This week, we welcome back Melanie Ezell — writer, mother, yogi, and surfer from the North Shore of Oʻahu — to celebrate the release of her new book, INHERITED: A Life Without a Cure. Diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer at a young age, Melanie has shared honestly and been a luminous voice on grief, mortality, and the art of being present.

Melanie unpacks the layered meaning behind the title INHERITED. From the BRCA1 mutation passed down from her father to the cultural and spiritual messages she absorbed about shame, worthiness, and productivity, and how she is now consciously choosing what to pass on to her five-year-old son, Velzy.

The conversation moves through the surprising gifts that come from a terminal diagnosis: releasing resentment without moral superiority, stepping down from the judge's seat entirely, the freedom of radical acceptance, and how surfing chest-high waves under a double rainbow can be every bit as meaningful as charging big swells.

Melanie also shares a vulnerable and recent update. Her cancer markers have recently jumped, a stronger round of chemo may be ahead. What she actually needs from the people she loves when fear sets in is not reassurances or solutions, but simple presence.

The following words are what Melanie shared she needs to hear most. For listeners who know someone journeying through illness or for caregivers and individuals themselves, these words can change your relationship:

I hear you, I'm listening. This makes me feel ____, and I'm here for you. Talk as much as you want, tell me anything you want, and I will sit here until you don't need my presence anymore.

Whether you're living with a terminal illness, walking alongside someone who is, or simply searching for a more present, heart-centered way to move through this life, this episode will stay with you long after you listen.

Pre-order Melanie's book: INHERITED: A Life without a Cure melanieezell.com | Amazon (e-book pre-order)

Follow Melanie:

@yogasurfmel on Instagram
Substack: Melanie Ezell
Please consider supporting Melanie on her cancer journey as she prepares to release her legacy book for her son. GoFundMe

If you want to hear more about Melanie's journey, listen to Giving Grief Grace's Episode 24: Living Fully with Stage 4 ovarian Cancer: The Freedom of Letting Go or watch it on YouTube.

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Special thanks to:

Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music

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