The SavvyCast

The SavvyCast is a podcast of the Family Savvy blog, where Jamie Tarence will host savvy guests to discuss real life topics that affect us all. Food and family. Marriage and divorce. Fitness and health. The Enneagram and relationships. Each episode is designed to entertain, educate and inspire all who listen. Everyone is welcome at the table! So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, & Recovery: Cathy Williamson’s Cancer Journey 03/27/2026

Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, & Recovery: Cathy Williamson’s Cancer Journey In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Cathy Williamson of The Middle Page blog for a conversation that is both powerful and deeply encouraging. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor, Cathy shares her journey from diagnosis through treatment, including chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. We also talk about the emotional side of it all—losing her hair, the realities of treatment, and the practical tips that helped her get through it. Her story is full of wisdom, perspective, and so much hope—and I know it will encourage you. 🔗LINKS & RESOURCES: ➡️365 DAYS OF HEALING BY MARK BRAZEE: ➡️FOLLOW ALONG WITH CATHY WILLIAMSON: BLOG: FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: ❓QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: What is triple negative breast cancer, and how is it different from other types? How did Cathy first discover something was wrong? What did the diagnosis process look like for her? What treatments did Cathy undergo (double mastectomy, chemo, etc.)? What is the “red devil” chemotherapy, and why is it called that? What helped Cathy manage side effects like nausea during chemotherapy? What are some practical tips for someone currently going through chemotherapy? How did Cathy navigate the emotional side of her breast cancer diagnosis? After a double mastectomy, are mammograms still necessary? What are some things people should not say to someone going through cancer? What are meaningful ways to support a friend or loved one during treatment? How did Cathy’s lifestyle and wellness habits change after her diagnosis? What is something positive that came out of Cathy’s cancer journey? How did her experience shape her work today in fashion, style, and wellness for midlife women? 🎙️WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ➡️ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS: ➡️YOUTUBE: 🎙️ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! ➡️WHEN HEARTBURN ISN’T JUST HEARTBURN: ESOPHAGEAL CANCER SIGNS & EARLY DETECTION Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: ➡️MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER TOO: TALKING WITH A MALE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/40634675

When Heartburn Isn't Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection 03/20/2026

When Heartburn Isn't Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection Esophageal cancer is something many people don’t think about until it hits close to home. In this episode, we’re joined by Patti Pierce and Dr. Swaroop Vitta to have an eye-opening conversation about the warning signs, symptoms, and why early detection matters. After losing her 25-year-old son, John Michael, to Stage 4 esophageal cancer, Patti shares her story and the mission behind the John Michael Pierce Foundation to raise awareness, especially among young men. Dr. Vitta also explains what to watch for, because many symptoms can easily be dismissed as everyday heartburn. This is a powerful, informative conversation that could truly save lives! QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: How did John Michael discover he had Stage 4 esophageal cancer? What are the different stages of cancer, and what do they mean? What are the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer? What are the key signs and red flags to watch for, including: Persistent heartburn that doesn’t improve with antacids Difficulty swallowing Black or tar-like stools Unexplained weight loss Is esophageal cancer more common in men or women? What trends are doctors seeing in esophageal cancer cases among younger men? What does true chronic heartburn actually feel like? What does screening for esophageal cancer look like? What is Barrett’s esophagus, and why does it matter? What new, less-invasive screening options are currently in development? How is the John Michael Pierce Foundation raising awareness and educating others? HOW TO SUPPORT THE JOHN MICHAEL PIERCE FOUNDATION: Attend their on August 3, 2026, at the Highland Park Golf Course LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Stay up to date with the Schedule an appointment with Follow along with Birmingham Gastroenterology on , , & WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/40544755

Navigating Hair Loss: Solutions for Cancer Patients, Thinning Hair, Alopecia, & More 03/13/2026

10 Ways I Use ChatGPT Every Week (That Make Everyday Life So Much Easier) 03/06/2026

Infrared Sauna Q&A: Health Benefits, Safety, & Red Light Therapy Explained 02/27/2026

What It's ACTUALLY Like Working in Fashion 02/20/2026

Considering a Facelift? 10 Things to Think About Before You Say Yes 02/13/2026

How I Ended Up Designing a Fashion Collection | The Story Behind Ming Wang with CEO Steven Wang 02/06/2026

Protecting Your Kids from Porn in 2026: What Parents & Grandparents Need to Know with Kristen Jenson 01/30/2026

How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn (and Why It Can't Wait) with Greta Eskridge 01/23/2026

The Career Traits Employers Look for (and How to Build Them at Any Age) 01/16/2026

She Tried to Convert Catholics, Then Became One: Ellie Hiller's Faith Journey 01/09/2026

Our New Year Rhythms: Simple Daily Habits We're Prioritizing as a Couple 01/02/2026

The Power of a Solo Retreat: A Year-End Reflection for Faith, Marriage, Family, & Work 12/19/2025

The Power of a Solo Retreat: A Year-End Reflection for Faith, Marriage, Family, & Work As we head into a new year, it’s so easy to keep moving without ever slowing down to reflect. In today’s episode, my husband Zane joins me to share a powerful reflection exercise his firm has practiced for years: a solo retreat. We talk about the intentionality behind stepping away, eliminating distractions, and creating space to thoughtfully evaluate your faith, marriage, family, finances, health, and work. Whether you’re craving clarity, peace, or direction for the year ahead, this conversation will give you practical tools and meaningful questions to help you move forward with purpose. SOLO RETREAT REFLECTION QUESTIONS: SPIRITUAL How satisfied am I with reading the Bible and praying? Am I growing in my faith? How am I involved in my church and ministry? How am I using my spiritual gifts? Do I encourage my spouse spiritually? Am I in an accountability group? MARRIAGE/FAMILY How close am I with my spouse? How well am I meeting my spouse’s emotional, physical, and intellectual needs? How do we communicate with one another? How often do we go on dates? What is our level of physical intimacy, and how do we both feel about it? Are we planning vacations together, and how much do we want to spend? How does our marriage relate to our children, grandchildren, parents, and extended family? Do we spend enough quality time together? How do we encourage one another? FINANCES How are we stewarding our money? How do I feel about our income? What are our spending habits? What is our level of debt, and what is the appropriate use of debt? What is our investment strategy? Is our insurance appropriate for our stage of life? How are we approaching charitable giving? PHYSICAL & SOCIAL LIFE What is my balance between being home and being away? How often do we entertain? How are our relationships with close friends and neighbors? How involved are we in our community? Am I taking care of my body? How is my weight, exercise routine, and sleep? LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/39460570

Stress-Free Christmas Prep: Everything to Do Before the Holiday Rush 12/12/2025

Real Talk on Midlife: Hormones, Marriage, and Looking & Feeling Your Best with Deanna Pizitz 12/05/2025

Real Talk on Midlife: Hormones, Marriage, and Looking & Feeling Your Best with Deanna Pizitz In this episode of The SavvyCast, I’m joined by my dear friend and fellow midlife influencer for a candid, girl-talk Q&A. I asked my Instagram community to submit their burning questions, and today we’re diving into all of them—from marriage and midlife transitions to plastic surgery, hormones, adult children, and more. This is truly a fun, honest, and real-life conversation between two midlife women who have lived a lot, learned a lot, and love sharing what’s worked (and what hasn’t). EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Deanna’s journey through two past marriages and how she navigated divorce Insights into her current marriage and what she’s learned along the way How to navigate the transition of children growing up, getting married, and having babies Tips for dividing time with adult children and in-laws during the holidays Meaningful and practical gift ideas for in-laws An open conversation about plastic surgery: Jamie’s endoscopic facelift, CO2 laser, and mommy makeover with breast reduction Deanna’s breast augmentation, mini tummy tuck, and deep plane facelift Daxify vs. Botox: how they differ and what to know Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and why both Jamie and Deanna stopped testosterone pellets WHO IS DEANNA PIZITZ OF WELL & WORTHY LIFE? Deanna is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Life Coach who specializes in supporting midlife women. She is also a blogger and podcaster, and the founder of , a Southern-based style and wellness company in Birmingham dedicated to inspiring women through empowering lifestyle and wellness content. Her mission is to reach women, whether in Birmingham or beyond, who are looking for meaningful, practical guidance on living a happier, more fulfilled midlife. Deanna brings a relatable, real-life perspective to her work, continually pursuing her own personal growth and encouraging her audience to do the same. LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Follow along with Deanna on Instagram Well & Worthy Life Podcast: Overcoming the Shame of Divorce Listen on and WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/39281445

From Custom Sofas to the Perfect Rug: My Living Room Makeover 11/21/2025

Foolproof Way to Remove Pet Stains & Vomit from Your Rugs and Carpet 11/14/2025

The Best Easy Party Dips: Savory, Sweet, and Baked Fan Favorites 11/07/2025

The Ultimate Holiday Hosting Home Refresh You’ll Thank Yourself For Later 10/31/2025

