Helena: Breast cancer, being seen, and speaking up

Emma: Exercise, Advocacy & Finding Courage After Breast Cancer

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam sits down with Emma — physiotherapist, speaker, host of When Life Gives You Lemons, and breast cancer survivor. Emma shares how a tiny symptom after a run led to her diagnosis during lockdown, why exercise became a lifeline through treatment, and how movement helped her feel connected to herself during an incredibly uncertain time. She also talks openly about mastectomy, reconstruction, body confidence, gratitude, and learning to live more presently after cancer. This is a conversation about self-advocacy, trusting your gut, asking again when something doesn’t feel right, and finding the confidence to keep pushing — even when it feels uncomfortable. Emma’s story is full of honesty, strength and perspective: from treatment and recovery to podcasting, public speaking, and training for an Ironman. A reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s facing what’s in front of you, one step at a time. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532692/support]

Viktoria — Care, Courage & the Human Side of Breast Cancer Nursing

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam speaks with Viktoria, an award-winning breast cancer nurse specialist and global leader in breast cancer care. With over two decades working alongside people affected by breast cancer, Viktoria shares what it means to offer care that is not only clinically expert, but deeply human. From the vital role of breast care nurses, to the emotional weight of diagnosis, the pressures within the NHS, health inequalities, breast awareness, metastatic breast cancer, and the impact of small moments of connection — this conversation explores the care behind the care. Viktoria also reflects on courage, the importance of meeting people where they are, and why sometimes the most powerful support happens in the smallest, most ordinary moments. A thoughtful, honest and generous conversation about nursing, awareness, advocacy and the people at the heart of breast cancer care. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532692/support]

Helena: Breast cancer, being seen, and speaking up

Helena is a three-time breast cancer survivor whose story opens up a powerful conversation about treatment, trauma, identity and self-advocacy. In this episode, she shares what it was like navigating three diagnoses, the mental toll that followed, and the reality of facing a system that did not always see or support her properly. It is honest, sharp, funny in places, and a vital reminder that cancer care is not experienced equally by everyone. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532692/support]

Beverley de Valois: Acupuncture, Cancer Care and Survivorship

In this episode of Cups & Courage, Sam speaks with acupuncturist, researcher and author Beverley de Valois about the role acupuncture can play in cancer care and survivorship. They explore how it can support people through treatment and beyond, from managing hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety and nausea to improving quality of life after a diagnosis. It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation about supportive care, lived experience and the need for better awareness of what can help after treatment. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532692/support]

When Cancer Comes Back: Shirley on recurrence, reconstruction and finding her way through

Shirley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, before facing a recurrence five years later in 2020. In this honest conversation, she reflects on reconstruction, body image, family support, living with uncertainty, and what courage really looks like when cancer becomes part of your story. It’s a warm, open episode about resilience, vulnerability and learning to live fully in the in-between. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532692/support]