Best Michelle Whelan Podcasts (2024)

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EP 142: From genome to bedside: How genetics is transforming modern medical practice with Dr. Andrea Gropman 42:45

3d ago42:45

42:45

0:00 Introduction 1:40 Andrea’s background and how she got into the field of genetics, neuroimaging, and metabolic disorders 4:00 Insights into Andrea’s clinical practice, including the diverse families and patients she serves and her approach to clinical decision-making 6:30 How genetics and genomics have changed the diagnostic journey in the last…

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EP 141: Bringing genomics to the clinic with Lori Orlando, Associate Prof at Duke University 43:24

10d ago43:24

43:24

0:00 Intro to The Genetics Podcast 01:00 Welcome to Lori Orlando 03:00 Lori’s career: From mathematical modelling to genetics and family history 05:11 The study that revealed 20% of the general population is at a higher risk of disease than average and needs preventative care 07:36 The first five diseases that Lori started analysing through informa…

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EP 140: The future of Electronic Health Records and data analysis with Ben Goldacre 52:51

17d ago52:51

52:51

0:00 Intro to The Genetics Podcast 1:00 Welcome to Ben Goldacre 02:22 Ben’s open data projects at the Bennett Institute and the challenges they aim to tackle 04:03 Using Electronic Health Records (EHR) to help the National Health Service improve care 06:18 The importance of software development within healthcare data and how to manage salary scales…

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EP 139: Rare disease breakthroughs using tRNA with Michelle Werner, CEO of Alltrna and CEO-Partner of Flagship Pioneering 44:42

24d ago44:42

44:42

0:00 Intro to The Genetics Podcast. 01:00 Welcome to Michelle. 02:00 Sstop codon diseases and how are they characterised 03:45 Diseases caused by premature stop codons in haploinsufficient genes. 04:35 The role of transfer RNA technology in finding solutions for premature stop codon diseases. 06:16 How Alltrna is engineering tRNAs which can bind to…

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EP 138: Personalised medicine using microbiome models with Dr. Almut Heinken 40:22

1M ago40:22

40:22

0:00 Introduction 1:45 Almut’s research experience, including two recent publications on genome-scale metabolic reconstruction human microorganisms Genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of 7,302 human microorganisms for personalized medicine APOLLO: A genome-scale metabolic reconstruction resource of 247,092 diverse human microbes spanning multiple…

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EP 137: Mavis Machirori on promoting equity, diversity, and social justice in genomics research 41:40

1M ago41:40

41:40

0:00 Intro 1:30 Mavis’ career arc, from starting as a midwife to researching medical innovation and technology with an emphasis on advocacy and equity 7:00 Systemic issues that are easily overlooked in medical research and advancements Webinar: Participant Diversity: Increasing the Impact of Biomedical Research Webinar 10:00 Addressing Eurocentrici…

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EP 136: Developments in ring chromosome 20 research and advocacy with Allison Watson 40:57

2M ago40:57

40:57

0:00 Introduction 2:00 Allison’s personal journey to researching epilepsy and ring chromosome 20 syndrome 4:00 Biggest challenges families face with ring chromosome 20 syndrome 11:00 Incidence and prevalence of r(20) syndrome, and how we can improve data reliability 21:00 Applying next generation sequencing to r(20) syndrome gene research 29:00 Eng…

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EP 135: Integration of newborn sequencing programs into healthcare systems with Dr. Ingrid Holm 41:16

2M ago41:16

41:16

0:00 Introduction 1:30 Ingrid’s initial interests in genetics, paediatrics, and newborn screening 2:45 How the original BabySeq project, a pioneering newborn sequencing program got started, how it’s going, and the launch of BabySeq2 8:45 Lessons from BabySeq1 and goals for BabySeq2 10:30 Potential societal and long-term considerations for those inv…

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EP 134: Prenatal genetic testing and the future of AI in genetic counselling with Kira Dineen, host of DNA Today 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

0:00 Introduction 1:00 The backstory of how Kira first started DNA Today in 2012, when she was still in high school! 3:30 Some of Kira’s favourite topics she has discussed on DNA Today, including the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, and the story of a Glee actress with down syndrome 10:00 Kira’s best practices for podcasting, from over 10 years of experi…

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EP 133: Insights into pharmacogenomics and increasing diversity in genomics research with Dr. Emma Magavern 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

