Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / Show

Send us a textDr. Samir Khleif, MD is CEO of Georgiamune ( https://www.georgiamune.com/team ), a private, science and discovery clinical stage immunotherapeutic biotechnology company focused on reprogramming immune signaling pathways to redirect the immune system to fight diseases.  Dr. Khleif is a pioneer in the field of immunotherapy. He is a medical oncologist, immunologist, innovator, and entrepreneur, as well as a transformational executive in health care and biomedical research.Prior to becoming CEO of Georgiamune, Dr. Khleif served in different academic and leadership positions. He was a National Cancer Institute (NCI)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientist and Chief of the NCI Cancer Vaccine Section, where he led the development of pioneering immune-oncology and cancer vaccines into clinical trials. As a national and international academic leader, and detailed by the US government, he served as the founding director and CEO of the King Hussein Cancer Center ( https://www.khcc.jo/en ) in Amman, Jordan, where he led the development of the largest cancer center in the MENA region. He also served as the director of the Georgia Cancer Center, the state cancer center, at Augusta University. He is currently a biomedical scholar and holds a professorship at Georgetown University Medical School.Dr. Khleif also served as a Special Assistant to the Commissioner of the FDA, leading the FDA's Critical Path Initiative for Oncology. He is a member of the board of directors of Ayala Pharmaceuticals and Emerald Biopharmaceutics, and served as a member of the scientific advisory board of more than 20 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.Dr. Khleif is an international KOL in immunology and immunotherapy. He has served on many national committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board of the Biden Cancer Initiative, as chair of the Immunotherapy Committee for NRG, and as a member of the NCI Cooperative Group. He currently serves as an advisor for the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Dr. Khleif is an editor of three books, the author of hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific research articles, and a prolific inventor with more than 150 patents issued or pending in the field of immunology and immunotherapy.Dr. Khleif received his medical degree at the University of Jordan, Amman Jordan. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Ohio and his fellowship in Medical Oncology at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, Maryland.#SamirKhleif #Georgiamune #Immunotherapy #KingHusseinCancerCenter #CriticalPathInitiative #FDA #Tregs #RegulatoryTCells #Cancer #Oncology #CheckpointInhibitors #ImmuneEscapeMechanisms #DualFunctioningAntibody #Autoimmune #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textMark McDonough is the CEO of Cyrex Labs ( https://www.cyrexlabs.com/ ), a clinical immunology laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity testing. Cyrex offers multi-tissue antibody testing for the early detection and monitoring of today’s complex autoimmune conditions and develops innovative arrays through continuous collaboration with leading experts in medical research and clinical practice.Mark is a global technology business executive with 30 years of experience, and his personal mission is to impact change in the field of healthcare in a compassionate yet resolute manner, leading by example.Prior to Cyrex, Mark served in several private and public company CEO roles including PierianDx and CombiMatrix, a publicly held molecular diagnostics company performing DNA-based testing services for reproductive health, oncology, and developmental disorders.Earlier in his career, Mark served in various sales leadership roles at high growth diagnostic companies to include Ventana Medical Systems (acquired by Roche) and US LABS (acquired by LabCorp). Mark is married with three children and is a proud former Naval Officer having served as a Navigator and Communications Officer on the USS FLETCHER (DD 992).#MarkMcDonough #CyrexLabs #ClinicalImmunology #FunctionalImmunology #Autoimmunity #AristoVojdani #FoodAssociatedAutoimmunities #Neuroimmunity #BrainGutConnection #LifestyleMedicine #Antigenic #Inflammation #MolecularMimicry #ImmuneReactivity #PathogenAssociatedImmuneReactivity #MultipleChemicalSensitivities #MicrobialTransglutaminase #CeliacDisease #NonCeliacGlutenSensitivity #CrohnsDisease #Neuroautoimmunity #Neurodegeneration #BloodBrainBarrier #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH ( https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/michael-t-osterholm-phd-mph ) is Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the Medical School, all at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Osterholm is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and the Council of Foreign Relations. In June 2005 Dr. Osterholm was appointed by Michael Leavitt, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to the newly established National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity. In July 2008, he was named to the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center’s Academy of Excellence in Health Research. In October 2008, he was appointed to the World Economic Forum Working Group on Pandemics.Dr. Osterholm is an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology and is the author of more than 300 papers and abstracts, including 20 book chapters, and New York Times best-selling 2017 book, Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs ( https://www.amazon.com/Deadliest-Enemy-Against-Killer-Germs/dp/0316343692 ).Dr. Osterholm's new book will be coming out in September, 2025, entitled The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics ( https://www.amazon.com/Big-One-Prepare-World-Altering-Pandemics-ebook/dp/B0C1G5BHG3 ).Dr. Osterholm has received numerous honors for his work, including an honorary doctorate from Luther