Regarding Me

Guests share their personal experiences of healthcare. Individual clinicians or services are not identified, and the experiences discussed are not intended as allegations about any specific practitioner. Experiences are shared to explore broader patterns in healthcare and the impact they can have on patients.

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-Health Advocacy Is Your Right with Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Health

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:30:26 GMT

Self-advocacy is encouraged but rarely explained or made explicit. And many women still don’t know they have the right to ask questions, get a second opinion, and offer feedback when it comes to their healthcare.

You don’t need permission to advocate for healthcare that meets your needs. But if you wanted a reminder, this is it.

In this timely episode of Regarding Me, I’m joined by Rebecca White, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health, and Women, to talk about self-health advocacy, not as a ‘bonus’ or nice-to-have, but as a right.

We unpack the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, the importance of informed consent and shared decision-making, and what it takes to shift a healthcare system where women, especially younger women, are still dismissed or not taken seriously.

Whether you’re in Australia or elsewhere, this conversation will help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to confidently speak up for the care that fits your life.

You’ll hear:

What your healthcare rights really mean and why they matter
What the Australian Government is doing to support women's self-health advocacy
How to use the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights as a tool
What informed consent is – across all healthcare interactions
Why second opinions are a right
What to say when you feel dismissed or unsure what to ask
The support services available to women from diverse communities
How we can shift systems and support each other to speak up

“We are the only people we can depend on to be our own advocates when it comes to our healthcare.” — Rebecca White

🔗 Want to start now?

Download my free Six Self-Advocacy Steps (SSAS) guide, a practical tool to help you ask better questions and get the care you need.

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram
Get Luan's free SSASy guide to Self-Advocacy
Sign up for Luan's Newsletter
Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gift of Knowledge, the Cost of Action: Advocating to Reduce Cancer Risk

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Before she passed from metastatic breast cancer, Sarah’s mum gave her the greatest gift: knowledge that may help Sarah future-proof her health.

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Sarah Wallace opens up about what it means to self-advocate when you live with inherited risk factors for breast cancer but no diagnosis. For her, it’s a complicated space: considered ‘elective’ in the system, but a risk too great for her to wait.

And now she’s facing the prospect of accessing her superannuation again drawing from the little she’s managed to save since using every cent she had to fund IVF.

Together we talk about:

The inherited cancer risk space, and why it can leave women feeling invisible
How her mum’s knowledge shaped Sarah’s decisions around genetic testing
Why she feels risk-reduction surgery using her superannuation is her only option
What it looks like to advocate for yourself in the gaps, between risk and prevention, system and self

Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that advocacy is not only about facing a diagnosis. It is also about the courage to act before one comes.

⚠️ This episode includes discussion of fertility challenges, pregnancy loss and related experiences. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you. It’s always okay to pause or step away if you need to.

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The $50K+ Cost of Hope: IVF, Superannuation & the 4 Hardships Women Face

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 20:00:00 GMT

What price do you pay to advocate for your health - and for hope?

For Sarah Wallace, that question has been answered in ways both heartbreaking and costly.

Luan is joined by Sarah, founder of the Wish Collective, to talk about her experience of Assisted Fertility Treatment, pregnancy loss, and what she describes as the four hardships of fertility treatment: mental, emotional, physical and financial.

When the wait lists were too long and the Medicare rebates fell short, Sarah drew down all her superannuation, more than $50,000, to fund IVF alone. That meant wiping out some of her future financial security for the chance of an earth-side baby. And to access those funds, she had to take on a mental health diagnosis that will remain on her health record.

Together, they talk about dashed hopes, resilience and the strength that comes from community support in moments when you can’t carry it alone. Sarah’s story shines a light on the hidden costs women are asked to taken on, not just in the moment, but in ways that shape their future too.

Her honesty is a powerful offering. It includes the gift of an earth-side baby, and now, a quietly joyful update.

This is part one of their conversation. In part two, Sarah shares why she faces the prospect of drawing down on her superannuation again to help future-proof her health and reduce her inherited cancer risk. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

⚠️ A note for listeners: this episode discusses fertility challenges, pregnancy loss and related experiences. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you. It’s always okay to pause or step away if you need to.

