In this powerful and deeply intimate episode of The Art of We, Krista sits down with visionary movement educator Melissa Michaels to explore the intersection of sexuality, embodiment, and healing—through the lens of Melissa’s late-stage ovarian cancer journey. What unfolds is a story of profound transformation, where trauma, loss, and surgery become portals into deeper intimacy, love, physical pleasure and devotion to life force.

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and guest Melissa Michaels

00:00 — Intro

00:55 — Melissa’s cancer diagnosis story and background

06:15 — The ritual of preparing for surgery & calling in community

09:46 — The post-surgery declaration

12:19 — Intimacy, partnership, and scarred bodies

15:34 — How Melissa worked with pain and chemo

23:12 — Building intimacy with others & the sacredness of presence

25:36 — Chemotherapy: grief, gratitude, and identity shifts

28:21 — Reclaiming sexuality and orgasm after cancer

33:04 — The long road back to intimacy and physical connection 

36:36 — Balancing solitude and partnership with devotion to aliveness

40:58 — Melissa’s guidance for returning home to your body

46:19 — What this journey taught her about love, humanity, and the path forward

50:22 — Where to learn more about Melissa's work & the short film Twisted Gift

Reach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you!

Resources Mentioned: 

• Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements 
• Golden Bridge
• Golden Girls Global

Get in Touch: 

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram 
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training
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