Get Real with Jim Weiss

Sean Khozin has lived through revolution, rebuilt from scratch, and gone on to help reshape modern oncology. In this episode of Get Real, Sean shares his journey from fleeing Iran as a child to leading at the highest levels of cancer research, regulation, and innovation at the NCI, FDA, Johnson & Johnson, and now as CEO of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer. We explore why cancer is always personal, how AI can restore the doctor‑patient relationship, and why data must become liquid to unlock precision medicine. This is a wide‑ranging chat about science, freedom, music, and why the future of healthcare only works if it starts with the patient.

Former FDA Commissioner, practicing cardiologist, and adjunct professor at Duke University, Dr. Robert Califf joins the conversation to unpack the complex world of public health, drug regulation, and medical innovation. He offers a clear-eyed perspective on how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration makes decisions that impact millions of lives. Dr. Califf explores the ongoing effort to build public trust in science and emphasizes why that trust is essential to better health outcomes. He also shares insight into the future of healthcare, from data-driven medicine to the role of prevention in improving outcomes across populations. This episode is a thoughtful look at the systems that shape modern medicine and what it will take to make them work better for everyone.

Bravery expert, Jill Schulman, author of The Bravery Effect, reframes bravery as a trainable skill rather than an innate trait. She explains how “bravery reps” build confidence and self-trust by acting despite fear, and why fear is often a social signal pointing toward growth rather than real danger. Drawing on science, psychology, and her own experience, Jill outlines a three-part framework for courage: mindset, behavior, and environment. In an era where AI democratizes knowledge, she argues that bravery and human connection are the new differentiators for success. The conversation explores how avoiding discomfort fuels anxiety, how leaning into fear builds resilience, and why cultivating a “brave tribe” of mentors accelerates growth. From workplace candor and innovation to personal confidence and leadership, this episode shows how practicing courage transforms performance, relationships, and well-being.

Christine Aylward is the founder and managing partner of Magnetic Ventures, a VC built on a thesis: the future of life sciences will be technology-driven. Her bet, placed in 2018, is paying off. Her path to venture capital is unique. She started at Roche, working on PCR, arguably the most revolutionary technology at the intersection of tech and life sciences in the last century. Then she co-founded a media company with Natalie Portman. Then she launched Magnetic, raising money for companies using machine learning to transform drug discovery, clinical trials, and more. Jim and Christine get into what it really takes to spot transformative science before it's obvious, why machine learning matters more than the word AI, and why the translation from technology to product is so hard.

Barry Sanders knows what it means to perform at the highest level, but today his focus is on something far bigger than football. In this episode, the legendary NFL running back opens up about his partnership with Amgen and his mission to raise awareness around heart disease, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. His heart attack on Father’s Day in 2024 was a wake up call. Today he is working with Amgen to explain why prevention, early detection, and education are critical, especially in communities that are often overlooked. He also breaks down the realities of cardiovascular risk, the role of lifestyle and genetics, and what people can do right now to better protect their heart health. This conversation goes beyond the stats and science. It is about using influence for impact.

Peak performance expert Jamie Wheal explores why modern wellness culture may be overcomplicating what it means to feel whole, resilient, and alive. As the founder of Flow Genome Project and co-author of Stealing Fire and Recapture the Rapture, Wheal blends psychology, neuroscience, and ancient practices to explain how humans access peak states, meaning, and connection. He challenges the billion-dollar biohacking industry, arguing that many tools we seek externally already exist within our physiology and rituals practiced for millennia. From breath rhythms embedded in prayer to the transformative power of time in nature, Wheal explains why getting outside, stepping away from screens, and confronting mortality can reconnect us to ourselves. The conversation explores flow states, psychedelics and mental health, meaning in the age of AI, and why no algorithm can tell you what your soul actually needs. In a hyperconnected world, Wheal makes a compelling case for reclaiming direct experience, embodied practice, and the courage to live fully aware of life’s

Jim sits down with his friend Paul Kidwell, caregiver, advocate, and fellow widower, for a conversation about what it means to lose someone you love. In 2025, both Jim and Paul lost their wives. Jim to cancer. Paul to Parkinson's. They talk about the guilt, the grief, the impossible math of caregiving, and the moment Paul realized this had to become something bigger than just his and his late wife's story. This is a conversation about endurance. It's about the inevitable role we all take on: caregiver. It's also about what comes next, when the caregiving ends, and you're left figuring out who the new you has to become.

Aditi Shah is a yoga and meditation teacher, speaker, and wellness advocate, best known as one of Peloton's most beloved instructors. She was recruited in 2018 to help launch their yoga and meditation platform from the ground up. She studied math at Rutgers, moved to Mumbai, and found her calling on a yoga mat. That's a career pivot worth talking about. Jim sits down with Aditi to talk about how to stay well when your phone never stops buzzing. There's a pressure to perform wellness on social media, and it's costing us our health. Aditi is willing to address this head-on. She's brave. She's candid. She's the real deal. Tune in.

