A 2025 Year in Review for Polycythemia Vera
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
Release Date: 01/21/2026
A 2025 Year in Review for Polycythemia Vera
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
The Season 2 finale of The PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow takes listeners through a thoughtful year-end review, highlighting the most impactful insights shared by patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates. Kay and Josh revisit key themes like early symptoms, shared decision-making, and the power of self-advocacy, drawing on memorable moments from this year's guests. The episode also explores the importance of education, community support, and finding credible resources while navigating life with PV. Plus, the hosts offer a sneak peek at what’s ahead in 2026. Transparency Statement:...
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Self-Empowerment & Polycythemia Vera
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode of the PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow, Kay and Josh welcome Tracy Rode, CEO of the Patient Empowerment Network and a 15-year cancer survivor. Tracy shares her insights on self-advocacy, the importance of credible information, and how to navigate the challenges of living with a rare cancer like polycythemia vera. Listeners will learn practical tips for preparing for doctor appointments, finding support, and empowering themselves throughout their PV journey. Transparency Statement: The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit to learn...
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Managing Your PV and Mental Health
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode of the PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow, hosts Kay and Josh are joined by Dr. Al Freedman, a psychologist and rare disease advocate, to discuss the mental health challenges faced by people living with polycythemia vera (PV) and other rare diseases. Dr. Freedman shares his personal story as a parent and professional, offering insights on coping with uncertainty, isolation, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managing mental health, both for patients and caregivers, and emphasizes the value of hope, resilience, and...
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Self Advocacy in Polycythemia Vera: A Patient's Perspective
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode of the PV Pod, hosts Kay and Josh discuss the importance of self-advocacy for those living with polycythemia vera (PV). They speak with Susan Brooks about her diagnosis journey, her experiences with advocating for her own health, and the value of staying informed and connected within the PV community. Transparency Statement: The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit to learn more. The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak...
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Shared Decision Making in Polycythemia Vera
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode of the PV Pod, Josh and Kay discuss the critical importance of shared decision making in the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV). They are joined by Dr. Lucia Masarova from MD Anderson Cancer Center and PV patient Cheri Clark, who provide insights from both the physician and patient perspectives. The discussion highlights the essential role of patient advocacy, continual education, and collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in managing this rare disease. Transparency Statement: The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit to...
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Talking to Friends & Family about PV
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode of the PV Pod, we dive into the experiences of Steven Ames, who shares his journey with polycythemia vera (PV). Diagnosed during the height of COVID-19, Steven discusses the challenges he faced, including difficult interactions with healthcare providers, the importance of seeking second opinions, and the critical role of having a knowledgeable healthcare team. The conversation also highlights the significance of utilizing a broad support network, which includes family, friends, colleagues, and online communities, to manage the emotional and practical aspects of living with...
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Managing Polycythemia Vera for the Long Term
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode of the PV Pod, hosts Josh and Kay engage in a detailed discussion with Dr. Solly Chedid about managing polycythemia vera (PV) over the long term. They explore symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for PV, highlighting the importance of patient-doctor collaboration in crafting effective management plans. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and professional insights on living with PV. Transparency Statement: The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit to learn more. The following PharmaEssentia-supported...
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Dana's PV Journey: Research, Resilience & Mental Health
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On the Season 2 premiere of the PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow, hosts Kay Vermeil and Josh Bragg introduce Dana, a therapist diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) at 35. Dana shares her unique diagnosis story, her experience managing PV symptoms from a young age, and the importance of self-advocacy, mental health, and community support in her journey. Dana offers insightful advice on navigating life with PV, emphasizing the need for education and a strong support system. Transparency Statement: The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit to learn more. ...
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Grounded with Purpose: Ken Stein's Journey with PV
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On the final episode of Season 1 of The PV Pod, we’re in conversation with Ken Stein, a 77-year-old former pilot diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV). Ken shares his diagnosis story, the impact of PV on his life, and the importance of community and self-advocacy. He also highlights challenges in communicating the severity of his condition to others and managing his healthcare team. Transparency Statement: The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit to learn more. The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and...
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A Year in Review for Polycythemia Vera
MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
On this episode, Josh and Kay recap the first year of 'The PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow', reflecting on key moments from their ten episodes. They discuss polycythemia vera (PV), including insights from medical experts like Dr. Bose, Dr. Tremblay, and Dr. Gerds, and heartwarming stories from people living with PV, such as Nick Napolitano and Gary Linehan. The episode covers PV symptoms, treatments, and the importance of community support. Special highlights include Gary's inspirational outlook and Nick's metaphor of a baseball season to describe living with PV. Transparency Statement: The PV...
info_outlineThe Season 2 finale of The PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow takes listeners through a thoughtful year-end review, highlighting the most impactful insights shared by patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates. Kay and Josh revisit key themes like early symptoms, shared decision-making, and the power of self-advocacy, drawing on memorable moments from this year's guests. The episode also explores the importance of education, community support, and finding credible resources while navigating life with PV. Plus, the hosts offer a sneak peek at what’s ahead in 2026.
Transparency Statement:
The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.
The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.