Inside Geneva – Episode: A New Podcast is Coming Soon Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Imogen Foulkes | Produced by SWI swissinfo.ch

Introduction to the New Podcast

In this special episode of Inside Geneva, host Imogen Foulkes takes a departure from the podcast's usual focus on global politics and humanitarian issues to unveil an exciting addition to the Swiss Info family—a new podcast titled "Lost Cells." Imogen sets the stage for listeners by highlighting the significance of this new venture and its relevance to contemporary societal concerns.

Imogen Foulkes (00:00):
"Hello, I'm Imogen. Folks from the Inside Geneva podcast. Today we're taking a brief detour from our usual focus on humanitarian issues and international organizations to share some exciting news about a new podcast joining the Swiss Info Family."

Exploring the Theme: Cord Blood Banking

"Lost Cells" delves into the complex world of cord blood banking, a topic that intertwines medical advancements with ethical and emotional dilemmas faced by families. The podcast aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the promises and pitfalls associated with preserving a newborn's stem cells.

The Promise of Cord Blood Banking

The episode begins by presenting the optimistic perspective of cord blood banking. Through poignant narratives and expert insights, listeners are introduced to the potential life-saving benefits of preserving a child’s stem cells.

Narrator (00:17):
"What would you do to protect your family?"

Parent (00:20):
"Becoming a parent definitely is a very emotional thing."

Narrator (00:24):
"How far would you go to protect them from future disease?"

Parent (00:27):
"You suddenly care about something more than you care about yourself. And we live in a world that is filled with things that can go wrong."

Narrator (00:36):
"And what if there was a solution? From the second your child is born."

Medical Expert (00:41):
"When you decide to preserve your baby's cord blood, you are making an incredible investment in the future of your entire family's health."

Parent (00:49):
"They would all tell you you're doing this for your child. It will maybe help them later on."

Narrator (00:55):
"That's the promise of stem cells, a future in which your baby's stem cells can be used to cure serious diseases."

Medical Expert (01:05):
"Today, newborn stem cells found in cord blood are being used to treat over 80 conditions."

Imogen Foulkes (01:11):
"We'll keep those amazing cells safe for you."

Parent (01:13):
"Frozen in time we saw a light at the end of the tunnel. That was our daughter."

Narrator (01:19):
"Every breakthrough brings hope and new promises."

Parent (01:24):
"With our child's stem cells, we can cure my illness."

Bank Representative (01:27):
"It made sense to decide for the bank that had its head in Switzerland. It gives some additional credibility."

The Dark Side: Broken Promises and Emotional Toll

While the initial narrative builds hope, "Lost Cells" does not shy away from the darker aspects of cord blood banking. The podcast transitions to exploring the disillusionment and challenges faced by some families, highlighting the gap between promises and reality.

Narrator (01:35):
"But promises can be broken."

Critic (01:37):
"That's why the marketing is so clever, because the idea is that you will forget about it because hopefully your kids will be fine."

Parent (01:43):
"We felt like we had failed our daughter in a very important way."

Critic (01:48):
"The idea that a part of their kid is out there is frightening. They feel that in a way they failed their kids by doing something in which they were trying to protect them."

Narrator (01:58):
"This is a story of how hope can turn sour and spark a global quest to recover the cells and the most precious thing they have in life."

Parent (02:12):
"I don't know if it was the biggest mistake of my life, but I do know that if today I knew all the things that have happened to me, if I knew then I wouldn't have signed with them."

Critic (02:24):
"If you store money, you can go on next day and take it out with stem cells. It's much more complicated."

Parent (02:30):
"And then they said, well, we don't have a legal department. And I just started laughing and don't worry, you will have one very soon."

Conclusion: The Journey of "Lost Cells"

"Lost Cells" serves as a poignant examination of the hopes tied to medical advancements and the unforeseen consequences that can arise. By presenting multiple perspectives—ranging from optimistic parents and medical experts to critical voices and disgruntled clients—the podcast offers a balanced narrative that encourages listeners to critically assess the realities of cord blood banking.

Narrator (02:38):
"Lost Cells, an original Swiss Info podcast in collaboration with PIZ Gloria Productions, Future Proch, and Studio Orcenter. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts."

Key Takeaways

• Promises vs. Reality: The initial promise of cord blood banking as a safeguard against future health issues is juxtaposed with personal stories of disappointment and perceived failures.

• Emotional Impact: The decision to bank cord blood is portrayed as a deeply emotional and financially significant choice for parents, with long-term implications.

• Critical Perspectives: The podcast does not merely highlight the benefits but also scrutinizes the marketing tactics and potential shortcomings of cord blood banking services.

• Global Quest: The narrative underscores a global effort to reconcile the hopes placed in medical advancements with the practical and ethical challenges that emerge.

Notable Quotes:

• Parent (00:27):
  "You suddenly care about something more than you care about yourself. And we live in a world that is filled with things that can go wrong."

• Medical Expert (01:05):
  "Today, newborn stem cells found in cord blood are being used to treat over 80 conditions."

• Critic (01:37):
  "That's why the marketing is so clever, because the idea is that you will forget about it because hopefully your kids will be fine."

• Parent (02:12):
  "I don't know if it was the biggest mistake of my life, but I do know that if today I knew all the things that have happened to me, if I knew then I wouldn't have signed with them."

Accessing "Lost Cells"

Listeners interested in exploring the intricate dynamics of cord blood banking and its broader implications are encouraged to tune into "Lost Cells" available on major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This summary captures the essence of the February 11, 2025 episode of Inside Geneva, presenting a balanced view of the new "Lost Cells" podcast and its critical examination of cord blood banking.