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Crip Time' & Cancer: Rethinking Time, Energy & Advocacy (Part 2)

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:00:00 GMT

After cancer treatment ends, the pressure to bounce back can feel overwhelming. But what if your energy doesn’t return? What if the brain fog lingers, the pain persists, and “normal” expectations no longer fit?

That’s where the concept of 'Crip Time' could help.

Luan continues her discussion with Shona Edwards, Deputy Chair of Cancer Voices SA and co-founder of the University of Adelaide’s student Disability, Illness and Divergence Association. Together, they explore how 'Crip Time', a term from disability studies that offers a different way to think about time, energy and capacity, can resonate with people living with chronic illness or the long-term and ongoing effects of cancer.

Together they explore:

• Why “normal” timelines don’t work for people still healing

• What crip time means, and why it can be a relief to discover

• How it can help people after cancer reframe their recovery and survivorship

• Why invisible impacts like fatigue, brain fog and pain don’t fit neatly into linear time

• How advocacy and peer support roles can amplify these impacts, demanding more energy from those with lived experience

• How supportive care and advocacy structures can better account for the fluctuating needs of advocates

• Why solidarity and community are essential to making space for difference

This episode speaks to anyone still navigating life after cancer or chronic illness, and to those working alongside lived experience patient advocates, peer supporters or community leaders.

If you haven’t already, listen to Part 1: Looking After You While Supporting Others: Patient Advocacy & Peer Support where Luan and Shona explore the emotional labour of advocacy, and how to make it more sustainable.

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking After You While Supporting Others: Patient Advocacy & Peer Support (Part 1)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 20:00:00 GMT

You become an advocate because you care. Because you want to make things better for the next person. Because your hard-earned experience shouldn’t go to waste. And you want people to have a better experience than you did and less alone.

But advocacy - whether through peer support, sharing your story online online or policy work - can quietly take more from you than you realise.

In this episode, Luan speaks with Shona Edwards, Deputy Chair of Cancer Voices SA and a leader in disability and patient advocacy, about the emotional and energetic cost of showing up for others while still living with health challenges yourself.

Together they explore:

• What peer mentoring, online community support and patient advocacy look like

• How to recognise the roles you might already be playing

• Why so many advocates feel called to support their community

• The emotional labour that comes with being the “go-to” person

• Practical ways to protect your energy, privacy and boundaries

• Why self-care is a vital skill that helps make advocacy sustainable

This episode speaks to anyone who offers peer support or patient advocacy in a WhatsApp group, on Instagram, or through a formal advocacy or peer role. And if you work alongside lived experience advocates, it’s an important reminder of the respect and care they need too.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. In Part 2, we explore a concept from the disability space that might just help you rethink your relationship to time, energy and recovery.

Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss it.

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People-Pleasing & Boundaries: How to Stop Saying “I’m Fine” & Start Speaking Up

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 20:00:00 GMT

If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” when you’re anything but, or said “yes” when every fibre of your being wanted to say “no”, this episode is for you.

People-pleasing can quietly erode your ability to self-advocate, and you might not even realise you’re doing it.

Luan is joined by empowerment coach Belinda Stark to explore why it’s so hard to speak up, how to spot the signs that you’re slipping into people-pleasing mode, and what it really looks like to set boundaries that honour your needs without guilt or apology.

It’s a warm, insightful and laugh-out-loud conversation about taking up space, letting go of guilt, and learning when to give fewer f**ks - so you might want to pop your headphones in if little ones are around.

In this episode we explore:

What people-pleasing looks like
Why saying “I’m fine” can be a red flag
The guilt many women feel around setting boundaries
Belinda’s NFA method: a simple tool for asking for what you need
How to soften your “no” (without diluting it)
Why pausing before you respond can shift everything
The power of a hand on your heart and how to stay composed in tough conversations
When choosing not to speak up can still be an act of self-advocacy

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your Values Are Your North Star

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:00:00 GMT

When you’re in the thick of a health decision - scared, overwhelmed, unsure - how do you figure out what’s right for you?

Even in hard moments, you're not empty-handed when it comes to making confident healthcare decisions.

One of the most powerful tools you can lean on is your values. They’re your North Star when everything else feels uncertain. And even if you’ve never named them before, they’re there - quietly shaping what you need, what you’ll tolerate and what you absolutely won’t.

