Ask The Expert - A BloodStream Media Podcast

Ep 40 - TO THE FUTURE w/ Patrick James Lynch

Our guest for this month is Believe Limited CEO and Bloodstream host, Patrick James Lynch. Ask the Expert is headed in a new direction and Patrick joins us to share what the future will hold for the Bloodstream Media network. Even though this will be the final episode of Ask the Expert, we are excited to announce the new path for our expert interviews, because they’re not going away! Listen in with Patrick and Amy as they share the new and exciting things coming from Bloodstream Media! Wel...

Ep. 39 - w/ Dr. Len Valentino (Part 2) - Get to Know the Expert

Join us for our “Get to Know the Expert” episode of Ask the Expert! Having the opportunity to know our national leaders in a personal way is an honor and a treat for any community. Join us on today’s episode to get to know CEO the National Hemophilia Foundation, Dr. Len Valentino! We’ll learn how Dr. Valentino got his start, what lessons he learned from treating patients, his interests in the global disparity of care, and his thoughts of the Michael Jordan documentary, The Last Dance! Join u...

Ep. 39 - w/ Dr. Len Valentino (Part 1) - Become an Expert

The National Hemophilia Foundation announced new leadership in Dr. Len Valentino weeks before the COVID-19 outbreak and his unique position to guide our community during this unprecedented time has been welcome. Dr. Valentino joins us on Ask the Expert this month to share a bit of his story and his thoughts on the pandemic could affect the bleeding disorder community. Dr. Valentino shares how NHF is addressing the current COVID pandemic, NHF’s national research agenda, and how COVID could im...

ATE - Ep. 38 - w/ Sharon Meyers (Part 2) - Get to Know the Expert

Join us for our “Get to Know the Expert” episode of Ask the Expert! Having the opportunity to know our national leaders in a personal way is an honor and a treat for any community. Join us on today’s episode to get to know CEO of Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA), Sharon Meyers, as she begins her tenure at the organization. Sharon shares how she became involved in non-profit work, her passion and philosophy on fundraising, and how she became involved within the bleeding disorder communi...

ATE - Ep. 38 - w/ Sharon Meyers, HFA (Part 1) - Become an Expert

During this period of unprecedented turmoil and uncertainty, the bleeding disorder community has found comfort in the Hemophilia Federation of America’s (HFA) messaging and voice. Newly-minted CEO of HFA, Sharon Meyers, joins us to share the behind the scenes work HFA has done to prepare statements, resources, and education during the COVID pandemic. She shares how HFA has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund, as well as utilizing their foundational Helping Hands financial assistance program to pro...

ATE - Ep. 36 - w/ Brian Ragaishis (Part 2) - Get to Know the Expert

Join us for our “Get to Know the Expert” episode featuring Brian Ragaishis! Brian is a teenager with vWD who created the website Live Smart, Play Smart, a community where other teens affected by bleeding disorders can share their story. In today’s episode, we hear about what it was like for Brian when he was diagnosed with vWD and how he felt isolated from his friends. How did he manage and why did he think it was important for other teens to share their story? Check out this great episode a...

ATE - Ep. 37 - w/ Brian Ragaishis (Part 2) - Get to Know the Expert

Join us for our “Get to Know the Expert” episode featuring Brian Ragaishis! Brian is a teenager with vWD who created the website Live Smart, Play Smart, a community where other teens affected by bleeding disorders can share their story. In today’s episode, we hear about what it was like for Brian when he was diagnosed with vWD and how he felt isolated from his friends. How did he manage and why did he think it was important for other teens to share their story? Check out this great episode a...

ATE - Ep. 37 - w/ Brian Ragaishis- Live Smart, Play Smart

So much of our community programming and education is focused around teenagers and yet oftentimes our teenagers seem like mysteries to us. What is it like being a teen with a bleeding disorder and what would make their lives easier? To celebrate Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month we asked teen, Brian Ragaishis, to join us on Ask the Expert to share why he created Live Smart, Play Smart, a website that creates community for other teens affected by bleeding disorders by telling their story. Br...

