All Talk Oncology Cancer Podcast

Fighting for My Kids: A Single Father’s Cancer Journey | Episode 78

There are conversations that stay with you long after the mic turns off. This is one of them. In this deeply human and unforgettable episode, Mark Sevillano Jr. opens his heart and walks us through the moments that reshaped his life forever from healing after divorce, to rediscovering purpose as a single father, to hearing the words that no one is ever prepared for: “You have cancer.” Mark shares his raw journey through stage 2 esophageal cancer.. how subtle symptoms turned into a life-threatening diagnosis, the shock of finding out over the phone while alone in a hospital room, and the grueling reality of chemotherapy, surgery, and survivorship. But this is not just a cancer story. This is a story about resilience, faith, surrender, and redefining what truly matters. Together, we explore: * What life looked like before cancer and why that context matters * Ignoring symptoms, pushing through pain, and the moment everything changed * Chemotherapy, sepsis shock, and an 8-hour robotic esophagectomy * The emotional weight of telling your parents and children * Hair loss, neuropathy, brain fog, and the realities no one warns you about * Survivorship guilt and the quiet fear of recurrence * Recovery as its own full-time job * Relearning food, energy, stress, and self-compassion * Why joy not hustle is now the priority * How cancer redirected Mark into advocacy, speaking, and service Mark’s honesty is grounding. His reflections are powerful. And his message is one so many need to hear: You don’t have to stay stuck. There is hope on the other side. This episode is for anyone navigating cancer, recovery, caregiving, grief, burnout, or a major life reset and for anyone who needs permission to slow down and choose joy again. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]

Saving Little Lives: Inside Pediatric Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering | EP 77

What if the future of childhood cancer looked different? Safer treatments, targeted therapies, and doctors who carry personal stories that fuel every decision? Today’s guest is one of those rare voices changing everything. In this powerful episode, Dr. Jess Puzzuoli takes us inside the world of pediatric oncology. A place filled with courage, heartbreak, hope, and breakthroughs that most people never hear about. From the rising rates of childhood cancer to the emotional weight families carry, she breaks down the truth behind the numbers and the real-life moments that matter most. This isn’t just a medical conversation… it’s a human one. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: • Why childhood cancer rates are increasing • The massive research gap affecting pediatric patients • How targeted therapies + new treatments are transforming outcomes • The emotional reality for parents, siblings, and caregivers • What children REALLY experience during treatment • The importance of play, support teams, and trauma awareness • Dr. Jess’s deeply personal “why” that fuels her work every day If you’ve ever wanted a clearer understanding of pediatric cancer and the hope that exists right now this episode will open your eyes and strengthen your heart.   Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]

How Elissa Built a Movement While Fighting Stage 4 Cancer | EP 76

How do you turn a life-altering diagnosis into a life-affirming mission? In this deeply inspiring episode, Kenny Perkins speaks with Elissa, the powerhouse behind WeGotThis.org, who’s redefining what it means to live and thrive with stage 4 breast cancer. Diagnosed just after her daughter’s first birthday, Elissa shares how she found meaning in the chaos, leaned into community, and built a nonprofit to help others ask for and receive the help they need during cancer. Whether you’re a caregiver, patient, or someone navigating your own hard season, this is a must-listen. Key topics discussed: * Navigating diagnosis during early motherhood and the pandemic * Creating WeGotThis.org: A registry for cancer patients to ask for real help * Redefining creativity, career, and identity in the face of cancer * Mental health, chemo fatigue, and choosing treatment that prioritizes quality of life * Supporting young children through a parent’s diagnosis * Marriage, caregiving, and keeping connection alive in hard times * Date nights, Air Force 1s, and Lego bouquets—her feel-good rituals * Why prioritizing living is just as important as surviving Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]

Boutique Hope: How Kure It Is Changing the Cancer Journey | EP 75

What does it take to create a nonprofit that moves fast, funds faster, and makes real impact? In this powerful episode, Kenny Perkins dives into the story of Kure It, a boutique nonprofit based in California that’s transforming cancer support especially for underfunded cancers and underserved communities. Joined by Brooke, Kerri, and Courtney, the women leading Kure It’s mission you’ll hear how this small but mighty team continues the legacy of founder Barry Hoeven, who battled kidney cancer for 18 years before passing the torch. From clinical trials to pickleball fundraisers, from million-dollar endowments to helping strangers find life-saving treatments, this episode reveals how focused compassion and community can change lives. Whether you’re navigating cancer or seeking ways to make a difference, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and real-world action.   Key Topics Discussed * How one man’s 18-year cancer battle created a ripple effect of hope * Why Kure It only funds underfunded cancers like pancreatic, liver, and prostate * How the RoundUp for Research program generates $600K+ in passive income * What makes Kure It a "boutique nonprofit"—and why that matters * Behind-the-scenes of approving clinical trial funding * The work of the Women’s Guild: building community, fundraising, and fun * Supporting underserved communities with screenings and outreach Why 100% of public donations go directly to research and patient support * How Kure It is preparing for the future: AI, prevention, and global partnerships Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application].   Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]

From Music Industry Powerhouse to Patient Advocate: Mathew Knowles on Men's Health | EP 74

What happens when a music executive’s precision meets a life-changing diagnosis? In this candid episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins sits down with Mathew Knowles—music executive, author of The DNA of Achievers, and male breast cancer survivor. A tiny sign on a white T-shirt (nipple discharge) led Mathew to insist on a mammogram, a Stage 1A diagnosis, surgery, and the discovery of a BRCA2 variant. Drawing on his 20-year background in medical imaging, he breaks down early detection, building a winning care team, and why he now lives by quarterly labs, therapy, movement, and joy. From COVID-era anxiety to laughter-filled nights with his wife, Mathew shares the mindset shifts and habits that helped him rebuild a life he loves—one mindful walk and measured plate at a time. Key Topics Discussed * Men get breast cancer: the overlooked red flags (nipple discharge) and why Mathew demanded a mammogram * BRCA2 explained: risk implications for men (melanoma, pancreatic, prostate, male breast cancer) and for women (breast, gynecologic) * Diagnosed at Stage 1A: survival odds, surgery, and five years on Tamoxifen * From isolation to a care team: oncologist, therapist, spiritual support—and why isolation increases risk * COVID anxiety & mental health: therapy to confront fear of dying and regain balance * Diet, weight loss (~40 lbs), and daily 2-mile brisk walks—“cancer loves obesity” * Portion control and practical nutrition: measuring plates, lighter foods, consistent habits * Quarterly labs for peace of mind (not just annual checkups); self-advocacy with your clinicians * “Look out the window”: stillness, nature, laughter, and marriage strengthened through survivorship * Family history & genetics: why genetic testing + knowing your lineage should start early Men’s health advocacy: PSA tests, breaking cultural conditioning, and getting over outdated fears   Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application].   Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]