Ryan is the cofounder along with his wife Teddy, of The Stern Method, a platform informing and inspiring families preventing or reversing cancer to succeed on all fronts.

In May of 2014 their son Ryder was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of the nervous system eleven days before his first birthday. Through an integrative approach leaving nothing on the table, and ridding their lives of all possible causes, which included building a non-toxic house in the middle of the woods, today Ryder is thriving.

Along with The Stern Method website and social media presence, Ryan hosts The Anti-Cancer Revolution podcast and online conference series, and is the creator of Going Integrative Plus, a community providing cancer patients, parents and caregivers step by step instruction along with the opportunity to receive guidance directly from the top holistic cancer doctors in the world.

In this episode, Ryan shares his family’s powerful and deeply personal cancer journey. After months of dismissed symptoms, Ryder’s imaging finally revealed a large spinal tumor with metastases. Faced with intense pressure to immediately begin chemotherapy, Ryan and his wife Teddy chose to pursue an integrative approach, advocating fiercely for Ryder while navigating fear, resistance from the medical system, and even threats of child protective services involvement.

Ryder received limited chemotherapy due to medical necessity, but was supported simultaneously with extensive integrative care, including IV vitamin C, targeted nutritional therapy, supplements, detox support, and a healing-focused home environment. Ryder responded far better than expected—secondary tumors disappeared quickly, the primary tumor shrank dramatically, and conventional treatment was stopped far earlier than standard protocol. Over time, continued improvement confirmed the remaining mass as inactive scar tissue, and Ryder is now thriving.

Ryan reflects on the importance of trusting parental intuition, addressing environmental and lifestyle factors, and combining foundational health practices with integrative oncology care. Their experience became the foundation for The Stern Method, Ryan’s podcast, and the Going Integrative Plus community, all created to empower families with education, support, and access to integrative cancer experts—offering hope and guidance to those facing similar diagnoses.

For more guidance and information, go to thesternmethod.com and goingintegrativeplus.com. Put in LIBERATE for 50% off first month of membership of Going Integrative Plus.

For information on Ryan’s supplement (OURA 7) combined specifically to support the pathways most responsible for cellular strength, repair, signaling, and overall long-term resilience, go to https://ourhealthnaturally.com/revivewellness and enter LIBERATE20 for 20% off until 1/22/26.

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

Dr. Contreras, serves as director, president, and chairman of Oasis of Hope Hospital. A distinguished surgical oncologist, Dr. Contreras is renowned for combining conventional and alternative medical treatments with emotional and spiritual support to provide patients with the most positive treatment experience possible.

After graduating from medical school at the Autonomous University of Mexico in Toluca, Dr. Contreras specialized in surgical oncology at the University of Vienna in Austria, where he graduated with honors. He has authored fifteen books concerning integrative therapy including: The Art and Science of Undermining Cancer, 50 Critical Cancer Answers, The Hope of Living Cancer Free, The Coming Cancer Cure, Beating Cancer and Dismantling Cancer.

In addition to writing for medical journals, Dr. Contreras has participated in medical conferences such as the World Conference on Breast Cancer and is active in the Cancer Control Society.

In this episode, Dr. Francisco Contreras shares the philosophy behind Oasis of Hope Hospital and its integrative approach to cancer care — one rooted in compassion, personalization, and quality of life. Rather than relying solely on aggressive treatments, his work is guided by the principle of “first, do no harm,” offering therapies he would choose for himself or a loved one.

Dr. Contreras explains that while cancer begins with genetic mutations, it behaves largely as a metabolic disease. All cancers share common traits — heavy sugar dependence, acidity, and low oxygen — which Oasis of Hope addresses through metabolic therapies, immune support, and highly personalized cell-based treatments using a patient’s own immune cells.

His message is both grounded and hopeful: cancer is not a death sentence. Healing is measured not just by shrinking tumors, but by how patients feel, live, and reclaim their lives when the body, mind, and spirit are supported together.

For more information, go to oasisofhope.com

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

Lise Alschuler, ND, MBA, FABNO, is the President & CEO of Sonoran University of Health in Tempe AZ. She is a Professor of Naturopathic Medicine at Sonoran University and retains her rank as a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona where she was previously the Associate Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.

She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University. Dr. Alschuler completed her naturopathic medical training at Bastyr University where she also completed her residency in general naturopathic medicine.

She is board certified in naturopathic oncology and completed an executive Masters of Business in 2023. She is co-author of Definitive Guide to Cancer, now in its 3rd edition, and Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer.

During our conversation, Dr. Alschuler shares her long journey into naturopathic oncology, which began even before cancer affected her own family. Early on, she was drawn to working with people facing cancer because of the depth, honesty, and perspective they often carried. After years in general naturopathic practice, she trained in a hospital-based integrative oncology program, where patients received both conventional and naturopathic support. During that time, her father was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Through an intensive integrative approach, he lived far longer—and with far better quality of life—than expected. Several years later, she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer, and going through treatment using integrative care profoundly deepened her empathy, reshaped her practice, and strengthened her belief in the value of combining conventional and natural therapies.