How Interior Designer Dana Wolter's Health Journey Birthed "Elegance and Comfort of Home" 10/24/2025

How to Build a Godly Legacy with Hobby Lobby’s David Green & Legacy Stone’s Bill High 10/17/2025

Pantry Staples that Instantly Elevate Your Cooking 10/10/2025

Ady's BiG Army: How One Girl's Journey Brings Hope to Adults with Disabilities 10/03/2025

Ady's BiG Army: How One Girl's Journey Brings Hope to Adults with Disabilities In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Chrissy Schubert, mom to Ady and founder of Ady’s BiG Army, to hear the powerful story behind her daughter’s journey. Chrissy shares how Ady was diagnosed with autism, the struggles their family faced, and the miracle of how Ady went from being nonverbal to spelling out her very first poem. Out of this journey came Ady’s BiG Army, an organization that helps adults with disabilities by providing resources, support, and community for families navigating similar challenges. This conversation is filled with hope, faith, and practical insight for anyone looking for organizations that resource adults with disabilities. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: Who is Ady? - Her story, her diagnosis with autism and mitochondrial dysfunction, and how her journey inspired Ady’s BiG Army. Understanding Ady’s Journey - How she experienced regressions and the causes behind them & the miracle of how she went from being unable to communicate to spelling out her first poem. A Mother’s Perspective - Chrissy shares the struggles and emotions of raising a severely autistic child, the impact on her marriage, and how God worked through their challenges. The Birth of Ady’s BiG Army - How the nonprofit began, the heart behind it, and the amazing projects they’ve done to serve families facing similar struggles. Looking Ahead - What Ady’s BiG Army is doing now, their vision for the future, and how listeners can support their mission. LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Follow along with Check out all the across the country Mark your calendars for the on April 25, 2025! in Birmingham, AL WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/38446005

Infrared Sauna Benefits: How I Use Mine for Pain Relief & Radiant Skin 09/26/2025

Practical Safety Tips: Do’s and Don’ts Every Woman Should Know 09/19/2025

Honest Q&A with My Husband: Marriage, Parenting, & Menopause 09/12/2025

Honest Q&A with My Husband: Marriage, Parenting, & Menopause In this week’s episode, I’m joined by my husband, Zane, for a candid Q&A where we answer your questions! I asked my Instagram followers on my IG Story to submit their biggest questions, and together we’re covering it all: faith, marriage, parenting, grandparenting, finances, business, and even menopause. If you’ve ever wondered what life, marriage, and faith look like behind the scenes for us, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, honest reflections, and even a laugh or two. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: Why did Zane convert to Catholicism? Do Catholics really believe it’s Jesus plus works that save you? What’s the pricing on our family’s VRBO? Looking back, what would we do differently in our marriage? What did we do well? How did we navigate and nurture our marriage with little kids? What’s it like stepping into grandparenthood? How do we handle arguments (and what has changed over the years)? What keeps a husband happy day-to-day? How do you find a trusted financial advisor? What’s the best way to retire when you own a business with a partner? How can you encourage strong relationships with adult children? How can a husband support his wife through menopause? What does a “perfect marriage” really look like? LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Retreat at Marble Valley officially launches this weekend! Once it’s live, I’ll update the show notes with a direct link so you can check it out and book your stay. In the meantime, be sure to follow along on Instagram for updates and a first look at all the details. by Ken Polk Outfit Details: Necklace: - Use code JAMIE15 for a special discount! Dress: ZANE'S LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK A WEALTH MANAGER 1. How do you get paid, and what is your total compensation structure? 2. Are you a fiduciary at all times, and how do you ensure my interests come first? 3. What is your investment philosophy, and how do you tailor it to someone in my stage of life, goals, and risk tolerance? 4. What does your ideal client look like, and how many clients like me do you currently serve? 5. How do you measure success for clients, and what reporting/communication can I expect? 6. What resources, team members, or specialists will I have access to beyond you? 7. Can you share a story of how you helped a client navigate a major market downturn or significant life transition? WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/38190730

Hosting a Small Group: Meals, Marriage, & Meaningful Community 09/05/2025

15 Costco Items You Need for Cooking & Entertaining this Season 08/29/2025

Must-Have Baby Items Every Grandparent Should Keep at Home 08/22/2025

The SavvyCast

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