Honoring Survivor and Legend Jill Smokler of Scary Mommy

Honoring Survivor and Legend Jill Smokler of Scary Mommy

I woke up to the most crushing news this morning that we lost Jill Smokler. I just can’t quite believe it. It’s so cliche  - and probably absurd and representative of  my delusional optimism - that I did not in any way see this coming. I interviewed Jill for the podcast when I first started out and the interview was a disaster. All me. Obviously. I had tech difficulties like crazy. My cat kept climbing on me. She would get to a really good story and the audio cut out - or so I thought - because I couldn’t hear her.  So we kept saying we’ll redo it. And we kept putting it off. After this trip to Germany, after that event, then we’ll try the podcast again. Who does that? I’m so mad. But here’s the good news. I’m stuck at home today doing my colonoscopy prep so I had time and the determination to fix this. And I have something! When I went back and listened to the recording, I realized it captured most of what Jill said. I just couldn’t hear it.  Between my not being able to hear her and my nervousness at talking to the GOAT mom blogger, THE founder of Scary Mommy, and little to her knowledge, my companion and hero as a stay at home mom with little kids and no family around I talked too much… but …there’s still a lot of Jill in there and I can’t gatekeep this conversation.  Trigger warning: We have a shared love of dark humor so it’s real, it’s raw, it’s vulnerable. We do not hold back. And rather than continuing to kick myself that this is NOT enough, that I want more, I’m so glad I have this. And I want to share it with all of you who love Jill. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BKTLXS2HQW7WS] I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here.  If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better. Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon! Love you, Rebecca https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/] https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast]

From Times Square to NBC News: NYC Gala Recap and Survivor Story with Kathy Hammond our Fierce Advocate

For all of you who follow me on social media you know I was just in New York City and had the most wonderful time at the Lenox Hill gala, a huge fundraising event for brain cancer which raised over 1.5M.  Because I started this podcast with the idea of spreading hope and changing the story about glioblastoma I just have to share with all of you that this event did just that for me. Gave me a boost of hope.  I was honored to be an invited guest among so many prominent people in entertainment and in medicine, but even more so to be reminded that GBM touches everyone, every age, male and female. And because it can affect anyone, it is starting to get more attention. We recognized Jason Collins with his husband Brunson, Pete Davidson’s dad, Lara Spencer’s mom, Barbee Blank’s dad. These wonderful humans with big hearts vulnerably shared the loss of their heroes and are now using their big platforms to spread the word and demand more research.  And it’s working. Slowly but surely it is working. Today's Survivor Story features Kathy Hammond, a fierce advocate for glioblastoma. This is being released at the two year mark of her diagnosis and Kathy has already done so much work advocating for all of us. I know you'll enjoy connecting with her and hearing her story. https://katiecouric.com/health/cancer/brain-cancer-survivor-one-year-later/ [https://katiecouric.com/health/cancer/brain-cancer-survivor-one-year-later/] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BKTLXS2HQW7WS] I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here.  If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better. Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon! Love you, Rebecca https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/] https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast]

The Bolton Identity: In Jason Bourne fashion Dave Bolton’s Harrowing Stories of Extraordinary Talent, Fearlessness, Resilience and Defiance (of all limitations) are bound to be the next Best Selling Thriller to Inspire Us All

