Facing Fear

It's so bittersweet that I share this podcast is coming to an end. The entire library of 120+ episodes will still be available anytime you want to listen, but I will not be creating new content, hosting new interviews or promoting the podcast after this. And to be clear, Facing Fear isn’t ending. Facing Fear is my umbrella of all my creative work like my book and speaking, just the podcast part of it is ending. On Part I of this sweet goodbye, I share with you how I got to this decision and why it's another facing fear moment. I'm sad and scared to let go, but I'm listening to my gut so I know this is the right decision. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOUR EPIC YEARS! BUY MY BOOK, A GRAPHIC MEMOIR BUY HERE ON AMAZON! Learn more about the book at facingfearwithsara.com/bookGet all the BTS & FAQ's About the Book hereMENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE it's time to go (evermore deluxe)BEHIND THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe to my newsletter at facingfearwithsara.comInstagram - @facingfearwithsara, @saramcinerneyhauckTikTok - @facingfearwithsaraFacebook - @facingfearwithsaraWebsite - facingfearwithsara.comYouTube - Sara McInerney HauckEmail - hello@facingfearwithsara.com Support the Show.

Almost a year ago, Amanda and I signed up for a hippie dippie retreat in Joshua Tree, led by our friend and fearless leader, Emily Schromm. The weekend was themed around healing and we both needed exactly that at the time. When "plant medicine ceremony" popped up on the agenda, we were both nervous, but so excited to let go. Amanda and I share our first experience with mother mushroom (aka psilocybin) and what our six-hour experience was like. Amanda is a software engineer by day and in her free time you can find her enjoying the outdoors, knitting a new hat, reading a romance novel, lifting weights at the gym, or watching sports. She's a Taurus and a 5/2 Projector who has a deep love for horses. At her core though, she's just a girl who is on a self-healing journey and ultimately just wants to leave the world a better place then how she found it. MY BOOK IS OUT NOW! BUY HERE ON AMAZON! Learn more about the book at facingfearwithsara.com/bookGet all the BTS & FAQ's About the Book hereMENTIONED ON THE SHOW How to Change Your Mind Emily Schromm's podcast episode on mushroomsSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe to my newsletter at facingfearwithsara.comInstagram - @facingfearwithsara, @saramcinerneyhauckTikTok - @facingfearwithsaraFacebook - @facingfearwithsaraWebsite - facingfearwithsara.comYouTube - Sara McInerney HauckEmail - hello@facingfearwithsara.com Support the Show.

Emily Schromm is someone I first became aware of while watching one of my favorite shows, MTV's The Challenge. From reality TV to writing a book and owning multiple businesses at once, this episode will empower you to chase whatever dream you have. Emily and I talk about the healing retreat she held last year (including my first plant medicine ceremony) and how to live with an open heart even when the world tells you to keep closed. She's a creator, entrepreneur, and lover of Mother Earth. Currently, she's working on a new venture to help localize food systems. Emily empowers all she meets to heal themselves so they can simultaneously heal the world. MY BOOK IS OUT NOW! BUY HERE ON AMAZON! Learn more about the book at facingfearwithsara.com/bookGet all the BTS & FAQ's About the Book hereMENTIONED ON THE SHOW Emily's podcast called Meathead HippieEmily Schromm talks #TheChallenge, fitness, Rivals 2 win, Ty, Real World DC, more! EP #177Meathead Hippie #160 The Masculine & Feminine Duality with Jacob Showers The Process - Emily's bookBig Magic by Elizabeth GilbertSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe to my newsletter at facingfearwithsara.comInstagram - @facingfearwithsara, @saramcinerneyhauckTikTok - @facingfearwithsaraFacebook - @facingfearwithsaraWebsite - facingfearwithsara.comYouTube - Sara McInerney HauckEmail - hello@facingfearwithsara.com Support the Show.

