Episodes

Christine Verini is a pharmacist by training, a nonprofit CEO by title, and an unapologetic empath by design. She now leads CancerCare, one of the oldest, least-known, and most impactful organizations in the country that actually helps real cancer patients deal with the practical garbage no one likes to talk about—like paying rent, affording a ride to chemo, or feeding their kids. We talk about her career pivot from industry to impact, what it's like trying to scale empathy without losing your s...

Jennifer Finkelstein is not here for your pity, your pinkwashed slogans, or your performative awareness campaigns. She’s a 20-year young adult breast cancer survivor who turned trauma into a blueprint for action and built 5 Under 40, a no-BS nonprofit supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40.In this episode, we go full Gen X therapy session—from SNL nostalgia and cold caps to the absurdity of finding out you have cancer while looking for the remote. Jen drops real talk about founding a nonprofit when nothing existed for her age group, why mental health support isn’t optional, and how passing down designer scarves can mean arming someone for battle.If you’re looking for honesty, grit, and a few inappropriate jokes about gastroenterology, this one’s for you. You'll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely leave knowing why Jennifer Finkelstein is a survivor, a fighter, and a damn legend.RELATED LINKS5 Under 40 FoundationJennifer Finkelstein on LinkedInAbo…

What happens when a black belt, sword-slinging fitness icon gets cancer—twice? She picks up a camera and dares the universe to test her again.Ilaria Montagnani is not your average anything. She’s been building strong bodies (and stronger minds) for over 30 years as the founder of Powerstrike. She’s part Jane Fonda, part Uma Thurman, and very much the action hero you wish was your personal trainer.In this episode, we talk about what happens when everything you built your life on—movement, strength, purpose—gets sideswiped by disease. Twice. Ilaria opens up about diagnosis shock, bad doctor vibes, wielding swords post-mastectomy, and why working out through treatment is the best revenge.We get into scanxiety, menopause side effects, nutrition spirals, and the moment she realized the fitness industry needed more truth—and less bullshit.This one’s real, raw, and will either guilt you into planking or inspire you to finally cancel that gym membership you’ve never used. Either way, …

Helene M. Epstein is not here to make friends with the healthcare system. She's here to dismantle the bullshit, one catastrophic medical error at a time. An ad agency veteran turned patient safety firebrand, Helene’s journey from business development to writer to “badass queen of patient safety,” is one hell of a ride.We talk about how her son was misdiagnosed over 15 times (yes, really), why some doctors should come with warning labels, and how American healthcare gaslights patients like it's a competitive sport. She also explains why she’s giving away her new book for free, one chapter at a time, and how AI might actually be useful—if it stops hallucinating citations.This is not a light listen. It’s the real deal. You’ll walk away angry, inspired, and a lot more dangerous as a patient.RELATED LINKSHelene's Substack: https://helenemepstein.substack.comPatient Safety Resources: https://www.pfps.usHelene's Website: https://www.hmepstein.com/meet-heleneLinkedIn: https:/…

Jonathan and Jennifer Wall didn’t choose this path, but they’re walking it with purpose. After losing their son, Zach, they turned their grief into action, founding Zach’s Bridge, a lifeline for families navigating pediatric cancer. This episode isn’t about platitudes or silver linings—it’s about the raw, unfiltered reality of love and loss, the relentless unfairness of childhood cancer, and how the Walls are refusing to let their son’s memory fade into the void.Jon and Jenn open up about what Zach taught them, how they’ve reshaped their lives in his honor, and why “Be Like Zach” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a call to action. We talk about the power of community, the frustrating gaps in pediatric cancer care, and how they’re making sure no other family has to walk this road alone. If you’ve ever wondered what real resilience looks like, this is it.RELATED LINKS:Zach’s BridgeZach’s Rules for LifeBe Like Zach - SubstackJonathan Wall on LinkedInJon’s Post: What Cancer Taught Me About …

Sarah Armstrong—forever Sarah Oakden to me, no matter what the legal documents say—isn't just my best friend. She's my first college friend, my musical theater soulmate, and the first person who truly saw me as an artist. She was there when I walked onto Binghamton’s campus, and she was there when I walked into cancer hell. And, because we’re nothing if not in sync, a few decades later, she got her own cancer badge of honor, and I was right there with her every step of the way.This episode is a love letter to friendship, music, and those moments that change your life forever. We nerd out over Sondheim, Binghamton's infamous "Theater 101 with Dr. Susan Peters." and the weird and wonderful rabbit holes that turn into entire alternate realities across decades of aging gracefully and falling with style.We talk about how cancer is the worst club with the best people and how surviving it together just adds another verse to the song we’ve been singing for 30 years. It’s funny. It’s rea…

Food for Thought: Cancer, Calories, and Kicking AssVanessa Rissetto is back, and she’s bringing the same energy, wit, and unapologetic realness that made her a fan favorite. Last time, we talked nutrition and the rise of Culina Health. This time, life threw her a plot twist—breast cancer. Because, you know, irony.Vanessa was busy building a nutrition empire when she got diagnosed. So, naturally, she texted, “WTF do I do now?” to her closest cancer Sherpas—yours truly included. Spoiler alert: She powered through, beat cancer, and kept scaling Culina Health to new heights.We get into it all—being a cancer patient when you're supposed to be the health expert, the emotional whiplash of survivorship, the absolute clown show that is American food regulation, and why European Oreos are apparently less cancerous than ours. Also, parenting, loneliness, and why the healthcare system still makes zero sense.Get ready for a wild ride of truth bombs, wisdom, and laughter with one of the sha…

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONLillian Kreppel doesn’t hold back. A seven-year anal cancer survivor and co-founder of the HPV Cancers Alliance, she has made it her mission to challenge stigma, fight misinformation, and push for better awareness of HPV-related cancers. In this episode, she sits down with Matthew Zachary to talk about her journey from high-powered sales to full-time advocacy, the absurd misconceptions surrounding HPV, and why more doctors should be doing rectal exams—but aren’t. With her signature humor and relentless drive, Lillian shares how she turned her diagnosis into a movement, what it takes to make people uncomfortable for the right reasons, and why she refuses to stop talking about the HPV vaccine. It’s an eye-opening, unfiltered, and surprisingly hilarious conversation about a serious issue too many people ignore.RELATED LINKSHPV Cancers Alliance: https://hpvca.org/Lillian's Story (MSKCC): https://www.mskcc.org/experience/hear-from-patients/lillianInterview on HPVWorl…

Grace Charrier—a powerhouse advocate, author, and cancer survivor—whose journey from a Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis to global advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. Originally from Nigeria, Grace's life was upended when she was diagnosed following an unexpected health scare. Instead of retreating, she turned her experience into action, launching Cancer Convos with Grace B, writing the memoir IMPOSSICANT!, and becoming a voice for patients navigating the complexities of cancer care worldwide.Matthew and Grace dive into the realities of living with cancer, from the absurdities of the U.S. healthcare system to the deeply ingrained stigmas surrounding the disease in Africa. They explore the critical role of doctor empathy, the perils of consulting “Dr. Google,” and the relentless frustration of dealing with insurance providers. The conversation is raw, unfiltered, and filled with humor, as they trade stories about survivorship, advocacy, and the power of storytel…

Buckle up, because Amy Gittelman is back, and this episode is one for the ages. A fellow SUNY Binghamton (yes, we still call it that) alum, Amy joins me for a hilarious and brutally honest deep dive into the absurdities of healthcare, insurance fuckery, and the general nonsense that plagues the system. From dodging medical debt landmines to battling insurance companies that seem hellbent on denying care, we go all in.But wait—there's more! We reminisce about our Binghamton days, debate the superiority of Wegmans over every downstate grocery store, and expose the dark art of healthcare billing fraud (spoiler: it's as bad as you think). Amy, a seasoned healthcare badass, drops wisdom bombs on why the industry is broken, what we can do about it, and why she’s basically a mix of Miranda Priestly, Leslie Knope, and Dolly freakin’ Parton.If you've ever yelled at your insurance company, fought a medical bill, or just wanted to flip a table over the state of American healthcare, this epis…

