Tumor Minutes
A podcast where we break down big topics in a way that just makes sense.
About the show
Welcome to Tumor Minutes, a podcast created by Netra, a student passionate about understanding the complexities of brain tumors. This podcast is a deep dive into the science, stories, and struggles surrounding brain tumors. Through interviews with medical professionals, survivors, and researchers, I aim to shed light on the latest advancements in treatment, the emotional impact on patients and families, and raise awareness about this often misunderstood condition. Whether you’re a student, healthcare enthusiast, or someone personally affected, join me on this journey to better understand cancers and the people who fight against them.
Tumor Minutes on social media
Episodes
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Episode 17: Season 2: Episode 7: IQ vs EQ
January 11th, 2026 | 10 mins 34 secs
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we break down the difference between IQ and EQ from a neuroscience perspective. We explore what intelligence tests actually measure, how emotional intelligence works in the brain, and why neither tells the full story on its own. By looking at the roles of the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and hippocampus, this episode explains why thinking and feeling are deeply connected rather than competing skills. The takeaway is simple: intelligence is not one number, and no single test defines how capable or valuable a person is.
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Episode 16: Season 2: Episode 6: OCD
December 28th, 2025 | 9 mins 42 secs
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra explains what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) really is and why it is very different from simply liking organization. The episode explores the science behind OCD, how it affects the brain, and why compassion and understanding matter so much. Listeners will learn that OCD is real, medical, and treatable.
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Episode 15: Season 2: Episode 5: Epilepsy
December 13th, 2025 | 11 mins 8 secs
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, I share my personal experience living with epilepsy, explain what it really is, and bust common myths. Learn how awareness, support, and resilience shape daily life with this invisible neurological condition.
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Episode 14: Season 2: Episode 4: Anxiety
November 22nd, 2025 | 3 mins 50 secs
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we explore what anxiety is, why it happens, and how it affects the brain and body. We also cover practical strategies to manage it and create a mental “safe space” for when life feels overwhelming.
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Episode 13: Season 2: Episode 3: ADHD
November 15th, 2025 | 12 mins 59 secs
ADHD shows up in real life in ways people do not talk about enough. In this episode, Netra takes the topic apart piece by piece to explain what ADHD actually means, how it is diagnosed, and why the term ADD does not exist anymore. The science is simple, the explanations are clear, and the jokes are very Netra coded. There is a nod to Percy Jackson and how the series shaped neurodiversity conversations for a whole generation. This episode is informative, funny, and extremely teen friendly without giving away too much. Perfect for anyone who wants to finally understand ADHD without feeling like they are reading a textbook.
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Episode 12: Season 2: Episode 2: Down Syndrome
October 10th, 2025 | 10 mins 10 secs
This episode dives into the science, myths, and humanity behind Down Syndrome — the genetic remix everyone thinks they understand, but few actually do. Equal parts funny and factual, Netra breaks down the extra chromosome, the misconceptions, and why “different” never means “less.”
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Season 2: Episode 1: Autism
October 5th, 2025 | 10 mins 47 secs
The Season 2 opener of Tumor Minutes explores autism in depth—what it really is, the myths versus realities, the neuroscience behind it, and the lived experiences of autistic people. From sensory overload to teen struggles and pop culture portrayals, the episode balances science with empathy while also tackling recent headlines about Tylenol and autism.
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Episode 10: Episode 10: The Billionaire Who Tried to Outthink His Tumor
August 16th, 2025 | 11 mins 5 secs
This episode of Tumor Minutes explores the story of a world-changing innovator whose battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer shaped the final years of his life. We walk through his life, his diagnosis, the surgery known as the Whipple procedure, the choices he made both smart and not-so-smart, and how his illness shaped his legacy. It is part biography, part medical deep-dive, and all delivered with the classic snarky empathy of Tumor Minutes.
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Episode 9: Episode 9: Pancreatic Cancer: The Silent Killer You Need to Know About
August 9th, 2025 | Season 1 | 12 mins 47 secs
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest and most silent cancers, often diagnosed too late due to vague symptoms. In this episode, Netra breaks down what the pancreas does, how pancreatic cancer develops, the signs to watch for, who’s at risk, and why early detection remains such a challenge. Learn how awareness can save lives—even if you’re young.
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Episode 8: Episode 8: Prevention and Risk Factors
August 2nd, 2025 | Season 1 | 13 mins 3 secs
In Episode 8 of Tumor Minutes, Netra dives into the world of cancer prevention and risk factors—debunking myths, breaking down lifestyle risks, and calling out everything from cigarettes to tanning beds. It’s witty, unfiltered, and science-backed advice for anyone who’s ever asked, “What can I actually do to avoid getting cancer?”
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Episode 7: Episode 7: Inside the Magnet: How MRIs Actually Work
August 2nd, 2025 | Season 1 | 10 mins 57 secs
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, host Netra dives deep into the world of MRIs — Magnetic Resonance Imaging — and explains their critical role in cancer care. Drawing from her personal experience of undergoing hundreds of scans to monitor her tumor, she unpacks how MRIs work, why they’re used, what to expect during the procedure, and how contrast dye helps sharpen images. With clarity, warmth, and a dash of humor, Netra demystifies the MRI process to ease anxiety and spark curiosity.
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Episode 6: Episode 6: Celebrity Case Study
August 2nd, 2025 | Season 1 | 4 mins 21 secs
What do Wolverine and skin cancer have in common? In this episode, we explore Hugh Jackman’s repeated battles with basal cell carcinoma and what his story teaches us about early detection, treatment, and the importance of sunscreen. Even superheroes aren’t invincible — but you can outsmart UV rays.
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Episode 5: Episode 5: All About Cancer Treatments
June 19th, 2025 | Season 1 | 3 mins 45 secs
How Do We Treat Cancer?
From chemo to immunotherapy, Episode 5 of Tumor Minutes breaks down how cancer is treated—what works, why it works, and why it’s never one-size-fits-all. -
Episode 4: Episode 4: Cancer Myths Busted
June 18th, 2025 | Season 1 | 11 mins 11 secs
Cancer Myths: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?
From sugar to cell phones, Episode 4 busts the biggest myths about cancer. Netra separates science from superstition and unpacks what we think we know. It’s fact-checking time—Tumor Minutes style. -
Episode 3: Episode 3: Metastasis
June 15th, 2025 | Season 1 | 4 mins 15 secs
Metastasis is when cancer doesn’t stay put—it spreads, adapts, and becomes harder to treat. In this episode, Netra breaks down how metastasis works, where cancer likes to travel, why it’s so dangerous, and what modern medicine is doing to fight back. Plus: the inspiring story of Terry Fox and how his legacy changed cancer care forever.
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Episode 2: Episode 2: Benign, But Not Boring
June 15th, 2025 | Season 1 | 3 mins 42 secs
Not all tumors are cancer—and benign doesn’t mean harmless. In this episode, Netra breaks down what benign tumors really are, why they matter, and how they can still affect the body in serious ways. From her own story of a benign brain tumor to real-life cases and modern treatment options, this episode explores how even “non-cancerous” growths can impact lives.
Learn about common benign tumors, detection, treatment, and why your experience—physical and emotional—still matters.