A Dose of Optimism

When a child becomes seriously ill, parents often find themselves navigating overwhelming information, emotions, and decisions, all while trying to stay present for their families. In this episode, we meet two remarkable innovators whose ideas were born from these very moments.Aubrey Kelly, CEO of Rabble Health, shares the story of her son’s leukemia diagnosis, the emotional and logistical realities of living at a children’s hospital, and how that experience reshaped her understanding of patient support. Drawing on her biopharma background, she explains why she created Rabble Health to help families access information, resources, and shared decision-making tools when they need them most.We also meet Ella Casano, the Stanford student who invented Medi-Teddy at age 12 after seeing how intimidating IV bags looked to children receiving treatment. What began as a school project has now supported more than 15,000 pediatric patients worldwide through a nonprofit committed to making care feel a little less frightening.This conversation highlights how families, through lived experience, creativity, and determination, can drive meaningful improvements in pediatric healthcare.Connect with Aubrey Kelly:Aubrey Kelly LinkedInRabble Health WebsiteRabble Health LinkedInMyRabble AppConnect with Ella Casano:Medi Teddy WebsiteMedi Teddy InstagramElla Casano LinkedInElla Casano InstagramMake a tax-deductible donation to 501(c)3 nonprofit at www.medi-teddy.orgConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn

Food allergies affect millions of children across the U.S., but what if many could be prevented before they start?In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni speaks with Daniel Zakowski, CEO of Ready, Set, Food!, and Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac, pediatric allergist and immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic, about the groundbreaking science and strategies behind early allergen introduction.Daniel Zakowski shares how a personal family experience led to the creation of Ready, Set, Food!, a company making it simple for parents to safely introduce common allergens like peanut, egg, and milk during infancy. He explains the public health impact, from insurance coverage to Medicaid partnerships and legislative progress across states.Dr. Bjelac brings the clinical perspective, breaking down decades of research and the pivotal LEAP study that changed everything, proving that early exposure can reduce peanut allergy by more than 70%. She explains the connection between eczema and food allergies, and why empowering parents with the right information can transform lives.It’s an inspiring look at how science, innovation, and advocacy are reshaping the future of childhood health, one spoonful at a time.Episode Resources:Centene Corporation: Managed Care & Healthcare SolutionsAetna: Health Insurance PlansMedicaid: Keeping America HealthyLearning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP)Oral immunotherapy (OIT)Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)Epicutaneous Immunotherapy (EPIT)Peanut Allergy DropAllergy Therapeutics advances peanut allergy vaccine with promising early trial dataConnect with Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac:Cleveland Clinic - Dr. Jaclyn BjelacCleveland Clinic Instagram Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac LinkedInDr. Jaclyn Bjelac InstagramConnect with Daniel Zakowski:Ready. Set. Food! WebsiteReady. Set. Food! InstagramDaniel Zakowski LinkedInConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedInThe content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors o

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni sits down with Dr. David Feinberg, Chairman of Oracle Health and one of the most influential leaders in modern medicine. From his beginnings as a pediatric psychiatrist to leading organizations like UCLA Health, Geisinger, Google Health, and now Oracle Health, Dr. Feinberg has always focused on one thing: making healthcare more compassionate, connected, and human.Together, they explore how artificial intelligence and data are transforming care, not by replacing doctors, but by empowering them. Dr. Feinberg shares how Oracle Health is building a more open, equitable system that connects patients, providers, and communities in ways that make care simpler and smarter. It’s a conversation about innovation, empathy, and the belief that better data can lead to better care, and ultimately, better lives.Episode Resources:Oracle Health EHROutlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter AttiaConnect with David Feinberg:David Feinberg LinkedInOracle Health WebsiteOracle Health LinkedInConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.” 

What does the future of diabetes and nutrition look like for kids?In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni speaks with two remarkable pediatricians shaping that future from different angles. Dr. Larry Deeb, a pioneer in pediatric endocrinology, looks back on five decades of diabetes care, from the days of urine glucose tests to the revolutionary technology of continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin pumps. He explains how innovation has transformed type 1 diabetes from a life-limiting illness into a manageable condition and shares what’s next in early screening and prevention. Then, Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam joins to discuss how food access and education are central to preventing chronic disease. She shares the story behind Home Plate, a six-week food-skills program that empowers parents to cook healthy meals, strengthen family connections, and build long-term health habits from a child’s first 1,000 days of life.Together, they paint a picture of a future where science, empathy, and systems-level change work hand-in-hand to help children live longer, healthier lives.Episode Resources:Home Plate: An Intervention Empowering Low-income Parents to Prepare Healthy Food at HomeWIC: USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenSNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramSNAP-Ed ConnectionConnect with Dr. Larry Deeb:Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare WebsiteLife for a Child WebsiteLife for a Child InstagramDr. Larry Deeb LinkedInConnect with Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam:The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia WebsiteUniversity of PennsylvaniaDr. Senbagam Virudachalam LinkedInConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.” 

This episode of A Dose of Optimism explores how technology and compassion are reshaping the autism journey, from early diagnosis to innovative therapy.Host Omkar Kulkarni talks with Dr. Colleen Kraft, past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about how pediatricians are identifying developmental differences earlier than ever. She explains how AI tools like Canvas Dx, developed by Cognoa, are helping families get answers faster and start life-changing interventions while children’s brains are still rapidly developing. Dr. Sharief Taraman, a pediatric neurologist and CEO of Cognoa, shares how technology is expanding access to care by reducing wait times and empowering more clinicians to diagnose and support children with autism.The conversation continues with Vijay Ravindran, founder and CEO of Floreo, who describes how virtual reality is being used to teach social and life skills in a safe, immersive environment. His platform is helping children practice everything from crossing the street to making friends, turning therapy into a truly interactive learning experience.From AI to VR, these breakthroughs are giving families hope, access, and the support they need, proving that innovation in children’s health is both possible and powerful.Connect with Colleen Kraft:Colleen Kraft LinkedInConnect with Sharief Taraman:Cognoa WebsiteCognoa InstagramSharief Taraman LinkedInSharief Taraman InstagramConnect with Vijay Ravindran:Floreo WebsiteFloreo InstagramVijay Ravindran LinkedInRead:NYC autism school embraces VR to teach social skills and boost learningSchools turn to VR to develop a ‘future-ready’ neurodivergent workforceFor people with disabilities, stressful situations may be traumatic. VR can help | OpinionConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.” 

What if every family could access nutritious food as easily as sending a text message?In this week’s episode of A Dose of Optimism, Dr. Jessica Knurick, nutrition scientist and science communicator, and Adam Dole, co-founder and COO of Bento, explore the intersection of food, health, and equity.Jessica breaks down how food deserts, systemic policies, and income inequality affect children’s health, and why nutrition should be seen as a public health priority, not a personal choice. Adam shares how Bento, named one of TIME’s Best Inventions and a Fast Company World Changing Idea, is using technology to fight food insecurity, delivering fresh groceries to families in need while preserving dignity and privacy.🎧 Listen in to discover how innovation, empathy, and policy can create a healthier, more equitable food future for every child.Episode Resources:WIC - Women, Infants, and ChildrenNot Impossible LabsConnect with Jessica Knurick:Jessica Knurick WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokFacebookDr. Jessica Knurick SubstackConnect with Adam Dole:Bento WebsiteAdam Dole LinkedInConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.” 

In this first episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni explores how schools are becoming powerful allies in improving children’s health and well-being.Omkar speaks with Dr. Smita Malhotra, Chief Medical Director for the Los Angeles Unified School District, who shares how her team is reimagining schools as centers for mental, dental, and medical care, bringing services directly to students and families who need them most. He’s also joined by Andrew Post, President of Hazel Health, whose company is pioneering school-based telehealth, giving students access to physical and mental health providers right from the classroom. They discuss access, equity, and the future of pediatric healthcare delivery, one that meets kids where they are, in the place they spend most of their day: school.🎧 Listen now to see how technology, compassion, and collaboration are shaping a brighter, healthier future for every child.Episode Resources:TelehealthTelemental HealthHeat IndexLos Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES)MedicaidHealth Net of CaliforniaConnect with Dr. Smita Malhotra:Smita Malhotra, MD WebsiteInstagram: @drsmita_mdLinkedInConnect with Andrew Post:Hazel Health WebsiteLinkedInConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.” 

Dose of Optimism, hosted by Omkar Kulkarni.Healthcare is full of challenges, but it’s also full of optimists.Hosted by Omkar Kulkarni, Dose of Optimism introduces you to the innovators, clinicians, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors who believe the future of healthcare can, and will, be brighter.Each episode shines a light on bold ideas and inspiring solutions in healthcare: from tackling mental health and food allergies to reimagining hospital care and harnessing Artificial Intelligence for better outcomes.Through authentic conversations, you’ll hear the stories of people who are not only solving today’s hardest healthcare problems but doing so with hope, creativity, and resilience.🎙️ New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe today for your regular dose of optimism.“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.”