ATE - Ep. 36 - w/ Dr. Jonathan Roberts (Part 2) - Get to Know the Expert

In our first month of Ask the Expert’s new format we welcome you to our extended conversation with Dr. Jonathan Roberts, a hematologist with the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute. In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Roberts where we learn how growing up with hemophilia led him to a passion for science and later on, medical school. We’ll hear his thoughts on what it has been like to be a physician and a patient during this paradigm shift in treatment for hemop...

ATE - Ep. 36 - w/ Dr. Jonathan Roberts

Growing up with hemophilia shaped how Dr. Jonathan Roberts encourages his patients every day. As the Associate Medical Director of the Bleeding and Clotting Disorder Institute, Dr. Roberts as had the opportunity to give back to the community he is personally connected to. Join us for a unique Ask the Expert with Dr. Roberts as he shares his thoughts on future treatments for hemophilia, his research on creating a better assay for von Willebrands diagnosis, and his passion for encouraging pati...

ATE - Ep. 36 - w/ Dr. Jonathan Roberts (Part 1)

Growing up with hemophilia shaped how Dr. Jonathan Roberts encourages his patients every day. As the Associate Medical Director of the Bleeding and Clotting Disorder Institute, Dr. Roberts as had the opportunity to give back to the community he is personally connected to. Join us for a unique Ask the Expert with Dr. Roberts as he shares his thoughts on future treatments for hemophilia, his research on creating a better assay for von Willebrands diagnosis, and his passion for encouraging pati...

Ep. 35: New Year’s Resolutions Watch-Outs - w/Debbie de la Riva

As we begin the new year many of us are encouraged to follow through on goals we have set for ourselves, but the stress involved with sticking to it and following through can affect our mental and emotional well-being. Debbie de la Riva from Mental Health Matters Too stops by to share some things to keep in mind about creating actual habit and behavior change as we work towards our goals. As a community leader encouraging awareness and education around mental health, Debbie will also share w...

Ask The Expert - 34: vWD Research Update - w/ Dr. Christopher Ng, M.D.

von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder affecting 1% of our population and yet, it is the most unknown. Research for von Willebrand disease (vWD) continues to be elusive for patients and physicians alike causing frustration and emotional toil for those affected. On this episode of Ask the Expert, we welcome vWD hematologist and researcher, Dr. Christopher Ng M.D., from the University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center to share the latest from the medical communi...

Ep. 34: vWD Research Update - w/ Dr. Christopher Ng, M.D.

von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder affecting 1% of our population and yet, it is the most unknown. Research for von Willebrand disease (vWD) continues to be elusive for patients and physicians alike causing frustration and emotional toil for those affected. On this episode of Ask the Expert, we welcome vWD hematologist and researcher, Dr. Christopher Ng M.D., from the University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center to share the latest from the medical communi...

Ask The Expert - 33: Paradigm Shift in Hemophilia Treatment w/ - Dr. Michael Wang, M.D.

As we enter into a new phase of hemophilia treatments and products, the questions continue to grow and become more complicated by the day. Check out the latest episode of Ask the Expert, where we welcome Dr. Michael Wang, M.D. from the University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis center to discuss the current status of revolutionary potential treatments like gene therapy and non-factor replacements. Dr. Wang answers listeners own questions about the clinical trial process, research updat...

Ep. 33: Paradigm Shift in Hemophilia Treatment w/ - Dr. Michael Wang, M.D.

As we enter into a new phase of hemophilia treatments and products, the questions continue to grow and become more complicated by the day. Check out the latest episode of Ask the Expert, where we welcome Dr. Michael Wang, M.D. from the University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis center to discuss the current status of revolutionary potential treatments like gene therapy and non-factor replacements. Dr. Wang answers listeners own questions about the clinical trial process, research updat...

Ep. 32: Surprise Billing 101 w/ Miriam Goldstein and Sonji Wilkes - October 28, 2019

Imagine doing your due diligence for an upcoming medical procedure by double checking your facility and providers are in-network with your insurance plan, only to later find out that a provider treating you (e.g., an anesthesiologist or radiologist) does not participate in your health plan’s network after you receive a huge out-of-network bill out of nowhere. This is one example of a healthcare issue known as “surprise billing” and it could cost you and your family thousands of dollars. Ask ...

Ep. 31: MyBDC w/ Michelle Witkop and Maria Santaella - September 23, 2019

As a member of the rare disease community, bleeding disorder patients and their families are used to taking surveys, signing up for clinical trials, and/or sharing our thoughts about what it is like living with a bleeding disorder. So what makes this new initiative from the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) different? Join us for a conversation with NHF Head of Research, Michelle Witkop and Research Nurse Specialist, Maria Santaella as they share the details of MyBDC, a community-powered ...

Ep. 30: Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan - Camp Bold Eagle Team - August 26, 2019

Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan’s Camp Bold Eagle is turning 50 this year! Camp Bold Eagle is the longest running summer camp for kids and teens with bleeding disorders in the United States and to celebrate this incredible accomplishment and to relish in the joy of summer camp, Ask the Expert invited staff of the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan to join us as they reminisce about the history of camp, the amazing leadership that is developed at camp and share the evolution of Camp Bold Eag...

Ep. 29: Does Treatment Adherence Mean Healthy Joints? w/ - Cindy Bailey, Ph.D - July 22, 2019

  Is a healthy joint an active joint or a stagnant joint? How many bleeds does it take to create damage? How does treatment adherence compliment our activity levels and joint health? Join us for the latest episode of Ask the Expert where nationally recognized physical therapist, Cindy Bailey, Ph.D, gives us the 101 on joint health, physical activity, and treatment adherence. Cindy is the director of physical therapy at the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Institute for Children and walks us through...

Ep. 28: Gender Bias in Healthcare w/ - Christie VanHorne - June 24, 2019

Did you know that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with a mental health condition when presenting cardiovascular symptoms? Or that, on average, it takes women ten years to be diagnosed with endometriosis? On the latest episode of Ask the Expert, we dive into this topic and the long history of women feeling dismissed or ignored when it comes to their health. We are joined by Christie VanHorne, a consultant with CVH Consulting, who has developed training modules to demystify ge...

Ep. 27: Creator and Founder of "Parents Empowering Parents" - Danna Merritt - May 27, 2019

The latest episode of Ask the Expert features a conversation with Danna Merritt, a chronic disease social worker with over 50 years experience counseling parents of a child with a serious medical condition. Danna is creator and founder of Parents Empowering Parents (PEP), a decades long parenting program for the bleeding disorder community and Energizing and Empowering Minds, a non-profit with the mission of helping parents be parents, and kids be kids, in spite of their medical challenges. ...

Ep. 26: Value of Board Services w/ Jorge de la Riva - April 22, 2019

Are you considering board service with your local chapter or a national organization? Maybe you are currently serving on a board and know the unique struggle this volunteer position can face. Join us for a special Ask the Expert episode as we sit down with Jorge de la Riva, former board chair of The National Hemophilia Foundation. Jorge shares his personal views of the role of a board member and how serving your community in this way can be rewarding for you and your family. “The best way to...

Ep. 25: Do Our Stories Actually Matter w/Bruce Barnum - March 25, 2019

Ever wonder what happens after you meet with a legislator and their staff? Ever wonder what they do with your courageous, compelling stories? Can you actually affect policy changes by advocating? Do your stories even matter? Join us for a special episode of Ask the Expert as we pull back the curtain on the legislative process! This month our guest is Bruce Barnum, a former staffer to Senator Al Franken. Bruce gives a glimpse of what it is like working for a congressional office, the importan...

Ep. 24: Copay Accumulator Adjustment Programs Episode w/ Kollet Koulianos - February 25, 2019

  Do you use copay cards to access your clotting factor? What if those cards were used by your insurance company but didn’t go towards your deductible or out-of-pocket max so you end up with a huge bill for your factor? This is called Copay Accumulator Adjustment Programs and they are the latest insurance tactic to control overall healthcare costs and could mean surprise bills for bleeding disorder patients. Our episode is with Kollet Koulianos, senior director of payer relations for The N...

Ep. 23: Global Health w/ Chris Bombardier - January 28, 2019

New Ask the Expert host, Amy Board, sits down with previous ATE host Chris Bombardier! We ask Chris about his next adventure as the executive director of Save One Life and the future of the organization. Save One Life is a global non-profit founded by Laurie Kelley serving individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders in the developing world. Join us for a conversation with Chris as he explains the current realities of having a bleeding disorder in the developing world and what we ...

Ep. 22: Travel w/ Donnie Akers - December 24, 2018

This month on Ask the Expert, community advocate Donnie Akers joins Chris to discuss the in’s and out’s of traveling with your bleeding disorder, such as navigating the airport with your medication, what rights you have as a person with mobility challenges and where to go if you run into trouble while on a trip. All that, plus- MASAC’s new guidelines that are incredibly important for you to know, pertaining to your rights as a person with a bleeding disorder in the emergency room- and more, ...

Ep. 21: The Importance of Art - w/ Justin Levesque - November 26, 2018

In this episode of the Ask The Expert podcast, we interview Justin Levesque about the influence his bleeding disorder has had on his work as an artist, discuss how art can be used to express the challenges we face living with a bleeding disorder and how that unique experience can lead to powerful artwork. Justin also discusses his program “Blood Work”, an art exhibition of pieces created by individuals impacted by bleeding disorders at the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Annual Bleeding Dis...

Ep. 20: Women with Bleeding Disorders - w/ Tammy Davenport - October 29, 2018

Imagine having all the symptoms, and even the diagnosis of hemophilia, but you constantly hear that it’s impossible for you to have the condition. You undergo surgery without having factor available, suffer from bleeds and are placed in life-threatening situations, despite the fact that your factor levels have consistently shown that you have hemophilia. While this sounds like an outrageous scenario, most women with hemophilia have lived this exact same story. On our “Women with Bleeding Dis...

Ep. 19: The Model Volunteer - w/ Maryann May - September 24, 2018

Non-profit organizations couldn’t function without the critical work of VOLUNTEERS. Whether on the national or local level, volunteers help communities CONNECT. Volunteers serve on boards of directors, chair committees to organize fundraisers and events, stuff mailers to potential donors, and even set up tables and chairs for events. They do it all! That’s why the mighty VOLUNTEER is the focus of Episode 19 of the Ask the Expert podcast. Disclaimer: The content contained within Ask The Exp...

Ep. 18: Career Counselor Episode - w/ Don Molter - August 27, 2018

Summer is already coming to a close and for many families that means their kids are heading back to school or off to college. It’s an exciting time, but what if you aren’t ready for college or you don’t feel like that’s the right path for you? How do you go about finding a career that fits your life with a bleeding disorder and how do you approach the challenges of applying and interviewing for those jobs? That’s what we are going to discuss on our Career Counselor episode of Ask the Expert ...

Ep. 17: Mental Health - w/ Debbie de la Riva - July 23, 2018

Mental illness in the bleeding disorders community is a challenging topic to discuss, but given that approximately one-third of people with a chronic illness experience symptoms of depression, it’s clearly a topic in need of more attention. This month’s guest is Debbie de le Riva, community advocate and social worker. She joins host Chris Bombardier and guest co-host Patrick James Lynch for an open and honest discussion about depression, mental illness, and suicide prevention in the bleeding...

