Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / Show

Send us Fan MailDr. Sanjoy Dutta, PhD, is the Chief Scientific Officer at JDRF International (https://www.jdrf.org/) a nonprofit organization that funds Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research, provides a broad array of community and activist services to the T1D population, and actively advocates for regulation favorable to medical research and approval of new and improved treatment modalities. Dr. Dutta oversees all of JDRF’s efforts to cure Type 1 Diabetes and improve the lives of those living with it, which includes beta cell therapies, immunotherapies, glucose control and related disease complications. He is also responsible for international partnerships with world-leading government, non-government, foundation and commercial organizations. Dr. Dutta joined JDRF in 2009. Prior to coming to JDRF, Dr. Dutta was the Associate Director of Translational Medicine and Clinical Biomarkers at Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Principal Scientist of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases at Hoffmann-La Roche. Dr. Dutta obtained his doctorate from the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Southern California and was a JDRF Postdoctoral Fellow in the department of cell biology and the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Joseph D. Mocanu, Ph.D. (https://www.vergehc.com/team) is the Managing Partner of the Verge HealthTech Fund, focusing on early stage healthcare technology companies relevant to emerging markets. Dr. Mocanu started his career as a scientist, developing new cancer therapies during his Ph.D. at the University of Toronto. He co-founded a medical device startup during his studies which brought him into the world of business and his first interactions with VCs. Dr. Mocanu first learned about active investing during his time at DM Capital in Shenzhen, helping launch their first fund, Harmony. He then joined Oliver Wyman’s health and life sciences practice to understand and develop strategies towards addressing key business and market needs for his global healthcare clients, and did so for over 75 projects, and across 20+ markets. During this time he also assisted several funds and conglomerates with their healthcare investment strategies. Seeing the need for more early stage investment for healthcare founders, and the opportunity for technology to make a real difference, Dr. Mocanu began angel investing in health tech companies in 2014, eventually reaching a personal portfolio of 9 companies by 2018. It was at that point that he realized that he needed to do this full time and that there weren't any funds that were focused on seed stage, health tech, and massive solving global problems, which is when he decided to launch Verge HealthTech later that year. Dr. Mocanu has a Ph.D. in medical biophysics from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University, specializing in the Health Sector and Entrepreneurship. Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Marilyn Roossinck Ph.D. (https://plantpath.psu.edu/directory/mjr25) is Professor Emeritus of plant pathology, environmental microbiology and biology at Penn State University. Dr. Roossinck is an expert on viruses, from their evolutionary pressures and mechanisms, to the ecology of viral diseases. She performed some of the first experimental evolution studies on plant viruses and pioneered the first virus discovery work in a terrestrial system, by deep sequencing wild plant samples. A specialty of hers is the symbiotic relationships between plants and so-called “beneficial viruses.” Dr. Roossinck completed her undergraduate work at the University of Colorado, Boulder, receiving a biology degree in 1982. Four years later, she earned her doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Roossinck joined Penn State as professor of plant pathology and environmental microbiology and of biology in 2011, holding appointments in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Eberly College of Science. She taught courses in virus ecology for several years at Penn State, and also has published both a popular press book about viruses entitled "Virus: An Illustrated Guide to 101 Incredible Microbes" as well as the academic text "Plant Virus Evolution".Support the show

Send us Fan MailSusan Bratton (https://susanbratton.com/), is an Intimacy Wellness Expert, Sexual Bio-Hacker, and self-proclaimed "Orgasmanaut", who is a champion and advocate for all those who desire life long intimacy and passion. Susan is co-founder and CEO of two corporations: Personal Life Media, Inc., a publisher of heart-connected lovemaking techniques and bedroom communication skills, and The20, LLC., a manufacturer of organic and botanical supplements that enhance sexual vitality. Susan is a best-selling author and publisher of 34 books and programs including Sexual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, Ravish Him, Steamy Sex Ed™, The Passion Patch, Hormone Balancing, and Hot To Trot. Susan is currently an official company spokesperson for both The Anti-Aging Group, LLC's GAINSWave®️ protocol, and The Dr. Joel Kaplan Inc. brand of vacuum erection devices. Her book, Pump Guide, has helped over 30,000 men regain their sexual performance in midlife and beyond. Susan has been featured in the New York Times and on CNBC and the TODAY show as well as frequent appearances on ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC. You can find The Susan Bratton Show® at BetterLover.com, her personal shares on Instagram @susanbratton, her lust-for-life supplements, FLOW and DESIRE at The20store.com, and her Expanded Orgasm Couples Practice guides at https://expandherorgasmtonight.com/Support the show

