The Minor Consult

In this episode of the Big Ideas series, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Joseph DeSimone, PhD, professor of translational medicine and of chemical engineering at Stanford University, for a conversation about how advances in materials science and precision manufacturing are opening new frontiers in medicine. They explore DeSimone's pioneering innovations in polymer-based drug delivery, biodegradable stents, digitally fabricated dentures, high-speed 3D printing, and microneedle patches that could improve vaccine delivery and enable new forms of liquid biopsy. They also discuss the promise of AI to integrate molecular diagnostics and other health data, helping to make precision health more actionable and widely accessible.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes William Brody, MD, PhD, president emeritus of Johns Hopkins University, for a conversation about leadership, critical thinking, and lessons from his career spanning academia, medicine, and entrepreneurship. They discuss insights from Brody's 2026 book "Uncommon Sense: Rethinking Ordinary Problems in Extraordinary Ways," including the roles of preparation and opportunity in success, the importance of authenticity in leadership and the value of building meaningful relationships over collecting accolades. They also explore Brody’s philosophy as president of Johns Hopkins, as well as the benefits of questioning conventional wisdom. 

In this episode of the Big Idea series, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Freddy Abnousi, MD, vice president of health technology at Meta and an interventional cardiologist, for a conversation about how artificial intelligence and augmented reality have the potential to transform preventative health care. They discuss how ambient AI, wearables, and smart glasses can capture valuable health information from “lived experience” that is often missed in medical records, helping to avert or manage chronic conditions. They also explore the critical challenges ahead for AI in health, from privacy concerns to workflow integration, as well as what these rapid advances mean for the future of medical education. 

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Eric Horvitz, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer at Microsoft, for a conversation about the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for how we think, work, and make decisions. They discuss the accelerating pace of AI advances, the need to safeguard human judgment and agency, and the growing role of these technologies in health care — from easing administrative burden to supporting complex clinical decisions. They also explore how AI is reshaping scientific discovery and what it will take to guide its development responsibly.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Dhruv Khullar, MD, contributing writer to The New Yorker and associate professor at the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, for a conversation about AI’s evolving role in health care. They discuss its potential to enhance diagnosis, reduce administrative burden, improve the patient experience, and accelerate drug discovery, while also examining the risks of overreliance and clinician de-skilling. They also explore how AI will reshape medical education, and why communication, trust, and the enduring practice of healing will remain central to the future of medicine.

In this episode of the Big Idea series, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Lucy Shapiro, PhD, for a conversation about how her unconventional thinking unlocked new insights about how bacterial cells behave, fundamentally changing how scientists understand cells and laying the groundwork for systems biology. They explore how her research informed new approaches to treating infections and other diseases, and how these advances opened new paths for developing antibacterial and antifungal drugs to fight superbugs. They also discuss the biological threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and ways that the global community can prepare for the next pandemic.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Sarah Soule, Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, for a conversation about how leaders, organizations, and the GSB itself are evolving in a rapidly changing world. During the GSB’s centennial year, they explore the school’s leadership model — emphasizing self-awareness, perspective taking, communication, and deep listening — and how its entrepreneurial culture has inspired alumni whose bold ideas became transformative companies. They also discuss the future or organizational behavior and her vision for the school’s next chapter, including new initiatives in investing, leadership development, and the future of work and AI.

In this episode of the Big Idea series, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Eric Topol, MD, author of Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, for a conversation about why immune health may be more important than genetics in promoting healthy aging. They explore how lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and exercise strengthen the body’s defenses, shaping longevity beyond our genes. They also discuss how emerging technologies, from wearable sensors to genetic risk tools, could make personalized prevention a reality for all. 

