Glioblastoma aka GBM
Glioblastoma aka GBM is a podcast by the Glioblastoma Research Organization that highlights the stories of our community, from Glioblastoma Warriors, to caregivers, medical advisors, and more. Glioblastoma aka GBM is hosted by Amber Barbach, who founded the Glioblastoma Research Organization in 2018, after her father was diagnosed with and passed away from Glioblastoma. This podcast is an exploration of stories and personal experiences, and is not meant to be taken as medical advice of any kind. If you have questions, always consult with your own medical providers and healthcare team. You are warmly invited to connect with the team at the Glioblastoma Research Organization, and share your own stories and experiences. For more information, please visit gbmresearch.org.
Episodes
July 17, 2025 • 61 mins
In this episode, we visit KU Leuven in Belgium to explore GLIOMATCH, a groundbreaking European research initiative working to improve outcomes for adults and children with glioblastoma through collaboration across neurosurgery, oncology, immunology, and spatial omics.
We speak with the experts leading this innovative work. Frederik De Smet, Professor and GLIOMATCH Project Coordinator at KU Leuven, outlines the vision for the pro...
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July 3, 2025 • 22 mins
In this episode, we visit Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome to explore the pioneering pediatric brain tumor research being led by Maria Vinci, MD. Her team focuses on high-grade pediatric brain tumors including diffuse midline gliomas, with the goal of advancing more personalized and effective therapies for children around the world.
We tour three key research labs that play a central role in their work: the patient-derived...
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May 15, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, we’re in Zurich at the University Children’s Hospital to explore the pediatric brain tumor research being led by Dr. Javad Nazarian, whose lab focuses on diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) and other rare, aggressive pediatric brain tumors. Dr. Nazarian’s work, supported in part by the Glioblastoma Research Organization through Project DeLaRoSa, is aimed at uncovering the biological underpinnings of these tumors to open...
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May 1, 2025 • 24 mins
Season 4 of Glioblastoma aka GBM kicks off Brain Tumor Awareness Month with a closer look at CeGaT, a genetic diagnostics company based in Tübingen, Germany. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Saskia Biskup and Dirk Biskup, CeGaT focuses on identifying rare diseases and tumor-specific mutations through advanced sequencing technologies.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Biskup and Florian Battke, Head of Research & Development, about what ge...
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March 16, 2025 • 26 mins
In the Season 3 finale of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, social media influencer Ellie Thumann shares her heartfelt experiences following the loss of her grandfather, known affectionately as "Pop Pop," to glioblastoma. Ellie discusses the profound impact her grandfather's illness had on her and her family, reflecting on the cherished moments and the challenging journey through grief. Through her narrative, Ellie touches on theme...
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October 17, 2024 • 37 mins
In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we welcome Doug Malchow, who transformed his personal tragedy into a source of support and solidarity for others. After losing his father to glioblastoma, Doug took to Instagram and TikTok to share his journey through grief and caregiving. In candid posts, he expresses the emotional challenges and the profound impact of his father's illness and passing. Through his social media p...
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August 16, 2024 • 33 mins
In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, Dr. Ashish Shah, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Trials and Translational Research within the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, dives deep into his groundbreaking research on glioblastoma. Dr. Shah discusses a fascinating study revealing how fragments of a retrovirus, integrated in...
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August 1, 2024 • 43 mins
In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Betsy Grunch, renowned neurosurgeon and social media educator, known online as @LadySpineDoc. Born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia, Dr. Grunch has built a distinguished career in neurosurgery, specializing in minimally invasive spine techniques and neurotrauma. Recently named among America's Best Spine Surgeons by Newsweek in 2024, she has taken her expert...
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July 18, 2024 • 30 mins
In this timely episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, released just after Glioblastoma Awareness Day, we welcome John Furey, the CEO of Imvax, Inc. John discusses the groundbreaking work of Imvax, particularly their lead product candidate, IGV-001, currently in a phase 2b randomized trial for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). He shares insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of developing patient-sp...
