Stem Cell Revolution

As the 2026 World Cup kicks off and America approaches its 250th birthday, Donna Chang and Jan Shultis dig into what contact sports do to the brain — from little league to the pros — how concussions are (and aren't) measured, what the research really says about repeated head impacts and CTE, and where regenerative medicine is heading, including newly published peer-reviewed results in Brain on...

In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, Donna Chang and Jan Shultis examine President Trump’s executive order accelerating psychedelic therapies for serious mental health conditions. They review the historic Oval Office signing, the roles of the FDA and DEA in drug scheduling, and the groundswell of public support—including voices like Joe Rogan and Secretary Kennedy—that helped bring the issue t...

In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, Donna Chang and Jan Shultis dive into the science of aging and longevity. They explore the critical difference between lifespan and healthspan—not just living longer, but living better with greater mobility, independence, and vitality. The discussion covers key biological processes behind aging, including chronic inflammation, cellular senescence or “zombie...

Stem cell banking is a multi-billion dollar industry—but what are families actually storing when they bank stem cells? In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, we break down what adult stem cell banking is and the objectives for storage. We explain what stem cell banks actually store, how different types of stem cells are collected, and what the realistic potential of these cells is in medicine to...

Why Are Stem Cells So Expensive? The Real Cost Breakdown in 2026 In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution , Donna Chang and Jan Shultis tackle one of the most common and uncomfortable questions in regenerative medicine: Why do stem cell treatments cost so much? From $5,000 cash-pay clinic procedures… to $25,000 overseas medical tourism visits… to FDA-approved cellular therapies costing $200,000 to...

As we kick off the new year, it’s time for a reset. In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, we reflect on the resolutions regenerative medicine must commit to — not just for the next 12 months, but for the future of the field. From patients and providers to industry, government, and the deeper meaning of hope, this conversation centers on accountability, scientific rigor, and trust. Regenerative...

Join us for our exclusive year-end recap as we celebrate the incredible progress in stem cell therapy throughout 2025! 🚀In this episode, we break down:The Top 3 game-changing moments that defined the yearThe latest clinical program updatesThe inspiring data and statistics showing our progress this year. Whether you're a patient, researcher, or simply passionate about the future of medicine, t...

This Thanksgiving, Stem Cell Revolution sits down with a true Houston legend: Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale. Known nationwide for his high-energy furniture commercials and record-breaking sports bets, Mack is so much more than a marketing icon. Here in Houston, he’s a community pillar—opening his stores during hurricanes, delivering mattresses to veterans, supporting families in need, and showing...

Is cord blood banking the biggest stem cell scam of all time? We dive deep into the science to answer this question once and for all. Episode Resources: July 15, 2024 New York Times article " “Promised Cures, Tainted Cells: How Cord Blood Banks Mislead Parents” by investigative reporter Sarah Kliff and Azeen Ghorayshi https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/health/cord-blood-storage-contamination.htmlR...

If stem cells are so great, why don’t you hear more about them? In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, hosts Donna Chang and Jan Shultis dive into the hidden barriers that keep groundbreaking science out of the spotlight. From the medical establishment to the world of peer reviewed literature, Donna and Jan pull back the curtain on the censorship challenges facing regenerative medicine today. Wh...

Florida just passed a groundbreaking new law allowing physicians to administer non-FDA-approved stem cell therapies—but what does it really mean for patients, providers, and the future of regenerative medicine? In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, we break down Florida’s controversial stem cell legislation:✅ What treatments are allowed✅ Who can administer them✅ What safeguards are in place...

Is the FDA finally loosening its grip on regenerative medicine? In this landmark episode, Donna Chang and Jan Shultis break down the major regulatory shakeups coming out of Washington—from the removal of CAR-T safety barriers to RFK Jr.’s sweeping promises to “clear the path” for innovation. With high-profile figures like Dr. Vinay Prasad and Dr. Carl June calling for less FDA oversight and faster...

