CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
Being told you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can come with feelings of worry, sadness, confusion, and perhaps most of all, uncertainty. From diagnosis, to watch and wait, starting treatment, reaching long-term stability and survivorship, to potential relapse and starting over again, the journey can get complicated, and everyone’s experience is unique. CLL Society is here to partner with you, and together we can tackle the hard moments and turn them into positive action and hope.
CareCast, the CLL Society podcast, explores living with CLL through real-life stories. We will speak with patients, care partners, and loved ones to get an array of perspectives on the impact CLL / SLL has from those closest to it. We invite you to join us – we are all in this together.
Listen to CareCast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
CareCast Episodes
To kick things off, we are completing a series on the emotional rollercoaster of living with CLL. Tune in to our first few episodes featuring amazing speakers as we explore what it means to have CLL and the wide range of emotions that come with the journey.
Anchored in Knowledge: Navigating CLL at Sea
In this episode of the CLL Society Carecast, we’re joined by Ed McNichol — whose career as a deep-sea imaging specialist often takes him out to sea for extended periods. Ed shares his story of navigating life’s unpredictable tides — balancing the demanding realities of his profession with the challenges of a CLL diagnosis. While frequently away from home, Ed found stability and empowerment through shared decision-making with his healthcare team and by connecting with CLL Society’s support groups, which he fondly describes as a “knowledge sharing community.” His journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying informed and connected, even when life takes you far from familiar shores. Tune in to hear how Ed continues to chart his course with purpose, community, and hope.
The Power of Community in CLL
In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Yvonne and her daughter, Noni, who open up about how a CLL diagnosis reshaped their family dynamic and strengthened their connection. Together, they share what it’s been like to navigate shifting relationships with friends and loved ones while learning to adjust to life’s new realities. Through the camaraderie and understanding found in support groups, Yvonne found a sense of belonging—and Noni witnessed firsthand the power of community. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and the compassion of others, Noni chose to pursue a career in social work, hoping to support those affected by cancer just as her family was supported. Their story is a touching reminder that even in the face of illness, love, purpose, and shared strength can guide the way forward.
Turning Diagnosis into Strength: A Firefighter’s Journey with CLL
In this episode, we’re joined by Henry Olvera, a former firefighter whose life took an unexpected turn after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Throughout his career, he relied on information to save lives, and that same mindset became essential when facing his own diagnosis.
Determined not to let CLL define him, he quickly learned the importance of self-advocacy. He shares how he confronted systemic barriers, researched his options, and pushed to receive the right tests and care. For him, information wasn’t just power—it was survival.
Listeners will hear how his firefighting instincts inspired a holistic approach to navigating the physical, emotional, and systemic challenges of living with CLL. His story is one of resilience, empowerment, and courage, offering a reminder that with knowledge and persistence, patients can shape their own path forward.
More Than a Diagnosis: Living Fully With CLL
Balancing Life, Fitness, and CLL: A Smart Patient’s Story
Finding Hope Beyond Your Diagnosis
Lifestyle, Mindset, and Community: A Holistic Approach to CLL
Supporting Loved Ones Through CLL: A Care Partner’s Journey
Coping with Watch and Wait and the Delay in Starting Treatment for CLL
It is estimated that between 75% and 95% of people diagnosed with CLL do not immediately start treatment. Instead, they follow the standard of care approach known as Active Observation, also called Watch and Wait, Watch and Worry, or Active Surveillance. When receiving a diagnosis of cancer, it can be confusing and a source of anxiety to hear that you will not be given treatment right away. This is where the emotional rollercoaster with CLL begins for many patients.
In this episode, Dr. Brian Koffman is joined by guest Rick Conner, who has been on Active Observation since receiving his CLL diagnosis in 2015. Rick discusses the emotions that arose from Watch and Wait and shares advice for fellow patients on how to make the most of this time. He also highlights various resources from CLL Society that have been helpful on his journey.
Our Founder’s Emotional Journey
In this inaugural episode of CLL Society’s CareCast Podcast, Executive Director, Carly Harrington is joined by Dr. Brian Koffman, Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of CLL Society, to discuss his emotional journey with CLL. Dr. Koffman reflects on his initial diagnosis and the impact of having a strong support system and community to help him cope with the emotions he encountered. Listen to Dr. Koffman share insights from his 20-year journey living with CLL, including emotional highs and lows he has experienced, his treatment journey, relapse, and how he has navigated the complex emotions cancer has brought into his life.
Sneak Peek: Getting into the Treatment Mindset with Dr. Brian Koffman
Entering treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can be an emotional time. In this clip, Dr. Brian Koffman shares the importance of having an optimistic mindset while also setting realistic expectations.
Welcome to CareCast
Welcome to CareCast! In this introductory message, Executive Director Carly Harrington invites listeners to our new podcast, CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast. Receiving a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can evoke a range of emotions, but here at CLL Society, we want you to know that you never have to face it alone. Throughout the podcast, we will explore living with CLL through real-life stories.
This program is generously sponsored by:
