Talking Hope Podcast

More than a decade after her experience with breast cancer, Kathy was diagnosed in 2017 with Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After five years of attempting various treatments, her cancer kept returning, and she came to City of Hope to see if to see if she was a candidate for an innovative cancer treatment known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Today, thanks to the advanced treatment and compassionate care she receives at City of Hope, Kathy is back enjoying her family and doing the things she loves. Join Kathy and host Darrin Godin as they discuss Kathy’s keys to cancer survivorship.

Urologic cancers rank among the most frequently occurring cancers in the United States. Some can develop in both men and women, while others are specific to men. In this episode, renowned urologic researcher and clinician Cory Hugen, M.D., shares what to know about urologic cancer, how to reduce risk, and advances in early detection and treatment that are bringing new hope to patients. Dr. Hugen practices at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, where he specializes in caring for patients with urologic cancers such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer and penile cancer. He has been the lead or co-investigator on dozens of clinical trials in addition to being a multi-decorated physician serving in the United States Air Force.

When Jon Remy was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he was prepared to do whatever he needed to do for as long as it took. But after only two weeks of leading-edge radiation therapy at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Jon rang the bell to celebrate successfully completing his treatment. 

In this episode, Jon shares his message for men on the importance of early detection and treatment. There are no universal guidelines for prostate cancer screening, so men should speak with their physician so they can make an individualized decision on getting screened. This is particularly important for men over age 45 and men in higher-risk groups, including Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

In this episode, we speak with acupuncturist oncologist Amy Truong, D.T.C.M., M.P.H., L.AC., about the evidence-backed benefits of acupuncture for patients with cancer. Dr. Truong brings extensive knowledge and expertise in both public health and traditional Chinese medicine to her practice at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. She holds both a master’s and a doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine, and a master’s degree in public health.

Don’t miss this informative conversation with Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., Medical Director, Gynecologic Cancer Program, City of Hope Orange County, and Christopher Zimmerman, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Medical Director, Communicable Disease Control Division, Orange County Heath Care Agency. Learn what the evidence tells us about the correlation between HPV and the risk of cervical cancer — and other cancers — as we dive into the data, dispel myths, and shine a light on the and the safe, effective and widely available vaccination and screenings that are key to HPV-related cervical cancer prevention.

For Sheree, experiencing art – and the healing and comfort it can provide – elevated her well-being on her journey to cancer survivorship. In this episode, you will see examples of the inspirational artwork that surrounds patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, including several pieces that held a special – and unexpected – meaning for Sheree when she arrived there for the first time.

In this episode, we speak with medical oncologist Jyoti Malhotra, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Thoracic Medical Oncology, City of Hope Orange County. Dr. Malhotra specializes in caring for patients with lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Her research interests involve precision medicine and experimental therapeutics, and she has led multiple Phase 1 trials investigating novel agents and combination therapies for cancer. Dr. Malhotra shares what people need to know about how the face of lung cancer is changing and how precision medicine, immunotherapy, genetic testing and more are coming together to benefit patients.

In this episode, we speak with Kailey Proctor, M.P.H., R.D.N., C.S.O., a clinical dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Why is eating well during breast cancer treatment important? What should you eat (and drink) to prepare for survivorship? Are popular weight-loss diets beneficial? Where can patients with breast cancer find nutritional support? Kailey answers these important questions and more for patients and their families.

In this episode, we speak with Kailey Proctor, M.P.H., R.D.N., C.S.O., a clinical dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Why is eating well during breast cancer treatment important? What should you eat (and drink) to prepare for survivorship? Are popular weight-loss diets beneficial? Where can patients with breast cancer find nutritional support? Kailey answers these important questions and more for patients and their families.

Orange County mother Donna McNutt’s message of resilience — and her love of fashion — have supported her and her family throughout her journey with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. Grateful and seeking ways to give back, Donna took to Instagram as @thecancerfashionista. There, she shares her experience with cancer — and her effortlessly stylish outfits — to inspire others to find their personal outlet for self-expression, self-confidence, and healing. Join us to learn how leaning into doing what she loves brings meaning and purpose to Donna’s survivorship journey.

