Saturday Morning Lab

Introducing the Summer Tour!

Hey friends, during our off-season of Saturday Morning Lab, I'm excited to announce a limited series called the "Summer Tour". In these few episodes, I interview, scientists, academics, and other professionals from around the world to collect their stories, voices, and wisdoms. Stay tuned for Summer Tour episodes coming soon!

Season Finale: Michael Eisen says think about how you want science to operate!

In this finale episode of our second season, I sit down with Michael Eisen, Professor of Genetics and Development at UC Berkeley. We talk about how his love of sports inspired a career in science. We also talk about the challenges facing academia and its role in society. Mike is genuine, principled, and does not pull his punches. His informed perspective is helpful in addressing the systemic problems facing science, politics, and their often tense relationship.

Tom Vondriska says use your good fortune to pursue creative things.

On this penultimate episode of season 2, I sit down with my friend, Tom Vondriska. Tom is a Professor of Medicine at UCLA where he studies the role of chromatin dynamics in cardiovascular disease. We discuss his early beginnings in a small Ohio town, his path to research, and perspective on the role of science and safeguarding the public trust. Check out Tom's Substack to get more of his take on important issues.

Mariana says the road is never straight but worth traveling.

On this week's episode, I interview Mariana Weber, a kind and enthusiastic Medical Science Liaison.  We talk about her journey from a small town in Brazil to a PhD in microbiology, surviving layoffs and setbacks to land her first Medical Science Liaison role. Her secret? Resilience, mentorship, and taking ownership of her career. 

Jen Heemstra says don't be afraid to fail!

On this week's episode, I have the distinct privilege of sitting down with Professor Jen Heemstra. Jen is the chair of the chemistry department at  Washington University. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed book “Lab Work to Leadership”. She recounts her conservative upbringing, mentors who changed her path, finding research and academia, and wrangling with a surprising tenure setback. We also imposter syndrome, gratitude, and fostering kind and productive lab cultures where trainees drive ideas. 

Kim Prince says hold space for others with grace and compassion

On this week's episode, I chat with the insightful Kim Prince, an expert in functional neurology and creator of Neuro Resilience Training. We talk about her early years in a small town in Southern Illinois, her early passion for medicine, discovering occupational therapy and cognitive therapy. We discuss her important work using physical movement as a therapeutic strategy for mental health therapy. In our discussions, themes of faith, purpose, kindness, and grace come up as principles of her practice and life. 

Jennifer Bezaire says actions must come from a place of kindness.

On this week's episode, I have the joy of chatting with Jennifer Bezaire, a talented and kind cardiovascular perfusionist and movement educator. We discuss her experiences in the performing arts, her transition to nursing and ultimately cardiovascular perfusion. In this thoughtful discussion, we reflect on themes of self-exploration, care, what it means to provide healing to oneself and others and the universal values that matter. 

Teresa Sellinger says you are more than what you think!

On this week's episode I have a deep and thoughtful conversation with Teresa Sellinger, a Physician's Weekly Editor for Formedics. We discuss her early life in the Midwest, her early passion for journalism, transition to communications and marketing, and her rich professional life that led her to a career in medical writing and editing. Teresa's wealth of life experience is inspiring and her personal story is one of fortitude, vulnerability, and just genuine kindness. I learned so much, but I also dug up some old feelings.

Dr. Mel Thacker says find compassion in everything you do!

On this week's episode I have the privilege of chatting with Dr. Mel Thacker, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, TED speaker, and founder and Master Coach at The Surgeon Coach. She is also one of the leading voices for reform in the field of surgery and medicine in general. We discuss how a childhood surgery set her on a path to the profession. We also delve into her experiences with the systemic challenges and pressures facing the surgeons and the profession. This was one of my favorite episodes as the topics are not only relevant to surgery but to system reform at large. 

Catharine Young says seek the truth in things!

On this week's episode, I speak to the visionary Dr. Catharine Young, Senior Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health and former Assistant Director of the Cancer Moonshot Program under former President Biden. We discuss her early beginnings in South Africa, and her incredible career path through biomedical research, scientific policy, fellowship at the National Academy of Sciences and current role at Harvard Public Health. We also reflect on health policy and what inspires her during these singular times.