Rachel is a cancer survivor, former miss usa contestant, mother of twins, and a badass producer! She's lived so many lives 💞

I would read the sh*t out of a biography about Rachel.

Can we please finally make Rachel a host officially? We all know she's more than just the producer!

OMG when she talked about how her college guy friends collecting money to help her freeze her eggs was one of the sweetest things I have heard.

The minute Rachel started crying I couldn’t hold it in and started crying. You’re so strong Rachel.

I love how Ariel asks questions in this. When Rachel gets upset, it could be so easy to just stop talking, yet Ariel especially somehow seems to find exactly the right thing to say to help Rachel carry on telling her story

rachel, you did not act like a child. you acted like an adult fighting for care they deserved.

Rachel is such a warrior! But can we give major props to her Ex-BF who stuck by her side thru the craziness, hardships of cancer. He was the support she needed at the time.

The fact that Rachel’s friends pooled money to help her medical bills. My HEART 🥺❤️

Im from Argentina. What many people from untied states considered a third world country. But at least we all get free education and free healthcare ( and both are fantastic quality)

Rachel has lived a myriad of different lives I could never imagine and she is so inspirational, such an incredible and strong woman!

While certainly not the focus, I’d love to call out how impressed I am with Ariel’s ability to prompt meaningful dialogue. Perhaps it was her genuine interest in Rachel and her story, but I’d love to see her do more “interviews”.

Rachel's comment about what her oncologist said really hit me. My Grandad had cancer and it was pretty bad, my Gran asked for the doctors to be careful about what they said to him because she didn't want him giving up hope, and the doctor walked in and said 'Right Mr Cosgrove (held up a scan) this is what's killing you'... Sometimes you wonder how people with such poor social skills end up in those positions of authority...

It’s confirmed, Rachel IS the main character

What hasn't Rachel done? She's the super woman of the 2nd try family!!! So much respect for her even more now 😭

That comment Maggie made about having to have a family planning conversation with an 11 year old boy sometimes is sobering as hell...imagine having to think about having children in the future when you’re a child yourself.

The fact that Rachel had to demand that second MRI really made me upset. Same exact thing happened to my mom. She knew something was wrong with her body and each time she asked for any kind of test each Dr would tell her "no you're fine, you're just stressed..you're just grieving from the loss of your husband or..its just a side effect of your blood pressure medication" until one day my mom ended up in the ER because she passed out from loosing her breath at work, she DEMANDED a chest xray because still..the dr was telling her no, until my mom yelled at the dr. And...low and behold my mom had stage 4 lung cancer. If only we found it sooner, or if any of the drs scheduled a test a few years before that maybe she would still be here today. She fought cancer as hard as she could for 3 years. America needs to do better with our health care system. I'll NEVER understand why they deny us every time we want a test just for peace of mind. Thank you for sharing your story Rachel! You are such a strong and beautiful human 💛

Today was my last day of Chemo. It was sign I found this video. Thank you Rachel and ladies, and thank you algorithm (I guess). I needed it.

I dont know HOW the episodes ALWAYS come out when I need them the most. Rachel you are so brave for sharing this story...

Re Maggie talking about kids having to think about family planning, I had a blood disorder at 16 and my hematologist nonchalantly told me "Oh, and you can't have kids."

She had to fight for every stage of her care, imagine how many people don't have the time, or energy, or skills to advocate for themselves so well

Rachel is impressive as hell. The way she advocated for herself, stood up for herself, and took control of her own life is amazing. Surgeons can be intimidating, and she straight up refused to be intimidated.

Also how amazing is Maggie being a pediatric nurse and having to care for all these kids with cancer! She's definitely a very empathic and caring person and professional.

As someone who lives in England, hearing how much trouble rachel had to go to because she is uninsured is shocking. Makes America seem like a dystopian.

American healthcare is horrible I’m so angry

Ariel, admiring Maggie: You're really someone who can feel and tell the vibe of people Maggie, annoyed through tears: I HATE that about myself. GIRL ME TOO!!

