Shows
Creating Space for Grief and HopeAmber Barbach on Hope, Healing, and Glioblastoma AwarenessIn this episode, Holly Gainsboro interviews Amber Barbach, founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO), about her journey after losing her father to glioblastoma in 2018. Amber shares how her grief inspired her to launch GBMRO, which has since raised over $2.7 million for research and awareness initiatives, including podcasts and a documentary. She reflects on her father’s life, their family’s caregiving experience, and the different ways she and her mother processed loss. Amber also discusses nonprofit leadership, the challenges of this work, and the upcoming second annual Glioblastoma Summit in Miami this November. In 2018, after...
2025-09-1744 min
Grief StreetA Daughter's Legacy: Her Fight To Cure Brain Cancer (feat. Amber Barbach)Imagine learning your father has terminal brain cancer when you’re across the world at 21 years old…In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, today we welcome Amber Barbach, Founder & Director of the Glioblastoma Research Organization to Grief Street.Amber shares how her father’s death from Glioblastoma in 2018 has impacted her perspective on living life to the fullest, her relationships with friends and family, and her career in raising funds and awareness for GBM.Amber is a badass businesswoman with a mission to create what she didn’t have when navigating her father’s...
2024-05-1359 min
No Politics#56 Glioblastoma Research Organization Glioblastoma…ever hear of it? Maybe not. But maybe you’ve heard of the names John MCain or Beau Biden…both of whom passed away from the deadly brain cancer. Amber Barbach, founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization, joins the podcast to detail what exactly Glioblastoma is, and she also gives us insight into her own personal journey with experiencing the loss of her father to this type of brain cancer as well.
2023-12-2247 min
Glioblastoma aka GBMQueen MotherThe finale of Season 2 of Glioblastoma aka GBM is here, and to wrap up the season we'd like to welcome Elissa Barbach to the show. Elissa was a caregiver and lost her husband to glioblastoma in 2018, and has learned to rebuild her life after losing her best friend - while still being incredibly gracious, kind, loving, caring, positive - and overall, a great mom. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
The early stages of finding out her husband had a brain tumor
Being a caregiver on her own
The end of life progression
...
2023-08-2452 minGlioblastoma aka GBMFrom Down Under to DukeDavid M. Ashley, PhD, FRACP, MBBS (Hons), Director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke joins us on this episode to discuss his history in neuro-oncology, innovations happening at the Brain Tumor Center, clinical trial advancements, and his past-life as a surfer. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:- What led him to Duke- The world-renown Duke Polio clinical trial & it's comeback- His work in discovering how scientists can learn to prevent brain tumors- The brain & it's own lymphatic system
2023-08-1739 minGlioblastoma aka GBMThe Science Behind Brain TumorsVidya Gopalakrishnan, Ph.D is a researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center, an esteemed member of the Glioblastoma Research Organization Medical Advisory Board, and has a laboratory focused on research for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:- What sparked Vidya's interest in working on brain tumor research- Immunotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center- The science behind brain tumors- The difference between tumor types and tumor locations- Her hopes for advances in the field
2023-08-1033 minGlioblastoma aka GBMI ♥ You 2 the ☾ and BackKate Snedeker started Gray for Glioblastoma Society at just 19 years old in an effort to create a hopeful space for all those impacted by GBM, and to help raise funding for research through community events. Kate joins us on this episode of Glioblastoma aka GBM to discuss the inspiration behind GFG, and how she's utilizing social media to make an impact. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
- Kate's dads journey with GBM
- Starting a nonprofit while still full-time in college
- The inspiration behind GFG's original merchandise (Fun Fact: Kate and her dad always...
2023-08-0343 minGlioblastoma aka GBMCaregivers Need Support TooSadaf Chaudry lost her husband Rehan Aslam back in 2022 to glioblastoma. Sadaf joins us on this episode of Glioblastoma aka GBM to share her story, advocate for caregiver support, and share raw and honest truths about the effect glioblastoma has on families. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:- How Sadaf and Rehan met- How it is to continue parenting after the loss of your partner- Grief in children- The legacy she wants to leave behind- The journey of learning...
2023-07-2750 minGlioblastoma aka GBMA Parents' LoveAmani Liaquat was just 22 years old when she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, and passed away in 2022 from the disease. Amani spent a majority of her diagnosis focused on advocacy efforts, and raising awareness for GBM. Her parents, Yasmin and Khuram, join us on this episode to discuss Amani's journey and how her legacy lives on. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:- Amani's story- The grief of losing a child as a parent- The difference in grief between men and women- How...
