PODCAST · health
Marrow Masters
by The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
This podcast series educates patients, caregivers, and health care professionals regarding important topics as they relate to bone marrow/stem cell transplant and CAR-T Cellular Therapy. Season 21 will focus on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease: Best Tips and Practices.Season 20 highlights survivorship issues, including GVHD, isolation and more.Season 19 focuses on thriving despite Chronic Graft vs Host Disease, or cGVHD.Season 18 focuses on the incredible know how needed for caregivers, who make transplantation possible.Season 17 covers AYAs and the unique ways they navigate transplantation and survivorship.Season 16 focuses on GVHD and best tips from health care professionals. Season 15 covers CAR T-Cellular Therapy while Season 14 focuses on the parts of GVHD we don’t often talk about. Season 13, takes a deep dive into many of the side effects survivors and caregivers handle post-transplant. Season 12 answers the critical question of "I'm Home, Now What?" Season 11 covers
Episodes
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Understanding Chronic GVHD After Transplant with Dr. Yazan Migdady
We talk with Dr. Yazan Migdady about chronic Graft Versus Host Disease, post transplant cytopenias, and what patients and caregivers should understand about recovery after a blood or marrow transplant. Chronic GVHD develops when the donated immune system begins reacting against the patient's own...
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Julia Oppman: Advocacy, Motherhood, and Life With Chronic GVHD
Today hear from Julia Oppman, a two time acute myeloid leukemia survivor (AML)and patient advocate from Northeast Ohio. Julia shares how her cancer journey began in 2018 when she was 36 years-old and raising two young children. She initially blamed her extreme exhaustion on motherhood and work....
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Dental Planning & Care Through the BMT Journey with Dr. Ryan Lee
We speak with Dr. Ryan Lee of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center about dental care before, during, and after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Dr. Lee is a chief dental officer, lieutenant colonel, oral oncologist, and implantologist. He explains why dental planning must consider more…
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The Person Beside the Patient: Joanne Claxton’s Caregiving Story
In this episode, we hear from Joanne Claxton, wife and caregiver to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survivor Adam Claxton. Adam was a guest in Season 20 and you can listen to his episode here. Joanne takes us back to Adam’s diagnosis in 2024. He had a persistent cough and had visited his general...
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The Emotional Reality of Chronic GVHD with LCSW Lori Eberly
In this episode of Marrow Masters, we talk with Lori Eberly, a licensed social worker at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, about the emotional and social realities of living with chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Finishing cancer treatment does not always bring the relief survivors expect. Many…
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"You're Going to Be Sick, But You're Going to Be OK" - A Law Enforcement Officer Takes on Survivorship
We meet Mitch McPherson, a Georgia law enforcement officer who was diagnosed with high risk myelofibrosis in February 2025. His symptoms began months earlier with fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and facial tingling. Mitch learned that a stem cell transplant offered his best path forward,...
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Season 21: Chronic GvHD Tips and Best Practices
Season 21 of Marrow Masters, out September 3rd, focuses on Chronic Graft vs. Host Disease, You'll hear from survivors, clinicians, and more. They will share their experiences, advice, coping mechanisms, updates and tips, so you can enjoy life to the fullest, even while battling GvHD. Thank you to...
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The Medical Side of Transplant Survivorship - Dr. Amar Kelkar
Today, Peggy Burkhard talks with Dr. Amar Kelkar of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about the medical side of survivorship after bone marrow, stem cell, or CAR-T transplant. The conversation begins with the important shift from the urgent “save my life” phase to the longer “protect my health”...
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Caregivers Need Care Too - With Ashlee Cramer
In this episode of Marrow Masters, Peggy Burkhard talks with caregiver Ashlee Cramer about what caregiving really looks like during cancer, bone marrow transplant, and survivorship. Ashlee shares the story of her son Michael, who was diagnosed in 2020 with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. Their...
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Who Are You After Transplant? Meet Survivor Adam Claxton
In this episode of Marrow Masters, we talk with Adam Claxton, a British acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survivor who was diagnosed in 2024 and received a transplant in December 2024. He shares what early survivorship really feels like, especially the part no one prepares you for. Once treatment…
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The Patient Story: Stephanie Chuang's Journey from Patient to Storyteller
In this episode of Marrow Masters, we speak with Stephanie Chuang, founder and chief storyteller of The Patient Story. Stephanie shares how her life changed at 31, just two months before her wedding, when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. At the time, she was working as a TV news reporter in San...
