Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / Show

Send us a textBill Taranto is President of the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund ( MGHIF - https://www.msdghifund.com/ ).The Merck Global Health Innovation Fund was established in late 2010 as a strategic response to the challenges surrounding Merck’s core business of discovering, developing and marketing innovative drugs and vaccines.Bill has more than three decades of experience in the healthcare industry. MGHIF is a $750m evergreen fund focused on identifying opportunities that are adjacent to Merck’s core business of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Under Bill's leadership, MGHIF has invested more than $1bn in 70 companies, with more than $7bn in exits.Prior to joining Merck, Bill spent 18 years at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in various roles. As VP of healthcare strategy and venture at J&J, he was responsible for evaluating and creating new healthcare business models through venture capital and acquisitions. Prior to joining J&J, Bill spent eight years in investment banking.#BillTaranto #MerckGlobalHealthInnovationFund #Scale #Impact #InvestmentBanking #DrugDiscovery #ClinicalDevelopment #Manufacturing #SupplyChain #RealWorldEvidence #CorporateVentureCapital #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #Research #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcastSupport the show

Send us a textDr. On-Yee (Amy) Lo, Ph.D. is Assistant Scientist II at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research ( https://www.marcusinstituteforaging.org/who-we-are/profiles/yee-amy-lo-phd ) and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center ( https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/147630 ).Dr. Lo is a physical therapist and research scientist who aims to prevent functional decline and enhance functional independence for older adults with mobility impairments by conducting experimental and translational research. She has expertise and experience in physical therapy, biomechanics, neuroimaging, and neuromodulation.Dr. Lo has dedicated her career to enhancing functional independence and quality of life in older adults. Her specific research objectives are:  - To investigate connections between the brain and body that enable safe navigation throughout daily environments.- To innovate rehabilitative interventions that target these brain and body connections to preserve and restore the control of mobility.- To implement the experimental findings into the clinical setting.Dr. Lo’s clinical and scientific training in physical therapy, biomechanics, neurophysiology, neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and gerontology have enabled her to cultivate her passions in conducting translational research to help older adults walk and move safely in real life. She incorporates cognitive, brain, and movement sciences to understand the complex control of gait and mobility, and develop individualized, multi-modal, and patient-centered interventions that can both stand alone and be combined with current evidence-based geriatric rehabilitation programming to improve mobility and mitigate fall risks in older adults. Dr. Lo has a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Pathokinesiology from New York University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Human Physiology from University of Oregon.#PhysicalTherapy #Biomechanics #Neurophysiology #Neuroimaging #Neuromodulation #Gerontology #TranscranialDirectCurrentStimulation #Gait #Mobility #GeriatricRehabilitation #Cognition #Pathokinesiology #HumanPhysiology #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textGeorge Vradenburg is Founding Chairman of the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative ( DAC - https://www.davosalzheimerscollaborative.org/ ), a pioneering worldwide initiative to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, seeking to mirror the success of global efforts against infectious diseases.DAC is extending global research beyond its current focus on traditional Western European ethnic populations into the highly diversified populations of the Global South, where the vast majority of those with Alzheimer’s live. By introducing lower-cost screening and diagnostic tools as well as new treatment and prevention modalities in primary care and community health settings, DAC is driving implementation of health system solutions that are appropriate for worldwide application. DAC also promotes the vital importance of brain health throughout the lifespan by addressing cardiometabolic and lifestyle factors, especially in early and mid-life. Absent effective action at scale around the world, by 2050, more than 150 million families and half a billion people will be personally impacted by dementia, creating a social, financial, economic, and global security disaster of historic proportions. DAC was launched in Davos in 2021 by the World Economic Forum and the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease. Mr. Vradenburg is also Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s ( https://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/ ), which he co-founded in October 2010 with his late wife, Trish, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending Alzheimer's disease. The organization advocates for increased research funding, policy changes, and provides resources for individuals and families affected by the disease. The organization emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and access to treatment. Mr. Vradenburg was named by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to serve as a founding member of the Advisory Council on Research, Care, and Services established by the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA Council) and has testified before Congress about the global Alzheimer’s pandemic. Under Mr. Vradenburg’s leadership, UsAgainstAlzheimer's co-convenes both the Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease ( LEAD - https://www.leadcoalition.org/ ) Coalition and the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease. Mr. Vradenburg is also a founding member of the World Dementia Council ( https://www.worlddementiacouncil.org/ ). Mr. Vradenburg has long been a dedicated member of Washington's civic and philanthropic community, serving as Chairman of