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July 11, 2024 • 56 mins
In this compelling episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we sit down with Rod Nordland, a distinguished foreign correspondent whose work has taken him across more than 150 countries. Rod shares his personal journey with glioblastoma, discussing not only the challenges he's faced but also his advocacy for disability awareness. He introduces his new book, "Waiting for the Monsoon," reflecting his rich experiences and the profo...
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June 27, 2024 • 48 mins
In this heartfelt episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we are joined by Holly Gainsboro, a grief specialist and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support and Education. Holly shares her profound journey of loss and transformation following her late husband's diagnosis with glioblastoma. Through her personal experiences and extensive training, Holly has developed unique insights into navigating grief, particularly in the context...
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June 20, 2024 • 51 mins
Dive into the latest developments in glioblastoma treatment with Tamika Wong, MPH, Director of Clinical Research in Neurosurgery, and Dr. Morana Vojnic, Medical Oncologist and Director of Oncologic Services at the Brain and Spine Metastases Program, both from Lenox Hill Hospital. This episode offers a deep dive into groundbreaking clinical trials and treatments, clarifying complex brain tumor and glioblastoma terminology for a broa...
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June 6, 2024 • 38 mins
In this deeply moving episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we revisit the extraordinary life of David Fitting, known as the longest surviving glioblastoma patient in the USA. David first joined us to share his initial battle with brain cancer as a child and his miraculous journey to remission. Now, he returns to discuss his life post-recovery, the challenges of facing cancer multiple times, and his subsequent diagnosis and ...
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May 30, 2024 • 35 mins
In this insightful episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Marc Hedrick, President and CEO of Plus Therapeutics. Dr. Hedrick brings his extensive background in surgery and regenerative medicine to discuss the forefront of cancer treatment—targeted radiotherapeutics. He delves into the exciting developments of the ReSPECT GBM clinical trial, addressing the challenges and innovative approaches to treating rec...
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May 23, 2024 • 44 mins
In this inspiring episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Sheri Dewan, a trailblazer among the elite group of female neurosurgeons. With a career that spans across continents and cultures, Dr. Dewan brings her unique perspective to some of the most complex neurosurgical challenges. She discusses her groundbreaking new book, "Cutting a Path," her dedication to global healthcare, and her experiences with char...
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May 16, 2024 • 31 mins
Join us for an enlightening episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast with Dr. Netanel (Nati) Ben-Shalom, a trailblazer in neuroplastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Ben-Shalom, the world’s first neurosurgeon to complete the prestigious Johns Hopkins Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship, discusses his innovative approaches in neurosurgery that not only enhance surgical outcomes but also significantly improve the q...
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May 9, 2024 • 43 mins
In this compelling episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we welcome Jordy Glassner, a dedicated therapist who brings a unique dual perspective as both a caregiver and a current patient battling glioblastoma. Jordy opens up about her diagnosis, and how her professional background in therapy has shaped her approach to treatment and self-care. Join us as we explore the emotional and psychological impacts of glioblastoma through...
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May 2, 2024 • 38 mins
Join us for the Season 3 premiere of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, where we delve into the heart and mind of multi-platinum singer-songwriter Mike Posner. In this deeply personal episode, Mike shares his journey through the harrowing landscape of glioblastoma as he witnessed his father’s battle with this aggressive form of brain cancer. As we explore the layers of grief and healing, Mike opens up about how this experience has r...
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January 31, 2024 • 33 mins
In this episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, Amber gives a recap on the inaugural Padel for Brain Cancer event, goes through life hacks as a caregiver, touches on hospice & palliative care, and unboxes her dads things from storage.
Topics covered in this episode include:
Hospice care & palliative care
Staying organized as a caregiver
End of life & food
Sleep & sleep therapy
Unboxing your loved ones items
Thank y...
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January 8, 2024 • 23 mins
In this episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, we delve into our 2024 plans, dating, and a holiday debrief.
Thank you to our partners at xCures for supporting the Mini-Series season. To learn more, visit their website at https://xcures.com/.
Merch of the week: https://www.gbmresearch.org/shop/p/for-a-cure-20
"Glioblastoma AKA GBM" is more than a podcast; it's a lifeline for those touched by glioblastoma.
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