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The Strain of Worry: Mental Health in Transplant Survivorship
Today, Peggy talks with Daniel Gaylor, LCSW, OSW-C, ACHP-SW, and a social work supervisor at Moffitt Cancer Center, about what happens after patients and caregivers get through the intense treatment period and begin asking, “Now what?” Daniel explains that recovery does not mean life snaps back…
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The Transition to Survivorship with Christy Donovan, DNP, RN
In this episode, we talk with Christy Donovan, DNP, RN, a Blood Cancer Coordinator at the the Blood and Marrow Transplant/ Leukemia Program at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, about what survivorship really looks like after a stem cell transplant. The central message is that survivorship is…
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Survivorship Post-Transplant (Season 20 Trailer)
Season 20 of the Marrow Masters Podcast, produced by the National Bone Marrow Transplant LINK, focuses on thriving in survivorship post-transplant. You'll hear from patients, caregivers, doctors and social workers as they share their best tips and practices. Season 20 of the Marrow Masters…
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Peggy Guesting on Transplant Radio Podcast
Recently, Peggy attended the Tandem 2026 meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. While there, she sat down as a guest on the Eurofins Viracor Transplant Radio podcast. We wanted to share that interview with you. If you'd like to follow their podcast, you can do so at the links below. We learn today from...
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Chronic GVHD: New Hope, New Treatments with Dr. Joesph Pidala
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Pidala from the Moffitt Cancer Center to discuss chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a complex condition affecting many stem cell transplant survivors. We focus on the latest prevention strategies, treatment innovations, and the critical role…
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Fighting for the Little Things: Rebecca’s GVHD Journey
In this episode, we speak with Rebecca Heimsoth, a young mother and survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent a bone marrow transplant in April 2022. Diagnosed shortly after turning 33, Rebecca shares her deeply personal journey of navigating transplant recovery, chronic…
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Surviving, Thriving, and Leading: Sue Stewart on GVHD and BMT InfoNet
In this episode, we sit down with Sue Stewart, a 36-year survivor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the founder of BMT InfoNet. Sue walks us through her transplant journey, beginning with a difficult diagnosis in the late 1980s and the grueling induction chemotherapy that followed. With limited...
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Male Sexual Health After Transplant with Dr. Christian Nelson
Note: This episodes contains discussion and language of a sexual nature and may not be appropriate for all audiences. In this episode of Marrow Masters, we sit down with Dr. Christian Nelson, a psychologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and an expert in psycho-oncology, to address a...
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Three Transplants, One Warrior: Synary Be’s Story
In this episode, we speak with Synary Be, a resilient survivor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), who shares her powerful journey of enduring three bone marrow transplants over eight years. Diagnosed suddenly in March 2017, Synary’s story begins with a high fever that led to a shocking diagnosis…
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Between Chemo and Home: A Caregiver’s Honest Look at Transplant Life
In this episode, we talk with caregiver Sylvia Chunn of Nashville, who shares her journey alongside her husband David through his diagnosis of AML, a stem cell transplant, and the ongoing challenges of GVHD. Sylvia walks us through their intense timeline, from David’s emergency diagnosis in…
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Season 19: Thriving Despite Chronic GVHD (Trailer)
Welcome to Marrow Masters season 19 with a focus on chronic GVHD. There are so many exciting advances regarding C-G-V-H-D taking place. We'll be talking with a variety of speakers this season, who will share their experiences, advice, coping mechanisms, updates, and tips to make this rare disease...
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An Empathy Exercise (Bonus Episode with nbmtLINK's Jennifer Gillette)
Given that Season 18 of Marrow Masters focuses on caregiving, we wanted to share an empathy exercise that the LINK's licensed staff social worker, Jennifer Gillette, performed in a recent webinar. It's impossible to know exactly what a cancer patient is going through, but through this exercise…
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Cancer Caregiving Close to Home: A CEO’s Story
In this episode, we sit down with Sally Werner, CEO of Cancer Support Community, to explore her dual perspective as a longtime oncology professional and as a caregiver to her mother-in-law. We begin with Sally’s background—first as an oncology nurse, then a healthcare administrator, and now a...
