I Have A What?! Surviving A Brain Tumor
Johnathan "TeflonJohn" Smith
5.0from 3 ratings
- 19
- Episodes
- 3
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About I Have A What?! Surviving A Brain Tumor
Join me as I share my deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with a brain tumor; a moment filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty. I navigate the emotional rollercoaster of surgery and the fight for survival, revealing the highs and lows along the way. This podcast is for anyone interested in health and inspiring stories of resilience. Each episode features heartfelt storytelling, interviews, and discussions with fellow survivors and experts. Tune in for open conversations that acknowledge the stress of such a diagnosis while offering hope. New episodes are released twice a month. đ§ Support the Show If you enjoy my content and want to help me keep creating inspiring stories and conversations, you can support my work here: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teflonjohn Every coffee helps fuel new episodes, better equipment, and meaningful content for the community. Thank you for your support! âď¸
- Publisher
- Johnathan "TeflonJohn" Smith
- Category
- health & fitness
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 8 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 19 Aug 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
19 Aug 2026
The Morning of Brain Surgery: Facing Fear Before Anesthesia | Season 2 | Episode 8 | Finale
đ§ Episode Description The morning of brain surgery was the moment everythingbecame real. In this Season 2 finale, I take you through the final hoursbefore my surgery, from the day and night before, to the drive to UVA, thecheck-in process, seeing my family, meeting the surgical team, and the momentfear finally broke through the mask I had been wearing. This episode begins with March 14th, 2024, the day beforesurgery, which was also my wifeâs birthday. That day felt blurry. I was there, but I was not fullythere. I was trying to shop for recovery, prepare for the hospital, take careof what needed to be done, and be strong for the people around me. But inside,I knew the next morning could change everything. The morning of surgery carried a weight I will never forget. The drive to the hospital. The check-in. Taking off my clothes. Putting on the hospital gown. Seeing my family surprise me and show up together. Meeting the nurses, anesthesia team, and surgeon. Hearing the risks again. Facing the possibility that I may not wake up the same, or wake up at all. Up until that point, I thought I knew what fear was. But when I sat there at UVA, dressed for surgery, hearingthe risks again right before they took me back, I realized the differencebetween nervousness and real fear. This was the moment the mask finally broke. My wife saw it. My mom saw it. And for the first time, I could not hide what I was carrying anymore. This episode is about fear, faith, family, vulnerability,surrender, and the final moments before brain surgery. Season 2 ends where my certainty ended. Right before anesthesia. Right before everything went black. Right before I had to trust God with what came next. Season 3 begins when I wake up. đŻ What Youâll Take FromThis Episode What the day and night before brain surgery felt like How my wifeâs birthday landed the day before surgery Why preparing for recovery felt emotionally heavy What the drive and check-in at UVA felt like How my family surprised me before surgery Why hearing the surgical risks again broke me down The difference between nervousness and real fear How faith and fear can exist in the same moment Why Season 2 ends right before anesthesia đŁ Support the Podcast If this episode connects with you, consider supporting themission: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) đ Stay Connected đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) Make sure you follow the podcast, share it with someone whoneeds it, and stay tapped in for Season 3. đ Next Season Season 3 begins when I wake up. The surgery is over. The ICU is real. The recovery begins. And I have to find out what version of me came back. This is not the end of the story. One love. Be blessed.
12 Aug 2026
The Last Few Days Before Brain Surgery: Family, Work, and Final Moments | Season 2, Episode 7
đ§ Episode Description Sometimes you do not know a moment is important until later. In this episode, I take you inside the last few days before brain surgery, when life still looked normal on the outside, but everything felt different on the inside. The countdown was almost over. I was no longer months away from surgery. I was no longer weeks away. I was days away. And during those final days, every ordinary moment started to carry more weight. My last day at work felt different. Seeing family felt different. Visiting my grandparents felt different. Trying to stay present felt different. This episode is about the final stretch before brain surgery, the last days of trying to live normal before everything changed. One of the most meaningful parts of this episode is looking back on the time I spent with my grandfather before surgery. At the time, I thought it was just another visit. But now, knowing what would happen later in my journey, that moment carries a much deeper meaning. This episode is about presence. It is about family, faith, uncertainty, and learning not to rush past the moments that matter. It is about realizing that sometimes God gives you memories before you even know why you will need them. If you are facing surgery, preparing for a diagnosis, supporting someone you love, walking through uncertainty, or learning to appreciate life differently, this episode is for you. Do not rush past the moments that matter. Sometimes the ordinary moments become the ones that carry you later. đŻ What Youâll Take From This Episode What the last few days before brain surgery felt like emotionally Why my last day at work felt heavier than I expected How visiting family helped ground me before surgery Why seeing my grandfather before surgery means so much now How faith and fear can exist in the same season Why presence matters when life feels uncertain đŁ Support the Podcast If this episode connects with you, consider supporting the mission: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) đ Stay Connected đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) Make sure you follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs it, and stay tapped in for whatâs next. đ Next Episode Next episode⌠we reach the night before surgery. The house gets quiet. The thoughts get louder. The countdown is no longer days away. It is hours away. And everything I had been preparing for is now right in front of me.
8 Aug 2026
Brain Surgery Made Me Rethink My Life: What Really Matters | Season 2, Episode 6
đ§ EPISODE DESCRIPTION Sometimes you do not realize how important a moment is until later. In this episode, I take you inside the last few days before my brain surgery, when the countdown was almost over and life started feeling different in ways I could not fully explain at the time. This was not just about preparing for surgery. It was about walking through the final stretch of normal life. My last day at work. The quiet weight of stepping away. Visiting family. Seeing my grandparents. Trying to stay present while knowing everything was about to change. And one of the most meaningful parts of this episode is looking back on the time I spent with my grandfather before surgery. At the time, I thought it was just another visit. But now, knowing what would happen later in my journey, that moment carries a much deeper meaning. This episode is about presence. It is about realizing that some moments do not reveal their full meaning until after life changes. It is about appreciating the people God places in your life, holding on to what matters, and understanding that the ordinary moments can become the ones you remember most. If you are preparing for surgery, facing uncertainty, walking through a diagnosis, or simply trying to hold yourself together while life keeps moving, this episode is for you. Do not rush past the moments that matter. Sometimes God gives you memories before you even know why you will need them. đŻ What Youâll Take From This Episode: What the final days before brain surgery felt like emotionally How my last day at work carried more weight than I expected Why visiting family before surgery became so meaningful The importance of being present with the people you love How ordinary moments can become powerful memories lateđŁ Support the Podcast If this episode connects with you, consider supporting the mission: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) đ Stay Connected đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) Make sure you follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs it, and stay tapped in for whatâs next. đ Next Episode Next episode⌠we reach the night before surgery. The house gets quiet. The thoughts get louder. And everything I had been preparing for⌠is now only hours away.
22 May 2026
Brain Surgery, Faith, and Fear: When My Momâs Faith Challenged Me | Season 2 | Episode 5
Thereâs a difference between having faith⌠and having your faith challenged when fear is loud. In this episode, I take you inside one of the most emotional parts of my brain tumor journey: the tension between my fear and my momâs faith. As my brain surgery date got closer, I was still trying to process what was happening. I was scared. I was uncertain. I was wearing a mask, trying to act like I was okay, while internally I was struggling with the reality of what was coming. But my mom saw things differently. Her faith was strong. Her belief in what God could do was on another level. She would say things like, âYou never know, you might go down there for surgery and they canât even find the tumor because God removed it.â And honestly⌠that bothered me. Not because I didnât believe in God, but because I was scared to believe that deeply. I was afraid of getting my hopes up. I was afraid of believing for a miracle, then being devastated if I still had to face surgery. This episode is about that real tension. Faith vs fear. A mother believing for the impossible⌠and a son trying to survive the reality in front of him. I talk about why her faith challenged me, why it made me uncomfortable, and how looking back, I realize that pressure was exactly what I needed. At the time, it felt like we were bumping heads. But in hindsight, she was pushing me to face the fear I was trying so hard to hide. If youâve ever struggled between believing God and being honest about your fear⌠if youâve ever had someone close to you speak faith when you were still trying to process reality⌠this episode is for you. đŻ What Youâll Take From This Episode: What it feels like when faith and fear collide during a health crisis How a parentâs faith can challenge you when youâre scared Why fear can expose areas where your faith is still growing The emotional weight of trying to look strong while struggling inside How God can use uncomfortable conversations to build something deeper in you đŁ Support the Podcast If this episode connects with you, consider supporting the mission: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) đ Stay Connected đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) Make sure you follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs it, and stay tapped in for whatâs next. đ Next Episode Next episode, my mom joins me. For the first time, youâll hear this journey from her side, what she saw, what she felt, and how she carried her own faith while watching her son prepare for brain surgery.
22 Apr 2026
Life Doesnât Stop: Pushing Through Pain Before Brain Surgery | Season 2 | Episode 4
đ§ Season 2, Episode 4 Description Life doesnât pause just because youâre going through something. In this episode, I take you deeper into a part of my journey that most people never see, the space between knowing something life-changing is coming and still having to show up every day like everything is normal. While preparing for brain surgery, my body was already sending signals. Daily headaches. Constant nausea. Moments where I felt off, but still had to function. Still had to work. Still had to lead. Still had to be present for the people around me. Because the reality is, life keeps moving. Deadlines donât wait. Responsibilities donât disappear. And most people donât know what youâre carrying internally. So you learn how to operate while dealing with something heavy behind the scenes. This episode is about that tension. The pressure of pushing forward when your body and mind are under stress. The discipline it takes to keep going when you donât feel like it. And the mindset shift that helped me realize that what I was going through wasnât just something to survive, it was something that was preparing me. Because sometimes the season youâre in right now⌠is training you for whatâs ahead. If youâve ever had to show up in life while quietly dealing with pain, uncertainty, or fear, this episode will speak directly to you. đŁ Support the Podcast If this episode connects with you, consider supporting the mission: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) đ Stay Connected đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) Follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs it, and stay tapped in for whatâs next.
17 Apr 2026
Brain Surgery Countdown: Living With Fear, Faith, and Uncertainty | Season 2 | Episode 3
đ§ Season 2, Episode 3 Description Brain Surgery Countdown: Living With Fear, Faith, and Uncertainty | Season 2 | Episode 3 Thereâs a difference between making a decision⌠and living with it. In this episode, I take you inside what it really feels like after the date is set, when youâre no longer avoiding it⌠but you still have to wake up every day and live your life. Nothing around me stopped. I was still going to work, still showing up, still laughing, still being myself. On the outside, everything looked normal. But internally⌠it was different. Because now, I wasnât just living life⌠âŚI was living with a countdown. I talk about what it felt like to carry that weight every day. The back and forth between feeling normal one moment, and then being hit with the reality of what was coming the next. There were days I could forget. And there were days it wouldnât leave my mind at all. And that tension⌠thatâs where the real battle started. Faith vs fear. Because itâs one thing to say you trust God⌠Itâs another thing to trust Him when youâre facing something you canât control, something you canât run from, and something you donât know the outcome of. đ Thatâs when the real question shows up: How do you keep living⌠when you know whatâs coming? If youâve ever lived in uncertainty, carried something heavy in silence, or tried to stay strong while battling your own thoughts⌠this episode is for you. This is what it looks like to live with a countdown. đŻ What Youâll Take From This Episode: What it feels like to live with a life changing countdownThe mental and emotional weight of knowing whatâs aheadHow normal life and heavy reality can exist at the same timeWhat happens when faith is tested in real time đŁ Support the Podcast If this episode connects with you, consider supporting the mission: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) đ Stay Connected đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) Make sure you follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs it, and stay tapped in for whatâs next. đ Next EpisodeAt some point⌠I couldnât keep it to myself anymore. Because the closer the date got⌠the harder it became to act like everything was okay. đĽ
15 Apr 2026
Choosing My Brain Surgery Date: The Moment It Became Real | Season 2 | Episode 2
đ§ Season 2, Episode 2 Description Choosing My Brain Surgery Date: The Moment It Became Real How do you choose the day⌠that your life might change forever? In this episode of I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, I take you inside one of the hardest decisions I faced during my journey, choosing the date for brain surgery. This wasnât just about scheduling a procedure. It was about coming to terms with reality. For weeks, I avoided it. Not because I didnât understand what needed to happen⌠but because I knew once that date was set, everything would feel real. The uncertainty. The fear. The weight of what could happen next. In this episode, I open up about: The internal battle between faith and fear Why I delayed making the decision The pressure of protecting my family while struggling internally What it feels like to live with a countdown you canât escape And how I started facing something I could no longer avoid This is one of the most honest chapters of my journey so far. If youâve ever had to make a decision you werenât ready for⌠If youâve ever tried to stay strong while dealing with something heavy⌠If youâve ever faced the unknown⌠This episode is for you. â¤ď¸ A Personal Note Each episode in this series is dedicated to my late grandfather, who taught me that faith isnât always loud. Sometimes, itâs trusting God even when you donât know whatâs coming next. đŁ Support & Stay Connected If this episode speaks to you: Follow the podcast so you donât miss whatâs next Share it with someone who needs encouragement Leave a rating to help this message reach more people You can also support the journey here: đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) And stay connected with everything Iâm building: đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/) đ Whatâs Next The closer that date got⌠the harder it became to ignore. brain tumor, meningioma, brain surgery, tumor journey, faith vs fear, health podcast, cancer support, personal story, survival journey, mental resilience, overcoming fear
10 Apr 2026
The Day I Could No Longer Run From Brain Surgery | Season 2 | Episode #1
đ§ Season 2, Episode 1 Description After being told I needed brain surgery, everything shifted. In this episode, I take you beyond the moment of diagnosis and into the quiet, often overlooked aftermath, the days where life continues moving forward, but mentally and emotionally, everything feels different. I was no longer just living with a brain tumor under a âwatch and waitâ plan. Now, I was living with the reality that I would have to choose a date⌠a day where everything would change. I share what it felt like to walk through everyday life while carrying that weight in silence. Going to work, staying active, podcasting, and doing the things I loved, all while a constant thought ran in the background: What happens after surgery? Will I be the same? This episode dives into the internal battle that began during this time. The tension between fear and faith. The moments where I tried to stay strong on the outside for my wife and my mom, while internally wrestling with uncertainty, doubt, and the unknown. I also open up about going down the rabbit hole, searching for answers, watching stories of both hope and hardship, which only made the emotional conflict even deeper. More than anything, this episode is about that turning point, when something that once felt like a possibility becomes real. When you can no longer avoid it. When you have to start asking yourself deeper questions about strength, purpose, and belief. This is the beginning of a new chapter in my journey, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. If this episode resonates with you, make sure to follow the podcast so you donât miss whatâs next. Share it with someone who may need encouragement, and leave a review to help this message reach others who are going through their own battles. If youâd like to support the podcast and help me continue sharing this journey, you can do so here: đ After being told I needed brain surgery, everything shifted. In this episode, I take you beyond the moment of diagnosis and into the quiet, often overlooked aftermath, the days where life continues moving forward, but mentally and emotionally, everything feels different. I was no longer just living with a brain tumor under a âwatch and waitâ plan. Now, I was living with the reality that I would have to choose a date⌠a day where everything would change. I share what it felt like to walk through everyday life while carrying that weight in silence. Going to work, staying active, podcasting, and doing the things I loved, all while a constant thought ran in the background: What happens after surgery? Will I be the same? This episode dives into the internal battle that began during this time. The tension between fear and faith. The moments where I tried to stay strong on the outside for my wife and my mom, while internally wrestling with uncertainty, doubt, and the unknown. I also open up about going down the rabbit hole, searching for answers, watching stories of both hope and hardship, which only made the emotional conflict even deeper. More than anything, this episode is about that turning point, when something that once felt like a possibility becomes real. When you can no longer avoid it. When you have to start asking yourself deeper questions about strength, purpose, and belief. This is the beginning of a new chapter in my journey, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. If this episode resonates with you, make sure to follow the podcast so you donât miss whatâs next. Share it with someone who may need encouragement, and leave a review to help this message reach others who are going through their own battles. If youâd like to support the podcast and help me continue sharing this journey, you can do so here:đ https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn (https://buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn) For more content, updates, and resources, visit:đ https://www.teflonjohn.com/ (https://www.teflonjohn.com/)
