The Ruby Hour

35, Diagnosed, and Facing Death: How Scuba Dive Instructor Melannie Bachman Found Freedom In Breast Cancer (…and Became A Death Doula)

You're 35, living the dream. Scuba diving, love, adventure... Then the diagnosis hits: breast cancer. Terminal. Weeks to live, not years. Suddenly, those carefree Saturdays and date nights become your "best times ever." This is a raw and powerful story for every person who's ever felt the shadow of "what if?" with actionable advice when you’re faced with a terrifying cancer diagnosis. Face your greatest fear with Melannie Bachman's story – and discover how you, too, can find freedom in the beautiful face of death. 

Visit https://www.melanniebachman.com to order your copy of her book, "A Dive Through Cancer" (spoiler alert: it reads like the most terrifying, beautiful poetic thriller I have ever read. It cracked me wide open!!) 

To see the beautiful "Shedding Skin" short film we filmed of Melannie's hair shaving ceremony when she began chemo, watch here (makes me cry every freakin' time) : https://youtu.be/kynK7zeUEdc

Melannie holds experience as an author, dive instructor, published marine scientist, & yoga teacher. She is passionate about inspiring connections with each other, within ourselves, and with our planet. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age 35, she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation.  

 

Jump To A Section

00:00 It’s The Most Alive I’ve Ever Felt In Death

03:06 Diving Deep: The Birth of a Book

06:09 Facing Cancer: A Personal Saga

09:01 Moments of Connection: Stories from the Oncology Room

12:01 The Weight of Words: A Profound Revelation

15:04 Advocating for Health: The Patient's Journey

18:14 Reconstructing Identity: The Choices We Make

21:08 Navigating Recovery: Life After Cancer

23:48 The Reality of Reintegration: Finding Oneself Again

27:10 Support Systems: How to Be There for Others

30:02 Death and Rebirth: A New Perspective

32:59 Finding Beauty in Life: The Gift of Awareness

38:41 Creating Sacred Spaces in Transition

50:46 Recognizing the Signs of Breast Cancer

01:01:48 Navigating the Healthcare System

01:02:17 “Don’t You Feel FIERCE, Bald?” The Journey of Losing Your Hair

01:09:58 Changing the Narrative of Cancer

 

#cancer #memoir #personal journey #advocacy #health #cancerrecovery #lifeaftercancer #lifeaftercancer #cancerdiagnosis #cancersupport #death #preparingfordeath #terminalillness #beauty #identity #death #healthcare #breastcancer  #breastselfexamination #chemohairloss #chemotherapy #emotionalhealing

 

Summary: In this conversation, Shelby Ring and her guest Melannie Bachman explore the profound journey of facing cancer, the process of writing a memoir, and the importance of advocacy in healthcare. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment, the significance of personal stories, and the impact of community support. The dialogue delves into the complexities of identity reconstruction post-treatment and the transformative perspective on life and death that emerges from such experiences. In this conversation, Shelby Ring and Melannie Bachman shares their profound experiences surrounding death, cancer, and personal transformation. Melannie discusses the importance of creating sacred spaces during transitions and dying, recognizing the signs of breast cancer, navigating the healthcare system, and the emotional journey of losing her hair during treatment. Throughout, she emphasizes the power of changing one's narrative to foster healing and resilience.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of creating supportive environments during difficult times.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
• Personal stories resonate deeply and can inspire others.
• Advocacy in healthcare is crucial for patient empowerment.
• The journey of cancer is not just physical but deeply emotional.
• Reconstructive choices can significantly impact one's identity.
• Recovery from cancer involves navigating a new reality.
• Community support is vital for those undergoing treatment.
• Experiencing death can change one's perspective on life.
• Finding beauty in small moments enhances the appreciation of life. Creating a peaceful environment is crucial during transitions.
• Witnessing death can be a deeply transformative experience.
• Trusting your body and instincts is essential in healthcare.
• Self-examination can lead to early detection of health issues.
• Changing the narrative around cancer can empower individuals.
• The journey of losing hair can be a sacred experience.
• Support from loved ones can enhance the healing process.
• Recognizing the signs of change in your body is vital.
• Emotional healing is intertwined with physical health.
• Finding strength in vulnerability can lead to personal growth.

