Cancer Cured Me

Today I’m talking to Philly J Lay - author of The Natural Wellness Journal, host of The Wellness Way Podcast, and the creator of the Wellness Way Festival and her upcoming Health Hub day at the College of Naturopathic Medicine on 1 March.

Philly is often seen as a controversial character - but what I’ve always loved about her is that she’s relentlessly fighting for the greater good, even when that means being shut down or shadow banned. In this episode, she shares more of her personal story - including surviving a near-death medical procedure, living with chronic illness and autoimmune issues, facing a thyroid tumour, and then choosing to take a very different path to healing.

We talk about the pieces so many people don’t address when it comes to healing - trauma, mindset, nervous system, community support, and the environment you’re asking your body to live in. We also get into practical, real-life wellness - food shopping without going broke, reducing toxic load, simple daily breathwork, EFT/tapping, gratitude, and why finding “your people” matters more than doing any of it perfectly.

Important note: This conversation is for educational purposes and personal opinion only. Nothing discussed is medical advice. If anything brings up questions for you, please speak with your own medical professional.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health information, pressured into decisions when you’re scared, or like you just want to understand your body better - this one will give you plenty to think about.

In this episode, we cover

Philly’s story - from spinal surgery trauma and two years in bed, to rebuilding her health
Autoimmune issues, thyroid surgery, and why she chose to step away from conventional routes (in her own case)
The mind-body-spirit approach - and why healing is rarely “one magic thing”
Trauma, emotional load, and the patterns we carry in the body
EFT tapping, matrix re-imprinting, journalling - and “you can’t clean the house unless you can see the dirt”
Informed consent - what it can look like to ask better questions and slow decisions down
Breathwork as a daily non-negotiable (even if you’re busy)
Food as information - simple ways Philly reduces “toxic load” without spending a fortune
A very honest chat about platforms, censorship, and why certain wellness topics get flagged
The Wellness Way Health Hub - what it is, who it’s for, and what you can expect on the day

About Philly J Lay
Philly J Lay is the author of The Natural Wellness Journal, host of The Wellness Way Podcast, and the creator of the Wellness Way Festival and in-person Health Hub events. She’s known for her blunt honesty, deep research, and passion for helping people feel empowered to learn how their bodies work - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Events mentioned
Wellness Way Health Hub - Sunday 1 March 2026 (College of Naturopathic Medicine). CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Philly is bringing together guest speakers, practitioners, workshops, and wellness testing/tech for a full day of learning and support.
Discount code: PHILLY20 (20% off tickets)

Join us at my retreat…Wilderness Reserve Retreat
If listening to this has you craving proper nervous system support, deep rest, and the kind of environment where you can actually exhale - my Wilderness Reserve Retreat (Suffolk) is 6-9 March 2026. We’ll be weaving in so many of the tools we talk about here - breathwork, EFT/tapping, regulation, beautiful food, and real healing conversations. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x

Come and connect with me!

Instagram: @cancercuredme
Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026

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

This week’s episode is a short but deeply meaningful one – because the direction of the podcast is changing, and today I explain exactly why.

Over the past year of Cancer Cured Me, the clearest message from listeners has been this:

“Your story gives me hope.”

People on a cancer journey – and those who’ve come through one – keep reaching out to share how deeply they resonate with my belief that cancer wasn’t a punishment, but the catalyst that cracked life open. After nearly eight years of living this truth, I am ready to take the podcast where it always wanted to go.

What This New Direction Is All About

This podcast is becoming the go-to space for real stories of hope – stories that show what’s possible, reshape limiting beliefs, and give you evidence that healing really can happen.

Expect conversations with:

People who’ve healed against the odds, backed by their lived experience
Experts like Dr Sam Watts whose teachings combine science, ancient wisdom, and grounded, actionable healing principles
Parents, partners, and survivors who’ve walked through the darkest moments and found light, purpose and new beginnings
Holistic health pioneers, including upcoming guest Philly J. Lay

💛 Why This Matters

Hope isn’t a fluffy concept. It’s one of the biggest predictors of survival.

When you hear a story of someone healing from something “incurable,” your nervous system receives evidence that it’s possible for you, too.

This is the heartbeat of Year Two of the podcast.

🌿 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Why the podcast is shifting and what sparked the decision
How people are already using “Cancer Cured Me” as their story
The role hope, purpose, and belief play in the healing journey
How lived experience – not certification – is what people often crave most
A preview of upcoming guests, including survivors, parents, and natural health experts
The beautiful story of a retreat guest who went from planning her funeral to planning her future
How conventional medicine and holistic healing can work hand in hand
A first look at my upcoming 12-week collective for people seeking support, regulation, and purpose after cancer
If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x

Come and connect with me!

Instagram: @cancercuredme
Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WE ARE GIVING AWAY 2 SEATED HARRY STYLES TICKETS FOR HIS SOLD OUT SHOW AT WEMBLEY ON 4 JULY 2026

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL - SUBSCRIBE, LIKE AND COMMENT TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
QUICK!! GIVEAWAY CLOSES THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2026

Today, for fun, I explain exactly how I got Harry Styles tickets for his sold out show at Wembley on 4 July 2026. It isn't complicated. Manifest anything you want - let's show you how!

We are always manifesting whether we know it or not. Creating the life of your dreams is all about being an energetic match or alignment for what you want to call in, so let's make sure what you're calling in is all good. Find out how in this episode.

Listen up for simple ways to manifest and sign up to my newsletter The Happy Monday if you want to find out when my Manifesting Workshops are happening.

SIGN UP TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN WE RUN OUR MANIFESTATION WORKSHOPS

GET UP CLOSE AND START YOUR MANIFESTATION JOURNEY WITH US AT OUR WILDERNESS RESERVE RETREAT IN SUFFOLK
If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x

Come and connect with me!

Instagram: @cancercuredme
Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FULL RETREAT DETAILS HERE If what Suzy shares resonates, she’ll be running a two-hour self-advocacy workshop at my Spring Retreat at Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk from 6-9 March 2026. Susie’s session alone will be genuinely life-changing - especially if you’re ready to stop people-pleasing and start living in a way that includes you too.

Suzy Reading returns to the podcast to unpack her new book How to Be Selfish - a powerful reframe of selfishness as self-advocacy, self-trust and learning to live like you matter too.

This conversation is for the women who:

feel selfish for resting
struggle to say no
automatically apologise (even when they’ve done nothing wrong)
find it hard to receive support, compliments or kindness
look successful on the outside, but feel stretched and dysregulated underneath

Key themes we cover

Why “selfish” isn’t the real problem - shame and guilt are
How women are conditioned to be the good girl (pleasant, compliant, endlessly available)
The “pandemic of not enoughness” - and why it’s not a personal failing
How modern culture twists resilience into hyper-independence
Why learning to receive is essential for healthy relationships (not a burden)
How to advocate for yourself without becoming cold or uncaring
Why confidence isn’t just mindset - it’s head, heart and body

Suzy’s 7 steps to self-advocacy (from the book)

Reclaim your mind - unpick limiting beliefs and shift from thoughts to self-talk
Reclaim your senses - take back control of attention and reduce overwhelm
Reclaim your body - regulate the nervous system so it feels safe to speak up
Reclaim your right to feel - emotions aren’t “negative”, they’re information
Reclaim your moral compass - clarify values and what actually matters to you
Boundaries with self - sleep, habits, energy, and keeping promises to yourself
Advocate with others - communicate needs clearly and receive support

Tools you can try today (simple, but powerful)

Hand on heart + sip of tea/water
Ask: Where am I at? What do I need?
Then do one small thing to meet that need.
Somatic holds (circuit breakers for stress):
hold one thumb
hold your own hand
give yourself a hug
the “face hug” - warm your hands, cradle your chin, breathe
Posture reset for confidence
When we’re collapsed forward, it’s harder to say no.
Try shoulder rolls or “V to W” arms while breathing.

