and is in remission from breast cancer. NOTE: I am not 100% sure on the name/spelling of her partner. For our June Beyond the Bra Pink on Pride podcast, Melissa joins CEO and Founder Zionna Hanson to discuss a set list of topics. Get ready for a funny, open, honest, tear-jerking and relatable conversation. There will be many takeaways and learning opportunities but Melissa capped off her conversation with Z with the following message. “I would like to reach out to the men and women (particularly the women listening), who know in themselves they love other women and they are afraid to come out about it,” said Melissa. “You will feel so much better if you live an authentic life. Even if you lose a couple of people, like I said before ‘Peace’. You will meet a lot of other people who in the community, once you allow yourself to be in the community, or just be yourself, you will respect and love yourself so much more. That’s the message I want to close with. Love is love. Your organization accepts everyone as they are and I love that about you guys.” Be sure to subscribe to the Barbells for Boobs YouTube channel to catch this Pink on Pride Behind the Bra podcast fresh off the mic. You can also head to our website and spend some quality time with our entire library of podcasts under the programs menu. If you are taking it on the run, the Behind the Bra podcast can be found at Spotify, Apple, Stitcher, Tunein and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

Kristen is a wife, mom, CrossFit athlete, scuba diver, and veterinarian from New Jersey. She first noticed a lump on her breast shortly after she stopped breast feeding her daughter at the end of 2019, but it wasn't until her husband noticed that Kristen decided to go in for her mammogram. Less than a month later, in January 2020, she heard those life changing words: "You have breast cancer." Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast and hear Kristen's incredible story as she shares how she walked through a cancer diagnosis and treatment during a global pandemic, how she got involved with Barbells for Boobs, and how she has learned to be okay living with the unknown.  #barbellsforboobs #BehindTheBra #podcast #breastcancer #inspiration #SheMovesUs --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

The Behind the Bra Podcast is back!! We are starting 2021 off with an incredible story from Laurianna. She is a mom, friend, athlete, badass firefighter/paramedic, student of life, and a breast cancer survivor. Laurianna grew up involved in athletics, participating in gymnastics and running track in high school and then rowing in college, before she began testing for local fire departments Southern California.  Laurianna reminds us that whether in day to day life or throughout a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, doors will open exactly when they are supposed to. Join us for the Behind the Bra Podcast this week as Laurianna discusses the jaw dropping statistics of cancer in the fire service profession, how she learned to set boundaries in her life and focus only on the things that inspire her, and most importantly, how she learned to be patient with herself. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

Kate is a mom, coffee lover, breast cancer survivor, and all-around badass from Houston, Texas. She is a mom to two kids and teaches 8th grade language arts. Kate was first diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2019, just three years after her mom's diagnosis.  In the midst of treatment, Kate had to face her failing marriage, the death of her beloved family dog, as well as all the trauma a cancer diagnosis brings. But in the midst of it all, Kate discusses how these life changing effects refocused her attention to her kids and her schooling and how she is learning to love life through it all. And how she is doing it all with the support of her parents and her RAD BFB family.  In this weeks Behind the Bra Podcast, Kate emphasizes the importance of showing up for yourself and learning to speak up if you feel like you are not getting the help and the care you need; and that being present is what of the best gifts you can give to those around you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

“We have to go through dark moments in order to grow. To be better” Sarah is a breast cancer survivor, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a special needs mom originally from Michigan. She first met her firefighter husband while working as a paramedic and they now live in Ohio with their two daughters. When Sarah was twenty weeks pregnant with her second daughter she was told her daughter might never walk or talk due to a condition called hydrocephalus. The first year of Meghan’s life, Sarah and her husband were living in survival mode: going to three doctor appointments a week, managing their jobs, and raising their older daughter, Addison. Sarah felt a lump in her breast while nursing Meghan and on her first visit to the doctor, she was told it was a milk cyst. Keeping an eye on it, she went back six months later and this time the doctor felt another lump. This time it was breast cancer. Sarah met her diagnosis head-on with her support system right beside her. Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast this week and hear how Sarah navigated going through treatment at just 32 years old, all while raising her two young kids. And listen and she shares the GOOD that came from her diagnosis, including how she learned what it means to be healthy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"When your world is falling apart, is when the healing begins." Sherri is a Breast Cancer survivor, Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, mom and wife from Cleveland, Ohio. She is also an athlete, a yogi, and an avid crossfitter. Sherri grew up involved in athletics, participating in gymnastics through high school and later becoming a dedicated runner. So when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 21 years old, her world stood still. Sherri's lymphoma treatment consisted of mantle radiation, which put her at an even higher risk for breast cancer, to which she was no stranger; Sherri lost both her grandmother and aunt to breast cancer. In August of 2018, she heard those words 'you have breast cancer.'  On this week's Behind the Bra Podcast, Sherri shares her experience being a two-time cancer survivor, the trauma effects of a cancer diagnosis, and how through it all she has still learned that gratitude is the most important thing to embrace. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

