No Ordinary Subjects

In this follow-up to my keynote presentation at the meeting of the North Carolina Regulatory Affairs Forum (NCRAF) in conjunction with the Triangle Chapter of the ACRP, I’m reflecting— full-chested and unfiltered— on what it means to be voice-activated in an ecosystem that still hasn’t gotten the memo. Among other themes, I’m talking about the fallacy of “coercion” when it comes to compensating pa...

In this episode, I touch on why truth, not just trust, is essential in clinical research. I challenge the status quo, advocating for radical transparency to empower participants and build genuine engagement. Read my more in-depth article in the newsletter, Equity 'n Action on LinkedIn. #MedicalResearch #Healthcare #TransparencyInResearch #TruthInTrials  #ResearchEthics #CommunityEngagement #R...

This episode of No Ordinary Subjects confronts the return of measles in the United States— a disease we once eliminated. We explore how rising vaccine hesitancy, fueled by years of politicized misinformation and erosion of public trust, has weakened our collective defenses and put us back at risk. Drawing connections between the sidelining of science during the COVID pandemic and today’s outbreaks...

In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects , host Allison Kalloo unpacks the dangerous implications of the Trump administration’s latest executive order, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History , which takes direct aim at the Smithsonian Institution—specifically, the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This isn’t just about rewriting history; it’s about erasing it. We expl...

In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects , host Allison Kalloo exposes a critical flaw in how clinical trials are regulated in the U.S. The FDA can issue guidance, make recommendations, and encourage diversity— but it lacks the power to enforce meaningful change. Without Congressional action, clinical trial sponsors can continue treating inclusion as optional. It’s time to demand more than suggesti...

This episode of No Ordinary Subjects gets into the ethical complexities of the $24 billion plasma donation industry and the "Plasma Paradox": the vast financial gap between donor compensation and the multi-thousand dollar value of plasma-derived pharmaceuticals that come from each liter extracted. Examining the fairness of corporate profits versus donor payouts, also consider the long-te...

Tune in to this episode to get guidance on cutting through DEI noise to deliver actionable guidelines for clinical trial equity. Learn how to move beyond buzzwords, meet FDA expectations, and create real change. We cover lived experience, recruitment, community partnerships, data strategies, and more. We're speaking directly to Clinical Trial Operations Leaders, Regulatory Affairs professiona...

Our perspectives and opportunities are shaped by culture, history, and the experiences we carry. On this International Women’s Day episode of No Ordinary Subjects , we’re celebrating how these forces influence the way we move through the world— and how we can push beyond the limits they impose. It’s also about not allowing competition with one another impede our progress or diminish our community....

Lately, there’s been a shift: Companies and institutions that were always genuine about cultural change are finding themselves needing to “rebrand” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in light of the toxic political climate. But let’s be real: Is this adaptive evolution or erosion of standards? In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects , I break down the difference between meaningful transformati...

DEI is under attack—watered down, defunded, and dismissed. But let’s be clear: its death is neither inevitable nor acceptable. In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects , I confront the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion head-on, exposing the paranoid hypocrisy of those who claim DEI has "gone too far" while systemic inequities remain as stark as ever. I call out the perform...

In a candid episode of No Ordinary Subjects, I share my personal experience of being shortchanged in a migraine clinical trial after a technical error led to a missed blood draw. The sponsor's refusal to take responsibility sparked a crucial question: why don't patients have a public platform to review clinical trials like consumers review businesses? I break the silence naming the spons...

In this solo episode of No Ordinary Subjects , I reflect on a topic close to my heart: patient compensation in clinical trials. Having stepped away from the industry, I share my candid thoughts on how the lack of respect for participants played a role in my decision. I have been an advocate for many years. A recent article by DIA brought the issue of money front and center: Compensation isn’t just...

Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed by where to begin? Both are more common than a cold. In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects , host Allison Kalloo dives into the power of taking that all-important first step toward your passion. Whether you’re launching a new project, pursuing a dream, or simply rethinking what’s possible, the message is clear: you don’t have to have it all figured out to get started....

As the year comes to a close, host Allison Kalloo reflects on the challenges, growth, and clarity 2024 brought while setting an inspiring tone for 2025. In this deeply personal episode, Allison shares stories from her journey, including lessons on communication and the power of human connection. She dives into her multi-passionate goals: writing books, launching apps, designing CVSTOMOLOGY product...

In this episode of 'No Ordinary Subjects', we hear from 'Lady' Kimberly Anderson, whose breast cancer journey is a remarkable testament to both grace and grit. Diagnosed at the young age of 32, Lady Kimberly is forthcoming about her harrowing experience and what (and who) has kept her going in the 15 years since. She's happy to discuss the importance of leaning on family,...

The 2nd Annual Health Equity in Clinical Trials Congress took place in Atlanta, GA on May 8-9, 2024. I'm your podcast host, Allison Kalloo,  and I moderated the opening plenary session— a panel featuring patients like me! Not surprisingly, the time constraints did not allow for as robust a conversation as we would have liked, so it felt as if we were just scratching the surface of what we wan...

On this episode of No Ordinary Subjects, host Allison Kalloo sits down with the remarkable Ms. Patricia Peele, a community activist and advocate from rural Halifax County, North Carolina. Patricia's story is one of inspiration and action, dedicated to increasing representation in clinical trials for Black, Brown, and rural communities. She shares her invaluable insights and practical advice f...

This extended, deeply personal episode of No Ordinary Subjects features a courageous conversation with a man who bravely shares his journey with lupus. For too long, lupus has been mistakenly perceived as a "women's disease," leaving men who experience it feeling isolated and misunderstood. Our anonymous guest opens up about his life before diagnosis, the challenges he faced in gett...

This episode of No Ordinary Subjects offers a deeply personal reflection from your host. I'm Allison Kalloo and I decided to share a powerful encounter that has shaped her understanding of bias in research. Taking a trip down memory lane, I recountsan experience that underscores the fundamental biases that can hinder researchers and their work from achieving true greatness and inclusivity. Ra...

Welcome to No Ordinary Subjects. This podcast boldly explores the crucial intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion in health, medicine, and clinical trials. This premiere episode lays the foundation for a series of candid and thought-provoking conversations that will delve into the often difficult, sometimes controversial, and always unusual subjects that shape our health experiences. Prep...

Stepping out of the long shadows of myths, misconceptions, and misalignment, No Ordinary Subjects connects the dots and clears a path toward better outcomes in clinical trials – for everyone involved. The status quo is not acceptable, and it's simply not working. It's time to put the pedal down and explore meaningful solutions for all stakeholders in this vital ecosystem: clinical resear...