Russo Edge Podcast

What if the systems that keep people alive, healthy, and productive were valued the same way elite organizations value performance?In this episode, Solomon Wilcots speaks with Dr. Michelle Williams, professor of epidemiology and population health at Stanford University School of Medicine, former dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and author of The Cure for Everything. She explains how the often-invisible systems of public health shape daily life, from clean air and safe water to maternal health and prevention, and why public health should be seen not only as a moral imperative, but as an economic one.This conversation examines what happens when public health systems are built well, when they are neglected, and why prevention should be understood not as an afterthought, but as an investment in resilience and long-term prosperity.

What’s really putting pressure on hospitals today, and what does it mean for the companies working with them?In this episode of the Russo Edge, Scott Becker, founder and publisher of Becker’s Healthcare, joins host Solomon Wilcots to explore the new realities shaping hospitals and health systems across the country. Drawing from daily conversations with executives on the front lines, Scott offers a clear view of how they are navigating a more complex, resource-constrained environment while continuing to deliver patient care at scale.If you lead a healthcare organization, build solutions for hospitals, or want a sharper understanding of how the system is evolving, this conversation offers a grounded, executive-level perspective on what matters now and what to watch next.

What happens when a seasoned tech founder applies venture discipline to one of the toughest medical challenges: turning spinal cord injury research into real treatments?In this episode of the Russo Edge, Adrien Cohen, founder of SCI Ventures, joins host Solomon Wilcots for a conversation about building a global venture philanthropy fund designed to accelerate therapies for spinal cord injury. Adrien shares how his personal journey brought him into the SCI community, and why the most promising science too often stalls in the gap between academic discovery and clinical adoption.Adrien explains how SCI Ventures is designed to solve that problem with an evergreen model that funds and de-risks breakthrough programs, then reinvests returns back into the mission to keep the cycle going. He also talks about how SCI Ventures was co-created with leading partners in the field, including the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Wings for Life, and the Shepherd Center, and why collaboration across foundations, clinicians, researchers, and industry is essential to speed progress.From due diligence and portfolio strategy to what success could look like over the next 5–10 years, this conversation is a practical look at how venture philanthropy can help move spinal cord injury science from the lab to patients faster.

What happens when a scientist, engineer, and VC see the same future — one where data and biology converge to change medicine?In this episode of The Russo Edge, Sahir Ali, Founder and General Partner of Modi Ventures, joins Solomon Wilcots to discuss how artificial intelligence and data are reshaping the business of biotech. Drawing on his background across programming, Wall Street, and cancer research, Sahir explains how his firm uses a portfolio theory approach to manage risk, identify value, and back the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs.From AI-enabled discovery to Houston’s fast-growing life sciences hub, Sahir offers a window into how venture capital is evolving — and how data-driven strategies can create smarter, more sustainable innovation in biotech.

In this episode of The Russo Edge, two leading journalists pull back the curtain on how science becomes a headline. Heather McKenzie, Senior Editor at BioSpace and Ben Glickman, Reporter at The Wall Street Journal, join host Solomon Wilcots to share what earns their attention, what builds trust, and what turns them off before a single question is asked.Together, they break down how biotech companies can communicate complex data with clarity, why timing is everything when engaging in the press, and how credibility can be strengthened long before a major announcement. From background conversations to clear trial summaries and investor context, this conversation offers practical, real-world advice for biotech leaders.

What if the earliest chapters of lifelong health are written in the gut — before a child even reaches preschool? Modern babies are often born without key microbes that train the immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to chronic conditions like allergies, asthma, and eczema.This episode of The Russo Edge, Dr. Stephanie Culler, Co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, explains what makes the infant gut unique, why nine out of ten U.S. babies are born with microbiome deficiencies, and how her team is developing a synbiotic designed to replenish what’s lost.From cancer research to dirty diapers, this is an entrepreneur's story of resilience, humor, and groundbreaking science — and why the smallest organisms in our gut may hold the biggest key to lifelong wellness.

What happens when a chart-topping songwriter is brought to her knees by a mysterious illness, and a healthcare system that refuses to believe her nearly costs her everything? In this episode of The Russo Edge Podcast, Dana Parish joins host Solomon Wilcots to share how her fight to survive became a mission to help others. Alongside Dr. Steven Phillips, she co-authored the bestselling book Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic and How to Get Healthy Again and has become one of the most influential voices for patients with Lyme disease, long COVID, and other complex chronic conditions.Whether you’re a caregiver, a chronically ill patient, or someone searching for answers, this episode offers validation, clarity, and hope.

What happens when an engineer from professional motorsports applies that same precision and drive to regenerative medicine? On this episode of the Russo Edge Podcast, Jason Matuszewski, CEO and Co-founder of BioStem Technologies, a company providing placental tissue products to heal chronic wounds that often defy standard treatment. Jason shares how BioStem’s proprietary BioREtain® technology is helping patients avoid amputations and get back to living. With a scalable manufacturing operation and a mission rooted in compassion and science, BioStem is tackling one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges. If you're interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, or the future of wound care, this conversation is not to be missed.

