Out of Patients EP396: Be Like Zach: Love, Loss, and Legacy
Jonathan Wall and Jennifer (Kleeman) Wall lost their son, Zach. What they did next is the reason this episode matters. They turned unspeakable grief into something that helps other families navigating pediatric cancer.
We talk about what Zach was like, what “Be Like Zach” actually means, and why the system still makes it way too hard for families to get the support they need.
This isn’t a grief story. It’s a story about mission, clarity, and what it means to rebuild your life on purpose.
They didn’t want to become advocates. But they had no choice. Now they’re out there making noise, building Zach’s Bridge, and refusing to let other families fall through the cracks.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when people turn pain into action, listen to this. It’s one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever had.
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Matthew Zachary
Producer
Dubbed "The People's Voice in Healthcare" by People Magazine, Matthew Zachary turned a brain cancer diagnosis at 21 into a global movement for patient empowerment. He beat the odds and became a powerhouse advocate for patient rights, giving a voice to millions overlooked by traditional healthcare.
As the founder of Stupid Cancer, he launched the young adult cancer movement, pioneering a new era of patient advocacy. In 2007, he created The Stupid Cancer Show—the first-ever healthcare talk radio show before podcasts were even a thing—building a global community for cancer survivors.
His groundbreaking podcast Out of Patients and the award-winning documentary The Cancer Mavericks cemented him as the "Podfather of Healthcare" and one of the most trusted, irreverent voices in the industry.
Now, as Principal of Matthew Zachary Worldwide, he leads a media, consulting, and think tank agency disrupting healthcare marketing with bold, empathy-driven storytelling. His work spans digital health, life sciences, entertainment, and nonprofit advocacy—challenging the system, amplifying patient voices, and driving real change.
With millions of downloads, hundreds of keynotes, and a sharp GenX edge that blends wit with wisdom, Matthew empowers patients to reclaim their stories while helping organizations embrace authentic, lived-experience storytelling.
Matthew is also... still standing.
Out of Patients EP402: Dancing Through the Wreckage: Sally Wolf
