In Episode 1 of The Chemo Files, host Debbie Galant talks about having surgery for breast cancer, which involves a lot of people bringing gifts and strange dreams. Edited by Warren Levinson. Satie musical interlude arranged by Evan Schwartzman. Logo by Joe Amditis. Concept by Noah Levinson.

Episode 1: Weirdville

As New York City's mayor and police commissioner freak out about women baring their breasts in Times Square, host Debbie Galant comes to appreciate her breast reduction, courtesy of cancer. 

Thanks to Becky Dawson for covering GoTopless's Nipple Pride Parade (and Margot Levinson for telling us about it). "Titular Two-Step" by composer Evan Schwartzman. Editing by Warren Levinson. Podcast concept by Noah Levinson.

Episode 2: Titty Talk

In Episode 3, Noah Levinson comes on board as the show's producer, holding the mic in the oncologist's office and working hard to scrute the inscrutable. Meanwhile, there's a wig-shopping adventure, a family staycation and more life lessons, in an episode we call Zen Student. Host: Debbie Galant. Producer: Noah Levinson. Editor: Warren Levinson. Composer of Tango of the Wigs: Evan Schwartzman. A special thanks to my hairdresser, Andrea Fresco-Mastrolia, who led the wig-shopping expedition. I would have been lost without her.

Episode 3: Zen Student

Raw sound of Noah teaching Debbie some songs on ukulele, interrupted by a nature call. Some explicit language.

Special Extra: Chemo Ukulele, Plus Nature Calls (unedited)

Just as Debbie comes through her first chemo more or less intact, we discover that Warren has a life-threatening problem of his own: a major arterial blockage.  In this episode, mostly written and recorded at the hospital the week before a scheduled triple-bypass, we learn that even the sick can be caregivers to each other. 

Episode 4: Patient #2

In Episode 5, we talk hair loss, heart surgery, wigs, Iris Apfel – and of course baseball. Thanks to Evan Schwartzman, who supplied musical interludes, and Terry Cashman, composer of "Talkin' Baseball," whose song has earwormed into our brains and into our hearts.


Episode 5: Talking Baseball

This week, we look into the science and controversy of the American Cancer Society's new screening recommendations encouraging fewer mammograms. With interviews from Dr. Michael Scoppetuolo, Dr. Michael Baum, and Dr. Nancy Elliott. Tape editing from Warren Levinson, and new logo courtesy of Joe Amditis. With new music from Evan Schwartzman ("Chemistry is Scary") and Noah Levinson ("Screen 2").

Episode 6: Second Opinions

In Episode 7, as Debbie battles increasing fatigue from chemo, along with the shortened daylight hours, we explore the myth of Persephone. And we find comfort from an unlikely source: the TV show Friday Night Lights. Special guest: Ellen Bakalian, adjunct professor of classics at Montclair State University. Produced by Noah Levinson. Music and sound from Jefferson Airplane and Friday Night Lights.

Episode 7: Persephone

In Episode 8 of the Chemo Files, we take time to hold the mic up to the Cancer Sisterhood, the interconnected web of women who've had cancer, and to thank them for all that they do. Tape editing and music by Noah Levinson. Interviews by Debbie Galant. Special shoutout to Mary's Place by the Sea (marysplacebythesea.org).

Episode 8: Sisterhood

In this final episode of the Chemo Files, Debbie Galant and her son Noah Levinson discuss the end of chemo and the beginning of everything else. Special thanks to Debbie's brother, Mark Galant, and to Molly MacDonald of The Pink Fund.

Episode 9: Graduation

A mother and son together tell the story of her breast cancer. With Debbie Galant and Noah Levinson.

The Chemo Files

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