Grief and Joy can Coexist with Valarie Iosue aka Wonderwoman

This week, Claire speaks with Valarie Iosue (pron. yo-sway), a mother of four, a beloved friend to many, and one of the most inspiring examples of what it means to be a cancer thriver.

Valarie shares how she’s redefining the Wonderwoman archetype as something that every woman already is. Valarie wore her Wonderwoman suit on the last day of treatment to call attention to the power that is always inside us and also constantly changing shape. One of Valarie’s main sources of strength is remembering that all we have is now. Her approach to cancer, friendship, motherhood, and pretty much everything else in life is inspired by her favorite quote…

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain”

Valarie has her own podcast Dancing in the Rain with Valarie where she talks about her cancer journey, rape culture, resilience, trauma, dance, and much more. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

You can follow Valarie on Instagram @DancingInTheRainWithValarie and on Twitter @Valarie429

Valarie's Recipe for Thriving

Friends, family, my kids, dance, crocheting, Buti yoga, staying active (rock climbing, walking, kickboxing, gym), staying in the present moment (not getting overwhelmed by looking too far ahead), starting a podcast to use my experiences to inspire other people, having fun!!

Valarie's Reading List

Radical Hope by Kelly A. Turner Ph.D. and Tracy White

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

Space-Time and Beyond by Bob Toben with Jack Sarfatti and Fred Wolf

Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living your Dreams by Mike Dooley

The Akashic Records: Unlock the Infinite Power, Wisdom, and Energy of the Universe by Sandra Anne Taylor

Leave us a review to help others find the show!

We are committed to sharing a new story every two weeks. As a listener-funded community organization, we count on your contributions. If you've learned from or been inspired by these conversations please consider becoming a monthly donor. To support the show starting at $5 a month, or to make a larger tax-deductible contribution, visit Patreon.com/cancertalks

This podcast was produced by Claire de Laszlo, Annie Murnighan, and Cheryl Buck with editing and original music by Annie Murnighan. As always, a special thanks to our donors, friends, and volunteers. We couldn't do this without you.

The photo used in the cover art is by Bill Kendzierski. See more of his work on Instagram: @wkendzierski

This week, Claire speaks with Valarie Iosue (pron. yo-sway), a mother of four, a beloved friend to many, and one of the most inspiring examples of what it means to be a cancer thriver.

Valarie shares how she’s redefining the Wonderwoman archetype as something that every woman already is. Valarie wore her Wonderwoman suit on the last day of treatment to call attention to the power that is always inside us and also constantly changing shape. One of Valarie’s main sources of strength is remembering that all we have is now. Her approach to cancer, friendship, motherhood, and pretty much everything else in life is inspired by her favorite quote…

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain”

Valarie has her own podcast Dancing in the Rain with Valarie where she talks about her cancer journey, rape culture, resilience, trauma, dance, and much more. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

You can follow Valarie on Instagram @DancingInTheRainWithValarie and on Twitter @Valarie429

Valarie's Recipe for Thriving

Friends, family, my kids, dance, crocheting, Buti yoga, staying active (rock climbing, walking, kickboxing, gym), staying in the present moment (not getting overwhelmed by looking too far ahead), starting a podcast to use my experiences to inspire other people, having fun!!

Valarie's Reading List

Radical Hope by Kelly A. Turner Ph.D. and Tracy White

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

Space-Time and Beyond by Bob Toben with Jack Sarfatti and Fred Wolf

Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living your Dreams by Mike Dooley

The Akashic Records: Unlock the Infinite Power, Wisdom, and Energy of the Universe by Sandra Anne Taylor

Leave us a review to help others find the show!

We are committed to sharing a new story every two weeks. As a listener-funded community organization, we count on your contributions. If you've learned from or been inspired by these conversations please consider becoming a monthly donor. To support the show starting at $5 a month, or to make a larger tax-deductible contribution, visit Patreon.com/cancertalks

This podcast was produced by Claire de Laszlo, Annie Murnighan, and Cheryl Buck with editing and original music by Annie Murnighan. As always, a special thanks to our donors, friends, and volunteers. We couldn't do this without you.

The photo used in the cover art is by Bill Kendzierski. See more of his work on Instagram: @wkendzierski