Lucky Brain Tumor Podcast

Emily Truell

On the Lucky Brain Tumor Podcast, Emily invites people to share their acoustic neuroma stories, from the hunt for a diagnosis to creating a new normal after treatment. Emily was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma (or vestibular schwannoma) at 27 - a rare, benign brain tumor. She decided to make that experience worthwhile by paying it forward to other brain tumor warriors by supporting people and advocating for hearing assistance.

Episodes

  1. May 27

    Episode 7: Sean and Chris

    In this episode, I get to meet Sean Wolfe, the artist known as ‪@salvobeta‬, and Chris Eichenseer of ‪@SomeoddpilotRecords‬. These musicians and long-time friends were both diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma that took all their hearing in one ear. Chris and Sean get real with the challenges of this diagnosis and the emotional roller coaster they went on. Contrary to what you may expect, this experience has only strengthened their commitment to the music scene. Sean even mentions the idea of creating music specifically designed for cochlear implant users like himself. Sean and Chris are very open about how this drastic diagnosis changed their worldview, leading them to prioritize what really matters in their lives. #acousticneuroma #vestibularschwannoma #braintumor #acousticneuromawarrior #hearingloss

    1h 2m

  2. Trailer

    Teaser Video- Sean and Chris

    I had the amazing opportunity to record my first in-person podcast with these two musicians and longstanding friends who were both diagnosed with acoustic neuromas. Sean Wolfe of @salvobeta and Chris Eichenseer of @someoddpilotrecords shared their stories and how they have navigated their hearing loss alongside their passion for music. This podcast is a must-watch - so here is a little teaser while we await the full episode! #AcousticNeuromaAwarenessWeek #AcousticNeuroma #VestibularSchwannoma #Podcast #LuckyBrainTumorPodcast

    2 min

  3. Apr 21

    Episode 6: DJ's Story

    In this episode DJ talks candidly about his retrosigmoid surgery for his acoustic neuroma as well as the physical and mental repercussions. DJ did lose all his hearing in the affected ear and experienced facial paralysis. He has wonderful insight into his emotions and thoughts throughout the process as well as tools that helped him cope. His heartfelt storytelling is both engaging and validating. #acousticneuroma #vestibularschwannoma #braintumor #acousticneuromawarrior

    35 min

  4. Mar 26

    Episode 5: Maggie's Story

    In this episode Maggie tells her story of balance issues that lead to an acoustic neuroma diagnosis. Maggie chose retrosigmoid surgery and experienced a phenomenal immediate recovery. Her life is busy and active these days- canoeing, hiking, and chopping wood. She does still struggle with balance and oscillopsia, but she has utilized several tools to assist her in her day to day. Maggie has also had a very unique journey with her hearing throughout her acoustic neuroma experience. Her warmth and encouragement really shine through in her storytelling. #acousticneuroma #vestibularschwannoma #braintumor #acousticneuromawarrior

    34 min

  5. Feb 26

    Episode 4: Zoe's Story

    In this episode Zoe shares her story of her diagnosis and why she chose radiation for her treatment. As a musician, Zoe brings some unique perspectives to her experience of hearing loss. Her story really shines a light on the importance of choosing a treatment path that fits you and your life. Zoe's radiation experience was extremely successful, and her openness about her mental and emotional struggles through her diagnosis are both validating and encouraging. You can find Zoe and her music here:https://linktr.ee/zoezobrist #acousticneuroma #vestibularschwannoma #braintumor #acousticneuromawarrior

    36 min

  6. Jan 20

    Episode 3: Stacy's Story

    In this episode of the Lucky Brain Tumor Podcast, Stacy shares her story of how she was experiencing symptoms while pregnant and was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumor when her baby was just a couple weeks old. Unusually, her tumor was growing somewhat quickly so she chose to do retrosigmoid surgery during her child's first year of life. From describing the challenge of brain surgery as the mother of two very young children to the hope and support she found in community, Stacy's story reminds us how challenging times can lead to a better version of ourselves. #acousticneuroma #vestibularschwannoma #braintumor #acousticneuromawarrior

    42 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Episode 2: Ramiz's Story

    In this episode of the Lucky Brain Tumor Podcast, Ramiz shares his dramatic and harrowing story of receiving an acoustic neuroma diagnosis during the late 80’s in Iraq in the midst of a war. Ramiz had to fight through bureaucratic red tape to even travel out of the country and receive treatment. He then had an extremely challenging and eventful surgery that resulted in total facial paralysis on the tumor side. He discusses his facial nerve graft surgery, which was a new procedure at that time. Through his complicated and fascinating story, Ramiz demonstrates how life can still be full and successful after a difficult diagnosis and treatment.  www.ramizgabrial.com  www.strongerthanthescar.com  #acousticneuroma #vestibularschwannoma #braintumor #acousticneuromawarrior

    27 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    Michelle's Story

    In this episode, Michelle shares her story of her acoustic neuroma diagnosis back in 2012 when she was twenty-seven years old. Michelle had amazing results from her middle fossa surgery, and her story is very inspirational. Michelle gives great advice for someone diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma- including the importance of self advocacy, community, and true rest. anausa.org

    29 min

Trailer

About

On the Lucky Brain Tumor Podcast, Emily invites people to share their acoustic neuroma stories, from the hunt for a diagnosis to creating a new normal after treatment. Emily was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma (or vestibular schwannoma) at 27 - a rare, benign brain tumor. She decided to make that experience worthwhile by paying it forward to other brain tumor warriors by supporting people and advocating for hearing assistance.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Truell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Emily Truell
  • Show Website
    Lucky Brain Tumor Podcast

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