The Healing Pen and a Mic: A Journaling and Podcast Workshop for the Cancer Community
A free healing workshop for the cancer community in the St. Paul area.
Designed and compassionately facilitated by Talaya Dendy, this workshop offers a vital space for meaningful reflection and personal connection. There are many ways to share your story, and this workshop is designed to help participants explore sharing their feelings, experiences, and reflections through both journaling and a companion podcast. This is an opportunity for personal growth and for your voice to reach and help others.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, prioritizing your inner well-being and clarity is not selfish; it's essential for exploring your journey, finding emotional solace, and nurturing inner peace.
A Day for Reflection and Connection
This five-hour workshop session, designed for up to 20 participants, isn't about forcing positivity or setting unrealistic expectations. It’s a chance to pause, acknowledge where you are, gently reconnect with your inner voice, and realign with your current capacity and courage. You’ll find a supportive space to explore your experiences through expressive writing, without pressure or judgment.
Who is this Workshop For?
This workshop is designed to be a safe and supportive space for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. We welcome:
Cancer Patients & Survivors: If you are currently in treatment, in remission, or have completed your treatment journey, this workshop is a space for you to reflect on your experiences and connect with others.
Caregivers: We recognize the immense emotional and physical commitment of caregivers. This is a dedicated space for you to prioritize your own well-being, reflect on your experience, and find a sense of community.
Anyone Feeling Isolated: If you are navigating your cancer journey and are seeking connection with others who truly understand, this workshop offers an essential opportunity to feel seen and heard.
What You’ll Experience:
Join us for a nurturing and supportive workshop at The Mali Center in St. Paul, MN. This unique experience blends the therapeutic power of journaling with the opportunity to share your story through a companion podcast series.
A Nurturing Space: This workshop is provided at no cost to you, offering a safe and supported environment for personal growth, connection, and community.
A Curated Journaling Kit: You'll receive a beautiful journal and quality writing tools to help you explore your experiences, fears, hopes, and your quiet courage.
Nourishment for Body & Mind: Refreshments and a light lunch, featuring nutritious options, will be provided, ensuring your comfort and care throughout the session.
Connect with a Supportive Community: Join an intimate, small-group setting to engage in guided prompts and peer connection to foster empathy and reduce the feelings of isolation that often accompany a cancer diagnosis, survivorship, or caregiving.
The Opportunity to Share Your Story (Voluntary): Five people can choose to briefly share their story and experiences with journaling (not your private entries) in a recorded 15-minute podcast interview. Your honest and personal insights will be invaluable contributions to our community of hope, helping others feel less alone and more connected. As a thank you for your time and willingness to share, each interviewee will receive a $20 gift card.
Amplify Your Voice: These recorded conversations will be distributed through various podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more, reaching listeners in the St. Paul community and beyond to inspire and validate others.
Why Healing Pen and a Mic?
This workshop offers a vital, no-cost space for individuals to:
Explore and Find Solace: Through expressive writing, you’ll have a safe outlet to explore complex emotions and find emotional comfort and spiritual peace.
Connect and Feel Understood: Share space with others who understand your journey, fostering a powerful sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
Discover Inner Courage: Engage in guided prompts designed to help you recognize and build upon the courage and spirit you’ve developed throughout your journey.
Amplify Hope and Validation: By choosing to share your story on the companion podcast, you can offer inspiration and validation to a wider audience.
Important Details:
Detailed Agenda: A detailed agenda will be sent to all registered guests before the workshop. The workshop itself is from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with an optional hour of connection and community time from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This time is for getting to know each other, and for the optional podcast interviews for those who have signed up to participate.
More to Come: More information about the podcast flow and instructions will be sent to guests who volunteer for an interview.
Questions? If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected].
Who Is Talaya Dendy?
Talaya Dendy, BCPA, is a passionate advocate for the cancer community, recognized for her human-centered and empathetic approach to cancer support. As a seasoned cancer thriver, a pioneer in the cancer doula movement, and a 2025 Bush Fellow, she is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their journeys, ensuring they have emotional and personalized support. She currently hosts the top-rated Navigating Cancer TOGETHER podcast, offering a vital platform for raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles and the quiet victories of a cancer journey no one talks about.
TOGETHER
This workshop is made possible through key partnerships and community support. We are proud to present The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in partnership with the Mali Center, a community hub dedicated to holistic wellness, and with generous funding from The Awesome Foundation's St. Paul chapter. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to bringing this heart-centered experience to the St. Paul area.