“Please—all of you people out there—don’t wait until you’re dying to see the beauty in life.” Becca was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 34, went into remission, and eleven years later—when she thought she was in the clear—her cancer returned as stage four metastatic disease. What followed was a journey through brutal treatment side effects, painful decisions about quality versus quantity of life, and a profound reckoning with faith, value, and what it means to live authentically while dying. In this week’s episode, Becca shares her experience leaving evangelical Christianity after her first diagnosis, wrestling with what makes a life worth living when you’re sleeping 14-15 hours a day, and the reality that even within cancer communities, certain truths feel taboo to speak. She talks about the irony of saying “I’ll never treat again” and then, when faced with recurrence, immediately asking “How do we treat this?” Becca’s story is filled with hard-won wisdom about flexibility, authenticity, and the surprising peace that can come from facing uncertainty without the answers she once relied on. Tune in to hear Cody and Becca explore: The gap between what we say we’ll do and what we actually do when facing terminal illness Leaving evangelical Christianity and finding peace in uncertainty as an atheist facing death Quality versus quantity of life: setting boundaries and taking treatment “vacations” Redefining personal value from “a human doing” to “a human being” The loneliness of dying and what’s taboo even in cancer communities How “life isn’t fair” can cut both ways Parenting through terminal illness and the legacy we leave in our children’s minds Patient autonomy: “This is our life. We get to call the shots.” Note: This episode includes a content warning regarding discussion of suicidal ideation and self-harm during Becca's first cancer diagnosis.

🚗💨 The Power of Pumping the Brakes... In this episode, Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Lonnie about the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, especially when previous sources of meaning are no longer available. Cody delves into the concept of the therapeutic pause and pumping the brakes—taking time to process and make thoughtful decisions in high-stress situations. Drawing from his own experiences in the hospital, Cody discusses how slowing down can help patients and their families cope better with life-changing diagnoses, and how this principle can be applied to our everyday lives. Take a moment to gather yourself and find the peaceful space between stimulus and response. --- For more information on the sponsor of this episode, please visit the Iliff Death Care Collective.

"I didn't want to survive. I wanted to live. I knew that I wanted to live." In this episode of Dying to Tell You, Cody sits down with Lonnie, who is living with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Lonnie shares his story from the onset of symptoms to his diagnosis and how he has become an advocate for those living with cancer via social media. He speaks candidly about the emotional rollercoaster, the importance of mental health support, and choosing quality of life over quantity. Lonnie emphasizes the value of support systems and the power of sharing one's story.  Join us to hear Lonnie's heartfelt journey and his inspiring approach to life, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. Some of the incredibly important aspects Lonnie touches on include: Finding Support After a Cancer Diagnosis Navigating the Diagnosis Rollercoaster Choosing Quality Over Quantity: Treatment Decisions The Importance of Mental Health in Cancer Treatment Finding Purpose Through Advocacy Taking a Treatment Vacations! Reflecting on Quality of Life vs. Quantity of Life Daily Struggles and Mental Resets Coping with Fear And so much more You can find Lonnie on social media @lonnievh For more information on the sponsor of this episode, please visit the Iliff Death Care Collective (https://www.iliffdeathcare.com/).

"Don't Just Do Something...Sit There."   In this reflection on his conversation with Sarah last week, Cody delves into the challenging emotion of helplessness, exploring its profound impact on individuals dealing with serious illness and those around them.   How do we handle helplessness? We sit with it, we express it, we witness it. We face it and acknowledge it together, and that's the power of not trying to fix it, but accepting it.   This episode also features a heartfelt message from our By The Way voicemail. If you feel the need to call someone who's no longer with us, leave them a message at 720-600-7056.   ---   This episode is sponsored by Iliff School of Theology, who invite you to explore "Strengthening Embodied Practice for Caregiving," a new course for caregivers to help you calm and balance your nervous system and reconnect with yourself amid the stress and challenges of your work.  Oct 19 – Nov 16 Each week, 90 minutes of guided somatic practices, conversation, and practical tools   To learn more or enroll now, visit iliffdeathcare.com

“I would love it if the afterlife looked like the eighties.” —Sarah In this episode of 'Dying to Tell You,' Cody chats with Sarah Parton, who shares her incredible journey living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Sarah talks about her initial shock at the diagnosis, the ups and downs she faces daily, and how she keeps her sense of humor and optimism alive. She opens up about the importance of the ALS community, her coping strategies, and why she decided against invasive treatments. Sarah also gives us a peek into her fun plans for the afterlife, her love for the '80s, and why she’s determined to enjoy every moment. Join Cody and Sarah for a conversation that's full of laughter, heartfelt moments, and inspiration. --- Sarah wants to give a shoutout to two organizations that are amazing resources for anyone facing ALS: Live Like Lou — Supporting families affected by ALS, funding ALS research to find treatments or a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease, and honoring Lou Gehrig’s legacy. Team Gleason — Empowering people with ALS to live purposeful lives. --- For more information on the sponsor of this episode, please visit the Iliff Death Care Collective.