Brian Anderson, CEO of CHAI, the Coalition for Health AI, talks about who's making sure AI in medicine actually works, and works for everyone. Brian has spent his career at the crossroads of medicine, technology, and policy. He worked alongside the White House COVID Task Force before co-founding CHAI in 2021 to tackle a gap nobody else was filling: responsible, trustworthy AI in healthcare at a national scale. Today, CHAI has nearly 3,000 member organizations and is building the consensus-driven guidelines, certified assurance labs, and transparency tools that will define how AI gets used in hospitals, and clinical trials.

Andrew Hessel is a futurist, microbiologist, geneticist, entrepreneur, and synthetic biology pioneer known for co-founding the Genome Project-write and Humane Genomics, and co-authoring The Genesis Machine, a New Yorker Best Book of 2022. He believes cells are living computers, and DNA is a programming language. And his reasoning is solid! Andrew has spoken to the FBI, the United Nations, CERN, Stanford, and Jeff Bezos's exclusive MARS conference, to name a few. Jim sits down with Andrew to talk about the future of biology, the merging of AI and life science, and what it'll mean for humans when we really start writing, not just reading, DNA.Could we engineer cancer out of existence? Should we clone ourselves? Where does science end and playing God begin? Andrew will make you see that the most disruptive technology in human history is the data in your body. Your cells. You won't want to miss this one.

This is our third and final Super Bowl episode recorded at the Starter Activation House and Jim is chatting with compelling voices in sports, business, and biotech. TJ Ward, former NFL star and Super Bowl XLVIII winner, opens up about life after football. Carl Banks, President of G-III Sports and two-time Super Bowl champion and Shawn Costner, Sports Marketing Executive at CAA, talk about leading with integrity. Carmen Banks, Founder of Melanin Science, discusses representation in biotech and empowering the next generation of scientists. Real stories, real lessons, real talk.

Recorded during Super Bowl week at the Starter Activation House Studio, this second special episode of Get Real captures Jim in conversation with a lineup of true originals whose impact spans sports, music, and pop culture. He’s joined by Adam "Pacman" Jones and Eric Metcalf, former NFL superstars, Brock Davies, influencer and reality TV star, and finally, Flavor Flav, who needs no introduction! They're sharing stories and lessons as they discuss what it takes to stay resilient. Listen to learn about the moments that shaped these legends.

Jonathan Stewart, former NFL running back and key player in the Carolina Panthers’ run to Super Bowl 50, joins Jim to talk life after football. They dive into his passions, his mission, and how his time as an athlete continues to shape his pursuits and vision today. Antone Barnes, Founder and CEO of The Brand Architects, shares insights on helping athletes build their careers on and off the field, both during and after their professional playing days. This episode is all about navigating the next chapter after sports. It’s a must-listen. Recorded in San Francisco during the week leading up to Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium!

Josh Schwartz is a TV screenwriter and producer best known for creating The O.C., Gossip Girl, Chuck, Hart of Dixie, and The Carrie Diaries, to name a few. He's launched the careers of superstars and is a superstar himself. At 26, he became one of the youngest showrunners in network history when he launched The O.C. Josh is also Jim's cousin. Two and a half decades after The O.C. changed his career and binge watching as we know it, Jim and Josh are Getting Real about career longevity, mentorship, and how to stay creative. They're diving into juicy tidbits from the days of The O.C. and Gossip Girl, like why Marissa died, and what he'd rewrite if he could. It's not easy to have a hit series, and he's had several. His shows are millennial fodder. Representative of a time, not long ago, when we called on pay phones and then flip phones, sent texts on QWERTY keyboards and when life was just a little less technical. Tune in. You won't want to miss this awesome chat!

Tina Sharkey has seen the power of faith first hand. She and Jim are diving into her rollercoaster summer, a story she's yet to share. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor that at first seemed inoperable, but turned out to be operable, and not cancer, thankfully. However, since then, and throughout her time at the hospital, she's navigated treacherous times by relying on a mantra she learned years ago: fear is a wasted emotion. She's also called on her inner Rainbow Girl, a part of her she's been connected to since youth, to bring light into her life and onto her tumor, and it worked! She's better. In fact, she's thriving. Tina is a trendspotter, an innovator and a teacher who is now a Gen AI & Society Grant Professor at the USC. You don't want to miss this one. In this episode, hear: 1. Who Rainbow Girl is and why she's helped Tina become successful 2. How to be a better trendspotter in business 3. Why fear is a wasted emotion 4. Why being afriad of AI is a waste of time 5. How Tina has left an impact in so many fields and where she's heading next