 

Lead With Your Endgame In Mind & The TRUTH About Masculinity & Business Success | Jason Sisneros

Jason Sisneros’s life isn't your typical success story. It's a tale of clawing your way out of domestic violence and darkness, defying the odds, and building a life of purpose and impact. From knife fights to standing in front of his mother’s abuser at the ripe age of nine, Jason Sisneros shares his journey from a challenging past to becoming a thriving entrepreneur and mentor, and passionate advocate against human trafficking.

When it comes to business, Jason is as seasoned as they come; from bankruptcy in his first two businesses being $2,000,000 in the hole, to being mentored with business and self development legends Tony Robbins and several others. Building and selling 26 businesses later, I can’t think of a better person more strategically positioned to troubleshoot the breadth of challenges struggling small and mid-sized business owners face.

 

But this isn't just about business. It's about the fire that burns within each of us, the drive to rise above circumstances and create a life we truly deserve.

In this gripping interview with Jason Sisneros on The Ruby Hour Podcast, you'll discover:

• The Resilience Code: Uncover the secrets to bouncing back from adversity and using your challenges to fuel growth. Jason reveals how he transformed his struggles into a springboard for success.
• The Power of Self-Awareness: It's not just about knowing your strengths; it's about confronting your weaknesses and owning your story. Discover how self-awareness becomes your weapon against self-sabotage.
• Designing Your Endgame: Don't just let life happen to you. Jason reveals how to take control and define your own "end game" – the legacy you want to leave behind.
• The Shield of Protection: Discover the powerful metaphor of the "shield" and how it empowers you to protect yourself and those you love. This is about building strength from within and standing up for what matters.
• Beyond Vanity Metrics: In a world obsessed with likes and followers, Jason cuts through the noise and reveals the true nature of influence. Learn how to build genuine connections that matter.
• The Entrepreneur's Playbook: Gain practical strategies for negotiating effectively, building a thriving business, and avoiding the traps that hold many entrepreneurs back.

This is more than just a podcast; it's a blueprint for escaping the shadows and forging your own path to freedom. It's a call to action for anyone who refuses to be defined by their past.

Ready to break free? Tune in to this powerful conversation and unlock the courage within you.

“Without small and midsized businesses, there is no America.”

— Jason Sisneros

Golden One Liners

• Business owners are a unique group of human beings.

• If you are a business owner, you are historically extremely important.

• Success isn't guaranteed, but the opportunity to succeed is.

• Designing your own end game is crucial for success.

• Masculinity is the competency and ability to administer violence, but choosing not to. Presence and protection is the name of the game.

• For women especially, knowing your worth is essential for not only personal development, but aligning with the partner of your dreams who wants to protect and cover you til your last breath.

• Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

• Your past does not define your future; you can change your narrative.

• Building wealth should be in service of others, not just oneself.

• The peacocks of social media, flaunting their Lamborghinis and boats — they’ll come and go. The truly wealthy know the more money you make, the harder you work to actually look like you don’t have a lot of money.

• The journey to becoming a king involves mirroring great leaders.

• The secret to being a great man is being worthy of other great men’s respect.

• The journey into rescuing victims of human trafficking is often a deeply personal one.

• As a man, be that shield who protects the vulnerable.

• The secret to growing your business is to fall in love with your client’s outcome more than your own.

• Small and mid-sized enterprises play a vital role in the economy, contributing more than 60% of the GDP.

• Without small and midsized businesses, there is no America.

• When building your business, start with a clear end goal in mind.

• Social media can be used for either vanity or profit, choose wisely.

• Real influence is about genuine connections, not just follower counts.

• Business is fundamentally about helping others save money, make money, or drastically improving your clients’ lives.

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Visit https://builttoexit.biz/ to join Jason’s latest weekly cadre of troubleshooting the most common business owner pain points, weekly on his private channel.

This episode is recorded, produced, and edited by our company, Ruby Riot Creatives. Visit https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com/podcast to see our latest projects, hear more episodes in The Ruby Hour Podcast, and visit our previous season's episode archives.

Timeless Beauty: Defying Aging With Latina Wellness Mogul Xochitl Cordova, Maya Holistic Beauty CEO

✨ Ever felt like you missed your chance? Like the window for a new adventure, a fresh start, or pursuing a long-held dream had slammed shut? ✨

Think again.

Meet Xochitl Cordova, a Nicaraguan-born beauty mogul who shattered those limitations and built a thriving wellness empire in the Latin community... in her fifties!

Xochitl is a Nicaraguan-born, Austin-based powerhouse. In just three years, she’s skyrocketed to over 250,000 followers on TikTok, where she’s become a go-to voice for holistic wellness for the Latin American audience. Her mission? To help people take charge of their health with informed, mindful choices. Now, she’s taken things a step further by launching her own line of holistic skin and hair care products, blending natural ingredients with deep cultural wisdom.

This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to embrace your passions and create a life you love, no matter your age or background.

Visit Xochitl’s TikTok to see her latest beauty tips and perspective on beauty from the inside out, daily on her channel.

• 04:24 Holistic Health and Beauty Products

• 07:35 Empowering the Latin Community

• 10:29 Resilience and Reinvention

• 13:45 The Role of Conventional Medicine

• 16:40 Trapped Emotions and Healing

• 19:28 Embodying Feminine Energy

• 22:21 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Action

• 25:38 Navigating Hardship and Perseverance

• 28:32 Beauty Standards and Self-Worth

• 31:38 Flirting with Confidence

• 34:47 Fashion and Personal Style

• 35:37 Embracing Individuality and Self-Expression

• 37:06 The Impact of Social Media on Youth

• 38:34 Navigating Criticism and Online Presence

• 40:28 Balancing Personal and Public Life

• 41:56 The Power of Saying No

• 43:21 Choosing Aligned Opportunities

• 45:18 Shifting from Desperation to Abundance

• 47:41 Advice for Young Women in a Busy World

• 50:10 Building Confidence on Camera

• 51:36 Authenticity in Content Creation

• 54:23 Handling Haters with Grace

• 57:42 Transforming Envy into Admiration

• 01:02:26 The Nature of Confidence and Power

• 01:05:15 Self-Care and Balancing Perceptions

• 01:07:39 The Healing Power of Nature

• 01:08:49 The Importance of Self-Care

 

What Happens When You Challenge Toxic Masculinity and Modern Femininity? Mikaal Bates | The Ruby Hour

Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic world of modern masculinity and the tangled mess of gender roles! Forget the polite conversations and sugar-coated truths – we're ripping off the bandaid and exposing the raw anxieties and challenges men face today.

The #MeToo movement shook the foundations, and we're not shying away from the tremors it left behind. We're talking about the minefield of dating and relationships, where fear and confusion reign supreme. We're calling out the outdated scripts that leave men feeling lost and unsure of their place in the world.

Men have lost the rites of passage – Mikaal introduces ways modern men are forging their own path and reclaiming true masculine energy. It's time to unleash the primal power within, not the toxic version society tries to shove down our throats. We're talking about the raw, untamed energy that drives us to create, to protect, to lead.

And let's not forget the pressure cooker that women are facing today. They're expected to be the boss babe, the nurturing partner, and everything in between. It's a recipe for disaster, and we're calling out the double standards that fuel the flames.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We're also dishing out some real-world advice on how to build genuine connections, even in this crazy world. We're talking about how women can empower their partners to step up and lead, if that's what they crave.

So, if you're ready to ditch the safe space and embrace the brave chaos, grab a martini, crank up the music, and let's get this revolution started!

 

Visit https://www.mikaalbates.com to see Mikaal's next workshop and event itinerary.

 

This show is produced by 🎥 Ruby Riot Creatives | Austin, Texas + Charleston SC Based Production Studio specializing in B2B + B2C Visual content marketing campaigns. If you need a fractional creative director to bring your brand narrative to life, need to get on camera but don't know where to start, or your tired of "winging it" with your marketing campaigns; email heyruby@rubyriotcreatives.com or visit  https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com to level up your brand positioning. Live a story worth telling today. 

#MasculinityRedefined #FeminismForAll #ModernRelationships #GenderDynamics #RitesOfPassage #TheModernMan #SocietalShift #EmotionalIntelligence #BeyondGenderRoles #PersonalGrowthJourney #MenAndFeminism #EvolvingMasculinity

Starting Over After A Break Up: Finding Joy When A Long Term Relationship Ends | Jessica Rueger On The Ruby Hour Podcast

Exactly how you pick yourself up, after your heart has been brutally ripped out of your chest?

