Heads Up With Em

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]

My Story. Part 3

Between diagnosis and treatment, Emily shares the deeply human moments that define life after brain cancer surgery — from learning to cook again and caring for her children, to confronting fear and loss. In this episode, Emily talks about her diagnosis of astrocytoma, her relationship with her care team, and finding courage to embrace change — even shaving her head on her own terms. With honesty and warmth, Emily and Gab unpack the emotional ups and downs that come with survival, resilience, and rediscovering what really matters. Heads Up with Em is produced in partnership with The Brain Cancer Group. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Music by DELOSound from Pixabay 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]