She explains that the foundations of integrative cancer care are simple but powerful: quality nutrition, consistent physical activity, restorative sleep, targeted supplementation, and attention to environmental exposures. Medicinal mushrooms, for example, have strong evidence as treatment adjuvants with minimal risk. She also emphasizes that supplements must be used thoughtfully and safely—ideally under the guidance of a trained naturopathic oncologist—because natural products can still interact with cancer drugs. A key part of healing, she notes, also involves emotional integrity, authenticity, and the willingness to reexamine one’s life.

Her “Five to Thrive” framework organizes these core lifestyle pillars into an empowering, practical roadmap for recovery and long-term wellness. Her book, The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer, is meant to give survivors hope, reduce fear of recurrence, and offer evidence-based strategies without overwhelming readers. Ultimately, she believes healing is not just physical—many people experience profound growth, clarity, and inner alignment through the cancer journey, regardless of the outcome.

To find a Naturopathic Oncologist, Dr. Alschuler suggests going to oncanp.org, and Naturopathic Doctors can be found on naturopathic.org

Dr. Lise Alschuler and Karolyn Gazella, co-authors of the books, The Definitive Guide to Cancer and The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer, also have a podcast called, Five to Thrive Live and can be found on all podcast outlets.

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldcenter.com

Janet is a Doctor of Osteopathy and Doctor of Natural Medicine who specializes in integrative oncology and metabolic health. She's the founder of Nurture and Restore Wellness, where she helps patients understand the deeper terrain of their health, the systems and patterns that influence cancer growth and healing.

Her work brings together science, compassion, and personalized care. Janet uses data-driven functional testing, targeted nutrition, and metabolic therapies to help people restore balance, strengthen immunity, and support the body's innate ability to heal.

Her approach combines scientific precision with compassionate care, empowering patients to restore balance, strengthen immunity, and optimize outcomes at every stage of cancer care.

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, Dr. Janet shares her unexpected journey into integrative oncology. Initially hesitant to work with cancer patients, she eventually recognized the deep need for a more compassionate, whole-person approach. Dr. Janet explains how cancer is often misunderstood as purely a genetic mishap, when in reality it's profoundly influenced by metabolism, environment, and lifestyle. She emphasizes that patients don’t have to choose between conventional and integrative care—true healing happens when disciplines collaborate and the patient is seen as a whole human, not just a tumor.

Dr. Janet details how her approach differs from a traditional oncologist: instead of focusing solely on shrinking tumors, she digs into the “terrain”—the stressors, exposures, life patterns, and imbalances that allowed cancer to develop. Using the “test, assess, address” methodology, she relies on comprehensive labs, trends over time, and continuous adjustments rather than rigid protocols. Foundational elements such as nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, movement, and emotional healing are at the core of her work. She stresses that advanced therapies like IV vitamin C, mistletoe, and fasting around chemotherapy are valuable, but they only work when the “container”—the person’s overall terrain—is strong. Emotional and spiritual health, she adds, can be the missing link even when lab results look good.

She also shares insight into her work with Immunocene, a leading-edge dendritic cell immunotherapy program in Mexico, where personalized treatments are created from a patient’s own immune cells and tumor tissue. Dr. Janet supports the program through metabolic oncology guidance, data interpretation, and terrain-based strategies. Her final message to patients is one of empowerment: don’t lose hope, build a supportive team, and focus on what you can control. Healing is not linear, but with curiosity, collaboration, and foundational care, patients can regain clarity, confidence, and agency in their cancer journey.

To reach Dr. Janet, go to janet@nurturerestore.com

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

Leslie is a personal trainer with expertise in cancer exercise intervention and chronic disease, a Pilates instructor, running coach, HIIT trainer, and grief counselor with over two decades of experience helping people optimize their health and wellness through the mind/body connection. She’s passionate about helping people through their own wellness journey by providing exercise and training tips.

In this episode, Leslie shares about exercise oncology—the growing field that uses movement to improve cancer outcomes and overall well-being. After losing several loved ones to cancer, Leslie was inspired to help survivors rebuild strength, confidence, and hope through personalized fitness programs.

She shares key findings from the groundbreaking CHALLENGE Study, which followed colon cancer patients for 15 years and proved that supervised exercise not only reduces side effects but also improves survival rates—showing a 37% reduction in death and 28% reduction in recurrence. These powerful results demonstrate that exercise can be just as impactful as medical treatments in supporting long-term recovery.