Bill Nye is so much more than The Science Guy. He's an activist, a performer, a leader and changemaker. He brings his sprit and tenacity to everything he does, including being a guest on podcasts, like ours. He currently serves as CEO of The Planetary Society, a role he took over from Carl Sagan, a mentor from his time at Cornell. In this episode, Jim and Bill are talking about why Science Still Matters. Why it has always mattered. Why the fight to trust in it matters now more than ever. Tune in to meet the guy behind bowtie. The cultural icon who taught kids to love science. On that path, he's won 19 Emmys, received a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and The Presidential Medal of Freedom. It's the honor of a lifetime to have him on Get Real. In this episode, hear 1. His origin story 2. How winning a Steve Martin lookalike contest was the gateway into standup comedy and ultimately a TV show 3. The work he does to raise awareness for Freidrichs Ataxia 4. Why Jaylen Brown, NBA star, gave a speech at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony 5. What's at risk for the US with this potential budget cuts for NASA

Dr. Elias Zerhouni, former NIH Director under President George W. Bush and Presidential Science Envoy under President Barack Obama, joins Jim for a candid conversation about healthcare, science, and public trust. He talks about his new memoir, Disease Knows No Politics, and his journey from war-torn Algeria to an array of leadership positions in American medicine. He shares stories from his professional life, including breakthroughs he made in MRI imaging that are being reshaped by AI. This conversation explores the intersection of politics and medicine. It's personal, surprising, fun and most of all, it will make you feel. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Why Dr. Zerhouni wrote his memoir Disease Knows No Politics and why he believes its message matters right now 2. What was really happening behind the scenes during the stem cell debates and early pandemic discussions 3. How radiology and imaging laid the groundwork for today’s medical AI innovations 4. How growing up during the Algerian War shaped his resilience, worldview, and leadership style. 5. Why he believes China’s strategic investment in science echoes Einstein’s philosophy that breakthroughs come from long term vision, not short term politics

Lee Shapiro is getting real. His career has touched law, venture capital, philanthropy, healthcare, and tech. He's worked with many of the most influential companies in digital health. He's lead Livongo, scaled Allscripts, and is now shaping the future of consumer health as partner at 7wireVentures. In this episode, we're talking about where healthcare innovation is headed and how personalized care is evolving. We're also exploring his role at the American Heart Association where he serves on the National Board of Directors . Tune in to hear his perspective on healthcare, innovation and what trends he believes will define the next era. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How 7wireVentures invests in companies simplifying care-navigation, access, chronic disease management, and consumer-facing digital health 2. How the AHA invests through grants, venture funds, and its accelerator to bring innovations to market 3. How the AHA’s Go Red for Women Fund is investing in new biomarkers and clinical trials for women’s heart disease 4. How AI is used to detect heart disease earlier, personalize care, and shape future standards 5. What health tech is solving, from GLP-1 support, to zero-interest medical loans, to simpler navigation of costly and confusing healthcare

Today, I’m hosting my friend Charlie Melcher on Get Real. We had this conversation on the day his new book, The Future of Storytelling, hit shelves. You may also have listened to his well-known podcast with the same title. I’ve been lucky to hear the behind the scenes of this book and his life's work during our hikes up Mount Tam, and I can’t wait for you to gt to know a bit more about his vision. Charlie has shaped how books, brands and industries tell their stories. In this episode, we talk about his career, the digital era that almost convinced people books were over, and the innovations that followed. We also explore how he works with companies and what it means to live stories instead of watch them. Buy his book The Future of Storytelling wherever books are sold! In this episode, hear: 1. How Charlie used the digital revolution to reinvent his career 2. How the recession of 2008 to 2009 changed content and media entirely 3. How his six emerging modes of storytelling are shaping everything from podcasts to theme parks 4. How AI will merge with these new storytelling categories 5. What the future of community, creativity and connection looks like

You probably know Jesse Solomon from Summer House on Bravo and from his up and coming singing career. Today, Jim and Jesse are chatting about advocacy and cancer. Jesse is a two-time testicular cancer survivor who uses his platform to reduce the stigma around testicular cancer and to encourage young men to prevent the event by getting checked yearly. Jesse is fun, loving, and unafraid to get real, which is a quality Jim appreciates in others and upholds himself. We’re going to hear about Jesse's journey from working in finance to Bravo and about his involvement with nonprofits to spread awareness about testicular cancer and to connect with other cancer survivors. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

This week, Jim is chatting with his own doctor, Dr. Paul Turek, one of the nation’s leading experts in male fertility and founder of The Turek Clinic. Jim and Dr. Turek talk about why sperm health reflects overall health, and how mental health, physical health, epigenetics, lifestyle, and environment ALL affect fertility. They discuss how men's resistance to the doctors is more often due to the fact that they are siloed. Kids have pediatricians. At 16, girls move on to their gynecologists, who become primary care doctors, while boy's health care fades. This conversation will hopefully help you see how men’s health and fertility require a holistic, 360-degree approach to the body, mind, and spirit. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How sperm health reflects total wellness 2. How microplastics affect fertility 3. Why men lose consistent care after youth 4. How GLP-1 drugs may help sperm count 5. What happens during “manopause”