College; the Pump Handle Award, CSTE; the Charles C. Shepard Science Award, CDC; the Harvey W. Wiley Medal, FDA; the Squibb Award, IDSA; Distinguished University Teaching Professor, Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, UMN; and the Wade Hampton Frost Leadership Award, American Public Health Association. He also has been the recipient of six major research awards from the NIH and the CDC.Dr. Osterholm received his PhD and MS in Environmental Health, and MPH in Epidemiology, from the University of Minnesota. #MichaelOsterholm #InfectiousDisease #CenterForInfectiousDiseaseResearchAndPolicy #CIDRAP #PublicHealth #AntimicrobialStewardship #VaccineIntegrityProject #AntimicrobialResistance #MinnesotaDepartmentOfHealth #Epidemiologist #ToxicShockSyndrome #FoodborneIllness #Hepatitis #Biodefense #Countermeasures #ChronicWastingDisease #Preparedness #Policy #Surveillance #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Manfred Stapff, MD, PhD is a physician and pharmaceutical industry leader with over 30 years of experience in internal medicine, clinical research, and drug development, who has worked across a range of therapeutic areas including NASH, CV, CNS, respiratory, oncology, GI, anti-infective, and orphan diseases.Dr. Stapff has held senior roles at Merck & Co., Forest Laboratories (now Allergan), and LG Chem (CMO / COO), specializing in clinical development, regulatory affairs, and global medical operations. As Chief Medical Officer at TriNetX, he helped build the worldʼs largest real-world data (RWD) research network. Dr. Stapff’s expertise spans clinical trials, drug development, regulatory affairs, quality management, and real-world studies.As the founder of Candid Advisory (https://candid-advisory.com/), Dr. Stapff helps organizations leverage real-world data and AI to improve healthcare decision-making and regulatory strategies. Dr. Stapff’s new book, Real-World Evidence Unveiled: Navigating the Maze of Modern Misinformation ( https://www.amazon.com/Real-World-Evidence-Unveiled-Navigating-Misinformation-ebook/dp/B0F6DWR6MY?ref_=ast_author_mpb ), explores how misinformation shapes science, media, and public health and how we can separate fact from fiction.#RealWorldEvidence #ManfredStapff #ClinicalTrials #RegulatoryAffairs #RealWorldData #DrugRepurposing #RWE #ArtificialIntelligence #FakeNews #MediaBias #Misinformation #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textMuffy Walker ( https://www.muffywalker.com/ ) is a psychiatric nurse with 45 years of experience, the founder of the International Bipolar Foundation, ( https://ibpf.org/ - an organization focused on raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health ), a dedicated Alzheimer’s caregiver, and an author with a passion for crafting compelling fiction that educates, inspires and sheds light on important topics, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering greater understanding. Muffy’s debut novel, Memory Weavers ( https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Weavers-Muffy-Walker/dp/B0DT7V6K3L ), a poignant and timely work of women’s fiction exploring memory, trauma, and the realities of caregiving, was just released April 8, 2025, with her other titles including a children’s book, The Great Jungle Talent Show, as well as Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder, written for both people living with bipolar disorder and their caregivers.Muffy holds a Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from University of California, Irvine, and has written extensively on mental health topics, contributing many chapters, guides, and newspaper articles to the field.Muffy has also has served on a plethora of boards including Children’s Hospital, Kids Korps USA, NeighborHelp, and ChildHelp USA.#MuffyWalker #MemoryWeavers #AlzheimersCaregiving #InternationalBipolarFoundation #PsychiatricNursing #Dementia #PTSD #Empathy #Fiction #PatientAdvocacy #HusseiniManji #ScottSmall #CraigVenter #JohnCReed #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Michelle I. Cardel, PhD, MS, RD is Chief Nutrition Officer of WeightWatchers ( https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/science-center/team/michelle-cardel?srsltid=AfmBOooheyN06Ngdf86tF274AuTsCjebrDKN1ccjFWOsyMk8hZPs_IRw ), where she oversees the company’s academic research partnerships and clinical trials, nutrition portfolio, and science communication. In collaboration with fellow scientists and teams across the organization, she plans and executes research studies, then implements and disseminates the findings for WeightWatchers members, the scientific community, and the greater community at large. She also leads the company’s nutrition point of view using the latest in nutritional science, and works across the organization to translate the evidence in member content, programs, and beyond.Dr. Cardel is an obesity and nutrition scientist and registered dietitian with a focus on the development and implementation of evidence-based healthy lifestyle strategies for adults and children, particularly those from medically-underserved backgrounds.Before joining the WeightWatchers Science team in 2021, Dr. Cardel was an assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She was also the founder and director of the University of Florida Obesity Research Alliance, and an associate director for the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Dr. Cardel holds a PhD in nutrition sciences and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Florida State University. She also holds specialized training in motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, implementation science, and is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.Throughout her career, Dr. Cardel has authored over 120 scientific publications and received numerous honors including the Excellence in Emerging Outcomes Research award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Superior Accomplishment Award for Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of Florida Health Sciences Center, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Outstanding Woman Award and Outstanding Young Alumni Award. She was also awarded Fellow Status for The Obesity Society, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of obesity. Dr. Cardel is a skilled proponent of science communication and has conducted dozens of media interviews, including a recurring segment on nutrition for Channel 9 News in Denver. She’s also highly active on social media in efforts to translate scientific findings to the public.#MichelleCardel #ChiefNutritionOfficer #WeightWatchers #Obesity #Diabetes #MetabolicDiseases #Cardiovascular #Nutrition #Dietetics #Health #Wellness #WomensHealth #Aging #GLP1 #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textNeil Steinberg and Mark Jonathan Harris are both acclaimed filmmakers and through a partnership with Generation Entertainment, The John A. Hartford Foundation ( https://www.johnahartford.org/resources/view/new-pbs-documentary-film-release-and-screenings-aging-in-america---survive-or-thrive ) and PBS SoCal ( https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/aging-in-america-survive-or-thrive ), on May 1st will be debuting Aging in America: Survive or Thrive ( https://aginginamericasurviveorthrive.com/ ), a one-hour documentary that explores the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly aging population.  The documentary identifies critical issues associated with our rapidly aging population, including ageism, healthcare, economic insecurity, and Alzheimer’s disease, but also highlights innovative approaches to address these concerns, and featuring a range of renowned experts, personal stories, and narration from Martin Sheen, the film celebrates the promise of increased longevity while addressing crucial and unprecedented public policy challenges. Neil is President at Generation Entertainment and has worked extensively as producer/ director in nearly all forms of media ( https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0825796/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm ). His documentary work includes directing Kisses for the TNT Network and writing and producing a one-hour documentary on the life of Bishop TD Jakes for Lionsgate Television. Neil was the producer and director for the highly acclaimed PBS documentary, Boomer Century 1946-2046. Other aging related projects he has produced and directed for PBS include Life’s Third Age and Sages of Aging.Mark ( https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0365057/ ) is a 3-time Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and Emeritus Distinguished Professor in the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California ( https://cinema.usc.edu/faculty/profile.cfm?id=6530&first=&last=harris&title=&did=50&referer=%2Ffaculty%2Ffacultydirectory.cfm&startpage=1&startrow=1 ), where he ran the documentary program for many years. In 2021, Asian Americans, a 5-part series for PBS for which he was Consulting Producer, received a Peabody Award. Among the many documentaries Mark has written, produced and/or directed are The Redwoods, which won an Oscar for Best Short Documentary (1968); The Long Way Home, Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary (1997); and Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport, which won the Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary in 2000 and was selected by the U.S. Library of Congress for permanent preservation in the National Film Registry. Foster, which he wrote and directed, aired on HBO in 2019 and was nominated for Best Documentary Screenplay by the Writers Guild of America.#NeilSteinberg #MarkJonathanHarris #GenerationEntertainment #TheJohnAHartfordFoundation #PBSSoCal #AgingInAmerica #SurviveOrThrive #Documentary #RobertButler #NationalInstituteOnAging #Ageism #EconomicInsecurity #AlzheimersDisease #MartinSheen #Geriatrics #Gerontology #Longevity #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Bobby Reddy, MD is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Pi Health ( https://www.pihealth.ai/ ), a health technology and clinical research company committed to empowering life sciences companies to develop medicines faster and reach diverse patient populations. Dr. Reddy leads global operations, business development, and commercial activities with the mission of driving equal access to innovative medicines and clinical trials for patients around the world. Previously, Dr. Reddy served in leadership positions at BeiGene and AstraZeneca. At BeiGene, Dr. Reddy was Executive Director of Applied Innovation, a technology incubator in the Office of the CEO, which developed novel technologies to improve R&D and commercial capabilities. In this role, Dr. Reddy was the co-inventor of multiple patented technology applications which have successfully undergone enterprise adoption. He also built and managed multidisciplinary, global teams who led strategy, business development, global operations, and legal activities to drive development, implementation and growth of incubated technologies and companies. At AstraZeneca, Dr. Reddy was Head of Oncology Regulatory Science and Innovation, where he was a member of the global Oncology Regulatory Science and Strategy leadership team. Previous to Dr. Reddy’s roles in pharma and biotech, Dr. Reddy was faculty of Harvard Medical School and a physician scientist and clinical dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research focused on investigating the role of genetic and immunologic factors in melanoma development and progression, along with the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Reddy is also an alumnus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute – National Institutes of Health Research Scholars Program, through which he conducted research at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Reddy completed an Internal Medicine internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, during which he was given the Dunne