the Phillips Collection for 13 years.Mr. Vradenburg is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Club of Washington. He has served in senior executive and legal positions at CBS, FOX, and AOL/Time Warner.Important Episode Link - The Davos Brain House Video: A global call to prioritize brain health - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azKVS6SxBy4#GeorgeVradenburg #UsAgainstAlzheimers #AlzheimersDisease #Prevention #EarlyDetection #Brainspan #Healthspan #BrainHouse #BrainEconomy #BrainCapital #WorkplaceBrainHealth #MentalWealth #SocialProduction #Advocacy #Philanthropy #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #Research #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcastSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Lara Nyman, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Research & Discovery at AG1 ( https://drinkag1.com/learn/research/scientific-research ), responsible for leading the company's innovative research efforts to develop cutting-edge nutritional products. In this role, she oversees the research and development of new formulations, ensures the scientific integrity of product claims, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation. Dr. Nyman previously served as the Chief Scientific Officer at Weo, a water augmentation company, providing strategic guidance and scientific oversight to the company's product development and research initiatives, working closely with their R&D team to identify emerging trends, evaluate new technologies, and translate scientific insights into compelling consumer offerings.Prior to Weo, Dr. Nyman served as Senior Principal Scientist in the Claims Center of Excellence for Consumer Health & Wellness at PepsiCo, leveraging her deep understanding of consumer needs and scientific principles to develop innovative, evidence-based claims for the company's health and wellness products. Dr. Nyman holds a Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Physiology from Southern Connecticut State University, a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and was a Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.#LaraNyman #AG1 #AthleticGreens #ExercisePhysiology #Endocrinology #Metabolism #FoundationalNutrition #Wellness #NutrientGaps #NutrientSynergy #Nutrigenomics #Synbiotics #Microbiome #WholeFood #Superfoods #Probiotics #Adaptogens  #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textPedro Sanchez de Lozada is Co-Founder and CEO of Canid ( https://www.canid.io/ ), a company which is modernizing every aspect of providing vaccines in pediatrics, from operations, to finances, to maximizing care. Canid focuses the details of executing a vaccine program so that pediatricians can instead focus on the children. Pedro is a seasoned CEO with a background in early-stage startup development, operations, and marketing at prominent venture-backed companies, including roles as: Director Of Marketing at Merlin, Head of Launch in Washington DC at Rinse, Growth Engineer at Koding, Business Development and Marketing professional at Udemy, and Vice-president of Marketing at Road to Innovative Social Entrepreneurship.Pedro has also served as a Curator at TEDxUChicago, Founder of LogiMD, and was a Fellow at On Deck. Pedro has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago.#PedroSanchezDeLozada #Canid #Vaccines #Vaccination #Pediatrics #VaccineAcquisitionCosts #ReimbursementRates #Overhead #InventoryManagement #ImmunizationInformationSystems #StateImmunizationRegistries #AdvisoryCommitteeOnImmunizationPractices #ACIP #PatientEligibility #Procurement #Pediatricians #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Marc Salzberg, MD is President, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Medical Officer of Airway Therapeutics ( https://www.airwaytherapeutics.com/ ), a biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of biologics to break the cycle of injury and inflammation for patients with respiratory and inflammatory diseases.Dr. Salzberg has more than 25 years of academic and pharmaceutical experience in the management of drug development and clinical research, including medical management of anti-viral drugs clinical development and market introduction including saquinavir and ganciclovir. He spent several years at Roche’s headquarters in Basel, Switzerland as well as its affiliate in Toronto, Canada. As Head of Clinical Cancer Research at the Basel University, he co-founded and managed a clinical research network in Switzerland (CCRC).During his career, Dr. Salzberg has successfully managed the growth and acquisition of two contract research organizations benefitting shareholders. He was a founder and President of Pharma Brains, a European boutique CRO, which has been acquired by Medpace, a US based global CRO, after 10 years of successful growth under his leadership. He then served as Vice President of Medical Affairs at Medpace.Dr. Salzberg earned his Medical Doctorate degree from the University of Basel, Switzerland. His medical training and practice include pediatrics/ neonatology and oncology.#MarcSalzberg #AirwayTherapeutics #HumanSurfactantProteinD #Collectin #PathogenRecognition #RespiratoryDiseases  #InflammatoryResponse #BronchopulmonaryDysplasia #ZelpultideAlfa #Covid #Asthma #COPD #Influenza #RSV #ARDS #AcuteRespiratoryDistressSyndrome #ChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textPaul Keable is Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison ( https://www.ashleymadison.com/ ) - the global online dating and social networking platform, specifically catering to individuals in committed relationships seeking discreet connections.As Chief Strategy Officer, Paul oversees the strategic direction of Ashley Madison, emphasizing discretion, authenticity, and innovation within the dating industry. Under his leadership, the platform has implemented initiatives such as user verification through government IDs to combat fraudulent activity and build trust among members. Paul has become a prominent figure at the intersection of technology, culture, and societal norms, offering insights on shifting dynamics in relationships and online dating.Prior to Ashley Madison, Paul spent the past two decades in communications, public relations and branding, at agencies including Ketchum and MSL, working with a lot of tier-one brands across both the technology and