I started crying and had goosebumps when Rachel talked about literally throwing a chair down to get the doctor to listen to her and how she had been right that she needed to be more thoroughly checked. I am uninsured and still fighting to get my diagnosis and have definitely had to say NO you're going to order this test or literally just walk out of doctor's offices when they say something offensive or dismissive to me. A healthy person hearing this podcast thinks "wow so brave" and hell yeah but it's honestly a whole different level to be fighting an illness and fighting for what you need medically at the same time. It's fucking beautiful. And to get to the other side and say now I'm going to live the life I fought for.. that's strength.

1: The more I hear of Rachel’s life the more I think she’s one of the most amazing women period! 2: Maggie’s empathy and being there for Rachel and stepping in and comforting when necessary was great. 3: Ariel did such an amazing and professional job as an interviewer during this which must have been difficult hearing a close friend express something so emotional. These ladies are incredible!

Me crying with Rachel this whole story....she's incredible! (as if we didn't already know that!) but seriously Rachel's photo should be in the intro. The show isn't the show without her.

When Rachel explained how her UCLA doctor already knew what he’d do if it came back and it’d be much easier for her 😢 I bet that was such a relief for her. Not thinking about it coming back but that he’s already ahead of the game and knows what he’d do.

"Uninsured in America is scary" yes, it really is. You are so strong Rachel! Thanks for sharing your story.

You can hear in Rachel's voice her simmering anger even though it happened a long while ago - it is ridiculous that she had to push for a proper diagnosis in the first place. 2 months of her time wasted when those 2 months may have been priceless to her recovery. And like Ariel said, if Rachel had been a less nice person, she probably wouldn't have received the care she got - the oncologist took Rachel under her wing and made sure she got what she needed (even if it did take time because she was working pro bono) because Rachel is so nice. Imagine if she hadn't had anyone like that oncologist (and I'm sure a large majority of those trying to get a diagnosis didn't). She possibly would've spent a much longer time trying to get a diagnosis or might not even have gotten one. Like Rachel said, she was lucky to have gotten the options she had but all the ladies in that room already know that what Rachel had isn't lucky and shouldn't have been considered lucky. She shouldn't be considered lucky to have the "option" to wait 9+ hours each week to be examined. She shouldn't be considered lucky to have had an oncologist who went above and beyond because she saw her daughter in her. She shouldn't be considered lucky because she had the resources to spend the time and energy looking for these non-insured medical centres in the first place. This should be a given for anyone who requires healthcare. I'm sure many people, after the first meeting with the doctor where they tell you its not a big deal, would've received that answer and not thought twice about it. I'm sure even more people would've seen the inconclusive diagnosis and decided it wasn't worth waiting 9+ hours each week for a result that might not even come back positive. And I'm sure even more people would've dropped out after the 3rd, 4th, 5th visit and still no results. The fact that Rachel had the presence of mind (During a very hectic period in her life) to keep going back until she got the result she needed to get treatment says a lot about her and about the American healthcare system. The people who couldn't make it all the way to a proper diagnosis until its too late probably would've blamed themselves ("Why didn't you get it diagnosed earlier?") but the truth is, it is literally no singular person's fault. I needed this rant lmao. It's devastating how inefficient the system is and how many people likely slip through the cracks every day. Kudos to these women in the room for hosting such an informed, calm discussion of such a difficult topic and still keeping the environment light and casual.

My family has a genetic mutation and I could not get my insurance to cover testing for my child. I was so upset. So much so that in a desperate attempt I sent Obama a message on Facebook pretty much complaining about our healthcare and I get a response back from them. The administration got my daughter seen and tested for free. I couldn’t believe it. I’m happy to say that she is free from the mutation that took my fathers and grandmothers life. Never give up on getting medical care and to try every avenue you can.

That is the gutsiest story I've ever heard. I can't imagine all Rachel went through, arguing with one high-ranking medical professional after another and just refusing to cave in. She knew what she needed, and she fought for it until she damn well got it. This woman is amazing.

Listening to how it took her two months to get diagnosed and only because she was able to get the right resources, makes me so sad. How can a first world country be like this?

This episode hit so hard. My son was 3 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He had a medi-port placed and went 3 1/2 years of chemotherapy. He is currently 12 years old and has been off treatment and cancer free for over 5 years ❤️. Love you ladies. Great podcast

As a Canadian, this story is so scary. I’m so glad that everyone I know who was diagnosed with cancer didn’t have to go into debt to live.

