196: Yes To Life Show with Robin Daly MBE - Episode 196196: Yes To Life Show with Robin Daly MBE - Episode 196
UK Health Radio Podcast
Robin Daly MBE talks with breathworker Sophie Trew about using simple breath practices to support cancer recovery, emotional processing and self‑compassion. Their conversation touches on post‑traumatic growth, reconnecting with nature and finding a calmer way to face fear and uncertainty.
45:04•5 Nov 2026
Breath, Cancer and Reclaiming True Nature with Sophie Trew
Episode Overview
- Simple breathing techniques with longer exhales can quickly calm the body and support the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Unprocessed emotions during serious illness may contribute to PTSD‑like symptoms once treatment ends.
- Self‑compassion and dropping the pressure to be constantly positive can ease shame and fear around cancer and recovery.
- Breathwork can help release suppressed feelings, reduce stress hormones and support immune and nervous system function.
- Illness may offer an opportunity for post‑traumatic growth, inviting people to reconnect with their values, inner nature and the wider environment.
“All it takes is a few breaths to shift how we feel… and when you make your exhale longer than your inhale, your heart rate slows down.”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation on the Yes To Life Show takes a slightly different path, focusing on breath, cancer, and what it means to reclaim your "true nature" – yet it still speaks strongly to anyone trying to heal and reset their life. Host Robin Daly MBE welcomes breathworker and holistic support specialist Sophie Trew, who begins by guiding a simple, calming breathing practice.
You’ll hear her talk you through a gentle four-count inhale, brief pause, and long six-count exhale, showing how “all it takes is a few breaths to shift how we feel… and bring about a sense of calm.” It’s practical, down-to-earth and easy enough to try wherever you are. Sophie then shares her story of finishing chemotherapy at just 23 and realising the hardest part came after treatment ended.
She describes intense fear of recurrence, PTSD-like symptoms, and the pressure to be the “really great cancer patient” who’s always brave and positive. Breathwork became a turning point, giving her space to feel emotions she’d suppressed, release physical tension, and rebuild trust in her body. There’s a powerful section on self‑compassion, shame around fear, and the idea that you’re not failing if you feel overwhelmed.
Robin and Sophie discuss how chronic stress affects the nervous and immune systems, why a longer exhale can be such a useful tool, and how simple practices can support quality of life during serious illness. They also talk about “post‑traumatic growth” – the way crises can prompt people to reassess what truly matters – and link personal healing with reconnecting to nature.
From the storm outside the studio to the “sunshine” and “weather” inside us, they frame illness as a possible opportunity to reconnect with your inner voice and values, without sugar‑coating the fear. If you’re interested in gentle, accessible tools to calm your body, soften anxiety and feel more present in your recovery journey, this episode might be just the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for.
How might a few conscious breaths change how you face your own challenges today?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.