In this episode of Regarding Me, Luan is joined by values-led leadership expert Tiffany Leone to unpack what values really are, how to figure out what yours are, and why they matter in healthcare.

From knowing when to speak up, to knowing when to walk away, this conversation will help you connect with your inner compass so you can make healthcare decisions that feel right for you.

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Meantime: A Body (Re)Set for When Life Gets Effff’d Up

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:15:19 GMT

When life flips into full F mode - fight, flight, freeze or fawn - it’s not just your mind that goes into meltdown. Your body feels it too.

In this In the Meantime mini-episode, Luan shares how stomping around Sydney Harbour, swapping rave tunes for the Rocky theme and quietly recreating a childhood position of safety became unlikely acts of self-advocacy during cancer treatment.

This one’s about body-set, not just mindset. Because confidence and calm don’t only live in your head. They live in your body too. And with simple, supportive rituals, you can gently prime yourself to show up, especially when everything feels like too much.

No pressure. No performance. Just one small thing, if it feels right.

Take 10 minutes to listen and come back to your body.

Links for this episode:

Read more about body-based practices on Luan's blog.

Listen to the Regarding Me podcast episode with Suzy Reading.

Listen to In the Meantime: You Don’t Have to Go Balls to the Wall

Download the free SSAS (Six Self-Advocacy Steps) Guide.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Get Luan's free SSASy guide to Self-Advocacy

Sign up for Luan's Newsletter

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling to Speak Up? Suzy Reading on Finding Confidence Through Self-Care

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:00:00 GMT

This is one of the most frequently asked questions: how can women confidently advocate for their health when they’re overwhelmed, and being a ‘good’ patient is often seen as being quiet, compliant and not representing themselves?

In this open-hearted episode, Luan is joined by psychologist and coach Suzy Reading to gently and curiously unpack what it really means to self-advocate. And they explore why community, compassion and permission are essential to recovery.

Suzy shares beautifully simple physical movements – from the chicken wing stretch to the face hug – that you can use to prime your body and mind to speak up. She also offers phrases to help you ask for support from friends and family, so you can confidently co-create both a treatment plan with your healthcare team and a support plan with your loved ones.

Suzy and Luan also unpack what she calls energetic bankruptcy: those moments when there’s just nothing left in the tank.

This episode is an invitation to be tender with yourself, to let go of old expectations (of self and others), and to see how self-care can become the foundation of self-advocacy.

Whether you're in survival mode, emerging from a tough season, or just need a reminder that it's okay to ask for help, this episode is a soft landing. It’s your moment to pause, breathe and come back to yourself with love.

I promised Suzy I’d pull together a blog post with all the physical practices we talked about - from the chicken wing stretch to the face hug - and you can read it here!

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Meantime: You Don’t Have to Go Balls to the Wall

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 20:15:00 GMT

In this first In the Meantime mini episode, Luan reflects on a common misconception: that self-advocacy in healthcare means going in hard, pushing back or being seen as “difficult.”

But true self-advocacy isn’t necessarily about confrontation. It’s about clarity, confidence and collaboration.

Drawing on years of experience in breast cancer advocacy, hundreds of conversations in the cancer community, and lessons from Regarding Me guests, Luan unpacks what self-advocacy really looks like, and names the self-advocacy gap that may hold so many women back from speaking up in their healthcare.

Hit play—and let’s rethink what self-advocacy really looks like.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Get Luan's free SSASy guide to Self-Advocacy

Sign up for Luan's Newsletter

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What to Do When Life Feels Sh*t: A Mindset Reframe with Toni Powell

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Feeling stuck in a loop of anger, grief or overwhelm? You're not alone. But you don't have to stay there.

In this episode, Luan explores how internal programming and mindset shape the way we respond to life’s hardest moments - grief, diagnosis, overwhelm - with Toni Powell.

Toni is an author, happiness speaker and self-confessed former misery expert who went from living in a shed, broke and heartbroken, to becoming a joyful, purpose-led speaker helping people rewire their thinking and reframe their struggles.

We talk about how self-advocacy can start with the stories you tell yourself - especially when life feels unfair, uncertain or just plain awful. This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending things are fine. It’s about pausing, processing and gently shifting what you focus on so you can feel more in control, more connected and more okay.

