You, Me and the Big C: Putting the can in cancer - podcast cover

You, Me and the Big C: Putting the can in cancer

BBC Radio 5 Livewww.bbc.co.uk

The coolest club you never want to be a part of…

The team on the You, Me & the Big C podcast are your BFF’s, your sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers.

A candid look at cancer, with Steve Bland, Deborah James and Lauren Mahon. Founded by Rachael Bland.

Episodes

About Cancer and Creativity

Actor and writer, Rosa Hesmondhalgh hosts this legacy episode discussing cancer and the creative arts, and how to remain creative when living with cancer. Rosa is joined in the studio by Britain's Got Talent finalist and stand-up comedian, Allan Finnegan, writer of 'FUFC' and member of the New Anthem Theatre Group, Mark Jackson, and Nottingham based artist, Carole Ellis. The episode begins with an extract from Rosa's award-winning one-woman show Madame Ovary, which she wrote about her experience...

Apr 30, 202454 min

About The Cost Of Cancer

Lauren Mahon hosts this legacy episode discussing the cost of having cancer. She speaks with 77-year-old Helen van Bueren who is living alone in Nottingham and is struggling to heat her home, and Sarah Mills, who explains how difficult it has been to be self employed following her cancer diagnosis. Lauren is then joined in studio with Marie Curie's public policy advisor, Rini Jones, and Macmillan advisor, Christopher Jones to answer your questions about cancer and the cost of living crisis....

Mar 28, 202457 min

About Single Parents Going Through Cancer

Steve Bland returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and single parents. Steve is joined in the studio by Sophie Blake, who is living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is single parent to 16-year-old Maya, Ryan Mahon who lost his wife during the pandemic, and is now single parent to Lola and Pixie, and 22-year-old Sophie White, single mother to a nearly 2 year old, Remi. Sophie suffered a seizure in June 2023, and within weeks was diagnosed with glioblastoma and told she had just 12 to...

Feb 29, 202450 min

About The Today Podcast on Cancer

We wanted to share this podcast with you. In the week in which King Charles III shared his cancer diagnosis, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson asked why it’s important to talk about cancer. Stephen Fry talks about his own diagnosis of an aggressive prostate cancer and we also hear from Paralympian Erin Kennedy, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen, broadcaster Edward Stourton and from Steve Bland whose partner, the ‘You, Me and the Big C’ host Rachael Bland, died of cancer in 2018. Nick also t...

Feb 15, 202456 min

About Cancer and Homelessness

Lauren Mahon returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and homelessness. Lauren travels to Burnley to meet with Pastor Mick from The Church on the Street, and Thomas Linford, who after years of homelessness and a liver cancer diagnosis is currently residing in Palace House Care home in Burnley. We hear from Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sheilagh Armstrong at The Wellspring, Stockport who work with those who are homeless or at the risk of losing their home. Manager of The Wellspring, Al...

Jan 30, 202450 min

About Your Cancer Staff

Presenter and broadcaster, Chris Latchem makes an emotional return to the hospital that saved his life to talk to the staff that got him through it, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. From Sarah on reception, to John in haematology, Denise and Tracy in the blood room, and honorary consultant, Tim, we learn all about the roles, lives, and emotions of the staff who care for us. Towards the end, we also discover who's looking after the staff themselves. Don't forget, you can get in to...

Nov 30, 202340 min

About Cancer And Diversity

After meeting during their treatment for breast cancer, Eloise Wynter and Lizzi Amartay host the second episode of this legacy series of podcasts, this time discussing diversity in cancer. Eloise and Lizzi are joined by founder of Black Women Rising, Leanne Pero, and director of Equality and Diversity UK, Alyson Malach. The conversation ranges from hair loss, chemotherapy and family, to community, beliefs and religion. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms o...

Oct 26, 202351 min

About Losing A Parent

Good friend of the podcast, Tony Livesey hosts the first episode of this brand new series looking into the issues around losing a parent to cancer when you're young. He speaks to one of his oldest friends Dave for the first time about how they both felt when one of their parents died of cancer when they were boys. He meets Zara who lost her Mum a few years ago when she was just 13 and speaks to her father Gaz, Tony then speaks to the team at Pendleside Hospice family support who have been helpin...

Sep 28, 202353 min

About The Legacy Podcasts

The legacy continues as Lauren Mahon has an exciting announcement about the next series of the 'You, Me and the Big C' podcasts. Episode one with Tony Livesey is out on Thursday.

Sep 24, 20232 min

About Bowelbabe In Her Own Words

Lights, camera, reaction! The #YouMeBigC team share their thoughts on the extraordinary documentary about Dame Debs. 'Deborah James: Bowelbabe in her own words' is available now on BBC iPlayer and airs at 21:00, 17th April 2023 on BBC Two. Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland and producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle got a sneak preview. They catch-up to find out more about how it was put together with executive producer Lucie Kon, director Sara Hardy and film editor Gwyn Jones. On the night of the premiere...

