Hearts Afire
Self-Improvement
About
Welcome to Hearts Afire, the podcast for the BioBridge Global team. We're visiting with a wide range of employees about new and special programs, what motivates them, and more. We want to hear from you, so please send your ideas for future episodes to heartsafire@biobridgeglobal.org.
Episodes
- Harry's Inbox: Meeting, dating and carting
Angelica Sandoval and David King address listener questions from Harry's Inbox regarding meeting rooms, inter-departmental dating, and golf cart accessibility.
- Harry's Inbox: Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
In this episode of Hearts Afire, Angelica Sandoval poses questions from Harry's Inbox, and David King makes an attempt to provide answers.
- A creature of habit, with Rogelio Zamilpa
Dr. Rogelio Zamilpa joins Hearts Afire to discuss his various roles at BBG Advanced Therapies, providing insights into current activities and upcoming plans.
- Aspiring to lead?
Sonja Martinez shares details about the updated Aspiring Leaders program, including its new look and structure.
- It's back to the future for you, Mr. Casasola
Emmanuel Casasola, the new Vice President of Lab Operations at QualTex, shares details about his new position, his career experiences at BBG, and his thoughts on the Spurs.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - and get that PTO
Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul provides advice for making a successful blood donation as the BBG Employee Blood Drive begins.
- Harry's Inbox: Used cars, PhDs and holidays with heart
This episode of Hearts Afire features the team answering listener questions from Harry's Inbox, covering topics like used cars, PhDs, and the Heart of the Holidays celebrations.
- Developing your career at BBG, with Brandi Bradford
Manager Brandi Bradford shares insights on the crucial role of career development programs within the modern workplace, specifically at BBG.
- Harry's Inbox: PTO, ice and 'healthy' food trucks
In this episode of Hearts Afire, hosts Angelica Sandoval and David King address listener questions submitted to Harry's Inbox. Topics include paid time off policies, inquiries about an ice machine, and a discussion on whether food trucks c…
- What the heck does Learning & Development do?
This episode explains the role of a Learning & Development team, highlighting their collaborative work beyond traditional training methods. Tilley Stone discusses how the team provides necessary resources.
- Muertos Fest: A chance to connect with the community
Angelica Sandoval speaks with Susan Smith about the BBG team's altar at Muertos Fest and its role in community connection.
- Love as a change strategy, with Frank Danna
On the Hearts Afire podcast, Frank Danna, Creative Director at Softway, discusses his organization's new book titled "Love as a Change Strategy."
- BBG Broadcast
Angelica Sandoval and David King provide an overview of the features available on the BBG Broadcast mobile app.
- Camp Discovery, with Jennifer Cavazos and Susan Smith
Jennifer Cavazos, Executive Director of Discovery Camps, and Susan Smith discuss Camp Discovery and Donation Day with Angelica Sandoval.
- Culture and change, with J.R. Becho
J.R. Becho, Director of Organizational Design and Culture, shares insights on the evolution of culture-building initiatives at BBG and strategies for explaining organizational changes.
- All night long, with Josh Sanders
Josh Sanders discusses his experiences working the overnight shift in QualTex-San Antonio on the podcast episode 'All night long'.
- The elephant in the room, with Susan Smith
Susan Smith and Angelica Sandoval discuss grief and its various forms. The conversation on Hearts Afire explores this difficult topic.
- Welcome to BBG Advanced Therapies, with Adrienne Mendoza
Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer of BBG Advanced Therapies, discusses the origins of the subsidiary and its plans for 2025.
- New art, with Cristina Sosa Noriega
Cristina Sosa Noriega discusses her mural commissioned for the Southeast Donor Center, featured in the BBG collection.
- A surgical approach, with James Murphy
Kimberly Monroe hosts an episode of Hearts Afire featuring James Murphy, Tissue Recovery Manager. Murphy discusses the challenges and unique hours associated with his role in recovering donated tissues.
- Advocating for donors, with Meredyth Ramos and Christina Ortiz
Meredyth Ramos and Christina Ortiz, nurses featured on Hearts Afire, discuss their role in advocating for and caring for blood donors 24/7.
- Cord blood and birth tissue, with Belinda Palacios
Belinda Palacios, Lead Collection Coordinator, discusses the lifesaving potential of cord blood and birth tissue with host Kimberly Monroe.
- Loyal as a pitbull, with Granville Betton
Granville Betton shares his unique contributions to the organization, drawing from his experiences as the NUG (New Useless Guy) and VOR (Voice of Reason).
- SAMMinistries and the United Way
Nikisha Baker, President and CEO of SAMMinistries, a United Way agency, shares information about the organization.
