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© 2026 Netra Iyer
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Welcome to Tumor Minutes, a podcast created by Netra, a student passionate about understanding the complexities of brain tumors. This podcast is a deep dive into the science, stories, and struggles surrounding brain tumors. Through interviews with medical professionals, survivors, and researchers, I aim to shed light on the latest advancements in treatment, the emotional impact on patients and families, and raise awareness about this often misunderstood condition. Whether you’re a student, healthcare enthusiast, or someone personally affected, join me on this journey to better understand cancers and the people who fight against them.
21 Episodes
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Brain surgery can sound terrifying — after all, the brain controls everything from movement to memory. But today’s neurosurgeons perform these procedures with incredible precision.
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra explains why brain surgery is performed, how doctors plan operations using MRI and brain mapping, what happens during a craniotomy, and why some patients are awake during surgery. We also explore the technology that helps surgeons navigate the brain safely.
Because even the most complex organ in the human body can be treated with the right science, skill, and planning.
A concise, clinical breakdown of Tourette syndrome, common misconceptions, and how public backlash around I Swear shows the gap between storytelling and medical reality. This is the season finale, and the next season will cover surgical medicine.
In this special episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra shares a deeply personal tribute to her favourite actor of all time and reflects on how his life helped her understand her own epilepsy in a way no article, website, or medical explainer ever could. Instead of focusing on definitions or symptoms, this episode centres on the human side of epilepsy, showing how someone can live a creative, joyful, and meaningful life while quietly managing a neurological condition.
The episode explores his impact as an actor, the way people described him as someone who could light up even the heaviest rooms, and how the conversations sparked after his passing changed public awareness around epilepsy. It also looks at how his legacy lives on through advocacy, education, and youth empowerment, and why stories like his matter so much in shaping empathy, understanding, and support for people living with epilepsy today.
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra breaks down what schizophrenia actually is and what it is not.
From how the brain processes reality, to the real meaning behind symptoms like hallucinations, motivation changes, and thinking difficulties, this episode explains the science of schizophrenia in a clear, teen-friendly way. Netra also shares a real-world story to show what living with schizophrenia can truly look like, and why a diagnosis does not define someone’s future.
This episode focuses on understanding, early support, and replacing stigma with science, because mental health is health.
Is IQ more important than EQ, or is emotional intelligence the real measure of success? In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we unpack what IQ and EQ actually measure, how they function in the brain, and why the debate between them misses the bigger picture. From the prefrontal cortex to the hippocampus, we explore how thinking, memory, and emotional regulation work together. This episode is content- and vocabulary-heavy, but it offers a clear, science-based explanation of why intelligence is not one skill, one score, or one label.
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra takes a thoughtful and science-based look at Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD. Although the term is often used casually, OCD is actually a real mental health condition that involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that feel difficult to control. The episode explains what obsessions and compulsions are, how OCD affects the brain, and why it is very different from simply being neat or particular.
Listeners will also hear about current research, treatment options, and the importance of reducing stigma through accurate language and compassion. This episode reminds us that OCD is not a personality trait or a joke. It is a legitimate condition that people can live with while still building meaningful, joyful lives.
Epilepsy is often misunderstood. Most people think it is only about dramatic seizures, but living with epilepsy is much more than that. In this episode of Tumor Minutes, I talk about what epilepsy actually is, how it affects daily life, and what people get wrong about it. I share my personal experience navigating school, friendships, and self-care while managing this condition. This episode also includes tips for understanding and supporting people with epilepsy, and a discussion of the invisible challenges that come with living with a neurological condition. Tune in to learn how epilepsy is not just a medical condition, but a daily lesson in awareness, patience, and resilience.
Anxiety can feel intense and confusing, especially when it shows up for no obvious reason. In this episode, I break down the science behind anxiety, explain how the brain’s alarm system works, and share practical tips for calming racing thoughts. We also explore a metaphorical safe space you can open inside your mind whenever stress or fear gets too heavy, inspired by subtle BTS Magic Shop vibes. This episode is perfect for teens, students, or anyone navigating overwhelming moments.
ADHD shows up in real life in ways people do not talk about enough. In this episode, Netra takes the topic apart piece by piece to explain what ADHD actually means, how it is diagnosed, and why the term ADD does not exist anymore. The science is simple, the explanations are clear, and the jokes are very Netra coded. There is a nod to Percy Jackson and how the series shaped neurodiversity conversations for a whole generation. This episode is informative, funny, and extremely teen friendly without giving away too much. Perfect for anyone who wants to finally understand ADHD without feeling like they are reading a textbook.
Down Syndrome — you’ve heard of it, but do you really know what it is? In this episode, Netra takes you inside the world of Trisomy 21 with the signature Tumor Minutes blend of science and sincerity. From the messy drama of meiosis to the myths that won’t die, this episode unpacks what’s actually happening inside those cells and why society still needs to catch up.
Expect biology and a reminder that extra chromosomes don’t make anyone less human — they just make the world a little more interesting.
Season 2 of Tumor Minutes kicks off with a new focus on neurodivergence, starting with autism. This premiere episode explains autism as a spectrum of brain differences, breaks down common misconceptions, and highlights both challenges and strengths in daily life. It also covers diagnosis, support systems, and the importance of representation for autistic teens. The episode closes with a critical look at Donald Trump’s recent claims about Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism, separating scientific fact from political noise. Engaging, myth-busting, and science-driven, this episode sets the tone for a season dedicated to celebrating diverse brains.
He changed the way we listen to music, talk on our phones, and even how we interact with technology itself. What many people do not know is that he spent years battling a rare type of pancreatic cancer. In this episode of Tumor Minutes, I walk through his story, his diagnosis, the Whipple procedure, the controversial choices he made, and how cancer shaped both his health and his legacy. Expect sharp insights, medical clarity, and a little bit of snark along the way.
Welcome to Tumor Minutes, where science meets real talk. Today, we’re shining a light on pancreatic cancer — a cancer that often flies under the radar but has one of the highest mortality rates.
Join Netra as she explains the pancreas’s vital role, what pancreatic cancer is, and why it’s notoriously difficult to detect early. You’ll hear about the warning signs, risk factors like genetics and lifestyle, and the challenges doctors face when diagnosing and treating this disease.
Whether you’re a teenager or just someone who cares about your health, this episode equips you with the knowledge to recognize when something might be off—because your body deserves to be heard.
Tune in for a clear, compassionate, and sometimes funny guide to a serious topic that everyone should understand.
Smoking. Alcohol. Sunscreen. Exercise. Sleep. Genes. In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we break down what actually increases your risk of cancer—and what you can do about it. From environmental exposures to inflammation and early screening, Netra gets real (and a little snarky) about how to take control of the 40% of cancers that are preventable. It’s science you can use—without the fear-mongering.
What’s it really like inside an MRI machine? In this episode, Netra walks you through the science, the sounds, and the sometimes surprising comforts (like movies!) of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Whether you're facing your first scan or just curious about how doctors see inside the body without cutting it open, this episode offers a clear, personal, and slightly nerdy breakdown of MRIs — from hydrogen atoms to loud bangs to that magical word: “stable.”
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we explore the very real skin cancer journey of none other than Hugh Jackman — yes, Wolverine himself. From Broadway to the big screen, Jackman’s career has been unstoppable — but off-camera, he’s battled basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common yet often underestimated form of skin cancer.
Host Netra breaks down how Jackman’s diagnosis came about (spoiler: it started with a sharp-eyed makeup artist), what makes BCC biologically unique, why it keeps recurring, and how treatment like Mohs surgery works. Plus, we talk about that one time Jackman ignored doctor’s orders during The Greatest Showman… and paid the price.
This case study blends celebrity, science, and skin safety into one compact, sun-smart episode. If you've ever skipped sunscreen or ignored a suspicious spot, this is your wake-up call.
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra unpacks the big question: how do we actually treat cancer?
Whether it's chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy—each approach has its own strategy, pros, and challenges.
You'll learn how these treatments work in the body, why side effects happen, and how doctors build personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Perfect for students, caregivers, or anyone curious about what really happens after a cancer diagnosis.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer, smarter understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes—and why cancer treatment is so much more than just a “cure.”
In this myth-busting episode of Tumor Minutes, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common cancer misconceptions.
Can sugar feed cancer? Is cancer contagious? Do cell phones cause brain tumors?
Through a fun true-or-false game, Netra breaks down what’s real and what’s rumor—and why misinformation can be dangerous.
If you’ve ever read a sketchy health claim online or heard a “fact” that didn’t sit right—this episode is for you.
Cancer is already tough—but what happens when it spreads?
In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we tackle metastasis: the science behind how cancer moves, why it becomes more dangerous, and what it actually means for patients and doctors. Netra walks through how cancer cells travel through the body, how they're detected, and what treatment looks like when cancer reaches multiple organs.
Also in this episode: the real story of Terry Fox—an 18-year-old cancer patient whose legacy continues to save lives around the world.
Whether you’re navigating cancer or just want to understand it better, this episode is for you.
Benign But Not Boring dives into the lesser-known world of benign tumors—non-cancerous growths that can still cause serious symptoms. In this episode, I share my personal journey with a benign brain tumor, explain how these tumors form, and explore how size, location, and behavior can make them just as complex as malignant ones. Whether you're curious about fibroids, lipomas, or brain tumors, this episode breaks it down with science, stories, and clarity.
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