2023-07-061h 06Glioblastoma aka GBMPiecing the PuzzleDr. David Langer is the chair of neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and vice president of neurosurgery for Northwell Health's Western Region. His love for neurosurgery and mentorship is infectious. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:- His love for neurosurgery- What it's like being the chair for a major institution and running the department- How Lenox Hill on Netflix & Emergency NYC came to be- His thoughts on stoicism and philosophy - & so much moreTO...
2023-06-2952 minGlioblastoma aka GBMLiving On Your Own TermsGreg Link is an 8+ year glioblastoma survivor and thriver. He's an advocate for talk therapy, and an advocate for multiple professional opinions. Now, he spends his time focused on his communications company and being a support system for others living with a brain tumor. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:- His business, and what inspired him to kickstart his career- His thoughts on talk therapy- His advocacy work in helping others with a GBM diagnosis- His current day-to-day, 8+ years post-initial diagnosis
2023-06-2236 minGlioblastoma aka GBMStarting with Zer0Catherine Ivy is on a mission to find a cure for brain cancer, with Dr. Nader Sanai and the rest of the incredible team at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center. On this episode, you'll hear the three of us chat about:- Catherine's passion for finding a cure- What inspired Dr. Sanai to dedicate his life to research- Phase 0 clinical trials & how they work- Recharging and finding creativity in your day-to-day- What to do when you/a loved one is diagnosed
2023-06-1543 minGlioblastoma aka GBMHope is a Powerful DrugSit down with us this week on Glioblastoma aka GBM as we're joined by Diane Pathieu - an American television anchor who works for WLS-TV in Chicago, and her husband Nick Adamski - a glioblastoma thriver. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
How Diane and Nick met
PMA: Positive Mental Attitude
Methylation profiling
How hope has such a significant impact on one's life
The importance of keeping a normal routine when dealing with a brain cancer diagnosis
& so much more
Trigger warnings may include: medical terminology, caregiving support, cancer, death, morality, and...
2023-06-081h 00Glioblastoma aka GBMSaved by BroadwayDr. Henry Friedman is world renowned for his work in Neuro-oncology at Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. He is also a karaoke star, a massive Broadway fan, a mentor, a die-hard basketball supporter, a husband, a grandfather, and a fantastic podcast guest. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
How Henry got involved at Duke
Upcoming research advancements and clinical trials for glioblastoma
The famous Polio vaccine trial at Duke making its comeback
UCONN vs. DUKE
How "HOPE" is the most important factor when dealing with glioblastoma
& so much more
2023-06-0146 minGlioblastoma aka GBMBarbie Blank Coba aka Kelly KellyBarbie Blank Coba (aka Kelly Kelly) is best known for her WWE performances, modeling, influencing, and acting - however did you know she co-founded a nonprofit for Brain Cancer Research after losing her dad to glioblastoma? On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
How Barbie got her start in WWE
The love Barbie and her dad shared, especially for wrestling
The process of getting married and starting a family - without her dad by her side
Her nonprofit: Cure Glioblastoma
Advice she'd give to someone just starting their GBM journey
& so much more
...
2023-05-2545 minGlioblastoma aka GBM360° Approach to Fighting CancerDave Bolton remains in the top 2% of the world's survivors after given 3 months life expectancy in 2015. He is an 8+ year cancer survivor, helped heal himself with fitness and meditation, has started a charity to help others around the globe, and is an advocate for all those living with brain tumors. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
Dave's eclectic career background
How he found healing with fitness and meditation
His nonprofit: Ahead of the Game
How his family/home life changed before and after cancer
How he continues to advocate for people with cancer
& so much more
2023-05-1859 minGlioblastoma aka GBMFrom Onstage to the Operating RoomDr. Randy D'Amico, Director of the Brain and Spine Metastasis Program at Lenox Hill Hospital joins us on Episode 2 of Glioblastoma aka GBM to discuss:
The ins and outs of glioblastoma
Upcoming developments in neurosurgery
His life as a neurosurgeon, and his past-life as a punk band member
The future of brain tumors
The importance of passion in the medical field
& so much more
Trigger warnings may include: medical procedures, surgery, and tattoos looking different as you age.SEASON SPONSORS: BIODEXA PHARMACEUTICALS, GAMMA TILE, NOVOCURE, AND ROON.
2023-05-111h 01Glioblastoma aka GBMA Spoonful of PaoloTo kick off the SECOND season of Glioblastoma aka GBM, we're joined by Paolo Presta as he shines a light on his experience as a caregiver when his mother was living with a glioblastoma diagnosis. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:
Paolo's experience as a caregiver
Different stages of the grieving process
Paolo's relationship with his mom, and the special relationship they shared
Our thoughts/experiences on staying connected to those that have passed away
Which our favorite Broadway musical is
& so much more
Trigger warnings may include: grief, death, caregiving, end...
2023-05-0458 minGlioblastoma aka GBMLove You, Dad“No matter what clinical trials are conceptualized, no matter what different projects and drugs are developed, you need research to get to a place where these things are thought up, where things are coming into existence.” During her experience with glioblastoma as a caregiver, there were many things Amber Barbach wished she had. Now, she’s giving those things to others so their experiences won’t reflect hers. In this season finale of Glioblastoma AKA GBM, Amber talks about how her family dealt with her father’s diagnosis and subsequent surgery. She peels back the curtains on founding GBMRO.
2022-11-0347 minGlioblastoma aka GBMCompassion in Community“We really imagine this place at the fundamental level as an online sanctuary… you're guided by both medical experts and by other people that you know have been there and want to pay it forward.” Vikram Bhaskaran and Rohan Ramakrishna saw the online healthcare experience and politely said “thanks but no thanks.” Troubled by the lack of information and support for glioblastoma patients and caregivers, they created Roon, a platform that is re-imagining medical content and health communities. Vikram and Rohan join Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to discuss Roon, its mission, and how it’s changing the game for nav...
2022-08-1841 minGlioblastoma aka GBMAnnealed by Adversity“Any time anything really bad is happening, I always say ‘it doesn’t matter - it’s not like glioblastoma.’” The agony of slowly watching a parent die from brain cancer is unlike any other. Glioblastoma is a uniquely painful and haunting experience, and siblings Meghan and James McCain know it better than anyone. Their father, former politician John McCain III, died of glioblastoma in 2018, changing their lives forever. James and Meghan join Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to share their experience of losing a parent right before your eyes, and how they live with the grief. ...
2022-08-1153 minGlioblastoma aka GBMLet Food Be Thy Medicine“It’s about figuring out how to work with an individual, how to balance out the body and then get them to adapt to changes.” The answer to healthy living may be right within us all along. Tiffany Meyer is a firm believer in a holistic approach to healing the root causes of health issues, rather than slapping on band-aids. As a certified Oncology Nutrition Consultant (ONC) and Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), she works with clients to support them in meeting their health goals. Tiffany joins Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to share insights on how she treats...
2022-08-0447 minGlioblastoma aka GBMGBM Knows No Age“Make memories, take pictures, do videos, and tell people you love them, because we never know how long we’re here for.” When their youngest son, Liam, passed from glioblastoma, Oscar and Tracy Gill were devastated. Things were already tough with their decision to get divorced, but they gave their marriage one last chance when Liam was diagnosed. The painful journey of watching their child die tied their family tighter together, and though Liam is no longer with them physically, they feel his impact in their lives every day. Tracy and Oscar join Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to tal...
2022-07-1458 minGlioblastoma aka GBMHow A Mustache Funded Research for Brain Cancer“Just providing togetherness and hope and understanding to a family who's going through this at any stage of that continuum, is probably the most powerful thing.” Colin Gerner had no idea what glioblastoma was until he lost his brother to the disease. Now, he’s helping people across the country gain access to resources, information, and support. He is the President and co-founder of StacheStrong, a nonprofit that started as a silly but powerful stand of solidarity with his brother as he went for surgery. Colin is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his experience as a c...
2022-07-0737 minGlioblastoma aka GBMTurning Scientists into CEOs“I believe a combination immunotherapy approach for glioblastoma will be curative…it's just a matter of getting big companies to work together and getting the funding together.” Shawn Carbonell MD, PHD, has high hopes for developing the cure to glioblastoma… but low funding. Shawn, co-founder and president of Cure Glioblastoma, is considered The Brain Surgery Dropout across social media. He left neurosurgery training to invent a new drug for brain cancer, which is now in phase one clinical trial for recurrent high-grade gliomas and glioblastomas. Shawn is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his experience as a neu...
2022-06-3043 minGlioblastoma aka GBMThe Importance of Research on Rare Cancers“I think it’s time we shift a bit. Not saying that we stop focusing on those important cancers, but recognize that there are other forms of cancer, albeit more rare, that still need attention, funding, and brilliant minds for research.” Dr. Ricardo Komotar knew he wanted to study neuroscience as early as the 9th grade. He is a member of the Glioblastoma Research Organization’s Medical Advisory Board, and a prolific, internationally recognized leader in the field of brain tumors. Dr. Komotar is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to share a neurosurgeon’s perspective and expertise on gliobla...
2022-06-2336 minGlioblastoma aka GBMPositivity is THE Essential Ingredient“My mom was like ‘Absolutely not, we are not telling a child he has 6 months left to live,’ which I think played a huge role in [me] staying positive.” David is one of the longest surviving patients of glioblastoma in America, beating all the odds stacked against him since he was a child. He is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his experience as a three-time survivor, how the support of his friends and family pushed him through, and the importance of being your own advocate.Hear us talk about:
David...
2022-06-161h 15Glioblastoma aka GBMCare for the CaregiverOne of the main things that affect individuals caring for a loved one suffering from Glioblastoma is the huge amount of time spent on that care: it becomes overwhelming. From handling anxiety to managing burnout to making sure you’re getting enough sleep and building a good relationship with medical services providers of your own, today’s guest has the insight you can use. Dr. Stephanie Silberman is a sleep psychologist with a great deal of experience working with caregivers, she is here to talk to us today about taking care of yourself while you’re taking care of a love...
2022-06-0945 minGlioblastoma aka GBMFood as Medicine“[When] you know that your life is a risk, that you’re gonna die and if you don’t [then] it’s a miracle… you change and you find the value of what really matters.” Glioblastoma changes things not just for the diagnosed patient, but for everyone around them, and it can be easy to lose hope when faced with its incurable nature. This wasn’t the case for Chef Lorena Garcia and her family, however. When glioblastoma hit her brother Carlos, they hit back harder with faith and food. A world-renowned culinary master and owner of multiple restaurants, Chef Lorena Ga...
2022-06-0240 minGlioblastoma aka GBMPushing the Needle on GBM Treatments“We really have to focus our efforts on blood brain barrier permeability - bypassing the blood brain barrier and then navigating the immune suppression of GBM.” There are many biological obstacles in the way of finding better ways to control, or even cure glioblastoma, says neurosurgeon Dr. John Boockvar, but hope is on the horizon. He is an internationally recognized professional known for his surgical expertise and safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for brain tumors, as well as a main character in Netflix’s medical docuseries, Lenox Hill. He is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk a...
2022-05-2642 minGlioblastoma aka GBMSlay One Dragon at a Time“We want all the answers, but that’s why we’re raising awareness: in hopes that we do get to that point where we get these answers for all of us that have questions.” This is a common sentiment among patients with Glioblastoma and their families, especially for Laura Dill, CEO of Slay Society. She is the daughter of parents who were diagnosed with Glioblastoma within 14 days of each other. She is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about her experience as their caregiver, how she coped during their treatment and after their deaths, and how her fath...
2022-05-191h 29Glioblastoma aka GBMThe Luckiest Dude in the World“I feel like the luckiest dude in the world.” Maybe not a statement you would expect from someone with brain cancer, but it is how DJ Stewart, star of the documentary Rare Enough has felt at times since his diagnosis. He is a long term Glioblastoma Survivor, and he is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his journey, and what he has learned along the way.Hear us talk about:
The moment of receiving a bran cancer diagnosis, and how fast things can move once it happ...
2022-05-1254 minGlioblastoma aka GBMIntroducing Glioblastoma aka GBMIn this inagural episode of Glioblastoma aka GBM, host and founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization Amber Barbach shares the story of how Glioblastoma has affected her life. After her father passed from the disease, she was inspired to help others navigating the challening waters of the disease and created the Glioblastoma Research Organization to help fund critical research into treatments and cures, and provide a community for people affected by it.If you or a loved one are suffering from Glioblastoma, you are not alone, and this podcast exists to help open up conversations about the...
2022-05-0408 min
How Are You Helping?16. Amber Barbach, Founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization on Starting A Brain Cancer Research Non-Profit, Why Passion is Critical, the Importance of Funding Clinical Trials, and MoreAmber Barbach is the founder and director of the Glioblastoma Research Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization raising awareness and funds for new global, cutting-edge research to find a cure for glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an aggressive and treatment-resistant form of brain cancer that accounts for 48 percent of all primary malignant brain tumors. Amber is originally from Miami. She has extensive expertise in community development and brand management after nearly a decade of working in branding partnerships and event marketing for global brands such as VanDutch, David Stark, V2 Jets, and Ultra Music Festival. She earned a bachelor's degree i...
2022-04-1841 min