Operation spread The C Word

Operation Spread The C Word

Project 2020-08-06 13:19:43 +1200

The C Word: Kiwis Talk About Cancer is a podcast helping us to have real conversations about cancer. This podcast gives those who cancer has effected (and isn't that kind of everyone?!) a place where they feel heard, seen and recognised.

Because cancer is hard, really hard, and the way it effects our lives can be heartbreaking, life changing, downright weird, and sometimes even funny! And we (Helen and Belinda) the hosts of The C Word think that we need to talk about all of this so that we can keep the talk real. (Although sometimes Belinda things that Helen wants to share a little too much....😊) 

Helen and Belinda have never met but they're making a podcast! The C Word: Kiwis Talk About Cancer has been on air less than three months and it's already the second most popular show on Planet FM! We are on all the major poscast platforms and have hit the iTunes podcast charts NZ at #27 for health & fitness...we're the little podcast making a big impact. 

Planet FM has helped us out via NZ on Air funding for community radio which offers subsidised station fees. Thanks NZ on Air! Helen uses the studio at Auckland community station Planet FM and Belinda sets up in her living room in Ōākura, Taranaki. We're producing weekly episodes and know there are so many stories to tell.

Helen and Belinda 'met' in 2019 after Belinda read Helen's cancer experience in the Sunday Star Times. They both had breast cancer in 2018 and connected over a shared experience only someone who has been there understands. When Helen decided to wanted to make a podcast Belinda jumped at the chance to be involved. 

Cancer doesn't just affect the person going through the diagnosis, it has a ripple effect through their whanau, friends and community. And the presence of cancer doesn't go away after treatment - having cancer alters you and how you experience life. Loneliness and alienation are common feelings for individuals who have finished cancer treatment.

We feel (and our listeners agree!) that this show is a project that helps to combat these feelings of invisibility and isolation. Helen and Belinda believe that hearing the voices of lived experience can help people and their loved ones start healing and feel they are part of a community that gets what they have been through. They also think sometimes you just need to have a good old laugh at some of the truly horrific things cancer treatment can do to your body! 

So why do we need your money and support?

The show is a project on top of jobs and the chaos of everyday life. Financial help will enable us to grow and reach more people impacted by cancer. 

We are asking for your help to keep the podcast running to help  produce a great show. We want to produce a high quality podcast telling the stories of Kiwis impacted by cancer and would love you to help us out.

Who is the C Word?

Helen King is a born and bred westie (but not of the bogan variety) who lives in west Auckland with her partner Ross, hyperactive dog Lenny and grumpy cat Bebe. A former journalist, lover of cycling, and mental health advocate she was diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer in 2018 and became part of team one titty. 

Belinda Tran-Lawrence lives in the seaside township Ōākura in Taranaki. She is a dreamer, avid reader, mother of three smart, vivacious young women, a former teacher and team  no titties. She is a university tutor and loves exploring Aotearoa with her husband, Tran. Belinda also was diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer in 2018. 

What's in it for you?  Cool rewards and that warm feeling of doing good. 

We are offering super cool rewards for different donation amounts. Some of these are our very own The C Word merchanise.

Life can be pretty challenging sometimes - this is something we know ourselves very well. But you know what? You are doing amazing - you really are. Remind yourself of that every time you put on you quality AS Colour tee or snuggly hoodie. Or gift one to a friend who you think is doing amazing. Choice of colours available.

'You're Doing Amazing' tee $55 Reward

 And you can be happy that you are making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. 

The show is  available across mulitiple podcast platforms, social media and via community radio in Auckland. Our audience is predominantly women and we have high engagement via social media. And the audience is steadily growing across all platforms. We had over 700 downloads with little promotion via the Planet FM website within the first few weeks of launching. We can see this growing exponentially with the right backing behind us. 

What will the money pay for?

We will support local legends The Rock Shop who have provided us with a quote for equipment to take our show to the next level. 

Podcasting equipment:

Rodecaster pro intergrated podcast production console: $995

Rode podmic dynamic podcasting microphone x2: 186.15 each

Rode smartlav mic: $109.65

Rockcable: $14.41

Studio headphones: $160.65

Investment into marketing and promotion (including Facebook ads), prizes for promotion (C Word t-shirts, tote bags), general running costs to build the C Word: Kiwis Talk About Cancer into a resource for Kiwis impacted by cancer.

So what are you waiting for? 

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