Hosts Heather and Lauren sit down with Patrick McCarthy, CEO of Validcare, to discuss how technology is reshaping the future of clinical research. Patrick shares how Validcare is re‑engineering the traditional CRO model, known for its complexity, by creating a unified, tech-enabled approach that simplifies workflows, increases data quality, reduces costs, and expands access for patients and investigators alike. Patrick also breaks down the disruption facing biopharma and biotech companies, how evolving investor expectations are influencing emerging life sciences companies, and more. Tune in now!

To kick off the new year, Heather, Lauren, and Matthew offer a high-level overview of what’s shaping the healthcare and life sciences industries in 2026. From cybersecurity threats and physician employment risks to the growing role of AI, Lauren and Matthew share insights from recent conversations with hospital general counsel and industry leaders. They also look ahead to key policy issues like HIPAA updates, 340B changes, PBM regulation, and private equity oversight in healthcare. Tune in now for takeaways and predictions to help you navigate the year ahead!

Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, Heather and Lauren sit down with Andrea Conner, Ecosystem Development Director for First Flight Venture Center, North Carolina’s original science-based technology incubator. Andrea shares how First Flight helps high-science, deep-tech startups take flight through wraparound programs, lab space, and commercialization support. We also get insight into tackling funding challenges and the importance of collaboration across the RTP. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a thriving life sciences community in North Carolina!

Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, Marcel Frenkel, co-founder and CEO of Ten63 Therapeutics, joins hosts Heather Matthews and Lauren DeMoss for an exciting conversation about the future of drug discovery. Marcel shares how Ten63 is using advanced AI and computational tools to take on one of the hardest problems in medicine: the 80% of the human genome considered “undruggable.” By creating groundbreaking therapeutics and redefining what’s possible for patients, Ten63 is opening the door to new treatments for cancer and rare diseases like Ewing sarcoma. Marcel explains how their approach could transform drug discovery, speed up development, and bring hope to patients who currently have no options. Listen now!

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!