Out of Patients EP404: Dr. Allyson Ocean Unfiltered: Science, Colons and Calling BS
Dr. Allyson Ocean stepped into the Out of Patients studio—and let’s just say, it was worth the 20-year wait.
She’s a GI oncologist, yes. But she also co-founded more cancer nonprofits than most people can name, sits on the boards that move the needle, and doesn’t flinch when it comes to calling out what’s broken in medicine. Our CEO Matthew Zachary and Dr. Ocean covered everything from the future of liquid biopsies and mitochondrial disease in royal families (really) to microplastics, seed oils, and the epidemic of empathy deficiency in healthcare.
They even dig into the history of the young adult cancer movement, burnout, bad food policy, and why photography and retail therapy count as legitimate mental health strategies.
This conversation isn’t filtered, polished, or prepackaged. It’s smart. Honest. Sometimes hilarious. And exactly the kind of conversation we think more leaders in healthcare should be having out loud.
If you're in the business of patient advocacy, cancer care, biotech, or just giving a damn about the future of medicine, this one's for you.
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 EP403: Constellations and Cancer: A Storytelling Rebellion with Lisa Shufro