2 Jan 2026
When the Doctorâs Tone Changed: My Brain Tumor MRI and the Moment Everything Shifted | Episode #10
đ§ Episode 10 Description In this deeply personal season finale of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor (https://www.teflonjohn.com/i-have-a-what-podcast), Johnathan âTeflonJohnâ Smith (https://www.teflonjohn.com) opens up about the appointment he never expected to change his journey. What began as a routine MRI and follow up visit slowly turned into a moment that shifted everything. For over a year, Johnathan had settled into a rhythm of appointments, scans, and quiet monitoring. The symptoms that once felt frightening had become familiar. Fatigue, nausea, pressure, and mental fog were no longer alarming, they were part of daily life. He convinced himself this was simply the new normal. But during this visit, the routine finally broke. This episode walks listeners through the subtle emotional and physical shifts that led up to that appointment, the calm conversations on the drive there, the sense of comfort in repetition, and the unexpected moment when the doctorâs tone changed. Suddenly, watch and wait was no longer the plan. Surgery entered the conversation. And Johnathan found himself sitting in a room where the future felt heavier than it had just moments before. Johnathan shares what it felt like to absorb that news in real time, how he tried to remain steady for his wife, and how the ride home became a quiet space of processing, reflection, and faith. He also opens up about calling his mother, hearing the pause in her voice, and watching both his wife and his mom step into powerful roles of emotional and spiritual support. This episode is not just about medical news. It is about what happens internally when life shifts without warning. It explores the emotional weight of uncertainty, the tension between staying strong and being honest, and the importance of allowing yourself to be supported when you are used to carrying everything alone. Johnathan also reflects on a lesson from his grandfather, a reminder that strength is not just about enduring hardship. It is about knowing when to stop, listen, and trust God in moments when you cannot control the outcome. If you have ever walked into a situation thinking everything was fine only to discover that something had changed, if you are supporting someone through illness, or if you are navigating your own diagnosis, this episode will resonate deeply. It is honest, reflective, and rooted in the shared human experience of facing the unknown with faith and community. đ In this episode, Johnathan shares:⢠What it felt like when a routine brain tumor MRI became something more⢠The emotional shift when the doctorâs tone changed⢠How he processed the news with his wife and family⢠The quiet ride home and the internal weight of uncertainty⢠The role of faith during moments of loss of control⢠A powerful lesson from his grandfather about real strength⢠How this moment leads into Season 2 and the road to surgery â Support the podcast:Follow the show for more real stories of faith, resilience, and survival. If you want to support this mission of encouragement, storytelling, and awareness, you can visit BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Teflonjohn). Your support helps spread hope to others walking through hard seasons. #IHaveAWhatPodcast #SurvivingABrainTumor #BrainTumorJourney #TeflonJohn #FaithAndHealing #FamilySupport #HealingJourney #BrainTumorSurvivor #ResilienceAndRecovery #PodcastStorytelling If this episode connects with you, leave a comment on Spotify or share it with someone who might need to hear it. Every message helps build a community of support and understanding.
9 Dec 2025
When My Brain Tumor Symptoms Returned and Would Not Stay Quiet Anymore | Episode #9
đ§ Episode Description In this deeply personal episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan âTeflonJohn (https://www.teflonjohn.com/)â Smith opens up about the moment his brain tumor symptoms began returning in ways he could no longer push through. After weeks of quiet warnings, subtle pains, pressure, fatigue, and moments where the world seemed to shift around him, something changed. The symptoms did not stay quiet anymore, and his body started telling the truth he had been trying not to face. Up until now, Johnathan had been operating in two realities. There was the version he showed the world, the strong one who kept working, creating, motivating, and pushing forward no matter how he felt. Then there was the private version, the man wrestling with returning brain tumor symptoms and convincing himself it was just part of his new normal. Episode 9 steps into the tension between those two identities and the moment he could no longer hide what was happening inside. This episode explores the emotional weight of recognizing the signs before any doctor confirms them. The frustration of trying to explain away pain. The fear of what returning symptoms might mean. The exhaustion that settles in when your body forces you to slow down. And the spiritual tug of war that happens when faith is strong but your physical strength is fading. For the first time, Johnathan speaks openly about how these worsening brain tumor symptoms affected his work, his routine, his relationships, and his confidence. He shares the interruptions, the sharp pains, the pressure behind his eye, the late nights of discomfort, and the moments when he could not pretend anymore. His honesty pulls listeners into the internal battle between fear and faith, courage and concern, hope and reality. Johnathan also returns to a powerful lesson from his grandfather. Growing up, he watched his grandfather push through challenges with quiet strength, but he also witnessed the wisdom of knowing when something needed real attention. That lesson resurfaced during this chapter of his journey, reminding him that strength is not just about enduring pain. It is about knowing when to stop, listen, and take action before the situation grows worse. If you have ever ignored the signs because you hoped they would fade, if you have ever pushed yourself past your limits while hiding your struggle, or if you understand the fear that rises when symptoms return after a diagnosis, this episode will resonate deeply. It is honest, vulnerable, and a part of the brain tumor journey many survivors rarely talk about. đ In this episode, Johnathan shares: What it felt like when his brain tumor symptoms began returning⢠The physical signs that grew harder to ignore⢠Why he tried to push through the pain and pretend everything was normal⢠How worsening symptoms affected his work and daily life⢠The emotional toll of balancing fear, faith, and frustration⢠The moment his body stopped negotiating⢠A powerful lesson from his grandfather about real strength⢠How this chapter leads directly to the shocking news in Episode 10 â Support the podcast:đą Follow the show for more real stories of faith, resilience, and survival. If you want to support this mission of encouragement, storytelling, and awareness, you can visit BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn. Your support helps spread hope to others walking through hard seasons. #IHaveAWhatPodcast #SurvivingABrainTumor #BrainTumorJourney #TeflonJohn #InvisibleSymptoms #EmotionalHealth #FaithOverFear #HealingJourney #BrainTumorSurvivor #ResilienceAndRecovery #PodcastStorytelling If this episode connects with you, leave a comment on Spotify or share it with someone who may be carrying more than they show. Every message helps build a community of support and understanding.
24 Nov 2025
The Moment Someone Noticed: A Coworker Saw the Brain Tumor Symptoms I Tried to Hide | Episode #8
đ§ Episode Description In this deeply personal episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan âTeflonJohn (https://www.teflonjohn.com)â Smith shares the moment when the mask he had been wearing finally slipped, not at home and not with family, but at work. After weeks of pushing through dizziness, pressure, fatigue, and moments of zoning out, someone finally noticed. A trusted coworker saw what others missed, the truth that his symptoms were breaking through the image of strength he tried so hard to maintain. Up until this moment, Johnathan had been living two versions of himself. There was the version everyone saw at work, the leader, the motivator, the dependable presence. Then there was the version he carried in private, the man silently fighting a brain tumor diagnosis while trying to convince himself that he could handle it alone. Episode 8 steps into the tension between those two identities and the moment they collided. This episode explores the emotional shock of being seen when you are trying your hardest not to be. The fear of exposure. The vulnerability of having someone notice the pain you worked so hard to hide. And the strange mix of relief and discomfort that happens when someone caring steps in and says, âAre you sure you are okay?â For the first time, Johnathan talks openly about how a coworkerâs concern became the turning point that forced him to face reality. Her questions, her observations, and her genuine worry helped him accept that the situation was more serious than he was allowing himself to believe. Johnathan also reflects on a powerful lesson from his grandfather. Growing up, his grandfather took him to youth sports practices and taught him the meaning of never quitting, even when things felt tough or uncomfortable. That lesson resurfaced in this chapter of his journey, reminding him that perseverance does not always mean hiding the pain. Sometimes it means knowing when to trust someone enough to let them in. If you have ever tried to hide your struggle, if you have ever kept going until someone else noticed the weight you were carrying, or if you understand the fear of letting someone see the real you in a vulnerable moment, this episode will resonate deeply. It is honest, it is human, and it is part of the story many survivors never talk about. đ In this episode, Johnathan shares:⢠What it felt like when his symptoms began showing at work⢠The moment a coworker noticed something was wrong⢠Why he tried to hide the truth for so long⢠The inner battle between strength and vulnerability⢠How being seen unexpectedly forced him to face reality⢠The emotional shift that came from trusting someone with the truth⢠A powerful childhood lesson from his grandfather about perseverance⢠How this moment sets the stage for the worsening symptoms đŹ If this episode connects with you, leave a comment on Spotify or share it with someone who may be carrying more than they show. Every message helps build a community of support and understanding. â Support the podcast:If you want to support this mission of encouragement, storytelling, and awareness, you can visit BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/teflonjohn). Every contribution helps spread hope to others walking through hard seasons. đą Follow the show for more real stories of faith, resilience, and survival. #IHaveAWhatPodcast #SurvivingABrainTumor #BrainTumorJourney #TeflonJohn #InvisibleSymptoms #EmotionalHealth #FaithOverFear #HealingJourney #BrainTumorSurvivor #ResilienceAndRecovery #PodcastStorytelling
20 Nov 2025
The Emotional Weight I Carried After My Brain Tumor Diagnosis | Episode #7
đ§ Episode Description In this emotional episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan âTeflonJohn (https://www.teflonjohn.com)â Smith opens up about one of the hardest parts of his journey, the part no one could see. It was not the headaches or the dizziness this time. It was the emotional pressure that slowly built inside him after hearing the words âyou have a brain tumor.â Life did not pause after the diagnosis. Work kept going. Family life kept going. Responsibilities kept going. But inside, a quiet tension was rising day by day, the kind you cannot always explain, the kind people do not notice unless you tell them. And like many survivors, Johnathan tried to keep it all inside so he would not worry the people he loved most. This episode explores what that silent pressure felt like. The fear that grows when you try to protect your family from the truth. The guilt that shows up when you feel responsible for everyoneâs peace. And the emotional weight of pretending to be strong when you are scared on the inside. Johnathan talks about how he tried to hold everything together at home while keeping his deepest worries hidden from his wife and child. Along the way, he shares how this season gave him new empathy for his wife, who had survived her own brain tumor years before. Seeing his own fear made him understand hers in a new way, and it deepened his appreciation for her quiet strength. Johnathan also reflects on a powerful life lesson from his grandfather. As a child, his grandfather took him to youth sports practices and taught him never to quit, no matter how hard things felt. That childhood lesson became a source of strength during this emotional chapter, reminding him to keep going even when the pressure felt overwhelming. If you have ever protected your family from your pain, if you have ever carried fear silently, or if you know the feeling of trying to hold everything together after life hits you with something heavy, this episode will speak to your soul. It is honest, it is vulnerable, and it is a reminder that emotional weight is real, but you do not have to carry it alone. đ In this episode, Johnathan shares:⢠What emotional pressure felt like after his brain tumor diagnosis⢠Why he hid fears from his family to protect them⢠The weight of trying to stay strong for others⢠How his wifeâs past brain tumor journey took on new meaning⢠The spiritual and mental battle he faced in silence⢠A powerful lesson from his grandfather about never quitting⢠How this emotional chapter leads into the next turning point in his story đŹ If this episode connects with you, leave a comment on Spotify or share it with someone who may be carrying more than they show. Your feedback helps build this community. â Support the podcast:If you want to support this mission of encouragement, storytelling, and awareness, you can visit BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn (https://www.BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn). Every contribution helps spread hope to others walking through difficult seasons. đą Follow the show for more real stories of faith, resilience, and survival. #IHaveAWhatPodcast #SurvivingABrainTumor #BrainTumorJourney #TeflonJohn #EmotionalHealth #InvisibleWeight #FaithOverFear #HealingJourney #BrainTumorSurvivor #ResilienceAndRecovery #PodcastStorytelling
