In this powerful episode, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by Matthew Baker, a never-smoker living with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and Dr. Misty Shields, a physician-scientist at Indiana University and founder of the "Small Cell Smashers." Together, they strip away the "Google-induced" terror of an SCLC diagnosis to reveal a rapidly changing clinical landscape.

The conversation covers the grueling reality of standard "classic" chemotherapies, the emotional weight of radiation, and the traumatic side effects like ototoxicity (hearing loss) that Matt has navigated. Dr. Shields explains why small cell is uniquely "addicted to growth," making it highly sensitive to treatment but also prone to rapid resistance. However, the focus is on the future: the trio discusses the "transformative" rise of T-cell engagers (BiTEs), Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), and the controversial shift away from prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). It’s an episode about finding your "tribe," advocating for second opinions, and reclaiming hope in a field that is finally seeing its first major breakthroughs in decades.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet the Guests

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this enlightening episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by academic radiation oncologist Dr. Tim Waxweiler and stage IV neuroendocrine patient Bill Thach. They strip away the "sci-fi" mystery surrounding radiation therapy, addressing common patient fears—such as "Am I radioactive?"—and explaining the meticulous physics behind modern treatment.

The trio discusses the evolution of radiation from broad-beam "front-to-back" treatments to modern dose painting, where specialists use complex algorithms to steer energy toward tumors while sparing healthy organs. Bill shares his raw experience navigating 25 rounds of external radiation and the cutting-edge world of Radiopharmaceuticals (PRRT). Dr. Waxweiler breaks down the "Goldilocks" quest for the perfect dose, the nuances of Proton Therapy, and why staying physically active is the most powerful tool a patient has to combat radiation-induced fatigue. This episode is an essential guide for anyone facing a radiation referral, offering clarity on everything from simulation casts to the cumulative risks of diagnostic scans.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this vital episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by JJ Singleton, a colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at age 27, and Alison Silberman, CEO of Stupid Cancer. They dive into the world of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer—defined as patients diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39. While cancer rates in younger adults are rising, the medical system remains largely tailored to older populations, leaving AYAs in a "clinical gap" between pediatrics and geriatrics.

The trio discusses the profound isolation felt by young patients who don't see themselves reflected in oncology waiting rooms and the specific milestones—fertility, career building, and financial independence—that cancer abruptly derails. Alison highlights the work of Stupid Cancer in providing "hub and spoke" resources for this community, while JJ shares his journey from "stunted growth" and mental health struggles to finding a life-changing community. This episode is a call to action for providers to integrate psychosocial checklists into clinical care and a roadmap for young survivors to stop isolating and "say yes" to community.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this crucial episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell and world-renowned expert Dr. Laura Alder, a thoracic oncologist at Duke University. Together, they demystify Leptomeningeal Disease (LMD)—a condition where cancer cells spread to the thin layers of tissue (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

LMD is often considered "the scariest" diagnosis by patients because of its historic poor prognosis and the diagnostic difficulty it presents. The team explores why an MRI alone isn't always enough for a diagnosis, the "50/50" reality of lumbar punctures, and the revolutionary shift toward CSF genomic profiling. Dr. Alder highlights the "multi-disciplinary tumor board" approach to treatment, discussing everything from intrathecal chemotherapy via Ommaya reservoirs to the latest CNS-penetrant targeted therapies. This conversation moves past the fear to focus on the emerging tools and clinical trials that are offering new hope and extended quality of life for those facing LMD.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this poignant episode of Cracking Cancer, co-host Ashley Holt steps into a different role to interview Lauren Case, whose sister, Lexi, is living with Stage IV EGFR Exon 20 lung cancer. While the spotlight often remains on the patient, this conversation illuminates the emotional and logistical weight carried by sisters who become researchers, advocates, and "truth-tellers" in the face of terminal illness.

