The Journey of Cancer Drug Development: Insights from Dr. Bryan Williams

The Voice We Never Heard - Trailer

She was called the most beautiful woman in the world. But her real legacy? Invisible. This one-minute trailer previews The Voice We Never Heard—a story of invention, erasure, and brilliance buried beneath beauty. Full story drops Friday, June 14. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit markgoode.substack.com [https://markgoode.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

She Left Her Body - And Chose to Return

Amber Cavanagh was clinically dead. Her brain had shut down. Doctors told her family to say goodbye. But what happened next defied everything they thought they knew. Amber left her body—entered a place she calls “home”—and was given a choice. In this episode of ReMarkable!, I tell the story of Amber Cavanagh—a wife, mother, and former counselor—who experienced a near-death event so vivid, so detailed, and so emotionally charged, it altered the course of her life. Amber didn’t float through a tunnel. She woke up in a garden beyond anything we know on Earth, surrounded by loved ones, past lives, and three spirit guides. She wasn’t told what to do. She was given a choice: stay in the light… or return to a broken body and a brutal recovery. She came back. And what followed was harder than anyone imagined. In this deeply moving episode, you’ll hear how Amber rebuilt her life—spiritually, physically, emotionally—and why she now believes no one ever walks alone. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when we die—or what might be guiding us while we live—this story will stay with you long after the credits roll. Amber wrote a book, “At the Stroke of Eternity” that tells her story and the many lessons she learned. I’ve read it and found it to be moving and insightful. You can find it here [https://amzn.to/43EG7Eu].Amber has shared her story on many YouTube podcasts. Here’s one [https://youtu.be/eM358sPRwiY?si=ySlObgSRcIlgMKDJ] I enjoyed a great deal. Amber is very active on her Facebook page. I’ve enjoyed watching past recordings of her Facebook Live sessions. Here’s her page. [https://www.facebook.com/westcoastmedium1] Affiliate disclosure: I may earn commissions from purchases made through Amazon links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit markgoode.substack.com [https://markgoode.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Journey of Cancer Drug Development: Insights from Dr. Bryan Williams

Have you ever wondered how new cancer drugs come to market and why they are priced the way they are? In my latest episode on Remarkable, I discuss these very questions with Dr. Bryan Williams [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Williams_(molecular_biologist)], a world-renowned cancer researcher and molecular biologist. With a career spanning nearly four decades at prestigious institutions like the Cleveland Clinic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Clinic] and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Institute_of_Medical_Research], Dr. Williams provides a deep dive into the process of cancer research and drug development. How do research priorities get established in cancer research? Where does the funding come from? And why are there such lengthy and risky timelines involved? Listen to the introduction to this episode Takeaways from the Podcast: * The complexity and length of cancer drug development, often taking 10 to 15 years. * The role of societal pressure in directing research focus, as seen with breast cancer. * The intricate economic dynamics that dictate high drug prices, especially in later stages of development. * The impact of funding sources and the M&A process in the biotech industry. The Intersection of Funding and Research One of the intriguing aspects Dr. Williams discusses is the alignment of funding sources with research priorities. Listeners familiar with high technology venture funding will find many parallels in the development and financing of cancer research, but there are critical differences. For instance, the investment return horizons for cancer research are usually 10 to 15 years, much longer than in other sectors. The risks are high, and exits and liquidity events typically occur through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) where biotech firms are acquired by big pharmaceutical companies. But what makes cancer research funding distinct? Why are the development timelines so long and why are the risks so high? Societal Impacts and Research Focus Dr. Williams also touches on the societal pressures that influence research focus areas, such as with breast cancer. Historically, certain cancers, particularly those affecting women, were underfunded and under researched. Breast cancer, for instance, was not well-treated until societal pressures led to an increase in interest and funding. Today, early diagnosis techniques and advanced treatments have significantly improved the outlook for breast cancer patients. What other societal pressures are currently shaping cancer research? And what does Dr. Williams think about the future of cancer therapies? Listen to the full podcast for his insightful perspectives. Thanks for listening to Remarkable! (A Podcast)! This post is public so feel free to share it. The Economics of Drug Pricing A critical issue that I discuss with Dr. Williams is the economics of drug pricing. Despite the substantial government and philanthropic funding that supports early research, the costs escalate dramatically when it comes to clinical trials. This is where pharmaceutical companies often step in, taking over the projects and the associated high costs. But why are the resulting drug prices often so steep? And, how do pharmaceutical companies balance the need to recover research costs while making treatments accessible? These questions and many more are unpacked in our conversation. Tune in to the episode for a nuanced understanding of these multifaceted issues in cancer research and drug development. Chapter List: 00:00 Introduction to Cancer Drug Development 00:10 Meet Dr. Bryan Williams 00:39 Funding and Research Priorities in Cancer 02:46 The Role of Societal Pressure in Cancer Research 05:16 Dr. Williams' Career Journey 07:03 Understanding Innate Immunity and Cancer 07:57 Virus-Related Cancers and Vaccination 11:00 Genetic Predisposition to Cancer 24:02 The Economics of Cancer Drug Development 27:25 The Role of Biotech Firms in Cancer Research 31:28 Phase Two and Three Trials: Challenges and Costs 32:22 Exit Strategies for Biotech Investors 33:10 The Long Road of Drug Development 33:47 Case Study: Sydney-Based Biotech Firm 35:07 Fast Track Designation and Clinical Trials 36:57 Valuation and Market Potential of New Therapies 38:32 Cost of Goods and Market Incentives 42:16 Ethical Considerations in Drug Pricing 49:50 Global Healthcare Models and Innovation 55:39 Rising Cancer Rates Among Younger Populations 59:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for listening to Remarkable! (A Podcast)! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit markgoode.substack.com [https://markgoode.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Navigating the Stormy Seas of Divorce with Divorce Coach Bonnie Miller Ladds