Send us Fan MailDonato Tramuto is a healthcare executive, global health activist, and author who is widely recognized for his commitment to social change and transformational leadership in healthcare innovation. Mr. Tramuto is the Founder and Chair of The TramutoPorter Foundation (https://tramutofoundation.com/) which advances young people’s rights to education and healthcare access and combats human right violations. Mr. Tramuto's three-decade commitment to social change and innovation has earned numerous awards, including both the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope and the RFK Embracing His Legacy Awards, and he currently serves as a member of the board of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and is Chairman of its Leadership Council where his foundation has committed to funding a three-year, $1 million grant to address workplace bullying, leading a national initiative to address workplace dignity and inclusion in the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Tramuto is a passionate champion of cutting-edge approaches to healthcare access, drug safety, and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH), defined by the World Health Organization as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Mr. Tramuto has a long record of bringing together social commitment with healthcare innovation, including roles as CEO of Tivity Health, a provider of health improvement, fitness and social engagement solutions, and founder of Physicians Interactive Holdings (Aptus Health sold to WebMD in 2019), a global provider of insight-driven digital engagement solutions for healthcare professionals and consumers. Reflecting a conviction that universal healthcare is a basic human right for all people, he launched Health eVillages in 2011, a non-profit organization providing state-of-the-art mobile health technology in the most challenging clinical environments and working to broaden healthcare access. Mr. Tramuto is a member of the Brown University Healthcare Leadership Board, as well as a member of the Advisory Board of Boston University School of Public Health. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Livongo Health Foundation, Sharecare, Inc., Cherish Health Inc., Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Europe, Health eVillages, and the Gryphon Investment Executive Advisory Board. He is the mastermind behind a groundbreaking 360° public service campaign and annual summit addressing challenges unique to older adults, including the too-often overlooked issues of isolation and loneliness. A proponent of lifelong learning, Mr. Tramuto holds honorary doctorates from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Thomas Jefferson University, Lasell College and Saint Joseph’s College, and is the author of Life’s Bulldozer Moments: How Adversity Leads to Success in Life and Business. Mr. Tramuto’s second book, The Double Bottom Line, How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results, will be released in April of 2022.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAnna Farberov is General Manager at PepsiCo Labs (https://labs.pepsico.com/), where she focuses on investments and partnerships in the areas of Tech Venturing, Value Chain, Data & Analytics, Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) and Sustainability, and via their investments in the start-up community, works with entrepreneurs to co-develop products and services for PepsiCo, Inc. the American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation. Prior to PepsiCo Labs, Anna spent 7 years at P&G in finance and business development roles, as well as 2 years as Head of Strategy and Planning at Discount Investment Corp Ltd., Israel's leading holding company operating in the fields of Real Estate, Telecommunications, Technology, Agriculture, and Asset Management. As the leader of PepsiCo Labs engagements with cutting edge technology and investments in startups globally, Anna is at the forefront of PepsiCo’s planning for the future. Given her extensive experience in finance, business strategy, innovation and Consumer Packaged Goods, she brings invaluable perspective and insights to the startups in PepsiCo Labs. Fluent in three languages, and an avid relationship builder, Anna partners with PepsiCo’s senior leaders to create value for both PepsiCo and startups. Anna has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with a focus in Finance from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya).Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Wilhelmina Hoffman, MD, is a geriatric physician, who serves Headmaster and CEO of Silviahemmet (https://www.silviahemmet.se/), a non-profit foundation devoted to improving the quality of life for persons affected by dementia and their families. The foundation was inaugurated by H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden on Valentines Day in 1996. Silviahemmet’s philosophy of care includes person-centered care, family support, teamwork and communication – all aiming at the highest possible quality of life for both the person with dementia and the family. Silviahemmet also offers training in various professional categories within the healthcare and social care sectors and arranges courses for families and other informal caregivers. Dr. Hoffman is also President of the Swedish Dementia Center (https://www.demenscentrum.se/), the national center for excellence in the field of dementia which collects, structures and disseminates knowledge about dementia. One of Swedish Dementia Center's principal tasks is to strengthen the links between research and practice and to communicate evidence based knowledge in a practical setting to health and social care givers. In collaboration with authorities and organizations, they work to inspire and promote the development of a more dementia-friendly society.Support the show

Send us Fan MailKeren Haruvi is President of Sandoz US and Head of their North America business (https://www.novartis.us/about-us/our-leadership/us-country-leadership/keren-haruvi). Sandoz is a division of the Novartis Group and a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars and was established in 2003, when Novartis united all of its generics businesses under the name Sandoz – a single global brand with a long history. Since then, Sandoz has grown into a leading global generics business with annual sales of approximately US$10 billion. In her current role, Keren leads Sandoz’ largest commercial and country organization – the United States – which is responsible for over 35% of Sandoz global revenue. She also oversees Sandoz commercial operations in Canada. In addition to serving on the Novartis Country Leadership Team, Keren is a member of the Global Sandoz Executive Committee. Prior to joining Sandoz, Keren served as Global Head of M&A at Novartis International AG. Her early career began at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries where she steadily advanced in leadership roles to Senior VP, Global Business Development and Alliance Management. Keren is a value creator in the biopharmaceutical space, and brings close to 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, marked by success leading major M&A deals, enterprise innovations, and complex market strategies for large-scale, sustainable growth. Keren holds an MBA in Finance from Bar Ilan University and a Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Chemistry from Tel Aviv University. Nominated for Top 40 Under 40 in The Marker magazine, she exemplifies the insight and wisdom needed to move global organizations forward. Outside of work, Keren enjoys spending time with her 5 children. She is an avid runner with one marathon and 3 half-marathons under her belt.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Joel Mozer is the Director of Science, Technology, and Research, United States Space Force (https://www.spaceforce.mil/). With a PhD in Physics, and MS in Atmospheric Science, from University of Arizona, Dr. Mozer serves as the principal scientific advisor to the Commander and is the senior authority for all science and technology matters for an organization of approximately 11,000 space professionals worldwide, and manages a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and launch facilities. In this role, he interacts with other principals, operational commanders, combatant commands, acquisition, and international communities to address cross-organizational science and technical issues and solutions. Dr. Mozer represents USSF science and technology on decisions, high-level planning, and policy, building coalitions and alliances throughout the U.S. government, industry, academia, the international community, and other scientific and technology organizations. Dr. Mozer entered government service in 1992 with the U.S. Air Force. Prior to his current assignment, he was Chief Space Experimentalist of the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicle Directorate. In that role, he was responsible for managing AFRL's $40 million-per-year investment in research and development related to the development of experimental satellites and payloads and conducted a team of 100 engineers and scientists at Kirtland and Holloman Air Force Bases, New Mexico — all working to develop cost-effective ways to assemble, integrate, test and fly novel spacecraft and systems and demonstrating new concepts for Department of Defense systems and missions. His area of specialization relates to space control and remote sensing — understanding the natural and man-made space environment and developing forecast tools for warfighters, theater battle commanders and other decision-makers to mitigate risks. Dr. Mozer has more than 30 years of space science, engineering, management, and financial experience working space and ground systems for the DoD. In addition to the Integrated Experiments Division, he served as Chief of the Battlespace Environment Division and led the laboratory’s Space Weather Center of Excellence and was a scientist at the National Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak. Before arriving at AFRL, Dr. Mozer worked at the Air Force’s Radar Attenuation and Scattering facility at Holloman AFB developing measurement and analysis techniques to study the radar cross-section of low-observable aircraft and technology. Prior to that, he worked for the Army’s Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory developing techniques to quantify the effects of natural and man-made battlefield obscurants on electro-optical sensors.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Ashani Weeraratna, Ph.D., (https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3918/ashani-t-weeraratna) is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Chair, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Weeraratna is also a recently appointed member (by President Joe Biden), of the National Cancer Advisory Board (https://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/ncab/ncab.htm), which advises and assists the director of the National Cancer Institute on the activities of the national cancer program. Dr. Weeraratna is a groundbreaking researcher exploring crucial questions about the role aging plays in cancer and her findings on age-related differences in responses to both targeted therapy and immuno-therapy for cancer are leading to a change in clinical practice. Dr. Weeraratna studies the molecular mechanisms involved in metastasis and how tumor micro-environments affect melanoma progression and therapy resistance. She is interested in how the aging micro-environment guides changes leading to increased metastasis and therapy resistance, as well as cell-autonomous aspects of therapy resistance. Dr. Weeraratna’s research also encompasses biophysical changes that affect the ability of both tumor and immune cells to migrate. She has demonstrated that normal age-related changes in the micro-environment can contribute to multiple aspects of melanoma formation and development as well as therapy resistance. Dr. Weeraratna’s work in melanoma prevention includes a public health approach. She recently helped lead a campaign to introduce sunblock dispensers throughout Philadelphia and talk to children about the dangers of tanning. Dr. Weeraratna is also the author of Is Cancer Inevitable? which clearly describes cancer’s mechanisms and how teams like hers are finding ways to reduce its deadly impacts. The book is part of the Johns Hopkins Wavelengths series. Dr. Weeraratna joined Johns Hopkins University as a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in 2019 from the Wistar Institute where she established her lab back in 2011, and prior to that was at the National Institute on Aging, since 2003. Dr. Weeraratna earned a doctorate in Molecular and Cellular Oncology from George Washington University Medical Center and completed post-graduate training and was a postdoctoral fellow in experimental therapeutics and pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, then known as the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Support the show