17 Nov 2025
Silent Struggles at Work: Coping With Brain Tumor Symptoms No One Can See | Episode #6
đ§ Episode Description In this emotional episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan âTeflonJohn (https://www.teflonjohn.com)â Smith opens the door to a part of the journey many people never talk about, what it feels like to go to work every day while silently carrying brain tumor symptoms that no one else can see. Before the surgery, before sharing his diagnosis widely, and before connecting with a support community, Johnathan was trying to function at work while experiencing dizziness, headaches, anxiety, and the mental weight of knowing something was wrong. On the outside he looked the same, but inside everything had changed. He talks about the pressure of keeping up with deadlines, expectations, and everyday conversations while privately fighting fear and exhaustion. He shares how being quieter at work led to misunderstandings, questions, and assumptions from people who had no idea what he was facing. His silence was seen as distance. His exhaustion was misread as disinterest. Meanwhile, he was just trying to make it through the day without alarming anyone. This episode explores the emotional reality of living with an invisible illness and the impact it can have on your work life, your confidence, and your sense of identity. Johnathan opens up about the fear of being judged, the fear of being treated differently, and the concern that revealing too much too soon might change the way people viewed him professionally. He also reflects on the lessons he learned from his grandfather, a man who carried himself with quiet strength and integrity regardless of what he was going through. That example helped Johnathan navigate one of the hardest seasons of his life, reminding him to stay grounded, stay respectful, and keep moving with purpose, even when his world felt unstable. This episode is for anyone who has ever tried to hold it together at work while battling something privately. It is for people living with invisible illnesses, chronic symptoms, mental health struggles, or overwhelming life events that others cannot see. It is a reminder that you never truly know what someone is carrying and that kindness, patience, and empathy matter more than ever. Johnathan encourages listeners to give themselves grace, to protect their peace, and to remember that unseen struggles are still real, still heavy, and still deserving of compassion. Through vulnerability and faith, he offers hope to anyone walking through their own silent battle. đ In this episode you will hear about: ⢠Working while experiencing brain tumor symptoms⢠How invisible illnesses create misunderstanding in the workplace⢠The emotional weight of staying silent while struggling⢠The fear of being judged or treated differently⢠Trying to maintain professionalism during a personal crisis⢠How faith and family lessons helped Johnathan stay grounded If this episode encouraged you or someone you love, you can support the podcast at: BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn (https://www.BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn) Your support helps spread awareness, hope, and faith to others navigating brain tumor diagnoses, invisible illnesses, and difficult seasons of life. Every contribution strengthens the mission. Subscribe and follow for new weekly episodes.
14 Nov 2025
Late-Night Brain Tumor Searches: Anxiety, Faith, and Finding Real Support | Episode #5
đ§ Episode Description In this episode of I Have A What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan âTeflonJohnâ Smith opens up about one of the most overwhelming parts of the journey, the long nights after diagnosis when the world is quiet, but your mind will not let you rest. It is the season when fear grows louder, anxiety feels heavier, and Google becomes both a comfort and a trap. After hearing the words âyou have a brain tumor,â everyone expects you to stay strong. But what happens when strength runs out late at night? Johnathan shares what it was like lying awake at 2 AM, scrolling through brain tumor forums, medical articles, and survivor stories trying to find peace. The more he read, the more the fear grew. Every worst case scenario jumped out, every statistic felt personal, and every story left him wondering what his own future would look like. But in the middle of that late-night spiral, something unexpected happened. Johnathan stumbled onto a community of real survivors who understood exactly what he was feeling. Reading their words brought a sense of hope he had not felt in weeks. It reminded him that fear does not get the final say, and that healing is not something you do alone. Through prayer, reflection, and the quiet wisdom passed down from his grandfather, Johnathan began to realize that true peace does not come from information. It comes from faith, connection, and the right voices speaking into your life when you need it most. This episode is a reminder that the emotional side of healing is just as real as the physical one. You can be searching for answers, searching for hope, and still be on your way to healing. And it is okay to need community along the way. đ In this episode: ⢠Late-night searching after a brain tumor diagnosis ⢠The anxiety and fear that come from endless Google spirals ⢠Finding surprising hope in a support group of real survivors ⢠Balancing faith, fear, and mental health ⢠The quiet wisdom that came from his grandfather â Support the show: BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn Every contribution helps spread awareness, encouragement, and hope to others walking through hard seasons. đą Follow the podcast for more stories of faith, resilience, and strength. #ď¸âŁ Hashtags: #IHaveAWhatPodcast #SurvivingABrainTumor #TeflonJohn #BrainTumorJourney #PodcastStorytelling #FaithOverFear #HealingJourney #ResilienceAndRecovery #RealLifeStories #TheArtOfReinvention
1 Nov 2025
Living a Double Life After My Brain Tumor Diagnosis: Smiling Outside, Struggling Inside | Episode #4