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Choosing Hope: Deb Brandt's Cancer Caregiving Journey
In this episode, we talk with Deb Brandt, caregiver to her husband, JR, a survivor of Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Deb shares the journey that began in September 2016 when JR noticed unusual symptoms that led to an urgent diagnosis. Within days, he began an aggressive...
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Transplant Caregiving: Skills, Support & Self-Care with Hina Desai
Today we sit down with Henry Ford Health Michigan's Hina Desai, an oncology certified social worker with decades of experience, to share her best caregiving tips for those supporting transplant patients. Hina explains that patience, physical stamina, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional...
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A Male Cancer Caregiver’s Story: From Diagnosis to Recovery
In this episode, we speak with Daniel Medina of Broomfield, Colorado, about his journey as a caregiver for his wife Miley, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2021 at the young age of 27. What begins as a story of sudden diagnosis during an active summer of volleyball quickly...
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Lorri and Her Cancer Caregiver Army - It Takes a Village
In this episode, we sit down with Lorri Pimentel of Santa Rosa, California, a resilient survivor who shares her deeply personal journey through breast cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and a life-saving bone marrow transplant. We explore not only the medical milestones but also the practical...
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Stories from the Frontlines of Cancer Caregiving
In this episode, we sit down with Anastasia Cacavias, a registered nurse and manager of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Leukemia Program at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Atlanta. Anastasia walks us through the essential role that caregivers play throughout the transplant journey—from...
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Marrow Masters Season 18 Trailer - Coming September 16th, 2025
Welcome to Season 18 of Marrow Masters, produced for the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, and sponsored by Sanofi and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. This season is all about the caregivers. Our guests will offer up their best tips, experiences and advice. We’ll cover the importance of self-care and...
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Two Mothers' Love: The Touching Story of A Life Saving Donation and Transplant
In this incredible episode of Marrow Masters, we sit down with Kayla West, a stem cell donor from Texas, and Miriam Bauer, the mother of a young leukemia survivor Miley, from Oklahoma. This story is a deeply emotional journey of hope, resilience, and a connection that transcends bloodlines. Kayla...
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Elephants and Tea: Why AYAs Deserve Their Own Cancer Support Space
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Giallourakis, Executive Director of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation and co-founder of Elephants and Tea, a digital magazine and support platform for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors. We begin by learning about Nick’s brother,...
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What Young Adults with Cancer Really Need: A Conversation with Emily Sarro
In this episode, we speak with Emily Long Sarro, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in adolescent and young adult (AYA) care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. We focus on the unique challenges AYAs face before, during, and after a stem cell transplant. Emily shares...
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From Surviving to Thriving: AYA Cancer Care with Dr. Chris Dandoy
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chris Dandoy, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and bone marrow transplant physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Dandoy shares his deep experience working with adolescents and young adults (AYAs), focusing on the unique challenges they…
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Relapse and Resolve: Two-Time Survivor Kitrena Young’s Story of Grit and Growth
This episode of Marrow Masters brings us an incredible conversation with Kitrena Young, a two-time cancer survivor whose story spans decades and highlights the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We begin by learning about Kitrena’s initial diagnosis of B-cell ALL with…
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Caregiver Perspective: Divide and Conquer, A Father Shares The Journey
In this episode, we talk with David Hartley, PhD, MPH, who shares his deeply personal experience as both a caregiver and a scientist. David is chair of the board for Engraft, a learning network focused on improving outcomes in transplant and cellular therapy through collaboration and shared data....
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Season 17 Trailer: Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)
In our 17th season of the Marrow Masters podcast, we will be focusing on Adolescents and Young Adults, collectively known as AYAs. Defined as between the ages of 15 and 39 by the National Cancer Institute, these patients have a unique cancer journey. They are often too old for pediatric clinics,...
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Licensed Social Worker Jeannie Wiarda's Guide to GVHD and Survivorship
In this episode, we welcome Jeannie Wiarda, LMSW, a Medical Social Worker at the Adult Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeannie has been a Medical Social Worker at Corewell Health for 20 years including 14 years in Hospice and Palliative Care...
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Oral and Skin GVHD Tips and More from MSKCC RN Sarah Bugen
In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Bugen, a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who shares her expertise on managing life after a blood or bone marrow transplant, particularly in relation to chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The conversation centers on practical advice…
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Inpatient BMT Nurse Josh Conklin on GVHD
In this episode, we meet up with Josh Conklin, a seasoned bone marrow transplant (BMT) nurse at the University of Michigan Hospital, to explore his experiences, insights, and tips for managing chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). With 11 years of inpatient experience, Josh offers a...
