Best Genetic Jackpot Podcasts (2025)

1
'I hit the jackpot with Beth ... it's only now she's gone I realise how much I relied on her.' 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

On this episode, celebrity chef and author Justine Schofield opens up about the death of her best friend Beth to bowel cancer aged just 38. Justine talks about the joy of female friendship, her shared love of food with Beth and how the loss of her lifelong friend at such a young age has impacted her and their close-knit group. “There is something s…

1
'I looked well and people were assessing the outside of me ...' 25:01

2M ago25:01

25:01

A long-time bowel cancer advocate, Jodie’s delayed diagnosis was 'explained away' as female related issues, pregnancy and being a young Mum. It wasn’t until she advocated for herself that she finally got the answer to her ongoing symptoms – Stage 3 bowel cancer. 'Self-advocacy is my big message - if something doesn’t feel right, look right and you’…

1
'After my surgery I just wanted to run ... So, I decided to train for a half marathon!' 27:07

4M ago27:07

27:07

For avid runner, Brendan, looking after his mental health and body through running was a daily routine. But when he was struggling to complete his normal running regime and feeling tired and exhausted, he decided to see a GP. After being turned away twice and told it was nothing to be concerned about, Brendan listened to his body and sought a secon…

1
'GP's should not use age to dismiss the possibility of bowel cancer.' 24:29

5M ago24:29

24:29

Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and HER2 gene mutation at 35, Pei, (a GP registrar) chats with Stephanie regarding the importance of GP’s treating the patient in front of them without age bias. Pei talks about her realistic and pragmatic approach to living her life with a terminal illness and how her love of the outdoors keeps her focused on th…

1
'After surgery, the proximity of a toilet was my highest priority' 32:20

5M ago32:20

32:20

TV writer and director, Darren Ashton, discusses with Stephanie how his stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis informed the tone of the hit ABC show, 'Austin'. 'When you're knocking on deaths door, you think about the important things. I wanted to put something joyous into the world and this is why “Austin” became a positive show.' In this frank chat Darre…

1
'The last part of living is so precious and you don’t want to get it wrong.' 48:24

6M ago48:24

48:24

Palliative Care doctor and author of, 'With the End in Mind', Kathryn Mannix demystifies the often uncomfortable topic of death and dying. Chatting with Stephanie, Kathryn reminds us that we often fear death because of the unknown; that death is not what is portrayed in Hollywood movies and that we have forgotten about the process of 'ordinary dyin…

1
'We want a patient’s health span to match their life span with the best quality of life.' 36:06

7M ago36:06

36:06

On this episode, Dr Sarah Chu and early-onset bowel cancer survivor Vanessa Mendico discuss the importance of age not being a barrier to a bowel cancer diagnosis. To address perceived age bias as outlined in recent research, Bowel Cancer Australia has launched a new resource, the Never2Young CPD series. Featuring virtual clinics, these educational …

1
'You didn't want vanilla. You wanted something provocative that would cut through ...' - Nina 37:29

9M ago37:29

37:29

Stephanie chats with Ogilvy Group Creative Director, Nina East, Director, Eddy Bell and bowel cancer survivor, Kin Leong about the creation of Bowel Cancer Australia's latest awareness campaign, "Australia's Deadliest". They discuss the brief, the process, and the final result in developing an advertising campaign that resonates with the target aud…

1
'I now enjoy spending time with the ones I love. Doing the things that I love,' says Jake. 27:15

10M ago27:15

27:15

Jake talks to Stephanie about how his life was tipped on its head after his stage 4 diagnosis at 31 and how he had to re-frame his dreams and life plan, including starting a family. Upbeat and one to always try and find a silver lining, Jake discusses the importance of letting go of the things you can’t control and maintaining a positive approach d…

1
"We are always thinking about who else is with us, even if they are not in the room," explains genetic counsellor Alisha. 28:40

11M ago28:40

28:40

On this episode Stephanie talks to Genetic Counsellor, Alisha, who demystifies the dynamic world of genetics and the implications for cancer patients. Alisha discusses the importance of knowing your family health history, how to access genetic testing, and the relevant questions to ask when faced with a possible bowel cancer genetic condition.…