In this reflection on his conversation last week with Caroline, Cody shares his personal journey through grief, resilience, and finding meaning after loss. With candid insights and lessons learned from his own experiences, Cody offers a bit of hope and encouragement to anyone navigating these same literally life-changing challenges.  And if you know Cody, by now you know that one of his greatest mantras is the simple but deeply impactful phrase: And That's Ok. Give a listen to see why. 

This week on "Dying To Tell You," Cody sits down with Caroline, a mother whose world was turned upside down by a devastating diagnosis: brain cancer while 20 weeks pregnant. In this deeply moving conversation, Caroline shares her journey through confusion, heartbreak, and impossible choices—including the decision to end her pregnancy in order to pursue life-saving treatment. With remarkable honesty and grace, Caroline opens up about the emotional and ethical complexities of medical decision-making, the realities of living with a terminal illness, and the enduring power of love and legacy. She reflects on her upbringing, her relationship with mortality and strong belief in reincarnation, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to her daughter. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. Listen with an open heart as Caroline’s story reminds us of the importance of compassion, nuance, and community—especially when life takes us to the in-between places. If you'd like to learn more about organizations that support women's health, Caroline recommends Free and Just and Abortion in America.  For more information on the sponsor of this episode, Iliff School of Theology and their End-of-Life Doula Certificate Course beginning September 28th, please visit the Iliff Death Care Collective.

In this week's reflection, Cody revisits last week's conversation with Joe, who is facing a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Cody explores the age-old question that Joe raised: If God is all-powerful and loving, why does suffering exist? Drawing on Joe’s faith, the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, and stories from other guests, Cody examines how adversity can lead to unexpected growth, meaning, and connection.

“There’s something so precious about every day and every moment and living this beautiful gift.” What does it mean to truly live when tomorrow is not guaranteed? In this moving episode, Joe shares his journey through the unexpected diagnosis of multiple myeloma, the challenges of treatment, and the profound lessons learned along the way. With honesty, humor, and deep faith, Joe invites us to consider what matters most—embracing each day, loving fiercely, and finding hope even in uncertainty. Whether you’re facing your own crossroads or supporting someone you love, Joe’s story is a powerful reminder to seize the moment and live with purpose.

"Inright outright upright downright" Join host Cody for another heartfelt reflection as he revisits last week's uplifting conversation with Aaron, a courageous young cancer patient who is facing his adversity with positivity and faith. (Aaron started back to college this week, by the way, and you can follow him on Tik Tok here!) We often talk about hope and resilience in the face of difficulty, but this week Cody tackles the idea of the difficulties themselves. What if they're not to be avoided? What if the obstacles are the path? We can't be inright outright upright downright happy all the time. And that's ok.  Stay tuned at the end for a mention of By The Way, our voicemail service that lets you leave a message for loved ones who've passed on. We encourage you to call and leave a message at 720-600-7056. 

Find out what happens when a college freshman is faced with a life-changing cancer diagnosis—and chooses hope over fear.  Meet Aaron, our guest this week on Dying To Tell You whose youth and optimism shine through every challenge. Aaron shares how, at just 19, he turned a cancer diagnosis—curable but let's be honest...still cancer—into a source of strength, gratitude, and purpose. His story is a testament to the power of positivity, faith, and the belief that even the toughest news can be the start of something beautiful. A few highlights: The surprising relief and hope that came with a curable cancer diagnosis Aaron’s experience as one of the youngest patients in the chemo ward How youth, faith, and family fueled Aaron’s positive outlook Turning adversity into opportunity: inspiring others while still in college Lessons on gratitude, resilience, and living fully—no matter your age Join host Cody Hufstedler for this conversation filled with inspiration, resilience, and a fresh perspective on life’s hardest moments.  

