The GlioBabes

Mel and Mol

The GlioBabes Podcast. Real talk from young women living with brain tumours in their 20s. Unfiltered chats on health, identity, and life turned upside down, coming to you with dark humour and the raw unfiltered truth. Join Mel and Mol - and some special guests - weekly on your favourite podcast platforms.

  1. 4 Sept

    S9. Ep. 3: In Conversation With Professor Raj Jena | Professor Of AI In Radiation Oncology

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Season 9 - back to the professionals by popular demand! Today we welcome Professor Raj Jena… Perfect timing as AI advances in brain tumour care is in mainstream news. Raj is a Professor of AI in Radiation Oncology at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals. His work looks at how artificial intelligence, medical imaging and data can be used to improve cancer treatment - particularly radiotherapy. He leads Hamlet.rt, a major UK research study exploring how information from medical scans can help doctors better understand and treat cancer. The study is running across more than 12 sites in the UK, as well as Tata Medical Centre in Kolkata, India! Raj also advises on the use of AI in cancer care through the Royal College of Radiologists and is Director of the Oncology Translational Research Collaboration at the National Institute for Health and Care Research. In short: Raj is researching how AI and medical scans could help make cancer treatment more personalised and effective. That’s what we are talking about today… Really breaking it down and making it make sense for patients and families. But really… Anyone with an interest in AI, science, technology and medicine will be interested in this! The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  2. 21 Aug

    S9. Ep. 2: In Conversation With Dr Liz O'Riordan | Real Talk: From Surgeon To Patient

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Season 9 - back to the professionals by popular demand! Today we welcome Dr Liz O’Riordan, a breast surgeon who became a breast cancer patient. Breast cancer? But this is brain tumours? Well, Liz’s work goes far beyond and impacts us all, even those in perfect health. From social media BS and dangerous claims online, to the realities of being a patient that seem impossible to communicate to those around us, Liz not only provides safe and practical tips for those on “Dr Google” as well as validating how we feel. Liz has multiple books (including the cancer roadmap mentioned in the episode) available to buy online, and why not check out her podcast “So Now I’ve Got Breast Cancer”.  The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org  Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial  Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  3. 7 Aug

    S9. Ep. 1: In Conversation With Lorraine Grover | Psychosexual Nurse Specialist - Scans, Surgery, Survival... But Not Sex

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Season 9 - back to the professionals by popular demand! Starting strong…scans, surgery, survival but never sex. We are joined by Psychosexual Nurse Specialist Lorraine Grover to talk all things intimacy and sexual self post brain tumour diagnosis, but really the advice can span over all illness and health concerns. From confidence and understanding to real practical tips there is no page left unturned in this episode. Visit Lorraine's website below: https://lorrainegrover.com/ The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  4. 3 Aug

    S8. Ep. 6: Embracing Change | Losses and Gains

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. In season 8 we returned back to the community to bring on guests impacted by Brain Tumour in all different ways, kindly sharing their experiences and lessons along the way. From various grades to positions, living beyond to grieving, we are here to talk about it all. Now before we start season 9, we wanted to check in and say hi! So today: the losses and the gains. Not just the obvious ones, the more intricate and often hard hitting ones, on both sides. Also, some updates, surprises and a very special announcement 👀 The episode is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  5. 24 Jul

    S8. Ep. 5: In Conversation With Kim Borthwick | Diagnosis To Palliative

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Welcome back for Season 8! The season we returned back to the community to bring on guests impacted by brain tumour in all different ways, kindly sharing their experiences and lessons along the way. From various grades to positions, living beyond to grieving, we are here to talk about it all. In episode 5, we are joined by Kim Borthwick, currently on palliative care with a glioblastoma diagnosis. Kim is a 35-year-old mum from Glasgow, Scotland, and a passionate advocate for brain cancer awareness. Following her diagnosis with glioblastoma, an aggressive grade 4 brain tumour, in January 2026, Kim has used her voice to campaign for better treatment options, increased research funding, and improved outcomes for people affected by brain tumours. Unfortunately now in July 2026, after accessing immunotherapy treatments in Germany and Optune Tumour Treating Fields, Kim now has tumours in her spine and unable to continue the treatment, meaning she is now back in the UK on palliative care. But she’s not giving up yet. Alongside her husband, Ross, and their twin four-year-old sons, Kim is sharing her family’s journey with honesty and courage to push for meaningful change. Find out more at https://inmyheadkim.com/pages/kims-story and please do consider supporting Kim (buy your cap here too!) Follow Kim on Instagram: @inmyheadkim The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  6. 10 Jul