Toni’s story is packed with practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty and a whole lot of humour. From reprogramming your 'sh*t algorithm', to discovering the power of gratitude and connection, this is a conversation about what happens after everything goes to crap - and how you might start again, one thought at a time.

Content note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicidal thoughts and a few choice words. Nothing graphic, just honest, human conversation. Pop in your headphones if you’re listening with little ears around, or hit pause if you don't feel in the right frame of mind to listen.

Get 50% off Toni's course 'Happy Healthy You' with the discount code 'regardingme'!

For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should You Trust AI With Your Health Info?

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:02:16 GMT

Would you tell a stranger all your personal health info? Would you trust them not to tell anyone else?

They’re the kind of questions we need to ask ourselves when using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to support our healthcare decisions.

ChatGPT recently introduced changes to how it stores memories and chat history, raising important questions about data, privacy and trust across all public artificial intelligence models.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Luan continues her chat with health literacy expert Dr Julie Ayre to unpack the next layer of AI and self-advocacy. They dig into how generative AI memory works, how your data is handled, and how you can protect your privacy while still getting value from these tools.

Luan shares her own experience using ChatGPT and her medical history as a test case, giving listeners a first-hand look at how AI “talks back” when fed real-world information.

You’ll also learn about data risk and digital footprint, what AI hallucinations are, and whether the health data you share in a personal AI chat could become interconnected with your work data.

Because advocating for your health means being curious and asking questions - and that includes asking questions of the tech we’re using, too.

We recommend you listen to episode 1 - ‘Can AI & ChatGPT Help You Prepare for an Appointment?’ - which is part 1 of this interview, before diving into this episode.

For links to the resources in this show - visit the episode blog page.

Let’s make your healthcare me-centred!

Do not use AI tools like ChatGPT in a medical emergency—contact your local emergency services immediately.

Subscribe & Share:

Know someone who’s using Google or ChatGPT to make sense of their health? Send them this episode.
And don’t forget to follow Regarding Me so you never miss an honest, practical conversation that helps you speak up for yourself.
Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!
Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Can AI & ChatGPT Help You Prepare for an Appointment?

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:00:00 GMT

We’re back! Regarding Me Season 2 is here and we’re starting strong with a topic that’s dominating headlines, healthcare and workplaces: AI.

In this episode, we’re diving into how tools like ChatGPT might support you to self-advocate for your health, especially in those early appointments. Luan’s joined by Dr Julie Ayre, a health literacy and digital health expert, for an easily understandable, practical chat about using generative Artificial Intelligence.

They talk about how to use AI, the risks of oversharing health info online, and how to stay in control when the algorithm might add to the noise and overwhelm.

And you’ll hear one of the best pieces of advice about using digital tools in your healthcare (it’s worth tuning in for that alone!).

Because in a world full of information, the real power lies in knowing what’s right for you. And that includes understanding what you want from digital and online tools and resources.

Let’s make your healthcare me-centred!

For links to the resources in this show - visit the episode blog page.

Do not use AI tools like ChatGPT in a medical emergency—contact your local emergency services immediately.

Subscribe & Share:

Loved this conversation? Share it with someone who’s navigating a diagnosis, or needs a nudge to trust themselves.
And don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.
Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!
Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Sound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three Women Who Spoke Up and Changed Their Care

Thu, 08 May 2025 20:00:00 GMT

In this Regarding Me Rewind, we revisit three powerful stories that show what can happen when women speak up, trust their instincts, and refuse to stay silent - especially when faced with bias, dismissal, or healthcare systems that weren’t built with them in mind.

From challenging assumptions about metastatic breast cancer, to refusing to accept medical gaslighting, to navigating care that excluded or erased their needs - Kate, Sonya, and Rena show us that self-advocacy isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being heard.

Each of these women faced different health challenges. But what they share is a refusal to let their care be dictated by silence.

Kate Hardman made a deeply personal choice to have breast reconstruction despite living with metastatic breast cancer.
Sonya Lovell challenged dismissal and bias after feeling sidelined by her doctors.
Rena Patel realised she wasn’t represented in her care and found strength and support in her online community.

