All Talk Oncology Cancer Podcast

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/]

From Diagnosis to Finding Purpose: Sherell Kinsler on Healing and Hope | EP 73

What happens when breast cancer collides with purpose—and a woman decides to fight for more than just herself? In this unflinching episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins welcomes the fierce and faith-filled Sherell Kinsler, a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer survivor, founder of Cherish Moments Inc., and passionate advocate for community health. Diagnosed during the pandemic with one of the deadliest forms of cancer, Sherell takes us deep into her journey—from fighting for a proper diagnosis, to losing her father to prostate cancer, to building a nonprofit that gives women hope in the form of wigs, rides, and prayer. With raw vulnerability and spiritual clarity, she shares the emotional toll of losing her breasts, choosing not to reconstruct, the harsh realities of chemo, and how she kept showing up for others even in her own storm. Whether you’re in treatment, caregiving, or simply trying to make sense of your own pain, this episode reminds you: there is purpose in your fight. Key Topics Discussed * Why Black and Brown communities need better access and awareness around cancer screenings * How Sherell’s request for a mammogram was denied months before her diagnosis * What it’s like to go through chemo during COVID—completely alone * The daily affirmations that gave her strength (“I shall not die. I shall live.”) * Why she chose not to get reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy * The grief of watching her father pass away from prostate cancer just as she was healing * How Cherish Moments Inc. provides rides, hope boxes, prayer, and support to cancer patients * The emotional impact of feeling “forgotten” by her own community * What it means to turn pain into purpose and be “boots on ground” * Her plea to women: Get your checkup every year around your birthday * Her plea to men: Don’t wait until you’re 50 to get a prostate exam Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application].   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: https://www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]