Episodes

What happens when deep science meets bold cancer-fighting innovation? In this episode of Believe in Progress, we sit down with Dr. Ajit Singh—Managing Director at Artiman Ventures and a Trustee of the AACR Foundation—for a compelling conversation about the technologies and ideas shaping the future of cancer care. With decades of experience leading both Fortune 500 healthcare companies and high-impact startups, Dr. Singh brings a unique perspective to the intersection of oncology, diagnostics, da...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Believe in Progress, the podcast presented by the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation, host Mitch Stoller sits down with Chef AJ—renowned plant-based chef, bestselling author, and host of the popular YouTube channel "Healthy Living with Chef AJ." With over 47 years of experience in whole-food, plant-based nutrition, Chef AJ has long championed the power of healthy eating. But in early 2023, her journey took an unexpected turn with a...

How can new approaches to early detection make a difference for children at risk of rare cancers? In this episode of Believe in Progress, brought to you by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Foundation, host Mitch Stoller speaks with Dr. Kris Ann P. Schultz, a leading pediatric oncologist and Scientific Director of Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Minnesota. Dr. Schultz shares her groundbreaking work on DICER1-related cancers and how early diagnosis, surveillance, and co...

What does it take to turn a scientific discovery into a treatment that changes lives? On this episode of Believe in Progress, the podcast brought to you by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Foundation, host Mitch Stoller talks with Dr. William Pao, an esteemed physician-scientist, executive leader, and author of the new book Breakthrough: The Quest for Life-Changing Medicines. Dr. Pao is the Chief Executive Officer of Revelio Therapeutics, Inc. and previously led Global Product...

How does a kidney cancer diagnosis lead to a life-changing mission? On this episode of Believe in Progress, a podcast of the AACR Foundation, host Mitch Stoller sits down with Meryl Uranga, a seven-year kidney cancer survivor who turned her personal battle into a powerful force for change. Meryl was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer while undergoing treatment for appendicitis—a moment that changed everything for her. Now, as the Community Liaison-Patient Advocacy and Southeast Team Lead fo...

What happens when a devastating brain cancer diagnosis collides with a sharp comedic mind? You get Bryan Bishop—a podcasting icon, bestselling author, and relentless advocate for cancer research. Known for his quick wit and signature humor on The Adam Carolla Show and The Bryan and Gina Show, Bryan shares how he turned his inoperable brain tumor diagnosis into a mission to uplift, inspire, and push forward groundbreaking cancer research. On this episode of Believe in Progress, Mitch Stoller, Chi...

Howard Brown is living proof that resilience is more than a mindset—it’s a survival strategy. As a two-time stage IV cancer survivor, tech entrepreneur, author, and fierce advocate for research, Howard has spent decades turning adversity into action. But today, he faces his toughest battle yet. Since we last spoke with Howard (on Episode 003 of Believe in Progress), he has endured an intense chemotherapy regimen, 38 blood and platelet transfusions, and the grueling road to a stem cell transplant...

In this special live episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller takes us to the heart of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon. Against the backdrop of one of Philadelphia's most iconic events, this episode captures the energy, determination, and community spirit that make this race unforgettable year after year. Joined by five inspiring guests—Jim Marino, Bill Rodgers, Rachael Ringer, Todd Wiseman, and Coleen McMahon—we delve into powerful stories of resilience, advocacy, and the s...

In this special live episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller takes us to the heart of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon. Against the backdrop of one of Philadelphia's most iconic events, this episode captures the energy, determination, and community spirit that make this race unforgettable year after year. Joined by four inspiring guests—Mark Sullivan, Linda Reilly, Brook Byrd, and Anwar Miller—we delve into powerful stories of resilience, advocacy, and the shared mission to ...

In this inspiring episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), sits down 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. From his life-changing diagnosis to creating “H.O.P.E. Is a Strategy,” Jason shares how he turned adver...

In this deeply personal episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, sits down with two of his lifelong friends, Steve Hatlestad and Dave Clark. Over the course of a remarkable 58-year friendship, these men have shared countless moments, from basketball games in their youth to supporting each other through life’s greatest challenges, including battles with cancer. Steve and Dave share their inspiring stories of resilience, their persona...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, talks with Michael Hugo, a remarkable individual whose story of resilience, innovation, and determination in the face of glioblastoma is truly inspiring. Michael takes us through his journey, from his personal achievements and professional career to his transformation into a passionate advocate for glioblastoma awareness and cancer research. Michael shares how his diagnosis in April 2...

In this inspirational episode of the Believe in Progress Podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research, sits down with Katie Coleman, a software engineer, podcaster, author, and stage 4 kidney cancer survivor, alongside Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, a physician-scientist who specializes in rare kidney cancers. Katie and Dr. Msaouel each share their personal journeys and delve into their pioneering work in the fight against cancer. Katie’s advocacy...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, our host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), speaks with Michael A. Nutter: former Mayor of Philadelphia, cancer survivor, and a dedicated public servant with a distinguished career in urban policy, governance, and public health advocacy. Mayor Nutter shares his inspiring journey from growing up in West Philadelphia to becoming the 98th Mayor of Philadelphia, and the many innovative...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress Podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, sits down with Kristen Dahlgren, a former NBC journalist, breast cancer survivor, and dedicated advocate for cancer research. Kristen is now at the forefront of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, working tirelessly to advance the development of a breast cancer vaccine. Her journey from telling powerful stories at NBC's Today Show and Nightly News to becoming a leader in cancer advocacy is ...

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 his remarkable journey and discusses the incredible work being done to advance brain cancer research and provide critical support to patients and caregivers with host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Since its inception in 2002, The Sontag Foundation has inves...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress Podcast, our host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), speaks with two pioneering leaders from Novocure: Frank Leonard, Executive Vice President and President of Novocure Oncology; and, Dr. Moshe Giladi, Chief Science Officer. Novocure is at the forefront of revolutionizing cancer treatment with its groundbreaking Tumor Treating Fields (TTFIELDS®) therapy. Frank and Dr. Giladi share insights ...

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 (stage-4) metastatic melanoma. Our host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer of the AACR, discusses Alan’s remarkable journey. Alan is an avid runner who has participated in the New York City Marathon every year since 1992, but his diagnosis forced him to miss the race in 2017. After his diagnosis in 2017, Alan underwent extensive trea...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we delve into the transformative potential of AACR Project GENIE. Our Chief Philanthropic Officer and host Mitch Stoller is 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. AACR Project GENIE is an innovative initiative driving the future of precision medicin...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, speaks with Dr. Raymond DuBois and Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Dr. DuBois and Dr. Schoenfeld are leading efforts to accelerate cancer research and bring innovative treatments to patients worldwide. They discuss the mission and vision of The Mark Foundation, the innovative programs they oversee, and the significant impact of their work on cancer re...

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, speaks with Dr. William Pao and Dr. Lillian L. Siu, 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. They discuss the groundbreaking work of the Task Force, the sig...

Welcome to a second special episode 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. Their stories inspire us and highlight the importance of research-driven advances in cancer science and medicine. In today's "Best of Survivor Stories" episode, we'll revisit some o...

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. Their stories inspire us and highlight the importance of research-driven advances in cancer science and medicine. In today's "Best of Survivor Stories" episode, we'll revisit some of the mo...

Episode Summary: 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. Known for her uplifting presence and appearance on the Ellen Show and her active participation in the Philly sports X/Twitter community, Julie shares her compelling story of diagnosis, resilience, and holistic healing with host Mitch Stoller. This episode highlights Julie's battles and dives into the transformative p...