1
Gabrielle says, 'I’d much rather take a poo test than a mammogram...' 36:29

12M ago36:29

36:29

Gabrielle talks to Stephanie about the importance of participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which she credits with saving her life. As a regional patient, Gabrielle discusses the barriers she faced in receiving support with her initial diagnosis, the importance of exercise in her daily life, and how she is learning to navigat…

1
Angus rejoins his Mum, Stephanie, this time as the interviewee 21:39

1y ago21:39

21:39

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer it is hard enough for an adult to comprehend, but for a child it’s even more difficult. In this episode, Angus rejoins his Mum, Stephanie, this time as the interviewee. He talks through his experience dealing with her diagnosis. In this heartwarming discussion, Angus talks about the importance of positivity…

1
'A well-stocked kitchen makes it so much easier to make nutritious choices and a weekly plan means you are more likely to stick to it,' Teresa explains. 23:36

1y ago23:36

23:36

Overindulged during the festive period? Are you feeling blah? Bowel Care Nutritionist, Teresa talks to Stephanie about starting the new year with a fresh approach and getting back to a healthy lifestyle. 'I don’t mind the odd cheat day, but it’s important to get back on track.' Teresa discusses handy tips and tricks that are easy to implement, so y…

1
'We had a great relationship and she loved speaking to me about footy every time we caught up,' says Chad. 13:01

1y ago13:01

13:01

NRL player, Chad Townsend has been a passionate supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia since his mother-in-law, Gail was diagnosed in 2012. Sadly she passed away from the disease in 2020, but Chad talks with Stephanie about Gail's tenacity and never-give-up attitude that continues to inspire him to live his best life.…

1
'Racing saved my life,' explains Michael 26:04

1y ago26:04

26:04

A routine medical for his annual licence led to a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis for racing driver, Michael Sheargold. A check he credits with saving his life. Michael chats with Stephanie about the importance of understanding your body and acting on symptoms. Bowel cancer was never on Michael’s radar and his shock diagnosis has made him reassess w…

1
'I miss the way she would hold us. I could feel her heart and her warmth.' 28:57

1+ y ago28:57

28:57

Mehroz and Seemab chat with Stephanie about the loss of their sister Afroz, to bowel cancer at age 33. Diagnosed shortly after the birth of her son, Afroz, like many bowel cancer patients, put her symptoms down to being a new mum. Bowel cancer was not something she even considered. Remarkably close to their sister, Mehroz and Seemab wanted to honou…

1
'I outsource the more difficult areas to ensure I don’t burden my husband and family...', says Nina 35:44

1+ y ago35:44

35:44

Stage 4 bowel cancer patient and advocate, Nina and her husband, Aaron chat with Stephanie about how bowel cancer has impacted their life, from both a patient and carer perspective. Mid-October marks National Carers Week and Nina highlights the importance of recognising your support network and ensuring that carers also take time out to look after …

1
'I’d jump on the board and all the cancer stuff would leave me . . .' says Kieren 25:52

1+ y ago25:52

25:52

Kieren has sadly passed away since the time of this recording. It is an important part of Kieren's legacy that his lived-experience continues to be shared to raise much needed awareness and support to others. Bowel Cancer Australia thanks and acknowledges Kieren's contribution in creating a powerful voice for change, and our thoughts are with his l…

1
'You’re already grieving for that person, long before they pass away,' says Lauren. 26:19

1+ y ago26:19

26:19

Lauren is passionate about raising much needed awareness for bowel cancer and again is fundraising for Bowel Cancer Australia this Dry July in honour of her late father. In this emotionally raw discussion with Stephanie, Lauren shares her harrowing five years, first losing her mother after a long-term illness, to nursing her father diagnosed with s…

1
Adam explains, 'I went away from Canberra with a happy heart!' 25:43

1+ y ago25:43

25:43

Bowel cancer advocates Nina, Adam and Jacob chat with Stephanie about Bowel Cancer Australia’s inaugural 'Call on Canberra' event held in June. All deeply passionate about driving meaningful change, Nina, Adam and Jacob share their experiences, their conversations with policymakers regarding early-onset bowel cancer and expectations to optimise out…

1
'Being gifted Lily reminded me to never give up, that anything is possible and miracles do happen,' says Hollie. 25:49

1+ y ago25:49

25:49

Hollie was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 24. Faced with a terminal diagnosis and the prospect of never being able to bear children, Hollie decided to approach her 'shit show' through a positive lens. 'I had to get up every day or I was afraid I may not get up the next day,' said Hollie. Over 10 years on and now the mother of a toddler…

1
Stephanie says 'I was very scared history would repeat itself and that I may die from bowel cancer and leave you without a Mum.' 20:27

2y ago20:27

20:27

In a special Mother’s Day episode, 14-year old Angus reverses roles and steps in as guest host to interview his Mum, Stephanie. Only two when Stephanie was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, Angus delves into how his Mum’s diagnosis impacted their family. In a frank and honest conversation, Stephanie shares her fear of facing a similar fate to he…

1
Dr Pachter explains, 'If you have Lynch syndrome don't be discharged (from your medical team)...' 31:31

2y ago31:31

31:31

Clinical Geneticist & Professor Dr Nicholas (Nick) Pachter chats with Stephanie about Lynch syndrome, prevalence in the community, ongoing surveillance as well as treatment options. Lynch syndrome is caused by a change in a gene that normally functions to protect a person from getting cancer. A mutation carriers lifetime risk for bowel or other syn…

1
Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie says, 'Time to break the taboo around talking POO!' 28:29

2y ago28:29

28:29

Colorectal surgeon, Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie explains why we all need to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms, but it's particularly important for young women not to have their symptoms dismissed as 'female issues' or due to pregnancy. Passionate about human-centric care, Dr De Lacavalerie explains the importance of advocating for your own health an…

1
Fiona explains, 'Bowel cancer can be life changing . . . there can be a real lack of support following surgery.' 23:02

2y ago23:02

23:02

Bowel Care Nurse Fiona chats with Stephanie about some of the common questions she is asked across the care continuum, including nutritional advice, side effects of treatment, and support that may be required as patients adjust to a 'new normal'. With expertise in intensive care, oncology and stomal therapy, Bowel Cancer Australia’s friendly nurses…

1
'My face didn’t look like anything I would see or the conversations I would hear so I didn’t even think bowel cancer was a possibility,' says Emily. 29:33

2y ago29:33

29:33

A positive attitude helped Emily navigate her stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis at just 37. Emily and Stephanie discuss fertility after a cancer diagnosis, navigating cancer when you are young and single, as well as how family and friends were integral in supporting her through her bowel cancer journey. An authentic and honest conversation that highli…

1
Abbey explains, 'My job, and my family and friends (job), is to keep Marcus alive (for our girls) by talking about him.' 26:55

2y ago26:55

26:55

Losing a partner is challenging at any point in your life, but to be a widow with two young children in your early 30’s is particularly difficult. Abbey shines through as she discusses with Stephanie her husband, Marcus’ shock bowel cancer diagnosis aged just 34 and how they navigated the next 12 months together, making special memories with their …

1
'Be a pleasant squeaky wheel…come empowered, have questions to ask and deliver them in a pleasant way', says Anthony. 31:31

2+ y ago31:31

31:31

For Anthony Ellison, exercise and a healthy lifestyle were front and centre in his life, so when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, three days shy of his 40th birthday, he was knocked for a six. Three years later, Anthony’s positive outlook and drive to challenge the norm, see him tackling the cancer head-on. Anthony and Stephanie discuss …

1
'Why wouldn’t you take 15 minutes from your day to do the test and possibly save you from a much bigger challenge,' says Wayne. 33:26

2+ y ago33:26

33:26

AFL great and mental health advocate, Wayne Schwass, is passionate about good physical and emotional health and urges Australians to tackle the difficult conversations. After years of struggling with depression silently, Wayne confronted the condition head-on and has gone on to launch PukaUp. In 2019, after a routine screening test, Wayne was diagn…

1
The lining of the gut is very similar all the way from the mouth to the anus, it just differs in thickness, Dr John Ding explains. 35:25

2+ y ago35:25

35:25

Gastroenterologist John Ding specialises in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both conditions can cause inflammation of the colon and rectum, and if left untreated can be a pre-cursor to bowel cancer. Stephanie and John discuss diagnosing both conditions via colonoscopy and gastropathy, as well as no…