0:00 Introduction 2:00 The value of an English Literature degree in designing and analysing research studies in medicine 3:45 Emma’s entrance to pharmacogenomics and her transition from practising physician to genetics research 6:00 How the East London Genes and Health program is increasing representation of diverse populations, namely South Asians…

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EP 132: From mammoths to genome editing, trailblazing genetics with Dr. George Church 47:41

3M ago47:41

47:41

0:00 Introduction 1:00 George’s upcoming big projects, including developing full recycling, renewing energy, creating bioweather maps, and harnessing citizen science 6:45 Progress in engineering viral resistance in humans, including thoughts from pre- and post- pandemic 11:00 A swapped genetic code that prevents viral infections and gene transfer b…

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EP 131: The potential of somatic genomics in drug discovery and development with Jake Rubens 44:57

3M ago44:57

44:57

0:00 Intro 0:40 Jake’s experiences as a serial entrepreneur starting five companies with a basis in genomic science 5:30 Opportunities for research and drug development in the realm of somatic science 9:20 Somatic evolution and how it provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms 12:30 Advantages and disadvantages of studying germline genome-w…

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EP 130: Quarterly insights into noncoding variants and GWAS with Dr. Veera Rajagopal 51:56

3M ago51:56

51:56

Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 How polydactyl mutations can inform research on non-coding variant mechanisms The importance of low-affinity binding between transcription factors and targets How these lessons can help us improve our understanding of drug and target discovery See Veera’s January round-up for more information: https://www.gwasstor…

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Dr. Ira Bedzow: Life on Purpose 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

Life on Purpose: Insights on well-being and education from Ira Bedzow, PhD, Executive Director of the Emory Purpose Project Purpose and meaning are foundational to any definition of the good life. They are also a trendy topic these days. Like all trendy topics, they risk being trivialized by our intense hunger for easy answers to life’s difficultie…

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EP 129: Patient advocacy for genetic ALS and FTD with Jean Swidler, Executive Director of End the Legacy 38:44

3M ago38:44

38:44

0:00 Introduction 0:45 Jean’s personal experiences with family members with genetic ALS 10:00 Jean’s thoughts on the barriers and facilitators to providing treatment for those with genetic ALS 13:20 Insights into C9orf72, a common genetic determinant of ALS, and how it can also be associated with FTD 16:10 Jean’s experiences as an active advocate f…

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EP 128: Parkinson’s disease and precision medicine with Drs. James Beck and Ignacio Mata 50:18

4M ago50:18

50:18

0:00 Introduction 1:05 Insights into the PD GENEration’s (a programme from the Parkinson's Foundation) milestones and progress points for the upcoming year 3:30 The shifting attitudes and perspectives of neurologists and healthcare workers at the PD GENEration 5:50 Insights into Nacho’s work with the genetics of Parkinson’s disease 10:20 Barriers a…

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Episode 11: Herb for HR 28:21

4M ago28:21

28:21

The squabbles, pettiness, and arguing have started at Chalkboard Learning, and for some reason Sarah is the one that seem to defuse the argues that come to her. He approach to this, is not making any situation any better and rather hide in the bathroom than to deal with it. Doug decided it time to hire on some from HR to help sort of the conflicts …

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EP 127: Insights into precision medicine, fatty liver disease, and minimally invasive diagnostic tools with Dr. Mazen Noureddin 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

0:00 Intro 0:25 Mazen’s lifelong commitment to furthering the field of precision medicine in liver disease research, fueled by a personal connection of his grandmother developing MASH cirrhosis 2:30 Breakthroughs in the field of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) since the beginning of Mazen’s career 5:30 The potential…

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EP 126: Patient-led research for ultra-rare disease drug development with Julia Taravella, Executive Director of Rare Trait Hope Fund 39:41

4M ago39:41

39:41

0:00 Introduction 0:25 Julia’s personal experience with ultra-rare diseases within her family 10:25 The importance of increasing accessibility to genetic testing across populations to learn more about ultra-rare diseases 14:00 The origin story of Rare Trait Hope Fund 23:50 Current research and next steps in developing potential gene therapies for a…

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EP 125: The future of UK Clinical Trial Policy: Innovation, integration, and game-changing legislation with Lord James O’Shaughnessy 45:23

