Life doesn’t pause when you’re going through something. In this episode, I share what it was like to push through daily headaches, nausea, and pressure while preparing for brain surgery, and the mindset that helped me keep moving when everything inside me was telling me to stop.

What does it feel like to keep living your normal life… while knowing something life changing is coming? In this episode, I share what it was like to live with a countdown after choosing the date for my brain surgery, the mental weight, the back and forth between fear and faith, and the reality you can’t outrun.

There is a difference between knowing something is coming and deciding when it happens. In this episode, I share what it felt like to choose the date for my brain surgery, the moment everything became real, and how that decision shifted my mindset from living life to counting down.

After being told I needed brain surgery, life didn’t stop but everything changed. This post explores the quiet aftermath of a brain tumor diagnosis, the internal battle between fear and faith, and the moment I realized I could no longer run from reality.

What started as a health crisis became a calling. At Love Heals Live in Lynchburg, TeflonJohn shares how surviving a brain tumor transformed his pain into purpose, inspiring others to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and live fully.

Brain tumor survivor and motivational media creator Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith reflects on his emotional interview on the Love Heals Podcast hosted by Sarah Nelson and Courtney Green. In this powerful conversation, he shares the story of years of unexplained symptoms, medical gaslighting, the MRI that revealed a brain tumor, and the life-changing journey through brain surgery, radiation, and recovery. Through vulnerability and faith, Johnathan explains why self-advocacy in healthcare, community support, and telling our stories can help others feel less alone during some of life’s hardest moments.

In Season 1 of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, I share what it was like living with unexplained symptoms, medical dismissal, and the quiet fear that comes before answers. This season explores surviving a meningioma diagnosis, trusting your body, navigating medical gaslighting, and holding faith and fear at the same time before surgery ever entered the picture.

I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor is a deeply personal podcast documenting the real journey of living with a brain tumor, from routine MRIs and follow up appointments to unexpected turning points, faith, family support, and emotional resilience. In Episode 10, Johnathan TeflonJohn Smith shares the moment a familiar process shifted, helping listeners feel understood, encouraged, and less alone in their own journey.

I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor is a deeply personal podcast documenting the real journey of living with a brain tumor, from early symptoms and diagnosis to faith, emotional health, work life, and survival. Through honest, story-driven episodes, Johnathan TeflonJohn Smith shares the moments most people never talk about, helping listeners feel understood, encouraged, and less alone in their own journey.

In this powerful episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, I open up about the moment my silence at work began to crack while I was trying to push through worsening symptoms and protect my privacy. I was showing up, leading, and performing as expected, even as my body and mind were sending signals something was wrong.

This episode dives into the hidden tension of wearing a mask, the shock of being seen when you are trying to stay silent, the courage it took to trust someone with the truth, and a powerful lesson from my grandfather that helped me understand when strength has to evolve.

In this powerful episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, I open up about the invisible emotional weight I carried at home after my brain tumor diagnosis. While trying to protect my family and keep life feeling normal, fear and pressure quietly built beneath the surface.

This episode dives into the hidden battle of carrying fear in silence, the emotional tension of protecting the people you love, the empathy I gained from seeing my wife’s journey differently, and a powerful lesson from my grandfather that helped me endure when the weight became heavy.

In this powerful episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, I open up about the hidden battle I fought at work while my body was sending signals something was wrong. My symptoms were getting worse, but on the outside, I was still trying to show up, lead, and perform like nothing had changed.

This episode dives into the emotional tension of working through fear, the loneliness that comes with keeping everything inside, and a lesson from my grandfather that helped me hold on when silence became heavy.

A deep look into the late night anxiety, endless searching, and spiritual turning point that shaped Johnathan TeflonJohn Smith’s brain tumor journey. Episode 5 uncovers the emotional battle of fear, faith, and the lifesaving power of community during a brain tumor diagnosis.

After receiving his diagnosis, Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith found himself living a dual life. On the outside, he looked fine, but inside he was quietly wrestling with fear, uncertainty, and faith. In Episode 4 of I Have A What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, he shares how reflection, prayer, and the wisdom of his grandfather helped him find peace while healing from the inside out.

In Episode 3 of I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith shares the emotional first visit to UVA, the meeting that explained his diagnosis, and the start of the “watch and wait” plan. This episode explores how faith helps bring peace in seasons of uncertainty.

In Episode 2 of I Have a What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith shares the moment that divided his life into before and after. A phone call from his doctor revealed the truth he never expected to hear: “You have a brain tumor.” This episode explores shock, faith, and the first steps toward courage when fear feels overwhelming.

In Episode 1 of I Have a What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith opens up about the unexplained headaches, dizziness, and fatigue that began his journey toward a life-changing diagnosis. What started as frustration and disbelief became a lesson in faith, persistence, and self-advocacy. This episode reminds listeners to trust their instincts and fight for the answers their body deserves.