The Glennon Factor

In this episode, listeners follow Emily and Paul Cullmann’s journey after learning during pregnancy that they are both carriers of Cystic Fibrosis, giving their daughter Clara a 25% chance of having the disease. Referred to the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, they were guided by experts including Katie Francis, program coordinator of the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute, and Dr. Chris Buchanan, medical director of the institute, who helped them navigate fear, uncertainty, and complex decisions. Together, they pursued an innovative and largely untested approach—having Emily take a CF medication during pregnancy in hopes of treating Clara in utero. After birth, Clara was diagnosed with CF but showed remarkably mild symptoms, likely influenced by early treatment both before birth and through breastmilk. The episode highlights not only Clara’s promising outcome, but also the evolving field of fetal medicine, the power of collaboration and research, and the hope that compassionate, cutting-edge care can offer families facing complex prenatal diagnoses.

How would you feel if you received a scary diagnosis for your unborn child? Emily Cullmann shares her emotions after receiving news of her unborn daughter, Clara before being referred to the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon St. Louis Fetal Care Institute - The team she would later come to know as a "family" to her as she navigates the unknown.

Barb Kountzman - RN believes Cardinal Glennon fosters trust through personalized care, beginning in fetal care and pre-op, where staff build genuine relationships with families. She emphasizes their excellent surgical outcomes, but also highlights the compassionate support they provide, acting as a comforting presence for families navigating challenging times. Barb's honesty and transparency, coupled with the focus on individual comfort, create a unique sense of security for families choosing Cardinal Glennon.

Dr. Joshua Arthur explains that the Danis CARES Program addresses the profound social needs many pediatric patients face, such as food insecurity, which he describes as both tragic and motivating for continued intervention. He reflects that routinely asking families about their social challenges has significantly deepened trust and transformed his long‑term relationships with patients. When the initial grant ended, support from the Cardinal Glennon Foundation enabled the program to evolve into a flexible, sustained model that is now funded by the hospital itself.

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital President, Hossain Marandi, MD performs a blind taste test of his favorite food - hash browns - from four different establishments (one of them being the Cardinal Glennon cafeteria).

In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we explore the Danis CARES program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and how it’s redefining pediatric care at the Danis Pediatrics Center. CARES — Connection and Resource Equity Services — was created after research revealed that a significant number of families were facing challenges like food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation barriers that directly impact children’s health. The team now screens families through a well-being questionnaire and connects them to immediate and long-term community resources, while preserving dignity and building trust. Through powerful, real-life stories, the episode highlights how simple interventions — like providing a meal kit or arranging transportation for a newborn visit — can prevent larger health crises. Ultimately, Danis CARES represents a holistic, community-centered model of care that supports not just the child in the exam room, but the entire family beyond it.

Fatima Negron-Krauss, the office lead of the Danis CARES Program in the Danis Pediatrics Center, tells a story of a new mother of a one‑week‑old baby called to cancel a bilirubin redraw because she had no transportation to the hospital. After the appointment staff alerted Fatima, she arranged a ride for the family and also helped secure transportation for the baby’s upcoming weight‑check appointment while their insurance was still pending. Months later, the mother continues to express heartfelt gratitude for the support that helped her reach Cardinal Glennon during those crucial early weeks. Efforts like this at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital show the lengths taken to help care for the community.

Adam Brandt, a teenage oncology patient at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital,, finds strength and escape through dirt bike racing, which gives him an adrenaline rush and a sense of normalcy. “Adam’s Pit Crew” represents the close group of family and friends who support him at races, fueling his bike and cheering him on. But it's also the same people supporting him through his cancer journey. For Adam, racing is more than a hobby—it’s a vital coping mechanism that helps him face the challenges of cancer.   Visit glennon.org/podcast for more information and don't forget to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link reflects on her friendship with a 13-year-old fellow cancer patient she met during treatment when she was 19. He became like a younger brother to her. Despite knowing he would die, he showed remarkable wisdom and encouraged Maggie, even telling her their friendship made his cancer journey worthwhile. In a final hospital visit before he went home on hospice, he reassured Maggie that she would go on to help kids like him, a promise that deeply shaped her life and career. Today, Maggie honors his memory by caring for patients wholeheartedly, believing that meaningful relationships can be as impactful as medical breakthroughs. 

Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at 19, just as she had been selected for a prestigious cancer research position at St. Jude, forcing her to put her dreams on hold. During a difficult year of treatment, the resilience and hope she witnessed in other children inspired her to survive and dedicate her life to helping patients. Today, she feels blessed not only to have overcome cancer but also to fulfill her calling as a pediatric oncologist, turning her suffering into purpose. Visit glennon.org/podcast for more information and don't forget to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode of The Glennon Factor explores the deeply personal and intertwined cancer journeys of Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link, a pediatric oncologist and cancer survivor, and Adam, her teenage patient currently undergoing leukemia treatment. The conversation highlights how unexpected diagnoses disrupt identity, friendships, and life plans, while also forging profound connections between patients, families, and caregivers. Dr. Maggie shares how surviving cancer at 19 shaped her calling to pediatric oncology and her focus on empathy, quality of life, and long-term treatment effects, while Adam reflects on resilience, gratitude, and finding escape and healing through dirt bike racing. Both discuss faith, coping strategies, and the balance between maturity and normalcy after trauma. The episode ultimately emphasizes how suffering can foster purpose, compassion, and meaningful human connection within pediatric healthcare.

In this highlight, Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link and Adam, introduce themselves to The Glennon Factor Podcast. The full episode explores the unique, deeply personal and intertwined cancer journeys of Dr. Maggie, who is both a pediatric oncologist and cancer survivor, and Adam, her teenage patient currently undergoing leukemia treatment.

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital President, Hossain Marandi, MD gives us his take on what “The Glennon Factor” is.   From Episode 6 - The American Dream

Sophie gives her advice to another patient that would have a similar diagnosis. It’s hard to think of any words that would be more wise than what she has to say.   From Episode 1 - The Tumor Funeral

Matt Holliday explains how his work with Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is his greatest achievement.   From Episode 05 - The Hollidays

Dr. Andrew White, Chief of Medicine at Cardinal Glennon, shares how augmented reality is transforming neurosurgical planning. Physicians can now visualize and interact with a patient’s brain and vascular system in 3D using VR headsets, allowing for precise mapping and simulation of surgical procedures. This cutting-edge technology is already being used in real cases to improve outcomes and decision-making.   From Episode 18 - Will robots replace our doctors? The Next Generation of Medical Technology

Dr. Charles Huddleston asks Jim and Shana a difficult question. As they wait for a donor for their son, they are praying for a miracle. This means, though, another family will experience tragedy. How do they cope with this?   From Episode 03 - The Transplant

Music Therapist, Scott Duell, describes the profound impact of heartbeat recordings at Cardinal Glennon, highlighting the gratitude expressed by families who receive them, emphasizing it as a cherished moment captured in time. Music therapists also create personalized songs, incorporating the patient's heartbeat as the song's foundation, using meaningful melodies to provide comfort and remembrance for grieving families. They consider it a privilege to offer this service, knowing it provides a lasting connection and a source of solace.   From Episode 15 - We Help Kids Do Hard Things

Jeff Windmiller, EMT recounts a challenging transport mission undertaken by a Cardinal Glennon transport team. They transported a critically ill child from another country back to his homeland of Antigua, as his father was unable to travel with him. The long journey, spanning multiple flights, required dedication and resilience from the transport team. Despite the emotional challenges, the successful mission allowed the child to reunite with his family before his passing, providing them with precious moments together during a difficult time.   From Episode 09 - The Minutes That Matter - Cardinal Glennon's Transport Team. 

Our channel may have been a bit quiet lately, but we've sure been busy. Our podcast will be going through some changes - spoiler alert, no more seasons! We will be publishing all year round starting in 2026. For those of you who are loyal listeners, thank you so much! We can't thank you enough for all your support. And if you are new, we can't wait to share our next story with you!

In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we look ahead to what the future holds—not just for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, but for medicine as a whole. Join us for a fascinating conversation with three of the hospital’s top leaders: Dr. Hossain Marandi, President; Dr. Andrew White, Chief Medical Officer; and Michelle Romano, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Together, they unveil how cutting-edge advancements—like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and even ideas that once felt like science fiction—are becoming real tools in pediatric care. Hear how SSM Health Cardinal Glennon is boldly preparing for this future with a patient-first mindset and a strategic plan to build a new hospital that reflects the innovation, compassion, and faith-based mission at the heart of everything we do.

A handheld device that reads vital signs, no blood draws or wires required? It might sound like Star Trek, but we're closer than you think. In the full episode we are sitting down to talk all things about the future of medicine!

In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we celebrate the evolution of neonatal intensive care through the eyes of two extraordinary clinicians. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert Fleming, a neonatologist with more than 40 years of experience at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, and Dr. Lottchen Wider, a long-term critical care nurse, and Professor Emeritus, who still volunteers weekly in our NICU. Together, they share personal reflections on the dramatic changes they’ve witnessed in neonatology—from the days when a 2-pound baby faced a 95% mortality rate, to today’s reality where survival has become the expectation, not the exception. Tune in for a powerful conversation about progress, purpose, and the lifelong passion that continues to shape the future of care for our tiniest patients.

You know those days when you're doing everything you can.. and still wondering if it's enough? This week on the Glennon Factor, our guest shares what it's like to care deeply in the face of constant uncertainty -- and why "the plan is to be flexible" is more than just a saying.

Most people are familiar with the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But what about an entire children’s hospital? That requires an entire community of support! In this episode of The Glennon Factor podcast we are joined by President of McKelvey Homes and former Cardinal Glennon board president, Jim Brennan, Director of Marketing for 4 Hands Brewing Company, Liz Swyer, Cardinal Glennon parent, Greg Shurts, and Co-Owner of St. Louis City Soccer Club and President of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation, Carolyn Kindle. Tune in as the conversation uncovers some of their personal lives as well as each of their connections to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child -- but what about an entire children's hospital? In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we sit down with community leaders and passionate supporters to explore the impact of Cardinal Glennon. Tune in as they share their personal stories and connections to our mission.

How many people does it take to help kids do hard things? It takes a whole Child Life Services team...but unfortunately we could only fit a select few in our podcast studio. In this episode we are joined by Justine Bautista, Certified Child Life Specialist and facility dog handler, Brenda Wilson, schoolteacher from the Shining Star School, Scott Duell Certified Music Therapist, and last but certainly not least...Duo Dog Thor – our beloved facility dog. Tune in to hear what role Child Life Services plays in the well-being of our patients and some incredible stories from the impact of their care.

March is Child Life Month, a time to celebrate this incredible team, which includes child life specialists, hospital school teachers and creative arts therapists who help kids feel safe and supported during their hospital visits. Their impact is felt every day at Cardinal Glennon and what better way to start the month than with Episode 15 of The Glennon Factor featuring some of our Child Life Services Team.

What does it take to become a nationally ranked heart program? Who built the first ECMO machine used at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon roughly 50 years ago? What do world-renowned pediatric heart surgeons do in their free time? All these questions and many more get answered in this insightful episode of The Glennon Factor. We are honored to be joined by recently retired cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Andrew Fiore and clinical nurse for the division of cardiothoracic surgery – Barb Kountzman, RN. Listen as this incredible pair of Cardinal Glennon legends uncover some history and legacy behind our program, advancements in the field, expectations for the future generation of caregivers and what they are most proud of in their extensive careers.

On Episode 14 of The Glennon Factor, Dr. Andrew Fiore explains how teamwork has elevated Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital Congenital Cardiac Surgery Program to a nationally recognized level - because it's not about "me" or "I", but "we" as a team.

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon is blessed to have these three guests rounding in the hall every week – spreading joy to the parents and staff. These three volunteers - Lisa, Kenda and Claudia are affectionately known as the “Snack Cart Ladies” and they are all Cardinal Glennon parents who know what it is like to “Move In” while their child spends an extensive amount of time receiving care. They give back to other parents going through their own journey and the staff who helped care for their own kid. Tune in to hear stories from these Cardinal Glennon moms and why they choose the snack cart to pay it forward…because sometimes something as simple as a snack can add that glimmer of brightness to an otherwise dreary day.

A small snack brings a big impact. On Episode 13 of the Glennon Factor we are sitting down with our "Snack Cart Ladies" who are former Glennon moms who know the journey of moving "in" to Cardinal Glennon firsthand. Every week, they roll the snack cart through the halls, spreading comfort one snack at a time to all of the parents & staff who are on their own journey.

In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we explore the responsibility of our Level 1 trauma center to keep children safe, with a focus on injury prevention and violence intervention. Join Lori Winkler, MSN, RN, TNS, CPEN, injury prevention nurse coordinator at Cardinal Glennon, and Melik Coffey, MSW, LCSW, coordinator of the Life Outside of Violence (LOV) Program for the St. Louis region, as they share their experiences and insights from years of working together. From promoting safety in the car, on the road or in the water, to promoting a safe environment at home, Lori leads efforts that protect children from preventable injuries. Melik works passionately for victims of violence, helping them recover physically and mentally through comprehensive support and education. Together, they discuss the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect underserved communities and the crucial steps being taken to build a safer, healthier future for every child. Tune in to hear their stories and learn how the village mindset is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children.

Part 2: In this second part of our series on the Complex Medical Care Program, we’re joined by Dr. Aline Tanios, Dr. Michael Smiley, and the inspiring Watson family—parents Rose and Demetrius, and their 7-year-old daughter, Lavender, affectionately known as 'The Queen.' Lavender was born with Trisomy 18, a condition often described as 'incompatible with life,' but her story is one of defying the odds every step of the way. In this heartfelt episode, we hear how the Complex Medical Care Program has supported Lavender and her family through some of the most challenging moments, and how they’ve found strength, hope, and a new perspective on life through this journey. This is a powerful story of resilience, love, and the importance of compassionate care.

Part 1: In this first part of our two-part series on the Complex Medical Care Program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, we sit down with Dr. Kurt Sobush and Dr. Aline Tanios, the pioneering physicians who created this transformative program. Knowing the immense challenges that families of medically complex children endure—from endless appointments to overwhelming care coordination—these dedicated doctors took it upon themselves to find a solution. They discuss how the program brings together vital resources to streamline care, reduce hospital visits, and provide holistic support for both patients and families. Tune in to hear their  “why” and the difference this program is making.

In this inspiring episode of The Glennon Factor, we explore the world of Integrative Medicine with Dr. Anu French, the pioneering physician at SSM Health who blends evidence-based holistic practices with traditional Western medicine to provide a comprehensive approach to healing. Joining Dr. French are her patient, Siler, and his mother, Stacey, who share their personal journey of hope and healing through this unique program. Discover how Integrative Medicine is making a difference in the lives of patients by addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and learn about the innovative treatments that are helping to transform care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. Tune in to hear the bookend perspective from both the patient and the provider, and gain insights into how this program is paving the way for a more holistic approach to medicine.

Join us for an exhilarating episode of The Glennon Factor as we spotlight the remarkable SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Transport Team! Listen as key clinicians share gripping stories from past transports, highlight the evolution and growth of the program, and provide an insider's look into their high-stakes, high-reward work. From managing patient transfers via ambulance or helicopter to coordinating complex logistics with other hospitals, this dedicated team ensures that every patient receives timely, life-saving care. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes journey into the heart of our lifesaving operations!

Join us for this episode of The Glennon Factor, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible Glennon Guild: 100 women, one mission, under one sun, brightening countless Cardinal Glennon lives. Founded in 1957, this volunteer and fundraising organization has made a profound impact on advancing the welfare of the hospital and the children in its care, hosting a variety of fundraising events and programs and raising millions of dollars throughout the years. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, learn about their upcoming initiatives, and find out how you can support their mission to bring hope and healing to the children and families we serve. Don't miss this heartfelt and uplifting episode!

