Articles & TV

In this episode of Prescription for Admission, Dr. Monique Nugent speaks with Joelle Kaufman, host of Kicking Cancer’s Ass Podcast, about the realities of navigating cancer hospitalization from both the patient and caregiver perspectives. Together, they discuss how families can prepare for hospital stays, communicate needs, create boundaries around visitors, and support each other through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Listeners will learn:

1. How to prepare for the waiting, uncertainty, and emotional challenges that come with cancer hospitalization.
2. How caregivers can support their loved one while also protecting their own physical and emotional well-being.
3. How to have difficult conversations about treatment decisions, quality of life, and honoring what matters most to the patient.

Listen to this episode to discover practical ways to make cancer hospitalization feel less overwhelming and help patients and caregivers feel more supported, prepared, and connected.

Available on Apple | Captivate | Spotify

Joelle Kaufman is a cancer survivor and the author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball. In this episode, she shares insights from her own cancer journey and the mindset shifts and practical steps we can take to prepare for and navigate a cancer diagnosis and other curveballs in life. 

Brain Shaman is a philosophical and scientific journey towards better brain health. Michael Waite discusses how you can change your brain state and overall nervous system via behavior, nutrition, nature, and technology. 

Available on Apple | Amazon | Spotify

Joelle Kaufman is the author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball and the host of Kicking Cancer’s Ass, a podcast dedicated to helping people replace victim narratives with victory laps. Drawing on decades of lived experience and a 25-year career building technology companies in Silicon Valley, Joelle teaches a powerful “Curveball Approach” that helps people reclaim agency, build resilience, and create meaning—no matter what life throws.

Key Takeaways

· You never choose the pitch, but you always choose the swing: curveballs happen—your response is where your power lives.

· Waiting and uncertainty can be the hardest part—create practical “next steps” to reclaim control.

· “Happiness tripwires” aren’t fluff—they can change your physiology, your mindset, and your experience of treatment.

Available on Apple

With special guest - Dr. Laura Esserman, MD, MBA, Director of the UCSF Breast Care Center

Dr. Comite (Florence), Dr. Esserman (Laura) and I have a fact filled, inspiring, science-filled, and actionable conversation about personalized screening, precision medicine, the future of prevention, and the curveball approach to cancer. It's one of the most comprehensive, provocative, educational, and joyful conversations I've had and is well worth listening to. 

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Confidence Through Health, I share the deeply personal journey that led me to write Crushing the Cancer Curveball. Having grown up with breast cancer shaping my family and experiencing my own diagnosis in 2023, I’ve learned how critical it is to have a clear, compassionate guide through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and recovery. With one in eight women impacted in their lifetime, I hope this conversation helps you feel more prepared, less alone, and ready to face whatever curveballs come your way.

Available on Apple Podcasts

How do you lead, thrive, and even find joy in the face of life’s toughest challenges? In my conversation on Executive Encore, I share how my battle with breast cancer became one of the most transformative years of my life. We discuss the power of mindset shifts, the Curveball Method, and how leaders can turn adversity into growth. Whether in business or life, curveballs are inevitable—but with the right approach, you can crush them.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset, strategy, and support, you can take control. In my conversation on The KJ Masterclass Live, I share key lessons from my journey—how to advocate for yourself, build a strong medical team, and use happiness tripwires to stay resilient. Whether you're facing cancer or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the journey with strength and optimism.

In this powerful episode of The State of Work Today, Tim Glowa welcomes back Joelle Kaufman—CEO, bestselling author, and health advocate—to discuss a critical reality: 1 in 200 employees will face cancer this year, impacting workplaces in profound ways. Drawing from her experience as a survivor and author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball, Joelle shares practical strategies for HR leaders and managers to support employees, foster resilience, and lead with empathy—without sacrificing productivity. A must-listen for any leader committed to building a compassionate workplace. 🎧

In this episode of Roaming with Restless Women, I share my journey as a seasoned go-to-market executive and breast cancer survivor. We dive into my "curveball method," a framework for turning unexpected challenges into opportunities—something we’ve all had to get better at since COVID changed the game. I also open up about my personal battle with cancer, highlighting the resilience, support systems, and positive experiences that helped me through tough times. This conversation is close to my heart and offers practical insights on facing life’s curveballs with courage, community, and grace. I hope you’ll find it as inspiring and empowering as I did sharing it!

Joelle Kaufman joins Stacey Chillemi to share her journey as a generational cancer survivor and her proven Curveball Approach to navigating life’s toughest challenges. Together, they discuss the power of early detection, the importance of building a strong support network, and trusting expert guidance throughout the cancer journey. Filled with actionable insights, hope, and heartfelt moments, this episode offers inspiration for anyone facing adversity. Don’t miss this empowering conversation between two women dedicated to making a difference!

In this episode of Victory Defined, Chief Victory Officer Eric Guy sits down with the inspiring Joelle Kaufman, CEO of GTM Flow and a sought-after leadership coach. Joelle shares how breast cancer has shaped her life since age 13, culminating in her own 2023 diagnosis—the fourth in her immediate family. Despite these challenges, Joelle turned adversity into strength, developing a “curveball” mindset that not only helped her beat cancer but also led to her happiest year yet. Together, Eric and Joelle explore resilience, overcoming adversity, and the mental frameworks that empower leaders to crush life’s curveballs with courage and purpose.

Joelle Kaufman, a seasoned executive, leadership coach, and breast cancer survivor, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and transformation. In this episode, she introduces her "curveball method" for turning challenges into opportunities, reflects on her cancer experience, and offers insights from her upcoming book, Crushing the Cancer Curveball. Tune in for a powerful conversation on advocacy, courage, and embracing life’s uncertainties.

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Joelle Kaufman shares her transformative journey as a breast cancer survivor, caregiver, and author of the upcoming book, Crushing the Cancer Curveball. Joelle reflects on how her early experiences with cancer shaped her resilience and introduced her "cancer filter" perspective, helping her find clarity amidst chaos. She discusses strategies for navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of cancer, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, a strong support system, and creating "happiness tripwires" to maintain positivity during treatment. Joelle’s inspiring story offers listeners hope, empowerment, and practical tools to face life’s toughest curveballs with strength and grace.

In this episode of Empathy Unbound, host Andrew dives into a heartfelt conversation with Joelle Kaufman, accomplished CMO, CRO, and author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball. Joelle shares her philosophy on empathy as a cornerstone of leadership and personal growth, reflecting on her experiences as a cancer survivor and caregiver.

Through stories of family, resilience, and navigating life's curveballs, Joelle highlights the importance of advocacy, adaptability, and finding joy in everyday moments. She also discusses her "Curveball Method" for leadership, the power of communication during challenges, and creating happiness "tripwires" to sustain well-being.

In this captivating episode of Story Samurai with Ari Block, Joelle Kaufman engages in an honest discussion about parenting, leadership, and the art of storytelling. From managing communication chaos in the workplace to navigating difficult conversations with her kids, Joelle shares practical strategies, her innovative "First Day Memo" concept, and insights on establishing intentional boundaries. With humor and wisdom, she discusses the significance of slowing down, taking risks, and embracing life’s unexpected detours—whether as a leader, parent, or storyteller. 

Joelle discusses the life-changing power of early detection, genetic testing, and proactive measures, emphasizing how knowledge and preparation can save lives. She opens up about finding moments of joy during treatment, the essential role of support from loved ones, and how cancer can deepen appreciation for life and catalyze personal growth. With her signature blend of candor and optimism, Joelle also explores the intersection of resilience, leadership, and storytelling, offering listeners a roadmap to navigate life’s toughest curveballs. 

In this powerful episode of The Melting Pot, Joelle Kaufman—transformational leader, bestselling author, and creator of the Curveball Method—shares her journey of turning life’s unexpected challenges into unparalleled opportunities for growth. Drawing from her personal experience as a generational cancer survivor and her extensive leadership in Silicon Valley, Joelle discusses how her neuroscience-backed approach has helped over 150,000 professionals and some of the top B2B tech companies build resilience, innovate, and lead with authenticity. 

Keynotes