The Space Between

·E4

The Confidence Comeback: Gina LaManna on Healing, Beauty & Self-Love After Cancer (Part 1)

Aug 28, 2025
28 mins

Episode Description

What does healing look like after the hardest chapter of your life?


Gina Lamanna, breast cancer survivor and founder of The Fondle Project, shares her deeply personal journey through illness, divorce, healing, and rediscovering confidence. From dating after reconstructive surgery to launching a nonprofit that helps women reclaim their bodies and voices, Gina offers a powerful perspective on what it means to show up for yourself in the aftermath of trauma, and to create space for women to heal, thrive, and embrace their wholeness—scars and all.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Reclaiming self-love after survival: Gina opens up about the emotional and physical toll of breast cancer—and how dressing up, dancing, and even dating became acts of self-healing.
  • The impact of community in recovery: From her ex-husband to a supportive new partner, Gina’s story is a testament to the people who show up—and the importance of building spaces where others can feel seen.
  • Redefining healing and empowerment: Through The Fondle Project, Gina is helping women feel beautiful, informed, and supported—offering tools, education, and holistic resources that go far beyond the pink ribbon.


Jump into the conversation:

(00:51) Intro

(01:47) Gina's journey to self-love and confidence

(03:22) Facing fears and building confidence

(06:45) Finding love and support

(10:20) The birth of The Fondle Project

(14:44) Empowering women through self-care

(25:32) Learning to trust intuition


Resources:

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