Lauren shares the raw reality of the "work zone" she entered following Lexi’s diagnosis—balancing her own family life while managing the complex logistics of her sister’s care, from coordinating cross-country flights for clinical trials to picking her up from chemotherapy infusions. The duo discusses the unique challenges of the sibling dynamic, the "delayed grief" that comes with staying strong for others, and the vital role a caregiver plays in ensuring oncologists hear the unvarnished truth about treatment side effects. This episode is a tribute to the "village" that supports a cancer patient and a roadmap for siblings navigating the ebbing and flowing stages of grief.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down with patient advocate and caregiver Max Doppelt to pull back the curtain on national cancer conferences. As we navigate the complex oncology landscape of 2026, this conversation explores whether these high-level medical meetings—like ASCO, AACR, and IASLC—are truly the best use of a patient’s most precious resource: time.

From the intimidating halls of Chicago’s McCormick Place to niche-targeted therapy meetings in California, Max shares his journey from "cornering trial coordinators" to finding a therapeutic community of peers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if they should attend a major medical meeting or if their time is better spent elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this highly personal follow-up episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and patient advocate Ashley Holt navigate the "mental hell" that can arise when advanced medical technology outpaces clinical certainty. Ashley, a Stage I lung cancer survivor, shares the harrowing story of her Signatera blood test (a tumor-informed ctDNA test) turning positive on her one-year diagnosis anniversary.

The episode pulls back the curtain on the months of uncertainty that followed: a clean PET scan and brain MRI, two follow-up blood redraws, and the agonizing wait for results during the holiday season. Dr. Kyle and Ashley dive deep into the catch-22 of "over-testing"—where the tools meant to provide peace of mind actually trigger profound scanxiety and unnecessary medical procedures. They challenge the misconception that "more is always better" and provide a rare look into the friction between medical science liaisons, oncologists, and the patients who must live with the fallout of a 1% false positive.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this moving episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by JJ Singleton and Bill Thach to discuss the "hidden" struggle of the cancer experience: social isolation, specifically among men. Both JJ and Bill share a striking commonality—it took each of them five years post-diagnosis to find a social support group that actually resonated with their needs.

The conversation dives deep into why traditional support groups often fail men, particularly Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) patients. Bill and JJ candidly discuss the "stoic male" stereotype, the fear of having vulnerability weaponized, and the frustration of groups that focus solely on medical jargon rather than real-life struggles. They highlight the transformative power of Man Up to Cancer, a community that prioritizes social-emotional support and "campfire-style" vulnerability over clinical agendas. From navigating terminal diagnoses to the "superpower" of asking for help, this episode is a roadmap for any man—or loved one of a man—looking to break the silence and find a community that truly understands the weight of the fight.

Key Takeaways

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this high-stakes episode of "Cracking Cancer," Dr. Kyle Concannon and Samantha Murrell are joined by Max Doppelt, an engineer-turned-caregiver who transformed his mother’s terminal diagnosis into a mission for systemic change. Max shares the harrowing reality of navigating the "ivory tower" of oncology, where regulatory burdens and institutional silos often prevent patients from accessing the very drugs that could save them. From the heartbreak of failing trial screenings due to rigid exclusion criteria to the bold, life-saving decision to source a next-generation TKI from China during a trade war, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the logistical "nightmare" of the current trial system.

The trio discusses why the burden of research often falls on the terminally ill and how Max is using his "special nerd powers" to bridge the gap. He introduces Patient Data Vault, a privacy-first AI platform designed to automate the clinical trial search, turning a list of thousands of irrelevant options into a curated handful of actionable leads. It’s an episode about patient empowerment, the "action layer" of AI, and the lengths a family will go to when the standard of care is no longer enough.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this dedicated episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell explore a challenging phenomenon in oncology: histologic transformation. This occurs when a cancer fundamentally changes its "wiring" to evade treatment, essentially transforming from one type of cell (like adenocarcinoma) into another, often more aggressive type (like small cell lung cancer).

The episode is dedicated to the memory of Caroline, a member of the lung cancer community who recently passed away after her EGFR-mutated cancer transformed into small-cell cancer. Dr. Concannon explains the biological "bucket" of resistance, distinguishing between new mutations in the same protein and this more radical cellular reprogramming. They discuss the necessity of repeat biopsies upon disease progression, as imaging alone cannot detect these shifts. While the topic is sobering, Dr. Concannon emphasizes that even after transformation, there are emerging therapies—including new antibody-drug conjugates and radiation—that offer hope and meaningful survival for patients facing this complex evolutionary hurdle.

Key Takeaways

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos