The Cracking Cancer Podcast

How to Support your Loved Ones: A Sister’s Journey Through Cancer. Episode 46.

In this poignant episode of Cracking Cancer, co-host Ashley Holt steps into a different role to interview Lauren Case, whose sister, Lexi, is living with Stage IV EGFR Exon 20 lung cancer. While the spotlight often remains on the patient, this conversation illuminates the emotional and logistical weight carried by sisters who become researchers, advocates, and "truth-tellers" in the face of terminal illness.
Lauren shares the raw reality of the "work zone" she entered following Lexi’s diagnosis—balancing her own family life while managing the complex logistics of her sister’s care, from coordinating cross-country flights for clinical trials to picking her up from chemotherapy infusions. The duo discusses the unique challenges of the sibling dynamic, the "delayed grief" that comes with staying strong for others, and the vital role a caregiver plays in ensuring oncologists hear the unvarnished truth about treatment side effects. This episode is a tribute to the "village" that supports a cancer patient and a roadmap for siblings navigating the ebbing and flowing stages of grief.
 
Key Takeaways:
The "Logistics Zone" as a Coping Mechanism
The Caregiver as "Truth-Teller"
Grief is a Family Diagnosis
The Power of the Village
Authenticity and Risk
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Lauren the Caregiver
(08:09) Hearing Lexi’s Diagnosis
(13:52) Busy Now Grieve Later
(22:06) Burden vs Love in Support
(29:31) Quality of Life vs Longevity
(37:03) How Support Networks Show Up
(44:14) Can You Ever Forget Cancer
(52:05) It Takes a Village
 
To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Should I Attend National Conferences with Max Doppelt. Episode 45.

In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down with patient advocate and caregiver Max Doppelt to pull back the curtain on national cancer conferences. As we navigate the complex oncology landscape of 2026, this conversation explores whether these high-level medical meetings—like ASCO, AACR, and IASLC—are truly the best use of a patient’s most precious resource: time.
From the intimidating halls of Chicago’s McCormick Place to niche-targeted therapy meetings in California, Max shares his journey from "cornering trial coordinators" to finding a therapeutic community of peers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if they should attend a major medical meeting or if their time is better spent elsewhere.
 
Key Takeaways
The Knowledge Gap is Smaller Than You Think
Networking Over Data
The "Standing Ovation" Paradox
Pharma: Partner or Profit?
Patient Advocacy Groups as the "Bridge"
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Max Conference Origin Story
(04:22) Expectations Versus Reality
(12:25) Small Versus Huge Meetings
(16:13) Asking Experts Respectfully
(20:36) Advocacy Groups As Filters
(32:31) Patient View On Pharma Limits
(45:16) Advocating at Posters
(55:18) Emotional Weight of Data
 
To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
 

The Risk of Additional Testing Follow-Up with Ashley Holt. Episode 44.

In this highly personal follow-up episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and patient advocate Ashley Holt navigate the "mental hell" that can arise when advanced medical technology outpaces clinical certainty. Ashley, a Stage I lung cancer survivor, shares the harrowing story of her Signatera blood test (a tumor-informed ctDNA test) turning positive on her one-year diagnosis anniversary.
The episode pulls back the curtain on the months of uncertainty that followed: a clean PET scan and brain MRI, two follow-up blood redraws, and the agonizing wait for results during the holiday season. Dr. Kyle and Ashley dive deep into the catch-22 of "over-testing"—where the tools meant to provide peace of mind actually trigger profound scanxiety and unnecessary medical procedures. They challenge the misconception that "more is always better" and provide a rare look into the friction between medical science liaisons, oncologists, and the patients who must live with the fallout of a 1% false positive.
 
Key Takeaways:
The False Positive is Not Benign
The "Standard of Care" is Not "Sub-Par"
ctDNA Sensitivity vs. Actionability
Question the MSL and the Sale
The Right to a "Test Vacation"
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) The Positive Test Scare
(05:39) Redraws and Second Opinions
(10:57) Does Earlier Detection Help
(19:35) How Tumor DNA Blood Tests Work
(29:26) Standard Care Reality
(38:00) Uncharted Follow Up
(49:35) Malpractice Pressure
(51:39) Shared Decisions Balance
(56:48) Surveillance Moving Forward
 
To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
 

Finding the Right Social Group with Bill Thach and JJ Singleton. Episode 43.

In this moving episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by JJ Singleton and Bill Thach to discuss the "hidden" struggle of the cancer experience: social isolation, specifically among men. Both JJ and Bill share a striking commonality—it took each of them five years post-diagnosis to find a social support group that actually resonated with their needs.
The conversation dives deep into why traditional support groups often fail men, particularly Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) patients. Bill and JJ candidly discuss the "stoic male" stereotype, the fear of having vulnerability weaponized, and the frustration of groups that focus solely on medical jargon rather than real-life struggles. They highlight the transformative power of Man Up to Cancer, a community that prioritizes social-emotional support and "campfire-style" vulnerability over clinical agendas. From navigating terminal diagnoses to the "superpower" of asking for help, this episode is a roadmap for any man—or loved one of a man—looking to break the silence and find a community that truly understands the weight of the fight.
 