Apr 17, 20231 hr 6 min

About The Last Five Years

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland, alongside producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle, get together to reflect on the fifth anniversary of You, Me and the Big C. They share their funniest, proudest and toughest moments, as well as fond memories of the podcast's founder Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James. Don't forget to use #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

Mar 08, 20231 hr 7 min

The Live Show

Deborah James' family, medical professionals and members of the cancer community come together to celebrate five years and recognise how the podcast has changed the national conversation about cancer. 5:36 - Victoria Ekanoye and Dr Sacha Howell 22:58 - Tony Livesey 32:57 - Sarah Mills 42:10 - Leanne Pero, Jay McLaughlin and Vicki Woodall 59:03 - Ben James and Sarah Wieczorek (Deborah's brother and sister) 1:14:10 - Audience Q&A

Jan 29, 20232 hr 38 min

About The Big Announcements

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland get together for a long awaited catch up. They then bring in producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle for a very exciting You, Me and the Big C announcement about something we are planning to do in January. We also hear from film director Sara Hardy, who tells us about an amazing project she's been working on - all about our dearly missed friend Dame Deborah James. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the wo...

Dec 19, 202239 min

About Our Debs

Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland, producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle recount treasured stories and memories of Deborah James: friend, broadcaster, campaigner, fundraiser, author, computer scientist, Dame.

Jul 05, 20221 hr 4 min

Deborah James' Last Dance

As Deborah James stops active treatment for her cancer, she speaks with Producer Mike one last time. Join the conversation and the online community to share positive support by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.

May 10, 202228 min

About Where Debs Is At Right Now & Saying Goodbye

Lozza and Steve catch up with Deborah about her hospital recordings, how she feels now and what the immediate future looks like. We also say bon voyage to producer Al Entwistle, who has been an important member of our original You, Me and the Big C family from day one. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Mar 10, 202246 min

About When Debs Thought She Was Going Home

After three weeks in hospital Deborah James is finally told she can go home. But nothing ever seems to run smoothly. Little did Debs know that she’s about to embark on another emotional roller coaster that would taker her to absolutely rock bottom. This is the third and final part of her hospital recordings. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find upsetting. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word an...

Feb 24, 202234 min

About The Days In Hospital

Deborah is joined by Lauren as they go through some of recordings she made in hospital. The conversation and recording range from the challenges Debs faced while in hospital to thoughts on social media, religion to night terrors, Covid rules and having a fifth operation to try and put in a stent. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find upsetting. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the ...

Feb 17, 202259 min

About Debs' Near Death Experience

On the day our previous podcast came out Deborah James suffered a serious medical emergency. While in hospital she started recording her experiences. This is the first part of those recordings. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find distressing. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Feb 10, 202245 min

About Debs' Current Situation

After five months away from the pod, the team are back together and Deborah updates Lauren and Steve on the latest developments with her health. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Jan 06, 202254 min

About Debs Recording Live From The Chemo Chair

Steve and Lauren check in with Deborah from her hospital chemo chair. They all talk about life now the Covid restrictions have been lifted and what that means for cancer patients. Then end this series by reading out a few of your amazing stories of hope. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Jul 22, 202155 min

About Getting Men Talking

Steve Bland is flying solo this week as he asks why men sometimes find it hard to talk and to share their stories. He’s joined by Danny de Brabander, who has stage four bowel cancer, and Joe Bellman, whose mum died from cancer in late 2019, to talk about the challenges and benefits of taking your story public and leaning on mates for support when the going gets tough. Steve also asks grief expert and counsellor Jenni Thomas OBE if and why men find it harder to open up – and whether actually they...

Jul 15, 20211 hr 6 min

About Hitting Rock Bottom

Deborah James is joined by fellow stage four’ers Emma Campbell and Darren Roberts to talk about hitting rock bottom, what happens physically, mentally and how they get through the day. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Jul 08, 20211 hr 7 min

About Deborah’s 13th Operation

Deborah speaks with Lauren and Steve about the latest changes with her cancer, the complications, resulting adjustments to her treatment and what the next steps are. For the second week running, we also hear from a team mum! Debs' mum Heather puts on the headphones to share how things have been going from a parent's perspective. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]...

Jul 01, 202142 min

About The Fear Of Recurrence

For the first time Lauren sits down with her mum, Tina, who is 31 years on from her own cancer diagnosis, to discuss the fear of cancer recurrence. Lauren is also joined by Dr Joy Mueller, a counselling psychologist and relationship therapist, who listened to their conversation and explores some of the psychological impacts a fear of recurrence can cause. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. ...

Jun 24, 20211 hr 12 min

About Nightbirde, Homework and Speculums

Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland are back together again to talk cancer headlines, geek of the week and share your 'laugh or you'd cry' stories. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Jun 17, 202134 min

About Intimacy and Sex After Treatment

Lauren is joined by relationship and sex psychotherapist Miranda Christophers to answer your questions on how to regain confidence and intimacy following cancer treatment. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Jun 10, 20211 hr 3 min

About Deborah and the Organoid

The team get together for an update on Debs' latest developments, discover what organoids are, reflect on reactions to the last two #YouMeBigC episodes. They discuss the cancer storyline in Motherland, Covid vaccines and read some of your 'laugh or you’d cry' cancer stories. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email [email protected]

Jun 03, 202152 min

About Love, Grief and Cancer

Julia Samuel, a psychotherapist who has spent over 30 years working with bereaved families and TV chef Tim Bilton who has a rare stage 4 melanoma join Steve Bland. They talk about the difficulties of finding love again and dealing with loved ones when the future looks uncertain. Steve also sits down for a frank and honest chat with Amy, who he has been in a relationship with for the past year and a half. She talks about some of the challenges of dating a widower. Don't forget, you can get in tou...

May 27, 20211 hr