Believe In Progress: An AACR Foundation Podcast

In this inspiring episode, Mitch talks with Jason Tharp, a brain cancer survivor, resilience expert, author, illustrator, and patient advocate. Jason’s extraordinary journey is a testament to the transformative power of hope, creativity, and the human spirit.  

In a deeply personal episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, Mitch talks with two lifelong friends, Steve Hatlestad and Dave Clark, about their cancer journeys and the profound impact of friendship and family in overcoming obstacles.

In this episode of Believe in Progress, we talk with Michael Hugo, a remarkable individual whose story of resilience, innovation, and determination in the face of glioblastoma is truly inspiring.

In this inspirational episode of Believe in Progress, we talk with Katie Coleman, a software engineer, podcaster, author, and stage 4 kidney cancer survivor, and Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, a physician-scientist who specializes in rare kidney cancers.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, our host Mitch Stoller, AACR’s Chief Philanthropic Officer, speaks with former Philadelphia mayor Michael A. Nutter, a cancer survivor and a dedicated public servant with a distinguished career in urban policy, governance, and public health advocacy.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we talk with Kristen Dahlgren, a former NBC journalist, breast cancer survivor, and dedicated advocate for cancer research. Our host, Mitch Stoller, AACR Chief Philanthropic Officer, and Kristen discuss her journey from telling powerful stories at NBC’s “Today Show” and “Nightly News” to becoming a leader in cancer patient advocacy which is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we are joined by Rick Sontag, the president and founder of The Sontag Foundation and the Brain Tumor Network. Rick shares with Mitch his remarkable journey and discusses the incredible work being done to advance brain cancer research and provide critical support to patients and caregivers.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we speak about tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy with Frank Leonard and Dr. Moshe Giladi of Novocure. Novocure is at the forefront of revolutionizing cancer treatment with its groundbreaking TTFields therapy. Host Mitch Stoller talks with the two leaders about Novocure’s innovative approach.

In this powerful episode of the Believe in Progress Podcast, we are joined by Alan Kaufman, a former Northwell patient who overcame a near-fatal battle with metastatic melanoma. Our host, Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer of the AACR, discusses Alan’s remarkable journey.

In this episode, we are joined by Shawn M. Sweeney, PhD, senior director of the AACR Project GENIE Coordinating Center, and Philippe L. Bedard, MD, associate professor at the University of Toronto and a leading oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, to discuss the transformative potential of this innovative initiative.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we speak with Dr. Raymond N. DuBois and Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld about The Mark Foundation’s mission and vision and the innovative programs they oversee to accelerate cancer research and bring innovative treatments to patients worldwide.

In this episode of Believe in Progress, we speak with AACR President-Elect Dr. Lillian L. Siu and Dr. William Pao, two esteemed members of the AACR Asian/Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Task Force. Dr. Pao and Dr. Siu are at the forefront of promoting the contributions of AANHPI scientists and fostering greater diversity in cancer research and leadership.

Welcome to a second special episode of the Believe in Progress podcast. June is National Cancer Survivor Month. Join us as we #celebratesurvivorship throughout the month. This episode is dedicated to the remarkable people and families who have faced cancer with courage, resilience, and hope.

Welcome to a special edition of the Believe in Progress podcast from the AACR Foundation. June is National Cancer Survivor Month. Join us as we #celebratesurvivorship throughout the month. This episode is dedicated to the remarkable people and families who have faced cancer with courage, resilience, and hope.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we talk with Julie Kramer, a stage 4 synovial sarcoma survivor, Reiki practitioner, and registered yoga teacher.

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we are joined by Saranne Rothberg, the spirited founder of the ComedyCures Foundation. Diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer, Saranne transformed her chemotherapy treatment into a beacon of joy by creating ComedyCures.

John Kincade’s Triumph Over Cancer and His Mission to Raise Awareness
In this episode of Believe in Progress, we are joined by John Kincade, a prominent voice in sports broadcasting and a three-time cancer survivor. 

In this episode, we are speaking with Mary Gloria Orji, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. Mary confronted the stigmas around cancer, in Nigeria, to speak about cancer in her country. She also formed a patient support group for those battling cancer in Nigeria.

In this episode of Believe in Progress, Mitch talks with AACR Member Leader Brian M. Rivers, Ph.D., MPH, Director of the Cancer Health Equity Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, about his work to understand and develop innovative interventions to reduce cancer health disparities.

AACR President-Elect 2023-2024 Patricia LoRusso joins Mitch to discuss her career in drug development and how personal tragedy inspired her passion for finding new therapies for patients with cancer.

In this episode of Believe in Progress, Mitch talks with Andrea Wilson Woods about how the loss of her sister to cancer motivated her to start Blue Faery to help patients and families navigate liver cancer.

In this episode of Believe in Progress, Mitch speaks with Hayley Dinerman and Melissa Berry about the mission of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

In this episode, Mitch talks with his brother Paul Stoller, a cultural anthropologist and professor of anthropology at West Chester University, about his cancer diagnosis and journey.

Since seeing the impact of cancer on a childhood friend diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2012, Matthew Marquardt has worked to raise awareness and funds to defeat cancer. Listen as Matthew joins Mitch to discuss how to make a difference against cancer.

In this episode, Mitch talks with entertainment icon Patti LaBelle about her advice and encouragement for supporting loved ones with cancer, having lost three sisters to the devastating disease.

This episode features American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), talking to Mitch about leadership, the AACR, advances in the field, and much more.

Rabbi Benjamin David talks with Mitch about how cancer changed him and awakened him to how he can be really attuned to people who are struggling. “It’s about being a non-anxious presence.”

In this episode, Mitch talks with triple-negative breast cancer survivor Donna James, a corporate leader and respected advisor as managing partner of Lardon & Associates, LLC, about her cancer journey and how it impacts her advocacy for others with cancer.

In this episode, Mitch talks with three-time cancer survivor Doug Ulman, the CEO of Pelotonia, a rapidly growing nonprofit founded in 2008 with the goal of funding innovative cancer research.

In this episode, Mitch talks with Dr. Marianne Ritchie, a gastroenterologist at Jefferson Health and proponent of screening as a key way to prevent colorectal cancer.

Mitch speaks with Marcus Smith II, a professional athlete, philanthropist, and entrepreneur dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in professional sports. This important conversation coincides with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

In this episode, Mitch talks to Rob Butcher and Matt Vossler of Swim Across America, a nonprofit founded in 1987 that raises funds for cancer research, treatment, and survivorship programs through open-water swimming events.

Mitch talks to Sarah Happy, a two-time cancer survivor, about her experiences with cancer survivorship and her illnesses, and their treatment remains a significant presence in her life.

Mitch talks with triple-negative breast cancer survivor and thriver Ricki Fairley. They discuss Ricki’s efforts to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women. Listen and subscribe today.

Technology entrepreneur Howard Brown, a two-time stage IV cancer patient, survivor, and advocate, shares the keys to leading a resilient life with hope with Mitch, in this episode of Believe in Progress.

Trevor Maxwell talks with Mitch about his cancer journey. Trevor, 45, has been living with stage IV colon cancer since March 2018.

In Episode 1 of Believe in Progress: an AACR Foundation Podcast: host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), talks with acclaimed singer Lauren Hart about her cancer journey.

Trailer: American Association for Cancer Research Chief Philanthropic Officer Mitch Stoller hosts Believe in Progress: An AACR Foundation Podcast.