Welcome to another episode of Out of Patients, where we get real about the absolute circus that is the American healthcare system. If you've ever been trapped in a medical billing nightmare, gaslit by insurance reps, or just generally felt like healthcare is an elaborate game designed to screw you—this one’s for you.Joining me is the indomitable Deb Gordon, a relentless champion for healthcare consumers, co-founder of Umbra Health Advocacy, and co-director of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates. She literally wrote the book (The Healthcare Consumer’s Manifesto) on navigating this broken system—and she’s here to help you get unf*cked.We talk about why the healthcare system is a hot mess, how patient advocacy is (unfortunately) a booming business, and why you shouldn’t have to fight tooth and nail just to get the care you’re entitled to. And yes, there are people you can hire to help you navigate the bureaucratic hellscape of prior authorizations, medical bills, and misdia…

You know how some people enter your life with a knock, a bang, or maybe even a LinkedIn request? Not Rebecca Batterman, returning champion to Out of Patients, making her dramatic second appearance,Back in 2019, she karmically appeared like a plot twist in a film noir—unexpected, inevitable, and full of surprises. An AI strategist, an optimist (yes, those exist), and a young adult cancer survivor, Rebecca is here to school us on everything from the future of AI in healthcare to why nostalgia is a coping mechanism we all need.  In this no-BS conversation, we talk about the state of innovation (is it still a buzzword?), the wild advancements in early cancer detection, and whether AI-generated empathy is just another overpromised tech fantasy.We also take a detour into the absurdity of pinkwashed cancer fundraising, the evolution of cancer portrayals in pop culture, and the ultimate question: Can you separate the art from the artist?  Come for the cancer survivorship insights, s…

Tricia Brouk isn’t just a storyteller—she’s a story architect, crafting narratives that connect humanity. A former ballet dancer turned award-winning director, choreographer, and transformational speaker coach, Tricia brings her unique journey to the mic in this captivating conversation. From dancing in iconic opera houses to choreographing Hollywood blockbusters, she has mastered the art of turning moments into movements.In this episode, Tricia and I dive deep into the magic of storytelling as a service, the difference between telling a story and truly captivating an audience, and how vulnerability can transform lives. Whether you’re looking to step into the spotlight or just understand how to leave a meaningful legacy, Tricia’s insights will challenge and inspire. Plus, don’t miss her tales of collaborating with icons like James Gandolfini and Susan Sarandon, and her hilarious take on 80s nostalgia.Hit play and discover why Tricia Brouk is the influential voice you didn’t know y…

Get ready for a wild ride with Matt Lewis, the Tony Stark-meets-Jerry Seinfeld of the mental health AI world. As a multi-degreed polymath, Matt has been ahead of the curve on AI since MySpace was a thing. In this episode, we dive into everything from neuroethics and AI-powered mental health solutions to existential fears of Skynet ruining your day. Matt shares the real scoop on how AI can revolutionize diagnosis, therapy, and even the very definition of sanity—while hilariously lamenting the difficulty of spelling “rhythm.” If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is here to save the world or just mess with your playlist, this episode is for you. Join us as we balance hope, skepticism, and an unhealthy number of 80s references in this thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud conversation.RELATED LINKSMatt Lewis on LinkedInLLMental Official WebsiteMatt’s Feature on MM+M OnlineFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review *Out of Patients* on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggesti…

What happens when you give a 14-year-old the mic and let her fly solo without her twin brother? Magic, that’s what. This episode of Out of Patients features my daughter, Hannah, on her seventh (yes, seventh) appearance on the show, but this time she’s stealing the spotlight solo. From reminiscing about slushy Christmas Eves and rare baby illnesses to deep dives into the hexagonal perfection of honeycombs, this mini-episode is packed with wit, banter, and a healthy dose of dad jokes. We touch on everything from gaming nostalgia to family quirks, proving once again that sometimes the best conversations happen when you just press record. Whether you’re a longtime listener of the Zachary family chronicles or new to the Out of Patients universe, this one’s got laughs, lessons, and a little love for everyone.FeedbackLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com.S…

