Cancer Cured Me

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.

If you want practical steps, real hope, and a calm, empowering perspective on cancer prevention and living with cancer, this episode is for you.

FOR A FREE MORNING ROUTINE LIKE THE ONE MENTIONED BY DR SAM WATTS IN THE INTERVIEW CLICK HERE

In Part 2 of my interview with Dr Sam Watts, we go deeper into his book The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer and the research behind “exceptional cancer patients” (ECAPs) - people who outlive terminal prognoses and challenge what we think is possible.

We talk about potentiality - Dr Sam’s belief that while outcomes vary, everyone has the potential to survive, because we can clearly see that long-term survival happens across many cancer types. We explore why hope and meaning/purpose (dharma) show up again and again in exceptional survivorship and how mindset isn’t about pretending everything is fine - it’s about learning skills that help you respond in an adaptive way, even when things feel terrifying.

Dr Sam also explains the concept of immune surveillance - the idea that fully malignant cells may arise in the body more often than we realise, and the immune system routinely clears them. From circadian alignment and movement to nutrition, herbs, hobbies, and relationships, this episode is packed with grounded tools that support the body’s healing environment - what Dr Sam calls the body’s “internal soup”.

Key Takeaways
Everyone has the potential to survive - because we have clear examples of people who outlive terminal prognoses across many cancers.
Hope and meaning/purpose consistently show up in exceptional survivorship.
Mindset is not denial and it’s not blame - it’s learning skills that support an empowered inner response.
The body may be clearing malignant cells more often than we realise - understanding this can be deeply empowering.
Supporting the “internal soup” (sleep/circadian rhythm, inflammation, blood sugar, immunity, stress) can change the terrain cancer relies on.
Lifestyle factors aren’t “soft” - relationships, work satisfaction, and joy/hobbies can have measurable effects on health.

Resources Mentioned
Website: mindbodymedical.co.uk
Instagram: @drsamwatts
Book: The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer - Dr Sam Watts
Book: Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
Book: Cancer as a Turning Point - Lawrence LeShan
Olive oil: Back to Roots (early harvest, polyphenol-focused)
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.

Can ancient wisdom support modern recovery? Dr. Sam Watts is a highly respected clinical practitioner of Ayurveda and holds a PhD in Cancer Survivorship. In this deeply insightful episode, he breaks down the fundamentals of Ayurveda, what it really is and how it serves as one of the most robust health systems for creating balance and preventing disease..

In this deeply grounding and empowering conversation, Dr Sam demystifies what Ayurveda really is – and why it may be one of the most robust, proven health systems for creating balance and preventing disease.
Rather than being complicated or restrictive, Dr Sam explains that Ayurveda is fundamentally simple, intuitive, and deeply individualised. At its core, it offers each of us a personal health manual – helping the body return to homeostasis and function as it was designed to.

We explore why many modern health trends fail, how Ayurveda differs from “one-size-fits-all” wellness advice and how small, sustainable changes can profoundly impact long-term health.

This episode is especially powerful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by health advice, confused by conflicting recommendations, or disconnected from your body’s signals.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Ayurveda is simple by design – and how it’s been over-complicated in the West
How Ayurveda works as a complete, preventative health system, not a diet or quick fix
The concept of individualisation – why what’s “healthy” depends on you
Understanding the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) as your personal blueprint
Why symptoms like anxiety, inflammation, fatigue, or weight gain need different approaches in different people
The difference between prakriti (your natural state of balance) and vikriti (imbalance)
How daily stress quietly accumulates – and how Ayurveda helps you “wipe the dust away”
Why empowerment, autonomy, and self-awareness are central to true health
The importance of circadian rhythm, morning routines, and natural light
How simple practices like walking outside, self-massage, oil pulling, and breathwork support whole-body health
Why popular trends like fasting or cold exposure work for some people – and not for others
How Ayurveda aligns with modern science around homeostasis, nervous system regulation, and disease prevention

Key takeaway:
Ayurveda isn’t about being perfect or doing everything.
It’s about understanding your body, making small aligned choices, and creating the conditions for health to emerge naturally.
As Dr Sam shares, when you know what your body needs, health becomes something you actively participate in – not something that happens to you.

Connect with Sam:
Insta @drsamwatts
Book - The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer by Dr Sam Watts available now here

For a simple morning routine, click here to download a free simple guide
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.

Change your morning, change your life - DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE

Today’s episode of Cancer Cured Me is live on New Year's Eve 2025, but I’m not doing a year in review. I’m not recapping achievements, milestones or lessons learned.
Instead, I’m giving you a gift.

A gift that you can use on New Year’s Eve… or in February… or in the middle of a random Tuesday when you suddenly realise you’re tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. This gift is about one thing:

Building rock-solid self-belief, gently, consistently and in a way your nervous system can actually trust.

Because here’s what I know to be true from my own healing journey.
Self-belief isn’t something you think your way into.
It’s something you train your system into.
Most of what runs our lives sits in the subconscious. Old stories. Old habits. Old emotional wiring from childhood, relationships, school, work or moments when we learned (often unconsciously) that we weren’t safe, capable or enough.
And no amount of willpower or affirmations alone can override that.
What does change it… is showing your system, again and again, that:

You do what you say you’ll do.
You show up for yourself.
You create safety, calm, and consistency inside your body.

That’s why I’ve created something simple, practical, and genuinely doable, a tiny morning practice that takes minutes, not hours, and builds the foundation for real, embodied self-belief.
Not a rigid routine.
Not a 5am bootcamp for your soul.
Not another thing to fail at.

Just small, intentional practices that:
Calm your nervous system
Set the emotional tone of your day
Create internal safety instead of fight-or-flight
Rewire your identity into someone who trusts and believes in themselves

And over time, that changes everything.
Because you deserve to live with a regulated nervous system.
You deserve to trust yourself.
You deserve to believe that change is possible for you not someday, not for other people, but for you.

Change your morning, change your life - DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE
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.