What if hydration could be tracked as easily—and accurately—as your heart rate? On this episode of the Russo Edge Podcast, host Solomon Wilcots sits down with Professor Mark Kendall, CEO and founder of WearOptimo, to explore how hydration could become the sixth vital sign. Mark explains the science behind microwearables—tiny sensors designed to measure hydration in real time—and why elite athletes, healthcare providers, and even elder care facilities are rethinking how hydration affects performance, cognition, and long-term health. Whether you’re a sports fan, healthcare innovator, or just looking to improve daily well-being, this episode offers a powerful look into the future of personalized health monitoring.

When memory fades and caregiving becomes a daily reality, how do we hold onto hope? In this episode of the Russo Edge Podcast, novelist and mental health advocate Muffy Walker shares how her experiences helped inspire her debut work of fiction, Memory Weavers. Set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the novel follows two women navigating friendship, trauma, and early-onset memory loss. Drawing from her background as a psychiatric nurse and advocate, Muffy talks about why she chose fiction to explore these emotional realities, how stigma impacts families, and why telling these stories matters. This heartfelt conversation offers resilience, compassion, and inspiration for anyone touched by memory loss, trauma, or mental health struggles.

Sara Jane Demy, CEO and Founder of Demy-Colton, has spent more than two decades helping biotech CEOs get into the right rooms—and build the relationships that move their companies forward. In this episode of The Russo Edge Podcast, Sara joins host Solomon Wilcots for a candid conversation about what it takes to lead in today’s capital-constrained biotech environment. She shares why preparation—not just presence—is the key to investor meetings, and what biotech CEOs often get wrong about outreach. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a veteran CEO, this episode offers practical guidance, honest insights, and a look at how the playbook for biotech leadership is being written in real time.

Shaun O’Hara, Ed McCaffrey, and Alex Smith join host Solomon Wilcots from Radio Row for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of sports medicine in professional football. These NFL veterans share their personal experiences with injuries, recovery, and the medical advancements that helped extend their careers. Alex Smith shares his journey back from a career-threatening leg injury, Ed McCaffrey reflects on the long-term impact of the game and post-retirement health, and Shaun O’Hara discusses how today’s athletes are better equipped for injury prevention and recovery. As former pros—Smith, a 16-season quarterback, McCaffrey, a championship-winning wide receiver, and O’Hara, a New York Giants offensive lineman—they explore advancements in sports medicine, from orthopedic treatments to the role of nutrition, sleep, and cutting-edge rehab techniques.

Dr. Shiran Zimri, Vice President of R&D at NeuroSense Therapeutics, joins the Russo Edge Podcast and shares her journey as a scientist tackling neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. In this episode, Dr. Zimri explains how NeuroSense’s innovative combination therapy, Prime C, could reshape ALS treatment by addressing multiple pathways involved in the disease. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s recent clinical trial successes and the deeply personal story that inspired the founding of NeuroSense.

Dr. Paul Wotton, Executive Director of the Rice Biotech Launchpad and Managing Partner of RBL LLC, joins host Solomon Wilcots on the Russo Edge Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Wotton shares how his leadership is transforming groundbreaking research into clinical applications. Discover the unique advantages of Houston's thriving biotech ecosystem, the challenges of translating research into treatments, and the strategies biotech CEOs can use to effectively communicate and secure funding. Tune in for a compelling discussion filled with actionable insights and innovative solutions for life science leaders.

Kevin Caldwell, CEO and co-founder of Ossium Health, joins the Russo Edge Podcast to share the groundbreaking work his company is doing to revolutionize bone marrow transplants. Learn how Ossium Health is leveraging innovation to store life-saving bone marrow from deceased organ donors and improve outcomes for patients with serious blood cancers. With host Solomon Wilcots, this episode covers the challenges of scaling biotech solutions and the transformative potential of modern medicine.

Gaylene Xanthopoulos, CEO and founder of The Leadership Edge, joins the Russo Edge Podcast to share her expertise on leading life science companies through growth, innovation, and investor engagement. As an advisor to biotech CEOs and board members, Gaylene delves into the unique challenges life science leaders face today, from building effective teams to establishing strategic clarity and fostering resilience. She also offers advice on preparing for high-stakes events like the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference and the art of communicating effectively with investors.

Join Graig Suvannavejh, veteran biotech and biopharmaceutical analyst at Mizuho Securities, as he sits down with our host Solomon Wilcots, Sports-Health Alliance Team Leader at Russo Partners. In this episode, Graig discusses the evolving biotech landscape, upcoming market catalysts, and the key therapeutic areas poised for growth. We also dive into best practices for companies looking to strengthen relationships with analysts and investors.

Can cell therapy provide a real solution for spinal cord injuries, as well as vision and hearing loss? In this episode, Solomon Wilcots speaks with Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, about how their groundbreaking work is creating new possibilities for patients.Brian shares how replacing damaged cells with healthy ones is transforming the recovery process. Discover Lineage Cell Therapeutics’ latest advancements and how they could reshape the future of medicine.

Join Dr. Scott Sigman, a renowned orthopedic surgeon with Spire Orthopedic Partners and host of The Ortho Show, as he sits down with our host Solomon Wilcots, Sports-Health Alliance Team Leader at Russo Partners. In this insightful episode, Dr. Sigman discusses his work with elite athletes like the LA Lakers and Dodgers, and how those experiences have shaped his approach to patient care. Learn about the latest advancements in knee and shoulder surgeries, the importance of communication, and building strong patient relationships.