HemoStories Podcast

The HemoStories Podcast is dedicated to discussing, exploring, learning from, and celebrating all things related to bleeding disorders. We interview people with bleeding disorders, people who have children with bleeding disorders, or people associated with bleeding disorders by profession. We talk about our global outreach initiatives, what it’s like to have a bleeding disorder, and we cover what’s happening in the bleeding disorder community. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and leave comments with suggestions, questions, or feedback!

Episode 24 - Isidro Montero 02/16/2018

Episode 24 - Isidro Montero Hosted By: Holly Olsen Guest: Isidro Montero of Costa Rica In this short episode of HemoStories, Holly interviews Isidro Montero in San Jose, Costa Rica. Isidro is the secretary of the Hemophilia Association of Costa Rica. The mission of the association is “to ensure better health and quality of life for Costa Rican people with hemophilia”. Listen as Isidro shares his involvement and experiences with the bleeding disorder community in Costa Rica. If you like what you hear, please consider rating us on iTunes, donating to the cause, subscribing to the podcast, following us on social media (@hemohelper), and liking our HemoHelper Facebook Page. Special thanks to Carole Kelly for editing, and to Mason Morris from SLC, UT for writing the theme song, “Just Smile,” which was written as an optimistic reminder that there is hope for a cure and a bright future in the hemophilia world. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/6268320

Episode 23: Marisol de Monteroso and Dr Faviola Valbert of Guatemala 02/08/2018

Episode 23: Marisol de Monteroso and Dr Faviola Valbert of Guatemala Hosted By: Holly Olsen Guests: Marisol de Monteroso and Dr Faviola Valbert Join Holly as she interviews Marisol de Monterosa, President of the Hemophilia Association in Guatemala, and Dr Faviola Valbert, a hematologist in Guatemala. Marisol tells us of her unexpected introduction to hemophilia when her son was diagnosed at the age of three; her feelings of isolation; her founding of the Hemophilia Association in Guatemala; and work she does for hemophiliacs in her country. Dr Faviola Valbert shares the sad realities of having hemophilia in Guatemala where medical issues are only the beginning of the problem. Politics, finances and even a diagnosis are major limiting factors to the health and well-being of those with bleeding disorders. Together Marisol and Dr Valbert tell about the Center that brought them together and the effort they are making to make life better for those in Guatemala with hemophilia. If you like what you hear, please consider rating us on iTunes, donating to the cause, subscribing, following us on social media (@hemohelper), and liking our HemoHelper Facebook Page. Special thanks to Carole Kelly for editing, and to Mason Morris from SLC, UT for writing the theme song, “Just Smile,” which was written as an optimistic reminder that there is hope for a cure and a bright future in the hemophilia world. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/6238341

Episode 22: Haydée Benoit de Garcia 01/19/2017

Episode 22: Haydée Benoit de Garcia Haydée Benoit de García, of the Dominican Republic, used her son’s diagnosis with Severe Hemophilia A as motivation to empower her entire country with knowledge and information about bleeding disorders. From what had once been an isolating experience for the hundreds in the Dominican Republic with Hemophilia (diagnosed or not), came a community filled with hope and optimism. Listen to her story to learn about the partnership of hemophiliacs, parents, and medical providers within the Dominican Republic with those outside the country, including the World Hemophilia Foundation. United, they support those in the Dominican Republic with donations of time, money, education, supplies and product. It’s a beautiful team which was made possible by the efforts of one woman motivated by the desire to help and to improve the lives of others. If you like what you hear, please consider rating us on iTunes, donating to the cause, subscribing, following us on social media (@hemohelper), and liking our HemoHelper Facebook Page. Special thanks to Caroleen Kelly for editing, and to Mason Morris from SLC, UT for writing the theme song, “Just Smile,” which was written as an optimistic reminder that there is hope for a cure and a bright future in the hemophilia world. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/5004477

Episode 21: Miguel Izquierdo in Mexico City 12/22/2016

Episode 21: Miguel Izquierdo in Mexico City In this episode of HemoStories, Holly Olsen speaks with Miguel Izquierdo in Mexico City. Himself a hemophiliac, Miguel Izquierdo understands the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. As the president of the Directive Board of the Mexican Federation of Hemophilia, he advocates for proper health care for thousands of hemophiliacs in Mexico. The group deals with insurance complications, cultural stigma, and maintaining quality of life. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4936336