When your entire world becomes pressurized and catapulted into unexpected change?

How do you find hope beyond a life with someone you thought was your person?

 

I had my dear friend, mentor, and colleague Jessica Rueger on the show a few months back to discuss exactly this.

Reinventing her world after a decade-long marriage came to a close, Jessica shares answers to the most intimate questions I, ironically, now find myself seeking for myself.

• How do we move through grief?
• How do we not get lost in the abyss of loss?
• How do we shift our focus from beating ourselves up, blaming and shaming and replaying… to accepting and clarifying what does light our spirit up?
• What are ways to rebuild hope in an unknown chapter? 

This conversation is empowering, uplifting, intimate, and vulnerable on both of our parts.

Jessica is one of the most talented executive coaches I have ever had the pleasure of working with in the past decade.

She taught me tools yeeaarrrss ago that I continue to use daily to create the reality my heart and body desire for me to build.

My hope is that you or someone you love who may be going through a tough time of self-examination or loss may find a vein of courage and strength from this tender conversation. Sending you so much love in this season, -
Shelby

Refusing To Back Down + Pursue Your Art (NO MATTER WHAT!) Soundscore Dreams: Composer Sebastian Zuleta On The Ruby Hour Podcast

Is there a part of you that feels like you're playing it "small," settling for "good enough" in your creative field or business? Do you ever have that tinge of "you're made for SO MUCH MORE!" in your soul? That's because you ARE. In this inspiring video, music composer Sebastian Zuleta shares his story of refusing to back down and pursuing his art even when it's difficult.

Sebastian Zuleta's journey is an incredible example of how to never stop pursuing your dreams no matter what challenges come your way.

Through his music, he's meshed his love for music with his passion for entrepreneurship, and he's inspiring others to do the same. Watch this video to learn more about his story and the lessons he's learned!

This episode will encourage and challenge you to think BIG and go after what you REALLY want in your art.

Today's guest, Sebastian Zuleta, is an award-winning composer, and an Emmy-nominated and MPSE Golden Reel award-winning music editor -- our paths crossed last month in L.A. at a Film Premiere Q&A for his latest music composing work in the full-length feature Sci-Fi drama, "Unidentified Objects" - his soundscapes in this film BLEW. MY. MIND. Ten out of ten, y'all! Watch it on Amazon + be sure to LEAVE A REVIEW here, it helps this film immensely! : https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B8TZSZ3R/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r !!

 

Sebastian has over 15 years of experience scoring and music editing for a variety of films and television series, and has even collaborated with award-winning composers like Hans Zimmer, Gustavo Santaolalla, Germaine Franco and Terence Blanchard.

Most recently, Sebastian composed the music for the upcoming feature film Unidentified Objects, which has won several Best Feature awards at film festivals throughout the world. Sebastian also created the music for the animated short, Dreamsheep for which he won Best Original Score at the San Diego International Kids Film Festival and Cora, which was nominated for Best Music at the Santa Monica Film Festival.

He also produced the song Colombia, Mi Encanto composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Carlos Vives for the international trailer of the Academy Award winning animated film Encanto. In addition to his distinguished work as a composer, Sebastian has had a fruitful career as music editor. Most recently editing the music for season 3 of Hulu’s hit series Wu Tang: An American Saga, HBO’s Father of the Bride featuring Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan; and was part of the music team for Disney’s Strange World.

Sebastian’s diverse portfolio further includes editing the music for Netflix’s animated film Next Gen starring John Krasinski for which he earned the MPSE Golden Reel Award. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his work on HBO’s documentary Cries from Syria. Sebastian is also co-founder of Blue Rabbit Films, a production company based in Los Angeles.

Follow along with his latest work here: https://sebastianzuleta.com/  If you love this episode, let us know what stories or message stood out to you, and be sure to share with a fellow creative who could use a little boost in their trajectory. 

This episode is recorded, produced, and edited by our company, Ruby Riot Creatives. Visit https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com to see our latest projects and hear more episodes in The Ruby Hour Podcast and visit our previous season episode archives.