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Occupational Therapy and GVHD: Meet expert Carly Cappozzo
In this episode, we talk to Carly Cappozzo, a senior occupational therapist specializing in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) rehabilitation at a major cancer hospital. Carly shares her unique approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of holistic and personalized therapy that empowers...
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Chronic GVHD Survival Tips from Nurse Krista Wood
In today’s episode, we talk with Krista Wood, a registered nurse with the Cell Therapy and Transplant Program at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). Krista shares her invaluable insights and experiences working with patients dealing with chronic graft-versus-host disease...
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Nurse Practitioner Lisa Stewart Shares Her Extensive Experience with GVHD
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Stewart, a nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of transplant nursing experience, currently working at the post-transplant BMT clinic at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston. Lisa provides invaluable insights into managing chronic and acute...
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Season 16 Trailer
Season 16 of Marrow Masters, Sponsored by Sanofi, will be released January 30, 2025. The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, established in 1992, strives to help patients, caregivers, and families cope with the psychosocial challenges of bone marrow transplant, from diagnosis through...
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Caregiver Laurie and Survivor Dave Reflect on Their Recent CAR T Life-Saving Experience
In this episode of Marrow Masters, we hear the journey of married couple Dave and Laurie Brock, as they share their experience with CAR T-cell therapy— one Dave very recently underwent. The Brocks provide an inspiring and honest account of navigating this complex treatment process. Dave…
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Groundbreaking CAR T Clinical Trials Explained by Dr. Hemant Murthy
In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Hemant Murthy, a professor of medicine in the division of Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Clinic, to explore the groundbreaking potential of CAR T-cell therapy and the crucial role clinical trials play in advancing cancer treatments. Dr. Murthy begins by...
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Navigating the Emotional Weight of CAR T-Cell Therapy
In this podcast episode, we talk to Liz Muenks, a licensed psychologist and director of the Onco-Psychology Program at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. We discuss the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for…
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Terena Shares Her CAR T-Cellular Therapy Journey
(Disclaimer: This episode contains advice on nutrition and lifestyle. Always consult your health care team regarding your personal circumstances). In this episode, we speak with Terena from Tampa, Florida, about her journey with CAR T-cell therapy, covering her experiences from diagnosis through...
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Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb: Who, What, When and Why of CAR T
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb, a hematologist from the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, about CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Alkhateeb walks us through the basics of this groundbreaking immunotherapy and how it has evolved as a treatment option for various cancers. CAR T-cell therapy...
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Lori Dear, RN, Shares Her Experiences Helping Patients with CAR T
Today we interview Lori Dear, a registered nurse and transplant coordinator in the adult Blood & Marrow Transplant Program at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lori shares her deep insights into the CAR T-cell therapy process, a groundbreaking treatment for certain cancers, focusing on…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast series educates patients, caregivers, and health care professionals regarding important topics as they relate to bone marrow/stem cell transplant and CAR-T Cellular Therapy. Season 21 will focus on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease: Best Tips and Practices.Season 20 highlights survivorship issues, including GVHD, isolation and more.Season 19 focuses on thriving despite Chronic Graft vs Host Disease, or cGVHD.Season 18 focuses on the incredible know how needed for caregivers, who make transplantation possible.Season 17 covers AYAs and the unique ways they navigate transplantation and survivorship.Season 16 focuses on GVHD and best tips from health care professionals. Season 15 covers CAR T-Cellular Therapy while Season 14 focuses on the parts of GVHD we don’t often talk about. Season 13, takes a deep dive into many of the side effects survivors and caregivers handle post-transplant. Season 12 answers the critical question of "I'm Home, Now What?" Season 11 covers
HOSTED BY
The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Marrow Masters have?
Marrow Masters currently has 164 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Marrow Masters about?
This podcast series educates patients, caregivers, and health care professionals regarding important topics as they relate to bone marrow/stem cell transplant and CAR-T Cellular Therapy. Season 21 will focus on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease: Best Tips and Practices.Season 20 highlights...
How often does Marrow Masters release new episodes?
Marrow Masters publishes regularly with 164 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Marrow Masters?
You can listen to Marrow Masters on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Marrow Masters?
Marrow Masters is created and hosted by The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link.
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