đ§ Episode Description In this episode of I Have A What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan âTeflonJohnâ Smith opens up about a part of the journey that many survivors never talk about. It is the season after the diagnosis, when everyone expects you to be strong, but inside you are still searching for peace. After the first visit to UVA and hearing the words âwatch and wait,â life was supposed to return to normal. But how do you live normally when there is something inside your head that could change everything? Johnathan reflects on what it felt like to wear a mask every day, smiling for friends, coworkers, and church members while quietly carrying the fear of the unknown. Late at night, he turned to Google, scrolling through brain tumor forums and survivor stories, trying to find reassurance that he was not alone. Every story he read brought both comfort and anxiety. He was trying to understand what might come next, but the deeper he searched, the more he realized that peace does not come from information. It comes from faith. Through prayer, reflection, and the lessons of his grandfather, Johnathan began to find balance between fear and faith. His grandfatherâs quiet wisdom reminded him that true strength is not about having all the answers. It is about continuing to show up every day, even when you are scared. This episode is a reminder that healing is not just physical. It is emotional, mental, and spiritual. You can appear fine on the outside and still be searching for peace on the inside, and that is okay. đ In this episode: Living a double life after diagnosis Balancing faith and fear Searching for peace late at night Finding strength in the wisdom of his grandfather â Support the show: BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TeflonJohn)đą Follow I Have A What? Surviving a Brain Tumor for more stories of faith, resilience, and hope. #IHaveAWhatPodcast#SurvivingABrainTumor#TeflonJohn#BrainTumorJourney#PodcastStorytelling#FaithOverFear#HealingJourney#ResilienceAndRecovery#RealLifeStories#TheArtOfReinvention
21 Oct 2025
First Neurosurgeon Visit: Understanding My Brain Tumor and the Watch and Wait Plan | Episode #3
đ§ EPISODE DESCRIPTION Every story has a moment where everything starts to make sense, even if it is hard to accept.In Episode 3 of I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, I, Johnathan âTeflonJohnâ Smith, share the day I went to UVA Medical Center for my first major appointment. It was the day I would finally get clarity about what was happening inside my head and what my future might look like. Before meeting my neurosurgeon, Dr. Ryan Kellogg, I had another MRI scheduled. That scan would become part of my new six-month routine. I take you inside that moment, describing the sights, sounds, and emotions of the experience. The cold room, the mechanical knocking of the MRI machine, the stillness you must hold for what feels like forever, and the thoughts that fill your mind as the minutes drag on. You think about your family, your life, your purpose, and you realize how powerless you feel when all you can do is wait. After the scan, my wife and I had hours before seeing the doctor. Those gaps between appointments became our new normal. We would grab coffee, talk about everyday things, or just sit in silence trying to stay calm. Those hospital visits turned into all-day experiences, filled with hope, fear, and prayer. It was not just physical fatigue, it was emotional exhaustion. When Dr. Kellogg entered the room, his tone was calm but serious. He explained that my tumor was located in the parietal lobe, the area of the brain that controls balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. For the first time, everything began to connect. The dizziness, the headaches, and the pain behind my eye were no longer random. He told me the tumor appeared to be a meningioma, likely benign and slow growing. It was a relief, but hearing the words âbrain tumorâ still made time stand still. That was when I heard the plan: watch and wait. No surgery yet, just close observation with follow-up scans every six months. It sounded simple at first, but emotionally, it was one of the hardest things to accept. I talk about what that plan really means, both medically and mentally, and how it tests your patience, faith, and mindset. Living with something you cannot see or feel every day creates its own kind of anxiety. It makes you question everything while trying to look normal on the outside. This episode also touches on how my grandfather, James Smith Jr., taught me to stay calm in the middle of chaos. He showed me through his life that peace is not about ignoring fear, it is about facing it with stillness and grace. His lesson became my anchor through this stage of uncertainty. If you have ever experienced a health scare, waited for test results, or had to live in the unknown, this episode will speak directly to you. It is about learning to breathe through fear, to trust time, and to find strength in surrender. It is about understanding that patience is not weakness, it is quiet courage. Every episode of I Have a What? is meant to give you insight, encouragement, and real-life perspective from someone who has been there. My goal is to help others recognize symptoms early, advocate for their health, and hold onto hope through every season of life. đ§ Listen now and subscribe to I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. Join me as I share my journey of faith, awareness, and resilience, one story at a time. đ§ Support the Show If you enjoy my content and want to help me keep creating inspiring stories and conversations, you can support my work here: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teflonjohn Every coffee helps fuel new episodes, better equipment, and meaningful content for the community. Thank you for your support! âď¸
13 Oct 2025
The Call That Changed My Life: Hearing I Had a Brain Tumor | Episode #2
đ§ EPISODE DESCRIPTION Some phone calls change your life forever. In Episode 2 of I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, I, Johnathan âTeflonJohnâ Smith, share the moment everything shifted, the day I got the call that revealed what was really happening inside my head. After months of being told it was all in my mind, I finally found a new ENT specialist who took me seriously. She listened, ordered the right tests, and gave me hope that we might finally have answers. What came next was something I could never have prepared for. That morning, I was leaving a meeting at work when my phone rang. I thought it was just a quick follow-up about my scan results. Instead, I heard the words that froze me in place: âWe found a mass in your brain.â In that instant, everything changed. My world went silent. My thoughts went blank. It felt like time stopped. In this episode, I talk about what it feels like to: Hear life-changing news in the middle of a normal day Feel the shock, numbness, and disbelief that come in waves Process the dĂŠjĂ vu of hearing a diagnosis like this after my wifeâs own tumor journey Try to find the words to tell my wife and mom what I just learned Realize that strength sometimes means being still, not being loud This episode is not only about the diagnosis but about the human moments that follow. The silence, the fear, and the love that shows up when you finally speak the words out loud. Every episode of this series is dedicated to my grandfather, James Smith Jr., whose example of hard work, family, and faith continues to guide me through lifeâs hardest moments. His lessons remind me that true strength is found in perseverance and in showing up for the people you love. If you have ever experienced a moment that split your life into âbeforeâ and âafter,â this episode will speak to you. đ§ Listen now and subscribe to I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio to follow this journey of faith, resilience, and hope. đ§ Support the Show If you enjoy my content and want to help me keep creating inspiring stories and conversations, you can support my work here: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teflonjohn Every coffee helps fuel new episodes, better equipment, and meaningful content for the community. Thank you for your support! âď¸
