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Artwork for It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

Cathy Gildenhorn, Beth Glassman, and Kira Dineen (DNA Today)
Wolfram Syndrome
Trisomy 18
Autism
EECP (enhanced External Counterpulsation)
Rare Diseases
Neuroplasticity
Patient Advocacy
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency
Diabetes
Concussions
Genetic Counseling
NF2
Face Blindness
Brain Health
Interstitial Lung Disease
Latin America
Lung Transplant
Hereditary Angioedema

The mission of our podcast is to support you, our listeners and to create community, as you confront the toughest challenges in life. All of us will experience health hardships. The real question is how we adapt. That is the focus of It Happened To Me, which wants to help you overcome limitations and live a full and satisfying life. Drawing on their own health challenges, hosts Cathy Gildenhorn an... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes95Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

Latest Episodes

We are heartbroken to share that our former guest and ALS advocate Brooke Eby passed away on October 1, 2026, at just 37 years old.

Brooke joined us on It Happened To Me in 2023 to share her experience of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral scl... more

What happens when an oncologist suddenly finds himself on the other side of cancer care, not as a physician, but as a husband and caregiver?

In this episode of It Happened To Me, hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman welcome Liza Marshall, a reti... more

YouTube

What happens when life as a young mother is suddenly interrupted by a cancer diagnosis most people associate with older adults?

In this episode of It Happened To Me, Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman are joined by Corinne Torney, a mother of two, e... more

YouTube

At 47 years old, Jack Clifford was hospitalized with severe coronary artery disease and told that he needed emergency triple bypass surgery. As he reviewed the consent forms and confronted the possibility of not waking up from the procedure, memories... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Liza Marshall
Retired attorney diagnosed with high-risk, triple-negative breast cancer
Book subject, co-author of Off Our Chests
Episode: #93 When an Oncologist’s Wife Gets Cancer: “Off Our Chests” Authors Share Their Story
John Marshall
Oncologist and director of the Rouse Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancer at Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Episode: #93 When an Oncologist’s Wife Gets Cancer: “Off Our Chests” Authors Share Their Story
Corinne Torney
devoted mother of two, elementary school teacher and cancer advocate and multiple myeloma survivor
Independent, cancer advocacy
Episode: #92 Multiple Myeloma While Mothering Two Young Children
Jack Clifford
Patient with severe coronary artery disease who pursued EECP instead of immediate bypass
Independent patient (subject of episode)
Episode: #91 Walking Away From Triple Bypass: Jack Clifford’s Experience with EECP
Luke Mickelson
Founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Episode: #90 No Kid Sleeps on the Floor: Building 500K+ Beds to Change Lives
Craig Leppert
Founder of Shadow Jumpers and Sun Escape Camp participant
Shadow Jumpers / Sun Escape Camp
Episode: #89 Living Beyond the Shadows: Life with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Jessica Chalk
Guest with lived experience of infertility
Individual with PCOS and endometriosis journey
Episode: #88 Six Years of Infertility and $100k in Fertility Treatments
Avery Roberts
Co-host of Wheel Talk, CMD advocate
Wheel Talk
Episode: #87 Redefining Disability with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Kelly Berger
Co-host of Wheel Talk, CMD advocate
Wheel Talk
Episode: #87 Redefining Disability with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Hosts

Cathy Gildenhorn
Co-host and host of It Happened To Me; long-running contributor with focus on rare diseases and medical challenges
Beth Glassman
Co-host and host with emphasis on patient stories and community support
Kira Dineen
Executive producer and marketing lead with involvement across related health projects

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 47 ratings
  • I really really love the concept of this podcastd, but the host's style of hosting it, ugh.

    I love learning about interesting rare diseases and what life is like for people who have to live with them. The podcast about rare disease awareness that I was addicted to had discontinued, so I was so excited when I found this one and saw that it was still running. Then life got distracting and this podcast ended up sitting in my library for who knows how long. a time finally came to listen to episode 82, the episode about Guillain-Barre syndrome. I pressed Play and... Yikes. When the host was... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tia Lorraine
    United States6 months ago
  • Everyone should listen!

    Cathy and Beth are thoughtful, empathetic hosts who help shine a much-needed light on rare diseases. Most importantly, they emphasize how to live your best life despite these health challenges.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Favoritestepchild
    United Statesa year ago
  • Curiosity and Compassionate

    Cathy and Beth are wonderful hosts. They bring their interest, compassion and curiosity to every interview. I love hearing peoples stories and learn.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KrissyD63
    United States3 years ago
  • Well done podcast

    Thank you Cathy and Beth for sharing such personal health issues. It was educational and informative, specifically how to deal with challenging medical issues, how and where to get help, and most important, to maintain a positive mindset to go forward. You both are an inspiration and I applaud your generosity for sharing your stories and for the work you continue to do for others. Best wishes to you both!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    candy208433410
    United States4 years ago
  • Educates and Builds Community

    I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the trailer and the first three episodes of It Happened to Me. Cathy and Beth are providing a service by sharing their rare diseases and health challenges and providing a forum for others to do the same. This serves as community building for not only those facing health issues but also their family and friends and the medical professionals trying to diagnose, treat, and research rare diseases. I look forward to listening to all of the future episodes of this pod... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JoeBaker5682
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guest diversity and practical takeaway moments are frequently highlighted as strengths.
Listeners praise the hosts' empathy and focus on supportive community for rare diseases.
Some listeners critique hosting style and pacing in certain episodes.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#93 When an Oncologist’s Wife Gets Cancer: “Off Our Chests” Authors Share Their Story
Q: What drove the decision for Liza to undergo a second mastectomy, and how did you approach that choice?
The second mastectomy was framed as a preventative, deeply personal decision influenced by evolving medical practices and the risk assessment discussed with the medical team, with John supporting Liza's choice but emphasizing that the final decision was hers.
#93 When an Oncologist’s Wife Gets Cancer: “Off Our Chests” Authors Share Their Story
Q: How did you balance the doctor-patient dynamic with being partners in a marriage?
John describes gradually shifting from physician to caregiver in practice, prioritizing Liza's autonomy in decisions and ensuring that both of them stayed aligned while recognizing the emotional weight of medical outcomes on their relationship.
#93 When an Oncologist’s Wife Gets Cancer: “Off Our Chests” Authors Share Their Story
Q: What was the turning point that changed your daily life when the diagnosis arrived?
The diagnosis reshaped every aspect of their routines, moving from a busy, independent life to a shared focus on treatment decisions, with John stepping into a more translator-like role to help Liza navigate medical information while maintaining family momentum.
#92 Multiple Myeloma While Mothering Two Young Children
Q: What happened after you were declared MRD negative?
She expresses cautious optimism, the relief of no detectable disease, and the ongoing commitment to take life one day at a time.
#92 Multiple Myeloma While Mothering Two Young Children
Q: What message do you hope that newly diagnosed patients take away from your story?
That patients will adapt and find meaning, even in the darkest moments, and that small daily blessings matter.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on lived health experiences, patient advocacy, and practical strategies for navigating rare diseases and complex medical challenges. Guests range from individuals with conditions like sun sensitivity and neurological disorders to clinicians and advocates who share personal journeys, research insights, and actionable tips for daily living, treatment access, and community building. Across episodes, conversations emphasize resilience, practical adaptations, caregiver support, and the value of patient voices in shaping care and policy. Noteworthy elements include a strong emphasis on lived experience, accessibility, and turning personal challenges into community resources and advocacy. Potential listeners who want relatable hea... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast
2. The Cribsiders
3. The Daily
4. Ali on the Run Show
5. Criminal

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 95 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Liza Marshall
2. John Marshall
3. Corinne Torney
4. Jack Clifford
5. Luke Mickelson
6. Craig Leppert
7. Jessica Chalk
8. Avery Roberts

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