Libsyn Directory

Replay: International Legends of Sickle Cell: Professor Clarisse Lobo & Dr. Kleber Fertrin

Release Date: 10/24/2023

Warrior Takeover with Brian Goff, CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

In this special Sickle Cell Warrior Takeover of Cheat Codes, Kyle Smith and Shamonica Wiggins-Mayes sit down with Brian Goff, CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals, for a candid conversation about the relationship between the sickle cell community and the biopharma industry. They discuss what meaningful partnership looks like, why trust must be earned over time, and how listening to people with lived experience can shape research, education, and drug development. Brian also reflects on what he has learned from the sickle cell community, while Kyle and Shamonica share what they want industry leaders to...

Legends of Sickle Cell - Dr. Miguel Abboud (Arabic Edition)

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

This special episode of Cheat Codes marks the podcast’s first-ever conversation in Arabic, expanding the global reach of sickle cell education and advocacy. Dr. Miguel Abboud, a pioneer in sickle cell disease and longtime leader at the American University of Beirut, joins Dr. Karim Osman for an in-depth discussion on care across the lifespan, research advancements, and challenges facing patients in the Arab world. Together, they explore newborn screening, access to treatment, and the future of sickle cell care for Arabic-speaking communities worldwide. SHOW DESCRIPTION Cheat Codes is...

Legends of Sickle Cell - Dr. Miguel Abboud

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

In this inspiring Legends of Sickle Cell episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Miguel Abboud, a global leader whose work has shaped modern sickle cell care for decades. Dr. Abboud shares the pivotal patient stories that guided his career, his groundbreaking contributions to transplantation, acute chest syndrome research, and stroke prevention, and the international perspective he brings from working across Lebanon, the United States, Africa, and India. He reflects on the mentors who influenced him, the ongoing challenges of access to care worldwide, and the urgent need to...

Understanding How Treatments Get Approved - What It Means for You

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Sarah Gheuens, Chief Medical Officer and Head of R&D at Agios Pharmaceuticals, to break down one of the most frequently heard but least understood terms in the treatment conversation: FDA approval. From the phases of clinical development and the role of regulators, to the difference between traditional and accelerated approval pathways, Dr. Gheuens demystifies the science and the process in plain language. They also discuss why asking questions of physicians about their care is one of the most important things a patient can do. SHOW DESCRIPTION Cheat Codes...

REPLAY: Good Sickle Cell Care

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 of this year’s World Sickle Cell Day, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Care.” SHOW DESCRIPTION Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers,...

Sickle Cell in the Media: Scene & Heard - SCDAA Masterclass

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

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 conversation emphasizes the power of storytelling to drive advocacy, reduce stigma, and humanize the experiences of those living with sickle cell disease. Listeners will hear insights...

Renal Complications with Sickle Cell Disease

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

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. The discussion explores how anemia, hemolysis, blood pressure, and even treatment choices influence long-term kidney health, along with emerging therapies that offer new hope...

Learnings from the Red Cell Revolution

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

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 navigating complex care. Together, they explore how collaboration, shared education, and collective advocacy strengthen each individual movement. The episode offers hope, perspective,...

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

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 complications, personalize care, and strengthen the patient–provider relationship. The conversation explores everything from AI-driven analytics to hospital-based monitoring,...

Rising Stars in Sickle Cell: Dr. Sharl Azar

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

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, systemic change, and the lived experiences of patients. Listeners will be inspired by Dr. Azar’s commitment to equity, collaboration, and building a brighter future for those...

More Episodes

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, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. Each episode, Cheat Codes strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the Sickle Cell community.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Hosts and guests featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

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