Natina was born and raised in San Jose, Ca and after experiencing some childhood trauma she found comfort and control in a world of sports and athletics. She grew up playing soccer, and running track and cross country. Natina found a sense of freedom in fitness and eventually even joined the Marines, serving for five years. Natina now lives in South Carolina with her husband and three sons and continues to crave fitness to help keep her grounded. While the world was entering an unknown chaos back in March of this year, Natina was faced with a fear even more personal, when on March 6th she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Tune is to episode 3 of The Good Series from the Behind The Bra podcast as Natina discusses navigating her diagnosis and her treatment during a global pandemic and how she was able to find so much GOOD around her this year: including learning the importance of self care and how love might just be the greatest gift received. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"It's ok to take up space in this world and advocate for yourself. Learn how to ask for help." The Behind the Bra Podcast: GOOD series, episode 2 kicks off with Amanda. Originally from Northern California, Amanda bounced around the west coast for about ten years before settling in Temecula. She is no stranger to hard work. Amanda first began pursuing a degree in music performance at California State University Long Beach, but eventually moved back up north to Sacramento, after her mom got sick, where she earned her Masters in Child Development.  While taking care of her mom and working full time, Amanda had a few health scares of her own, before being diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in March of 2019 at only 32 years old.  Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast to hear Amanda's story, how she learned to advocate for her health, and what the GOOD was that came out of her breast cancer diagnosis. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

We are kicking off the Behind the Bra Good Series with Wendy Nielsen, a registered dietitian, photographer, and CrossFit athlete from St. Paul, Minnesota.  Wendy was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer in September of 2018 at the age of 40. Having watched her mom navigate a breast cancer diagnosis 13 years earlier, Wendy opted to have a double mastectomy in order to forgo other treatment options.  It took a while for her to come out of the dust of her diagnosis, and through two surgeries, Wendy admits she was mostly living in survival mode, thinking that she'd forget all about this time of her life once it was all over. But as we've heard from most of the women in our programs, the emotional effects of a diagnosis last a lifetime.  In this first episode of the GOOD series, Wendy discusses all the good that has come from receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, her growing relationship with her family and learning the meaning of self-care. To hear more about the good, tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast 2.0: The GOOD Series. And to learn more about Wendy's story, check out episode 20 of the Behind the Bra Podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

The GOOD that comes from being diagnosed with Breast Cancer?! How does that even make sense? Isn’t it an oxymoron? *** Our Behind the Bra Podcast is entering its second season and this time it’s all about the GOOD things that a breast cancer diagnosis can lead to. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by all the challenges and heartache that breast cancer brings, which is why, in season two, we are inviting back a few of our guests from season one to come talk about the GOOD they have found in the struggles they have gone through. I’ll be kicking off this first episode by sharing my experiences with breast cancer. I was only 29 when my best friend Cecy was diagnosed. She was 26, and was initially denied screening because of her age. I took my fear, pain, and anger, and I channeled it towards something bigger. Something that would eventually become Barbells for Boobs. Years later, while I was helping women every day through this organization, my sister Jenny was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and later passed away in April 2018. Finding the good in this seemed impossible at the time. But our amazing community let me know that good was possible. That is the goal with this second season: The Good Series. The goal is for survivors and co-survivors to share their stories and bring a light of hope to women early in their breast cancer journey. We want you to know that you are not alone in your fear and in your pain. And we also want you to know that there will be good that comes out of this – even if you can’t see it right now. Join us each week as survivors share their stories of how breast cancer positively impacted their lives. And help us bring hope to those who are just beginning their breast cancer journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

Aimee is a breast cancer survivor, fur mommy, and a health and beauty publicist from upstate New York. She grew up in New York City and has been in the beauty and fashion industry for nearly 25 years. Life was going smooth for Aimee and her husband when she unexpectedly found a lump on her breast. Soon after, at her regular screening, Aimee would hear the life changing news that she was living with breast cancer.  Join us on this weeks Behind the Bra Podcast as Aimee shares her story, including how she stumbled upon Barbells for Boobs and how her love of fitness has been reignited through the BFB RAD programs.  Aimee's  biggest lesson from breast cancer? "Don't be afraid of the small things; to try something new."  #barbellsforboobs #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivor # BehindtheBra #podcast #SheMovesUs --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"You can make the CHOICE to be positive" Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast this week as Lori Shaw is joined by her awesome husband Nick and together they discuss the struggles of a breast cancer diagnosis while also highlighting the good things the diagnosis has brought to their family. Lori and Nick are a perfect example of a healthy and active couple and the fact that breast cancer does not discriminate. They first met in New York City where they were both living at the time. Lori's active lifestyle led her to a personal training gym where Nick would eventually become her personal trainer. Lori is the author of several cookbooks, including one mini-ecookbook that was just released on Monday (10/12) and Nick is the founder of RP Strength, a nutrition and diet coaching app. His book, Fit for Success, will be out in early November.   When Lori had pain in her armpit and a small lump, the doctors assured her it was nothing and the health care system even pushed back on her decision to have an ultrasound. Shortly after advocating for her health, Lori was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Join us as Lori and Nick discuss cancer during Covid, what it takes to run a successful business, and how looking at the good in a time of despair is the healthiest thing you can do for your family. Don't miss this long-anticipated, incredible Behind the Bra podcast episode! #barbellsforboobs #breastcancer #nonprofit #charity #breastcancersurvivor #BehindTheBra #podcast #RaiseTheBar --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"You need to be your own advocate for your health" Robin is a mom, physical therapist, competitive athlete, and a breast cancer survivor/ thriver who reminds us that breast cancer DOES NOT discriminate. Robin grew up in a military family and lived in 10 different states before entering college. Her dedication to gymnastics as a young girl gave her drive and purpose. It not only prepared her for her physically active future, but it also taught her structure and discipline in school, in athletics, and in life. Robin's history competing in gymnastics set her up for success in the world of CrossFit and eventually, she became competitive in CrossFit as well. Like a lot of the women in our programs, Robin admits that at the time of her breast cancer diagnosis, she was the healthiest she's ever been. When she first discovered a lump on Christmas Eve in 2015, she had just finished the '12 days of Chrismas' WOD. Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast and listen to Robin's incredible story as she stresses the importance of advocating for your health, that it is OKAY to get a 2nd opinion, and that breast cancer doesn't discriminate! #barbellsforboobs #breastcancer #charity #behindthebra #podcast #breastcancerawareness #breastcancersurvivor #breastcancerTHRIVER --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"Breast cancer made me realize what was important in life. People will remember how you made them feel" Kristin is a badass warrior of breast cancer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up an active kid, Kristin was always involved in sports and at 14 even decided she wanted to be a bodybuilder.  No matter the goals set before her, Kristin prides herself on always accomplishing them. From pursuing a career as an Air Traffic Controller to eventually reaching that goal of being on stage at a bodybuilding competition, she lets nothing stand in her way. It was only 2 months after her first competition and 2 months before her second, that while in the best shape of her life, Kristin heard the words "you have breast cancer."  Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast this week to listen to Kristin's story while she explains how she navigated multiple breast cancer diagnoses and how she refuses to let her metastatic diagnosis stop her! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

