Have you ever stood at the crossroads of change, your identity shimmering like a mirage on the horizon? Ashleigh Renard joins us in this heartfelt journey through the ebbs and flows of personal evolution. Together, we peel back the layers of our lives, sharing stories of love and faith, the transformative power of self-reflection, and the bravery it takes to be true to oneself. We delve into Ashleigh's memoirist journey—how she hung up her ice skates, graced the writer's desk, and saw her life leap from page to screen.

If you've ever felt tangled in the expectations of gender roles or puzzled over the dynamics of monogamous relationships, this conversation is for you. We unravel the misconceptions about women's desires, the impact of patriarchy on sexual relationships, and the importance of assertiveness in intimacy. Our dialogue dances through the nuances of modern dating, from sifting through dating apps to the effects of surviving breast cancer on personal connections. We explore how success and vulnerability intertwine, shaping our relationships and leading us to discover what truly resonates in partnerships.

As we wrap up this tapestry of personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we reflect on the spirit of triumph and the power of setting intentions for a joyous year ahead. We discuss the beauty in acknowledging past growth, embracing 'new mistakes only,' and even the fulfillment that can come from intimacy. Join us as we celebrate our personal triumphs, from nurturing parenting to transforming our living spaces, and set the stage for a year of celebration, connectivity, and continued self-discovery.

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You are in for a treat with this week's episode. Katrina Dorow's attitude and energy in then face of continuing struggles with breast cancer are breathtaking and inspiring. Sometimes life's biggest trials bear the greatest gifts. Katrina is a breast cancer survivor and spiritual practitioner whose story of diagnosis and spiritual growth will touch your heart. Her work with equine gestalt therapy has been a beacon of light in her journey, and her resilience, strength, and transformation will empower you to face your own struggles with light and love.

Undergoing cancer treatment can be an uphill battle, even more so in the face of the global pandemic. As Katrina and I banter about our respective experiences, we are reminded of the significance of authenticity and compassion, even in the face of life's toughest challenges.

We talk about navigating negativity, faith, family, genetic testing, breast reconstruction choices, and more, leaving you inspired, moved, and hopeful.

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I think you'll enjoy this one. I get pretty vulnerable about what's going on in my life and ask for your feedback on how you'd like to see this podcast evolve and grow.

We talk about navigating life transitions, dealing with love addiction, and exploring self-image issues after breast cancer reconstruction - all while juggling a demanding job and trying to be an author/entrepreneur.

In the midst of my third divorce, a recent move, Medicare open enrollment and financial challenges, I'm learning to understand and embrace the hurdles that life throws.

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Ready to unravel the complexities of Medicare? I'm Danielle Tantone, and in this episode, I'll be your trusty guide through the labyrinth of insurance options available to you as you approach and surpass the age of 65. A seasoned independent agent, I've cultivated an abundance of knowledge about how the whole thing works. Together, we'll fend off the overwhelming influx of information, sidestep deceptive tactics and dodge fraudulent calls.

I like to say that Medicare is the silver lining, the hidden gem of getting older. And my goal is to unpack it in a way that is simple, understandable, peaceful, and even fun.

Beyond original Medicare which only covers you 80% and leaves you with unlimited financial risk, the two principal options are Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans. Both have their pluses and minuses, and I'll lay them out for you in an unbiased manner. There's no one-size-fits-all right choice.

Whether you're researching Medicare options for yourself or someone you care about, this episode could be your first step to help you make the most informed decisions about healthcare coverage. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me here:

https://calendly.com/danielle-tantone/30min

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When faced with my own double mastectomy, I was fortunate enough to find skilled and empathetic support from Dr. Tim Matatov, a highly regarded plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. This episode is an in-depth conversation about that journey, where we unpack the marvels and challenges of reconstructive surgery, the options available to breast cancer patients, and the anatomical and biological traits that play a critical role in the process.

Navigating the difficult choices that come with a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why Dr. Matatov and I get candid about the importance of shared decision-making and how information overload can lead to 'choice paralysis.' We also talk about breast implant illness and the challenges in accommodating all types of reconstruction.

