The Real Me

Telling the Stories of the AYA Play It Back Artists - part of The Who's Teen Cancer America program

Author: Pantheon Media

Language: en

Genres: Arts, Music, Music Interviews, Performing Arts

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

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From Brain Tumor Diagnosis to Ska-Punk Anthem: The Elissa Waller Story
Episode 10
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025

Hello, and welcome! On this episode of The Real Me podcast, I am so excited to introduce you to the truly incredible Elissa Waller. Imagine this: you’ve just graduated college, moved across the country to start your dream job, and your entire world is suddenly turned upside down by a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis. Instead of letting it define her, Elissa channeled her experience into one of the most kickass ska-punk anthems I’ve heard, with the absolutely brilliant title, “This Is Not An Angry Song”—but you have to hear who the lyrics are for! Join us as we dive into her powerful story of survival, the community she found with Teen Cancer America’s Play It Back Program, and the surprising way she turned her classical music training into a raw, unfiltered masterpiece. How does a young adult transform a terrifying medical journey into a powerful statement of self-love and independence? You simply have to listen to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices