This episode dives into a powerful conversation between Alicia and Amber Coté, exploring Amber's journey through breast cancer diagnosis, living authentically in a conservative environment, and how art and community uplift the soul during challenging times. Amber’s story highlights the importance of holistic health, love, and the role of advocacy in creating a more inclusive world.
In this episode:
Amber shares her experience being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at age 25 and navigating treatment with resilience.
Insights on how trauma and past experiences can influence physical health and healing.
The importance of holistic care, including sleep, exercise, and mental health during cancer treatment.
The role of community, love, and representation for LGBTQ+ folks living in conservative environments like Colorado Springs.
How art, poetry, and storytelling serve as tools for healing and advocacy.
The power of living intentionally, even amidst uncertainty, and the importance of holding space for others’ stories.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Amber’s random meeting with Alicia in NYC
02:08 - Amber shares her trip to NYC for her partner’s birthday and their vegan journey
04:11 - Making authentic connections and shared identity
07:26 - Living visibly as a LGBTQ+ couple in Colorado Springs
09:03 - Navigating safety and community in conservative spaces
11:16 - The journey to diagnosis: signs, symptoms, and the importance of early screenings
13:22 - Amber describes her treatment plan: surgery, chemo, and radiation
15:36 - How trauma influences health and the importance of holistic healing
17:23 - The integration of trauma work and medical treatment
20:16 - Decision-making around surgery and body image
21:10 - Using body and cancer as metaphors for healing trauma
23:24 - Living inside your body and healing past dissociation
25:19 - Amber’s current treatment and maintaining an active lifestyle
27:50 - The importance of sleep and mental health during treatment
30:08 - Reflecting on love, resilience, and meaningful moments during illness
35:18 - The power of poetry and storytelling in advocacy and healing
40:33 - Honoring artist Andrea Gibson and using art to transcend illness and loss
47:10 - Community engagement and how storytelling brings people closer
50:41 - The story of Stacey Ann Chin and the impact of living authentically
51:21 - Amber’s ongoing advocacy work in civic engagement and community building
52:04 - Closing thoughts on compassion, empathy, and hope
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