Award for Humanism in Medicine by Harvard Medical School. He subsequently completed a Dermatology residency at Columbia University Medical Center, where he served as a Chief Resident during his final year of training. After residency, he completed a Melanoma Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Reddy obtained his M.D. with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Reddy is a board-certified dermatologist and maintains an active clinical practice caring for patients at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he also teaches and mentors medical students and trainees.Important Episode Link - Pi Health Cancer Hospital - https://www.pihealthcancerhospital.com/#BobbyReddy #PiHealth #Dermatology #Oncology #Melanoma #Cancer #ElectronicHealthRecords #GenerativeAI #CDSCO #ClinicalTrials #India #CentralDrugsStandardControlOrganisation #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textMarc Elia is the Founder of M28 Capital ( https://www.m28capital.com/ ), a healthcare sector investment fund, as well as Chairman of the Board of Invivyd ( https://www.invivyd.com/ ), a biopharmaceutical company devoted to delivering protection from serious viral infectious diseases, beginning with SARS-CoV-2, by deploying a proprietary integrated technology platform, to create best in class monoclonal antibodies. In March 2024, Invivyd received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. FDA for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) in its pipeline of innovative antibody candidates. Marc has a passion for investing in and developing innovative healthcare solutions, and dedicated much of his career to make a meaningful difference in human health, and advocate for the development of therapies that address unmet medical needs.Prior to M28, from January 2012 to September 2019, Marc served as a partner at Bridger Capital, an investment fund and has served on the Board of Directors of numerous companies.Prior to his time in the healthcare investment space, Marc served in Strategy and Corporate Development roles at Chiron Corporation, in Business Development at Protein Sciences Corporation, as well as in consulting at L.E.K. Consulting.Marc holds a B.A. in economics from Carleton College.#MarcElia #M28Capital #Invivyd #Biopharmaceuticals #InfectiousDiseases #SARSCoV2 #MonoclonalAntibodies #Immunocompromised #RareViralEpitopes #Pemivibart #PreExposureProphylaxis #Covid19 #EmergencyUseAuthorization #EUA #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Mirza Rahman, MD, MPH serves as the President of the American College of Preventive Medicine ( ACPM - https://www.acpm.org/about-acpm/governance/executive-officers/mirza-rahman/ ), a professional community, founded in 1954 as a professional community for board-certified physicians to network, share their expertise and advocate for the advancement of prevention. Today, ACPM represents over 2,000 physicians, medical students, non-physicians, and other partners. All believe in the importance of preventive medicine in our society. Dr. Rahman also serves as the Senior Vice President, Patient Safety & Pharmacovigilance at Cybin ( https://cybin.com/our-team/ ), a pharmaceutical company seeking to bring novel, second-generation psychedelics to market. He also and is a Co-Founder and President of the Guyanese Diaspora Charity ( https://www.guyanesediasporacharity.org/ ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on helping to improve the lives of Guyanese. In addition, Dr. Rahman is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University ( https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/profile/mirza-i-rahman-md ) and as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Guyana.Most recently, Dr. Rahman was the Vice President & Chief Safety Officer at Organon, a global healthcare company. There, he was responsible for leading and setting the broad strategic direction for pharmacovigilance for this multinational company.Prior to that, Dr. Rahman was the Senior Vice President, Chief Global Pharmacovigilance Officer & European Research & Development Lead at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, a global Japanese based pharmaceutical company. In 2013, he created the ACPM - Otsuka Pharmacovigilance Physician Program in Global Medical Safety. Dr. Rahman joined Otsuka from Merck Research Laboratories, where he was an Executive Director in the Clinical Risk Management/Global Safety department. Before this, he worked at Johnson & Johnson in a variety of positions, serving as a Worldwide Vice President, Health Economics & Reimbursement at Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics in his last role there.During his 25+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, while Dr. Rahman has worked primarily in Pharmacovigilance, he has also worked in Medical Affairs, Medical Information, Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Quality Management, Clinical Development, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs.Dr. Rahman completed his Public Health & General Preventive Medicine Residency along with his Family Medicine Residency at Stony Brook University. He completed the Advanced Management Program at the Columbia Business School and earned his Master of Public Health degree from the Columbia University School of Public Health. Dr. Rahman earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine, and his Bachelor of Science degree from the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at the City College of the City University of New York. #MirzaRahman #AmericanCollegeOfPreventiveMedicine #PatientSafety #Pharmacovigilance #GuyaneseDiasporaCharity #Epidemiology #ColumbiaUniversity #UniversityOfGuyana #MedicalAffairs #HealthEconomics #OutcomesResearch #QualityManagement #ClinicalDevelopment #RegulatoryAffairs #PublicHealth #BrainHealth #DiabetesPrevention #ReducingHypertension #LifestyleMedicine #PopulationHealth #ViolencePrevention #Psychedelics #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show