Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

To commemorate World Sickle Cell Day 2026, the Cheat Codes podcast is re-releasing this powerful  live episode from the 2025 National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) meeting. In this episode, 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. It's a topic well in line with the theme o...

This SCDAA Masterclass, a special episode of Cheat Codes, was recorded live at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) 2025 Annual National Convention  in Chicago and explores the portrayal of sickle cell disease in the media. Panelists share personal stories and discuss the importance of authentic representation, highlighting both the challenges and progress in raising awareness. The conversa...

In this powerful episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Santosh Saraf, one of the leading experts on kidney disease in sickle cell, to break down why renal complications are so common yet often overlooked. Dr. Saraf walks listeners through the early warning signs, the importance of routine monitoring, and how albuminuria, creatinine, and cystatin C can signal kidney stress long before symptoms appear...

This special crossover episode brings together advocates from PK deficiency, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease to share insights from the Red Cell Revolution and the powerful connections formed across rare hemolytic anemias. NinaMaria Badalamenti leads a heartfelt conversation with Jill Welle, Laurice Levine, and Cassandra Trimnell about the common challenges these communities face, from fatigue to stigma to navigat...

In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Nirmish Shah of Duke University for a deep dive into how technology, wearables, and patient-reported outcomes are transforming the way clinicians measure quality of life in sickle cell disease. Dr. Shah shares the evolution of his work tracking daily symptoms, passive data, and long-term trends, and explains how these insights can help predict complicati...

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. 

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...