The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast

Jonathon Cohen, MD, MS When you hear the word “aggressive,” it can feel overwhelming, but in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), it can also point to something encouraging – a potential cure. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jonathon Cohen, of Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, GA, about what a DLBCL diagnosis really means, from how this common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is identified to...

Samuel Brotkin, PhD, Chelsea Kaye, LCSW and Elissa Baldwin Recorded onsite at CancerCon®, a young adult cancer conference presented by Stupid Cancer®, we talk about what resilience really means after a cancer diagnosis, and why it’s not about always being “strong.”  Join us alongside Sam Brotkin, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Bull City Behavioral Health and Chelsea Kaye, LCSW, an Informatio...

Tania Jain, MBBS What does a myelofibrosis (MF) diagnosis really mean, and how does it fit within a group of conditions called myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Tania Jain of Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, MD, who helps break it all down in a clear and approachable way. She discusses how myelofibrosis affects the bone...

Some people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may feel well day to day, but that doesn’t mean life stays the same. In this episode, we hear from Annette Holloway, a clinical psychologist living with CLL, as she shares how her diagnosis, treatment decisions, and side effects have shaped her daily life. Also joining us is Elise Curry, RN, OCN, a Clinical Trial Nurse Navigator at Blood Cancer U...

Rebecca Olin, MD, MSCE Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex diagnosis, and it can be difficult to know what to expect in those early conversations after diagnosis. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rebecca Olin from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), who helps explain what AML is and how care is approached today. Dr. Olin walks us through how doctors evaluate AML, what facto...

Chris Pagliarulo A cancer diagnosis in your 20s or 30s can raise questions most people never expect to face so early in life. In this episode, we speak with Chris Pagliarulo, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 29, about the medical, emotional, and practical realities of cancer during early adulthood. We explore issues that are especially relevant for adolescent and young adult (...

Marlise Luskin, MD With so many new advances in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), understanding today’s treatment landscape can give patients a clearer, more hopeful outlook. In this episode, we speak with Marlise Luskin, MD of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about what adults should know when facing a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dr. Luskin helps listeners understand how ALL dev...

Andrew Yee, MD Multiple myeloma can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming at first, but today’s advances tell a much brighter story. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Yee of Massachusetts General Hospital explains what myeloma is, how it’s diagnosed, and why new treatment options, from four-drug regimens to CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, are transforming patient outcomes. With enthusiasm and r...

CAR T‑cell therapy is redefining what personalized cancer treatment can look like, offering real promise for patients and families. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Richard Maziarz and CAR T Nurse Coordinator Bashi Ratterree of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Together, they explain how CAR T‑cell therapy works, who may be eligible, what patients can expect during treatment and rec...

Stefan Barta, MD, MS Cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare condition that often raises important questions for patients and families. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stefan Barta, of the University of Pennsylvania, to bring clarity to what CTCL is, how it’s diagnosed, and what patients can expect from staging and treatment. Dr. Barta breaks down the differences between CTCL subtypes, ex...

Mikkael A. Sekeres, MD, MS Curious about what’s new in the world of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)? We’re bringing you the latest insights straight from one of the field’s leading experts. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami Health. Recorded onsite at the 2025 ASH (American Society of Hematology) Annual Meeting an...

Ann Grace MacMullan, C-IAYT In this episode, we sit down with Ann Grace MacMullan, Director of Integrative Wellness at the International Waldenstrӧm’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), to explore how wellness can become a powerful part of life after a cancer diagnosis. Ann Grace shares practical, calming techniques, including breathing exercises, “Bee’s Breath”, and guided meditation, that you...

Jean Koff, MD, MSc Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can sound overwhelming, but what does it really mean for patients and families? In this episode, we speak to Dr. Jean Koff of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, who breaks down the big picture of NHL: what it is, how it’s an umbrella term for multiple subtypes, and what today’s treatments and tomorrow’s innovations could mean for you. From u...

