Susan shares her deeply personal connection to breast cancer, having both lost grandmothers to the disease and supporting her sister through her own diagnosis. Drawing from years of experience in healthcare and her own journey navigating high-risk screenings, Susan gets candid about the gaps in breast health education, especially around dense breast tissue, and underscores the importance of self-advocacy, persistence, and community support.

Together, Lisa and Susan break down the barriers that so many women face, discussing why knowing your breast density matters, why speaking up in the doctor’s office can be lifesaving, and the simple yet powerful actions—like sharing information and writing to lawmakers—that can make a difference. Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, healthcare professional, or just searching for honest conversations about women’s health, this episode is packed with insight, hope, and practical advice for taking charge of your wellbeing. So grab a cup, tune in, and join us on the path toward early detection, empowered choices, and a community dedicated to women’s health equity.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Clear Voices: Breast Cancer Stories

04:20 Discovering Dense Breast Awareness

07:20 Importance of Advanced Breast Screening

12:04 Self-Advocacy in Women's Health

13:56 "Consider Ultrasound for Breast Density"

19:04 "Empowering Women: Support and Voice"

20:54 Reevaluating Hormone Replacement Therapy

25:21 Empowering Women in Healthcare Innovation

29:05 Empowering Survivors' Voices in Advocacy

30:23 Heartfelt Stories & Support Advocacy

35:13 "Dense Breast Tissue Risk Factor"

37:11 Empowering Advocacy and Community Support

Susan Willig, CEO True North Accomplished and creative marketing executive with cross-industry experience (medical device, education, information services and technology). Proven and accomplished career of exceeding business objectives by creating relevant brand strategy and translating to effective marketing plans and through to execution. I build meaningful and lasting customer experiences and relationships to increase brand equity and revenue. As a strong leader and team builder both inside and outside the company, I create a consistent meaningful global experience for customers, while being mindful of regional nuances.

Follow Susan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanwillig/

Website: https://www.truenorthsw.com/

Learn More About The Clear Pathways Program: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Follow Lisa Malia:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/

Feminine Leadership Community: https://circle.lisamalia.co/join?invitation_token=4aa1b4081e801124df7210b1a84e18ecfbbd2e21-7b7ac858-46a9-47ff-b281-514108ce92d8

Write your representative with pre drafted letters on current topic at Women's Health Advocates: https://womenshealthadvocates.org/write-to-congress/#/

Malisa offers insights from her journey of intuitive, wanderlust-inspired living, the lessons learned from burnout and activism, and the empowerment found in choosing yourself—no matter your relationship status or stage of life. Whether you’re interested in social change, spiritual embodiment, or simply want to be inspired by the radical act of showing up fully as yourself, this episode is a powerful invitation into devotion, truth-telling, and the transformative art of adornment.

Malisa shares how her upbringing as the daughter of a Bangladeshi freedom fighter shaped her commitment to justice and community, and how her identity as a "creatrix" fuels her mission to alchemize the world into art and beauty. Together, they unpack the power of reclaiming cultural traditions, the nuanced realities of cultural appreciation versus appropriation, and the healing energy of beauty as a frequency we can all access.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Wanderlust Wisdom Unveiled"

03:50 Spirituality, Inclusivity, and Self-Care Balance

07:43 Creativity: Embracing My Inner Artist

11:00 Navigating Family Dynamics Post-Lockdown

14:24 Cultural Fashion and Wedding Dreams

16:42 Empowerment Through Storytelling and Voice

22:28 "Cultural Expression and Social Justice"

25:16 Mindful Fashion and Cultural Respect

28:13 Clothing, Culture, and Representation

31:17 Intuition-Curated Artistic Life

33:43 Embracing Life's Timeless Beauty

37:31 Honoring Spain's Complex History

41:56 Devotion Beyond Visibility

43:17 "Finding Purpose Beyond Metrics"

45:43 "Empire from Atelier"

50:51 Self-Love and Independence Affirmed

53:15 Celebrating Revolutionary Women's Journeys

Malisa Ali -professor by day, the lipstick mystic by night- inclusivity activist queen always! leading my intuitive baddies + bombshells in the ADORN movement sociology + women's studies professor, nonprofit + social justice activist background solo traveling the world for 2.5+ years Where social justice x spirituality x self-love meet leaves her lipstick, love + liberation everywhere she goes!

Follow Malisa & Join:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xomalisa/

Adorn: https://sites.google.com/view/theadornedwoman

Evoke Feminine Leadership Community:

Join here: https://circle.lisamalia.co/join?invitation_token=4aa1b4081e801124df7210b1a84e18ecfbbd2e21-7b7ac858-46a9-47ff-b281-514108ce92d8

Feminine Leadership Mastermind: https://www.evokeleadershipinstitute.co/

Feminine Leadership Retreat: https://www.lisamalia.co/joshua-tree-retreat

Follow Lisa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamalia.evoke/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamalianorman/

Lisa and Tess dive into the importance of proactive health advocacy, the confusion and lack of information many women face around screenings, and the power of forming intentional daily habits for long-term wellness.

Tess shares her personal journey of discovering she had dense breast tissue, the challenges she faced in getting the right screenings, and how self-education and persistence played crucial roles in her health journey. Together, they discuss the importance of early detection, how lifestyle choices such as movement, nutrition, and restorative sleep contribute to overall health, and why building a supportive community makes all the difference.

Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply passionate about women’s health, this episode offers inspiration, practical tips, and that vital push to be your own advocate. Join us as we shine a light on women’s health, break down barriers to information, and remind listeners of the power found in sharing our stories.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Amplifying Women's Voices on Health"

06:24 Dense Breast Tissue Guidance Insights

08:29 Dual Scans Essential for Accuracy

13:12 Improving Life with Early Diagnosis

15:38 Wine, Heart Health, and Breast Cancer

20:15 Improving Sleep with Night Routine

22:25 "Evening Eating Affects Sleep Quality"

25:47 Overwhelmed Professionals Seek Health Guidance

28:27 Dense Breast Tissue: Be Proactive

LEARN MORE: The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups - Join our task force or advisory board. https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Tess Cheng, a certified health and wellness coach with over 13 years of experience, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting success through sustainable wellness practices. Having navigated her own journey with hypoglycemia and a family history of diabetes, Tess advocates for holistic lifestyle changes that foster both personal and professional growth.

With a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, Tess combines practical strategies focused on mindset, self-care, disease prevention, and longevity. She believes that prioritizing wellness not only enhances daily health but also lays the foundation for long-term vitality and success in all areas of life.

Follow Tess:

https://glowithtess.com/

http://linkedin.com/in/tess-cheng-ms

https://www.instagram.com/glowithtess/

https://www.facebook.com/Glowithtess

#wellness #habits #breasthealth #breastscreening #breastcancer #womenshealth #womeninwellness #femtech #breastdensity

Teyonnna opens up about her journey through diagnosis at the young age of 35, her experiences navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks younger women, and the shock of recurrence just as she was regaining her footing in life.

Together, they dive into the emotional and physical challenges of sudden, medically induced menopause, a side effect faced by many survivors that is rarely discussed—especially for younger women.

Tiana shares how these hurdles ignited her passion for advocacy, leading her to found Positive Outlook, a platform focused on early detection, building community, and empowering women to take control of their health journeys. Tune in for an honest, enlightening conversation brimming with hope, resilience, and actionable resources for anyone touched by breast cancer or women’s health issues.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Journey Through Diagnosis and Menopause

04:29 Diagnosed Young: Breast Cancer Journey

06:50 Delayed Mammogram Appointment Guilt

11:59 Biopsy Results and Emotional Denial

14:56 Breast Cancer Journey and Recovery

19:46 Cancer Recurrence Treatment Plan

20:57 Hormone Therapy's Impact on Young Women

24:58 Breast Cancer: Rising Young Women's Challenges

30:09 Exploring Menopause Through Reading

33:59 "Empowering Women's Health Advocacy"

36:50 "Listening to Our Bodies"

39:32 "Managing Menopause After Cancer"

43:32 Mutual Gratitude and Positive Change

Learn more about The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups and join our task force or advisory board: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Teyonna Bowman is a two-time breast cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Pausitive Outlook. Pausitive Outlook started as her virtual outlet for healing and sharing her own journey but has since evolved into a platform that empowers women, especially younger survivors, to navigate life after cancer and the complexities of medically induced menopause.

Through Pausitive Outlook, she creates connection, education, and community via social media and in-person experiences. She also serves as a dedicated volunteer with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network and the Tigerlily Foundation.

Teyonna Bowman Website: www.pausitiveoutlook.com

Instagram: @pausitiveoutlook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teyonna-bowman-b79a781/

#breastcancer #menopause #earlybreastcancerdetection #breastcancerdetection #breastcancerscreening #breastdensity

Welcome back to Clear Voices of Hope, part of the For the Love of Cups Clear Pathways program—a podcast that brings together real stories to shine a light on the realities of dense breast tissue and breast cancer. In this heartfelt episode, host Lisa Malia sits down with Kristin Derus Dore, who shares her personal journey navigating breast health, dense breast tissue, and the often frustrating realities of the healthcare system.

Kristin opens up about her surprise discovery of dense breast tissue, the challenges she faced getting screened, and the critical role community and self-advocacy played in her experience. Together, Lisa and Kristin dive into the emotional toll of not being heard, the power of sharing information between women, and the importance of building a care team you trust. Whether you’re living through a similar journey, supporting a loved one, or passionate about women’s health equity, this episode offers connection, support, and practical wisdom on advocating for your own health.

Tune in as we amplify courageous voices, break taboos, and remind each other why every woman’s story matters.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Clear Voices of Hope"

03:29 Mammogram Tip: Protecting Thyroid

08:51 Judgmental Medical Encounter

11:04 Unclear Breast Cancer Screening Guidance

15:22 Confusing and Costly Medical Experience

19:03 Empowering Women Facing Greater Barriers

22:33 Navigating Health and Self-Blame

26:26 Stress, Health, and Cancer Connection

30:12 "Be Your Own Health Advocate"

32:33 Grateful for Lisa's Inspiring Efforts

Learn more about The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups and join our task force or advisory board: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Kristin Derus Dore is a dedicated entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Newly married, she cherishes her blended family, which includes three beloved dogs and two fantastic grown children, ages 28 and 26. About four years ago, Kristin launched her own biofeedback wellness business and has found great fulfillment and success in her work and women's health. Family health has always been on her mind, especially concerns about dense breast tissue, a topic often discussed by her mother and aunts.

Kristin values connection and is grateful to be part of work that makes an impact.

Learn more about Kristin: www.edenbiofeedback.com

*Not medical advice. These episodes are intentded to spark conversations between you and your care provider, family and friends to advocate for more informed decisions.

Instead of clinging to consistency, what if you approached your goals with devotion?

Devotion isn’t about ticking boxes or ruthless discipline. It’s about tending to your dreams with care, attention, and love. Imagine holding your deepest desire in your hands: What does it look and feel like? Can you let yourself believe in it, fall in love with it, and trust it enough to keep showing up—even when it's uncomfortable or feels out of reach?

Explore the energetic shift that happens when you move from striving for consistency to nourishing your dreams with authentic care, attention, and heart-centered devotion. Tap into Leo season’s bold heart energy and the potent Lions Gate portal, to create an effortless, regenerative flow between yourself and your desires.

Lean into your feminine leadership as we wax toward a full moon and the powerful Lion’s Gate portal (8/8!), this is the perfect time to tune into your intentions and amplify your energy. Let that figure-eight loop—give and receive, nourish and be nourished—flow between you and your desires.

Timestamps:

00:00 Mastermind Insights

06:16 "Energetic Reciprocity Loop"

09:10 Embrace Desire and Empowerment

12:32 Expand Your Heart and Lead

Join The Feminine Leadership Lounge Breathwork Portal: https://circle.lisamalia.co/join?invitation_token=b2b818b1dd43271d9fd72c9cdc15fc96973c7f01-5db8387a-374e-4024-8100-958e47dd9f3e

Register for Feminine Energy Healing Intensive September 19, 2025 (payment plans available at checkout): https://circle.lisamalia.co/checkout/feminine-healing-intensive

The Abundant Feminine Leaders Mastermind Now Enrolling: https://www.evokeleadershipinstitute.co/

#mastermind #feminineleadership #goals #lionsgate

In this powerful episode, host Lisa Malia sits down with Leslie Ferris Yerger, CEO and founder of My Density Matters, for an intimate and eye-opening conversation about breast density, advocacy, and early detection of breast cancer. If you've ever wondered why breast density is such a critical, yet often overlooked, part of the breast cancer conversation, this episode is a must-listen. Lisa and Leslie share their personal stories as breast cancer survivors and passionate advocates, revealing how their own experiences with missed diagnoses due to dense breast tissue ignited their mission to empower women with crucial information.

Leslie recounts her shocking diagnosis of stage four metastatic breast cancer just two months after an “all clear” mammogram and ultrasound—a story that highlights the urgent need for better awareness and screening options. Together, they discuss what women should know about lobular cancer, the limitations of traditional screenings, why advocacy is so important, and what steps everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.

They also touch on barriers to care, tips on understanding your risk and screening reports, and the grassroots power of women supporting one another. Tune in for a moving and educational conversation that might just change how you think about breast health—and give you exactly the tools you need to advocate for yourself and others.

Timestamps:

00:00 Empowering Women on Breast Density

06:04 Unexpected X-Ray Discoveries 09:51 "Invisible Lobular Breast Cancer"

12:10 Breast Density Diagnosis Challenges

13:42 Forming Alliances for Breast Density Awareness

16:59 Bridging Gaps in Cancer Care

20:06 Dense Breasts: Ultrasound Limitations

23:06 Metastatic Cancer and Osteoporosis Medications

28:54 Family Support and Open Conversations

30:24 "Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Guide"

Learn more about The Clear Pathways Program, Walk, Summit, App and Initiative powered by For The Love Of Cups and join our task force or advisory board: https://www.breastdensitysummit.org/

Leslie Ferris Yerger is a Tedx speaker, author of Probably Benign, and a women’s advocate with a laser focused mission. Leslie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in November 2017 after an ‘all clear’ mammogram and ultrasound, experiencing firsthand the failings of our current breast cancer screening standards. As Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit My Density Matters, Leslie is determined to empower women to find out their breast density, learn their options, and advocate for themselves to get the additional breast cancer screening they need, so that her story doesn’t become their story.

Leslie lives in Hawthorn Woods, IL with her husband John. She has 3 grown children: Evan, Julia, and Megan.

My Density Matters: https://www.mydensitymatters.org

LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/my-density-matters

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydensitymatters/