Podcast
ReGEN Podcast
Hosted by Bobby Gordon · EN
The Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) ReGen Podcast features engaging and innovative discussions with a focus on the following topics: stem cell science; regenerative medicine; clinical trials; research outcomes; and, space and low Earth orbit-based research. Guests include UC San Diego Sanford SSCI experts and team members, academic luminaries, Nobel laureates, and industry and government leaders in the field. The ReGen Podcast is based in San Diego, CA, and is hosted by SSCI team member Bobby Gordon.
About the Sanford Stem Cell Institute
The UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) is a global leader in regenerative medicine and a hub for stem cell science and innovation in space, representing six (6) research Centers, the CIRM Alpha Stem Cell Clinic, and a Brain Tumor & Neuro-Restoration Program. SSCI aims to catalyze critical basic research discoveries, translational advances, and clinical progress — terrestrially and in space — to develop and deliver novel therapeutics to patients.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Conversation with CIRM's President and CEO | Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD
2w ago00:33:30Tap to summarizeThis episode features our conversation with Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Thomas was previously the chair of the CIRM governing board from June 2011 to March 2023 and has played an integral role in supporting patient-centric research, strategies and outcomes within the Alpha Clinic network and UC San Diego's Sanford Stem Cell Institute. We discuss his history with CIRM and the impact the organization has had across California. Thomas has a long-standing commitment to patient advocacy. He spent more than 15 years on the board of the Crippled Children's Society of Southern California and served as chair for four years. The organization, now called AbilityFirst, assists children with spinal cord injuries and mental disabilities that could be targets of stem cell therapies. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 17, 2025, and information presented herein is current at the time of recording.
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Stem Cells and Cancer, In Vivo Discoveries
Apr 1500:24:02Tap to summarizeOur conversation with Tannishtha Reya, PhD, reviews her work and publications on understanding the mechanisms that drive cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Her research also includes developing high resolution in vivo imaging approaches to map normal stem cell behavior and interactions within a living organism, to define how these change during cancer formation. Tannishtha is the associate director for Translational Research and director of the Irving Drug Discovery Program at Columbia's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is also a former professor with the UC San Diego School of Medicine. An expert in how stem cells fuel cancer growth, she is known for co-authoring a publication in Nature in 2001 that coined the term 'cancer stem cell' to describe how some cancer cells can mirror the properties of stem cells in normal tissues. Reya's laboratory has uncovered critical pathways and therapeutic targets in leukemia and pancreatic cancer, contributing to clinical trials and approvals for new therapies. She has been recognized for her contributions to the field with many prestigious awards, including an NIH Director's Pioneer Award and an NCI Outstanding Investigator Award. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 16, 2025, and information is current as of the time of this recording.
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Novel Therapeutics and Discoveries | Leo D. Wang, MD, PhD
Apr 200:18:56Tap to summarizeOur conversation with Leo D. Wang, MD, PhD, includes unique insights into novel discoveries and therapeutics for HIV, diabetes, cancer and other conditions. As the director of the City of Hope Alpha Clinic, we discuss the innovative and collaborative nature of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Alpha Clinic network. The City of Hope was the first of now nine CIRM Alpha Clinics, designed to improve patient access to stem cell and regenerative medicine clinical trials for all Californians. Leo Wang also serves as an associate professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Immuno-Oncology, and the division chief of cell, gene, and transplantation therapy at City of Hope, a cancer hospital located outside of Los Angeles, CA, with additional affiliate locations. He leads a research lab dedicated to reprogramming the immune system to fight childhood cancers, where his team works to modify the body's own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Additionally, his lab studies how these engineered cellular therapies interact with tumors and the native immune system. Wang also oversees clinical trials that use these "living medicines" to treat pediatric brain tumors and other aggressive cancers. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 17, 2025, and information is current as of the time of this recording.
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Medical Resilience in Space | Dana Levin, MD, MPH
Mar 1800:27:03Tap to summarizeDana Levin, MD, MPH, serves as the director of Space Medicine for Vast. As the International Space Station plans for decommission in 2030, Vast is an industry pioneer with developing the first commercial space station, Haven-1, for long-term human habitation of low Earth orbit. We discuss the implications of humans inhabiting space in this new frontier of opportunities, challenges, questions and implications for human health and medicine. Dana's background before his role at Vast includes working for NASA as a clinical scientist for the human research program, developing methods to assess medical risk for deep space missions and designing medical systems to mitigate them. He was also the clinical lead for NASA's artificial intelligence clinical decision support task force. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 17, 2025, and information is current as of the time of this recording. Note, since recording, Vast has released a new launch timeline of 2027 for Haven-1.