As we close our CTTACC podcast series, we’re honored to be joined by a leader whose legacy spans medicine, military service, and national impact. Retired Major General Dr. Lester Martínez-López most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs @DeptofDefense, overseeing the health and medical readiness of over 9 million service members and their families. Prior to that,...

What does it really take to bring a breakthrough therapy to patients with traumatic brain injury? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Charles Cox, a pioneer in trauma and regenerative medicine, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans decades of research, clinical insight, and unflinching honesty. Based in Houston, Dr. Cox is a Professor of Pediatric Surgery and Neurosurgery at  @UTHe...

We see them everywhere! Exosomes and extracellular vesicles, promoted in wellness products, skincare, and regenerative therapies. But even in medical communities, they're still widely misunderstood. That’s why we turned to one of the world’s leading experts to break it all down. In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, we sit down with Dr. Aijun Wang, Chancellor’s Fellow and Professor of Surge...

He’s not predicting the future of medicine—he’s building it. In this electrifying episode, we sit down with Dr. Anthony Atala, a global icon in regenerative medicine and the visionary behind the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. A surgeon, scientist, and bioengineering pioneer, Dr. Atala has spent decades doing what most of us only dream about: growing human organs, engineering tiss...

This Memorial Day, we honor those who have given everything for our country—and welcome a guest whose life and work are a testament to service, sacrifice, and innovation in medicine. Dr. Michael Policastro is board-certified in emergency medicine and medical toxicology, and serves as Vice President of Business Development for a cutting-edge concierge medical practice. But when duty calls, he dons...

Can stem cells regenerate the human heart? There’s no one better to answer that question than Dr. Chuck Murry, one of the world’s leading physician-scientists in iPS research. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Murry, the newly appointed Chair of the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Director of the Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anthony Luke, a nationally recognized expert in sports medicine, orthopedics, and regenerative therapies, to dive into the facts—and fiction—surrounding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).Dr. Luke is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the UCSF Human Performance Center. With decades of experience caring for Olympians, professional athl...

In this episode, we kick off our CTTACC 2025 podcast series with none other than Dr. Shibani Pati, a visionary leader in trauma and regenerative medicine and the driving force behind one of the field’s most impactful gatherings. Dr. Pati is Vice Chair and Professor of the Department of Laboratory Medicine, and Director of the Center for Translational Research in Transfusion Medicine and Cellular T...

In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, hosts Donna Chang and Jan Shultis take listeners on a journey into the final—and perhaps most complex—criteria of the FDA’s HCT/P framework: systemic effect and the metabolic activity of living cells. Inspired by a recent trip to Disney World, Donna returns with fresh perspective (and a little pixie dust) to explore how the magic of stem cell science often...

In this episode of Stem Cell Revolution, hosts Donna Chang and Jan Shultis tackle one of the most misunderstood—but critical—FDA rules governing regenerative medicine: the “No Combination” clause. What happens when you mix stem cells with something else? A scaffold, a growth factor, or even a drug may seem like a harmless addition—but that single tweak could change everything. Donna and Jan unpack...

We’re hitting pause on stem cell regulations to bring you a special report on Donna Chang’s latest trip to HHS! Who did she meet? What was discussed? And what happens when Hope arrives in our nation’s capital? Watch now to find out!

Join us as we decode the FDA's playbook on homologous use! In this episode, we dive into the critical differences between HCT/Ps and drugs, unravel real-world examples, and explore the regulatory drama that shapes regenerative medicine. Tune in to discover how a simple definition can redefine the future of cellular therapies! Join the Conversation:Your feedback is crucial! Ask us anything in the c...

Join us for an insightful dive into the complex world of stem cell regulation in this episode of "Stem Cell Revolution." Recorded in early 2025, we explore the pivotal topic of minimal manipulation - a cornerstone in determining whether stem cell products are classified as drugs or human cell, tissue, or cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps). Key Highlights: 00:00 - Intro and New Year Reflec...