HAVE YOU HEARD?
Talking with Cancer: An audio diary with a friend
In February 2022, Katie Phillips was diagnosed with a rare and complicated form of thyroid cancer. In the early weeks following her diagnosis, she decided to keep an audio diary, speaking each week to journalist, and good friend, Clair Whitefield. That audio is now their weekly podcast, Talking With Cancer, tackles challenging topics that arise from facing life with cancer. But their chats also include the lighter moments and surprising practical such as “never moisturise before an echocardiogram”. We asked Katie a few questions about the show.
Why did you decide podcasting was the right format to share your story?
I wanted to keep a record of my experience and I am definitely more of a vocal person, so I wasn’t inspired to write. I always enjoy my conversations with Clair, so I thought we’d be able to have a really honest, open and sensitive chat about what I was going through.
What was the first podcast you ever listened to?
Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?
Dr Chatterjee, Russel Brand’s Under the Skin, Off Menu, Adam Buxton
Who’s your dream listener for the podcast?
Anyone who has been affected by cancer in some way. Whether they’ve had a diagnosis themselves, or have a friend or relative going through cancer; I hope they find it relatable & helpful.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?
Be authentic, don’t compromise the content and get a proper mic.
Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?
Hopefully they can be stand alone as we always tend to re-cap. But starting with the first episode, Diagnosis, does set the tone. Alternatively, episode 6 could be a good introduction to the series.
Listen to Talking With Cancer now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.
