Contributors

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Host

Carsten Pleiser

Carsten is a creative entrepreneur, filmmaker, photographer, father, and the host of The Survivorship Project. Following his diagnosis with stage IV cancer in October 2023, Carsten began documenting powerful stories of healing, mindset shifts, and alternative paths to recovery. With a calm, curious voice and a passion for meaningful conversations, he holds space for guests to share their truths and inspire listeners navigating illness and beyond.

https://www.instagram.com/thesurvivorshipproject

Guests

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Guest

Chris Joseph

In October 2016, 59-year-old Chris Joseph was stunned when he learned he had third-stage pancreatic cancer.


Amid the panic and tremendous fear that immediately ensued, Joseph followed the doctor’s orders without hesitation and underwent chemotherapy–a choice that was almost a fatal mistake.


Months of chemotherapy poisoned his body and nearly destroyed his spirit. With no immediate plan in mind, Joseph fired his oncologist and embarked on an alternative path of recovery, including both natural and Western medicine immunotherapy–one that, against all odds, opened his eyes and healed him both physically and spiritually.

https://lifeisaridebook.com/

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Guest

Jennifer Dickenson

Jennifer is a lawyer, author, and mother who has been thriving for over 14 years after a glioblastoma diagnosis. Through her book The Case for Hope and ongoing advocacy, she empowers others to explore healing beyond the conventional, combining mindset, nutrition, and integrative therapies. Jennifer’s story is a testament to courage, curiosity, and the power of believing in more.

https://jenniferdickenson.com/

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Guest

Laura Middleton-Hughes

Laura Middleton-Hughes is a passionate advocate, speaker, and co-founder of Secondary Sisters, a supportive community for people living with secondary (stage 4) breast cancer. Diagnosed at 25 and re-diagnosed two years later, Laura has turned her personal journey into a mission of hope, connection, and candid storytelling. Through her vibrant Instagram presence, @baldbooblessandbeautiful, and her work with Secondary Sisters, she empowers others to live fully, find their tribe, and embrace life—one moment at a time.

https://www.instagram.com/baldbooblessandbeautiful

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Guest

Marcos Jarvis

Marcos Jarvis is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor, ultra-endurance athlete, and motivational speaker. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 incurable cancer and referred to hospice. A former builder and father of a young son, Marcos chose to take full responsibility for everything within his control — combining chemotherapy with breathwork, cold exposure, nutrition, and deep mindset shifts. He is now the founder of Warrior’s Breath retreats and supports the Wolo Foundation, helping families affected by cancer. Marcos shares his story with raw honesty, showing what’s possible when you meet adversity with intention and self-leadership.

https://www.warriorsbreath.life/

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Guest

Michael & Ashlee Cramer

Michael Cramer is a 23-year-old cancer survivor, bone marrow transplant recipient, and motivational speaker. Born in Paris and raised in Miami, he grew up surfing, skating, and competing on the Olympic Development Team for windsurfing. In 2020, he was diagnosed with Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare cancer with fewer than 200 documented cases. His mother, Ashlee, quit her job to care for him full-time. Together, they found "beauty in pain" and built an unbreakable bond. Now in remission but still undergoing treatment, Michael and Ashlee co-host the podcast "Michael and Mom Talk Cancer," using their story to inspire resilience, love, and connection within the cancer community and beyond.



https://michaelandmomtalkcancer.com/

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Guest

Phil de Gruy

Phil is a two-time cancer survivor who turned his diagnosis into a mission. After Stage III colon cancer returned and spread to his lungs, Phil chose a radically different path—surgery, no further treatment, and a commitment to transform his life through endurance sports. From triathlons to ultramarathons, his journey from Stage IV to Ironman became not just about healing but about purpose. Having lost his father to cancer at age 12, Phil now dedicates his life to supporting children who’ve lost a parent, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and never left behind.

https://runningfordreams.com/

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