These are the kinds of stories we need to hear more of. Not just to raise awareness but to build a culture where care isn’t done to women, but shaped with them.

Whether you're navigating your own diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder: You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You just have to believe your voice matters.

What You’ll Learn:

How self-advocacy can be collaborative—not confrontational
How cultural bias and dismissal show up in healthcare
The role of community in building confidence to speak up
Why it’s okay to say, “This doesn’t work for me”
That sharing your story helps others find theirs

Free Resource

Want to start showing up with more clarity and confidence? Download Luan’s free guide: The Six Self-Advocacy Steps (SSAS).

Get yours at https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources

Rewind episodes

Kate Hardman – Pausing Life-Saving Treatment to Regain Femininity-How Do You Decide?
Josie Thomson – Menopause, Gaslighting, and the Power of Self-Advocacy
Dr Susannah Graham – This Isn't Just Me: The Power of Community, Connection and Speaking Up

Subscribe & Share

New to Regarding Me? Hit follow and check out our back catalogue of empowering conversations. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend—you never know who needs to hear it.

Connect with Luan:

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 1 Rewind: What the Experts Want Every Woman to Know About Advocating for Herself

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Before Season 2 lands, we’re rewinding to some of the most powerful insights from Season 1—because some messages are worth hearing more than once.

In this special recap episode, Luan revisits three expert interviews that sparked aha moments and offered real tools for self-health advocacy. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or just want to speak up with more confidence, this episode will remind you: you don’t have to know it all—you just have to start asking.

Insights from:

Dr Liz O’Riordan – A breast surgeon-turned-patient advocate on why slowing down, asking questions, and getting a second opinion is a powerful act of self-advocacy.
Josie Thomson – Neuroscience-based leadership coach, on how to quiet your inner critic and let your wise inner guide lead the way.
Dr Susannah Graham – Breast surgeon, on why consent is more than a signature and how to make space for collaborative, informed decisions.

What You’ll Learn:

The difference between being ‘difficult’ and being engaged
How to reframe self-doubt and trust your inner advocate
Why informed consent starts with you
Tips for preparing for appointments and getting the answers you need

Free Resource

Want to start showing up with more clarity and confidence? Download Luan’s free guide: The Six Self-Advocacy Steps (SSAS).

Get yours at https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources

Rewind episodes

Dr Liz O’Riordan – Dr Liz O’Riordan on Self-Advocacy and Spotting BS Cancer Info Online
Josie Thomson – You’ve Got You: Trust Your Wise Inner Advocate
Dr Susannah Graham – Biology and Biography: Shared Decision-Making in Your Healthcare

Subscribe & Share

New to Regarding Me? Hit follow and check out our back catalogue of empowering conversations. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend—you never know who needs to hear it.

Connect with Luan:

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Check out Luan's website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Have a PhD in You: Self-Advocacy, Ovarian Cancer & Integrative Care

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Your personal history of disease is a PhD in you—and it deserves to be heard!

How do you find your voice when your body’s in shock and your world’s just turned upside down?

This is a powerful story of women’s health advocacy, integrative care, and navigating the real-world challenges of self-health advocacy during—and after—ovarian cancer treatment.

In this episode, Luan speaks with Gill Stannard, a naturopath and advocate who was diagnosed just hours after a GP visit—and found herself fast-tracked into surgery and chemotherapy before the shock had even worn off.

She shares what it took to reclaim her autonomy, advocate for herself, and find her place in a healthcare system that didn’t always make space for integrative care or informed 'pause'. From rushed chemotherapy decisions to unspoken menopause side effects, she opens up about what she learned, what she’d do differently—and what she wants others to know.

Whether you're mid-treatment, supporting a loved one, or reflecting on your own diagnosis, this conversation is full of real talk, practical wisdom, and the reminder that you know you—and that matters.

In this episode:

What Gill wishes she could tell her newly diagnosed self
Why it’s OK to pause and ask for more time before starting treatment
How to advocate for personalised care
The challenges of talking about menopause, intimacy and side effects in gynae cancer care
Practical ways to approach complementary therapies safely and responsibly
Why open dialogue with your medical team is key—and how to start it

If you are on active treatment for cancer, please check all supplements with your oncologist, oncology pharmacist and/or integrative medicine physician.