My book would not be possible without my co-creator and illustrator, Kevin Smola! He comes on the podcast to share his adventures as an artist from creating junk mail for a car dealership to becoming the Art Director at JD Finish Line. On the side, he's kept up his creative passion by starting The Smola Studio, a business where his creativity and childlike mind comes to life. ICYMI: I also included some of the audio from the virtual launch party! Stick around until the end to listen to Kevin share more about his process and Cam drop some inspiration for the new year. MY BOOK IS OUT NOW! Facingfearwithsara.com/bookAmazonGoodreadsMENTIONED ON THE SHOW HERE@thesmolastudiopermanent art installation@camronayalalymphedema and amputee advocateSUPPORT THE SHOW facingfearwithsara.com/merchfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

As we approach the launch date of my FIRST BOOK (!!!!), I wanted to take some time and talk about the process, some behind the scenes on how it came to be and answer some FAQ’s. I also elaborate on the biggest lesson I've learned while making this project come to life, imperfect art > no art. Who can relate? I’m so excited and so honored to see this project come to life, and THANK YOU for coming along this journey with me! Want to be the FIRST to know about the book? Subscribe at facingfearwithsara.com/book. MENTIONED ON THE SHOW I used my ReMarkable to sketch out the entire book, and hired my friend and talented illustrator, Kevin Smola, to make it into ART! Check out a few before and after’s HERE.SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe to my newsletter at facingfearwithsara.comInstagram - @facingfearwithsara, @saramcinerneyhauckTikTok - @facingfearwithsaraFacebook - @facingfearwithsaraWebsite - facingfearwithsara.comYouTube - Sara McInerney HauckEmail - hello@facingfearwithsara.com Support the Show.

Buckle in this for one… April and I talk about surviving breast cancer and how we’ve both watched our lives burn down around us, and why we’re better for it. Through our conversation, April leaves my jaw on the floor and it turns out we have more in common than cancer. OH AND SURPRISE… I’m a published author in the Wildfire Magazine! April created this publication almost 10 years ago to be by and for those “too young” for breast cancer. I would LOVE for you to support my writing career, April’s company and many other authors included in the 130+ page issue by getting your copy here and use code WILDFIRE15 to save. I cannot wait until mine arrives!!! *Checks mailbox every day* April Johnson Stearns is the Founder a of Wildfire Magazine & Writing Community. April was diagnosed at 35 years old with Stage 3 breast cancer that she found while breastfeeding her daughter. Four years later, while struggling to “go back to normal” and find other women in similar circumstances, April launched Wildfire Magazine. Now she enjoys not only publishing the stories of those “too young for breast cancer,” she also finds pleasure in helping others heal through learning to write and share their stories. In 2023 alone, she held space in the Wildfire Writing Community for 335 writers! April lives with her family on the coast of central California. GET YOUR ISSUE OF WILDFIRE!!! Use this link and code WILDFIRE15SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

Come with me to Florida! I take you along for a $108 Allegiant flight where I was assigned "Zone 99 and Seat 0." Once I made it there safe, it was time for a SURPRISE! Together, my Uncle Steve and I created a plan for me to sneak in through the backdoor to shock my mom and Nana. I was on a mission to hand deliver my upcoming book to my mom and Nana because the book is dedicated to them! My mom, Nana and Grandbob got to read the book and their reactions are priceless. I also shared my Spotify Wrapped including my 2023 Top Song, Dear Reader by Taylor Swift. I tell you why I love this song so much and even include it at the end. MY FIRST BOOK COMING JAN. 8! Subscribe here to get notified when it comes out! In this graphic memoir, I bring you through four of my most intimate and difficult days, being tested for cancer and waiting to find out if I had it. The relationship between the artwork and words makes it feel as if you're right there in the moment with me. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE Dear Reader by Taylor SwiftSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

I entered a contest to win an eBike, submitted a creative essay about my relationship to cancer and HOLY MOTHER I WON!!! I am over the moon about being an eBike owner and have already gotten to whip her around in Ashville, NC! On this episode, I also share about how YOU should and can put yourself out there, how to play ball with the universe and an update on the book. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE Lectric eBikesLectric's Blog about the eBike WinnersSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

It's been a YEAR since I've spoken to you all from this podcast! 2023 has been my year of healing (and that mission will continue forever) but I've specifically spent time OFF screens. That included taking a step back from creating content so I could sit back, relax, absorb, learn, cry, heal and so on. I share a little bit about this last year, where I'm at now, what the f*ck is up with MY BOOK I said I was working on last year and what to expect over the next few weeks! MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE Rolling Up the Welcome Mat - Kelsea BalleriniCamera Roll - Kasey Musgravesstar crossed albumIt's Been A Year - Ashley CookeSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

After a year of living with cancer, this girl is T I R E D. And feeling so thankful to just be alive. I talk about my year, upcoming anniversaries and what I want from 2023... to be peaceful. And SURPRISE... I have an illustrated short story coming out soon! Together, myself and an artist friend of mine created a 30+ page illustrated short story. It shares a part of my journey I didn't document in real life and I'm so thrilled to bring this creative project to life. And to share with you... soon! SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON 100+ EPISODESfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

Dani is one of my college BFF's and someone I spent so much time with my senior year at Ball State. She is my age, and at 30 years young, we both faced incredibly challenging and life-changing health diagnoses. Me with cancer, and her with a seizure disorder. Dani is a beautiful, unique and giving soul who teaches us on this episode about the art of Kintsugi, how she manages her PTSD, anxiety and depression and how to be proud of yourself, even if the only thing you accomplished that day was... living. SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT @dani_haag92@weightsforwhiskeySubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

I finally recap all 15 of my chemotherapy sessions including my mental health struggles and improvements, what it's like being on anti-anxiety and depression medication and my last infusion themed, "Peace Out Chemo." On the other hand, radiation was extremely easy for me. Even though I had to go the cancer center Monday-Friday for 25 sessions in a row, each appointment only took 15 minutes, and lucky me, I never burned once! MENTIONED ON THE SHOW A Day in the Life of Radiation TikTokSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT @chancecolleenSubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

When I was waiting to find out if I had cancer, my life flashed before me and a specific memory stuck out. It was 20 years ago, when I was 10 years old. I watched in downtown Chicago as my mom finished walking 60 miles after three days of camping out and raising thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. As I watched that memory play out in my head, I thought, f*ck, I am going to have breast cancer. This was actually meant to be. Touché, God. My mom is my number one fan, cheerleader, supporter and best friend. She's been there for me my entire 29 years, and in my 30th year of life, she showed up exactly when I needed her. Together, we've fought my breast cancer battle for one year. On this episode, we reflect on the past year, her connection to breast cancer and how in the world she trained for a 60-mile race while having four kids under 10 years old. She's a superhero, who just happens to double as my mom. AS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW VIDEO: Look at the family photo album of my mom's 60-mile race to fundraise for breast cancer research. SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

Chance Osborne is one of my living, breathing, walking on Earth cancer angels. Although she's years younger than me, she's been someone I've looked up to, cried with and fallen apart in front of while sharing our favorite Panera booth. Chance was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 24. As we both heal, we talk about life lessons, the best and worst things people have said to us and how we've managed to live with and beyond cancer. AS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW How to do a monthly breast exam (featuring Chance herself)!Triple Negative Breast Cancer FoundationMetavivor: Metastatic Breast Cancer Research SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT @chancecolleenSubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

In honor of my first cancerversary coming up on Friday, I'm sharing a piece of my cancer journey I've never said aloud before. In this audio essay, I answer the prompt, "It all started when..." At this time last year, I was ruminating over and over wondering whether my life was about to change forever or not. And sure enough, on October 14, 2021, it did. Read the transcript of this episode at facingfearwithsara.com/blog. SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