In an episode of his Big Idea series, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Stanford neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD, for a conversation about how his groundbreaking research is reshaping our understanding of the brain and the experiences that define us as human. They delve into the origins of optogenetics — a revolutionary technology Deisseroth pioneered using light to map how the brain drives emotion and behavior — and they explore his vision for Stanford Medicine’s Human Neural Circuitry research program. Deisseroth also reflects on the beauty of scientific discovery, the role of humility in research, and how advances in brain science are opening new avenues for understanding and treating mental illness.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Jeremy Kahn, award-winning journalist and AI Editor at Fortune, for a conversation about the transformative potential and societal risks of artificial intelligence. They discuss opportunities for AI to accelerate medical breakthroughs and personalize education, as well as the threat of overreliance on AI to critical thinking, writing, and social skills. They also explore how AI is reshaping jobs and business models, the role of regulation in balancing innovation with safety, and the geopolitical stakes as global competition in AI intensifies.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Regina Dugan, CEO of Wellcome Leap, for a conversation about how to tackle complex global challenges through bold innovation. They discuss why emotional engagement is essential to achieving scientific progress, how high-risk, high-reward models can translate to health research, and the importance of addressing underfunded areas, such as women’s health. They also explore strategies for removing barriers to innovation and how redefining failure can lead to more meaningful progress.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes JPMorganChase Vice Chairman Peter Scher for a conversation about the evolving role of corporate responsibility and its intersection with business strategy. They discuss Scher’s leadership in JPMorganChase’s $200 million investment to revitalize the city of Detroit, as well as the firm’s work in other urban environments supporting business and growing communities. They also explore his work with Morgan Health, the firm’s business unit focused on improving the quality and delivery of employer-based health care, and how AI, data, and innovation are reshaping health care.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Thrive Global CEO Arianna Huffington for a conversation about the connection between mental health and physical health and how tiny changes to behavior can have a profound impact. They discuss the transformative moment that led to Arianna’s pivot to wellness in 2016, and they explore the potential for AI to democratize personalized health coaching and make a meaningful difference across communities.

In a special episode recorded in front of a live audience, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Stanford’s legendary women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer for a discussion about her extraordinary 40-year career. They discuss the coaching philosophy that led her teams to three NCAA Championship titles and an Olympic gold medal, along with her approach to developing talent and fostering resilience. They also explore the art of making half-time adjustments, learning as a leader, and the future of women’s athletics.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Daphne Koller, PhD, founder and CEO of insitro, for a conversation about AI’s potential to transform drug discovery. They discuss how machine learning algorithms can accelerate the drug design process, quickly identifying biological patterns and predicting outcomes. They also explore the challenges and opportunities of founding a startup in Silicon Valley, and how insitro’s collaborations with large pharmaceutical companies are advancing therapeutics for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other conditions.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Google’s Chief Health Officer, for a conversation about how AI can help inform and advocate for patients while supporting clinicians and increasing access to care around the world. They discuss AI tools that Google has developed to accelerate diagnostics, particularly in lower-resource areas, and they explore the potential for AI to serve as a personal health assistant for patients. They also discuss Google’s strategy for providing accurate, meaningful health information to the general public, and the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI technologies into clinical care.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Meena Seshamani, MD, PhD, director of the federal Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, for a conversation about supporting holistic health care through the country’s government insurance program for seniors. They discuss Medicare’s role in advancing prescription drug affordability and the importance of family caregivers and community workers in helping seniors attain their optimal health. They also explore practical approaches Medicare has deployed to advance health equity, and discuss what needs to be done to ensure the program’s financial strength and viability for generations to come.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Michael Pfeffer, MD, chief information and digital officer at Stanford Health Care, and Nigam Shah, MBBS, PhD, the health system’s chief data scientist, for a conversation about how AI is being used to augment health care. They explore how AI is helping clinicians access troves of data to inform patient care and how it’s helping ease their clerical burden, allowing more time for meaningful interactions with patients. They also discuss the guardrails in place to protect privacy and ensure reliability, as well as what is needed to scale AI tools to benefit as many patients as possible.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes John Torous, MD, director of digital psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, for a conversation about AI’s potential to expand access to mental health care and enhance diagnosis and treatment. They discuss how AI can help detect mental distress from an individual’s digital footprint and how it can use data to inform personalized care plans. They also explore the promise and pitfalls of chatbots, how consumers can assess digital health tools, and how the mental health field is evolving to integrate digital health with in-person care — to the benefit of more patients. 