This episode of the Survivor Series is truly one for the big screen. We might  need a Trilogy to cover the many thrilling lives Dave Bolton has lived already. And he’s still going strong! Every story Dave shares is wilder than the last. It’s almost impossible to believe a person can continue to live after surviving some of the most terrifying events we usually only see on TV, some of which Dave signed up for himself - and some he certainly did not. You may. know him on social media as Dave Bolton Inspires but you’re about to hear just why he’s rebranding: Dave Bolton Defiance is way more fitting! Dave Bolton is an 11 year survivor (or as he’d prefer it thriver) of glioblastoma. He is the Founder and CEO of Ahead Of The Game Foundation, a non-profit cancer charity. Dave's foundation provides free physical, mental, and emotional rehabilitation to those with a diagnosis of cancer, while also providing support for their family and loved ones. Dave served in Air Operations Iraq alongside the US Marines, survived being crushed by an 23-ton lorry in a freak motorbike accident, and went on to become a world kickboxing champion. He is also former detective sergeant.  In his free time (and with boundless energy) Dave enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, physical strength and resistance training, mixed martial arts, calisthenics, rugby, football (soccer), the National Football League, traveling, and spending time with his family. Instagram: @aheadofthegame_foundation  [https://www.instagram.com/aheadofthegame_foundation/] @the_northwest_wellbeing_hub [https://www.instagram.com/the_northwest_wellbeing_hub/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9M48m2gXPc#:~:text=%E2%80%8B%20The%20Foundation%20also%20extends,://www.aheadofthe... [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9M48m2gXPc#:~:text=%E2%80%8B%20The%20Foundation%20also%20extends,://www.aheadofthe...] https://www.instagram.com/dave_bolton_inspires_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/dave_bolton_inspires_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/near-you/projects/dave-bolton#:~:text=When%20Dave%20Bolton%20was%20diagnosed,'t%20stopped%20there%2C%20however. [https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/near-you/projects/dave-bolton#:~:text=When%20Dave%20Bolton%20was%20diagnosed,'t%20stopped%20there%2C%20however.] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/dave-bolton-kickboxer-champion-wirral-10905290 [https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/dave-bolton-kickboxer-champion-wirral-10905290] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BKTLXS2HQW7WS] I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here.  If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better. Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon! Love you, Rebecca https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/] https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast]

The Olympic Games of Battling Glioblastoma: An Interview with Dr. Stefaan Van Gool of IOZK

Dr. Steffan Van Gool is a physician and cancer immunotherapy specialist and the founder of the Immun-Oncological Center Cologne, or IOZK, in Germany. For decades, he has worked alongside patients and families facing some of the most challenging cancer diagnoses, focusing on personalized, multi-faceted treatment approaches designed to activate the body’s own immune system while supporting the whole person.  And by multi-faceted I mean MULTI faceted. There is standard of care, dendritic cell vaccine, oncolytic, metabolic approach and repurposed drugs. He’ll talk about the how and the why of his approach. He’ll also give us a little insight into why Germany for these personalized vaccines and a glimpse at the hurtles doctors face when treating these dynamic cancers. You may be surprised to know it’s not that the medical world doesn’t recognize that personalized care and immunotherapy are the best hope for difficult cancers it’s just getting the support and the funding to be able to offer it to their patients. It is a lot of information and it can be confusing and overwhelming. I encourage you to share this podcast with your medical team and your support system - and  with anyone you know fighting glioblastoma. Information is power. We are in this together and we will keep fighting for better care and better outcomes. Like Dr Van Gool says, “If you do nothing you gain nothing.” Let’s do this. Together.  Publications and Website: https://www.iozk.de/en/2023/11/new-iozk-publication-on-liquid-biopsy/ [https://www.iozk.de/en/2023/11/new-iozk-publication-on-liquid-biopsy/] https://www.iozk.de/en/2023/01/stefaan-van-gool-editor-of-the-special-issue-of-the-journal-of-molecular-sciences/ [https://www.iozk.de/en/2023/01/stefaan-van-gool-editor-of-the-special-issue-of-the-journal-of-molecular-sciences/] https://www.iozk.de/en/2020/06/iozk-analysis-demonstrates-good-tolerability-of-iozk-immunotherapy-in-diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma-dipg/ [https://www.iozk.de/en/2020/06/iozk-analysis-demonstrates-good-tolerability-of-iozk-immunotherapy-in-diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma-dipg/] https://www.iozk.de/en/2020/03/prof-dr-volker-schirrmacher-publishes-two-groundbreaking-review-articles-on-immunotherapy/ [https://www.iozk.de/en/2020/03/prof-dr-volker-schirrmacher-publishes-two-groundbreaking-review-articles-on-immunotherapy/] https://www.iozk.de/en/2018/12/from-chemotherapy-to-biological-therapy-a-review-of-novel-concepts-to-reduce-side-effects-in-systemic-cancer-treatmentpublication-by-prof-dr-volker-sc/ [https://www.iozk.de/en/2018/12/from-chemotherapy-to-biological-therapy-a-review-of-novel-concepts-to-reduce-side-effects-in-systemic-cancer-treatmentpublication-by-prof-dr-volker-sc/] More: https://www.iozk.de/en/iozk-publications/ [https://www.iozk.de/en/iozk-publications/] TimeStamp Publications: * 0:39 2005 Publication of Roger Stupp et al.: current Standard-of-Care https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa043330 [https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa043330] * 2:30 2024 Publication of Volker Schirrmacher et al.: Rationale behind Individualized Multimodal Immunotherapy (IMI) https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/4/754 [https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/4/754]  * 20:25 2000/2011/2022/2026 Hanahan and Weinberg: the Hallmarks of Cancer  * 2000: https://www.cell.com/fulltext/s0092-8674(00)81683-9?fbclid=iwar0f_uccj4o8k6yfd1jnj7k5hxbc3_8sb42ngse-pcd8ekg94mocwpmjwcm [https://www.cell.com/fulltext/s0092-8674(00)81683-9?fbclid=iwar0f_uccj4o8k6yfd1jnj7k5hxbc3_8sb42ngse-pcd8ekg94mocwpmjwcm] * 2011: https://www.cell.com/fulltext/S0092-8674(11)00127-9 [https://www.cell.com/fulltext/S0092-8674(11)00127-9] * 2022: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/art Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BKTLXS2HQW7WS] I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here.  If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better. Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon! Love you, Rebecca https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/] https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast]