This week, Jim is speaking with the incomparable Dr. Cliff Hudis about his work in oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering to his shift into the public sector as CEO of The American Society of Clininal Oncology. Cliff is a wealth of knowledge and insights and this audience will cling to every word. He's a delight of a person, full of warmth, heart, and just the right amount of fight. We discussed the first iteration of his career in breast cancer and the incredible leaps in treatment he witnessed including the discovery of BRCA and HER2 in the early 1990's. We're also Getting Real about the roadblocks in the way of advancing the research, development and treatment of cancer, specifically the push and pull between public and private sector funding. Cliff stresses the importance governmental funding plays in cancer treatment and boosting scientist and doctor morale. Finally, as always, we touch and music, specifically The Rolling Stones, which you won't want to miss! In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How coordinated global research efforts drove one of medicine’s biggest mortality declines 2. How agriculture, economics, and environment are as critical as biology in reducing risk 3. That federal funding is driver of progress. Bipartisan congressional support keeps research alive even in uncertain times 4. Where early detection stands and why evidence, not hype, defines what screening tools doctors should use on patients 5. What’s real and what’s not yet real in cancer vaccines and immunotherapy

This week, the tables are turning! Jim is trading hot seats with Dr. Adrienne Youdim, physician, author, and TEDx speaker. He was on her podcast HealthBite and now she's on Get Real. He's worked with Dr. Youdim during his weight loss journey, both in number crunching and dietary shifts, and also in finding the source of his hunger, and thus his pain and grief. Dr. Youdim runs her practice in Beverly Hills where she helps high achieving clients shift their physical and emotional health, so that they can discover even greater professional health. She believes success is best achieved when we're connected to our well-being. We're excited to share her work and her expertise. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. About the importance of body composition when we're losing fat versus muscle 2. That true nourishment goes way beyond food 3. That hunger is way more than physical 4. That GLP-1's wont do the trick without comprehensive and consistent lifestyle shifts 5. That when we turn off the food noise and pause before reaching for the snack, we connect with feelings we need to in order to heal

Jim is getting real with his friend Scheana Shay about her new book The Good Side. He met Scheana and her husband Brock with his late wife Audra a few years ago. They bonded over a shared belief in lifelong marriage and the resilience required for its ups and downs. Scheana opens up about living with OCD and postpartum OCD, the years of misdiagnoses, and what it felt like to finally put a name to her struggles. She and Jim talk about why telling the truth to friends and family is a requirement and how facing the truth is healing. Scheana also shares what it’s like to raise a daughter in the spotlight, balancing openness with protection. Writing The Good Side gave her a way to process her journey on Vanderpump Rules and The Valley. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Whether Lisa Vanderpump has read Scheana's memoir 2. The ways her marriage is moving through its own truth telling 3. The origin of the name Summer, her daughter's name, and how it connects Jim to Scheana 4. How talking about her post partum OCD has helped other women get to their own diagnosis 5. The pressures of living life on reality TV

For great leaders, optimism is a driving force. In this episode of Get Real, Shanna Adamic, Executive Director of the Oracle Health Foundation and author of Audacious Optimism, shares how her health journey and battle with a life-threatening brain tumor shaped her philosophy on resilient leadership. She’s joined by her good friend Stephanie Trunzo, CEO of Merge, who has guided major companies through transformation at the intersection of technology and business. Shanna reflects on her decade as an NFL cheerleader and her career in healthcare philanthropy. Stephanie offers her perspective on building a healthcare system that truly empowers patients. Together, they explore how audacious optimism fuels intuitive decision-making and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. 5 Things You’ll Learn: - How “audacious optimism” can turn setbacks into growth. - What Shanna’s health journey teaches about resilience and leadership. - Why patient empowerment and storytelling matter in healthcare. - How Stephanie applies human-centered design to transform technology. - The impact of the Oracle Health Foundation in removing barriers to care.

In today's episode, Jim is speaking with Jonathan Gluck about his new memoir An Exercise in Uncertainty. Gluck is a leading journalist, writing for publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Vogue. He also served as the deputy editor of New York Magazine. Two decades ago, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare, incurable blood cancer, and told he had over a year to live. At its core, his memoir asks: how do we live our mortality? Tune in as we learn about coping with uncertainty with the incomparable, Jonathan Gluck. 1. How a slip on the ice led to an early cancer diagnosis 2. What treatable but not curable means and how his doctors have managed multiple myeloma over many years 3. How to cope with constant uncertainty 4. Why work can be a lifeline during long-term illness 5. How illness impacts a marriage and family, and the tools that help keep relationships strong

On this episode of Get Real, Jim is joined by Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient and the self-titled Chief Troublemaker. Shelley is the force behind one of the largest global communities of women in business. TFQ is 7 million strong across more than 100 countries. What began as a walk through CES with 50 women turned into a movement and a business... Shelley created a space she never had in business where women show up fully, support one another, and work together without sacrificing authenticity, and what makes them incredible as women. Shelley shares with Jim how she turned TFQ into a global brand, what she’s learned about being first, and why the soft skills we’ve undervalued for decades are some of the most essential leadership traits. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. How Shelley scaled a single moment into a 7-million-women global platform 2. Why she believes every workplace should be redesigned 3. The evolution of The Female Quotient

In this episode we're joined by the menopause GOAT, Dr. Mary Claire Haver. A board-certified OB-GYN, bestselling author, and truth-teller, Dr. Haver unpacks the science, stigma, and solutions surrounding menopause and perimenopause. She's breaking down what’s happening with your hormones and exposing the flawed studies that scared a generation of women away from HRT. Dr. Whether you're in your 40s or 70s, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to age smarter. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. The difference between perimenopause and menopause and why your brain tracks the shift before your cycle does. 2. How flawed data from the 2002 WHI study derailed hormone therapy use for decades — and what the new research actually says. 3. Why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn't just about hot flashes. It protects your brain, bones, heart, and future independence. 4. More about GLP-1s and why traditional lifestyle advice often isn’t enough in midlife. 5. How to build your “nursing home prevention plan” through strength, nutrition, and medicine.

As the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association's 2025 Honorable Mentor, Jim is bringing together HBA Women of the Year winners spanning two decades. Co-moderated with HBA CEO Mary Stutts, this episode features 2025's Reshema Kemps-Polanco (EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Novartis US), 2015's Denice Torres (former President, McNeil Consumer Healthcare), and 2005's Lynn O'Connor Vos (former CEO, Grey Healthcare Group).They're exploring what connects Women of the Year winners, the mentors who shaped them, and moments they had to recalibrate priorities. In what Jim calls an "It's a Wonderful Life" moment for healthcare, these leaders examine how female leadership changes the trajectory of industries. They tackle the evolution of women's ambitions from 2005 to 2025 and which stereotypes persist. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. The common thread connecting Women of the Year winners and advice for advancing your leadership trajectory 2. How to leverage mentors beyond family influences in shaping executive leadership 3. When to recalibrate priorities without derailing career momentum 4. How women's ambitions evolved from 2005 to 2025 and which stereotypes remain 5. How female leadership can reshape healthcare's future amid industry threats

Matthew Zachary has been reshaping the healthcare media landscape since before podcasting even had a name. A 29-year survivor of brain cancer, he’s the founder of Stupid Cancer and the voice behind Out of Patients—one of the longest-running healthcare podcasts, which launched in 2007 as The Stupid Cancer Show. Dubbed “America’s Cancer Advocate” by People magazine, Matthew is known for cutting through the noise, speaking the truth, and helping patients reclaim their power. In this conversation, we dig into what empathy looks like in the hospital, why healthcare marketing still misses the mark, and how consumer-led cancer care might finally force the system to pay attention. Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KpTeWR5O32zLBxUu7g4Wl?si=ZNx5WPeFQ_aUQiJidPK2BA

In this episode of Get Real, Jim sits down with Oriana Kraft, the Founder of ORI. She is transforming women's healthcare through data-driven solutions and employer partnerships. After discovering alarming gaps in medical education and clinical research, Oriana turned her thesis project into a global movement dedicated to translating women's health research into practical care solutions. The conversation examines the economic costs of overlooking women's health issues in the workplace, the systemic barriers that prevent adequate care, and how employers can create more supportive environments while improving their bottom line. Oriana offers many innovative approaches that could finally close the gender health gap. What You'll Learn: How a staggering 70% of female employees lose 1-5 workdays monthly due to women's health issues, and the $3,000 per woman cost to employers who don't address these needs The economic and structural factors driving healthcare inequality Practical strategies employers can implement to create stigma-free environments for women's health discussions while improving productivity and retention How AI and data-driven approaches are revolutionizing women's healthcare design, creating opportunities for better diagnosis, treatment, and workplace support systems

Dr. Lennard Lee is a force of nature in medicine. He is the Chief Medical Office at the Ellison Institute of Technology. Since 2020, he has led groundbreaking national programs that unite scientists, clinicians, and policymakers to advance the development of cancer vaccines. Dr. Lee co-founded the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launchpad, an initiative designed to streamline patient enrollment in cancer vaccine trials. He's spearheading efforts to enroll 10,000 patients by 2030, accelerating trials and ensuring the latest breakthroughs reach those in need. His work has earned him top honors such as the ACP McElwain Prize, IAP Outstanding Young Physicians Award, DSIT Superhero Award, and the UK Science & Engineering Infinity Award. In this episode, you'll learn: How he built the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launchpad  The UK's role in global cancer vaccine development and clinical research Insights into successful cancer vaccine trials, including promising results from Devon The risk-benefit analysis of shifting to a vaccine-first approach for cancer treatment Current progress and breakthroughs in cancer vaccine clinical trials How research and development investments are being managed to sustain innovation Dr. Lee's predictions for when preventative cancer vaccines might become widely available Strategies for ensuring global access and affordability of cancer vaccine technologies How collaboration between pharma and biotech is accelerating innovation The evolution of cancer staging and diagnostics in a vaccine-driven treatment landscape