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Dr. Brian Anderson, co-founder and CEO of the Coalition for Health AI, for a conversation about guiding the responsible development and use of AI in health care. They discuss how government, technology companies, health systems, and patient groups are working together through CHAI to create standards for safe and effective AI tools. They also explore CHAI’s work to build a national network of quality assurance labs to test new AI technologies, and they discuss ways that medical education can prepare physicians of the future to leverage AI’s potential for the benefit of patients around the world.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes legendary musician Paul Simon for a conversation about his latest album “Seven Psalms,” and what it was like to lose hearing in his left ear as he was writing and recording it. In addition to Simon’s musical influences and songwriting process, they discuss his advocacy and involvement with the Stanford Institute to Cure Hearing Loss; and they explore Simon’s views on leadership and hopes for future medical advancements.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Anne Wojcicki, CEO and co-founder of 23andMe, for a conversation about how personal genetics can empower consumers to drive healthier futures. They discuss how 23andMe has evolved over nearly two decades, including pioneering direct-to-consumer genetic testing. They also explore challenges and opportunities of partnering with health care providers, the potential for genetic data to elevate preventive health care, and how AI could accelerate innovation in medicine.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman for a conversation about the joy of performing, the importance of practice, and how musicians hone their unique sound. They discuss the nuances of teaching music, the connection between audience and performer, and how Perlman’s musical expression has changed over a career spanning six decades. They also explore some of Perlman’s most memorable performances, including at Barack Obama’s inauguration and performing Igor Stravinsky’s Concerto in D for the legendary composer.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD, 2022 Nobel laureate in chemistry, professor of chemistry and director of Sarafan ChEM-H at Stanford University, for a conversation about her journey breaking barriers in scientific research. They discuss how her early passion for organic chemistry laid the foundation for her prize-winning work, and how the new field that she founded, bioorthogonal chemistry, has led to the development of better diagnostic testing and targeting for medical treatments. They also explore obstacles historically faced by women and LGBTQ scientists, the importance of fostering diversity in research labs, and how curiosity-driven discoveries can change lives for the better. 

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes veteran journalist Tonya Mosley, co-host of the National Public Radio program “Fresh Air,” for a conversation about the power of stories to connect people across communities. They discuss her experiences reporting around the country, the importance of addressing implicit bias in journalism, and her approach to conducting meaningful long-form interviews. They also explore why news literacy is essential for the youngest generation, and how her family and roots in Detroit inspired her latest podcast, “She Has a Name,” along with other personally significant works. 

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes physician Vanessa Kerry, World Health Organization Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health and CEO of Seed Global Health, for a conversation about the broad-reaching impact of climate change on human health. They discuss global priorities for addressing the climate crisis, strategies for supporting health care workers in developing countries, and why a historic moment at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference presents an opportunity for international momentum. They also explore the origins of Seed Global Health, lessons to be gleaned from its model of training and investment, and the importance of leading by example.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Sally Susman, chief corporate affairs officer at Pfizer, for a conversation about the vital role of communication in executive leadership. They explore lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the difference between misinformation and disinformation, and tips for communicating proactively. They also discuss the power of personal stories, the importance of mustering the courage to be candid, and the unexpected value of joy in corporate culture. 

In a special episode recorded in front of a live audience, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Chelsea Clinton, a bestselling author and an advocate for public health and early childhood education. They discuss the importance of accountability for scaling global health initiatives, and the power of storytelling to counter misinformation in science and health. They also talk about finding motivation through conscious optimism and rebuilding public trust through support of individuals, families, and communities. Along the way, they share memories of Chelsea’s time as a Stanford undergraduate and their overlapping memories of their home state of Arkansas.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Katharine Manning, author, victim rights attorney, and expert on empathy in the workplace, for a conversation about how to support people in distress. They discuss the universal needs of people who have experienced traumatic situations, from being victims of a crime to losing a loved one. They also explore effective ways to respond to people who have confided problems, strategies for coping in professions that are emotionally trying, and how leaders can cultivate a culture of empathy and mental wellbeing at work.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Matt Abrahams, executive communications coach and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer, for a conversation about how to connect and engage different audiences in a wide range of settings. They explore key principles for effective communications, the importance of focusing on audience needs, and how to prepare for spontaneous speaking opportunities. They also discuss how to build trust through collaboration, the pitfalls of going negative, and balancing the efficiency gains of generative AI with the loss of authenticity and human connection.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Abraham Verghese, MD, physician, educator, and bestselling author, for a conversation about literature, medicine, and his latest book “The Covenant of Water.” They explore the family history and medical mystery at the heart of the critically acclaimed novel, along with the synergies of writing and medicine. They also discuss the books that inspired Verghese’s career, how he found his artistic voice, and what it’s like when your creation receives enthusiastic support from Oprah Winfrey.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Marissa Mayer, former Yahoo CEO, early Google employee and co-founder of Sunshine, for a conversation about the past, present, and future of AI and lessons learned from the evolution of search engine technology. They explore her experience pioneering iconic Google applications, what to expect as AI technology matures, and what it will take for a company to distinguish itself in the competitive world of AI. They also discuss the importance of building AI systems around the human experience, how to best regulate emerging technologies, and how to earn the public’s trust when developing transformative innovations. 