America is so broken! “Uninsured” should not be a status

Swear to god I’m never gonna complain about our national health service again, the USA honestly sounds like a nightmarish dystopia sometimes

"If I get it again, I'm not going to treat it" I instantly started crying. She went through so much. What an incredibly strong woman!

As soon as she said she felt that lump I immediately examined my own. I was sitting in my car and someone was probably watching me lmao but I was like I NEED TO FEEL THEM

PLEASE recognize Rachel as a full host, add her name to the description, and add her picture to the beginning!! Rachel has always been such an important presence on this podcast and she deserves that credit! All four of you are such wonderful, strong, inspiring women who I truly look up to.

i love how maggie looks like she's in the picture frame

Can anyone make a full recap of Rachel's history? She should do a draw my life: Nanny, cancer, teacher, pageant queen, video producer, mom of twins... I'm lost haha

I am so grateful for the NHS. This shouldn't happen. People shouldn't have to choose between death and bankruptcy.

When a good friend started to lose her long hair during chemo, we had also had a party. We cut her hair in every style she always wondered about (70s feathered Farrah Fawcett, angled bob, pixie cut, etc.) before buzzing it off. Much fun and a great distraction.

My best friend is 23 and currently undergoing cancer treatment. She’s one of the strongest people I know and also experienced early menopause and being faced with the decision of whether or not to freeze her eggs. I’m thankful to Rachel for sharing her story and letting young people know they’re not alone.

Anyone ever noticed how it takes a a really brave and intelligent person to say actually im not familiar with that like maggie did at 17:56

Rachel should be testing before Congress with THIS story! This is horrific! How ANYBODY can say that we can't afford Universal Healthcare, I say that we CANNOT AFFORD. "NOT" to!

I wrote notes in my phone when my grandpa was in the hospital. My mom and her siblings thought I was being rude or working in the corner and after the doctor/nurse left I reviewed what I wrote down and they were floored. “You typed all that??” From then on I was front and center for every visit from a doctor or attending and they all made sure the medical person knew I was taking notes. Sadly the week long ordeal was terminal cancer but the first days were so confusing with so many specialists and tests that we were glad to have it all in one place. Most of us had iPhones and you can even share with a group. Highly recommend.

Being 24 I can’t imagine having to go through this. Rachel is a seriously strong person.

I am a leakumia patient 20 years old... I'm on my maintenance phase, 1.5-2 years more into chemo.. I'm really glad they're talking about this since right now all the chemo I've taken has taken a toll both on my physical, mental health and been so hypersensitive. I'm waiting for that time where I can run outside and travel. ^-^

Seeing Rachel cry is absolutely heart breaking. Rachel, I hope you know, even the people watching behind a screen can see your radiant beauty inside and out. You give out an energy that is so soft, kind and loving. The world needs people like you. Myself, as well as SO many others, feel grateful for your health and that we get to virtually be in your company hearing your wisdom week after week. Truly such a lovely soul. Thank you for sharing your story.

If Rachel ever makes a memoir or an autobiography, I would read it, she’s a rockstar

The amount of tears I cried. When I was in elementary school, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s so painful to watch someone you love go through a debilitating experience. I cannot even imagine how infuriating it must’ve been to go through that. On top of that, I know it must be difficult to relive such a traumatic experience. Your podcast today brought a sense of hope and peace that I cannot even explain. Thank you thank you THANK YOU for taking the time and energy to share your experiences. I have to begin getting mammograms soon and by hearing your experience, I now know how to better advocate for myself when that time comes. Love you all and your podcast so very dearly!

I feel Rachel was trying so hard to stay strong throughout the entire time that she was telling the story, and I'm having an anxiety attack, thinking like "I don't think I would be so chill", and then she started crying and I started crying, and I felt so much better. Rachel, you don't have to be so chill, even heroes cry sometimes, and you're a freaking hero.

My younger sister got diagnosed with cancer at 5 years old and passed away three years later, and to this day my mom still keeps in contact with all of her oncology nurses. Cancer sucks but nurses are amazing human beings. Thanks for sharing your story Rachel.

I cant believe how mature Rachel was at such young age and how she handled everything ALONE .