A gentle reminder
You don’t need to wait until you feel worthy to take care of yourself.
The feeling of worth often comes from the nourishing action.
If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x

Come and connect with me!

Instagram: @cancercuredme
Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and deeply reassuring episode, I am joined by BANT-registered nutritionist and hormone expert Hannah Alderson, author of Everything I Know About Hormones.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, hormonal, confused by conflicting advice, or blamed your body for not behaving “properly” – this conversation is for you.
We gently dismantle the idea that hormones are something to “fix” or fight. Instead, we explore a far more compassionate – and science-backed – approach:

Your hormones aren’t broken. They’re responding to the environment they’re living in.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Hormones Are Not the Enemy
Being “hormonal” has become an insult – but in reality, hormones are your greatest allies. Hannah explains why symptoms often arise not because hormones are faulty, but because modern life makes it incredibly hard for them to do their job.

The “VIP Hormones” You Actually Need to Understand
With over 50 hormones in the body, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Hannah simplifies things by focusing on the key players that influence most symptoms, including:
Cortisol (stress and energy)
Insulin (blood sugar and fat storage)
Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone
Thyroid hormones
Melatonin and serotonin
You don’t need to know everything – just the right things.

Why “Balancing Hormones” Is the Wrong Goal
Hormones don’t want to be balanced – they want to move. They work in rhythms, cycles and relationships. Hannah explains why the idea of hormone “balance” is misleading, and what to focus on instead.

Cortisol, Burnout and Why You Wake Up Exhausted
If you’re tired-but-wired, struggle to get out of bed, rely on coffee, or feel flat and unmotivated, cortisol may be running the show. Hannah breaks down:
The cortisol awakening response
Why skipping breakfast can worsen stress in women
How chronic stress disrupts sleep, weight, mood and hormones
Breakfast, Blood Sugar and Energy (Without Perfection)
This episode offers some of the most practical, doable advice you’ll hear:
Why breakfast matters for women’s hormones
How to eat within 90 minutes of waking without overwhelm
Simple, realistic options like smoothies or eggs
Why it’s not about calories, fasting trends, or willpower

Insulin Resistance – The Hormone Link No One Explains Clearly
Hannah explains insulin resistance in a way that finally makes sense – and why it affects:
Fat storage (especially around the middle)
Energy levels and brain fog
PCOS, perimenopause and menopause symptoms
Hormone transport in the body
And most importantly – how small changes can reverse it.

The Role of Stress, Sleep and the Nervous System
This conversation goes far beyond food. You’ll hear why:
Stress is not a personal failure
The nervous system needs safety, not pressure
Light exposure, phones, routines and boundaries matter
Oxytocin (connection, laughter, love) is cortisol’s kryptonite

Why Consistency Beats Perfection
Hannah shares why wellness plans fail when they’re too rigid, and how:
Tiny, repeatable habits change the brain
Self-discipline eventually creates motivation
You don’t need to “start again on Monday”
Feeling good becomes the reward

A Key Takeaway From This Episode
“The biggest job isn’t fixing your hormones – it’s creating an environment where they can thrive.”This episode is a permission slip to:
Stop blaming your body
Stop chasing extremes
Start listening, responding, and supporting yourself gently

About Hannah Alderson
Hannah Alderson is a BANT-registered nutritionist specialising in women’s hormone health. She combines clinical science with real-life practicality, helping women understand their bodies without fear or overwhelm.
Her book, Everything I Know About Hormones, breaks down complex science into simple, compassionate guidance that actually fits real life.
👉 Follow Hannah on Instagram: @hannahaldersonnutrition
👉 Learn more or book a discovery call: hannahalderson.com

If you like what you hear... buymeacoffee.com/alexsimms. Thanks! x

Come and connect with me!

Instagram: @cancercuredme
Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY NEXT LUXURY RETREAT AT WILDERNESS RESERVE, SUFFOLK 6-9 March 2026

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER, THE HAPPY MONDAY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE RETREAT DISCOUNTS & NEWS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.