In a special episode recorded from his home state of Arkansas, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Alice Walton, philanthropist and fellow Arkansan, for a lively conversation about the importance of creating opportunities and access to art and health care, particularly in underserved regions. They explore the intersections of medicine and the humanities, and discuss how Walton’s newly established Whole Health Institute and Alice L. Walton School of Medicine will support human health with a holistic, integrated approach. Walton also shares leadership lessons from her father, Sam Walton, and her insights about building institutions to benefit rural communities.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Busy Burr, interim CEO of the drug store chain Rite Aid, for a wide-ranging discussion on driving transformational change in the tech and health care sectors and fostering an organizational culture of honesty and vulnerability. Burr also provides insights on designing products that people truly want, the evolving role of pharmacists in patient care, and why she feels optimistic about the future of digital health and behavior change technologies. Plus: Find out how lessons from the art of improv translate to the business world in surprising ways.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of the e-commerce company Stripe, for a conversation about his journey as an entrepreneur in tech and biomedical science. They explore the origins of his e-commerce monolith, how he keeps Stripe a reliable mainstay for businesses around the world, and why he established the Arc Institute in the midst of a pandemic to accelerate biomedical research. They also discuss the value of continuous improvement in leadership, the importance of understanding generational differences in the workforce, and the critical need to keep expanding the global knowledge base for the greater good.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Instacart CEO Fidji Simo for a conversation about how technology has revolutionized the way Americans shop for their food. They explore her path from the south of France to Silicon Valley, her passion for developing technology that solves “real person problems,” and her vision for improving our nation's relationship with food — and their health — through online grocery delivery. They also discuss leadership lessons she learned from Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook, how leaders can unlock the magic of their team members, and how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we shop for groceries and put meals on the table.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes environmental activist Catherine Coleman Flowers for a conversation about widespread failures of public sanitation in the U.S., and the health and economic impacts on vulnerable populations in rural communities. They explore root causes of these systemic lapses, the increasing threat of climate change, and how her research and advocacy expanded from one Alabama county to communities across the country. They also discuss the power of leading by listening, building a broad, diverse network of supporters, and maintaining humility and optimism in the face of daunting challenges.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of UPSIDE Foods, for a conversation about his company’s breakthrough venture growing cultivated meat from animal cells. They explore the roots of his interest in finding a viable meat alternative, his journey from cardiologist to entrepreneur, and what led him to take a risk on revolutionizing the way we consume animal products. They also discuss what it takes to secure investors and overcome skepticism in a nascent industry, how to inspire teams with an aspirational vision, and how leaders can combine scientific innovation and business acumen to advance positive change on the planet.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes NIKE Inc.’s Chief Human Resources Officer Monique Matheson for a conversation about how the pandemic changed the employee-employer relationship, how businesses can build high-functioning teams, and the power of speaking out for social justice from the platform of an international brand. They also discuss how sports principles can enhance employee synergy, the importance of supporting mental health and wellness, and why accountability is critical for making meaningful progress in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In this special episode in front of a live audience at the Stanford School of Medicine, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Renee Wegrzyn, inaugural director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, known as ARPA-H, within the National Institutes of Health. They explore Renee’s vision and roadmap for the new agency, which was established in 2022 with the mission of accelerating high-impact research to drive transformative solutions in health and health care. Renee outlines the agency’s model for rapidly developing groundbreaking innovations and how her experience at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency informs her leadership of ARPA-H. She also discusses the importance of public-private collaborations, leveraging sophisticated technological platforms, and engaging diverse perspectives in advancing breakthroughs to address the most pressing challenges for patients and communities.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Carla Harris, an accomplished Wall Street executive, leadership coach, author, and singer. They explore her pioneering career path, breaking barriers in the corporate world, and the importance of investing in the development of executives and entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups. They also discuss the value of insight versus oversight in leadership, the power of self-reflection and intentionality, and what it takes for an organization to successfully improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb to discuss the role of government agencies in improving public health and handling crises. During their conversation, they examine the influence of business, politics, and finance on science and medicine, how to strike a balance between innovation and regulation in the health market, and changes that would better prepare the U.S. for the next public health crisis. They also dive into the importance of active listening in leadership, being open to new organizational mindsets, and anticipating the range of reactions from businesses, communities, and individuals in times of uncertainty.

