Pineal Stories

Michael and Kelly Ables
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly Series

Help Us Give a Voice to Pineal Cyst Sufferers – Support Our Awareness Podcast 🎙️ What We're Doing We’re launching a powerful podcast series to give a voice to people suffering from symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition too often dismissed by the medical community. Doctors say: “It won’t kill you. Just live with it.” But those living with it know the truth: It can rob you of your quality of life — causing debilitating headaches, dizziness, vision problems, cognitive fog, insomnia, and even delusions. It’s time to change the narrative. 🔊 Why It Matters Most surgeons won’t operate. The medical system often ignores this condition. But what about the people who live in daily pain? Who can’t work, drive, or think clearly? Who are no longer themselves? Who are being dismissed over and over? This podcast will spotlight their stories. Real people. Real suffering. Real urgency. We aim to: Interview patients from around the worldBring on neurologists and surgeons willing to speak upShare lived experiences that challenge the status quoBuild pressure for better treatment and recognition

  1. Episode 1

    Kelly A (Part 1): The Years No One Believed Me.

    🎙️ Episode 1: “Kelly A Part 1" Welcome to the premiere episode of Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched. In this powerful first episode, we share our story wherein were told these symptoms were “unrelated” or “irrelevant,” while we knew better from our own experience. From chronic headaches and dizziness to blurred vision and overwhelming fatigue to horrific delusions — this is what the medical textbooks aren’t saying. 🧠 You will hear many more stories like Kelly’s in this series. These are not rare cases. These are people. And their voices matter. 🔍 In This Episode: Personal account of years-long medical dismissalSymptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiencesThe emotional toll of being ignored by the medical systemWhy this podcast exists — and what’s ahead 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

    Kelly A (Part 1): The Years No One Believed Me.

  2. Episode 2

    Kelly A (Part 2): Delusions, Hope & a Turning Point.

    🎙️ Episode 1: “Kelly A Part 2" Welcome to part 2 of the premiere of Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched. In this episode, we continue to share our story wherein were told these symptoms were “unrelated” or “irrelevant,” while we knew better from our own experience. From chronic headaches and dizziness to blurred vision and overwhelming fatigue to horrific delusions — this is what the medical textbooks aren’t saying. 🧠 You will hear many more stories like Kelly’s in this series. These are not rare cases. These are people. And their voices matter. 🔍 In This Episode: Personal account of years-long medical dismissalSymptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiencesThe emotional toll of being ignored by the medical systemWhy this podcast exists — and what’s ahead 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

    Kelly A (Part 2): Delusions, Hope & a Turning Point.

  3. Episode 3

    Dina: From Dismissed to Mic-Drop Vindication.

    🎙️ Episode 3: “Dina" Welcome to Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched. In this powerful episode, Dina shares her story of struggling to be heard, impact on her family and eventual resolution with even just a touch of mic-dropping victory in the office of a neurosurgeon who had once dismissed her. 🧠 You will hear many more stories like this in this series. These are not rare cases. These are people. And their voices matter. 🔍 In This Episode: Personal account of years-long medical dismissalSymptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiencesThe emotional toll of being ignored by the medical systemA well-deserved victory lap 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

    Dina: From Dismissed to Mic-Drop Vindication.

  4. Episode 4

    Emily B (Part 1): The Day Before Brain Surgery.

    The Day Before – Emily K’s Story Emily K is just 19 years old, and tomorrow she will undergo surgery to remove her pineal gland. In this emotional pre-op interview, Emily opens up about her experience living with a symptomatic pineal cyst, her long journey to find answers, and what it feels like to face a surgery few doctors acknowledge — but that could finally give her relief. This is a rare and powerful conversation recorded the day before her life changes. We’ll reconnect with Emily in a follow-up episode after her surgery to hear how recovery goes and how her symptoms evolve. 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

    Emily B (Part 1): The Day Before Brain Surgery.

  5. Episode 5

    Dr. Sunil Patel & Jared Nix: Rethinking “Incidental.”