    S8. Ep. 4: In Conversation With Dan & Dave | Headstrong Against Cancer

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Welcome back for Season 8! The season we returned back to the community to bring on guests impacted by Brain Tumour in all different ways, kindly sharing their experiences and lessons along the way. From various grades to positions, living beyond to grieving, we are here to talk about it all. In episode 4, we are joined by Dan and Dave, the minds behind Headstrong Against Cancer. Their mission is to give every brain cancer patient the strength, support, and hope they deserve. In 2017 Dan, aged 38, was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma – the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Then in 2021, Dave’s younger sister Kate was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at just 39. Kate fought incredibly hard but sadly passed away in May 2023 at the age of 41. These experiences of illness, trauma, and loss have further strengthened their bonds, and throughout both Dan and Kate’s journeys, they have been raising funds for Cancer Research. Now, in 2026, Dan is still with us – defying the odds. We sit with the pair today to find out about their connection, cause, stories and fight for all patients and families. Find out more at headstrongagainstcancer.co.uk The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  7. 26 Jun

    S8. Ep. 3: In Conversation With Linda Radosinska | NeuroSpicy Art

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Welcome back for Season 8! The season we returned back to the community to bring on guests impacted by brain tumours in all different ways, kindly sharing their experiences and lessons along the way. From various grades to positions, living beyond to grieving, we are here to talk about it all. In episode three, we are joined by Linda Radosinska. Linda is a Melbourne-based artist, creative director, and TEDx speaker. After surviving brain surgery in 2025, she created NeuroSpicy Art, a vibrant 109-piece collection celebrating the brain, creativity, and neurodiversity. Through her work, Linda raises funds for brain cancer research while inspiring conversations about science, art, and what it means to be human. Check out the project and even get your own piece at www.neurospicyart.com 100% of the profits from the ‘Neurospicy Art’ collection will support brain cancer research in Australia, between The Mark Hughes Foundation and Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Australia Specific Support Lines: Brain Tumour Alliance Australia www.btaa.org.au Cure Brain Cancer Foundation www.curebraincancer.org.au Mark Hughes Foundation markhughesfoundation.com.au Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

  8. 12 Jun

    S8. Ep. 2: In Conversation With Chris Rigg | Unmethylated Glioblastoma: Calling For Justice

    The GlioBabes, a podcast created by two young women who were both diagnosed with brain tumours at a young age. Mel and Mol are creating a safe space to talk about their experiences and to raise awareness of brain tumours and ill health within the young population. Welcome back for Season 8! The season we returned back to the community to bring on guests impacted by Brain Tumour in all different ways, kindly sharing their experiences and lessons along the way. From various grades to positions, living beyond to grieving, we are here to talk about it all. In episode two, we are joined by Chris Rigg. Chris shares his personal experiences of living with glioblastoma, including treatments he has accessed privately outside the NHS. The views expressed are his own and should not be taken as medical advice. Anyone considering treatment options should discuss them with their healthcare team. When Chris was told he had glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, his first reaction wasn’t fear. It was anger. Two and a half years later, the 52-year-old father of three is still here challenging the systems he believes fail brain cancer patients at their most vulnerable moment. Talking on his own experiences and views of the systems he’s faced, Chris gives us his time to share his truth. After a violent seizure at home, breaking three vertebrae in his spine, he was sent away. After a second seizure in front of his son, Chris was diagnosed with unmethylated GBM4, a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer with a poor prognosis. Chris currently receives his treatment in Germany and uses the device Optune, not recognised in the UK on the NHS. You can see Chris wearing the device in this episode. This episode is tough, so please take care of yourself. Helplines are, as always, below. The episode is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Support links: The Brain Tumour Charity Call 0808 800 0004 Monday - Friday 9-5 Email support@thebraintumourcharity.org Young Adult team YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org Phone as above 0808 800 0004 and ask for The Young Adults Service Brain Tumour Support https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ Samaritans (24/7UK wide) – 116 123 In an emergency, visit A&E or dial 999 Please don't be alone. We are here for you. Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts: @TheGlioBabes Instagram: @thegliobabes TikTok: @the.gliobabes LinkedIn: The GlioBabes Podcast *music by: SKIRK - soundcloud.com/skirkofficial Our guests share their personal experiences and opinions. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not with another. We encourage open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The GlioBabes Podcast. Real talk from young women living with brain tumours in their 20s. Unfiltered chats on health, identity, and life turned upside down, coming to you with dark humour and the raw unfiltered truth. Join Mel and Mol - and some special guests - weekly on your favourite podcast platforms.

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