In a special episode recorded in front of a live audience at the Stanford School of Medicine, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes award-winning author and physician-scientist Siddhartha Mukherjee. They discuss Siddhartha’s new book, The Song of the Cell, how history and philosophy inform our understanding of biomedical progress, and the importance of conveying authority, while also acknowledging uncertainty, in science communication. Siddhartha also talks about his writing process, how he balances his work as a writer, physician, scientist, and entrepreneur, and biomedical breakthroughs that give him hope for the future.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes cultural anthropologist, attorney, and author Roberta Katz to discuss her professional journey and insights from her book Gen Z, Explained: The Art of Living in a Digital Age. During their conversation, they explore the values and viewpoints of the first digitally native generation, including the high regard for authenticity, adaptability, and human connection. They also talk about what older generations can learn from Generation Z and what to expect from interpersonal relationships and leadership as the digital information age evolves in coming decades.

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, who journeyed from a segregated small town in Texas to a successful career on Wall Street before taking the helm of one of the world’s most impactful philanthropies. Together, they discuss the opportunities for upward mobility that exist in our country and share how living with purpose and pursuing social justice are vital to ensuring everyone can reach their potential. Additionally, Darren discusses the importance of addressing root causes of inequity in America in order to mend divisions and reinforce our common humanity. 

Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes leadership expert and adventurer, Alison Levine, for a discussion about finding greatness at the intersection of dreams and determination. During their conversation Alison shares leadership lessons she learned while summiting the world’s tallest mountains. Additionally, she and Dean Minor  talk about pushing past limitations, rejecting complacency in favor of opportunity, and the value of resilience – even if it means relentlessly focusing on the next step rather than the end result. They also discuss  ways to empower teams, the freedoms and opportunities in failure, and living without regrets. Are you up to the challenge?

In this episode, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes actor, musician, and Hollywood superstar John Stamos discuss personal and professional impacts of the pandemic, the joys and legacies of family, and overcoming life’s hurdles to embrace purpose and success. Along the way, they touch on John’s four-decade career as an actor (including many show business memories), The Beach Boys and the power of music, and the importance for leaders to respect others, seize opportunities, and find outlets of expression and human connection.

In this episode, Dean Lloyd Minor is joined by President and CEO of Mental Health America, Schroeder Stribling. After discussing her journey to activism and leadership, they examine the emerging mental health crisis, how to deal with societal traumas, and the keys to building an effective nonprofit. Together, they explore the power of networks, radical hospitality, building communities, and collaborative action to provide hope and 

In this episode, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Thomas Insel. Together, they dive into the complex challenges that have exacerbated global mental health throughout COVID-19 pandemic, and how the field must evolve to meet the present moment. They also explore the importance of building organizations around a foundational mechanism or principle, and the power of taking risks to pursue innovation.

As technology and media become increasingly intertwined, Dean Lloyd Minor welcomes Silicon Valley insider and The Information CEO Jessica Lessin. They discuss cultivating sources in the nation’s most dynamic companies, the greatest challenges facing tech companies, and building trust with news consumers who are increasingly confronted with misinformation. They also examine how tech must grapple with data privacy, how women can break barriers in business, and how the pandemic is redefining corporate culture and forging new avenues of growth and success.