275 - A Soft Blanket and a Bold Mission

In this episode, Sean and Kyle kick things off with a nostalgic dive into Kyle’s latest midlife hobby—collecting Sacramento Kings basketball cards from the early 2000s. What began as a simple eBay gift for his nephew spiraled into a full-on tribute to his college years, complete with prized cards now stashed in a personal safe. The dudes banter about their shared sports memories, the glory days of Bibby and Weber, and how even Shaq’s son is now playing ball in Sacramento. It’s a fun and lighthearted reminder that small joys—like cheap sports memorabilia—can spark big waves of meaning.

But the real heart of the episode comes from a face-to-face conversation with longtime friend Katie Stevens, executive director of Team Telomere. Katie opens up about her personal journey as a rare disease mom and how her experience shaped her leadership in the nonprofit space. She shares how Team Telomere has grown from a volunteer-run effort into a structured, strategic organization—with an eye on both care and cure. From care packages and community trust to groundbreaking research and a clinical trial aimed at treating telomere biology disorders, Katie gracefully bridges the science and the soul of rare disease advocacy.

With honesty, wit, and wisdom, Katie reminds us that hope isn’t just a word—it’s a community, a strategy, and a force for action. Whether you’re in the trenches or working toward a cure, this episode delivers powerful insight into what it takes to lead with heart and keep moving forward.

Links and Resources

• Team Telomere