#243 Govind Sandhu — Cancer, Grief, and the Courage to Keep Going

·1 hr 20 min·5 clips

Govind Sandhu was the fittest person he knew when scans revealed high-grade stage four blood cancer.

The episode opens with Cooper Chapman introducing Govind Sandhu, who is on the Gold Coast. Govind explains he is currently cancer-free after being diagnosed with high-grade stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He describes being in peak physical condition, having just finished the 75 Hard challenge, when he experienced symptoms like night sweats and fatigue leading to diagnosis. Govind recounts his career path, moving from New Zealand to Australia, working at Red Bull for ten years with a promotion to Austria, and later at TikTok. He discusses separating from his wife amicably at the start of 2024. The interview delves into his cancer treatment, including 18 infusions of chemotherapy and CAR T-cell immunotherapy, which left him weakened. Govind reveals his wife tragically passed away by suicide nearly a year ago while he was in recovery, calling it the most life-altering event. He shares how therapy has become essential for processing grief and trauma. Govind compares mental health to an invisible cancer, advocating for open discussion. He reflects on the support from friends and family during his illness. The episode concludes with Govind defining being a good human as showing kindness, given we never know others' struggles.

As heard by us

A candid account of how cancer can redraw a life that seemed to be going exactly right.

A high-grade, stage-four blood cancer diagnosis lands just as the guest feels physically, mentally, and emotionally at his best, turning a trail run in Hobart into the beginning of a life-altering shock.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a trail run, an unexpected stage-four blood cancer diagnosis, and a hard-won reason to stay with the day in front of you.

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