Heads Up With Em

Turning a Brain Cancer Diagnosis into HopeWhen Emma Warburton was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, life changed instantly for her and her family.In this heartfelt episode of Heads Up with Em, Emily is joined by Emma and three of her sons — Ben, Tom and Jem — as they reflect on the day everything changed, the challenges that followed, and how their family has navigated life with courage, humour and unwavering support for one another.The conversation explores Emma’s diagnosis and treatment, the impact brain cancer has on an entire family, and the remarkable 80 for 80 fundraising campaign inspired by her journey. Together, they share honest reflections on resilience, hope, community, and why investing in brain cancer research matters more than ever.This is a story about the strength of family, finding purpose through adversity, and the incredible difference that people can make when they come together for a cause bigger than themselves.Learn more about the 80 for 80 campaign and support brain cancer research: {Fundraising Link}If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may find hope and encouragement in this conversation.Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

In Part Two of Emily and Jake’s conversation on Heads Up with Em, they open up about one of the most personal and emotional chapters of their journey together — pregnancy, fertility, and choosing hope after a brain cancer diagnosis.Now expecting their third baby, Emily and Jake reflect honestly on the difficult decisions they faced following Emily’s diagnosis, including conversations around IVF, fertility preservation, fear of judgement, and learning how to look towards the future again. Together, they share the emotional reality of navigating parenthood, uncertainty, and the courage it takes to continue building a life after cancer.This episode is not only about pregnancy — it’s about reclaiming choice, allowing yourself to dream again, and finding hope even after life changes in unimaginable ways.Emily also shares how support from her medical team helped her slowly move from survival mode towards embracing the possibility of a future again, while Jake offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective on family, partnership, and living life without fear holding you back.A deeply honest conversation about resilience, love, family, and choosing to move forward.*** Medical Disclaimer ***The medical information, advice, treatments and medications discussed in this episode relate specifically to Emily’s personal experience and circumstances. They are shared for general informational and storytelling purposes only and should not be considered medical advice for listeners.Every diagnosis and treatment journey is different. Always seek advice from your treating doctor, specialist or qualified healthcare professional regarding your own medical condition, treatment options or medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on something heard in this podcast.Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

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: @emilyfranchescakirkFind out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

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 Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

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 Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

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 Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

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 PixabayFind out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

In this emotional episode, Emily shares the pivotal moment of receiving her brain cancer diagnosis while holding her newborn baby. She takes us through the raw experience of telling her family, the frantic logistics of preparing for surgery, and the surreal mix of fear and resilience in those early days. Emily also reflects on her surgery, the immediate aftermath, and the profound shift in perspective that came with her vision loss and recovery.Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

In this first episode of Heads Up with Em, I introduce my story as a young mum diagnosed with brain cancer at 30. Joined by my best friend Gabrielle, I reflect on the shock of diagnosis, the challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood, and the power of support from family, friends, and community. Together, we discuss both the hard and the hopeful, to remind others that life after diagnosis is still filled with joy, love, and possibility.Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook

Welcome to Heads Up with Em — a podcast that brings you real, raw, and inspiring conversations from a brain cancer survivor’s point of view.In this short introductory episode, you’ll meet Em, a passionate advocate, storyteller, and survivor who’s turning her journey into a voice for others. She’ll share why this podcast matters, what you can expect in future episodes, and how Heads Up aims to support patients, families, and anyone impacted by brain cancer.Whether you’re a patient, carer, medical professional or just someone seeking hope and resilience, this podcast is for you.🎧 Hit play, follow, and join us on this journey of courage, community, and clarity.A heartfelt thank you to The Brain Cancer Group for their generous support in bringing this podcast to life.Special thanks also to our producer, Dennis Tritaris of Orama Communications, for his invaluable technical expertise and creative direction throughout this project.Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirkFollow us on Facebook