Mother, athlete, currently going through treatment "Realize you can't control everything and that's okay." Katie is a mom and an athlete from New Hampshire and she is currently going through treatment for Stage 1 Breast Cancer. She grew up an athlete. Always active and involved in sports, Katie has valued health and fitness her whole life. After being involved in CrossFit for a short time, Katie and her husband became CF coaches and eventually opened their own gym.  At 34 years old, Katie was in the best shape of her life when, on March 25th of this year, just days after Covid-19 forced the country into a lockdown, Katie's world was turned completely upside down when she heard those life-changing words, "You have breast cancer."  Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast this week and listen as Katie shares how she coped with her diagnosis while dealing with a global pandemic, and how she has always tried to find the positives in negative situations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"Cancer has been a part of my life, but it is NOT my life." This week's Behind the Bra Podcast features Angela who is a complete and total badass!! She is a motorcycle riding, weightlifting/powerlifting mom, and athlete and breast cancer survivor for over 20 years. With a ton of athletic achievements under her belt, Angela is proof that breast cancer does not discriminate. After her diagnosis at just 29 years old, Angela showed what it meant to be an advocate for your health. She went through 4 doctors before she was finally given a lumpectomy! Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast and hear Angela's story and listen as she explains how a preacher machine may have saved her life and how breast cancer is a good enough excuse to go buy your dream car. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"Don't take life for granted. Be strong. Be mindful of those around you" Mary is a personal trainer and community health educator originally from Staten Island, NY and now resides in central New Jersey. Mary embraced her athletic ability at a young age, recognizing that sports gave her confidence and ultimately saved her life. On September 10, 2001, Mary enlisted in the Army and served for 6 years. Did you know that women in the military are 20-40% more likely to get breast cancer?! When Mary was born, doctors told her parents that she wouldn't amount to much, because of a facial birth defect. With the unconditional love of her parents, Mary was taught how to be strong early on.  Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast this week as Mary shares with us her incredible story of perseverance through childhood struggles, discrimination, and how she navigated a breast cancer diagnosis at just 33 years old. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"Shit Happens; things fall into place" Sarah is a breast cancer survivor and fitness enthusiast from Seattle, Washington. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Sarah has traveled and lived all over the world. From South Africa (her favorite) all the way to Taiwan. She settled in Seattle nearly four years ago when her job in Occupational Health and Safety pointed her to the Pacific Northwest.  At just 31 years old she got a feeling that something wasn't quite right with her body and she confidently brought her concerns to her doctor. Having been an athlete for most of her life, and involved in CrossFit for several years, Sarah was in the best shape of her life, when she heard the unexpected words, "You have Breast Cancer." Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast and listen to Sarah's heartwarming story as she candidly explains the struggles of decision making that a diagnosis brings and how sometimes all you have to do is flip a coin. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"Don't sweat the small stuff. Be true to yourself. It doesn't have to be a death sentence." Emma is a wife, mom, athlete, and survivor from Redondo Beach, California. She came to America from Australia to pursue a Kinesiology degree and this path eventually led her to become a PE teacher, as well as a school counselor. A long family history of breast cancer motivated Emma to seek early detection methods and at 25 years old Emma began getting her yearly mammograms. Because of her knowledge about the importance of early detection, her physical education background, and her fitness level, when she went in for her first biopsy, the words "You're not supposed to be here" were heard often.  Tune in to the Behind the Bra Podcast and listen as Emma shares her unbelievable story about how she didn't know she had breast cancer until after the fact and how the choices she made to be preventatively saved her life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support

"I've learned so much about patience. We need to be less busy" Katelyn is a 30-year-old wife, sister, survivor, and athlete from Poland, Maine, and was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at just 29 years old. Katelyn has considered herself an athlete since childhood, participating in nearly every sport and even pursuing soccer and softball into college. She was introduced to CrossFit 10 years ago when she and her sister were looking for a good way to stay in shape. A well-rounded athlete, Katelyn also pursued her dream of running a marathon.  Katelyn and her husband had just bought a new home, Katelyn was staying busy at work, and was in the best shape of her life when she found out she was pregnant. Right when life seemed to be on the right track, Katelyn was faced with the most heartbreaking loss a woman could endure. And THEN came those words, "You have breast cancer." You do not want to miss the Behind the Bra Podcast this week to hear Katelyn's inspiring story of heartbreak and healing as she unveils how she walked through her diagnosis while dealing with everything else life had to throw at her. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbellsforboobs/support