Prepare for a whirlwind of brilliance with Dr. Natanya Wachtel—a self-proclaimed "failed therapist" turned media maven, behavioral strategist, and all-around badass. In this episode, we dive into her transformative journey from navigating personal loss to spearheading innovative mental health initiatives and reimagining her own identity in a world that loves labels. From her esoteric love of theater and eclectic career in Big Pharma to candid insights about obesity, Ozempic, and the not-so-great healthcare system, Natanya delivers an unfiltered look at life’s complexities with humor and heart.Expect laughs, life lessons, and a few "did-they-really-just-say-that" moments as we explore why it’s okay to be a hot mess—and how embracing it can lead to your most authentic self.This is not just an episode; it’s an experience. Buckle up.RELATED LINKS:Dr. Natanya Wachtel’s WebsiteDr. Natanya Wachtel on LinkedInDr. Natanya Wachtel on Marquis Who's WhoDr. Natanya Wachtel on World’s Lead…

Back for Round 2 and wielding her wit like a machete, Jen Singer returns to Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary. Cancer survivor, heart failure "graduate," and creator of the 'Just Diagnosed Guides,' Jen has seen it all — and she's here to help YOU see it all more clearly. From dismantling medical jargon to calling BS on "Stay Strong" toxic positivity, this conversation is a masterclass in how to survive, thrive, and laugh in the face of life's curveballs. Need a guide on what to do the day sh*t hits the fan? Jen wrote it. Need permission to be pissed off? She grants it. From 'elegant tumors' to 'unremarkable tests' (the best kind), this episode is a hilarious, human, and wholly unfiltered look at the realities of being sick in America. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll definitely Google 'heart boo-boo.'RELATED LINKS:Jen Singer’s WebsiteAbout Jen Singer - Just Diagnosed GuidesJust Diagnosed GuidesJen’s LinkedInJust Diagnosed Guide on National Breast Cancer FoundationEpisode 26…

Prepare to be inspired and entertained as Sean Wachter returns to Out of Patients! Sean, aka "The Cancer Fighter," is a two-time melanoma survivor, professional wrestler, coffee shop entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed 'f**ked up Forrest Gump.' With a resume that includes Madison Square Garden, WWE dreams, and a 'We Got This' People's Champion belt, Sean's journey of triumph over cancer (and doctors who didn’t believe him) is nothing short of extraordinary. This episode dives into Sean’s fight against misdiagnosis, his wrestling odyssey, and his hilarious philosophy of not having “time for why.” Get ready for a rollercoaster of grit, humor, and inspiration, capped with a dose of 80s nostalgia and a no-holds-barred approach to life.RELATED LINKSSean Wachter's Instagram: @thecancerfighterseanwachterSean Wachter on LinkedIn: Sean WachterOvercoming Brain Mets and LMD: Sean’s Melanoma Journey: Cure Melanoma Blog"Live and Live Fully" Story: V FoundationFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate a…

In this lively and insightful episode of Out of Patients, host Matthew Zachary sits down with Mariana Arnaut, Founder and CEO of The After Cancer, a groundbreaking platform helping cancer survivors navigate the uncharted waters of life post-treatment. Joined by his sharp and witty Chief of Staff, Jen Ramprasad, the trio dives into the gaps in survivorship care, the rise of "cancer retail," and the moral dilemmas of monetizing support services for the cancer community. Mariana also shares the story behind Cards Against Cancer, a clever spin on the popular party game that has sparked meaningful—and sometimes hilarious—conversations within the cancer survivor community. From the challenges of living in Portugal to the wild world of U.S. healthcare, this episode is a mix of humor, humanity, and hard truths.RELATED LINKSThe After CancerCancerConAmerican Cancer Society's Report on Survivorship CostsConnect with Mariana ArnautFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review *Out of Patie…