4M ago45:23

45:23

0:00 Introduction 1:25 How Lord O’Shaughnessy became involved in scientific policy making and his path to writing the UK Commercial Clinical Trials Review. 04:05 How Lord O’Shaughnessy pivoted from education to a focus on life sciences 06:38 The biggest challenges Lord O’Shaughnessy faced during his time as Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health …

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EP 124: How ReCode Therapeutics is pioneering tissue specific delivery of gene therapies for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia with John Matthews 42:00

5M ago42:00

42:00

0:00 Introduction 01:10 How growing up in Malawi planted the seeds for John’s career in medicine and transition to therapeutic development 04:35 Why John focuses on rare diseases and conditions such as asthma 06:01 What has changed over the last decade in terms of treating and understanding asthma and the progress that genetics has enabled 07:31 Wh…

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EP 123: The ethics of newborn genome screening: Actionable insights and beyond with Holly Peay, Senior Research Scientist at the Research Triangle Institute 45:34

5M ago45:34

45:34

0:00 Introduction 0:50 Holly’s background and career so far 03:30 Complex decision-making and multiple risk factors: Family history, genetics, phenotypes and beyond 07:05 Changes within the last decade to help people make complex, sometimes subjective, healthcare decisions 09:20 Impact on people: The RTI’s mission and the Early Check Study 13:45 Ne…

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Dr. Chantelle Thomas: Sanity in the Wild New World of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 52:41

5M ago52:41

52:41

Sanity in the Wild New World of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy The buzz about psychedelics is everywhere these days, especially in the mental health space, where these compounds are being hailed as the greatest potential therapeutic breakthrough of the last 50 years. What was once elemental to the hippie movement of the 60s and then stigmatized and f…

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Episode 10 - The Interns 48:43

5M ago48:43

48:43

With a fresh client on the horizon, or as Sarah phrases it, the next client in queue, ToDoBuddy prepares for upcoming builds. It appears that the team is occupied with other projects, and with the imminent launch of the last client, they opt to assign the project to the interns. Ryan and Maggie, the recent high school graduates and new interns, see…

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EP 122: Building genome-scale engineered cells for biotechnology with Leslie Mitchell, Co-founder and CEO of Neochromosome 35:55

5M ago35:55

35:55

Summary: 0:00 Introduction 01:01 How Leslie got into the field of synthetic biology and engineering, and her career journey so far 02:45 What Leslie accomplished during her postdoc and recent transformations in the field of genomics 05:57 The impacts of non-coding regions of the genome and the outcome of deletions 08:20 How long it takes to make ch…

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EP 121: Breakthroughs and insights in ALS research with Dr. Michael Benatar 44:10

5M ago44:10

44:10

Summary: 0:00 Introduction 0:50 Reflections from the 34th International Symposium on ALS/MND in Basel 1:50 Michael’s professional journey, initial challenges he encountered, and how the field of neurology has evolved over the years 3:10 An introduction to the ALS landscape, including its presentation, the genes involved, and potential treatment opt…

1
EP 120: Exploring the frontiers of gene therapy and AAVs with Dr. Nicole Paulk, CEO and Founder of Siren Biotechnology 43:47

5M ago43:47

43:47

0:00 Introduction to Dr. Nicole Paulk, a pioneer in AAV research and the founder of Siren Biotechnology 0:50 The moments that shaped Nicole’s career path and her passion for gene therapy and AAV research 9:20 Nicole’s academic research career and her transition from academia to the biotech industry 23:00 The story behind the founding of Siren Biote…

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EP 119: Revolutionising drug discovery: how the Pharma Proteomics Project is combining genetic and proteomic data with Chris Whelan 38:25

6M ago38:25

38:25

0:00 Introduction 01:00 Chris’ background and career to date 02:10 What is the Enigma Project? 04:48 How is genetics being applied to drug discovery today and how does proteomics fit in? 09:23 When the UKBiobank Pharma Proteomics Project began and how long it took to set up 10:57 54k UK Biobank participants tested - discussion of findings 14:33 The…

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Episode 9 - Hiring Process 32:43

6M ago32:43

32:43

The new stage of ChalkBoard learning is growing. Doug has sign on another 3 more clients and the new team are feeling swamped with all these new requests and builds. Doug decides that the team needs new team members, but Sarah doesn't think or know what she needs from a new team members. All she know she doesn't want ex-teachers, learning from a pr…