Dr. Alicia Zhou is the CEO of the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), an organization at the forefront of cancer innovation. With backgrounds in academia, healthcare, and nonprofits, she brings a unique perspective to the table. Today, she's heading into the future…of cancer research—what’s changing and what’s holding it back. From advancements in immunotherapy to barriers—healthcare costs, diversity in research, and even politics, Alicia shares her real take on the opportunities and challenges. She's discussing AI’s role in early diagnosis and prevention and how data-driven tools are making precision medicine more equitable. In this episode, you’ll learn: What CRI is and how its mission is shaping the future of cancer research Dr. Zhou’s vision for CRI and where she hopes to drive impact Why this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry is a game-changer for STEM fields The differences between chemotherapy and immunotherapy—and what’s next The most significant breakthroughs in immunology that are changing cancer treatment Why early detection is critical and how screening practices need to evolve How AI and data analytics are revolutionizing cancer care and precision medicine The barriers holding back progress in immunotherapy and how to overcome them

Please welcome Pastor Michael McBride to Get Real with Jim Weiss. Pastor Mike works at the intersection of faith, social justice, and public health as the Executive Director of LIVE FREE USA. This national network is dedicated to reducing gun violence and advocating for criminal justice reform. He also serves as the Lead Pastor of The Way Church in Berkeley, California, where he integrates faith with social change. He co-founded the Black Church PAC and the Black and Brown Peace Consortium, both initiatives that mobilize political action and promote equity and violence prevention. He is a prominent voice with his work featured on CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times.  Pastor Mike discusses how his experiences with police brutality have shaped his mission to uplift marginalized communities. He explores the intersection of faith and social justice, the importance of treating gun violence as a public health issue, and the need for systemic change in policing and criminal justice. In this episode, you'll learn: Why gun violence must be treated as a public health issue How leadership shapes community-based violence prevention The role of faith in promoting systemic change and healing The challenges facing marginalized communities, especially Black men The importance of political action and mobilization for equity How faith can be a tool for meaning-making in the face of injustice The long-term impacts of inequities on health and well-being The need to transform criminal justice to protect communities

Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell is the Medical Director of Urgent Care Clinics at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV, and the visionary founder of Beyond Clinical Walls, a platform sharing accurate, equitable, and credible health information. She was recently appointed to The CDC National Board and was selected to serve on the national CDC Communications and Public Engagement Workgroup. She has also presented twice at TEDx. In today’s conversation, Jim and Dr. Curry-Winchell are discussing advocating for DEI in healthcare systems and how healthcare disparities can be dismantled. We’re honored to get real with her on Get Real with the Chairman!

Emily Morse, a renowned sex therapist and best-selling author, has spent nearly two decades transforming how we talk about sex and pleasure. Her podcast, Sex with Emily, started in 2005 and is now the #1 sexuality podcast on Apple. She’s the author of Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight and Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure, offering practical insights for sexual empowerment. Emily is also Creator of SmartSX: A Sexual Wellness Membership Community (sign up now at: sexwithemily.com/membership). Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and more. She’s challenged taboos and helped millions navigate their desires, making her a transformative figure in the world of sexual health. You can learn more about her at SexWithEmily.com or follow her @SexWithEmily on social media.

Today’s podcast is in anticipation of the Brady United fundraiser on October 17th, hosted by Daveed Diggs and in conversation with Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr and DoorDash CEO Tony Xu. In this episode, Coach Kerr, Christian Heyne, Brady United’s Chief Programs and Policy Officer, and I discuss gun safety via Brady United’s ongoing mission to reduce gun violence. We explore the current state of gun safety in America, highlight the progress made, and discuss future actions that can be taken to address gun violence as a public health crisis. We also dive into generational perspectives as Sandy Hook survivors reach voting age and examine whether the gun debate is shifting towards a more neutral, solution-oriented dialogue. Tune in for an insightful conversation on what it means to be a health citizen and advocate for change. Link: to the event.

W. Kamau Bell is a celebrated comedian, writer, and social justice advocate famous for his sharp wit and brilliant commentary on the intersection of race and society. You may also know him from his Emmy Award-winning CNN series, "United Shades of America," where he explores diverse cultural perspectives across the US. His work tackles complex social and political issues, making him a prominent person in advocacy. In fact, he is a dedicated activist, using his platform to address systemic racism nationwide. Today, we’re going to focus on healthcare more broadly. He has been involved in initiatives like "THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us," a campaign aimed at providing accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines to the Black community. He is unwaveringly committed to making healthcare accessible and equitable for all. Kamau has a unique ability to use his craft and talent to both challenge and inspire audiences. He is leading conversations about race, justice, and equality that will hopefully change the healthcare system and many more broken systems and the United States.

