In this deeply personal episode of Fearless Fireside Chats, I open up about my own experience of losing my father to a brain tumour in 2004, and how isolating and overwhelming it can be for both patients and their loved ones.
I'm honoured to have Sam Suriakumar, a Brain Tumor Warrior diagnosed in 2020, fundraiser, and Brain Tumor Research Ambassador, as my guest.
Sam bravely shares his journey from his shocking diagnosis just before the COVID-19 lockdowns to his relentless fight against the illness. We dive deep into the emotional, mental, and physical impacts of such a life-changing diagnosis, and discuss the critical importance of support systems, mental health, and breaking societal stigmas, particularly within the South Asian community. Sam's story is one of resilience, positivity, and unwavering strength, offering inspiration and hope to all who are touched by cancer.00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection00:36 Meet Sam Suryakumar: Brain Tumor Warrior02:50 The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment04:24 The Seizure and Hospital Experience09:35 Facing the Reality of a Brain Tumor13:59 Running the London Marathon16:50 A Summer of Challenges and Loss22:37 Mental Health and Finding Strength26:23 The Importance of Family Support27:39 Breaking Down Mental Health Stigmas in South Asian Communities29:43 The Power of Sharing Your Journey44:43 The Role of Faith and Positivity48:33 Advice for Those Battling Cancer54:17 Reflecting on Life's Blessings
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.