Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast

In another special Sickle Cell Warrior Takeover of Cheat Codes, Golie Green sits down with Dr. Biree Andemariam, a physician-scientist at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, for a deep dive into life with sickle cell disease, in September during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. They dig into the science of…

In this special Sickle Cell Warrior Takeover of Cheat Codes, Kyle Smith and Shamonica Wiggins-Mayes sit down with Brian Goff, CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals, for a candid conversation about the relationship between the sickle cell community and the biopharma industry. They discuss what meaningful partnership looks like…

This special episode of Cheat Codes marks the podcast's first-ever conversation in Arabic, expanding the global reach of sickle cell education and advocacy. Dr. Miguel Abboud, a pioneer in sickle cell disease and longtime leader at the American University of Beirut, joins Dr. Karim Osman for an in-depth discussion on…

In this inspiring Legends of Sickle Cell episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Miguel Abboud, a global leader whose work has shaped modern sickle cell care for decades. Dr. Abboud shares the pivotal patient stories that guided his career, his groundbreaking contributions to transplantation, acute…

Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Sarah Gheuens, Chief Medical Officer and Head of R&D at Agios Pharmaceuticals, to break down one of the most frequently heard but least understood terms in the treatment conversation: FDA approval. From the phases of clinical development and the role of regulators, to the difference…

To commemorate World Sickle Cell Day 2026, the Cheat Codes podcast is re-releasing this powerful live episode from the 2025 National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) meeting. In this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C are joined by a powerhouse panel: Dr. Payal Desai, Dr. Seethal Jacob, Dr. Pat McGann, and Dr. Andy…

This SCDAA Masterclass, a special episode of Cheat Codes, was recorded live at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) 2025 Annual National Convention in Chicago and explores the portrayal of sickle cell disease in the media. Panelists share personal stories and discuss the importance of authentic…

In this powerful episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Santosh Saraf, one of the leading experts on kidney disease in sickle cell, to break down why renal complications are so common yet often overlooked. Dr. Saraf walks listeners through the early warning signs, the importance of routine…

This special crossover episode brings together advocates from PK deficiency, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease to share insights from the Red Cell Revolution and the powerful connections formed across rare hemolytic anemias. NinaMaria Badalamenti leads a heartfelt conversation with Jill Welle, Laurice Levine, and…

In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Nirmish Shah of Duke University for a deep dive into how technology, wearables, and patient-reported outcomes are transforming the way clinicians measure quality of life in sickle cell disease. Dr. Shah shares the evolution of his work tracking daily…

In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Sharl Azar joins the hosts to discuss his journey from Oregon to leading the sickle cell program at Mass General in Boston. Dr. Azar shares the pivotal moments that inspired his passion for hematology and advocacy, including his work on groundbreaking legislation to improve care for…

On this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C welcome Shayan Siddiqui, founder of MiCaringHeart, to discuss his impactful work supporting sickle cell patients in Detroit. Shayan shares how his family's experiences inspired initiatives like Cabs for Kids, providing transportation to medical appointments, and Outsmart, offering free…