Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast
Cheat Codes is a podcast about sickle cell disease and is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by it. Each episode of Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the sickle cell community. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.
Episodes
In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Sharl Azar joins the hosts to discuss his journey from Oregon to leading the sickle cell program at Mass General in Boston. Dr. Azar shares the pivotal moments that inspired his passion for hematology and advocacy, including his work on groundbreaking legislation to improve care for sickle cell patients in Massachusetts. The conversation highlights the importance of community, system...
On this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C welcome Shayan Siddiqui, founder of MiCaringHeart, to discuss his impactful work supporting sickle cell patients in Detroit. Shayan shares how his family's experiences inspired initiatives like Cabs for Kids, providing transportation to medical appointments, and Outsmart, offering free tutoring for children with chronic illnesses. The conversation highlights the challenges of healthcare...
In this special episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C hand the co-hosting mic to Dr. Julie Kanter for a lively walk through the history of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) annual meetings. Alongside Dr. Sophie Lanzkron, Dr. Francis Coyne, and Dr. Alexis Leonard, they revisit key moments from 2022's belly-dancing dinner to 2025's record-breaking Vermont gathering. The conversation covers how NASCC ...
In this Rising Star episode from the NASCC meeting in Stowe, Vermont, Dr. Z and Dr. C spotlight Dr. Alyssa Schlenz, a psychologist transforming sickle cell care through early developmental screening and neuropsychological support. Dr. Schlenz shares her journey into the field, the critical role of prevention and early intervention, and the unique challenges faced by patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. She expla...
In this live episode from the NASCC meeting in Stowe, Vermont, Dr. Z and Dr. C are joined by a powerhouse panel: Dr. Payal Desai, Dr. Seethal Jacob, Dr. Pat McGann, and Dr. Andy Ellner to unpack what truly defines great sickle cell care. The group explores the importance of comprehensive, continuous, and patient-centered models, from inpatient to outpatient settings, pediatrics to adulthood. They discuss integrating te...
In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Julie Kanter, Dr. Sophie Lanzkron, and Dr. Marsha Treadwell to spotlight the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC). They explore how NASCC came to life, its mission to unite multidisciplinary teams, and its role in setting consensus guidelines for sickle cell care. From building a national registry to fostering collaboration between clinics, c...
In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C are joined by renowned advocates TaLana Hughes and Cassandra Trimnell to explore what "the sickle cell community" truly means. They discuss how patients, caregivers, providers, and allies form interconnected, and often overlapping, communities that bring hope, support, and change. From building trust to celebrating wins, the conversation highlights the power of connection...
On this episode of Cheat Codes, guest host Janie Davis, Director of Patient Advocacy at Agios Pharmaceuticals, is joined by sickle cell advocates Teonna Woolford, Cassandra Trimnell, and Rae Blaylark discuss the challenges and rewards of sickle cell advocacy. They delve into personal journeys, the nuances of advocacy, and the importance of self-care. The conversation highlights the power of community, the significance ...
On this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C. Callahan interview Dr. Isaac Odame, a leading figure in the field of sickle cell disease. Dr. Odame shares his life story, beginning in Ghana, his medical training in the UK, and his global contributions to sickle cell research, including involvement with the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network. The discussion covers his work in various countries, the challenges, and successes in treati...
Drs. Z and C welcome Dr. Wally Smith, a leading figure in sickle cell research from Virginia Commonwealth University, to discuss crucial issues affecting adults with sickle cell disease. They explore the neglect of adult patients, the need for dedicated centers, and the value of community health workers. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of holistic healthcare solutions, state-level policy initiatives, and community ...
On this inspiring episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C talk with an extraordinary group of individuals who embarked on a monumental climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for sickle cell disease. Led by Dr. Alan Anderson and featuring sickle cell warrior Jimi Olaghere the group of Patrick Hines, MD, PhD, Eva Gallagher, PhD, and Audra Boscoe, PhD shares personal stories of perseverance, determination...
On this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C are joined by Tabatha McGee, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. Tabatha shares her remarkable journey from systems engineer to leading the foundation, driven by a personal mission to enhance the lives of sickle cell warriors. The discussion delves into innovative programs like the Sickle Cell Sanctuary, holistic care initiatives, and the importan...
On this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C welcome Dr. Julia Xu, a rising star in the field of sickle cell disease. Dr. Xu shares her inspiring journey from Omaha, Nebraska, to her current role at the University of Pittsburgh. The discussion covers her extensive background in global health, her research on anemia in sickle cell disease, and the impactful mentors who have shaped her career.
SHOW...
In this special "Lunch and Learn" session sponsored by the Agios Diversity Council, Dr. Simone Uwan shares her inspiring journey living with and advocating for sickle cell disease. Dr. Uwan discusses her background, achievements in medicine and advocacy, and her personal experiences with misdiagnosis and the challenges faced by sickle cell patients. Highlighting critical insights from her books, s...
Holly John, Agios' Senior Director of Patient Advocacy, has a partner working with her on sickle cell disease patient advocacy! On this episode of Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast, Dr. Z and Dr. C Janie Davis. Janie is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Agios Pharmaceuticals and is excited to work with the sickle cell community.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Cheat Codes is intended for patients, care...
Join Dr. Z and Dr. C as they host a live panel from Florida with key figures from various community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to supporting those affected by sickle cell disease. Panelists share insights on the vital roles CBOs play, their unique challenges, successes, and the importance of collaborations with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and legislators.
Panelists Include:
On this episode of Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast, we're coming to you again from Detroit, Michigan. Here, the docs sit down with Dr. Alex Glaros. Dr. Glaros is a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist at Children's Hospital of Michigan.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. E...
On this episode of Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast, we're live in the Motor City: Detroit, Michigan. This live event featured Dr. Z and Dr. C interviewing a panel of esteemed guests including Davinna Christian, Dr. Alex Glaros and Clifton Kirkman, II discussing clinical trial awareness. We also hear from Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney at the end of the episode. Dr. Shurney was unable to attend the recording but made a sp...
On this episode of Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast, we speak with Ayana Johnson. In addition to being a sickle cell warrior, Ayana is also Miss Teen Virginia '22, a teen ambassador of the SCDAA and founder of Ay's Hope Cells.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. Each episo...
This episode of Cheat Codes is our first bilingual podcasting experience. In the first half of the episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C speak with Professor Clarisse Lobo and Dr. Kleber Fertrin in English about their experience with sickle cell in Brazil. In the second half, we hear from them in their native Portuguese language.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, provide...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.