12 Oct 2025
The Symptoms I Ignored Before My Brain Tumor Diagnosis | Episode #1
đ§ EPISODE DESCRIPTION They told me it was all in my head, but the truth was, it was a brain tumor. In the very first episode of I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, I, Johnathan âTeflonJohnâ Smith, share how it all started and how I learned to listen to my body when no one else did. Before I ever received my brain tumor diagnosis, I was living with what seemed like common issues: headaches, dizziness, and pain behind my eye. I went from appointment to appointment, hoping for answers, but what I got instead was frustration and disbelief. I was told to relax, reduce stress, and stop worrying. What I did not realize was that I was living with a meningioma, a slow-growing brain tumor that was quietly changing everything. In this episode, I talk about what it feels like to know something is wrong and have no one believe you. I explain how I dealt with medical gaslighting, how I started keeping track of my symptoms, and how my wifeâs encouragement to keep pushing saved my life. You will also hear about the moment I finally decided to take control of my health and demand answers. Throughout this episode, I share lessons learned from my journey so far: The importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to your health How to recognize the early warning signs of a brain tumor What to do when your doctor does not take your concerns seriously The power of documenting symptoms and asking for second or third opinions Why advocating for yourself can make the difference between early detection and delayed diagnosis This is not just a story about illness, it is a story about strength, perseverance, and faith. It is for anyone who has ever been told âyou are fineâ when you know you are not. It is a reminder that your pain is real and your voice deserves to be heard. Every episode of this series is dedicated to my grandfather, James Smith Jr., who taught me what it means to work hard, stay strong, and put family first. His legacy keeps me grounded and focused on helping others through my story. By sharing my experience with meningioma, I hope to help others who may be experiencing unexplained symptoms or frustration with the medical system. Whether you are a survivor, a family member, or someone seeking answers, I want this series to remind you that you are not alone. đ§ Listen now and subscribe to I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor to follow my ongoing journey through diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and healing. đ§ Support the Show If you enjoy my content and want to help me keep creating inspiring stories and conversations, you can support my work here: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teflonjohn Every coffee helps fuel new episodes, better equipment, and meaningful content for the community. Thank you for your support! âď¸ Topics: brain tumor, meningioma, early warning signs, patient advocacy, medical gaslighting, health awareness, resilience, faith, family, survival story Hashtags: #BrainTumor #Meningioma #HealthAwareness #TeflonJohn #SurvivorStory #Faith #Resilience
8 Oct 2025
It Was All in My Head⌠Until It Wasnât | Trailer
They told me it was all in my head, but the truth was, it was a brain tumor. Welcome to I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, a podcast by Johnathan Smith, also known as TeflonJohn. This show is more than a story of survival. It is a journey of awareness, advocacy, faith, and resilience. This is an audio podcast that will also feature a few special video episodes. In each one, you will hear and sometimes see real stories of perseverance, powerful conversations with family and friends, and moments that shaped my recovery and faith. In this trailer, I share how it all began. It started with unexplained headaches, dizziness, and pain behind my eye that doctors dismissed as nothing serious. I was told more than once, "It's all in your head," and I started to wonder if maybe they were right. But deep down, I knew something was wrong. That instinct led me down a long road of medical visits, frustration, and self-doubt. It forced me to learn one of life's hardest lessons: sometimes you have to fight to be heard, even when the people you trust to help you do not take you seriously. This podcast is not only for people who have battled brain tumors. It is for anyone who has ever been ignored, dismissed, or told their pain was not real. It is for survivors, caregivers, faith-filled fighters, and anyone still searching for answers. Each episode walks through a different chapter of my journey. I will talk about the early warning signs, the frustration of medical gaslighting, and what it was like to finally hear the diagnosis that changed my life. You will hear about the surgery, recovery, and the lessons that continue even today. I will also share how my wife played a major role in my story. Years ago, I encouraged her to get checked when something felt off. That decision led to her discovering a brain tumor early and getting it treated successfully. Later, when I started ignoring my own symptoms, she was the one who pushed me to follow my own advice. Her courage gave me the strength to take action, and that choice changed everything. Throughout the series, you will hear from my loved ones, including my mom, who leaned on her strong faith when mine started to fade. You will also hear moments of struggle, strength, and small victories that kept me moving forward. Every episode is dedicated to my grandfather, James Smith, Jr., whose wisdom and strength continue to guide me. He taught me that hard times do not break you, they reveal what is inside you. His legacy reminds me daily to keep going, no matter how heavy the battle. If you are looking for a story that will make you think, encourage you to listen to your body, and remind you that hope is real even in the darkest moments, this podcast is for you. Subscribe to I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor and join me on this journey of faith, awareness, and healing. New episodes are coming soon, and I cannot wait to share this story with you. đ§ Support the Show If you enjoy my content and want to help me keep creating inspiring stories and conversations, you can support my work here: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teflonjohn Every coffee helps fuel new episodes, better equipment, and meaningful content for the community. Thank you for your support! âď¸
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