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The Big C

The Big C

By: Nikki Shah & Sam Burge
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About this listen

A new podcast series that dives into the unspoken topics surrounding cancer and caregiving. Discover insights into the supportive words that make a difference, the types of assistance that matter, and the profound impact on mental and physical well-being.


Meet the co-hosts - Sam Burge who diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2023, born in Sydney, now living in Melbourne and working for a large advertising company, oOh!media. And Nikki Shah who was a caregiver, born in the UK, now living in Sydney and founded her groundbreaking company MyMuse.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikki Shah & Sam Burge
Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Jonathan Stefanoni: Facing Incurable Astrocytoma
    Apr 19 2026

    Join us as we talk to Jonathan Steffanoni.


    Jonathan's life changed suddenly after severe headaches and light sensitivity led to a scan revealing a 5cm brain lesion. Within 48 hours, Jonathan was undergoing emergency brain surgery. The diagnosis came after the procedure: incurable brain cancer.


    In this conversation, Jonathan shares the reality of what followed - from the shock of rapid intervention and diagnosis, to navigating ongoing uncertainty as recent scans suggest possible progression. He speaks openly about the cognitive and emotional changes he’s experiencing, including shifts in memory, identity, and how he moves through everyday life as a father to a young daughter.


    At the heart of this episode is a deeply human reflection on acceptance. Jonathan explores what it means to step away from the language of “fighting” cancer, and instead find a sense of peace in acceptance, even in the most confronting circumstances. He also sheds light on the unique challenges of brain cancer.


    This is a conversation about legacy, identity, and honesty in the face of uncertainty. It invites listeners to sit with discomfort, rethink what strength can look like, and understand that there is no single way to face a cancer diagnosis - only what is true for each individual journey.


    Some resources below:

    https://www.cancer.org.au/types-of-cancer/brain-cancer

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    26 mins
  • Elise Pride: The Jem Program
    Apr 5 2026

    Join us as we talk to Elise Pride.


    In this episode, Elise shares the story of her sister Jemma - Diagnosed at just 32 with a rare and aggressive Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR Exon 20) despite being a non-smoker, Jem’s journey challenges the stigma often associated with lung cancer.


    When a life-extending treatment became available at a cost of $20,000 per month and wasn’t yet on the PBS, Jem chose to fight - not just for herself, but for others. She became a fierce advocate for access, using her voice to push for change. The drug was approved just two days after she passed, but her efforts will now help Australians access life-saving treatment.


    Now, Elise and her family are continuing Jem’s legacy through The Jem Project, launching May 2026 in partnership with Rare Cancers Australia. Built from Jem’s own lived experience, the initiative includes a free online portal, a 450-page journal, and wellness grants designed to support others navigating cancer.


    This episode is about love, loss, advocacy, and the lasting impact one person can have. Jem’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, your voice can create change far beyond your own life.


    Some resources below:

    https://www.rarecancers.org.au/

    https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/

    https://www.instagram.com/strongerwithjem/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    34 mins
  • Sage Wilder: Diagnosed with ALL at 22
    Mar 22 2026

    Join us as we talk to Sage Wilder.


    At just 22 years old, Sage was living an active life playing high level football and working in construction when severe pain and unexplained symptoms led to a shock diagnosis — acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Within hours, his life changed completely.


    What followed was intensive chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant from his father, and a battle that tested not just his body, but his mindset.


    Today Sage is in remission, he is a husband, a father, and passionate about helping others find strength through movement and mindset during cancer.


    This is a powerful and honest conversation about facing an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosis at 22, enduring intensive treatment, and creating a meaningful life grounded in family, resilience, and purpose.


    Some resources below:

    https://www.leukaemia.org.au/

    https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/

    https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia/

    https://arrow.org.au/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    47 mins
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