Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / Show

Send us Fan MailCristina Durán is President of Evinova ( https://evinova.com/ ), a healthtech company empowering global life sciences organizations to accelerate better health outcomes with a suite of globally scaled digital health solutions, empowering sites, sponsors and contract research organizations to optimize the entire clinical development lifecycle.Prior to launching Evinova in November 2023, Cristina led AstraZeneca’s Digital Health function in Research & Development (R&D) across key therapy areas: Oncology; Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism; and Respiratory and Immunology.Cristina previously held senior leadership roles at AstraZeneca across global commercial, in-country commercial, finance and R&D, and led a global transformation in clinical development across R&D functions, focusing on patients’ experiences and outcomes with benefits delivered globally.Before joining AstraZeneca, Cristina was a senior management consultant at Accenture, leading large transformation programs, including the set up, from scratch, of a new joint venture between two technology companies, which is now a major business for a top retailer, as well as guiding business transformation strategy reviews and implementing global change initiatives for large telecoms.Cristina is passionate about innovation and increasing enterprise value by inspiring organizations to change for the future and has spoken about using innovative technologies to transform patients' lives at conferences, including the Digital Health World Congress, HLTH EU, BiotechX EU, and the Financial Times Global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Conference. Cristina is a chartered accountant (CIMA) and has completed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Leading Enterprise Transformation program.#CristinaDuran #Evinova #AstraZeneca #DigitalHealth #ClinicalTrials #PatientExperience #RemoteMonitoring #DecentralizedClinicalTrials #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Science #Technology #Research #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcastSupport the show

Send us Fan MailProfessor Dr. Anders Hviid ( https://en.ssi.dk/about-us/contact/employees/a/anders-peter-hviid-aii ) is Head of Department and Professor of Epidemiology at the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark — one of the world’s foremost public health and infectious disease research centers.Professor Dr. Hviid has dedicated his career to using large-scale population data to answer critical questions in medicine and public health. His expertise lies in pharmacoepidemiology, vaccine safety, and the long-term health outcomes of medical interventions. Over the years, he has become internationally recognized for his rigorous, evidence-based research that directly informs vaccine policy and clinical practice around the world.Perhaps most notably, Professor Dr. Hviid has led groundbreaking studies using Denmark’s unique nationwide health registries to investigate the safety of childhood vaccines. His work has been pivotal in debunking claims of links between vaccines and autism, as well as reassuring the global public about the safety of vaccines against influenza, HPV, and COVID-19. These studies are widely cited and have influenced not only European but also global vaccination guidelines.In addition to his research, Professor Dr. Hviid is a frequent contributor to the scientific literature, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications in top journals, and he is often called upon to advise governments, health agencies, and international organizations on vaccine safety and public health monitoring.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Professor Dr. Hviid represents a new generation of epidemiologists who bridge data science, medicine, and public trust — ensuring that scientific evidence can serve as a guide for both policy and individual health decisions.Professor Dr. Hviid received his of Doctor of Medical Science in Epidemiology, from University of Copenhagen and his Master of Science (M.Sc.), in Mathematics and Statistics from Aalborg University.#AndersHviid #StatensSerumInstitut #Pharmacoepidemiology #VaccineSafety #ChildhoodVaccines #Debunking #RfkJr #Epidemiology #UniversityOfCopenhagen #ChildhoodVaccination #Thimerosal #AluminumAdsorbedVaccines #InfectiousDisease #PublicHealth #AntimicrobialResistance #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailKurt Avery is the Founder and Owner of Sawyer Products  ( https://www.sawyer.com/) and currently serves as President. Sawyer is a leading provider of high-performance outdoor protection products, specializing in water filtration, insect repellents, sunscreens, and first aid solutions. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Safety Harbor, Florida, Sawyer is committed to safeguarding individuals from microscopic threats in both wilderness and everyday settings. Their innovative products utilize advanced technologies, such as time-released liposome insect repellents, to ensure effective and long-lasting protection. Beyond product development, Sawyer is deeply invested in social responsibility, partnering with over 140 nonprofits across more than 80 countries to provide clean water solutions to underserved communities.Kurt is also the founder of the Sawyer Foundation ( https://www.sawyerfoundation.org/ ) and through initiatives like the installation of Sawyer filters and wells, the company has positively impacted over 28 million lives globally.Before founding Sawyer, Kurt served as a marketer for several globally known brands. Kurt is passionate about and committed to creating disease-free water for life in communities throughout the world. He is a graduate of Hope College and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.Kurt is also an accomplished author with his book Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World ( https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Think-Company-Disrupts-Markets-ebook/dp/B0DNKDRYD5 ) available at all major book sellers.#KurtAvery #SawyerProducts #SawyerFoundation #OutdoorProtectionProducts #WaterFiltration #InsectRepellents #Sunscreens #FirstAidSolutions #GlobalWaterCrisis #WaterborneIllness #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailCourtney Barriger ( https://www.courtneybarriger.com/ ) is a fashion expert, sustainability advocate, writer, and entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to reimagining the way we create and consume clothing. After building a successful career in the fashion world, Courtney shifted her focus to tackling the urgent environmental and ethical issues caused by fast fashion. She has since launched several sustainability-driven initiatives that combine style with conscious design, helping brands and consumers alike make choices that respect both people and the planet.Courtney’s work spans across consulting, content creation, and advocacy, where she educates global audiences about the hidden costs of fashion and the innovations leading us toward a more sustainable future. Through her voice and vision, she has become a leading figure in the movement to transform fashion from one of the world’s most polluting industries into one of its greatest opportunities for positive change.Courtney’s apparel line Holding Court ( https://holdingcourtinc.com/ ) was featured in Vanity Fair and GQ and won the Sustainability Award at iHollywood Film Festival and the prize of Americas It Girl on the eponymous TV Show on Oprah's WE TV network.Courtney has written investigative pieces and deep dives into culture and power dynamics for the LA Times and has been honored as "The Future of Fashion" by United Nations non-profit, Fashion Fights Poverty.Courtney is also the producer and host of Environmental Style Now, a leading international information hub on sustainable and ethical fashion, where she and contributors explain the science and sustainability of fashion to shoppers and industry pros alike with prominent guests like Adrian Grenier and Fair Trade.Courtney frequently serves as a guest lecturer at universities in the United States and internationally and conducts art exhibitions, films and literature that push the conversation for sustainability in fashion.Courtney is an accomplished author with her book ReFashion Workshop: The Planet Healing Mindset ( https://www.amazon.com/ReFashion-Workshop-Planet-Healing-Courtney-Barriger/dp/1803414227 ) which just came out in April 2025.Courtney studied Communications, International Relations, Broadcasting and Broadcast Journalism at the University of North Florida.#CourtneyBarriger #Clothing #Fashion #Sustainability #FastFashion #HoldingCourt #FutureOfFashion #EnvironmentalStyle #ReFashionWorkshop #CircularManufacturing #SustainableDesign #CircularOffsets #OrganicTextiles #EthicalManufacturing #SustainableClothingCare #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWarren Roberts is CEO and Founder of Living Legacy Forest ( https://livinglegacyforest.com/ ), an innovative profit-for-purpose company and leader in green memorialization reforestation, which is creating urban memorial forests by turning human (and pet) ashes into trees and living memorial forests, instead of cemeteries, with the ultimate goal of reforesting the planet.With the Living Legacy treatment protocols, the company is focusing on return human ashes to the earth without causing harm to the eco-system, and as human ashes have the same pH as bleach or oven cleaner, and contain 200-2,000 times the amount of salt normally used to fertilize most trees, their organic processes gradually detoxify ashes so they are not harmful to soil and tree health.Living Legacy Forest was founded in Melbourne, Australia and they have successfully created multiple dedicated Living memorial forests, including at sites in Altona, Lillydale and Fawkner. Warren has a Bachelor degree of business in Property from RMIT University. #WarrenRoberts #LivingLegacyForest #GreenMemorialization #Reforestation #UrbanMemorialForests #Cemeteries #Cremation #Burial #LivingLegacyTree #TreeBurial #Taphophile #Funerals #Tombstone  #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Jacob Lalezari, MD is the Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn ( https://www.cytodyn.com/ ), a biopharma company committed to enhancing the lives of patients through target specific medicine and a next generation of monoclonal antibody therapeutics. CytoDyn’s team is focused on developing leronlimab, a monoclonal antibody CCR5 receptor antagonist, to be used as a platform drug for a variety of indications. Dr. Lalezari brings over 34 years of industry experience to CytoDyn, including nearly 20 years of experience with leronlimab, also known as PRO 140, and he previously served as interim CEO and Chief Medical Officer and has been a member of the Company’s scientific advisory board for the past several years.  