Listen to Luan's episode with Liz O'Riordan where they talk about how important it is to talk to your healhcare team about complementary therapies your considering.

For links to the resources in this show - visit the episode blog page.

Follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs to know: you can advocate for your health.

Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!

Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Isn’t Just Me: The Power of Community, Connection and Speaking Up

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:00:00 GMT

In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, Luan speaks with Rena Patel, who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 40—just after her daughter turned four.

Rena felt isolated, unsure where to turn, as she didn’t know anyone in her community who’d been through something similar. On top of that, she often felt unseen and unheard within a healthcare system that doesn’t always account for the diverse needs of women from ethnic minority backgrounds, or understand the different cultural perspectives of their communities. From not being shown how to identify radiotherapy burns on non-white skin to struggling to find wigs that matched her hair, these gaps added to the emotional weight of her treatment.

Connections can help change our experiences. Rena shares how finding Black Women Rising—a UK-based cancer support project for women of colour—opened the door to community, confidence, and self-advocacy. It helped her feel less alone and more empowered to ask for the care that truly met her needs.

In this episode:

• Why self-trust and speaking up are essential in healthcare

• The importance of culturally inclusive supportive care

• How shared stories and visibility reduce isolation

• The role of connection and community in building self-advocacy skills

• How openness can turn silence into strength—for you and those around you

As an Ambassador of Black Women Rising Rena is helping to build a future where all women—regardless of background—feel seen, heard, and supported. For herself, for her community, and for her beautiful daughter.

For links to the resources in this show - visit the episode blog page.

Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!

Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

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CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Liz O’Riordan on Self-Advocacy and Spotting BS Cancer Info Online

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT

What does it really mean to advocate for your healthcare—especially when you’re the expert?

In this powerful episode, Luan speaks with Dr. Liz O’Riordan—former breast cancer surgeon, patient, author, and award-winning advocate. Diagnosed with the very disease she once treated, Liz quickly realised that clinical knowledge doesn’t prepare you for the lived experience of being a cancer patient—or how hard it can be to find the right information and support.

When she turned to the internet for answers, she was shocked by the sheer volume of misinformation—that don’t just fuel confusion and anxiety, but can have devastating consequences when patients are swayed to abandon evidence-based treatments in favour of unproven alternatives.

Since retiring as a surgeon, Liz has made it her mission to counter online BS with research-based, accessible education—so patients can make informed, confident decisions as part of their self-health advocacy. In this episode, she shares her tips so that you can make decisions that are right for you!

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and honest reflections that every woman facing a cancer diagnosis—or any health challenge—deserves to hear.

For all the resources in this show - including where to find Liz's books - visit the episode blog page.

Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!

Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

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CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pausing Life-Saving Treatment to Regain Femininity—How Do You Decide?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Self-advocacy isn’t necessarily about standing up to your medical team—it’s about speaking up so they understand what matters to you and working with them to make informed, shared decisions about your treatment and care.

That’s exactly what Kate Hardman did.

Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer while pregnant, Kate faced unimaginable challenges, complex decisions, and a treatment path filled with uncertainty.

Now, she’s facing another major decision: Should she have DIEP flap breast reconstruction, even though it means pausing life-saving medication?

In this episode, Kate shares:

How she worked with her team to explore her options, not against them
Why self-advocacy isn’t about fighting—it’s about finding the right people who listen
The emotional and physical factors she considered when choosing reconstruction
The role of trust, communication, and collaboration in making complex health decisions

Self-advocacy isn’t about going it alone—it’s about having the right support behind you. Kate’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of a metastatic diagnosis, your choices still matter.

Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!

Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saying No in Social Situations—Without Guilt or Pressure

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Advocating for yourself can feel uncomfortable—especially when your choices go against social norms. If you’ve ever felt pressured to justify a lifestyle change or struggled to hold your boundaries with family, friends, or colleagues, this episode is for you.

Today, I chat with Kath Elliott, an alcohol mindset coach who reassessed her relationship with alcohol after a breast cancer diagnosis. Kath shares simple, practical strategies to help you confidently communicate your choices, set boundaries without guilt, and handle social pressure with ease.

This conversation goes beyond alcohol—these self-advocacy skills apply to any situation where you need to stand firm in your choices. Whether you’re setting new boundaries or facing difficult conversations, Kath’s insights will help you advocate for yourself with confidence, certainty, and self-belief.