Leslie emphasizes that exercise doesn’t have to be complicated—even a brisk walk for a few minutes a day can reduce fatigue, boost mood, improve sleep, and lessen anxiety, pain, and muscle loss. For those who feel too tired or overwhelmed to begin, she encourages starting small, setting realistic goals, and choosing activities that bring joy and consistency.

What Leslie loves most about her work is witnessing the resilience of cancer survivors—their determination to heal and give back, even in their hardest moments. Her heartfelt message: Be gentle with yourself, move your body in ways that feel good, and remember that your “new normal” can be even stronger, healthier, and more hopeful than before.

For more information, go to livingwithleslielifeafter50.com

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by the karlfeldtcenter.com

A member of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Program, a Corporate Facilitator, and a Certified DISC Consultant, Diana Fritz is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through open, engaging, and values-driven leadership. Her mission is to create a meaningful impact and ensure every person she encounters feels valued.

Beyond her professional achievements, Diana is a devoted wife, mother, and committed volunteer. She thrives on sharing insights about leadership, resilience, and navigating challenges with authenticity.

In this deeply moving episode, Diana shares her remarkable 12-year cancer journey — one that began unexpectedly with what seemed like a minor eye irritation and evolved into a powerful story of faith, resilience, and purpose. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer affecting her eye and sinuses, Deanna’s path included multiple surgeries, radiation, immunotherapy, and ultimately the loss of her eye. Yet through it all, she chose gratitude over grief, focusing on what she could control and finding meaning in every challenge.

A single mom at the time of her diagnosis, Deanna learned to accept help from others — a lesson that transformed her both personally and professionally. Her authenticity and strength as a leader grew as she realized that true resilience isn’t about never falling, but about getting back up again and choosing to see the good. She shares how her grandmother’s optimism, her faith, and her background in basketball shaped her mental toughness, teaching her to respond to life’s setbacks with grace and courage.

Deanna also talks about her book, Ultimately Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified, which weaves her cancer story with reflections, lessons, and applications for anyone facing adversity. Through her transparency and compassion, she invites readers to find purpose in their pain and to support others through theirs.

In this conversation, Deanna reminds us that even in the hardest seasons, we still have the freedom to choose how we respond — to be a victim or a victor. Her advice for anyone facing a cancer journey is powerful: focus on the parts of your wellness you can control — your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual health. Because, as she says, cancer doesn’t define us — it can refine us.

Her Book:

Uniquely Imperfect. Uniquely Qualified

Links:

https://grituiuq.com/

www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fritz-b032064

https://www.facebook.com/diana.kline.395

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

Sandy is an award-winning actress who recently added stage 4 cancer survivor to her remarkable life journey. A passionate yogi, creative, and producer, she is dedicated to inspiring others through her experiences. While undergoing her battle with cancer, Sandy authored a poignant book titled Cancer Ramblings: From Why to Why Not?, offering hope and guidance to those facing similar challenges.

In addition to her work in the creative arts, Sandy is passionate about the healing arts through various modalities such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound bathing to promote wellness and resilience.

By blending her talents in film and literature with her commitment to the healing arts, Sandy empowers individuals to find strength and community in their struggles, to find purpose through pain— demonstrating how overcoming mental barriers can lead to powerful results in physical healing.

During our conversation, Sandy shares how she learned about her diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and how cancer changed her in a meaningful way. She explains how cancer of the mind was way more challenging than the cancer in her body and how she trained her mind to overcome her challenges. She also shares what she included in her healing regimen and how she was led to write a book about her experience with cancer to guide and support people through their experience.

For more information, go to cancerramblings.com

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

Robert Scott Bell, D.A. Hom. (American Academy of Clinical Homeopathy1994) is a homeopathic practitioner, an author and an expert in silver and copper therapeutics. As a keynote speaker, lecturer and educator, he shares his expertise and practical experience with a broad range of audiences from Health Care and Wellness Professional forums, to Natural Industry trade and consumer shows, addressing those who are seeking the depth of his knowledge, education and key insights from his years of holistic practice.

RSB co-authored Unlock the Power to Heal with Ty Bollinger. He hosts the popular Robert Scott Bell Show six days a week, where he discusses everyday health issues from the perspective of alternative and holistic health care. He travels and lectures to bring the power to heal back where it belongs, with each and every one of you!

In this enlightening conversation, Robert Scott Bell opens up about his early health struggles and how they ultimately led him to discover natural medicine—despite growing up in a conventional medical and pharmaceutical household. He shares his perspective on why traditional oncology has seen limited progress in truly healing cancer, and what he believes is the best path forward for those finishing standard treatments.

Robert also dives into how silver and copper therapeutics can support the body’s natural healing abilities, and he reveals the most researched mineral shown to help both prevent and reverse cancer. Finally, he highlights some often-overlooked factors that play a critical role in healing.

For more information, go to robertscottbell.com

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com