We round off this enlightening conversation by exploring the options for breast reconstruction using silicone implants, autologous tissue reconstruction, and other types of flap surgeries. We highlight the risks, particularly the risk of flap loss, and share how these can be minimized. The process of nipple reconstruction and the role of medical tattoos in creating an illusion of an areola are given their due attention. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone grappling with breast cancer and considering reconstructive surgery.

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Are you worried about the intimidating process of college planning? In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Coates, the owner of Class 101 Mesa Gilbert. We hired Shawn to help our daughter choose the right school, create a stellar application, and secure the best scholarship opportunities. She demystified the process for us, and I know she can do so for you, too.

We delve into a wide array of topics, from exploring student interests in careers like medicine to the intricacies of college application deadlines and financial considerations. Shawn gives us a glimpse into unique programs and activities that high school students can pursue to make themselves competitive candidates for college applications. She also unravels the complexities of college application processes, touching on the pros and cons of early action, early decision, and regular decision. Along the way, she stresses the importance of having a backup plan and doing due diligence before making a decision.

Lastly, Shawn doesn't shy away from the often dreaded issue of college affordability. She shares her wisdom on how students and families can navigate the financial aspect, and the crucial role of scholarships in easing the burden. She also emphasizes the need to understand the true cost of a college education and to consider more affordable college options. So tune in, and let this illuminating conversation guide you and your child in the college planning process.

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Hi there. Welcome to Piece of Work, the Podcast. I’m Danielle Tantone. I’m a nurse, author, coach, and survivor.

I love inspiring people to live their best life, reach for those big dreams, and find joy even in the pain.

As I wrote my memoir over so many years, trying to make sense of a story where I was way too often the bad guy instead of the hero, I came to understand that we are all a piece of work. But we’re also a work in progress. And even in our messiness, we are a work of art, too. All at the very same time. In fact we are all beautifully unique pieces of one masterpiece, waves in the same ocean.

This podcast will explore the stories and struggles that make us human, the miracles that surround us, and all the ways we work to make sense of it all. Welcome to Piece of Work, The Podcast, with Danielle Tantone.

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Getting to know James, contemplating our conflicting religions, trying to figure out if we have a future together...

My first husband, Ian, didn’t believe in God, but we still celebrated Christmas. I even cut down my first Christmas tree with him. According to him, I was too “religious.” But the truth is I’ve always been more spiritual than religious - seeking truth, trying to understand God and people, never simply following the rules and reciting prayers and rituals by rote. In my mind, “religious” is doing things the way they’re supposed to be done, without asking why. It’s a lot of shoulds and shouldn’ts. There are religious Jews, Christians, Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, even atheists. That’s not me.

But I’ve always been interested in religion, faith, humanity, and understanding the divine power that to me is undeniable on this earth and in each of us. I guess that’s one reason my first marriage didn’t last long. How could I be with someone who doesn’t even believe there’s a God, when I see the evidence of His amazing handiwork everywhere I look - in a baby’s smile, a patch of grass, a bird’s song, the kindness of people, the tiny miracles of everyday life?

~~~

I make sure James understands that I’ve been married and divorced already, and that even if I hadn’t, I never even considered saving sex for marriage. I tell him a little bit about Ian, and he reveals that he’s recently broken up with a girl named Janie, the first girlfriend he’d had since high school, when he decided to swear off dating in favor of mountain biking.

As soon as we start talking about past relationships, I’m struck with the absolute certainty that this handsome 26-year-old, 6’4” man is a virgin.

“Did you have sex with Janie?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“No.”

“Have you ever had sex?”

“No.”

“Are you waiting for marriage?” I ask, knowing he is.

“Yes,” James says, breathing a sigh of relief and looking at me with a bewildered expression, his eyes asking, “How on earth could you have guessed that?”

I know because this conversation is like a déjà vu of another conversation 10 years ago with Lewis, a Christian guy I dated briefly in college. It’s because of Lewis that I even know this is still a thing people do: saving themselves for marriage in the name of Jesus.

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