- Mari Amari
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
EPISODE NO. 10
000: TEST PODCAST FOR WEBSITE: Maria Denise Talks Boss Babes and Bacon

In this conversation, I chat with Alexis Toller, a breast cancer survivor and soon-to-be published author who’s lived through the unimaginable—and still found a way to stand in light. Alexis Toller walks us through her personal breast cancer journey, from the shock of diagnosis to the quiet victories of recovery, and everything in between.
She opens up about what it meant to advocate for herself, navigate the deeply emotional decisions around surgery, and keep a positive outlook when the road ahead felt uncertain. We talk about the faith that carried her, the community that held her up, and how writing her upcoming book Strength in Scars became a form of healing all its own.
Alexis Toller has that rare gift of being both deeply real and deeply hopeful, and I left our conversation with a new appreciation for resilience, purpose, and the stories we carry in our bodies. Whether you’re in the fight, loving someone who is, or just in need of perspective—you’ll find strength in her words.
In this episode she shares:
The importance of staying positive during difficult times.
Personal connections can lead to unexpected support.
Navigating cancer treatment involves emotional and physical challenges.
Surgery decisions can be complex and deeply personal.
Writing can be a therapeutic outlet during illness.
Sharing one's story can help others feel less alone.
Community support is vital for those undergoing treatment.
It's essential to advocate for your health and choices.
Every cancer journey is unique and should be respected.
Encouragement and positivity can significantly impact recovery.
Highlights include:
00:00 Introduction and Connection
02:23 Facing the Diagnosis
06:34 Navigating Treatment and Emotions
10:05 Surgery Decisions and Challenges
15:33 The Journey to Becoming an Author
20:16 Sharing the Story and Upcoming Events
27:42 Words of Encouragement
Watch episode 464 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps
Links mentioned in this episode
Monique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/
Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/
Monique’s Podcast: https://moniquershields.com/podcast/
Side Hustle Pro: https://sidehustlepro.co/
Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss
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Guest Social Media Info
Monique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/
Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/