Let's flip the script! This time, I'm the one being interviewed. I'm sharing this episode from the Transcend Podcast with Whitney Miller because she caught me at a very interesting time in my cancer journey. When we did this interview in early June, I was justttt beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We dive into the transcending moments I've experienced during my cancer journey. We talk about stories of triumph, guts, and strength paired with trauma and sadness. I share Taylor Swift lyrics that inspire my transcending journey and how I plan to keep moving forward. SUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT transcend.health.and.wellnesstranscendhealthandwellness.comSubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

Cam Ayala was born with a disease called primary lymphedema which caused chronic pain, swelling and an above the knee amputation in June 2022. in my right leg. You may recognize him from The Bachelorette (Hannah Brown's season) or the Bachelor in Paradise, but this episode tells you SO MUCH MORE about Cam's story. After 9 bouts of serious infections, 16 surgical interventions, Cam underwent an above knee amputation earlier this summer. Cam faced fear since his amputation was scheduled. He's conquered fear by strengthening his faith in God, doing research and interviewing other amputees his age (early 30's), and working his ass off with a personal trainer for 2 and a half months prior to surgery. CATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE Watch hereLYMPHEDEMA RESOURCES Breast-Cancer-Related Lymphedema PSA's Breast-Cancer-Lymphedema 10 Things to know about your Lymphedema DiagnosisLymphatic Education & Resource NetworkSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT camronayalaSubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

We take it all the way back to May, one of my most challenging months of this year. I talk about starting my new chemo plan after being kicked off my original due to an allergic reaction, escaping to California for a week, I recap a book I read in an week and share how the rollercoaster of grief really had me riding waves this past summer. I mention lots of goodies on this show today, so check out the links below. Tune in for next week's episode where I'll have a contestant from Hannah Brown's Bachelorette Season to talk about ANYTHING but... reality TV. It's a damn good one. Subscribe and follow the show so you don't miss it. MENTIONED ON TODAY'S EPISODE How I ended up in the ER after being allergic to chemoInterview with my all time favorite physical therapist, Dr. PratoCan't Stop Thinking bookWhat it was like to elope during the pandemicThink Like a Monk bookCELEBRATE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Virtual Fireside Chat with Jay Shetty and Tamara LevittSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT Subscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

"How much time and tequila do you have?" Another gem comes out from the vault this week, this one is with another podcast BFF of mine, Kristen Olson. She is truly unlike anyone else I've ever met. She has the swagger of Madonna, the fierce blonde hair of Dolly Parton, is always the life of the party AND she can back squat more than you! Kristen has built her personal brand around the combination of fun and health, or better said her way, turmeric and tequila. MENTIONED ON TODAY'S EPISODE Turmeric & TequilaBotoxSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT @madonnashero@turmerictequila@koallianceSubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.

This episode was originally recorded one year ago with one of my dearest podcast BFF's, Viviana. I'm bringing it out of the vault because we talk about a topic I've thought about soooo much since my cancer diagnosis, aging. We get older whether we like it or not, so how can we live life to the fullest throughout the many decades we're (hopefully) given? Viviana shares what she learned after interviewing one individual from each decade, that's right, she hosted guests from 7-years-old to an individual in their 90's! Listening back to this feel good episode made me realize how much I've changed in a year, and how special Viviana is to me as a friend and fellow podcast side hustler! MENTIONED ON TODAY'S EPISODE A Journey Through the Decades - Life Whispers podcast seasonSUPPORT THE SHOW PODCASTCANCER MERCH:facingfearwithsara.com/merchCATCH UP ON MY CANCER JOURNEYfacingfearwithsara.com/episodesCONNECT @vivianapsc28@lifewhisperslifewhispers.comSubscribe @facingfearwithsara@saramcinerneyhauck@facingfearwithsara@facingfearwithsarafacingfearwithsara.comSara McInerney Hauck Support the Show.