The Twins have such a brave mama 💗

The fact Rachel had to really fight to be listened to by the doctors really hit home. My baby sister was very sick not long after she was born, my mum who is a qualified nurse went to the doctors multiple times, and pleaded for them to examine her. They refused each time and said she was just being an over worried mum. My sisters condition deteriorated and my mum found a lump on her tummy. The doctor did a home visit and examined her for no more than a minute and said she needs to go to hospital immediately. Heartbreakingly my sister lost her battle to Neuroblastoma at 11 months old. I was 3 when she died and I am very grateful that she is my first memories. She had huge blue eyes and pointy elf ears. I consider myself a very private person so never really talk about my sister. I hope you don’t mind me sharing, I just felt compelled to, thank you Rachel ❤️

I only learned from her instagram stories a few weeks ago that she had cancer. So proud of her for getting through it and being such a strong role model. So excited to listen! ❤

I've had a small lump on my left breast for 5 or 6 years now. I've ignored it, thinking, "I'm too young, there's no way!" because I'm only 24. I just went to the doctor yesterday to have it checked out and he ordered an ultrasound. Thank you for pushing me to go! If it comes back as anything more than benign, I'm going to beat myself up for not going sooner. You are SO strong, Rachel. I just adore you more and more with everything you share. Thank you for speaking up about your story!

i think rachel's story is a good example of how doctor's do not always listen to patience and shrug them off. whether that be for age, gender, sex, and especially race

I would devote my life to ensuring that Rachel never has to cry again. The CUTEST woman alive my heart broke and fell onto the floor

I don't know why they talk women out of a double mastectomy "for our mental health". I don't care about having breasts, I want to live! Breasts aren't part of my identity. I would worry about lymphedema after a mastectomy but that doesn't usually happen. I don't want to live with the worry. That would be better for my mental health.

started tearing up when Rachel mentioned her guy friends chipping to pay for her egg freezing

Self -advocacy like this is totally draining.

I love the Try Guys, but I love that they brought this team of women together more. This is so helpful to so many. Thank you. Rachel ......Thank you.

Ok, so I totally creeped on Rachel’s Instagram, and not that she’s not now, but she was so punk rock. Now she’s like beautiful earth momma babe. I love her aesthetic no matter what she does. It’s so deep and awesome and shows how fucking cool she is inside and out. ❤️

Sincerely, I am so damn glad Becky wasn't here for this episode. I just know her wholesome personality would have made me bawl even harder during Rachel's recount of her journey. I barely made it through this episode but Becky would have pushed me over the edge and I would have been a puddle of tears. Rachel, you are a phenomenal human woman and I am so grateful to you for sharing your story x

I was emotional the whole time I watched this. My god, Rachel is such a strong woman. I love this podcast ❤️ Edit: Ariel did a phenomenal job asking the questions and keeping the conversation going. She was so respectful.

Watching this in 2023 and really missing Ariel 😢❤ I hope she is doing well!

The outdated methods Rachel speaks about, and her doctor explaining to her that now things are done differently at 55:23... all of that stuck with me cause in my -sadly- third world country, those old fashioned treatments are the only thing one can receive unless they have money, and I mean that as in being very rich, to be able to afford plane tickets to other countries to get a better treatment with good doctors and good hospitals. Also, Rachel is so damn strong, I wish her the best in her life, may it be a healthy one.

And it would've been even worse if she had brown skin. She was fortunate to be taken under the doctor's wing in Harlem because she reminded that doctor of her daughter (in Harlem). I'm so glad you have done so well since. As women in general, we are constantly having to go above and beyond to get the right care.

ariel would make such a good therapist. just looking at her, i want to share everything. shes so gentle and kind

Hearing Rachel's story, it made me think about how differently her care wouldve been if she wouldve lived in a country with better public health insurance. I live in Canada and when I had gallbladder removal surgery, I got sent for an MRI just because I wasn't pooping after like 5 days (lol) so they wanted to be sure everything was fine. I'm sure Rachel wouldve been sent for an MRI by request of her surgeon if she was treated in Canada. It's so crazy how much the level of care someone receives is impacted just by if a country had good health insurance or not. America is brutal. All these costs for procedures made my jaw drop.

When Rachel cried, i cried..

The college guys pooling their money restores some of my faith in men 💕

I love how much Rachel embraces her scar. She just gave me such confidence in my central line scar.

