Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, hosts Heather Matthews and Lauren DeMoss chat with Dr. Juliana Blum, CEO of BioAesthetics, a biomaterials company pioneering next-generation acellular grafts for tissue regeneration. Dr. Blum shares how her team is developing grafts that not only integrate into damaged tissue but also deliver embedded therapeutics to improve healing, reduce infection, and shorten recovery times for patients with burns, surgical wounds, and chronic ulcers. We also hear about her passion for startups, lessons learned from co-founding Humacyte, and why North Carolina is an ideal hub for biotech innovation. Tune in for a great episode!

Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, hosts Heather Matthews and Seth Hudson welcome episode guest Ron Phillips, Senior Vice President of Policy for the Animal Health Institute. Representing companies that develop medicines for pets and livestock, Ron shares insights on the similarities and differences between human and animal drug development as well as why innovation and regulatory modernization are critical for the future of animal health. The conversation also explores challenges in clinical trials, consumer acceptance, and the growing importance of the One Health concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health. Tune in now!

This episode, Heather and Seth record at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting with Tom Croce, Vice President of Global Patient Advocacy and Engagement at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Tom shares how his team integrates patient perspectives across the entire drug development and commercialization process, and why “patient centricity” is transforming the pharmaceutical industry. We explore the growing role of patient input in clinical trials, the future of advocacy-driven innovation, and more. Tune in for an insightful discussion on building better treatments by listening to the people who need them most.

Former UofSC Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw joins us to share his powerful story of surviving sudden cardiac arrest and how that life-changing moment inspired him to launch Heart Huddle, a nonprofit dedicated to CPR training and AED access. Connor opens up about the shock of his medical emergency at just 34 years old, his renewed sense of purpose, and why less than 10% of people survive cardiac arrest outside of hospitals. Plus, learn what everyone should know about lifesaving skills and hear about Heart Huddle’s kickoff event at the Carolina-Clemson game. Connor’s message for athletes and fans about heart health is one you don’t want to miss!