Key Takeaways
The "Five-Year Gap"
Vulnerability as a Superpower
The Problem with "Medical-Only" Groups
Unique Struggles of AYAs (Age 15–39)
The "Gathering of Wolves"
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Why Social Support Matters in Cancer
(05:08) Finding the Right Fit: Facebook Groups, AYA Meetups, and Time Barriers
(13:48) Safe Vulnerability: Trust, Brotherhood, and Men Supporting Men
(22:18) When Support Groups Hurt
(33:35) The real cost of “miracle cures.”
(42:00) Beyond disease type: building support around shared social struggle
(53:55) Bill’s postcard moment: joining, lurking, then going to Gathering of Wolves
(57:40) Taking the leap to an in-person retreat
 
To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Navigating the Complexity of Clinical Trials with Max Doppelt. Episode 42.

In this high-stakes episode of "Cracking Cancer," Dr. Kyle Concannon and Samantha Murrell are joined by Max Doppelt, an engineer-turned-caregiver who transformed his mother’s terminal diagnosis into a mission for systemic change. Max shares the harrowing reality of navigating the "ivory tower" of oncology, where regulatory burdens and institutional silos often prevent patients from accessing the very drugs that could save them. From the heartbreak of failing trial screenings due to rigid exclusion criteria to the bold, life-saving decision to source a next-generation TKI from China during a trade war, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the logistical "nightmare" of the current trial system.
The trio discusses why the burden of research often falls on the terminally ill and how Max is using his "special nerd powers" to bridge the gap. He introduces Patient Data Vault, a privacy-first AI platform designed to automate the clinical trial search, turning a list of thousands of irrelevant options into a curated handful of actionable leads. It’s an episode about patient empowerment, the "action layer" of AI, and the lengths a family will go to when the standard of care is no longer enough.
 
Key Takeaways:
The Regulatory Gap
The Problem with "Ivory Towers"
Inclusion/Exclusion Paradox
AI as the Great Equalizer
Proactive "Second Opinion" Strategy
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding Clinical Trials
(01:56) Max's Experience with Clinical Trials
(05:40) Samantha's Clinical Trial Journey
(08:37) Challenges in Finding the Right Trial
(12:41) Max's Search for a Clinical Trial
(25:16) The China Solution
(31:07) Navigating Treatment Options: A Personal Journey
(41:02) The Burden on Patients to Find Trials
(48:50) Innovative Solutions: Patient Data Vault
(58:48) The Future of AI in Healthcare
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
 

What is Small Cell Transformation in Cancer? Episode 41.

In this dedicated episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell explore a challenging phenomenon in oncology: histologic transformation. This occurs when a cancer fundamentally changes its "wiring" to evade treatment, essentially transforming from one type of cell (like adenocarcinoma) into another, often more aggressive type (like small cell lung cancer).
The episode is dedicated to the memory of Caroline, a member of the lung cancer community who recently passed away after her EGFR-mutated cancer transformed into small-cell cancer. Dr. Concannon explains the biological "bucket" of resistance, distinguishing between new mutations in the same protein and this more radical cellular reprogramming. They discuss the necessity of repeat biopsies upon disease progression, as imaging alone cannot detect these shifts. While the topic is sobering, Dr. Concannon emphasizes that even after transformation, there are emerging therapies—including new antibody-drug conjugates and radiation—that offer hope and meaningful survival for patients facing this complex evolutionary hurdle.
 
Key Takeaways
The "Wolf to Chihuahua" Shift
Biopsy is Mandatory for Detection
Driven by Evolutionary Pressure
Treatment Shifts to Chemotherapy
Hope Amid Aggression
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding Histologic Transformation
(10:12) Biopsy and Diagnostic Techniques
(21:32) Research and Future Directions
(30:15) Understanding Small Cell Transformation
(39:38) The Role of Biopsies and Oncologist Advice
(45:46) Balancing Aggressiveness in Treatment
(49:54) Patient Community Insights
(54:56) Hope and Realism in Cancer Care
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Do Respiratory Viruses Awaken Cancer with Dr. James DeGregori. Episode 40.

In this high-impact episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell and Dr. James DeGregori, interim director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. They discuss Dr. DeGregori’s groundbreaking study published in Nature, which explores how respiratory viruses—specifically SARS-CoV-2 and influenza—can act as a catalyst to "awaken" dormant cancer cells in the lungs.
 
Dr. DeGregori explains that while many cancer survivors may be ostensibly "cured," microscopic cancer cells can lie dormant for decades. His research reveals that acute inflammation caused by a new viral infection can trigger the rapid expansion of these cells, potentially leading to disease progression. The team discusses the science behind IL-6 (Interleukin-6) as a primary signaling molecule in this reawakening and explores why vaccination and early infection management are critical tools for cancer survivors. Balancing rigorous science with the reality of "scanxiety," this conversation brings much-needed clarity to the intersection of viral immunology and oncology.
 
Key Takeaways:
Viral Triggers and Dormancy
The Role of IL-6
Vaccination as a Defense
Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation
Knowledge Over Fear
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding the Link Between Respiratory Viruses and Cancer
(09:23) Exploring Broader Implications and Future Research
(24:59) Practical Advice for Cancer Survivors
(34:40) The Role of Viral Infections in Awakening Cancer Cells
(38:43) Dormant Cancer Cells: A Hidden Threat
(47:39) Balancing Health and Enjoyment in Life
(49:57) Challenges in Cancer Research and Epidemiology
 
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

When the Oncologist Gets Cancer with Dr. Ross Camidge. Episode 39.

In this uniquely powerful episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon interviews his own mentor and boss, Dr. Ross Camidge, Director of the Lung Cancer Program at the University of Colorado. Dr. Camidge, a world-renowned lung cancer expert, shares the "ironic elephant in the room": his own 2022 diagnosis with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer.
Dr. Camidge provides a rare, dual-perspective look at the oncology system. He recounts the four-day whirlwind from his first chest X-ray to starting targeted therapy for an EGFR mutation, acknowledging the professional stoicism that initially masked a deep personal terror regarding his daughters' futures. The conversation dives into the "black box" of academic research, where both doctors critique the current incentive structures that often prioritize low-risk, incremental papers over high-stakes breakthroughs. From the frustrations of "billing-driven" hospital logistics to the hidden anxieties of scan results, Dr. Camidge’s story serves as a call for radical transparency and a more human-centered approach to both clinical care and scientific discovery.
 
Key Takeaways
The Dual Reality of a Physician-Patient
The Problem with Research Incentives
Breaking the "Knowledge Gap"
The "One-Tier" System of Care
Institutional Barriers to Efficiency
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Ross Camidge's Personal Cancer Journey
(01:13) The Diagnosis and Initial Reactions
(04:50) Navigating Treatment and Professional Insights
(10:20) Balancing Professionalism and Personal Struggles
(17:08) Impact on Patient Care and Practice
(24:59) Challenges in the Healthcare System
(31:57) Empowering Patients Through Knowledge
(41:31) Incentives in Academic Medicine
(54:44) Frustrations with Clinical Trials
(58:48) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

A Lab for Curative Intent Treatments with Dr. Concannon. Episode 38.

In this revealing episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon pulls back the curtain on his role as a physician-scientist at the University of Colorado. Joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell, Dr. Kyle demystifies the "black box" of oncology research, discussing the intense process of setting up a new laboratory and the personal pivot that reshaped his career.
 
Dr. Kyle shares the logistical and emotional challenges of running an independent lab—from the high cost of reagents and the competitive nature of grant funding to the personal urgency that arose when his own boss was diagnosed with lung cancer. The conversation dives deep into the specific preclinical models used to fight disease, including cell lines and mouse models, explaining how they serve as the first line of defense before human trials. Dr. Kyle also highlights his lab's most exciting work: developing enhanced CAR T-cell therapies designed to not just manage, but potentially cure metastatic cancer. This episode is a raw look at the grit required to move science forward and the powerful partnership between researchers and the patients who drive their mission.
 
Key Takeaways:
The Reality of Setting Up a Lab
Cell Lines vs. Mouse Models
The High Cost of "Reagents"
Pivoting for Impact
The Promise of Next-Gen CAR T-Cell Therapy
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast, visit the link below: ⬇️
https://www.crackingcancer.org/get-involved
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Dr. Kyle's Secret Lab Revealed
(05:59) Understanding Reagents and Research Costs
(14:35) Building the Right Team
(27:17) Mouse Models in Cancer Research
(34:17) Challenges in Preclinical Research
(45:41) Funding and Collaborations
(56:48) The Future of Cancer Research
(01:05:46) Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

What Are Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)? Episode 37.

In this essential episode, host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell break down the science, promise, and limitations of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)—a class of highly effective, usually pill-form, targeted therapy.
Dr. Concannon explains that TKIs are molecular snipers, designed to attack the root cause of cancer by blocking the signaling from a mutated protein (kinase) that causes cells to divide uncontrollably. They clarify the process from DNA blueprint to protein addiction, explaining why these targeted therapies are often more elegant and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
 
The discussion also tackles the billion-dollar question of resistance. Dr. Concannon outlines three primary ways tumors evade TKIs: on-target resistance (a new mutation in the same protein), upregulation of other kinases (the tumor activates a second signaling pathway), and lineage change (the tumor stops relying on the oncogene altogether). Samantha shares her experience, confirming that while TKIs are not without side effects (like fatigue and potential for diarrhea), they represent a massive leap forward in treatment, offering hope for longer, higher-quality survival.
 
Key Takeaways:
TKIs Are Molecular Snipers
Cancer Cells Become "Addicted" to the Signal
Understanding Resistance is Key
Side Effects are Different, Not Absent
The TKI Landscape is Evolving
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
(07:11) The Role of Kinases in Cancer
(13:47) The Evolution of Cancer Treatments
(22:16) Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
(32:09) Understanding EGFR and Its Role in Cancer
(41:20) The Role of Protein Analysis in Cancer Treatment
(50:31) Managing TKI Toxicity and Side Effects
(59:25) Combining Therapeutic Modalities for Better Outcomes
(01:00:26) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos