127. Cancer, Embodiment & Erotic Return with Melissa Michaels
Thu Sep 25 2025
In this powerful and deeply intimate episode of The Art of We, Krista sits down with visionary movement educator Melissa Michaels to explore the intersection of sexuality, embodiment, and healing—through the lens of Melissa’s late-stage ovarian cancer journey. What unfolds is a story of profound transformation, where trauma, loss, and surgery become portals into deeper intimacy, love, physical pleasure and devotion to life force.
“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and guest Melissa Michaels
00:00 — Intro
00:55 — Melissa’s cancer diagnosis story and background
06:15 — The ritual of preparing for surgery & calling in community
09:46 — The post-surgery declaration
12:19 — Intimacy, partnership, and scarred bodies
15:34 — How Melissa worked with pain and chemo
23:12 — Building intimacy with others & the sacredness of presence
25:36 — Chemotherapy: grief, gratitude, and identity shifts
28:21 — Reclaiming sexuality and orgasm after cancer
33:04 — The long road back to intimacy and physical connection
36:36 — Balancing solitude and partnership with devotion to aliveness
40:58 — Melissa’s guidance for returning home to your body
46:19 — What this journey taught her about love, humanity, and the path forward
50:22 — Where to learn more about Melissa's work & the short film Twisted Gift
Reach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you!
Resources Mentioned:
Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Golden BridgeGolden Girls Global
Get in Touch:
The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training
Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.
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In this powerful and deeply intimate episode of The Art of We, Krista sits down with visionary movement educator Melissa Michaels to explore the intersection of sexuality, embodiment, and healing—through the lens of Melissa’s late-stage ovarian cancer journey. What unfolds is a story of profound transformation, where trauma, loss, and surgery become portals into deeper intimacy, love, physical pleasure and devotion to life force. “The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and guest Melissa Michaels 00:00 — Intro 00:55 — Melissa’s cancer diagnosis story and background 06:15 — The ritual of preparing for surgery & calling in community 09:46 — The post-surgery declaration 12:19 — Intimacy, partnership, and scarred bodies 15:34 — How Melissa worked with pain and chemo 23:12 — Building intimacy with others & the sacredness of presence 25:36 — Chemotherapy: grief, gratitude, and identity shifts 28:21 — Reclaiming sexuality and orgasm after cancer 33:04 — The long road back to intimacy and physical connection 36:36 — Balancing solitude and partnership with devotion to aliveness 40:58 — Melissa’s guidance for returning home to your body 46:19 — What this journey taught her about love, humanity, and the path forward 50:22 — Where to learn more about Melissa's work & the short film Twisted Gift Reach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you! Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Golden BridgeGolden Girls Global Get in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.