Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s special episode of Live Like It Matters, Elissa Kalver sits down with her friend Julia Johns — a standup comedian, writer, and breast cancer survivor whom she met through the cancer community.
Julia shares her remarkable journey from being a teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio, to moving to New York to pursue her dream in comedy. Along the way, she transformed her breast cancer experience into a one-woman show, A Tale of Two Titties, using humor to process pain and connect with others.
Together, Elissa and Julia explore:
This heartfelt and hilarious conversation reminds us that laughter can coexist with loss — and that thriving often begins with telling the truth, no matter how hard or funny it may be.
Tune in for an inspiring and entertaining discussion filled with laughter, insight, and camaraderie.
Julia Johns
Email: johnsjm1@gmail.com
Website: www.juliajohns.com
Instagram: @heyjuliajohns
Linkedin: Julia Johns
IMDB: Julia Johns IMDb
Youtube: @heyjuliajohns
Elissa Kalver
Email: elissa@wegotthis.org
Website: elissakalver.com
Instagram: @elissakalver
Facebook: Elissa Kalver
TikTok: @elissakalver
Linkedin: Elissa Kalver
Book: We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this heartfelt episode of Live Like It Matters, I sit down with my husband, Eric Kalver — my partner in life, love, and every twist that comes with living with Stage IV breast cancer.
Together, we open up about what it’s really like to navigate marriage, parenthood, and the uncertainty of a terminal diagnosis. Eric shares honestly about the emotional weight of being a caregiver — the parts that are beautiful, the parts that are brutal, and everything in between.
We talk about how we’ve learned to communicate, find humor in the hard moments, and stay connected even when cancer tries to take center stage. This conversation isn’t just about illness — it’s about partnership, resilience, and what it means to show up for each other no matter what.
If you’re a caregiver, a patient, or just someone trying to love someone through something hard — this episode is for you.
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful episode of Live Like It Matters, host Elissa Kalver sits down with three incredible metastatic breast cancer thrivers. Her friends— Megan O’Neil, Keriann Engle, and Shayna Welsh — for an open, honest conversation about what it’s really like to live with a terminal disease that requires lifelong treatment.
Together, they talk about navigating life with stage IV cancer, the emotional and physical realities, the resilience it takes to keep going, and the unique challenges that come with knowing there may never be a finish line.
They also dive into how Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be complicated for those living with metastatic disease. While pink ribbons and celebrations dominate October, many in the stage IV community often feel left out — especially since metastatic breast cancer remains vastly underfunded, despite accounting for nearly all breast cancer deaths.
This episode is raw, real, and filled with heart — a reminder that awareness must include everyone, especially those still fighting.
Guests:
•Megan O’Neil - @meagainoneil
•Keriann Engle - @keriannengle
•Shayna Welsh - @thrivingwcancer
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In episode 5 of Live Like It Matters, host Elissa Kalver sits down with Dena Goldberg—better known as Dena DNA—a certified genetic counselor, speaker, and educator who’s on a mission to make genetics understandable and empowering for everyone.
As the founder of Malibu Genetics and DenaDNA.com, Dena specializes in helping people uncover and navigate their inherited cancer risks. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Elissa and Dena dive into the role of genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, how genetic testing can save lives, and what it really means when someone says “cancer runs in the family.”
Together, they unpack how to approach testing, manage fear around results, and use this information to make proactive, life-changing choices. Dena also shares her unique perspective on the emotional side of genetics—reminding listeners that knowledge isn’t about predicting the future, but about preparing for it.
With honesty, clarity, and heart, this episode bridges science and humanity—empowering us all to take charge of our health stories and to live like it truly matters.
Email: dena@denadna.com
Website: malibugenetics.com and denadna.com
Instagram: @dena.dna
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenaTalksDNA/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denadna
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/denadna
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 4 of Live Like It Matters features host Elissa Kalver in conversation with Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe of Lucius. Known for their bold harmonies, evocative lyrics, and fearless artistic vision, Holly and Jess bring their music—and their hearts—to this deeply personal conversation about creativity, purpose, and connection.
Together, they explore how music can be a source of healing, empowerment, and community, especially during life’s storms. Holly and Jess share stories from their journey in the music world, how they sustain each other as collaborators and friends, and how they channel their art toward something bigger than themselves.
In this episode, they also introduce their meaningful collaboration: a limited-edition enamel pin set created in partnership with WeGotThis.org and Oxford Pennant. The pin set features lyrics from Lucius’s song “Tempest”—“You Aren’t Riding On This Wave Alone”—and is sold with the intention that one pin is for you and one is for someone you care about. 100% of profits support breast cancer initiatives through WeGotThis.org.
This episode is a testament to the power of art to unite, to the courage it takes to keep creating, and to the beautiful intention behind turning a simple pin into a chain of hope and solidarity.
Lucius - Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig
Website:www.ilovelucius.com
Elissa Kavler
Email: elissa@wegotthis.org
Website:Elissa Kalver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissakalver/
Facebook: Elissa Kalver
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elissakalver
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissakalver
Book: We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In episode 3 of Live Like It Matters features host Elissa Kalver in conversation with her friend, actress, writer, speaker, and patient advocate Taylor Coffman. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of living with severe illnesses—Elissa with stage IV breast cancer and Taylor with a rare medical condition.
Taylor lives with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), a rare and complex disease that can cause devastating complications if undiagnosed. Awareness is critical, as aHUS often leads to issues like anemia, low platelets, kidney damage, or even organ failure—but thanks to available treatment, there is also real hope for patients.
With honesty and humor, they discuss finding joy in unexpected places, the power of optimism, celebrating milestones like birthdays, and even tackling “crazy” projects, such as writing books during treatment. They also share the story behind their collaborative podcast, "Dying to Live," which was created to amplify patient voices and raise awareness for rare diseases.
This episode explores resilience, creativity, and the choice to live fully, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
Taylor Coffman
Email: taylor.coffman@gmail.com
Website: http://www.taylorcoffman.com/
Instagram and TIKTOK : @taylorcoffmanmade
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-coffman/
Substack: Rare Disease Girl https://taylorcoffman.substack.com/
Youtube:@RareDiseaseGirl
Elissa Kalver
Email: elissa@wegotthis.org
Website:Elissa Kalver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissakalver/
Facebook: ElissaKalver
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elissakalver
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissakalver
Book: We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Episode 2 of Live Like It Matters, host Elissa Kalver is joined by comedian, actor, and internet personality GloZell Green. From surprise encounters with NBA legends (and their bodyguards) to getting banned from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, GloZell shares outrageous stories with her signature humor and charisma. She also opens up about the viral Cinnamon Challenge video that catapulted her to internet fame with over 60 million views. This episode is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, fueled by GloZell’s charisma, honesty, and undeniable charm. You don’t want to miss it.
GloZell Green
Email: GloZell@gmail.com
Website: glozellgreen.com
Instagram: @GloZell
TikTok: @GloZell
Facebook: GloZell Green
IMDB: GloZell IMDb - On the current season of world’s worst cooks
Youtube: @GloZell1 (4.5 million followers)
Causes: Big Supporter of WeGotThis.org and has hosted many events with me
Elissa Kalver
Email: elissa@wegotthis.org
Website:Elissa Kalver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissakalver/
Facebook: Elissa Kalver
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elissakalver
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissakalver
Book: We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the debut episode of Live Like It Matters, host Elissa Kalver sits down with her friend, comedian, podcaster, and internet legend Grace Helbig. The conversation kicks off with the chaos of Elissa’s birthday week (yes, she celebrated with a book launch at the Magic Castle AND recorded a marathon of back-to-back podcasts), before Grace shares her hilarious adventure as a judge at the world’s ugliest dog competition. From there, things take a meaningful turn as Grace opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, the realities of treatment, and how humor has helped her breathe (and laugh) through it all. Known for her quick wit and honesty, Grace brings both laughter and depth to the table, proving that life’s hardest chapters can still hold moments of joy, absurdity, and connection. This inaugural episode sets the tone for the series: part ridiculous, part profound, and always rooted in living like it matters.
Grace Helbig
Email: gracehelbig@gmail.com
Instagram: @gracehelbig
Podcast: @tmgwpodcast - This Might Get Weird Podcast, YouTube Channel
IMDB: Grace Helbig
TikTok: @thisisgracehelbig
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@itsgrace
Causes: Has been a big supporter of WeGotThis.org and is a breast cancer survivor
Elissa Kalver
Email: elissa@wegotthis.org
Website: elissakalver.com
Instagram: @elissakalver
Facebook: Elissa Kalver
TikTok: @elissakalver
Linkedin: Elissa Kalver
Book: We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing.
Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