Ep. 16: Nutrition - w/ Tracy Mann - June 25, 2018

One of the easiest ways to keep our bodies healthy on a day to day basis is by eating well, but it’s also one of the hardest commitments to make. After a long hard day of work or school, it’s so easy to swing into a fast food restaurant or pop in a frozen pizza, even when we know we should go for something healthier. On today's podcast we will be exploring some of the myths around nutrition, tips for how to make healthy eating easier, and what effect food has on bleeding disorders. Our guest...

Ep. 15: Adoption - w/ Shari Luckey - May 28, 2018

In many developing countries, children that are born with chronic medical conditions are placed in orphanages. With limited hope for care in these situations one of the best hopes for these children is to be adopted. In this month’s Ask The Expert episode, we visit with Shari Luckey, the Adoption Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator for the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan. Shari not only has personal experience adopting a child with hemophilia from a developing country but also works with ind...

Ep. 14: Physical Therapy Episode - w/ Sharon Funk - April 22, 2018

There are many different healthcare providers that make up the the comprehensive care model at hemophilia treatment centers around the United States and much of the developed world. Physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists and many other healthcare professionals are all crucial team members in this model and can help individuals throughout their lifetime. Today for ‘Ask the Expert’, we will be focusing on the role of physical therapists in the care of individuals with bleeding...

Ep. 13: Gene Therapy Episode - w/ Dr. Marilyn Manco-Johnson - March 26, 2018

The concept of gene therapy has been floating around the hemophilia community for decades, but with recent success in clinical trials, we appear to be getting closer to having an FDA approved treatment. In this episode, we focus on understanding terminology and types of gene therapy, potential benefits and pitfalls, and the role of factor in a gene therapy world. Our expert for this month’s episode is Dr. Marilyn Manco-Johnson, Director of the University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis...

Ep. 12: Community Advocates - w/ Rich Pezzillo - February 26, 2018

Advocacy has long been a hot topic in the bleeding disorders community, but beyond office visits with state and federal legislators, what does it actually entail?  If you have ever wondered about how you can become or grow as an advocate, this episode is for you! In this month’s episode of  the Ask The Expert Podcast we catch up with Rich Pezzillo, Executive Director of the New England Hemophilia Association (NEHA) and long-time community advocate, who speaks about the many different ways we...

Ep. 11: Inhibitors and New Therapies - w/ Dr. Guy Young - January 22, 2018

The management of inhibitors continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing researchers, clinicians, and patients with hemophilia. Thankfully we seem to have taken a giant step forward vis-a-vie the introduction of Hemlibra, the first and only subcutaneous treatment option for patients of all ages who have severe hemophilia A and inhibitors. But what exactly is this form of non-factor replacement therapy? How does it work? And what should patients and families impacted by hemophilia a...

Ep. 10: Across The Globe - w/ Laurie Kelley - December 25, 2017

For the last 27 years, Laurie Kelley has dedicated herself to educating and improving the lives of families impacted by hemophilia, hemophilia and inhibitors, and von willebrand disease, both here in the United States and internationally throughout the developing world. So as we say goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018, what are some of the major considerations for our community both domestically and global? That’s what we’re here to discuss with this month’s guest, Laurie Kelley. Welcome to Ep...

Ep. 9: The Great Outdoors- w/ Pat Torrey - November 27, 2017

“I can’t do that.” “That’s not for me.” “I’m not able to do that.”  Thinking about the outdoors and outdoor activities can be intimidating for people living with a bleeding disorder.  But should they be? Are the outdoors and experiential education in the outdoors really off-limits to people with bleeding disorders? That’s what we’re here discuss with this month’s guest, GutMonkey Founder and CEO, Pat Torrey, on Episode 9 - or, our Outdoor Education Episode - of The Ask The Expert Podcast! ...

