Grief, Growth & Gliomas: The Inner Terrain of Cancer

In this deeply personal and research-driven episode, Mike and Manon explore the emotional and psychological realities of living with terminal illness, caring for those facing it, and grieving their loss. Using the lens of psychological research and lived experiences, they unpack the complexity of grief — from the Kübler-Ross model to anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and the Dual Process Model.Special guest Ruthan shares her story of living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, offering raw insights into the emotional, spiritual, and practical shifts that come with it. Mike and Manon then turn their focus to astrocytomas and glioblastomas, revealing their devastating impact and the sobering statistics behind these brain cancers.They also spotlight the fight against childhood cancer — from promising breakthroughs like CAR-T cell therapy and genomic targeting to the urgent need for more funding, as only 4% of the NCI’s budget is allocated to pediatric cancer.This episode blends science, statistics, and heartfelt storytelling to remind us that ending cancer is about more than curing the disease — it’s about protecting dignity, relationships, and the human spirit.Topics covered:The real-life application and limits of the Kübler-Ross modelAnticipatory grief and its effects on caregiversComplicated grief and attachment theory findingsRuthan’s lived experience with stage 4 cancerThe medical and psychological toll of astrocytomas and glioblastomasThe urgent fight against pediatric cancer and recent research advancesListen if you want to:Understand the psychology of grief beyond the textbook stagesHear powerful first-person accounts of living with terminal illnessLearn about underfunded but promising areas of cancer research