Dr. Lalezari has previously served as the CEO and Medical Director of Quest Clinical Research and served as the Chief Medical Officer of Virion Therapeutics. Dr. Lalezari has served as Principal Investigator for Phase I, II, and III clinical studies of new therapies for such viral diseases as HIV/AIDS, CMV, HPV, HSV, Hepatitis B and C, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, including clinical trials conducted by the Company. His work has been published extensively and he is a well-regarded international speaker and patient advocate. Dr. Lalezari received his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, his M.A. from the University of Virginia, and his B.A. from the University of Rochester. He also holds a board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine.#JacobLalezari #Cytodyn #MonoclonalAntibody #Leronlimab #CCR5Receptor #CCR5Antagonist #ChemokineReceptor5 #HIV #AutoimmuneDisorders #HIVCoReceptor #Macrophages #DendriticCells #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #TLymphocytes #MetastaticColorectalCancer #PD1 #ProgrammedCellDeathProtein1 #Oncology #Immunooncology #Cancer #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Reynold A. Panettieri, Jr, MD ( https://ritms.rutgers.edu/faculty/reynold-panettieri/ ) is the inaugural Director of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, and Vice Chancellor for Translational Medicine and Science, at Rutgers University, and previously served as the Director of the Airways Biology Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Panettieri’s interests include the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate airway smooth muscle cell growth and the immunobiology of airway smooth muscle, which lead to the irreversible airflow obstruction and airway remodeling seen in patients with chronic severe asthma. Dr. Panettieri’s lab also focuses on cytosolic signaling pathways that mediate gene expression and alter myocyte growth.Dr. Panettieri also served as the Deputy Director of the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania. He directed the human exposure chamber that defines the molecular mechanisms regulating ozone- and particulate matter-induced airway hyperresponsiveness.In addition to his research and clinical interests, Dr. Panettieri served as chairperson of the NIH Lung Cellular, Molecular, and Immunobiology Study Section, is a member of the NIH Distinguished Editorial Panel, and is a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and Association of American Physicians.Dr. Panettieri has an M.D. from University of Pennsylvania, and completed hisResidency and Fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.Important Episode Links - As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild AsthmaPublished May 19, 2025New England Journal Of Medicine -https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2504544BATURA Study Press Release - https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2025/statistically-significant-clinically-meaningful-batura-phase-iii-trial-provide-evidence-airsupra-standard-care-as-needed-rescue-treatment-asthma.htmlAIRSUPRA (albuterol/budesonide) is a prescription medication used as a rescue inhaler for adults with asthma -https://www.airsupra.com/#ReynoldPanettieri #InstituteForTranslationalMedicineAndScience #RutgersUniversity #Asthma #COPD #ChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease #AirwaysBiology #UniversityOfPennsylvania #Immunobiology #EnvironmentalHealth #Bronchiectasis #IdiopathicPulmonaryFibrosis #InterstitialLungDiseases #RescueInhalers #Albuterol #AIRSUPRA #Budesonide #Corticosteroid #BATURA #AstraZeneca #Exposome #RespiratoryDiseases #InflammatoryResponse   #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailAlex Reed is a Co-founder, President and CCO of Yokogawa Fluence Analytics ( https://www.fluenceanalytics.com/ ), a manufacturer of systems that produce continuous data streams enabling real-time optimization of manufacturing and R&D processes. The company, formerly known as Fluence Analytics, is a division of the Yokogawa Electric Corporation ( https://www.yokogawa.com/ ).Prior to founding Fluence Analytics, Alex worked as the Associate Director for Operations and Strategy at Tulane-PolyRMC (Center for Polymer Reaction Monitoring and Characterization), an R&D center which is active in fundamental and applied polymer research.​Alex co-founded Advanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies (APMT) in 2012 to commercialize technologies developed at Tulane-PolyRMC. His vision and leadership took the University spin-out from patented laboratory concepts to a company delivering innovative products for process monitoring and optimization for chemical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers.​In 2017 APMT became Fluence Analytics to emphasize its focus on continuous process analytics and better reflect the company’s vision for the future of polymer and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. As the CEO of Fluence Analytics, Alex works with customers, team members and other stakeholders to develop and execute the strategic vision of the company. Alex serves on the boards for the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition and the Applied Polymer Technology Extension Consortium. Alex holds a B.A. in Economics and Latin American Studies and a minor in Business Administration from Tulane University. In 2016 Forbes recognized Alex as a 30 under 30 recipient, and he has been recognized with several local entrepreneur and innovation awards.#AlexReed #YokogawaFluenceAnalytics #Polymers #Polymerization #Biophysics #Macromolecules #TechTransfer #SmartManufacturing #Biopharmaceuticals #Entrepreneurship #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Paul Jaffe, Ph.D. ( https://www.darpa.mil/about/people/paul-jaffe ) is a Program Manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, where he oversees the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay ( POWER - https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/power ) project, which aims to revolutionize energy distribution through airborne wireless power transfer, enabling high power beaming, radically reshape society’s relationship with energy, and unlocking power opportunities everywhere, from energy-starved communities to space colonies and everything in between.Prior to joining DARPA, Dr. Jaffe spent 30 years as an engineer and researcher at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). At the NRL, he led or held major roles on dozens of space missions and breakthrough technology development programs for NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the military services, and other sponsors. These include the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI), the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), TacSat-1, TacSat-4, Operationally Responsive Space (ORS), the Photovoltaic Radiofrequency Antenna Module (PRAM), the Microwave Imager/Sounder (MIS), CARINA, Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS), Power TRansmitted Over Laser (PTROL), Space Solar for Forward Operating Bases and Remote Installations (S2FOBs), the Light-Emitting Rectenna STEM demonstration on the International Space Station (LEctenna), and the Space Wireless Energy Laser Link (SWELL) which was the first demonstration of optical power beaming in space.Dr. Jaffe served as a coordinator of the NRL’s seminal studies of the military applications of space solar, and as an editor of the study groups’ acclaimed final reports. He was the principal investigator for a ground-breaking research effort involving the development and testing of modules for conversion of sunlight into microwaves. The modules have a number of potential applications, including satellites for space solar, and have been launched and tested in space via the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) and have returned valuable data to inform future efforts. He was also the champion for the first power beaming STEM demonstration in space, conducted on the International Space Station by Astronaut Jessica Meir. Dr. Jaffe is the lead author of a 2024 book, "Power Beaming: History, Theory, and Practice", a textbook covering various methods of power beaming, including both RF (microwave) and optical (laser) technologies.Dr. Jaffe received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, graduating with honors. He earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park.Important Episode Links - - DARPA Connect - https://www.darpa.mil/about/darpaconnect- DARPA breaks power beaming record - https://www.darpa.mil/news/2025/darpa-program-distance-record-power-beaming- Short video explaining the record-breaking effort - https://youtube.com/shorts/l94FsFATQZI?si=Vr29mNBYglP2GnIo- Dissertation on conversion modules for space solar - https://drum.lib.umd.edu/items/dcb3d60d-55bb-4044-9b41-edca792caa4c- How to build a LEctenna - https://www.nrl.navy.mil/STEM/LEctenna-Challenge/- Power beaming book - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Beaming-Scientific-Technologies-Bar-Cohen/dp/9811243107- 2016 space solar pitch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9dQsRv1XDg- More about SWELL - https://www.navy.mil/DesktopModules/ArticleCS/Print.aspx?PortalId=1&ModuleId=523Support the show

Send us Fan MailMartin Burns is the CEO of Bruin Biometrics, a platform company focused on digital solutions for pressure injury prevention and management, where since 2012 he has designed and led the successful journey of Bruin Biometrics’ Provizio SEM Scanner ( https://sem-scanner.com/) through the company’s concept-to-commercialization “formulas strategy”. Significant milestones along the way that Martin has presided over include FDA de novo Marketing Authorization (2018), CE Marking (2013) and in 2020 he negotiated a global distribution arrangement and investment with Arjo. Martin also has extensive experience in management consulting with prominent firms such as Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). In these roles, he led corporate strategy and business transformation projects for medical device and life sciences companies.Martin earned his MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, where he is a guest speaker on healthcare strategy and medical device marketing courses, and his BA from the London School of Economics.#MartinBurns #BruinBiometrics #PressureInjury #Provizio #BedSores #PressureUlcers #SubEpidermalMoisture #Biocapacitance #MedicalTechnology#ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show