Because self-advocacy isn’t just about healthcare decisions—it’s about standing up for what’s right for you in every part of life.

In this episode:

How to confidently communicate your choices—without over-explaining
The power of owning your decision to shut down pushback
Simple phrases for responding to social pressure with ease
How to hold boundaries with kindness—even when others push back
Why self-advocacy in everyday life builds confidence for bigger health decisions

Rate & review—your feedback helps more women find this empowering content!

Follow & join the conversation on Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biology and Biography: Shared Decision-Making in Your Healthcare

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT

How do you make healthcare decisions that balance the biology of a diagnosis—the research-based facts and figures—with the biography of what matters to you and how you want to live your life?

Today, I talk with Dr. Susannah Graham, a leading breast surgeon who champions patient-centred care. She shares her insights on empowering patients to communicate their wants and needs effectively, fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare that respects your autonomy, values, and life priorities.

Join us as we unpack how shared decision-making improves patient satisfaction and well-being, empowering you to shape your healthcare—not just as a patient, but as a person.

Together, we discuss:

· What shared decision-making is and why it matters, particularly for women.

· How to actively participate in healthcare decisions to feel more informed, confident, and in control.

· Your role as a patient and the role of the healthcare professional in shared decision-making.

· Strategies to communicate openly and feel confident in your choices, even when discussing complex topics.

· Real-life examples of shared decision-making in breast cancer care, including navigating reconstruction options after a mastectomy.

· Balancing medical recommendations with your personal values, lifestyle, and preferences.

Self-health advocacy is about knowing what’s important to you and confidently communicating it with your healthcare team, so together, you can make an informed shared decision that honours your values, needs, and the life you want to live.

Want to learn more about decision-making? Listen to Marilyn Barefoot's episode 'How Creative Thinking (and a Rubber Chicken) Can Help you Make Health Decisions'.

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Creative Thinking (and a Rubber Chicken) Can Help You Make Health Decisions

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Feeling stuck in your healthcare decisions? Need to figure out what’s right for you but feeling overwhelmed? This episode of Regarding Me is here to help!

Today, I’m joined by Marilyn Barefoot, an award-winning creative strategist and expert in problem-solving. Marilyn shares how the principles she’s used with global brands can help you get unstuck so you can make confident decisions that align with what matters most to you—even when things get complicated.

Whether it's navigating medical appointments, making tough treatment decisions, or simply regaining a sense of control, Marilyn’s insights will empower you to approach your healthcare with clarity, confidence – and creativity!

In This Episode:

How creativity can unlock solutions when you feel stuck in your health decisions
The power of a binder to help you stay organised and confidently advocate for yourself!
Why writing by hand improves information retention and understanding
How tactile tools (like Play-Doh or a rubber chicken!) activate more of your brain for better decision-making
Why self-advocacy doesn’t have to be big and bold—sometimes it’s as simple as asking for help or requesting your favourite music during treatment

Self-advocacy isn’t just about standing up for yourself—it’s about creatively shaping your healthcare experience so it truly reflects who you are. And this episodes helps you do just that!

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've Got You: Trust Your Wise Inner Advocate

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT

How can you stay calm and make clear decisions when facing unexpected medical news? What happens to your brain in a health scare? And can you shift your mind from fear to clarity?

In today’s episode Luan speaks with Josie Thomson, a neuroscience expert, and award-winning mindset coach who’s faced cancer twice, to explore how you can calm your mind in a health crisis and advocate for yourself with confidence.

In this episode we talk about:

The brain’s automatic response to a critical health moment —and how to take back control
Why we default to fear (and how to move into calm clarity)
The hand-on-heart technique to instantly reduce anxiety
The way to ‘prime’ yourself and cultivate a sense of calm
The inner critic vs. the wise advocate—which one are you listening to?
Why self-awareness and self-trust are your greatest tools in a medical crisis

When you’re in fight-or-flight mode, it’s hard to process information or make clear decisions. This episode is packed with science-backed strategies to help you self-regulate, stay calm, and advocate for healthcare that’s right for you.