consumer goods sectors.Paul studied Corporate Communications at Centennial College and English at York University.Important Episode Links - Decoding Gen Z: A global report on non-monogamy, sex, and the desire for discretion - https://www.ashley.date/wp-content/uploads/Gen-Z-Report-USA.pdfYouGov Survey: Relationships, April 2025 - https://ygo-assets-websites-editorial-emea.yougov.net/documents/Relationships_poll_results.pdf#PaulKeable #AshleyMadison #OnlineDating #CommittedRelationships #DiscreetConnections  #SocietalNorms #DatingTrends #RelationshipNorms #MarriedDating #Discretion #Privacy #Authenticity #Trust #Culture #Polyamorous #Monogamy #MatchingAlgorithms #DigitalIntimacy #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textWilliam Ho is a Co-Founder, and has served as the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of IN8bio ( https://in8bio.com/ ), a biotech company with a mission of developing next-generation therapies for treating cancer, with a focus on gamma-delta T cells, since its inception.  Mr. Ho has worked in the biotechnology industry for nearly 24 years. Prior to the founding of IN8bio, from 2014 to 2017, Mr. Ho was the Founder and Managing Partner at AlephPoint Capital, a private healthcare investment fund. Prior to that, Mr. Ho was at New Leaf Venture Partners, a leading healthcare venture capital firm, where he launched and managed the public investments and cross-over portfolio and served as its Public Investment Director from 2010 to 2014. Previously, Mr. Ho served as a Senior Equity Research Analyst at Bank of America from 2006 to 2009 and an Equity Research Analyst at Piper Jaffray & Co. from 2003 to 2006, covering the biotechnology and life-science tools sectors. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ho was responsible for FP&A and operational analysis at CuraGen Corporation and worked as an Associate on the Healthcare Investment Banking team at Cowen, Inc. Mr. Ho was an inductee into the McMaster University Alumni Gallery in 2020 and previously served as a member of their Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science. Mr. Ho received an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a B.S. in Biochemistry from McMaster University.#WilliamHo #IN8bio #GammaDeltaTCells #ImmuneSystem #Glioblastoma #AcuteMyeloidLeukemia #NonSignalingCART #InducedPluripotentStemCells#Oncology #Immunooncology #Cancer #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Thomas Ehmer, Ph.D.  ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/tehmer/ ) is a seasoned technology strategist with over two decades of experience in IT innovation, business development, and R&D within the pharmaceutical industry, and co-founder of the Quantum Interest Group, at Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany ( https://www.emdgroup.com/en ). Dr. Ehmer currently is in the Sector Data Office - AI Governance and Innovation Incubator at Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany, where he scouts emerging and disruptive technologies, demonstrating their potential value for R&D applications, with a focus on quantum technologies. Throughout his career at Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany, Dr. Ehmer has played a pivotal role in shaping IT strategy, business process optimization, and digital transformation across the entire pharmaceutical value chain, currently focusing on transparent AI and how and where emerging technology can help patients live a better life. His expertise spans technology scouting, business analysis, and IT program leadership, having successfully driven major global projects. Beyond his corporate career, Dr. Ehmer is an active private seed investor and has contributed to quantum computing research and applications in drug discovery, authoring publications on the potential of quantum computing and machine learning in pharmaceutical R&D ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9783527840748.ch26 ). Dr. Ehmer holds a Ph.D. in Physics, Biophysics, and Physiology from Heidelberg University and continues to mentor within the German Physical Society / Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG). His forward-thinking approach, combined with deep technical expertise, has earned him multiple innovation awards, and he remains dedicated to bridging the gap between emerging technologies and real-world industry applications.Important Episode Link - Entangled Health Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entangled-health/id1819364423#ThomasEhmer #MerckKGaADarmstadt #Physics #Biophysics #Physiology #GermanPhysicalSociety #QuantumComputing #QuantumSensing #MolecularImaging #Spectroscopy #DrugScreening #Diagnostics #QuantumSensors #QuantumMagnetometers #QuantumGravimeters #Biomanufacturing #QualityControl #Neuroscience #BrainDrugInterface #ReservoirComputing #QuantumMachineLearning #Bioconvergence  #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textJosh Haimson is Co-Founder and CEO of Inductive Bio ( https://www.inductive.bio/about ), a technology company focused on democratizing artificial intelligence (AI) models to transform small molecule drug discovery, eliminating Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicology (ADMET) bottlenecks with state-of-the-art AI models and generative chemistry, powered by a unique pre-competitive data consortium.Josh has spent his career focused on the intersection of machine learning, product, and life sciences/healthcare.Prior to Inductive, Josh was the Director of Product for the ML and data curation organizations at Flatiron Health, where his teams worked to generate real-world evidence (RWE) at scale across Flatiron’s network of over 2 million active cancer patients for use by researchers in pharma, academia, and government.Prior to Flatiron, Josh was at MIT studying computer science and working with researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital to use ML and NLP to predict patient response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.#JoshHaimson #InductiveBio #SmallMolecule #DrugDiscovery #Absorption #Distribution #Metabolism #Excretion #Toxicology #ADMET #AI #GenerativeChemistry #MachineLearning #CardiacResynchronizationTherapy #MolecularGlue #FlatironHealth #PreCompetitiveDataConsortium #RealWorldEvidence #RealWorldData #RWE #ArtificialIntelligence  #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show