Special Holiday Episode with Keto Queen Maria Emmerich

It is almost the holidays, which is absolutely my favorite time of the year. We just go all out for Christmas around here and it is so fun! The reason I wanted to bring today’s guest on was for all of you today too realize that even if you have a diagnosis which limits what you normally would eat during the holidays, there are options for you so you can stay on track.  I’m a huge food as medicine person, as you know - and medicine as medicine, which is why I have talked to so many experts - but today I want to introduce you to Maria Emmerich. I think of her as the Keto Queen.  Now full disclaimer Maria Emma Emmerich is not on the show as a cancer expert. She started the ketogenic diet for very different reasons of her own, but I think I think her story is so important as it emphasizes the power of food to heal. And her story is the perfect example of life, when you allow it to be what it is, not what you thought it was going to be, can be so much more beautiful and meaningful. Also, for any of you considering a ketogenic diet for cancer, you will be so glad to be connected with Maria. She has been creating keto recipes for decades - before it was trendy weight loss diet and certainly before I ever heard of the ketogenic diet as a way to beat brain cancer.  Maria  has thousands and thousands of free recipes available for you . I just want all of you to be able to celebrate the holidays with your friends and families eat food that you enjoy food that feels familiar and warm and fuzzy - but that won’t mess up your goals if you’re really trying to stay on a keto path for your brain cancer  I hope you find this helpful and I hope you all have a wonderful safe holiday holidays. I just love all of you and I’m so grateful for all the connections I’ve made this year. Maria's Website https://mariamindbodyhealth.com [https://mariamindbodyhealth.com] Buy Maria’s books here (and support GBM): https://www.amazon.com/shop/thatbrainyblonde/list/FU821IVU34MV?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_SHZD1BJTX892R57FKB1Z [https://www.amazon.com/shop/thatbrainyblonde/list/FU821IVU34MV?ref_=aipsflist] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BKTLXS2HQW7WS] I want to thank YOU for taking time of your day to listen. I don’t know if you’re here because you’ve gotten a tough diagnosis or someone you love has - or if you just want to learn more about how to feel empowered to change your story and find purpose in your life. But I’m glad you’re here.  If I can beat a universally deadly cancer and live a better, happier life, truly grateful for my cancer wake up call, I know the tools I’ve learned will help you too. Your life is about to get so much better. Please share the Brainy Blonde Podcast with someone you love. See you soon! Love you, Rebecca https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatbrainyblonde/] https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/brainyblondepodcast]