"We only get to do this life once." In this deeply personal reflection, Cody share his own experience of learning that his mom was in the hospital for chest pain. She underwent bypass surgery and Cody flew home to find himself in the center of a story he's seen played out countless times—in a waiting room with family, anxious to see their loved one recovering in the ICU. Last week's episode with Kelly was such an inspiring reminder for Cody (and for all of us) that sometimes life sends unwelcome invitations. Sometimes we need to be reminded that all of this that we know and love is fleeting, so that we can embrace every bit of it while we can. As Cody shares in quoting from Mary Oliver, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This episode also features another message from our By The Way voicemail box, where you can leave a message for anyone who has died. If you'd like to leave your own message, call 720-600-7056 and let them know what you've left unsaid. Messages could be played on a future episode or featured on our website dttypodcast.com

"Life Goes On" —Kelly In this episode of Dying to Tell You, Cody sits down with Kelly, who is living with an ALS diagnosis. Kelly shares her journey from the onset of her symptoms to her diagnosis and how she has found community and strength through social media. Kelly talks candidly about the emotional and physical challenges of living with ALS, how she stays optimistic, and the importance of living life to the fullest despite her diagnosis. Believe us when we say, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone embracing life more fully than Kelly. She is full of grace and—yes—grit, and offers us all such an inspiring window into living life to the fullest. 

In this heartfelt reflection of last week's episode with Jeopardy Champion and author Jeff Stewart, palliative care chaplain and host Cody shares powerful insights on the importance of consideration and empathy when facing life-limiting illness. Drawing from his real hospital experiences, Cody discusses the emotional complexities of cancer treatment decisions, family communication, and the courage it takes to honor both personal needs and loved ones’ wishes. Jeff's journey with cancer and kidney donation exemplifies selflessness and legacy-building and is such an inspiration for any of us seeking to live more compassionately and, yes, with consideration.  This episode also features another message from our By The Way voicemail box, where you can leave a message for anyone who has died. If you'd like to leave your own message, call 720-600-7056 and let them know what you've left unsaid. Messages could be played on a future episode or featured on our website dttypodcast.com

A surprise stomach cancer diagnosis born of an attempt to donate a kidney gave Jeff the time and space to reflect on life, death, and what he could give his family both before and after he’s gone. In this episode of Dying to Tell You, Cody interviews cancer patient and Jeopardy champion Jeff Stewart. Jeff, a renowned microbiologist and author of the book "Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer," opens up about his diagnosis with terminal stage four stomach cancer, his experiences as a parent facing cancer, and the lessons he’s learned about hope, resilience, and family. Spend some time with Jeff and Cody to learn more about: Living with cancer: Jeff’s honest account of his cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment, and how he balances hope with scientific reality. Cancer and family: The emotional impact of terminal illness on loved ones, parenting with cancer, and leaving a legacy for his seven children. Cancer inspiration: How Jeff’s story offers hope and support to others facing cancer, grief, or end-of-life challenges. Science and faith: The intersection of medical knowledge and personal faith in coping with cancer. Cancer awareness: Practical advice for cancer patients, families, and anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity. Jeff’s candid discussion covers the realities of cancer treatment, the importance of open communication, and the power of finding meaning and connection even in the hardest moments. Essential listening for anyone searching for cancer support, cancer awareness, or inspiration from a real-life cancer patient.

Cody reflects on his conversation with Sue in last week's episode, and how love is the purpose of our lives.  We also include a voice message left on By The Way—our version of the Japanese windphones that allow you to leave a message for a loved one no longer here. You can leave your own message at 720-600-7056.

"I remember thinking...oh! That's what it was about!" Our first guest of Season 3 is Sue, who joined us all the way from Australia. And although she isn’t our first international guest, nor is she even our first guest from Australia, Sue’s story is certainly a first for us. Sue shares with us the moment she found out she had advanced stage cancer, a moment in which she experienced a true Out of Body Experience (OBE) and saw existence from an entirely new perspective. From that perspective, Sue gained an insight into connection and love that frankly we had never heard before. And that’s just the beginning of her story. It’s a beautiful conversation filled with as much laughter as tears, and plenty of amazement and insight. 

Linda was a guest in Season One of Dying To Tell You, a fiery and hilarious woman facing a terminal diagnosis from kidney cancer. So much of Cody's conversation with Linda orbits around the very difficult challenge of letting things go. A lesson from the end of life that can—and should—resonate with anyone, regardless of their current health or prognosis.  As we get ready for Season Three starting next week (!), please enjoy this encore airing of Linda's interview. And if you want to go further, Episode One of Season Two is a conversation with Linda's daughter Aimee, who helped Linda take Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) at the end of her life. It's a story that is so honest and clear-eyed about the reality of such a decision and its consequences. Surprisingly, it's also as inappropriately hilarious as Linda herself. 

Riyaz was spiritual teacher and therapist who joined us in Season 2 of Dying To Tell You, and leading up to Season 3 we wanted to honor some of the guests who have been on the show and who have since passed on.  Please enjoy this encore presentation of Riyaz's episode, which originally aired in Season Two. 

Rachel was our first guest on Dying To Tell You who had ALS, and leading up to Season 3 we wanted to honor some of the guests who have been on the show and who have since passed on. Please enjoy this encore presentation of Rachel's episode, which originally aired in Season Two.