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Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and medical professionals to learn about treatments available for women with a cancer diagnosis. I’m Dani Binnington, after breast cancer, surgery to remove my ovaries led me to early menopause, I had no idea what my treatment options were and who in my medical team could help me figure out what to do about my symptoms. I felt alone and unsupported. It took me so long to discover I had lots of options too. If only I’d known sooner! Everything I wish I’d known back then is inside these conversations - so you can make the right choices now. These episodes are a good place to start: 1. Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors 2. Why I decided to take HRT after an oestrogen driven cancer 2. Alcohol & Me Menopause and cancer is also a thriving community online and in real life. Join the Facebook community to connect with women going through the same thing you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Ep 103 - Joint Ache SOS
Joint ache after cancer treatment can happen for various reasons. Low oestrogen levels or side effects of medication can be the cause. Joint pain can significantly affect daily activities and diminish overall quality of life, making it challenging for you to do the things you once enjoyed doing. You might feel very frustrated that you have completed cancer treatment and now to be left with what sometimes can be a debilitating pain. We know a proportion of women even stop their endocrine treatment as the joint pain is too much to bear.
Dr Melanie Hacking and Dr Susanne Hooper, both accredited Menopause Specialists registered with the British Menopause Society (BMS) from The Oxford Hormone Clinic are speaking to us to day to help us understand how we can navigate this very common symptom.
We cover:
Why do women get joint ache?
How does chemotherapy, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors make the situation worse?
What can help? Medication? Diet? Movement? Supplements? Heat therapy? Cold therapy? Does relaxation help?
Does joint pain mean arthritis?
Notes from the doctors: https://www.arthritis.org/
You can find Dr. Hacking and Dr. Hooper here https://www.oxfordhormoneclinic.com/menopause-explained#cancer
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
03:28 Discussion on joint pain in menopause and cancer.
09:49 Women should communicate symptoms for improved treatment.
13:21 Movement is key for well-being and mood.
17:58 Low oestrogen leads to osteoporosis risk.
23:52 Use cold first, then heat for inflammation.
25:06 Encourage varied diet, consider supplements for nutrients.
33:12 Nutrition and supplements are vital during illness.
37:09 Treating joint pain in cancer survivors, the options.
40:17 Survivors carry heavy self-care burden, seek recognition.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this episode, Andrea Martin, a women’s health nurse practitioner helps us to take the sexual health chat to the next level.
Why you really need to know about clitoral adhesions, these are like scar tissue that forms around the clitoris. Our host Dani had never heard of this before and we have spoken a lot about sexual health on our episodes here!
We also talk about medical options to help with low libido. YES they exist! We had no idea! Options available like Flibanserin (Addyi), Bremelanotide (Vyleesi), Testosterone and even trying erectile dysfunction meds for the clitoris.
Andrea Martin is a women’s health nurse practitioner, sexual health educator and is trained in gynaecology, urogynaecology, menopause, chronic pelvic pain and sexual medicine.
You can find Andrea on Instagram @andrea.sexplains.it.all
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro.
05:26 Clitoris adhesion and issues explained.
15:42 Vibrators are vital tools for women's health.
19:44 Importance of addressing sexual health in relationships.
22:36 Innovative technique brings joy and empowerment.
24:06 Validate feelings, explore treatments, reconsider sexual options.
30:54 Non-hormonal treatments.
Episode mention: Ep 56 - Testosterone Therapy is Not Just for Low Libido with Dr Rebecca Glaser
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
A huge thank you to our partners Oxford Hormone Clinic for helping us get this episode out to all of you! Their support means so much to us. All their details are in the show notes below.
Ever wondered if collagen is safe for you?
There is a lot of talk about collagen out there and some people say it really helps them with their skin, joints and even energy levels. And then we hear stories of concern as collagen has been linked to cancer.
In today’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Nina Fuller Shavel to answer this once and for all. So that we know the facts to make empowered choices for ourselves.
You can find Dr. Fuller-Shavel here https://www.drninafullershavel.com/
Her new book “Integrative Oncology in Breast Cancer Care’ can be found HERE.
Download your FREE Getting Started Guide here: https://menopauseandcancer.org/getting-started-guide/
Episode highlights:
00:00 Intro
04:53 Collagen benefits for joint and skin health.
08:04 Long-term safety unknown; worth trialling cautiously.
10:08 Vegan supplements may support collagen, but unproven.
16:06 Dietary amino acids impact collagen production differently.
17:11 Taking collagen during cancer treatment, consult your doctor.
24:42 Diverse toolkit for joint health including Rosehip.
27:41 Empowerment comes from variety.
Thank you to our sponsors of this episode: https://www.oxfordhormoneclinic.com/
The team at The Oxford Hormone Clinic are passionate in helping people with a history of cancer. They are a holistic clinic focusing on informed choice regarding all aspects of menopause care; from lifestyle advice, over the counter supplements, to Body Identical Hormone replacement, always based upon British Menopause Society (BMS) and NICE guidelines.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Mentioned in this episode:
Ep 101 Advert - for 1 year
Episode 100 is a special celebration, and this time, it's all about you! We're flipping the script, as Dani takes a turn in the hot seat and gets interviewed by one of the remarkable women who work tirelessly to bring this show to you every week. Tune in for heartfelt messages from our community, candid discussions about the podcast's behind-the-scenes, and reflections on what it means for us to reach this milestone together.
If you’re thinking of doing your own podcast, I’d say DO IT! You can contact Phoebe here https://winteraudio.co.uk/
Download your FREE Getting Started Guide here: https://menopauseandcancer.org/getting-started-guide/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
00:56 Celebrating 100 episodes of Menopause and Cancer.
07:17 Celebrating success, journey, reflection, encouragement, life stages.
12:18 Voice note from Rachel.
14:39 Passionate networker celebrating human stories and connections.
19:34 Voice note from Terri.
21:37 Cancer impact lingers, support available for life.
28:43 Voice note from Susie.
31:57 Passionate about work, excited about projects. Creating change.
37:33 Cook together, enjoy socialising with friends.
41:49 Voice note from Siobhan
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Finding our silver linings can be tough when we are navigating menopause after cancer, and it involves acknowledging the existence of challenges or hardships while actively seeking and appreciating the positive aspects that may arise from those experiences.
Today, on the show I am inviting my husband Tim to talk to us and we will remember our silver linings in all those years of navigating cancer survivorship. We had so many positive experiences happen to us because of cancer, even though both of our careers changed completely - and of course, we talk you through what happened on Dragons’ Den!
You can find Tim’s invention here: https://www.mantahair.com/ and the discount code is: MC20
Download your FREE Getting Started Guide here: https://menopauseandcancer.org/getting-started-guide/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
04:36 Overcoming anxiety and overwhelm through exercise and focus.
07:38 Focused on well-being during cancer treatment
16:23 Where the Manta hairbrush came from.
17:50 Early dedication and investment in a business venture surprises the family.
22:04 Lack of oestrogen affects hair.
25:33 Going on Dragons' Den.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer
What role does genomic testing play in promoting better health? While many are familiar with genetic tests like the BRCA mutation test, there's a growing trend towards testing for overall health improvement and personalisation of care. However, the question arises: is this approach advisable?
Online services now offer tests where individuals swab the inside of their cheeks, but what happens next with the results? The surge in glucose testing is notable, but discussions increasingly focus on personalised genetic tests such as genomic testing. These tests provide insights into how our biology functions and how we can leverage this information to positively impact and enhance our health. From how we metabolise oestrogen to why some of us are better sleepers than others - is it all in our genes?
In today’s episode, I speak to cancer survivor, nutritional scientist and integrative oncology practitioner Toral Shah. We talk personal experiences and Toral will share with you how genomic testing can help you better understand your biology.
You can find out more about Toral here: https://www.theurbankitchen.co.uk/
Here is the link to LifecodeGX https://www.lifecodegx.com/ and they share more information about the genomic testing. You cannot book directly but through a practitioner.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
05:58 Genetic code influences our health, individual variations.
07:52 Genetic testing, cancer risk, and epigenetic discussed.
11:08 Genetic mutation has an impact on family and potentially daughters.
13:50 Testing glucose responses to different foods is important.
22:31 Genetic testing reveals family's shared cancer risk.
28:52 Genomic testing requires practitioner input, diversity needed.
31:17 We need genetic counselling in healthcare settings.
34:16 Cancer diagnosis can be a transformative moment.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer
We're thrilled to have Ursula join us to share her remarkable story. In our conversation, we delve into topics like peri-menopause, cancer, and the use of testosterone-only therapy for individuals with oestrogen-positive cancer.
Each of us embarks on a unique journey, especially in post-treatment and menopausal survivorship care, where experiences vary despite similar diagnoses and treatments. Our follow-up care, access to healthcare professionals, worries, and desires differ, shaping individual pathways.
The question arises: do you trust your instincts? Do you pursue what feels right for you?