The next guest on Get Real with the Chairman is Ardy Arianpour, CEO and co-founder of SEQSTER. This leading healthcare technology company puts the patient at the center of their health data. Before SEQSTER, Ardy launched numerous clinical and consumer-based genetic tests while serving as CCO of Pathway Genomics. Additionally, he held the position of SVP of Ambry Genetics, which was sold to Konica in 2017 for $1 Billion. He’s been recognized in our industry as a Top 40 Healthcare Transformer by MM&M in 2019, San Diego Business Journal's 2019 40 under 40, COX Top Tech Awards 2021, Med Tech World Rising Star 2022, and the PharmaVOICE 100 Inspiring Leaders in Life Sciences in 2023. Seqster is breaking down health data silos at scale by creating an operating system for patient-centric real-world data accessible anytime, anywhere. They are privately held and headquartered in San Diego. I’m so excited to share his work with our listeners.

The guests on this episode of Get Real with the Chairman are Brooks Bell and Dr. Austin Chiang. What brought them together was Colorectal Cancer. What brings me to this topic is my own experience with that diagnosis. About a decade ago, I saw a potential sign of colon cancer, which I only realized was a symptom through my work with Katie Couric. Thankfully, it was caught early through a colonoscopy and treated, but often, the signs of colon cancer are missable or far too easy to shoo away. In 2019, Brooks Bell was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Today, in remission, she’s worked with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Lead From Behind. You may remember them from a 2022 video where Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney recorded their first colonoscopies, leading to a 36% increase in appointments nationwide. Her next venture is Worldclass Clothing, an apparel brand designed to improve access to colon cancer research and colonoscopies in underinsured communities. Dr. Austin Chiang is a gastroenterologist known for his expertise in digestive health, endoscopy, and social media advocacy. In 2021, he became the first Chief Medical Officer of Medtronic's Endoscopy business, the world’s leading medical device company. His book, Gut: The Owner’s Guide, came out this April 2024. It’s an informative introduction to this mysterious organ we are so reliant on. The rates of colorectal cancer are rising among those in their 20s to 40s and declining in those over 65. Today, we’ll learn how Brooks and Austin are working to change that reality. I’m thrilled they could take time out of their schedules to chat with me on Get Real With The Chairman!

On this week’s episode, our 7th, of Get Real With The Chairman, were honored to speak with Carla Tardif, CEO of Family Reach and Iron Chef Ming Tsai, founder of MingsBings, TV host, restaurateur, and active board member at Family Reach.. Family Reach a non profit that provides financial assistance to families facing cancer by covering costs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and transportation. They’re committed to building a healthcare system where no family has to choose between health and home. Carla is a two-time breast cancer survivor, and member of the White House Cancer Moonshot. Under her leadership, Family Reach has grown its network from five east coast hospital partnerships to more than 1,000 top-tier partnerships nationwide. She is committed to building a healthcare system where no family facing cancer has to choose between rent, copays, medication or groceries. Iron Chef Ming Tsai has raised over $11 million for the organization to date and is the host of their signature event, Cooking Live. He uses his national platform to promote the healing power of food. In the US, 1 in 3 families can’t afford their basic needs during cancer treatment. Family Reach is here to help. They’re looking for partnerships, too. We’re honored to share their impactful work. Please tune into this meaningful episode and visit their website to learn more.

Our guest for our sixth episode is the formidable Kathy Giusti, Co-Founder and CEO of The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, also known as The MMRF. In this conversation, we’re discussing her debut book, “Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical System.”  Kathy has been in remission from Multiple Myeloma, a devastating blood cancer affecting the plasma cells in bone marrow, for nearly three decades. In 1998, she co-founded The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, a nonprofit accelerating the development of innovative treatments for this cancer. The MMRF single-handedly changed the paradigm for those diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. As of today, they’ve raised half a billion dollars for the disease.  Fatal to Fearless is a tour de force guide to approaching a cancer diagnosis with tools, takeaways, and anecdotes.Please purchase her book for yourself and for anyone you know who has been impacted by cancer, which statistically speaking is one in every two people…that’s all of us! And don’t forget to rate it, too! It’s an honor to have her as our next guest on Get Real with the Chairman.  Purchase her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Fearless-Beating-Cancer-Medical/dp/0063282178