    In this groundbreaking episode of Pineal Stories, we sit down with two of the most pivotal figures in the movement toward recognizing symptomatic pineal cysts: Dr. Sunil Patel, Chair of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, and his longtime PA, Jared Nix. Together, they’ve evaluated and operated on hundreds of patients whose lives were deeply affected by pineal cysts—many dismissed by the medical community until they found their way to MUSC. Dr. Patel shares how one unexpected recovery changed the trajectory of his career and sparked a quest to understand why some pineal glands grow, why they might become symptomatic, and what the gland might actually be producing. Jared Nix provides insight into what it's like to walk with patients from intake to follow-up, sharing moving stories of transformation and cautious hope. This episode covers: The origin of Dr. Patel’s interest in pineal cystsThe surgical risks and outcomes of over 300 casesHow families often see improvements before patients doThe challenge of moving the needle in the broader medical communityHonest reflections on uncertainty, responsibility, and the limits of current scienceYou’ll also hear from Kelly, a former patient, and host Michael, as they reflect on their personal experience—from crisis to recovery—and the profound impact of this team’s work on their family. This conversation is honest, emotional, and essential listening for anyone living with—or treating—symptomatic pineal cysts. 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

    Dr. Sunil Patel & Jared Nix: Rethinking “Incidental.”

  6. Episode 6

    Nicole: 15 Years of Symptoms, Still Fighting for Care.

    In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Pineal Stories, we meet Nicole, a 35-year-old from Waiehu, Maui, whose life has been profoundly impacted by a pineal mass. Pre-surgical but optimistic, Nicole shares her 15-year journey from her first debilitating symptoms in 2009—migraines, vertigo, visual disturbances, and fatigue—to the challenges of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and passed between specialists. Nicole opens up about losing her career as a florist, adapting to part-time caregiving, and coping with daily limitations in basic self-care. She details frightening episodes, including syncope, seizure, and prolonged vertigo, alongside the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty. Throughout her story, she emphasizes the critical importance of doctors who listen, the life-changing discovery of an online support community, and her growing hope in pursuing surgery with Dr. Patel—one of the few neurosurgeons specializing in symptomatic pineal cysts. Nicole also discusses possible links between the pineal gland, melatonin, immune system regulation, and her autoimmune conditions, calling for more research and awareness. This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder of the resilience required to navigate complex, often misunderstood medical conditions—and the hope that comes with finally being heard. 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

  7. Episode 7

    Emily E: From Sick Leave to “Fun Mom” Again.

    🎙️ Episode 7: “Emily E" Welcome to Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched. In this powerful episode: Emily shares her story of struggling to understand what was happening, quick action and an incredible timeline! 🧠 You will hear many more stories like this in this series. These are not rare cases. These are people. And their voices matter. 🔍 In This Episode: Personal account of worry and fear over symptoms and sick leave from workSymptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiencesThe return of Fun Mom! 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday

    Emily E: From Sick Leave to “Fun Mom” Again.

  8. Episode 8

    Paxton: A Son’s View from the Caregiver Side.

    In this eye-opening episode of Pineal Stories, we hear from Paxton, a 14-year-old whose life has been shaped by watching his mother navigate the challenges of living with a symptomatic pineal cyst. With a rare combination of honesty and empathy, Paxton speaks candidly about the emotional weight, day-to-day adjustments, and misunderstood realities faced by families supporting someone with a chronic, often invisible illness. Through his own words, Paxton gives voice to the children and teenagers who live this experience—balancing school, friendships, and their own emotions while adapting to the unpredictable changes in a loved one’s health. He describes moments of frustration, deep concern, and unwavering love, offering a perspective rarely heard in medical or patient advocacy discussions. His story is a powerful reminder that chronic illness affects entire families—not just the patient—and that empathy, communication, and awareness are essential for healing and support. 💡 Resources & Links: Visit our website: pinealstories.comLearn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacyShare your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com 🎵 Credits: Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

    Paxton: A Son’s View from the Caregiver Side.
See All Season 1 (21)

Trailer

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Help Us Give a Voice to Pineal Cyst Sufferers – Support Our Awareness Podcast 🎙️ What We're Doing We’re launching a powerful podcast series to give a voice to people suffering from symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition too often dismissed by the medical community. Doctors say: “It won’t kill you. Just live with it.” But those living with it know the truth: It can rob you of your quality of life — causing debilitating headaches, dizziness, vision problems, cognitive fog, insomnia, and even delusions. It’s time to change the narrative. 🔊 Why It Matters Most surgeons won’t operate. The medical system often ignores this condition. But what about the people who live in daily pain? Who can’t work, drive, or think clearly? Who are no longer themselves? Who are being dismissed over and over? This podcast will spotlight their stories. Real people. Real suffering. Real urgency. We aim to: Interview patients from around the worldBring on neurologists and surgeons willing to speak upShare lived experiences that challenge the status quoBuild pressure for better treatment and recognition

Information

  • Creator
    Michael and Kelly Ables
  • Episodes
    22
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Ables 2025
  • Show Website
    Pineal Stories