Michell Fullmer, RDN, LDN, CSP, CNSC Nutrition plays a powerful role in supporting children through cancer treatment, but it’s not always easy for caregivers to know what’s best, especially when there are taste changes, appetite shifts, and treatment side effects. In this episode, we sit down with Michell Fullmer, a registered dietitian at Nemours Children’s Hospital, to share practical insights t...

Abdulraheem Yacoub, MD In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Abdulraheem Yacoub of The University of Kansas Cancer Center to discuss myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), a group of rare blood cancers that affect how blood cells are produced. We explore what MPNs are, the most common types, and the signs and symptoms that lead to diagnosis. We also answer real questions from members of our MPN onlin...

When cancer enters a family, it changes everything – routines, roles, and relationships. In this episode, we talk with Lindsey and Thomas Kealey about what it means to navigate cancer together as a care partner and patient. From unexpected diagnoses to months spent living in a hospital room, Lindsey shares how she balanced caregiving, work, and self-care while learning to hold space for diff...

John Burke, MD MRD (minimal/measurable residual disease) testing is changing the way doctors understand and monitor blood cancers.  In this episode, we talk with Dr. John Burke of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center about how MRD testing works, what the results mean to patients and their care teams, and how ongoing clinical research is helping shape more personalized and hopeful approaches to tr...

Bethany Lilly Choosing the right health insurance plan can make all the difference in protecting your health and finances. In this episode, Bethany Lilly, Executive Director of Public Policy at Blood Cancer United, discusses important updates to healthcare insurance enrollment for 2026. Bethany explains what patients and caregivers need to know about changes to the Healthcare Marketplace and Medic...

Anand Jillella, MD In this episode of The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United , Elissa and guest co-host, Kristen Parker, speak with Dr. Anand Jillella, of Georgia Cancer Center. Together, they explore acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)—a rare but highly curable subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Jillella explains the rapid onset of APL, its hallmark signs and symptoms, and how targeted treatme...

Andy Kolb, MD Eric Cooks, PhD Bryon Daily In this special episode of The Bloodline, we introduce our new name and what it means for blood cancer patients, caregivers, and the wider community. Joining us from Blood Cancer United are Dr. Andy Kolb, President & CEO; Dr. Eric Cooks, Senior Director of the Equity & Access Research Program; and Bryon Daily, myeloma survivor and Senior Manager of...

Eduardo Bruera, MD En este episodio damos la bienvenida al Dr. Eduardo Bruera, distinguido oncólogo médico y jefe del Departamento de Medicina Paliativa, Rehabilitación y Medicina Integrativa en la División de Medicina Oncológica del MD Anderson Cancer Center. Acompáñanos mientras el Dr. Bruera nos ayuda a comprender mejor los cuidados paliativos, definiéndolos y desmintiendo ideas erróneas comune...

Dianne Callahan In this episode, we speak with Dianne Callahan, four-time cancer survivor, best-selling author, speaker, and patient advocate. Dianne shares her experiences with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer, stem cell transplant, and survivorship while highlighting the importance of advocacy, joy, and intention in life after diagnosis. From her work with fundraising campaigns to legislat...

What happens when a sibling match becomes the key to survival? In this heartfelt episode, we speak with Peter and Susan Feinberg, a brother-sister duo connected by both family and a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Peter, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor, shares his experience from diagnosis to remission, while Susan offers a rare and intimate view into what it means to be a stem cel...

Sara Jahnke, PhD Steve Fisher Tommy Schroeder Firefighters risk their lives every day—but what happens when some dangers aren’t in the flames, but in the long-term health risks they face on the job? In this episode, we take a closer look at cancer in the fire service, especially the increased risk of blood cancer. Joining us are Dr. Sara Jahnke, Director and Senior Scientist at the Center fo...

Marc Hoffman, MD In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Marc Hoffmann from The University of Kansas Cancer Center, to explore chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—what it is, how it’s treated today, and where research is headed. Dr. Hoffmann shares insights on treatment goals, side effect management, and the importance of shared decision making. We also touch on emerging therapies—including CAR T-cell...