1
Jessica says 'I kick myself in hindsight that I did not find just 15 minutes in a day for myself. Every time I saw blood, I thought this is not normal.' 33:50

2+ y ago33:50

33:50

Jessica was juggling life as a new Mum and a promotion at work when she was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer aged just 33. Now a passionate advocate for raising young-onset bowel cancer awareness, Jessica discusses with Stephanie the importance of prioritising yourself and being a champion for your own health. Jessica explains how her diagnosis …

1
'A social worker looks at the person holistically both the physical as well as the social aspects affecting your health,' says Victoria. 27:55

2+ y ago27:55

27:55

Victoria has recently joined the Bowel Cancer Australia team as a Bowel Care Oncology Social Worker. Her compassion shines through as she chats to Stephanie about the importance of looking after your wellbeing and all the aspects that impact your life while navigating your bowel cancer journey. Offering practical tips from how to communicate with y…

1
"There is a lot of gaps in survivorship care for bowel cancer patients," Sally explains. 15:19

2+ y ago15:19

15:19

Sally chats to Stephanie about the gaps in survivorship care and the launch of The Movement, Bowel Cancer Australia’s new online community created by patients for patients to help improve wellness beyond diagnosis. The Movement is a moderated, safe and supportive environment for bowel cancer patients, featuring monthly presentations by healthcare p…

1
'Women’s bodies seem to offer so many potential detours when looking for a diagnosis. Be willing to politely question a medical professional,” says Margaret. 30:12

3y ago30:12

30:12

Bowel cancer survivor, former member parliament and moderator of Bowel Cancer Australia's young-onset bowel cancer webinar series, Margaret Fitzherbert chats to Stephanie about the importance of politely challenging medical professionals and seeking a second opinion. Diagnosed in her early 40's, Margaret underwent treatment for stage 3 bowel cancer…

1
'My friends were finishing high school and celebrating their 18ths while I am mourning at my Mum’s funeral,' Chantel explains. 21:39

3y ago21:39

21:39

Chantel from Gogglebox Australia was just 14 when her mum was first diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and 18 when she passed away. During her important teenage years, she was looking after her Mum, trying to get through school while her friends were off enjoying life. Watching her mum slowly succumb to the disease had long term mental health rami…

1
'You get a little picnic rug for your poo and take the poo to the picnic,' Cal Wilson describing her NBCSP experience 23:42

3y ago23:42

23:42

Cal Wilson is one of Australia’s most popular comedians and a perennial favourite on television shows and discovered she was far more resilient than she thought when participating in the exotic challenges on I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here! Chatting to Stephanie, Cal shares why she wanted to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia as her nomi…

1
“I can feel profound loneliness as a cancer patient trying to access treatment during COVID-19,” says Nicole. 36:11

3y ago36:11

36:11

Nicole has sadly passed away since the time of this recording. It is an important part of Nicole's legacy that her lived-experience continues to be shared to raise much needed awareness and support to others. Bowel Cancer Australia thanks and acknowledges Nicole's contribution in creating a powerful voice for change, and our thoughts are with her l…

1
'Anxiety and depression go hand in hand with pain – we must improve pain management and report it loud and clear,' says Dr Tim Hucker. 27:36

3y ago27:36

27:36

Pain specialist, Dr Tim Hucker explains that cancer-related pain can occur at any time and isn’t always due to the cancer itself as a number of the treatments used in cancer care can cause pain - such as pain following surgery or peripheral nerve pain after chemotherapy. Stephanie and Dr Hucker discuss the connection between pain, anxiety and depre…

1
Gemma talks of the day she was told she had young-onset bowel cancer 'You instantly think of your children. I’ll never forget that one moment!' 25:19

3y ago25:19

25:19

Experiencing ongoing vomiting and stomach pain, Gemma was diagnosed during the Covid-19 pandemic with stage IV bowel cancer at the age of 35. Stephanie and Gemma talk about the emotional toll of being isolated from her family and friends throughout treatment. Gemma discusses peritoneal metastases, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy…

1
'There is so much we don’t know and equally so much opportunity to improve patient outcomes,' A/Prof Jeanne Tie explains. 41:53

