Episode 6: A conversation with Andrew Rhodes

Episode 8. Fertility and Pregnancy After Cancer

In Part Two of Emily and Jake’s conversation on Heads Up with Em, they open up about one of the most personal and emotional chapters of their journey together — pregnancy, fertility, and choosing hope after a brain cancer diagnosis. Now expecting their third baby, Emily and Jake reflect honestly on the difficult decisions they faced following Emily’s diagnosis, including conversations around IVF, fertility preservation, fear of judgement, and learning how to look towards the future again. Together, they share the emotional reality of navigating parenthood, uncertainty, and the courage it takes to continue building a life after cancer. This episode is not only about pregnancy — it’s about reclaiming choice, allowing yourself to dream again, and finding hope even after life changes in unimaginable ways. Emily also shares how support from her medical team helped her slowly move from survival mode towards embracing the possibility of a future again, while Jake offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective on family, partnership, and living life without fear holding you back. A deeply honest conversation about resilience, love, family, and choosing to move forward. *** Medical Disclaimer *** The medical information, advice, treatments and medications discussed in this episode relate specifically to Emily’s personal experience and circumstances. They are shared for general informational and storytelling purposes only and should not be considered medical advice for listeners. Every diagnosis and treatment journey is different. Always seek advice from your treating doctor, specialist or qualified healthcare professional regarding your own medical condition, treatment options or medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on something heard in this podcast. Find out more [https://linktr.ee/headsupwithem]  Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem [https://www.instagram.com/headsupwithem] @emilyfrancescakirk [https://instagram.com/emilyfrancescakirk] Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973553819]

Episode 7: A conversation with Jake (part 1)

In this episode of Heads Up with Em, Emily is joined by someone who has been by her side through every part of her journey—her husband, Jake. A builder by trade and naturally someone who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Jake brings a quiet strength, calm, and steadiness to their family life. Emily and Jake met nearly ten years ago and quickly knew they had found something special. Since then, they’ve faced life’s challenges together, including Emily’s brain cancer diagnosis—an experience that has deeply shaped both of their lives. This conversation offers a rare and honest look at the journey through Jake’s eyes - as a partner, a father, and a carer. While he may not say a lot, what he shares carries real weight. His perspective sheds light on the emotional realities, responsibilities, and resilience required of carers, an often underrepresented voice in the cancer experience. Together, Emily and Jake reflect on the strength of partnership, the importance of support, and what it truly means to stand beside someone you love through uncertainty. This is a meaningful and grounded conversation that highlights the power of quiet support and unwavering commitment. Follow along for updates: * Instagram: @headsupwithem * Emily’s personal journey: @emilyfranchescakirk Find out more [https://linktr.ee/headsupwithem]  Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem [https://www.instagram.com/headsupwithem] @emilyfrancescakirk [https://instagram.com/emilyfrancescakirk] Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973553819]

Episode 6: A conversation with Andrew Rhodes

This episode's guest, Andrew Rhodes, is the definition of when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Andrew is an extraordinary Australian who, after being diagnosed with brain cancer and then facing a devastating reoccurrence, chose not to slow down but to rise with an unshakeable, positive attitude and a deeply motivated spirit.  Andrew took on one of Norway's hardest hiking challenges, the three hundred and fifty kilometre massive Ruta, becoming the first Australian on record to complete it.  His story is one of resilience, courage and the power of mindset and was so excited to have him here on "Heads up With Em" to share it with us. Find out more [https://linktr.ee/headsupwithem]  Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem [https://www.instagram.com/headsupwithem] @emilyfrancescakirk [https://instagram.com/emilyfrancescakirk] Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973553819]

Episode 5. Anna Lowvey

In Episode 5 of Heads Up with Em, It was a pleasure to connect with Anna Lowvey as we shared many similarities in our journeys, especially that of motherhood… juggling a toddler and a cancer diagnosis. However, Anna bravery shares a huge loss in her journey that is truly heartbreaking.  Find out more [https://linktr.ee/headsupwithem]  Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem [https://www.instagram.com/headsupwithem] @emilyfrancescakirk [https://instagram.com/emilyfrancescakirk] Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973553819]

Episode 4: A conversation with Professor Richard Scolyer

In this powerful episode, Emily sits down with Professor Richard Scolyer - world-renowned pathologist and co-director of Melanoma Institute Australia - and his wife Dr Katie Nicoll, to talk about life, love, and resilience in the face of brain cancer. Together, they share an honest and deeply inspiring conversation about hope, research, and the strength of partnership through adversity. Find out more [https://linktr.ee/headsupwithem]  Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem [https://www.instagram.com/headsupwithem] @emilyfrancescakirk [https://instagram.com/emilyfrancescakirk] Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973553819]