Please note this episode does not give medical advice, but highlights one story and that is tat of Ursula’s.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
07:36 Ursula summarises her breast cancer treatments.
15:53 Facing second cancer diagnosis, opted for mastectomy.
19:45 Physical recovery took time, prioritised quality of life.
24:49 Seeking help for menopause symptoms, including pain.
27:33 Testosterone gel prescription
28:25 Low oestrogen levels, important for bone health.
34:21 Gratitude for sharing unique cancer experiences.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer
Sexual health after a cancer diagnosis is complex and it’s not enough to purely address our physical symptoms. The brilliant medical oncologist Dr. Laila Agrawal from the US, joins us for this episode where we embark on understanding the complexity of emotional, physical and social changes that affect our sex lives.
And of course, we talk about what your options are and why we need to create the book club we never knew we needed!
We talk:
Zero libido
Body confidence
How to treat symptoms
Vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer - new guidance
Sexy stories
And so much more.
You can find Dr. Agrawal here: https://providers.nortonhealthcare.com/provider/Laila+S+Agrawal/466429
This is her informative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlailaagrawal/
For perhaps your first ever women’s erotic story go here: https://meetrosy.com/erotica
A large group of high-quality studies show that vaginal oestrogen is safe for breast cancer survivors even those on Aromatase Inhibitors.
Here is the Guidance:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2811413
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2017.75.8995
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691231208473
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
07:06 Low rate of women reporting sexual health issues.
11:54 Breast cancer treatments may worsen vaginal symptoms.
15:18 Recommended hyaluronic acid vaginal products.
23:09 Guidelines support vaginal hormones for breast cancer.
31:18 Vaginal dilator helps with pelvic muscle discomfort.
36:17 Knowing your sexual goals is important for health.
41:05 Chemotherapy and medications can affect libido desire.
44:42 Planning builds anticipation, connection, and pleasure.
48:23 Rediscovering pleasure, connecting with partner, sex therapy.
51:28 Body image and cancer's impact on self-esteem.
01:00:01 Explore sexy stories to spice up libido.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer
Do you also have that picture in your mind that hypnotherapy is people behaving like chickens? Yep! Me too! So, I want to find out how hypnotherapy can benefit a cancer survivor's life when menopause has added a layer of insult to your experience.
I am delighted to welcome Debbie Pugh onto the show. Debbie is a hypnotherapist and master coach and has much wisdom and healing to offer. This episode talks about the benefits of hypnotherapy but also addresses healing as a non-linear process.
Debbie works at a cancer charity in Cambridge https://www.cambridgecancerhelp.org/ and can be found here as well.
https://www.sunbeamcoaching.uk/
We want to thank our partners https://mpowder.store/ for helping us get this episode out to all of you!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
06:04 Not everyone can be hypnotised.
09:45 In therapy, planting ideas in the unconscious mind.
20:02 Childhood coping strategies persist in adulthood behaviours.
21:23 Struggle with a sense of disconnect, amplified trauma.
25:24 Volunteers compiling UK's only cancer charity database.
27:33 Sought support from friends when Debbie’s son was going through cancer treatment.
31:37 Adapting strategies for coping and self-care.
33:48 Hypnotherapy helps address sleep issues and emotional healing.
37:32 Permission to acknowledge feelings, spoken or written.
44:33 Dani reads a poem.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer
https://mpowder.store/
In today’s episode our guest Sarah Marsh, expert women’s health physio for cancer patients, is telling us her number 1 top tip in how you can support your pelvic health and pelvic floor.
And NO - it’s not all squeeze squeeze squeeze!
Sarah tells us about the important role a women’s health therapist plays in assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvis and pelvic floor in women. We talk about what you can do and where you can get help.
This is not only an informative episode, but we also laugh and share honestly - it’s not an easy topic to talk about, many of us feel shy in talking about it, but together we’ll get there!
The NHS approved free app to help with pelvic floor issues is here for you https://squeezyapp.com/
There is more info about Sarah here www.sarahmarsh.co
And for our online meet-up that I mention look here for dates and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/menopause-and-cancer-72544601233
We want to thank our partners https://mpowder.store/ for helping us get this episode out to all of you!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
13:08 Exercises for pelvic floor health importance explained.
15:04 Exhale to engage pelvic floor for better function.
19:51 Radiotherapy side effects can be managed non-invasively.
21:35 Pelvic health physio shortage affects patient care.
24:01 New habits take 6-12 weeks to form.
27:24 Sitting technique to improve posture and movement.
37:48 Check pelvic floor, question norms, seek help.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer
https://mpowder.store/
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
