Ep 058: The Big C: Breast Cancer and Mental Health
We have the pleasure of talking with filmmaker and journalist, Traven Rice, about her experiences with Breast Cancer. We talk about how she discovered she had cancer, her treatment, the effects breast cancer can have on your mind and body, and the importance of community.
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We discuss how breast cancer can impact your view of your identity and how a mastectomy is not just a “boob job.” We also talk about seeing the experience of Breast Cancer on screen and why Traven wanted to create a comedic film about having a memorial for her left breast called Lay Lefty Down, which she is currently raising funds for at LayLeftyDown.com.
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Music: Deppisch
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TAKEAWAYS
Breast cancer is a common disease that affects many women, and early detection is crucial for better outcomes.
The treatment process for breast cancer can be physically and emotionally challenging, but having a supportive community can make a significant difference.
Open conversations about breast cancer and sharing personal experiences can help reduce stigma and provide support for those going through similar situations.
Humor can be a powerful tool for healing and coping with the challenges of breast cancer.
Creating awareness and understanding about breast cancer through films and other media can help educate and empower individuals. Breast cancer has a significant impact on a woman's identity, and it is important to address the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease.
Finding a support system and being open about one's feelings can help navigate the challenges of breast cancer.
There is a need for more resources and communities that provide support and address the unique experiences of women with breast cancer.
Traven's short film, 'Lay Lefty Down,' aims to start conversations and provide support for women going through breast cancer.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Traven Rice is a director, writer, and journalist based in NYC. Her work leans towards social action and champions under-represented voices. Rice has directed almost a dozen short films. Her most recent project, DIVISION STREET, is a digital series pilot about a mixed-race young girl sent to live with her cranky Jewish grandmother in a magical neighborhood in New York City. It screened in numerous festivals including Slamdance, Raindance, ITVFest, and SeriesFest, and garnered awards across the country, and internationally. Her first short film, THE NIGHT TRAM, was nominated for a Student Academy Award.
Rice was a finalist for the AFI Directing Workshop for Women in 2023. Rice has a foundation in theater and a background in film and television production work. She is adept at leading diverse teams through pre-production to final edit, and co-founded her community-based production company, Lo-Down Productions, with her partner Ed Litvak, in 2009.
REFERENCES
Lay Lefty Down: Find out more about Travon’s short film about a woman who's just had a mastectomy and walks into a surprise memorial for her left breast. Support her fundraising efforts and share your story!
The Breasties: The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, stage 4 thrivers, and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers.
The Lo-Down: News from the Lower East Side
The Lo-Down Culture Cast Podcast: Conversations with culture changers in downtown New York City. Hosted by Arts & Culture Editor, Traven Rice.
Filmshop: A filmmaking collective in NYC, LA, and New Orleans.
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Depression: A conversation with the creators of CBC Gem’s Get Up, Aisha - Episode 052
Causeway and Traumatic Brain Injury - Episode 042
Investigating Inequality Across Film and TV - Episode 041
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