"When Radical Remission survivors talk to me about trying to feel more love, joy, and happiness in order to help their bodies heal, they talk about it as they would talk about flossing their teeth or working out: they see happiness as a habit you have to practice daily in order to reap the desired benefits."
For many people, being told there’s nothing more that modern medicine can do would signal the end of hope. But for Dr. Kelly A. Turner, PhD, such stories became the beginning of a profound global expedition across ten countries. During her doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley, she interviewed dozens of radical remission survivors, as well as alternative healers, to uncover the factors that might contribute to such extraordinary healings. As a young researcher driven by curiosity and compassion, she dared to ask, “What if there’s more to healing than we understand?”
These findings became the foundation for her groundbreaking book, Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds, a New York Times bestseller translated into 23 languages. The book outlines nine key factors common to radical remission survivors, including practices like deep emotional release, embracing joy, and cultivating purpose — actions that weave science with spirit in the art of healing.
Dr. Turner is now a pioneering researcher renowned for her work in integrative oncology, focusing on cases of radical remission — instances where patients living with cancer or difficult-to-treat conditions experience unexpected recoveries, often when conventional medical treatments have failed.
She has created and directed a 10-episode docuseries, "Radical Remission," which delves deeper into the healing factors identified in her research, featuring personal stories of survivors, including prior Awakin guests like Shin Tereyama and Cynthia Li. She continues to challenge the medical status quo, asking not just how people survive, but how they thrive. Her work reveals an interplay of love, surrender, and inner strength that invites all of us to rethink what’s possible. Her contributions and research aren’t just about cancer, but rather the universal human yearning to find meaning, connection, and agency in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Dr. Turner's work has been featured on platforms like The Dr. Oz Show, reflecting her commitment to bridging the gap between conventional medicine and holistic approaches to healing. Her dedication to embody connection and the power of lifestyle changes continues to inspire both the medical community and individuals seeking alternative paths to health.
Join us in conversation with this trailblazing researcher and advocate for integrative healing, whose work challenges conventional paradigms and offers hope to millions.