Divorcing someone is never just about signing papers and moving on. There’s an emotional and psychological journey that often leaves people grappling with an array of challenges. In my latest podcast episode, I engage in a deep conversation with Bonnie Miller Ladds [https://focus-forwardtherapy.com], a certified divorce coach, who has shaped her career by helping individuals navigate the turbulent waters of divorce. Bonnie’s unique approach, combining her skills as a therapist and a coach, brings invaluable insights into managing divorce effectively. But what exactly makes a divorce coach different from a traditional therapist? And how do they become the pillar of strength in such challenging times? Listen to Bonnie’s definition of a divorce coach Four Takeaways from this Episode * There is no emotional justice in divorce; focus on your own well-being. * Parallel parenting can be a practical solution for high-conflict divorces. * Divorce coaches can provide invaluable guidance even before the divorce process begins. * The importance of not transferring decision-making to your attorney – take ownership of your life. Divorce is a Psychological Separation One of the things that intrigue me most about Bonnie’s practice is her emphasis on staying in your own lane. She advises her clients to focus on their own emotional well-being rather than obsessing over their ex-partner's actions. This raises a question – how often do we get stuck in the pursuit of emotional justice, only to realize there’s no such thing? Bonnie explains that divorces are psychological separations, emphasizing the importance of accepting this new emotional space. How can people truly let go of their past when the temptation to ‘screw him to the wall’ as Bonnie puts it, is so strong? Listen to the podcast to understand why staying focused on yourself can be the real key to moving forward. High-Conflict Divorces and Parallel Parenting Bonnie also introduces the concept of parallel parenting, especially useful for high-conflict divorces. Unlike the harmony and negotiation often associated with co-parenting, parallel parenting involves each parent operating independently to minimize conflicts. What does it mean for parents and children? And how do parents navigate decisions around critical issues like the timing of handing a smartphone to their child when they have entirely different views? The answers aren't straightforward, but Bonnie provides a roadmap for managing these complex dynamics. Pre-Divorce Coaching Another compelling part of our discussion revolves around the role of divorce coaches pre-divorce. Bonnie highlights that divorce coaching isn’t just for those who have decided to split; it also guides those contemplating divorce. How does one sift through the emotional and practical aspects to make an informed decision? Bonnie’s insights could be the lifeline many need to truly understand the implications of such a monumental decision. Dive into the podcast to hear real-life examples, including the tough choices individuals face and how to approach them. Catch the full episode to explore these topics in detail and learn from Bonnie Miller Ladd’s vast experience. [https://focus-forwardtherapy.com] Your journey through or toward a divorce might just need that essential guidance to see the morning light once again. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit markgoode.substack.com [https://markgoode.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Leadership and Resilience in Submarine Warfare - CAPT Jason Pittman

As I welcome my friend Jason Pittman, a Navy Commodore, to my podcast, I'm struck by the unique leadership challenges he faces. Jason is preparing for a move to Australia to support our government's relationship with the Aussies and their new nuclear submarine program. But today, we dive into the lessons he's learned from managing crews on some of the most advanced and sensitive vessels in the U.S. Navy: nuclear submarines. Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead a team in such an extraordinary environment? Jason's insights might surprise you. Listen to some highlights from this episode Four Takeaways from the Podcast: * The importance of continuous training and readiness in high-stakes environments. * The role of leadership in building a resilient and accountable team. * The impact of geopolitical tensions on military preparedness. * Strategies for balancing immediate objectives with long-term development. The Unique Challenges of Nuclear Submarine Leadership Managing crews in the Navy, particularly on submarines, requires a different perspective than those of us in civilian life might imagine. The stakes are incredibly high; any misstep could have life-or-death consequences. Jason shares how he navigates these challenges, focusing on continuous training and building a culture where everyone holds each other accountable. How does this military approach compare with leadership in the business world? What can we learn from the Navy? These are some of the questions we tackle in this episode. Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Goals One particularly eye-opening aspect of Jason's career is how he balances immediate mission objectives with long-term training and development. Even with the constant rotation of crew members, he ensures that everyone is ready to perform under the most stressful conditions. It’s not just about being good at your job; it’s about being exceptional so that you can handle whatever comes your way. How does he achieve this level of readiness? And what role does failure play in this high-stakes environment? Jason's experiences provide some fascinating answers. Navigating Geopolitical Tensions As geopolitical tensions rise, the skills and preparedness of military leaders like Jason become even more critical. He reflects on the shifting global landscape and the ever-present possibility of conflict, particularly with nations like China and Russia. How do these real-world threats affect the mental and emotional readiness of his crew? And how does Jason prepare his team for the uncertainty that lies ahead? Joining us on this journey into the depths of submarine warfare offers lessons in resilience, adaptability, and leadership that are applicable far beyond the military. Curious to learn more about the intricacies of managing a submarine crew and the lessons in leadership that transcend industries? Tune in to the podcast for an in-depth conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit markgoode.substack.com [https://markgoode.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]