Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer Podcast

Baddie2Baddie: Fighting for Motherhood: IVF, Genetic Testing, and Advocacy for Breast Cancer Survivors

Today on Baddie2Baddie, we’re tackling one of the most personal and often overlooked topics in the breast cancer community- fertility and motherhood after a cancer diagnosis. Hosted by Cynthia, this roundtable brings together incredible women: Jovonsia, Linley, and Na'Diah, to share their real-life journeys through cancer survivorship, fertility preservation, and the emotional rollercoaster of trying to build a family after treatment. Through honest conversation, these baddies open up about their fertility experiences- from the initial shock at diagnosis to battles with insurance, the emotional and physical toll of IVF, and the vital support of therapy and community. You’ll hear stories of resilience, hard-earned wisdom, the challenges of finding culturally competent care, and the importance of breaking cycles by knowing your family history and genetics. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in survivorship, or supporting a loved one, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to step into a space where no woman of color has to walk the fertility journey alone. Tune in for truths, tips, and inspiration you won’t find anywhere else. A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily and Daiichi Sankyo!   Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us! About our guests: Jovonsia Guidry is a breast cancer survivor, fertility warrior, and marathon-running baddie who turned her healing journey into a movement. Through her platform SurvivorStrides, she speaks boldly about IVF after cancer, reclaiming her body, and choosing motherhood on her own terms. She’s here to remind every woman that you can survive, thrive, and still be that girl while doing it. Lynley Moses is a Neuro Exercise Physiologist and public health professional with specialized experience in rehabilitation, patient wellness, and community advocacy. A breast cancer survivor and dedicated advocate, she brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion to her work. As the founder of A Cup of Christ, Lynley leads initiatives that support women’s spiritual and emotional well-being while fostering community engagement and service. She is committed to advancing patient-centered care and creating meaningful pathways for empowerment and healing. Na’Diah Smith is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, who resides in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and works as a Global Advisory Technology Enablement Management Consultant at KPMG. She holds a BS in Business Administration and Marketing from Xavier University of Louisiana and an MBA from Jackson State University, is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and describes herself as a radical flower child driven by love and purpose. Diagnosed at 33 with early-stage breast cancer (DCIS, ER+, PR+, HER2-) while in the best shape of her life and with no family history, Na’Diah turned her search for answers into a calling. She has evolved from survivor to thriving advocate, using her voice through speaking, media, and partnerships with organizations including For the Breast of Us, Tigerlily Foundation, Susan G. Komen, Sisters Network of Dallas, and others to raise awareness, address health disparities, and stand in the gap for young women and Women of Color. Seven years after her diagnosis, Na’Diah’s story came full circle when she welcomed her miracle baby boy on February 10, 2023, a living testament that there is life, hope, and joy after cancer.

Baddie2Baddie: When the Story Shifts- Cynthia's Next Chapter with MBC

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Baddie 2 Baddie! Today, Marissa sits down with her sister and fellow creative force behind the movement, Cynthia. In this powerful conversation, Cynthia opens up about her recent diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer- a moment that shifted not only her life, but the energy and urgency of her work within the Baddie community. As they share their personal stories, Marissa and Cynthia tackle the realities of living with breast cancer, from those first feelings of fatigue and uncertainty to the weight of sharing such intimate news with loved ones. You'll hear how these experiences have made their work more intentional and pressing than ever, especially in creating spaces and resources for Black and brown women impacted by breast cancer. This episode explores survivorship reimagined- what it means to thrive, build support systems, and navigate the delicate balance of advocacy and self-care. Through raw honesty, laughter, and a few tears, Cynthia and Marissa remind us why community matters, why representation is essential, and how storytelling can be a lifeline. Whether you’re living with metastatic breast cancer, supporting someone who is, or seeking inspiration and solidarity, this episode is a moving reminder to find fulfillment, speak up, and keep pushing for change. Let’s dive in to “When the Story Shifts: Cynthia’s Next Chapter with MBC.” A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily and Daiichi Sankyo!   Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us! About our guest: Dr. Cynthia Johnson is a passionate advocate, educator, and community builder who has dedicated much of her life to uplifting and empowering women of color impacted by breast cancer. First diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018, she underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. After completing treatment, Cynthia turned her personal journey into purpose, lending her voice, skills, and leadership to create awareness, build community, and push for health equity. Just a few years after both of her sisters were also diagnosed with breast cancer, Cynthia's advocacy took on even greater urgency when, in May 2025, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to the lining of her lung. Through her work with For the Breast of Us and initiatives like Breast Cancer BaddieCon, Cynthia continues to highlight the unique challenges and disparities that women of color face in cancer care while building vibrant spaces of support, education, and empowerment. Transparent and unafraid to share both the heartbreak and the hope of survivorship, she uses her platform to remind others that joy, resilience, and community are powerful medicines too.

No Way But Through: Cara Lockwood on Facing Breast Cancer

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Baddie 2 Baddie! Today, host April sits down with the incredibly talented and resilient Cara Lockwood, a two-time USA Today bestselling romance novelist turned breast cancer advocate. In this candid conversation, April and Cara dive deep into life after a breast cancer diagnosis- sharing honest reflections on the journey from awareness to action, the emotional rollercoaster of treatment, and the strength found in community and vulnerability. Cara Lockwood opens up about her own experience navigating breast cancer, from breaking the news to her family to embracing humor and self-compassion along the way. She talks about her latest memoir, "There's No Good Book for This," which offers encouragement, perspective, and real-talk for anyone facing the realities of cancer. Together, April and Cara Lockwood unpack the importance of self-care, the value of support networks, and what it really means to not just survive, but thrive. A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily and Daiichi Sankyo!   Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us! About our guest: Cara Lockwood is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 35 books, including the USA Today bestsellers “The Takeover” and “I Do (But I Don’t),” which became a Lifetime Original Movie starring Denise Richards. Her latest, "There’s No Good Book for This but I Wrote One Anyway: The Irreverent Guide to Crushing Breast Cancer" (Oct. 1, 2025), blends memoir, humor, and practical advice for navigating diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. A breast cancer survivor, Cara endured a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and reconstruction before going into remission in 2024. Half of all book proceeds benefit breast cancer research. A native of Texas, she lives in Chicagoland with her family and pets. Learn more at theresnogoodbookforthis.com and caratheauthor.com.

Baddie 2 Baddie: Breast Cancer Advocacy and Holistic Care

Get ready for another powerful episode of Baddie 2 Baddie! This week, we’re diving into the world of breast cancer advocacy and holistic care with two incredible guests: Dr. Alyssa MacMahon and Yolanda “Yoli” Origel from the Healing Works Foundation [https://healingworksfoundation.org/]. ✨ They’re bringing their expertise and personal journeys to the table, talking about the game-changing advancements in integrative oncology and why whole-person care is so important. From emotional healing to physical well-being, they share how a holistic approach is transforming the cancer care landscape, especially for women of color. In this episode, you’ll discover: * The power of complementary therapies in breast cancer treatment * The impactful work of the Healing Works Foundation and Yoli’s Cancer Kinship * How you can get involved and help raise awareness and community support Whether you're navigating your own cancer journey, supporting someone you love, or just looking to learn more, this conversation is filled with actionable insights, inspiration, and hope for embracing your new normal with confidence. 🌟 Tune in and join us as we continue to build a community where we lift each other up, share our stories, and keep thriving through it all.   A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily and Daiichi Sankyo!   Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us! About our guest: Yoli is a 16-year survivor of triple negative cancer, whose personal journey has become a beacon of hope and change in the cancer community. Her lived experience, intertwined with the diagnoses faced by her mother and sister, has inspired her advocacy work. Yoli has forged meaningful partnerships with those dedicated to supporting cancer warriors, notably through her involvement with the Healing Works Foundation. Here, she channels her family's narrative to drive change, aiming to create additional resources and support for those in need. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of sharing experiences to foster transformation and aid within the cancer community. Alyssa MacMahon is a dedicated advocate for holistic healthcare, actively contributing to the HealingWorks Foundation's mission of integrating whole person care into both primary and cancer care. Her work focuses on addressing the individual needs of patients, ensuring that cancer care not only treats the disease but also supports the entirety of the person affected by it. Through her involvement, Alyssa has connected with numerous like-minded professionals, collaboratively striving to revolutionize how cancer care is delivered. Her journey in this field was marked by a notable collaboration with Yoli on an integrative oncology leadership project, which combined clinical expertise with patient advocacy and empowerment to drive meaningful change in the healthcare system.

Baddie 2 Baddie: A Journey from Diagnosis to Advocacy

Tune in for an exciting new episode of Baddie 2 Baddie! This week, we’re joined by the vibrant and inspiring Mel from Trinidad and Tobago. She shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the challenges of navigating healthcare and genetic testing, and how she’s using her experience to empower other survivors. Mel discusses her passion for advocacy, the cultural significance of Trinidad's Carnival, and how storytelling is a powerful tool for healing. With warmth and honesty, she opens up about her mission to break barriers and help others feel seen and supported. Join us for a lively conversation about resilience, cultural pride, and living your best life after breast cancer.  Welcome to Baddie2Baddie, where we lift each other up, share our stories, and celebrate our experiences together.    A note about our sponsors, Eli Lily and Daiichi-Sankyo!   Hey Baddies! We'd like to take a quick minute to thank our amazing sponsors, Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo for standing with us! About our guest: Mel, aware of her family's history of breast cancer on her mother's side, was taught alongside her sister to regularly perform self-examinations. At the age of 36, during one such routine check in the shower, she discovered a lump that felt concerning. Despite not meeting the age protocol for a mammogram, Mel promptly pursued an ultrasound to further investigate her discovery. Her proactive approach underscores the importance of self-awareness and vigilance in health matters. About For the Breast of Us For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color impacted by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color. Make sure to follow us on social media: * IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus * Twitter: @thebreastofus * Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus * Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies * On the Web: www.breastofus.com Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com or IG: @bewareofthepoet)