- A strong foundation, with Clay Howell
Clay Howell, Director of Development for The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation, shares insights into the Foundation's mission and his personal drive for a life dedicated to service.
- Process development, with Sami Dykes and Alia Mallah
Sami Dykes and Alia Mallah, team members at GenCure, discuss their roles and the future of advanced therapies.
- Granulocytes and you, with Naomi Herrera
Naomi Herrera, Manager of Apheresis Services, explains granulocyte donations and their role in saving lives on the podcast Hearts Afire.
- A history of leadership, part 3, with Dr. Norman Kalmin
Dr. Norman Kalmin concludes his discussion on leadership, reflecting on his 27-year tenure, his early life, and his retirement.
- Staying secure, with Jimmy Martinez
In the 50th episode of Hearts Afire, San Antonio native Jimmy Martinez, BBG's Security Manager, shares insights on safety, security, and boxing.
- Moving on, with Roberto Esquivel
Roberto Esquivel, a Graphic Design Specialist, shares insights from his 14-year tenure with the organization as he approaches his retirement.
- Life in the lab, with Max Pinones
Max Pinones, Manager of the Cord Blood, Birth Tissue and Advanced Therapies Laboratory, shares details about his experience working in the lab.
- Lab and cello, with Austin Smith
Austin Smith, who works at QualTex in Georgia, joins the Hearts Afire podcast to discuss his job and his love for playing the cello.
- Coming back to QualTex, with Falisha Atwell
Falisha Atwell, Senior Director of Laboratory Services, shares her experiences returning to QualTex and the significant changes she encountered. This discussion stems from a visit to Georgia in late 2023.
- Donate Life Month
Host Kimberly Monroe and Susan Smith discuss the history of Donate Life Month and DLM Spirit Week, highlighting the importance of promoting tissue, cornea, and organ donation programs.
- Building the donor experience
Ken Doyle, Manager of Donor Experience for South Texas Blood & Tissue, discusses initiatives focused on enhancing the donor experience.
- A history of leadership, part 2, with Dr. Norman Kalmin
Part 2 of a series on leadership features former CEO Dr. Norman Kalmin discussing the organization's growth during the 1980s and 1990s and the BBG Art Collection.
- An Atlanta perspective
This episode features an interview with Nicholas Masterson, Lead Human Resources Business Partner at QualTex in Atlanta, as part of a series focusing on the company's Atlanta team.
- Let's talk some Basura (Bash)
Emmanuel Casasola, Brenda Brock, and Linda Lozano discuss the upcoming Basura Bash and other volunteer events organized by BBG.
- Heroes in Arms, with Bill Bullock
Bill Bullock, Specialized Program Coordinator, joins Kimberly Monroe to discuss the Heroes in Arms program and its life-saving impact.
- A history of leadership, part 1, with Dr. Norman Kalmin
This episode features Dr. Norman Kalmin, discussing his journey to becoming an organizational leader and his initial years in the role. This is the first of a three-part series.
- MLK Day March, with Richey Wyatt and Scott Jones
Richey Wyatt and Scott Jones discuss the Hearts Afire organization's MLK Day March event in San Antonio, which was their first community outreach of 2024.
- On the right path, with Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul
Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, also known as Dr. G, joins the podcast to discuss her career journey and daily responsibilities as Medical Director of STB&T. She also shares her recent streaming interests.
- A veteran's story, with Dr. Bob Selvester
Dr. Bob Selvester, a 33-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and the physician in residence at BBG Clinic, is featured in this annual Veterans Day episode of Hearts Afire.
- Preserving history, with Amanda Lozano
Hearts Afire introduces new team member Amanda Lozano, a Multimedia Communications Specialist who enjoys writing and music.
- Practical medicine, with Dr. Rachel Beddard
Dr. Rachel Beddard, Chief Medical Officer for BBG, provides her medical opinion and perspective.
- Bloodhounds are here, with Laura Eickhoff and Emmanuel Casasola
Laura Eickhoff and Emmanuel Casasola discuss the BBG Bloodhounds soccer team in this episode of Hearts Afire.
- Following the rules, with Chris Cielak
This episode features Chris Cielak, Manager of Regulatory Affairs with BBG Global Quality. He discusses the process of dealing with regulatory agencies and vendors.
- Wendy's Way, with Wendy Zachmeyer
Wendy Zachmeyer, Staff Accountant, is featured on the latest Hearts Afire podcast episode,
- A long-term perspective, with Jose Garcia
Jose Garcia reflects on his 30-year career within the organization, having gained valuable experience across various departments including Components, Accessioning, and Sales.
- Talking about wheels, with John Barnes
John Barnes, Vice President of Human Resources and Learning, joins Hearts Afire to talk about his passion for motor vehicles.