I know this is an older video. However, I appreciate this episode so much ❤️ I recently found out I also have cancer. Rachel's story inspired me so much to not be afraid to advocate for my own care. She handled everything like such a boss 💪

I'm a secretary at a cancer treatment center, this was such a great pod episode.. it helped me understand what our patients are going through. RACHEL YOU ARE AMAZING.

2 years ago, I remember this episode really striking a chord with me and shedding tears listening to this. Last year, I was also diagnosed with cancer, and I think just remembering this podcast episode makes me feel stronger and less alone. rachel, thank you so much for sharing, I hope i get to pull through this and get to be as strong and happy as you are today

I am 25 and just had open heart surgery for rheumatic heart disease. I relate so much to Rachel right now. I even have federal insurance and am in over $20,000 debt from medical bills.

Ariel is such a good host and she is so empathetic and asks so many good questions. Rachel, you are such a strong person. Thank you for sharing your story

seeing rachel cry is literally the hardest thing ever

Rachel *really* needs to write a book. Her life story is amazing.

If they start crying I’m going to start crying. Rachel is so fucking strong. I can’t even put into words how amazed I am

Ariel is such a good listener, I'm in a methods class for my anthropology major where we are learning how to interview people and she is so active in listening and asks all the right questions.

Rachel’s advice about the notebooks is so important! Not just for you but if you are going on a journey with a friend or family member

When Maggie started talking about pediatric cancer it really got to me. My little 8 year old cousin passed away a few months ago from cancer & only got through 1 chemo treatment. Miss her everyday!😔❤ Thank you Rachel for sharing your story.

As a non-Daylights Savings Time person, I was wondering why all the Try Guys releases were an hour early. Not complaining though!!!

I was afraid to listen to this podcast because I had a horrendous time with doctors my entire life. (I live in the US.) After several brain surgeries, staph bacterial meningitis, and so many doctors straight up telling me I was faking it, I became a full advocate for myself too. I relate so much to Rachel in this story. I even ordered my own MRI and looked at it myself and was like "I dont think its supposed to look like that." I was paralyzed, having terrible seizures, passing out several times a day, and was getting no where. Literally posted my MRI online and got in touch with doctors in New York, opposite side of the country from me. I had experimental brain surgery and they saved my life. I was 21 years old.

I cried from the beginning of the episode. It's kind of coincidental because I was just thinking the other day that if I were diagnosed with cancer, I do not know if I would have the will to survive. Rachel, thank you for being brave and strong to share your story. You are such a ray of light and it shows in everything you do. Never change. ❤

What a credit to Rachel that she kept demanding what she felt was the right course for her and advocating for herself time and time again. Also Ariel and Maggie are doinf such a great job of being excellent listeners, conversationalists and friends. The questions that Ariel asks are so well thought out and Maggie interjection with knowledge make for an amazing podcast.

Maggie looks like a whole disney princess😍

Gosh, these ladies are so great. I hope Ariel can come back eventually if she wants to... *sobs*

This is such a moving but heartwarming episode. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer when I was 21 and was the opposite of Rachel, didn't really advocate for myself and was just swept along with whatever the doctors decided. Fortunately I lived in the UK who have one of the best free healthcare systems on the planet so at least I didn't have the huge financial burden to deal with. I could not have coped with that added strain. Much respect to Rachel and to Maggie who chooses to work in such a demanding environment. Inspirational.

Considering her story, I am so happy for Rachel that she gets to work with hilarious, creative, loving people around her every day. She deserves all the concentrated joy and laughter in her life after being such a strong warrior.

Not to bring race into anything but I just wanted to point out how much more difficult it would’ve been for Rachel to get the care she deserved if she was a black woman

When I was in high school, I was about to take a shower. I looked in the mirror and thought I had cancer. It turns out my nipples were hard. Sex ed and just health in general needs to have a way better curriculum. It's ridiculous that I thought I had breast cancer WHEN MY NIPPLES WERE HARD. Thankfully, I was a nursing major in college and got a WAAAAY better education on the human body. Rachel is a superhero. I can't believe she was 24-25. Most people with breast cancer are in their 50s (which is still AWFUL). This woman is so strong. Watching everyone start to cry and listening to this story is starting to make me cry. Thank you for sharing your story.