This podcast will serve as a platform for Emily to share her personal brain cancer journey—from diagnosis to survival. The series will highlight themes of resilience, survival, and gaining a new perspective on life, while offering a resource for those currently battling brain cancer.
Turning a Brain Cancer Diagnosis into Hope When Emma Warburton was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, life changed instantly for her and her family. In this heartfelt episode of Heads Up with Em, Emily is joined by Emma and three of her sons — Ben, Tom and Jem — as they reflect on the day everything changed, the challenges that followed, and how their family has navigated life with courage, humour and unwavering support for one another. The conversation explores Emma’s diagnosis and treatme...
26 May 2026
Episode 8. Fertility and Pregnancy After Cancer
In Part Two of Emily and Jake’s conversation on Heads Up with Em, they open up about one of the most personal and emotional chapters of their journey together — pregnancy, fertility, and choosing hope after a brain cancer diagnosis. Now expecting their third baby, Emily and Jake reflect honestly on the difficult decisions they faced following Emily’s diagnosis, including conversations around IVF, fertility preservation, fear of judgement, and learning how to look towards the future again. To...
30 Apr 2026
Episode 7: A conversation with Jake (part 1)
In this episode of Heads Up with Em, Emily is joined by someone who has been by her side through every part of her journey—her husband, Jake. A builder by trade and naturally someone who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Jake brings a quiet strength, calm, and steadiness to their family life. Emily and Jake met nearly ten years ago and quickly knew they had found something special. Since then, they’ve faced life’s challenges together, including Emily’s brain cancer diagnosis—an experienc...
18 Feb 2026
Episode 6: A conversation with Andrew Rhodes
This episode's guest, Andrew Rhodes, is the definition of when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Andrew is an extraordinary Australian who, after being diagnosed with brain cancer and then facing a devastating reoccurrence, chose not to slow down but to rise with an unshakeable, positive attitude and a deeply motivated spirit. Andrew took on one of Norway's hardest hiking challenges, the three hundred and fifty kilometre massive Ruta, becoming the first Australian on record to...
4 Feb 2026
Episode 5. Anna Lowvey
In Episode 5 of Heads Up with Em, It was a pleasure to connect with Anna Lowvey as we shared many similarities in our journeys, especially that of motherhood… juggling a toddler and a cancer diagnosis. However, Anna bravery shares a huge loss in her journey that is truly heartbreaking. Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirk Follow us on Facebook
30 Oct 2025
Episode 4: A conversation with Professor Richard Scolyer
In this powerful episode, Emily sits down with Professor Richard Scolyer - world-renowned pathologist and co-director of Melanoma Institute Australia - and his wife Dr Katie Nicoll, to talk about life, love, and resilience in the face of brain cancer. Together, they share an honest and deeply inspiring conversation about hope, research, and the strength of partnership through adversity. Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwithem @emilyfrancescakirk Follow us on Facebook
14 Oct 2025
My Story. Part 3
Between diagnosis and treatment, Emily shares the deeply human moments that define life after brain cancer surgery — from learning to cook again and caring for her children, to confronting fear and loss. In this episode, Emily talks about her diagnosis of astrocytoma, her relationship with her care team, and finding courage to embrace change — even shaving her head on her own terms. With honesty and warmth, Emily and Gab unpack the emotional ups and downs that come with survival, resilience, ...
29 Sept 2025
My Story. Part 2
In this emotional episode, Emily shares the pivotal moment of receiving her brain cancer diagnosis while holding her newborn baby. She takes us through the raw experience of telling her family, the frantic logistics of preparing for surgery, and the surreal mix of fear and resilience in those early days. Emily also reflects on her surgery, the immediate aftermath, and the profound shift in perspective that came with her vision loss and recovery. Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @he...
25 Aug 2025
My Story. Part 1
In this first episode of Heads Up with Em, I introduce my story as a young mum diagnosed with brain cancer at 30. Joined by my best friend Gabrielle, I reflect on the shock of diagnosis, the challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood, and the power of support from family, friends, and community. Together, we discuss both the hard and the hopeful, to remind others that life after diagnosis is still filled with joy, love, and possibility. Find out more Follow us on Instagram: @headsupwi...
18 Jul 2025
Heads Up with Em: The Story Begins
Welcome to Heads Up with Em — a podcast that brings you real, raw, and inspiring conversations from a brain cancer survivor’s point of view. In this short introductory episode, you’ll meet Em, a passionate advocate, storyteller, and survivor who’s turning her journey into a voice for others. She’ll share why this podcast matters, what you can expect in future episodes, and how Heads Up aims to support patients, families, and anyone impacted by brain cancer. Whether you’re a patient, carer, me...
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