From surviving to thriving.
“From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and Erica Porter and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well as their caregivers and loved ones, navigate the often confusing, overwhelming, and complex journey from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, and survivorship. All modalities and viewpoints are on the table, including advances in Western treatments, alternative modalities, and holistic and integrative approaches to healing and recovery.
With the right mindset, crisis transforms into opportunity, and a journey of empowerment unfolds. We know from experience that despite the odds, there is an abundance of hope, and no matter what, there are gifts, lessons, silver linings, and nuggets of gold to be discovered on the journey. Above all, our intention, hope, and mission are to inspire, uplift, and offer hope in the moments of darkness to serve as a reminder that the Light Always Wins.
Rick Bassman’s & Erica “Jungle Grrrl” Porter’s CANCER WARRIOR PODCAST presents WRESTLING WITH CANCER, with guests Rick “Black Bart” Harris, Darnell “BLK Jeez” Kittrell, Patricia “Sunny” Summerland & “The Cancer Fighter” Sean Wachter.
An incredible group of notable pro wrestling personalities comes together with the goal of imparting strength and hope to anyone facing their own battle with cancer, or really, struggling with any major challenge for which they could use inspiration. In this conversion, Jungle Grrrl, BLK Jeez, The Cancer Fighter, Sunny, and Black Bart are all super-candid and relatable, and wide open to sharing their struggle, and what they’ve learned as they battle cancer, and kick its ass. Further, as each is a big, entertaining personality in their own right, and while you may not automatically put the words “cancer” and “fun” together, I’m confident that anyone who watched and listens to Wrestling with Cancer, in addition to being inspired, will have a great time.
Please subscribe to Rick’s YouTube channel @rickbassman and follow on IG @rick_bassman
Episode 6 – with ERICA PORTER & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
It’s a new beginning for The Cancer Warriors! Erica Porter, known also as Women of Wrestling’s Jungle Grrrl, joins Rick in her first episode as co-host of The Cancer Warriors. Erica’s candidly shares her personal stage 4 cancer journey, and her creation of the Endorphasm Foundation, which provides physical fitness guidance and training free of charge, to people in the midst of their own cancer battles. Rick, for te first time publicly, reveals his recent brain cancer diagnosis, and together, the two longtime friends talk about their philosophies about what one can and cannot control when facing cancer, and offer heartfelt and simple advice on actions we all take to not only survive cancer, but to thrive during and after.
Please subscribe to Rick’s YouTube channel @rickbassman and follow on IG @rick_bassman
Episode 5 – with Sean “The Cancer Fighter” Wachter & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
As a stage 4 cancer survivor, Sean’s journey traverses the deepest valley –the medical pronouncement of a death sentence– to the highest mountain… coming out strong, healthy, full of hope, and incredibly resolute in his inspiration-filled message. Sean, genuinely a living, breathing example of action and gratitude, is nowow using the pro wrestling ring as a vehicle for fundraising for children with cancer, and as a platform to spread his message. Join Sean, Amanda and Rick for a deeply introspective and heartfelt episode, which will provide hope and strength to people facing any major life-challenge, and as great as an example there is ow we can all go from surviving to thriving.
Follow Sean on IG @thecancerfighterseanwachter
Please subscribe to Rick’s YouTube channel @rickbassman and follow on IG @rick_bassman
Episode 4 – with Erica Porter & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
Erica Porter, first made her name in pro wrestling as Jungle Grrrl. But, her battles in the ring were just preparation for her life’s biggest challenge… a face-off with stage 4 cancer.
Never looking back, Erica took on cancer with her characteristic fierce determination, and… pinned it! Erica founded The Endorphasm, Foundation, which she also helms. Endorphasm gifts cancer warriors nationwide both with hands-on physical fitness training, and with wholistic plans to better arm themselves for their own victories.
Erica joins Rick and Amanda for a candid, and truly uplifting conversation, on all things cancer, and all things positive.
Episode 3 – with Bailey O’Brian & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
Bailey O’ Brien was the All-American success story; a success on every measurable level. Until she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and came to terms with the idea that she was letting her circumstances and her surroundings control her very existence. Faced with a literal life-or-death proposition, Bailey uncovered a new self, one who simultaneously discovered surrender, while taking charge like never before.
Today, Bailey is a survivor living life on life’s terms, and helping countless others to do the same.
Episode 2 – September 26, 2023 –with Chuck Keels & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
While living the American dream, Chuck Keels received the shocking news that he had advanced stage 4 cancer, with a very limited time to live. The initial despair and defeat he felt quickly gave way to a resolve to not only survive but to thrive. While on his “cancer journey,” and with a newly discovered positive attitude about life, he met and married his equal, Hannah, who was also dealing with stage 4 cancer and an equally grim prognosis. Those who experienced Hannah and Chuck together often defined their relationship as “divine.” While fighting for their lives, Hannah and Chuck created The Living Hope Cancer Foundation, which grew quickly to inspire thousands. Hannah, the truest symbol imaginable of hope, passed in late 2022.
Today, Chuck continues to grow the foundation he and his wife started together, and with his light shining brighter than ever before, conveys hope and inspiration to people across the globe. www.getupandlive.org
Episode 1 – September 29, 2023 –with Introducing Rick & Amanda Kelly & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
In the inaugural episode of The Cancer Warriors, Rick Bassman and Amanda Kelly preview what they hope and intend to deliver through this podcast, including everything from Western medicine to alternative Eastern treatments, and “attitude vs circumstance,” to the ingredients needed to not only survive, but to thrive.
Also in Episode 1, Amanda and Rick dive into their personal cancer stories, including their reactions when first learning of their diagnosis, their ensuing treatment, and their outcome today. This segues to an exploration of their conviction that hope –and a fulfilled life—are always possible.
