- Mari Amari
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 9
EPISODE NO. 2
000: TEST PODCAST FOR WEBSITE: Maria Denise Talks Boss Babes and Bacon


In this conversation, I chat with Ebony Phifer, a breast cancer survivor and fierce women’s health advocate who walked through one of life’s most difficult seasons with grace, grit, and an unwavering faith. Ebony Phifer opens up about the moment she was diagnosed, the tough decisions she had to make about her body, and the deep emotional toll that often goes unseen.
She shares how she navigated surgery, recovery, and reconstruction, while also holding space for her mental health, self-image, and spiritual strength. We talk about the role of self-advocacy, the quiet fear that comes with unexpected diagnoses, and how even without a family history, breast cancer can change everything.
Ebony Phifer brings a heartfelt honesty to this conversation that reminds us all to pay attention to our bodies, trust our instincts, and reach out for support. She’s got that survivor spirit that radiates strength and softness at the same time—and I left this interview reminded that healing is just as emotional as it is physical.
In this episode she shares:
The importance of regular mammograms, even without a family history.
Understanding the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
The decision-making process regarding mastectomy options.
The significance of mental health support during treatment.
Navigating the complexities of breast reconstruction.
The role of faith and spirituality in coping with cancer.
The need for self-advocacy in healthcare decisions.
Recognizing the long-term effects of cancer treatment on self-image.
The value of community support during recovery.
Celebrating milestones in survivorship and healing.
Highlights include:
00:00 The Journey Begins: A Breast Cancer Diagnosis
07:12 Navigating Treatment Options
11:50 The Impact of Surgery and Reconstruction
16:42 Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
20:06 Reflections on Survival and Advocacy
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/
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Guest Social Media Info
Monique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/
Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/