In this episode, you'll meet Dr. Laura Esserman and Dr. Steve Birrell, who are collaborating to change the breast cancer treatment paradigm. This topic is more relevant than ever, given recent developments in the world of celebrities and influencers, such as Olivia Munn, who announced she had a double mastectomy for Luminal B breast cancer. Dr. Esserman is a force of nature in breast cancer. Since 1993, she’s worked at UCSF as a surgeon and oncology specialist, and co-lead of their Breast Oncology Program. She’s gained an audience by publishing over 400 peer-reviewed articles and appearing in mainstream news, such as the New York Times, where she published a provocative editorial this summer on whether Ductal Carcinoma in SITU should still be called cancer. In 2016, she was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential. She was also a member of President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Dr. Esserman is the Principal Investigator of the I-SPY TRIAL group with the incomparable Dr. Steve Birrell, Founder of HAVAH Therapeutics, based in Adelaide, Australia. Havah is developing a potentially revolutionary testosterone-based approach to the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Birrell’s three-decade career in cancer spans many roles. He’s a specialist, surgeon, medical innovator, and one of the most published molecular oncologists. The two of them are collaborating on an I-SPY trial reevaluating the treatment of DCIS. Tune in as we’ll talk about the context and rationale for this trial and the science as we learn about them and how their passions outside of their research fuel their commitment to innovation.

Mary Stutts is the CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, also known as HBA. HBA is a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing women's impact and involvement in the healthcare industries at large. Mary has had an extensive and diverse career in healthcare. She’s worked in leadership positions at Genentech, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sumitovant, UnitedHealth Group, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford Health Care, and Comcast NBC-Universal. Before joining HBA, she served as Chief Global Health Equity and Inclusion Officer for our company, Real Chemistry. Mary is a perfect match for her role as CEO of HBA. HBA provides a platform for women in healthcare to elevate their careers through developing diverse professional networks. They are laser-focused on community growth with myriad opportunities for women to connect and support each other in their careers. They also have a robust professional development arm with programs, events, and resources for women in health, including mentorship, leadership development, advocacy, and skill-building workshops.

Dr. Karen Knudsen currently serves as the CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. She’s also an internationally recognized oncology leader, guided by the goal of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families. She served as tenured faculty at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine prior to recruitment to Thomas Jefferson University in 2007. Before her role as the CEO at ACS, she was the Executive Vice President of Oncology Services for Jefferson Health and Director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, one of the elite National Cancer Institute’s NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the US. Dr. Knudsen is well-known for her discoveries in prostate cancer, advancing our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this common diagnosis and paving the way for targeted therapies. She’s also known for her advocacy work, emphasizing cancer prevention, early detection, research funding, and new treatments. In addition to being CEO of the American Cancer Society, she serves on the board of advisors for the National Cancer Institute and on twelve external advisory boards for NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

Dr. Reed Tuckson's career includes pivotal roles as the Commissioner of Public Health for the District of Columbia during the HIV/AIDS crisis and as the Executive Vice President and Chief of Medical Affairs for UnitedHealth Group. His advocacy has been instrumental in addressing disparities and advocating for equitable healthcare access. He serves as a committee member of the Coalition for Trust in Health and Science, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to fostering trust in healthcare and scientific endeavors. He is also the Managing Director of Tuckson Health Connections, where he is pioneering data-driven solutions to shift healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and streamline systems. His dedication to public health serves as a guiding light in striving toward a healthier future for all. As a graduate of Howard University, he is on the board of visitors for the College of Arts and Sciences to pave new pathways for future liberal arts students. In this episode, he and Jim address critical issues such as championing individuals with sickle cell disease and advocating for improved healthcare in Black communities. Reed is concerned with increasing American trust in healthcare and decreasing tribalism, which keeps Americans apart, not together. When he's not changing healthcare, Reed is also a sage, so be prepared to learn about the writers and poets he reads daily, Rumi included.

Sung Poblete serves as the CEO of FARE, an acronym for Food Allergy Research and Education. FARE is a non-profit dedicated to funding research, advancing treatment options, and raising awareness about the serious public health impact of food allergies. In this episode, you'll learn why food allergies affect over 30 million Americans and why they haven't received the attention they deserve as a tier-one health issue. Our aim is to support FARE in changing this reality. Despite being the largest food allergy-focused organization in the United States, FARE is relatively young at just 11 years old and relies on support from donors, sponsors, and allies to expand its efforts.   In this episode, Sung and Jim discuss the genetic origins of allergies and how they manifest, as well as the continued reliance on EpiPens as the primary treatment for anaphylaxis despite the rising prevalence of life-threatening food allergies, affecting approximately 1 in 13 children. The cost of EpiPens, around $1400 per year, poses a significant financial burden for the 44 million Americans who require them. Poblete emphasizes the need to make giving to FARE's cause appealing and stresses the importance of funding for discovery and translational research to provide treatment options while scientists work towards a cure. As a Real Health Citizen, her insights are invaluable, and we're honored to have her on Get Real with the Chairman.

Tune in bi-weekly on Mondays to hear Jim's conversations with some of the most prominent movers and shakers in healthcare. Jim won't shy away from what's working and what's not. He'll steer listeners toward deeper questions in his segment called "So What's It All Mean?" where he asks his guests how the topics and themes in their conversation are playing out in the world. He'll also get personal. As Jim says, "Everyone will get hit by the bouncing ball." Health is universal.