In this episode, we speak with renowned surgeon Jeffrey S. Yoshida, M.D., Medical Director of Urologic Surgery at City of Hope Orange County. A pioneer in robotic surgery, Dr. Yoshida has performed more than 3,000 surgeries for prostate cancer. Dr. Yoshida joins us to dispel some common misconceptions men have about prostate cancer, raise awareness of advances in prostate cancer screening, and share how minimally invasive surgery and other advanced prostate cancer treatments and technologies are benefitting patients.

Jim Madrid is a grateful patient at City of Hope and a sought-after leadership coach who helps athletes, individuals and organizations perform at their peak and achieve their goals. Cancer challenged him to grow the mindset he teaches to others and put it to work in support of his own healing. It’s a challenge he accepted with enthusiasm, faith and hope. In this episode, Jim Madrid speaks with us about how mindfulness benefits his experience with cancer and how he transformed cancer’s obstacles into opportunities with the support of his family and the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists at City of Hope.

Interventional radiology is an advanced, innovative specialty that is transforming cancer treatment. Through minimally invasive, image-guided diagnoses and treatments, interventional radiologists are able to obtain biopsies, ablate tumors, open blocked vessels, and deliver medications directly to disease sites as an alternative to open surgery. Jason Salsamendi, M.D., Lead Interventional Radiologist, City of Hope Orange County, spoke with us about the wide range of needs interventional radiology can address, its role in fully integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care, and the many advantages it offers patients.

In her more than 40 years as an oncology nurse and supervisor, Kerry O’Neil, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., OCN, has eased the way for thousands of patients with cancer and their families. The nursing manager at City of Hope | Newport Beach, O’Neil is recognized by her patients and colleagues as an extraordinary healer. In this episode, she reflects on the vital role oncology nurses play in bringing clinical excellence and compassion to patients who are relying on them for care at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

It seems almost meant to be that N. Simon Tchekmedyian, M.D., and his son Nishan Tchekmedyian, M.D., are oncologists. Nishan grew up observing the special connection his father shared with his patients and their families. The deeply human aspect of patient care resonated with him. Today, father and son practice medical oncology and hematology together at City of Hope Orange County. We spoke with the doctors Tchekmedyian about their paths to medicine, what they have learned from each other and how they live their shared commitment to putting patients first.

Like most busy moms, Allie Bertocchini didn’t have time for breast cancer. Her life was full with family and work. But as someone with a family history of cancer, Bertocchini knew it was important to be vigilant about her breast health. Bertocchini shares with us the keys to her survivorship and how being a breast cancer survivor changed her perspective on life.

How do spiritual care and pioneering cancer research intersect? Find out in this fascinating discussion with City of Hope Orange County chaplain-scientist Frank Munoz, Ph.D. In addition to his work as a clinical chaplain, Munoz is a scientist who integrates spiritual traditions and mind-body medicine into his practice. His research focuses on how mind-body medicine techniques can support coping with stress and how these techniques can be applied on a genetic level. Under the umbrella of integrative medicine, which uses evidence-based, complementary practices in combination with conventional medicine, City of Hope can help patients with cancer regain health and build a lifestyle focused on wellness, part of our holistic approach to patient care.

A multiple myeloma survivor, support group leader, cancer coach, and optimist, City of Hope grateful patient Todd Kennedy and his wife and care partner Diane inspire their family, friends and care teams with their courage and perseverance. Committed patient and research advocates, the couple shares powerful testimony about addressing the challenges of living with a rare blood cancer, the reasons for myeloma patients to be hopeful, and the blessings that have come out of their journey. 

Advocate for yourself. It’s one of the most empowering things an individual facing gynecologic cancer can do, says gynecologic oncologist Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., medical director, Gynecologic Cancer Program, City of Hope Orange County. We spoke with Cohen about what drew him to this unique specialty and breakthroughs that are bringing patients the greatest hope for recovery.

In this episode, host Darrin Godin speaks with Jessica Patel, the director of diagnostic radiology at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer, the region’s most advanced cancer center. They discuss why she felt called to City of Hope and how her team of highly specialized radiology experts is making a difference for patients and their families.