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The Intersection of AI and Medicine | Bruce Y. Lee, MD, MBA
Mar 400:42:46Tap to summarizeOur conversation this week is with Bruce Y. Lee, MD, MBA, a digital health and AI expert whose research focuses on AI systems modeling and other computer-aided approaches within the healthcare industry. Bruce has founded, built, and led multiple initiatives in systems science, AI, mathematical and computer modeling, digital health, operations research and science/health communications, including research consortia, centers at universities and independent companies. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 15, 2025, and information presented herein is current at the time of recording.
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Regenerative Medicine: From the Amazon Rainforest to Space | Alysson Muotri, PhD
Feb 1800:32:47Tap to summarizeOur conversation with Alysson Muotri, PhD, covers a broad scope of topics including his innovative work and discoveries in space-based research, Neanderthal DNA, and groundbreaking breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and indigenous plants found in the Amazon Rainforest. Muotri serves as the director of the Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research Center (ISSCOR) at UC San Diego's Sanford Stem Cell Institute, leading numerous research missions in sustained microgravity and low-Earth orbit. His work includes a focus on generating human disease models to determine the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving complex neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer's disease, while identifying and testing novel therapeutic approaches. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 2, 2025, and information presented is current as of the date of this recording. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O1RvSe5GJQY
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Stem Cell Biology Industry Trends | Tiffani Manolis
Feb 600:26:19Tap to summarizeThis episode features our conversation with Tiffani Manolis, vice president and general manager of the cell biology business at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Our discussion highlights her passion for cell biology and innovative trends in the gene and cell therapy industry, with a focus on advancing technologies that support the development of life-changing therapeutics. Tiffani is an experienced leader in the life sciences industry in her current role and joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022 to lead the cell culture and cell therapy business. Prior to this role, Tiffani held various leadership positions at Agilent Technologies from 2015 to 2022, including vice president and general manager, and associate vice president of marketing for the chemistries division. Tiffani's career also includes significant roles at Bio-Rad Laboratories and USA Scientific. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 16, 2025, and information presented is current as of this date. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kGtHR4yxBcY
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RNA and Stem Cell Innovations | Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA
Jan 2100:38:46Tap to summarizeOur conversation with Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA, features a deep dive into his innovative work with RNA, gene editing and intersection of stem cells and regenerative medicine. We discuss what's on the horizon for discoveries and industry-based opportunities. Yeo serves as the director of the Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center with the goal to facilitate industry growth by leveraging research findings and developed technologies to support the commercialization of applications through strategic collaboration with industry partners. Yeo's work focuses on high-throughput genomics, systems biology approaches, engineering, and statistical and machine learning methods, as well as biochemical, molecular, and stem cell biology techniques, to solve problems in RNA processing. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA. This episode was recorded on Sept. 22, 2025, and all information is current as of the date of recording. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/itE9wr4pxZI
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Stem Cell Clinical Trials: Behind the Scenes with Julissa Gonzalez at UC San Diego
Jan 800:18:22Tap to summarizeThis episode features our conversation with Julissa Gonzalez, MS, who serves as the clinical research data manager at the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center. Her work helps frame and prepare insights into stem cell-related clinical trials. Our discussion explores information the public may not readily know about preparing for and administering therapeutics via clinical trials, including unique perspectives on validation, analyses, and patient care outcomes. This episode was recorded on June 2, 2025, and information is current as of the date of this recording. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA.
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Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | Marisa Korody, PhD
Dec 1700:29:31Tap to summarizeMarisa Korody, PhD, serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a scientist in conservation genetics, working on the northern white rhino rescue project. She works closely with collaborators at The Scripps Research Institute to optimize the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from banked rhino fibroblast cells in the Frozen Zoo® for potential use in assisted reproductive technologies. This episode was recorded on Aug. 13, 2025, and information is current as of the date of recording. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5y7CCbGWQms
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