What happens when two fresh-faced Gen Zers—Matthew Zachary Worldwide Chief of Staff Jenisa Ramprasad and Marketing Intern Lauren Woodring—sit down with a cranky, nostalgia-fueled Gen Xer (ahem, Matthew Zachary)? Chaos, hilarity, and surprisingly deep insights.This is not your typical Out of Patients episode.What started as a casual, unscripted chat turned into a generational therapy session touching on everything from floppy disks, cassette tapes, and AOL chat rooms to TikTok-induced existential crises and frenetic media consumption with no "ohio baby gronk rizz" or "skibidi toilets". (Whatever that means)Why are Gen Zs so quick to cut off friends? Can you really form deep bonds with someone you've never met in person? And what was the deal with Blu-rays anyway? (Thank you, Producer Kyle Moore, for your added insights) We tackled all the questions, shared plenty of laughs (awkward and intentional), and even found common ground in our shared love for real, human connection. I…

It’s the annual Out of Patients tradition you didn’t know you needed—Matthew’s miracle IVF twins, Koby and Hannah, are back on the mic for their 5th appearance! These famous 14.5-year-old personalities are here to make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even sing the alphabet incorrectly (spoiler: they hate the new version). Dive into a delightful blend of sibling banter, high school stories, Broadway show recaps, and unexpected eyebrow-shaving anecdotes. Whether it's Koby’s law class revelations or Hannah’s set design dreams, this episode captures the chaos, charm, and brilliance of two teens navigating life—and making their dad immensely proud. Prepare for laughter, nostalgia, and some genuine moments of gratitude that will leave you smiling. So, tune in for the podcast episode, which is as much a gift to listeners as it is to the proudest dad in podcasting!FEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponso…

When life hands you a cancer diagnosis, you grab a camera. Anna and Jordan Rathkopf turned their battle with HER2-positive breast cancer into a groundbreaking photojournalistic journey. Join Matthew Zachary as he chats with the Rathkopfs about their book, HER2: The Diagnosed, The Caregiver, and Their Son, their nonprofit work, and the absurdity of pink-washed cancer campaigns. It's a raw, funny, and heartfelt discussion about navigating illness, caregiving, and the power of authenticity in art and life.RELATED LINKSAnna Rathkopf on LinkedInJordan Rathkopf on LinkedInDaylight BooksUpcoming Exhibitions: Check out their nonprofit work at PCAC.ngo.FEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review *Out of Patients* on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this full-circle conversation, Matthew Zachary sits down with Amy Sutton, Executive Director of Crossroads4Hope, to dive deep into the evolution of cancer support and the profound legacy of organizations like the Wellness Community. From reminiscing about pre-internet cancer advocacy to envisioning a future rooted in public health and equity, this episode explores the human side of care in ways only Matthew can deliver—with wit, humor, and an unfiltered lens.Amy shares her journey from working at Rand McNally (yes, the map company) to becoming a torchbearer for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. They tackle everything from the challenges of sustaining local cancer support services in a digital-first world to how the healthcare system neglects the psychosocial needs of both patients and caregivers. Together, they unpack the crucial role of social workers, the necessity of caregiver inclusion, and why navigating life post-cancer diagnosis demands more than just clinical so…

In this highly anticipated follow-up, we welcome back Jon Nelson, the man who went from battling relentless, treatment-resistant depression to becoming a pioneering advocate for mental health. Jon’s journey with deep brain stimulation (DBS) wasn’t just a breakthrough; it was a total game-changer. Now, with “robots in his head” pumping 23 million pulses a day, Jon’s mission has evolved from mere survival to a full-throttle campaign to ‘Pulverize the Stigma.’ We delve into the shocking realities of stigma, outdated treatments, the price of mental illness on families, and how a bold middle finger to societal norms is long overdue.RELATED LINKSJon's First Episode: "Robots In My Head: Deep Brain Stimulation"Jon's Website"Jon Nelson: Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was First Diagnosed With Mental Illness""Today’s Depression Treatments Don’t Help Everyone""#37: Jon Nelson – DBS for Depression Saved My Life: Defying Stigma in Mental Health"FEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate a…