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Check out Luan's website

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Menopause, Gaslighting, and the Power of Self-Advocacy

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT

What do you do when you’re gaslit by your doctor?

This episode is part one of your guide to reclaiming agency in your healthcare.

Today, Luan sits down with Sonya Lovell, host of the Dear Menopause podcast, to discuss the critical role of self-advocacy, especially when navigating menopause and cancer treatment.

Sonya opens up about her experience with breast cancer, the life-changing treatment decisions she had to make on her own, and the lack of support and information surrounding treatment-induced menopause.

From facing knowledge and power imbalances with her medical team to finding the courage to challenge advice that didn’t feel right—Sonya’s story highlights why self-health advocacy is essential.

Together, Luan and Sonya explore how trusting your intuition, seeking second opinions, and building a strong support network can lead to better health outcomes and greater emotional resilience.

Sonya’s candid insights provide a roadmap for building confidence and ensuring your healthcare reflects your needs and choices.

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us empower more women to advocate for their health!

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode page: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts

Connect with Luan:

Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

Newsletter sign-up.

Website: luanlawriewoods.com.au

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

DISCLAIMER

The Regarding Me podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to feature knowledgeable guests, their opinions and experiences are their own and may not reflect the views of all professionals in their field or the host. The information provided on this podcast should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is provided in good faith but without any guarantees of accuracy or applicability to individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content discussed. If you have specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. The Regarding Me podcast and Luan Lawrenson-Woods disclaim any liability for activities carried out based on the provided information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Self-Advocacy is a Game-Changer

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:19:20 GMT

In the very first episode of Regarding Me, Luan breaks down what self-advocacy really means and why it’s essential to receiving the healthcare that truly fits your needs—backed by research!

Luan shares her deeply personal experience of navigating the healthcare system after her breast cancer diagnosis and the 'aha moment' that changed everything for her.

And she talks about the common anxiety points women have shared with her during her work as a patient advocate and how those experiences inspired the creation of Regarding Me and the self-health advocacy movement.

Because Regarding Me is for you. Whether you’re facing a health challenge or want to future-proof your wellbeing, Regarding Me is about your voice, your needs and your care.

After listening to this episode you’ll know:

What’s at the core of proactive self-health advocacy.
Why self-health advocacy is more important than ever.
A sneak peek at some of the topics in future episodes.
How you already have what it takes to advocate for yourself.
One small, actionable step you can take today to start self-advocating!

Listen and join the self-health advocacy movement!

Join the Conversation:

Let us know what resonated with you in today’s episode! DM us or comment on our latest post on Instagram. Share your self-advocacy story using #RegardingMePodcast.

Subscribe & Follow:

Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

LINKS & THINGS

Email me: luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au

Follow me: Instagram, LinkedIn, or check out my website.

Disclaimer.

DISCLAIMER

The Regarding Me podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to feature knowledgeable guests, their opinions and experiences are their own and may not reflect the views of all professionals in their field or the host. The information provided on this podcast should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is provided in good faith but without any guarantees of accuracy or applicability to individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content discussed. If you have specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. Me podcast and Luan Lawrenson-Woods disclaim any liability for activities carried out based on the provided information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing: Regarding Me

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:09:43 GMT

Have you ever left a doctor’s office with more questions than answers? Have you ever felt lost in the maze of medical jargon or overwhelmed by decisions you need to make about your health? Do you break out in a sweat at the mere thought of asking for a 2nd opinion?

My name’s Luan and I’m a women’s health advocate with a personal history of breast cancer. I learned the hard way that navigating the healthcare system requires more than just showing up – it’s about speaking up and advocating for yourself.

The Regarding Me podcast is all about empowering women to take control of their health and proactively advocate for the healthcare care that’s right for them - because your voice and your choices matter.

From understanding your options to building confidence in difficult discussions with your team, Regarding Me is your space for honest conversations, relatable advice and a supportive community of women who understand what you’re going through.

Together we’ll make sure your voice is heard and your care reflects what matters to you most.

Think TED talk meets support group, when you’re 6 weeks in and you know how everyone likes their tea (or coffee!).

Listen in and join me and the growing community of women who are transforming their health through self-advocacy.

Let’s do this!

Luan x

This podcast was recorded on the Traditional Lands of the Wangal people of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.