3+ y ago41:53

41:53

A/Prof Jeanne Tie is the lower gastrointestinal medical oncology and trials lead at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and senior research fellow in the Personalised Oncology Division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Stephanie and A/Prof Tie discuss personalising treatment for bowel cancer patients using prognostic and pre…

1
Kate recalls “I feel like I owe her my life. I feel like baby Ava saved me.” 33:28

3+ y ago33:28

33:28

Five months pregnant and managing the emergency services response to the COVID -19 pandemic, Kate Fitzgerald was shocked when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020. Kate discusses with Stephanie the difficult decisions she faced, not only for her health, but the health of her unborn baby, including possible termination and miscarriage as well…

1
'The loss I have suffered will not decrease any more today, tomorrow or next year, I will just grow with it,' says Michelle. 55:34

3+ y ago55:34

55:34

In Part 2 of this two part episode (listen to Part 1), Michelle discusses grief with Stephanie following the loss of her husband, Sean, to young-onset bowel cancer, aged 36 in April 2021. Michelle talks openly and honestly about the impact of losing Sean, her anticipatory grief and how Sean gave her permission to be happy and continue living. This …

1
'I find it very humbling. I feel like I really do make a difference,' Stoma Nurse, Amanda explains. 34:22

3+ y ago34:22

34:22

Over the past 16 years, Stoma Nurse Amanda Richardson has helped thousands of patients with pre and post-operative stoma support and advice, stoma care and management, and stoma reversal. Honest and engaging, Amanda's warmth and care for her patients shine through in her chat with Stephanie on temporary/permanent ileostomy and colostomy, as well as…

1
Donna recalls "it was such a dark time but I just remember thinking. . . I so want to be a grandmother. I so need to be here for my boys.” 23:01

3+ y ago23:01

23:01

Donna Hope was juggling life as a State MP when she was diagnosed with stage III bowel cancer in 2013. On this episode she talks with Stephanie about how she navigated her cancer diagnosis in a busy high-profile position. Now a passionate advocate for raising awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer she discusses the importance of knowing y…

1
Dr Newstead talks bowel surgery and the most important indicator of a successful operation 42:21

3+ y ago42:21

42:21

Stephanie chats with colorectal surgeon, Graham Newstead AM, about bowel surgery and what makes for an optimal surgical outcome. Dr Newstead discusses removal of the primary cancer and regional lymph nodes, the different types of surgical procedures - open, keyhole and robotic - as well as recovering from an operation. Give a $#*! About your bowel:…

1
Chris discusses treatment planning and how his dog Pickle helped him 25:31

4y ago25:31

25:31

Stephanie chats with Chris about treatment options and the mental and physical impact of a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with stage IV bowel cancer at the age of 41 Chris discusses his feelings of being diagnosed with the same disease his father passed away from, the importance of remaining positive, and how he navigated a bowel canc…

1
Dr Bernard Chin discusses quality colonoscopy - 'If you see brown, we see brown' 24:04

4y ago24:04

24:04

Gastroenterologist Dr Bernard Chin chats to Stephanie about what makes for a good bowel prep and quality colonoscopy. Dr Chin demystifies the procedure, shares tips to help patients prepare, and provides insights about what to expect before, during and after a colonoscopy. Based in Cairns, Bernard is passionate about providing patient-centric care,…

1
Sean & Michelle discuss navigating a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis 32:58

4y ago32:58

32:58

In Part 1 of this two part episode, Sean and Michelle chat to Stephanie from a patient and carer perspective about navigating a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed at age 35, Sean talks about cancer being a team game and remaining in the 'now' while Michelle explains the sense of helplessness experienced as a carer. Sean and Michelle are p…

1
Mark Allen shares his bowel cancer experience 21:15

4y ago21:15

21:15

Popular radio host and former golfer, Mark Allen was just 50 and feeling as fit as he had ever been when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2018. Mark had 70% of his rectum and 18% of his lungs removed, and extensive chemotherapy. But despite this, a couple of further bumps in the road, Mark’s optimism shines through and he considers him…

1
Practical & peer-to-peer support - Camille 10:05

4y ago10:05

10:05

A nurse and a mother of four, Camille from South Australia was just 38 when she first presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, but was dismissed due to her age. After a total of three visits to the emergency department she finally insisted on further investigation and discovered she had bowel cancer. Camille wants to have a…

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