Join Tina and Leah, two naturopathic physicians with years of experience in natural medicine and cancer care. Leah is the ”cancer insider.“ Tina is the science-y one. Listen in and join us as we talk with each other or respected experts in integrative oncology. Whether it is you or a loved one, whether you are in treatment or beyond, you’ll find helpful info, tips, and tricks to get through tough times. We frame things around cancer, but honestly, anyone can benefit. So, tune in, join our community of like-minded folks, and please let us know what you think!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for education, entertainment, and informational purposes only. Do not apply any of this information without first speaking to your doctor. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast by the hosts and their guests are solely their own.
Leah’s dream job as a naturopathic doctor was to work at an integrative cancer center. She never figured she would also become a patient. She’s the #cancerinsider of The Cancer Pod, offering her insight on the podcast as both patient and doctor.
Dr. Kaczor always been “the sciency one.” Hard-wired to seek an understanding about how things work, she’s a naturopathic doctor with a deep understanding of molecular biology. She has practiced naturopathic oncology since 2000. She’s the editor of the first textbook of naturopathic oncology, and enjoys demystifying cancer from ever angle. The Cancer Pod is her outlet to engage a limitless number of people.
Gila Pfeffer is a humor writer, breast cancer previvor, survivor and prevention advocate. Her award winning memoir NEARLY DEPARTED: Adventures in Loss, Cancer and Other Inconveniences has been described as heartbreakingly hilarious and lifesaving complimentary copies of which are on your table to take home and enjoy. Her FEEL IT ON THE FIRST campaign uses tongue-in-cheek humor to remind people to prioritize their breast health in an empowering, non-scary way. These posts have directly led to earlier diagnoses and treatment for some very grateful women. She's passionate about the power of genetic testing and risk profile assessment and is, herself, a BRCA1 gene mutation carrier. Gila’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Today.com, Oprah Daily, Tablet Magazine and more. She's is a mom to four grown and flown kids who reluctantly admit that she's cool.
Jeff Stewart’s stomach cancer was discovered when he tried to donate a kidney. His book, “LIVING: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer” is his inspiring cancer journey peppered with life advice for his seven kids.
Stewart had a varied life: molecular biologist, healthcare consultant, award-winning playwright, and Jeopardy champion.
At the time of this interview, his stomach cancer was stage four with a poor prognosis. The episode was released after his death on August 25, 2025.
After navigating her own experience with cancer, Maria transformed that journey into a passion-fueled career dedicated to improving the lives of others through advocacy, research, and systems-level change in psychosocial oncology care. Maria is a certified Leader in Oncology Navigation (LION) through the American Cancer Society, an After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Mentor, and a Tigerlily Foundation ANGEL Advocate. She serves as co-chair of the Patient & Family Advisory Council at Siteman Cancer Center, where she partners with leadership to ensure that patient and caregiver perspectives are embedded in strategic planning and decision-making. She also volunteers with Cancer Support Community to support individuals impacted by cancer whenever possible. Whether walking alongside individuals facing cancer or helping organizations clarify their values and culture, she finds purpose in elevating both personal and collective well-being.