How To Turn Yourself On As A Woman (In Career Mode!) How To Make Your Sex Life More Exciting: Erotic Blueprints Angie Byrd On The Ruby Hour Podcast

"I'm stuck in mom-mode/career mode/"I’m-too-busy mode” ...Why can't I get turned on?" Sound familiar? Today's episode is FOR YOU. Today we have the pleasure of having sensuality and sexuality educator Angie Byrd, on Ruby Hour Podcast. Discovering your erotic blueprint — what actually turns you on? The practical world of KINK! How do you PRACTICALLY bring up something you want to try with a partner that you’re scared they might FREAK OUT ABOUT? Learn how unbalanced masculine and feminine polarity in your sex life — shows up in other parts of your life, and how you can actually drop into your feminine energy to create polarity with your masculine partner as a go-getter/driven/I-Got-It/Miss Independent woman (with real-time tips and feedback around what that looks like, and stumbling blocks us power-women tend to revert to.) This is a girls’ girl conversation if I’ve ever heard it, and it’s a wildly delicious episode with some big takeaways you can apply to your sensual journey either solo or with your partner(s). Visit https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com/podcast for more juicy episodes.

How To Balance Your Masculine + Feminine Energy As A Woman Entrepreneur: Maren Liv Anderson Moore On The Ruby Hour Podcast

How do you settle and recharge into the feminine [ease, gentleness, softness] while still conducting power as a woman entrepreneur when it comes to your business? 

In this episode, I interview Maren Liv Anderson Moore around:

• balancing the masculine and the feminine energy you bring to the table as a woman entrepreneur,

• how to "come down" from being in your head or in the masculine chronically in your business

• how to steward your "creative tension" or discomfort working through a struggle in your life

• all things inner-development/ shadow work / spiritual work and some things to look for to find a safe group setting to explore those deeper levels of yourself and

• life as a "textbook" enneagram Seven.

 

If you've ever spent any time with Maren, you immediately feel her warm, inclusive mama energy. In this episode we explore her journey with redefining the childcare space in Charleston. Maren founded Play Garden, creative arts learning center with a focus on childcare that appeals to different children's intrinsic learning styles and educational learning theories, AND complements so many parents who are no longer doing the nine-to-five work schedule and need something different for their family.

Scarlet Jaxen: HOW TO EMBRACE YOUR INNER BITCH 😈🙊💋😳

EMBRACING YOUR INNER B!TCH. ...Whaaat!?! 😈🙊💋😳 I stumbled across Canada-native Scarlet Jaxen one day going on some kind of feminine empowerment wormhole and saw her moving and embodying her "inner bitch". I was appalled, confused, inspired, and offended all at the same time. Embrace my inner bitch? What? She's allowed? We can speak about her? We can acknowledge we have some kind of ugly, ruthless bitch in us? Really? And, of course, I had to get her on the show.

In this podcast episode, Scarlet shares some thoughts that will invite you to a new level of compassion for yourself you may not have even thought was allowed.

 Understanding that part of you that is ruthless, gnarly, UGLY even -- can actually be one of your most faithful warriors, servants, and allies in helping you not settle into complacency in your personal and professional life and relationships. Have a listen!!

Chef Lauren Furey: "Pepper Dealer" Surfer Babe On The Ruby Hour Podcast

I want you to meet one of Charleston’s biggest rays of sunshine — Trinidad scorpion pepper delinquent, Surfer Babe, and one of Charleston’s top up-and-coming chefs — Lauren Furey. See more details about this episode over on https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com/podcast Lauren’s been coming up under the radar in the culinary scene here in Charleston this past few years - training under culinary legend Nathalie Dupree (one of the most prolific cookbook authors and James Beard award-winning chefs of our generation.) Lauren has such vibrant, soulful energy she brings to her cooking and conversations. In this episode, we talk shop around who she is in and out of the kitchen: - A visit to the principal’s office incident that deemed her the “pepper dealer” of her high school. - Mentors who taught her subtle details of elevating what she’s learned in the kitchen - Cocktails that have changed our lives This episode will make you hungry and thirsty not only physically but creatively, too, in your kitchen and craft! And if you’re not already following Lauren’s delectable Instagram feed or need a private chef for your upcoming event — connect with her over at @laurensfurey