While most hospitals can state that they are open 24/7, the true continuum of care doesn’t end whenever the patient leaves the parking lot. Our patients are always our patients, and we go the extra mile to make sure that our patients are safe outside our walls. That is why, in 2014, the hospital invested in one paramedic’s vision to build a program known as STARS: Special Needs Tracking and Awareness Response  System. This one-of-a-kind, and now nationally benchmarked program helps coordinate and coach ambulance districts, fire districts and community hospitals to know the specialized needs of medically complex patients inside their coverage area and get the appropriate, specialized training to care for these patients’ needs before they even arrive at the patient’s side. Program Coordinator/Paramedic, Nick Salzman and parents, Jamie and Tim Massinelli joined us to share how the program got started and the impact it has on both sides of the 911 call. 

He is a father of two boys. His favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. He is a refugee of the Iranian revolution and if we cued up his preferred walk-up song, it would be “Jump Around” by House of Pain. We are talking about Dr. Hossain Marandi, President of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. After a brief icebreaker which included a tater tot taste test (tots being one of his favorite pleasures) we had the privilege of talking with our first physician president about his childhood, his family’s escape from Iran, his lifelong calling to become a physician and the subject of DEVOTION: HIS devotion to Catholic ministry, his witnessed devotion of the Cardinal Glennon health care to our community, and our combined devotion to improving the healthcare landscape within our plans for the new hospital. Perhaps it isn’t coincidence that the original vision and success of Cardinal Glennon began with Dr. Peter Danis, a devoted physician – and that the beginnings of our next 70 years will be led by Dr. Marandi, also a physician. Tune in to this priceless final episode of Season 1 and visit glennon.org/podcast for all our Season 1 episodes and podcast updates!

Tune in for an unforgettable episode of “The Glennon Factor” as we dive into the compelling journey of retired pro-baseball player Matt Holliday and his wife Leslee. We’ll cover “all things Holliday” from first date memories to life in retirement, including their heartfelt reasons for staying connected to Cardinal Glennon. Joining us in studio is special guest co-host Maggie Bohannan, leukemia survivor and the first patient the Hollidays met more than 12 years ago! Little did Maggie know that her visit with them would result in life-changing impact for future patients and what Matt considers his “biggest accomplishment.” Also - be sure to stay tuned for the "Hot Seat" segment as the Hollidays tackle rapid-fire questions, offering a glimpse into their lighter side. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose. Commuting two and half hours one way each workday is an honor and a privilege for Aaron Wright, our podcast producer of "The Glennon Factor." Through his son’s journey with congenital heart disease during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaron and his family confronted fear, job loss, PTSD and more. Tune in to hear how his video journaling hobby evolved from a personal coping mechanism to becoming Senior Production Consultant for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation.

Diagnosed unexpectedly with cardiomyopathy, 15-year-old aspiring athlete, Jimmy Williams endured a 103-day wait for a new heart, forever transforming his life. Drawing from his book, Attitude of Grace, Jimmy's words serve as a guiding light throughout the episode, illuminating the importance of resilience and faith in the face of uncertainty. We're honored to share reflections from his remarkable journey, alongside his devoted parents, Jim and Shana, and his compassionate heart surgeon, Dr. Charles Huddleston from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

In this latest episode of "The Glennon Factor," we have the honor of chatting with Dr. Heidi Sallee, the remarkable and compassionate medical director of The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Dr. Sallee, with her deep roots in the hospital's history, shares invaluable lessons for aspiring physicians, emphasizing that while medical practices may evolve, the core of compassionate patient treatment remains timeless. Discover the heart behind pediatric care and the enduring legacy at the heart of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. It’ll be a touching exploration of medicine, compassion, and the essence of lasting patient connections.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions in the Season Premiere of "The Glennon Factor"! Join Sophie, her mom Jessica, and the incredible Dr. Lauren Draper from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital as they share Sophie's journey through osteosarcoma. Brace yourself for chemo tales, triumphs, and the heartwarming 'Tumor Funeral' that brought the whole medical team together. In this uplifting episode, Sophie dishes out advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. It's a dose of resilience, a sprinkle of hope, and the unbeatable Glennon Factor – all in one episode!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our podcast, 'The Glennon Factor'! Join us as we uncover the incredible stories and meaningful connections that make Cardinal Glennon an amazing place. Listen to our trailer and get ready for an inspiring journey ahead in 2024 and beyond!