Ep. 8: Preparing for the Holidays - w/ Eric Iglewski - October 23, 2017

Food, family, food, travel, more food, money, more food still- the holidays can be a really stressful time! On this episode, social worker Eric Iglewski from the Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center in Rochester, New York joins Ask The Expert to talk through important considerations for people with bleeding disorders to keep in mind as we rapidly approach the wonderful chaos that is the holiday season! Welcome to Episode 8 of the Ask The Expert podcast! Disclaimer: The content contained within...

Ep. 7: Aging with Hemophilia- w/ Randy Curtis - September 25, 2017

In this episode Randy Curtis, the Hemophilia Council of California’s Board President and longtime community activist, joins Ask The Expert to answer questions on aging with hemophilia, and the how he and peers in the Baby Boomer and Generation-X populations view this historic point in treatment history. We address that, and more, on Episode 7 of BloodStream Media’s Ask The Expert podcast series!   Disclaimer: The content contained within Ask The Expert is for informational purposes only....

Ep. 6: Back to School - w/ Carrie Koenig - August 28, 2017

In this episode Carrie Koenig, the Hemophilia Federation of America’s (HFA) Families Program Manager, identifies the most important considerations for parents and families preparing for back-to-school season. What should parents of children with bleeding disorders be thinking about? What resources are available to help parents prepare? How active should kids be in advocating for themselves with teachers, administrators, and classmates? We address these questions and many more on Episode 6 of...

Ep. 5: ISTH Recap - w/ Dr. Steven Pipe - July 24, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Steven Pipe, a pediatric hematologist out of the University of Michigan who is also the chair of the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) discusses the major takeaways from the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis’ (ISTH) 2017 Congress, which took place this July in Berlin, Germany. Dr. Pipe shares the latest updates on non-factor replacement therapies, gene therapy, and more on Episode 5 of BloodStream Media’s As...

Ep. 4: Healthcare Legislation and Advocacy - w/ Katie Verb - June 27, 2017

In this episode, Katie Verb, the Director of Policy and Government Relations for the Hemophilia Federation of America, answers questions on health care legislation, advocacy, and the extraordinarily-troubling Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) that has been drafted by Senate Republicans in an unprecedented and lightning-fast manner. What could the BCRA mean for our community and Americans at large, and what should we be doing about it? Find out on Episode 4 of BloodStream Media’s Ask The ...

Ep. 3: Women with Bleeding Disorders - w/ Dr. Robert Sidonio - May 22, 2017

In this episode Dr. Robert Sidonio, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University Hospital and the Clinical Director of Hemostasis/Thrombosis at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, answers questions on and about women with bleeding disorders. Dr. Sidonio is a leading expert in the treatment and management of women with bleeding disorders, and addresses topics such as common challenges, research gaps, and encouraging trends in Episode 3 of BloodStream Media’s Ask The Exper...

Ep. 2A - Special Announcement!

Ep. Special Announcement

Special Announcement!

Ep. 2: Questions for your Pediatric Hematologist Part 2 - w/ Dr. Arash Mahajerin - February 27, 2017

In this episode, pediatric hematologist Dr. Arash Mahajerin is back to answer listener-submitted questions on the future of portacaths for kids with hemophilia, what to do when mysterious bruising or joint pain begins to show, and marijuana- is it a legitimate form of medication, or not? His answers to those questions, and more, on Episode 2 of BloodStream Media’s Ask The Expert podcast series!   Disclaimer: The content contained within Ask The Expert is for informational purposes only. ...

Ep. 1: Questions for your Pediatric Hematologist - w/ Dr. Arash Mahajerin - January 30th, 2017

In this - our first! - episode, Dr. Arash Mahajerin, a pediatric hematologist at the Children's Hospital of Orange County (California) and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Irvine, answers listener-submitted questions about all things bleeding disorders in the first episode of BloodStream Media's Ask The Expert podcast series. Subscribe to Ask The Expert and check out BloodStream Media's other podcasts at BloodStreamMedia.com. Interested in learning more about c...