S4E194: Navigating a brain tumor - Facing your mortality

n episode 194 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine’s recent health crisis: after an MRI on May 1, doctors found a brain tumor, and she is scheduled for surgery on May 19 to remove it. Christine describes sporadic focal seizures starting the previous summer, including brief left-side freezes while fully conscious, one occurring publicly at a Canon networking event and twice while driving, leading to her no longer being allowed to drive. They criticize the U.S. healthcare system, including receiving results via a CD and delayed medical follow-up, and note her surgery was expedited through her surgeon brother’s connections. They use dark humor about naming the tumor “Tumi,” potential sketches, filmmaking memories, and plan a podcast pause until June while promoting getrealisms.com during recovery.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: **Christine W. Chen** is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, **Moth to Flame**, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including *Erzulie*, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned **DGA 1st Assistant Director** and co-author of *Get Reelisms* and *ABCs of Filmmaking*, as well as the co-host of the *Get Reelisms Podcast*. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: **Adam Chase Rani** is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the *Get Reelisms Podcast* with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Brain Tumor Reveal 00:22 Podcast Intro Setup 01:41 Mothers Day Message 02:06 Diagnosis And Surgery Date 03:58 Coping With Dark Humor 04:49 Seizure Symptoms Explained 10:06 Driving Scare And No Keys 11:58 Healthcare System Breakdown 13:03 The CD Player Sketch 16:34 Surgeon Mafia Fast Track 26:40 Friends Support System 27:58 Devil Wears Prada 2 Tangent 29:47 Bots And Bad Reviews 32:27 No Guest Just Us 33:25 Traveling Podcast Memories 34:07 Journaling Through Hard Times 36:04 Not Knowing and Learning 37:33 Cheap Gear Real Talk 38:28 Honest Film Podcast Philosophy 40:23 Fugitive Dreams War Stories 46:36 Family Pressure and Set Culture 51:45 Guest No Show Mothers Day 53:29 Gratitude and Friendship 57:06 Erzulie Set Highlights 01:00:09 Make A Wish Film Funding 01:03:25 Wrap Up and Merch Plug [Official Get Reelisms Page](getreelisms.com) Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram