Explore every episode of the podcast Beyond Brain Tumours
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redefining life after: A way forward through change, adversity and suffering | Part 2 | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:17:03 | |
In this heartfelt conversation, Matthew shares his journey as a brain tumour survivor and the profound ways in which it challenged his identify, routines, and mental health as a young adult. He talks about paving a way forward, sharing the question that helped anchor him through his most difficult moments: “What can I do today, right now, in this moment?” While adversity might look different for everyone, the path through it is built one step at a time, through resilience and courage. Matthew’s story reminds us that there is hope, even in the toughest of times. For additional information, you may visit:
If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Redefining life after: A way forward through change, adversity and suffering | Part 1 | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:19:01 | |
In this heartfelt conversation, Matthew shares his journey as a brain tumour survivor and the profound ways in which it challenged his identify, routines, and mental health as a young adult. He talks about paving a way forward, sharing the question that helped anchor him through his most difficult moments: “What can I do today, right now, in this moment?” While adversity might look different for everyone, the path through it is built one step at a time, through resilience and courage. Matthew’s story reminds us that there is hope, even in the toughest of times. For additional information, you may visit:
If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Entrevue avec Maria, proche aidante (en français) | 08 May 2024 | 00:47:44 | |
Maria a été la proche aidante de son mari, décédé il y a plus de 6 ans d'un glioblastome. If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| From diagnosis to recovery: Embracing positivity through a brain tumour experience | 21 Mar 2024 | 01:02:44 | |
In this episode, we speak with Peter, a 49-year-old brain tumour survivor whose experience began in January 2019 with the diagnosis of a grade 2 astrocytoma following a seizure. Peter shares his fascination with awake brain surgery and the challenges that followed with his recovery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through it all, he emphasizes the importance of maintain a positive attitude and remaining optimistic in the face of adversity. Awake brain surgery - Mayo Clinic Awake Brain Surgery: Your questions answered (ottawahospital.on.ca) * Clinical Trials - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Entrevue avec Kathy, survivante de tumeur cérébrale (en français) | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:59:41 | |
Kathy est une survivante de tumeur cérébrale résidant à Québec et bénévole à la Fondation canadienne des tumeurs cérébrales pour le programme pédiatrique GOcervo. En 2011, elle a reçu un diagnostic de tumeur cérébrale. If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Finding hope, building resilience and setting goals: Defining a new normal | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:53:59 | |
In this episode, Alex shares how he navigated life after a brain tumour diagnosis, surgery and a challenging recovery. Join us as we explore the process of defining a “new normal,” including fertility preservation, building resilience, the role of positive psychology and goal setting. Alex’s story offers insights on self-advocacy, emotional well-being, and the power of setting new goals after life-altering experiences. Male Fertility Issues and Cancer — Side Effects - NCI Female Fertility Issues and Cancer — Side Effects - NCI Fertility problems | Canadian Cancer Society Martin Seligman: The new era of positive psychology | TED Talk Stories - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Family, friends and honest conversations: How to build your cancer squad | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:39:14 | |
In this episode, we speak with Sarah, a registered nurse at The Hospital for Sick Children and a brain tumour survivor who was diagnosed 13 years ago. Having faced four reoccurrences, Sarah reflects on the vital role her “cancer squad” of family and friends played in her life. We explore therapy, honest communication, and navigating difficult emotions and conversations. Listen in as Sarah shares her beautiful poem, What it’s Like, offering a glimpse into her experience as a young adult living with a brain tumour. Relationships and Communication with Others - NCI (cancer.gov) 2017-AdvanceCarePlanning.pdf (braintumour.ca) 2018-Scanxiety.pdf (braintumour.ca) For more information on ‘How to manage claustrophobia during your MRI’, please visit Sunnybrook Hospital* Relationships - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Livingoutloud.life - Relationships * If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| An Indigenous perspective on caregiving and loss: Navigating a brain tumour diagnosis during the pandemic | 14 Nov 2023 | 01:06:13 | |
Carolyn, who grew up in a First Nations community in southeastern New Brunswick, shares the story of her mother, Phyllis— a polio survivor and community advocate— who passed away from a brain tumour during the pandemic. In this episode, Carolyn reflects on her mother’s incredible life, her advocacy for their community, and the unique challenges they faced together during diagnosis and treatment. If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| From subtle signs to diagnosis: The importance of listening to your body | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:43:55 | |
Karen-Lisa is a brain tumour survivor whose experience began in 2015 with the diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma. As a young mother, she shares her experience with the challenges of navigating symptoms, overcoming assumptions, seeking second opinions and the importance of listening to your body. Talking with your Child / Teen about a Brain Tumour Diagnosis Questions to Ask your Health Care Team (braintumour.ca) Common Drive - Questions to Ask your Healthcare Team.pdf - All Documents (sharepoint.com) Caregiver-Resources-Questions-to-Ask-the-Health-Care-Team-EN.pdf (braintumour.ca) If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| “I want to live like I’m living, not like I’m dying”: A father’s reflection on his son’s brain tumour experience | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:54:46 | |
Denis was a world traveller turned passionate advocate for brain tumour awareness after his diagnosis in 2013. In this episode, we sit with his father and caregiver, Ken, as he reflects on his son’s life, courage, and the challenges they faced together. Join us as we explore Denis’ experience with brain surgery, clinical trials and the realities of living with a brain tumour. Ken shares his heartfelt perspective on caregiving, advocacy, and the legacy Denis left behind. Denis was a young brain tumour advocate, who worked as a support services specialist at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada before he passed away on July 30th, 2022. Content warning: This episode contains discussions about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and clinical trials. These conversations are for awareness purposes only, and do not constitute advice, endorsement or a recommendation with respect to any product, service or business, and/or the claims and properties thereof, by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Always consult your health-care team for personalized medical care and treatment options. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion about MAiD, which may be distressing to some listeners. Please listen with care and consider your emotional well-being before proceeding. Clinical Trials - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Learn About Clinical Trials - Clinical Trials Ontario (ctontario.ca) * Medical assistance in dying: Overview - Canada.ca Bridge C-14 l Support Through the MAiD Journey | Canada (bridgec14.org) * Personal Story of Hope - Denis Raymond (2021 Brain Tumour Webinar Series) (youtube.com) If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| One step at a time: Navigating emotions, support, and self-advocacy after a brain tumour diagnosis | 18 May 2023 | 00:25:16 | |
Welcome to our new podcast! Today we sit down with Paul, a young adult brain tumour survivor and volunteer with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Join us as our guest discusses the emotions that come with a brain tumour diagnosis and shares how he tackled them, one step at a time. He also discusses the value of building a strong support system, learning to advocate for his own needs, and the practical challenges of returning to work and establishing new routines. This conversation offers encouragement and advice for anyone facing similar experiences, showing that progress is possible, even through small steps. Please visit our website to learn more about our programs and resources and ways in which you can offer your support! Cancer and Work | Cancer and Work * Transportation | Canadian Cancer Society Support groups: Care & Support - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Get involved with BTFC! Get Involved - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| A young-adult perspective from a caregiver, on community, and living after a brain tumour diagnosis | Part 2 | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:26:19 | |
In this episode, we chat with power couple Esther and Elman about what it means to navigate brain tumour care and recovery as young adults. Esther reflects on her experience as a young adult caregiver, the challenges and barriers she faced, and the support that helped her along the way. Together, they reflect on their shared commitment to giving back to the brain tumour community and how they continue to build a life rooted in purpose, hope and resilience. For additional information, you may visit:
If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| A young-adult perspective from a caregiver, on community, and living after a brain tumour diagnosis | Part 1 | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:31:15 | |
In this episode, we chat with power couple Esther and Elman about what it means to navigate brain tumour care and recovery as young adults. Esther reflects on her experience as a young adult caregiver, the challenges and barriers she faced, and the support that helped her along the way. Together, they reflect on their shared commitment to giving back to the brain tumour community and how they continue to build a life rooted in purpose, hope and resilience. For additional information, you may visit:
If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Hope, family, and community: A SUPERKID’s journey of unshakeable strength and optimism | Part 2 | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:14:17 | |
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, meet 14-year-old brain tumour survivor Robbie Watson and his parents, Abby and Jeremy, as they share their incredible story. Robbie reflects on traveling for treatment and life after diagnosis with his signature positivity, while Abby brings the parent perspective and opens up about the uncertainty, strength and community support that carried their family through the toughest days. Together they talk about how their journey became a powerful story of hope and resilience. For additional information, you may visit: Kingston Grenadiers Rally Against Brain Tumours - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada 2024 Grens Tackle Tumours Robbie Watson Touchdown - YouTube If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Hope, family, and community: A SUPERKID’s journey of unshakeable strength and optimism | Part 1 | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:33:42 | |
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, meet 14-year-old brain tumour survivor Robbie Watson and his parents, Abby and Jeremy, as they share their incredible story. Robbie reflects on travelling for treatment and life after diagnosis with his signature positivity, while Abby brings the parent perspective and opens up about the uncertainty, strength and community support that carried their family through the toughest days. Together, they discuss how their journey has become a powerful story of hope and resilience. Kingston Grenadiers Rally Against Brain Tumours - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada 2024 Grens Tackle Tumours Robbie Watson Touchdown - YouTube If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Practicing hope: A conversation on courage, connection, and resilience | Part 2 | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:28:05 | |
In this episode, we explore hope as more than just optimism- as a mindset that can be built, practiced, and sometimes rediscovered when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ann, who shares strategies and insights from her journey as a relentless advocate for her daughter. From building partnerships to moving through advocacy, growth, and resilience, this conversation honours not just the successes but the doubts too- and invites listeners to find strength in both. For additional information, you may visit: Going for Hope: Strategies That Make it Possible to Persevere: Hovey, Ann If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Practicing hope: A conversation on courage, connection, and resilience | Part 1 | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:32:11 | |
In this episode, we explore hope as more than just optimism- as a mindset that can be built, practiced, and sometimes rediscovered when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ann, who shares strategies and insights from her journey as a relentless advocate for her daughter. From building partnerships to moving through advocacy, growth, and resilience, this conversation honours not just the successes but the doubts too- and invites listeners to find strength in both. For additional information, you may visit: Going for Hope: Strategies That Make it Possible to Persevere: Hovey, Ann If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Balancing care, recovery, and school: How support, compassion & advocacy pave the way | Part 2 | 17 May 2025 | 00:30:13 | |
Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, our host Ben Seewald chats with Patrick, a Registered Nurse and a brain tumour survivor. Having just started nursing school, Patrick shared his experiences facing a brain tumour as a young adult and balancing care, recovery and coursework. Together, they discuss Patrick’s journey of strength and resilience and the importance of kindness and patient advocacy. In part 2, Patrick dives into the heart of his support network- his family and friends, and the important role they played in supporting him through treatment, recovery and school. Patrick also discusses patient advocacy and what it means to him. Tune in for an open conversation about compassion, community and advocacy. For additional information, you may visit: Medical alert bracelets: MedicAlert Foundation Canada | We Speak When You Can't Support groups: Support Groups - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Advocating for yourself: Advocating for Yourself - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||
| Balancing care, recovery, and school: how support, compassion and advocacy pave the way | Part 1 | 15 May 2025 | 00:40:24 | |
Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, our host Ben Seewald chats with Patrick, a Registered Nurse and a brain tumour survivor. Having just started nursing school, Patrick shared his experiences facing a brain tumour as a young adult and balancing care, recovery and coursework. Together, they discuss Patrick’s journey of strength and resilience and the importance of kindness and patient advocacy. In part 2, Patrick dives into the heart of his support network- his family and friends, and the important role they played in supporting him through treatment, recovery and school. Patrick also discusses patient advocacy and what it means to him. Tune in for an open conversation about compassion, community and advocacy. For additional information, you may visit: Medical alert bracelets: MedicAlert Foundation Canada | We Speak When You Can't Support groups: Support Groups - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Advocating for yourself: Advocating for Yourself - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form. Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Linkedin. | |||