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EP 118: The role of genetics in drug discovery and development with Dr. Matt Nelson 42:56

6M ago42:56

42:56

Summary: 0:00 Introduction 5:45 Lessons learned from 15 years at GSK: How has genetics and drug discovery evolved over time? 8:10 Matt’s seminal 2015 paper: Quantifying the impact of human genetic evidence on the probability of success in drug development 11:40 Which types of genetic evidence are the best drivers of success in clinical trials? 13:3…

1
EP 117: Wendy Chung: whole genome newborn screening and other big opportunities in genomic medicine. 47:51

6M ago47:51

47:51

Summary: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Wendy’s early career looking into the genetics of diabetes through mouse models 6:23 A high altitude view: Cutting through hype to spot the next wave of game-changing technology 8:03 The role of policy and communication: how Wendy’s work goes beyond the lab to create real-world impact 11:20 Wendy’s choice to do an MD…

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EP 116: Genetics and Medicine: Clonal hematopoiesis, genomics in healthcare, and a new discovery in APOL1 kidney disease with Dr. Alex Bick 52:34

6M ago52:34

52:34

0:00 Introduction 4:23 Insights into clonal hematopoiesis from the pioneering Framingham Heart Study 8:30 Linking clonal hematopoiesis to cancer and cardiovascular health 11:22 Interplay of germline and somatic variants in clonal expansion 17:20 How the rate of clonal expansion can provide insights into cancer and cardiovascular risk 19:00 How clon…

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Episode 8 - Disappearing Act 35:09

7M ago35:09

35:09

The new year has come with promises as Doug and Sarah take on more they can chew. Finding herself alone a lot, Sarah find it strange on why Doug kept on disappearing instead of doing his work. Her emotions and imagination gets the better of her and believe that Doug is in some sort of financial trouble. Sarah decided to take a desperate approach to…

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EP 115: The Biggest Stories of 2023 with Dr. Veera Rajagopal (Part 2) 1:35:11

7M ago1:35:11

1:35:11

In the second instalment of our annual round-up episode, we welcome back Dr. Veera Rajagopal to cover the biggest stories in genetics and precision medicine of the last 12 months. Don’t forget to give the first instalment of our 2023 round-up a listen. Veera is a scientist at Regeneron with an interest in human genetics and drug target discovery in…

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EP 114: The Biggest Stories of 2023 with Dr. Veera Rajagopal (Part 1) 1:10:35

7M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

0:00 Introduction 1:30 Veera’s personal highlights of 2023 Publication in Nature Genetics: Rare coding variants in CHRNB2 reduce the likelihood of smoking, an exome-wide association study identifying rare coding variants in CHRNB2 that may reduce the likelihood of smoking. Designing cover art Genetic links to neural circuits and their role in addic…

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Dr. Sue Carter: Oxytocin the Human Hormone: A Report from a Life in Science 52:21

7M ago52:21

52:21

Oxytocin the Human Hormone: A Report from a Life in Science If you are not holding the hormone oxytocin in the highest regard now, you will after listening to this episode’s guest, Sue Carter, PhD, as she explains how this remarkable hormone may hold the key to much of what makes us who we are. In particular, Dr. Carter describes the myriad ways th…

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EP 113: Harnessing human genetics to discover co-evolved small molecule medicines with Dr. Jason Park, CEO of Empress Therapeutics 44:31

7M ago44:31

44:31

In this episode of The Genetics Podcast, we welcome Dr. Jason, founder and CEO of Empress Therapeutics, a Flagship Pioneering company. Join us as we discuss how human genetics can identify small molecules with therapeutic potential that are already created by our bodies, paving the way for faster discovery of new medicines. Summary: 0:00 Intro 1:20…

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Episode 7 - Happy New Year 21:02

7M ago21:02

21:02

Just coming out of Christmas holidays, and spending about a year in their new company, Sarah and Doug find themselves bored out of their minds. Making some mindless suggests, they both agreed to go to a bookstore to get some books to make their office look a little fancy. While, Sarah runs into an old speed date client, Lester, who decides to ask h…

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EP 112: Making the leap: the scientists collaborating to transform genetic targets into next generation treatments, with David Ochoa 41:36

8M ago41:36

41:36

This week on The Genetics Podcast Patrick is joined by David Ochoa, Platform Coordinator at Open Targets. They discuss how the Open Targets platform is enabling game-changing collaboration between academic research and big pharma. Working with partners including Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech and Pfizer, Open Targets power…

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Episode 6: Things that Pop! 29:30

8M ago29:30

29:30

After building Courses for Monica from SciFly, Sarah and Doug learn that what they built didn't seem to be good enough for Monica. Each time they had a meeting with her, she would always give them fluffy answers to their questions. Doug had an idea on what could be going on, and the only to find out that he was right was to go and pay a visit to Mo…

1
Episode 5 - Speed Date 28:13

8M ago28:13

28:13

Sarah feels a bit down about her departure from Chuck and his use of the word Different to describe her. She asks for Doug's advice and finds herself more upset. Doug cheers her up by taking her on a speed date to show Sarah that people like her. Sarah finds the whole situation awkward and tries to find ways to escape it. Rating - MA…

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EP 111: Combining human and machine intelligence in protein engineering with Dr. James Field, CEO of LabGenius 35:34

8M ago35:34

35:34

In this episode of The Genetics Podcast, we welcome Dr. James Field, founder and CEO of LabGenius. Join us as we delve into LabGenius' cutting-edge approach that utilises machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated robotics to advance antibody discovery and drug development. As a bonus, learn about James’ path from scientist to CEO…

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Episode 4 - That's not my Cookie 34:09

9M ago34:09

34:09

Doug and Sarah score a significant client, Chuck and his wellness company. Chuck's company deals with alternative medicine in Medicinal Cannabis. As Sarah tries to understand what the company is building, she finds out that Chuck is attracted to her, which puts her in a difficult situation. Sarah finds herself in a challenging situation. Does she c…

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EP 110: Educating the next generation of genomics talent, and the intersection of genetics and environment in cancer with Barbara Kraatz Fortini 35:41

9M ago35:41

35:41

On this episode of The Genetics Podcast we welcome Dr. Barbara Kraatz Fortini, Associate Professor of Genetics at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI). Tune in to learn about Barbara's research on non-coding variants in colorectal cancer and the interplay between genetics and the environment on lifetime cancer risk. As the Program Director for the MS in H…

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Dr. Don Noble: Part 2 - Want to Change Your Life? Take a Breath 17:20

9M ago17:20

17:20

Want to Change Your Life? Take a Breath, Part 2 This conversation between host Charles L. Raison and Donald J. Noble, PhD, picks up where the first part of this series left off by extending our discussion of the potential health benefits of breathing into more esoteric domains. We explore breathholding and its role in advanced Tibetan Buddhist medi…

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EP 109: From the Archives: Professor Sir Rory Collins on the Origins and Future of the UK Biobank 34:58

9M ago34:58

34:58

This week, we’re re-sharing one of our favorite episodes from the early days of The Genetics Podcast - one that many newer listeners may not have heard! Tune in as Professor Sir Rory Collins, Founder and Chief Executive of the UK Biobank, talks to us about the origins and evolution of this world-changing project that has catalysed a wave of new dis…

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Episode 3: History Class 22:49

9M ago22:49

22:49

Sarah and Doug gain their first client, a History teacher named Mrs Barton. As they build these courses for Mrs Barton, they learn some new things, from Historical facts and client payments to their company's worth. Sarah learns a little more about Doug along the way as well. Rating - MBy Michelle Whelan

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Episode 2: Office Space 20:33

9M ago20:33

20:33

Sarah and Doug are looking for new office space for their business so they can get started. After looking at many listings, they can't seem to agree on an office. Accidentally hearing ears dropping into their conversation, Chastity suggests checking out her uncle's office space in his building. After a slight confusion about who they were, they fou…

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Episode 1 - We Quit! 30:16

9M ago30:16

30:16

After much drunken talk, Sarah and Doug decide that what is best for them is to start their own Learning and Development business, as they are getting sick of chasing the contracts and their current role. Their only issue is they need to quit their current positions at YouTalk. Sarah and Doug jump through the hoops of their Managers, Project Manage…

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EP 108: Drug Development in Liver Disease: Breakthroughs, Challenges, and Insights with Dimitar Tonev 35:32

10M ago35:32

35:32

In this episode of The Genetics Podcast, we're joined by Dimitar Tonev, an experienced drug development consultant specialising in Hepatology and Virology. Tune in to discuss the recent reclassification of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), and the complexities of identifying tr…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Michelle Whelan Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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