
The Real Chemistry Podcast
Modern medicine is advancing at faster speeds than ever before, yet the world still sees the healthcare experience as difficult and dated. The Real Chemistry Podcast shares interviews with industry leaders who are innovating in healthcare. Join Real Chemistry’s Chief Marketing Officer Aaron Strout as he explores how AI and ideas can come together to transform healthcare into what it should be.
Latest episodes

Apr 3, 2025 • 45min
Gen AI in Healthcare: Preserving the Human Touch - Live from SXSW 2025
Explore the delicate balance between technological efficiency and the personal touch crucial in health experiences. Panelists will discuss the innovative approaches they’re taking to synergize human empathy with AI to create hyper-personalized communications that respect individual preferences and cultural contexts.

Sep 24, 2024 • 41min
Health Citizenship and the Evolution of Technology and Healthcare: Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, Health Economist
A health economist, blogger, two-time author, and keynote speaker, Jane Sarasohn-Kahn is a renowned leader in the healthcare space. On this episode, she discusses health citizenship, its potential impact on the upcoming election, the continuous evolution of technology and healthcare, and what she’s most looking forward to in the future.

Jul 25, 2024 • 36min
Embracing the Power of RNAi Therapeutics: Akshay Vaishnaw, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Discover the cutting-edge world of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics with Dr. Akshay Vaishnaw, Chief Innovation Officer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. In this episode, Dr. Vaishnaw sheds light on the groundbreaking concept of RNAi therapeutics, offering a powerful new approach to treating a wide range of diseases. Learn how Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is revolutionizing healthcare with its unwavering commitment to innovation, despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges along the way.

Jul 1, 2024 • 39min
Cannesplaining Healthcare: Creating Award-Worthy Work through Insight and Originality
Want to know what it takes to create award-winning work in healthcare advertising? Check out our final Cannesplaining Healthcare podcast episode, live from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, featuring our 21GRAMS, a part of Real Chemistry, creative leaders as they explore the intersection of creativity, marketing and healthcare. Discover how to make your health advertising stand out with insights from Real Chemistry Chief Creative Officer & 21GRAMS Managing Founder Frank Mazzola, 21GRAMS Executive Creative Director Lauren Polina, Chief Creative Officer Tom Richards and Executive Creative Director Chris Charles.

Jun 27, 2024 • 41min
Cannesplaining Healthcare: Emphasizing the Importance of Creativity in Healthcare with Genentech Chief Marketing Officer, Dr. Erica Taylor
Live from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, join us as we explore the intersection of creativity, marketing and healthcare during our latest Cannesplaining Healthcare podcast episode featuring Genentech Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Dr. Erica Taylor, 21GRAMS Managing Founder & Real Chemistry Chief Creative Officer Frank Mazzola, and 21GRAMS Executive Creative Director Lauren Pollina. Discover how Genentech is modernizing marketing in the pharmaceutical industry and gain insights into the importance of creativity, the challenge of incorporating levity into health marketing and the value of early regulatory involvement in marketing campaigns. Learn from Dr. Erica Taylor's unique journey to her role as CMO and explore the evolving nature of marketing in healthcare.

Jun 25, 2024 • 30min
Cannesplaining Healthcare: Improving Patient Experiences Through Creativity & Innovation With President of Cannes Lions 2024 Pharma Jury, Collette Douaihy
Live from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, join us for a discussion on the future of healthcare innovation and creativity. In this episode, Collette Douaihy, Dentsu Health Global CCO and President of Cannes Lions 2024 Pharma Jury, 21GRAMS Global CCO Tom Richards and 21GRAMS Executive Creative Director Chris Charles delve into the importance of patient-centricity, building strong client relationships and the ethical use of AI in healthcare. Discover insights on how to create impactful work and stay ahead in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Jun 10, 2024 • 44min
The Art & Science of Cancer Care: A Holistic Approach
In the lead up to ASCO 2024, we hosted a discussion on the dynamic landscape of oncology today, looking through the lens of this year’s meeting theme: the art and science of cancer care. Within two featured mini panels, we reviewed key trends and innovations and highlighted how intersections between art and science can help us change the face and future of the cancer experience. Touching on areas like advocacy, AI, screening and therapeutic advances, this can’t miss conversation will help us envision a more effective and compassionate future in oncology. The Art: The art of improving patient care. How industry collaborations, data-based messaging and campaigns and advocacy are helping to reach more patients earlier and more holistically.
Ysabel Duron, Founder, President / Executive Director, The Latino Cancer Institute
Meredith Owen, Chief Revenue Officer, Analytics & Insights Group, Real Chemistry
Shanthi Sivendran, MD, MSCR, MBA, Senior Vice President, Cancer Care Support, American Cancer Society
Jewel Jones, Global Inclusion & Health Equity Practice Leader, Real Chemistry
The Science: The latest therapeutics advancements in oncology. How technology is helping industry better engage providers and democratize science via visualization to help improve outcomes.
HP Balaji, Senior Medical Director and TA Head, Bladder Cancer, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
Brandon Pletsch, President, Scientific Visualization and Exhibit Experience, Real Chemistry

Apr 22, 2024 • 44min
Fighting Health Worker Burnout with Privacy-Safe AI: Live from SXSW 2024
Health worker burnout is soaring. A global shortage of providers, an aging population and more complicated Medicare requirements, has increased stress and exhaustion for HCPs. Innovative solutions are needed to ensure high-quality patient care and a sustainable health system. This panel will discuss how AI is helping alleviate pressure on providers while still prioritizing patient privacy and safety. From summarizing journals, to asking an AI agent about dosing or side effects, AI is removing friction so health workers can handle complex engagements, listening, and building relationships.

Apr 8, 2024 • 45min
Cancer 2034: Innovations That Are Shaping the Face of Cancer - Live from SXSW 2024
With innovative new approaches to diagnosis and treatment in oncology, the cancer mortality rate has dropped year over year for the last decade. But there is still work to be done, especially as we see increasing cancer incidence among certain populations. But what work is happening today that will shape the face of cancer and the patient experience in the future? Wendy Short Bartie (Bristol Myers Squibb), Maimah Karmo (Tigerlily Foundation), and Emily Poe (Real Chemistry) bring together a tapestry of perspectives, from advocacy and equity, research, prevention and holistic care to envision the next 10 years of progress in cancer.

Mar 25, 2024 • 42min
Partnering to Unlock Hope for the Future of Cancer Care: Live from SXSW 2024
While there is undeniable hope for the future of cancer care, systemic barriers still impact access for many patients – particularly those in underserved communities. This session, originally recorded in front of a live audience at SXSW 2024, examines how increasing collaboration and partnerships among organizations that touch all aspects of the cancer journey and reach patients, providers and treatment centers, is critical to expanding access to optimal cancer care and making the goals of the “Cancer Moonshot” a reality. Hear from City of Hope, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and American Cancer Society (ACS) about how they are approaching partnerships to create a future where every cancer patient has access to the care they need.
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