Episode 20: HemoHelper WFH Research Recap 08/07/2016

Episode 20: HemoHelper WFH Research Recap Hosted by: Josie Olsen Guest: Rick Kelly Join Josie Olsen and her husband, Rick Kelly, in this HemoStories episode as they recap new HemoHelper research which debuted at the 2016 World Federation of Hemophilia World Congress in Orlando, Florida last month. At this event Rick presented a poster about his research on the relationship between healthcare infrastructure within a country and the measured prevalence of Hemophilia A. Rick gives a description of his research and future research opportunities. Listeners will also learn the differences between various hemophilia-related conferences (such as NHF and WFH) and reasons you may want to attend. To access the data on Rick’s research, as well as an interactive workbook, go to If you like what you hear, please consider rating us on iTunes, donating to the cause, subscribing, following us on social media (@hemohelper), and liking our HemoHelper Facebook Page. Special thanks to Carole Kelly for editing, and to Mason Morris from SLC, UT for writing the theme song, “Just Smile,” which was written as an optimistic reminder that there is hope for a cure and a bright future in the hemophilia world. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4572510

Episode 19: Linda Wright 07/19/2016

Episode 19: Linda Wright In this episode of the HemoStories Podcast, Josie interviews Linda Wright, a Factor 1 deficient member of the bleeding disorders community. Linda has afibrinogenemia, which means her liver manufactures no fibrinogen. Josie first became acquainted with Linda when searching online for others with afibrinogenemia like her son, Forrest. This is the first in a series of interviews covering the whole spectrum of bleeding disorders. Linda’s long history and extensive involvement in the bleeding disorders community will be as interesting to listen to as her 67 year personal experience with afibrinogenemia. If you like what you hear, please consider rating us on iTunes, donating to the cause, subscribing, following us on social media (@hemohelper), and liking our HemoHelper Facebook Page. Special thanks to Caroleen Kelly for editing, and to Mason Morris from SLC, UT for writing the theme song, “Just Smile,” which was written as an optimistic reminder that there is hope for a cure and a bright future in the hemophilia world. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4525119

Episode 18: Rich Pezzillo 04/24/2016

Episode 18: Rich Pezzillo Hosted by: Rick Kelly Guest: Rich Pezzillo /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4317425

Episode 17: Danny's Dose 04/18/2016

Episode 17: Danny's Dose Hosted By: Joslyn Olsen /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4303635

Episode 16: "Blood Vibrations" 03/03/2016

Episode 16: "Blood Vibrations" In this HemoStories episode, Joslyn interviews Matthew Tache and Billy Conde Goldman, the founders of Blood Vibrations, an “ongoing grassroots project of music created by people in the bleeding disorders community.” Both Billy and Matthew have dealt with hemophilia throughout their lives. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4193871

Episode 15: Maria DaSilva from Brazil 01/26/2016

Episode 15: Maria DaSilva from Brazil Hosted by: Joslyn Olsen Guest: Maria DaSilva /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/4104861

Episode 14: Agnes Kisakye in Uganda 12/01/2015

Episode 14: Agnes Kisakye in Uganda Hosted by: Joslyn Olsen Guest: Agnes Kisakye /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3987284

Episode 13: Timothy Wilcox 10/31/2015

Episode 13: Timothy Wilcox In this HemoStories episode, Joslyn interviews Ohio native, Timothy Wilcox in a stairwell while attending NHF’s 67th Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. Together they discuss Timothy’s personal experiences of being both a diabetic and a moderate hemophiliac. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3906797

Episode 12: Inside Blood Work 2015 08/24/2015

Episode 12: Inside Blood Work 2015 Hosted by: Joslyn OlsenGuests: 2015 Blood Work Participants /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3755183

Episode 11: Justin Levesque of FOLX 08/18/2015

Episode 11: Justin Levesque of FOLX In this HemoStories episode, Joslyn interviews FOLX founder, Justin Levesque in an outdoor setting while attending NHF's 67th Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. Together they discuss Justin's personal experiences of being a hemophiliac affected by inhibitors, the many projects/organizations he contributes to, and his hopes for the future of the community. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3743092

Episode 10: Preeta Varkey Pt. 2 08/13/2015

Episode 10: Preeta Varkey Pt. 2 In part 2 of this HemoStories episode, Holly continues interviewing Preeta Varkey, the mother of an 8 year old son with severe hemophilia and inhibitors. They are Indian expatriates living in Bahrain. Preeta shares the vulnerable and difficult lifestyle of living outside of her native country while parenting a child with a complex medical condition. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3734583

Episode 09: Preeta Varkey in Bahrain 07/08/2015

Episode 09: Preeta Varkey in Bahrain In part 1 of this HemoStories episode, Holly interviews Preeta Varkey, mother of an 8 year old son with severe hemophilia and inhibitors. They are Indian expatriates living in Bahrain. Preeta shares the vulnerable and difficult lifestyle of living outside of her native country while parenting a child with a complex medical condition. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3662460

Episode 08: Michael Bishop 03/20/2015

Episode 08: Michael Bishop In this HemoStories episode, Josie interviews Michael Bishop, an optimistic 22 year old from Findlay, Ohio with a fascinating story. Although he lives with Hemophilia B, an inhibitor, and an allergy, Michael has found plenty of ways to stay positive throughout the years. He's a student, a writer, and a musician, who often found creativity as a crucial outlet while he was recovering from bleeds. Of course he says video games helped too. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3437795

Episode 07: Hemophilia in Nigeria (Part 2) 03/04/2015

Episode 07: Hemophilia in Nigeria (Part 2) This HemoStories episode highlights excerpts from the speech given by Megan Adediran, the Executive Director of the Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria, at NHF's annual meeting called "Overcoming the Odds." It is the second segment of our look at hemophilia in Nigeria. It will help listeners to understand how hemophilia is viewed and treated, and the measures that Megan's organization is taking to educate people of this country. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3403886

Episode 06: Hemophilia in Nigeria 02/23/2015

Episode 06: Hemophilia in Nigeria In this episode of HemoStories, Joslyn interviews Megan Adediran, the Executive Director of the Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria. Megan walks us through her journey from an unknowing carrier to becoming a hemo-mom, and how that led to her becoming the founder and president of the country's only hemophilia organization. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3381759

Episode 05: Tina McMullen 12/27/2014

Episode 05: Tina McMullen In this episode of HemoStories, Josie interviews Factor Support Network’s Tina McMullen about her job as a client services representative and her experiences as a hemo-mom. Tina, from Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, opens up about her son’s rocky road to a diagnosis, the way that she and her husband learned to incorporate the disorder into their daily life, and how she handled child abuse allegations in the hospital. She shares their history, their feelings, and even offers advice to anyone going through the same thing. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3263114

Episode 04: Dr. Samuel Smith Interview 10/13/2014

Episode 04: Dr. Samuel Smith Interview Holly sits down with Harvard-trained anesthesiologist Dr. Samuel Smith at his home in Santa Barbara, California. Together they discuss his connection to hematology and his experiences dealing with patients affected by hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. He details what a patient can do to prepare for surgery, how anesthesiologists prepare for a surgery of someone with a bleeding disorder, and which types of scenarios to avoid when dealing with a potential surgery if you have a bleeding disorder. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3117848

Episode 03: The Mertlichs and Transitioning 09/16/2014

Episode 03: The Mertlichs and Transitioning Josie interviews hemo-parents: Jen and Tyler Mertlich. Together they talk about the PEP conference where they all met. Tyler and Jen share their story of surprise as they became parents to a son with hemophilia, and discuss the ups and downs of hemophilia in their lives. The episode concludes with the story of the Mertlich’s nine year old son transitioning from away from a port in order to self administer his factor infusions at the young age of seven years old. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3053828

Episode 02: HemoHelper Reaches Guatemala 09/12/2014

Episode 02: HemoHelper Reaches Guatemala This episode begins with Josie and Holly discussing the brainstorm session that ultimately helped them select the first HemoHelper humanitarian project to help people affected by bleeding disorders in the developing world. Holly then interviews Adam Smith and 8 year old daughter, Olivia, who traveled to Guatemala to launch the first international outreach endeavor in an effort to fulfill the humanitarian aspect of HemoHelper’s mission. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3008572

Episode 01: Welcome to HemoStories 09/10/2014

Episode 01: Welcome to HemoStories In this introductory episode of HemoStories you will hear from hosts Josie and Holly Olsen (sisters) talk about the background that led them to starting this podcast, the mission of HemoHelper, their connection to hemophilia, and what to expect in the future episodes. /episode/index/show/hemostories/id/3002906

HemoStories Podcast

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