Welcome to The Glennon Factor
This podcast is dedicated to unveiling the essence of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital through heartfelt narratives. Join us as we delve into the remarkable connections, heartfelt stories, and resilient bonds that embody ’The Glennon Factor.’ It transcends conventional medical care, encapsulating the extraordinary interactions between staff, caregivers, patients, and our supportive community, shaping an experience beyond words. We invite you to be part of these inspiring conversations, exploring the depths of ’The Glennon Factor’—the profound ‘secret sauce’ that defines our unique healthcare journey.
Stay up to date with all our episodes by visiting our podcast hosting site HERE or check out the episodes below.
The Glennon Factor Podcast Video Clip Library
Below are a few key moments lifted from each episode to give you a taste of what The Glennon Factor is. Click on any episode or clip's title to be re-directed to YouTube.
Season 1
Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions in the Season Premiere of "The Glennon Factor"! Join Sophie, her mom Jessica, and the incredible Dr. Lauren Draper from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital as they share Sophie's journey through osteosarcoma. Brace yourself for chemo tales, triumphs, and the heartwarming 'Tumor Funeral' that brought the whole medical team together. In this uplifting episode, Sophie dishes out advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. It's a dose of resilience, a sprinkle of hope, and the unbeatable Glennon Factor – all in one episode!
In this episode of “The Glennon Factor,” we have the honor of chatting with Dr. Heidi Sallee, the remarkable and compassionate medical director of The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Dr. Sallee, with her deep roots in the hospital’s history, shares invaluable lessons for aspiring physicians, emphasizing that while medical practices may evolve, the core of compassionate patient treatment remains timeless. Discover the heart behind pediatric care and the enduring legacy at the heart of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. It’ll be a touching exploration of medicine, compassion, and the essence of lasting patient connections.
Diagnosed unexpectedly with cardiomyopathy, 15-year-old aspiring athlete Jimmy Williams endured a 103-day wait for a new heart, forever transforming his life. Drawing from his book, Attitude of Grace, Jimmy’s words serve as a guiding light throughout the episode, illuminating the importance of resilience and faith in the face of uncertainty. We’re honored to share reflections from his remarkable journey alongside his devoted parents, Jim and Shana, and his compassionate heart surgeon, Dr. Charles Huddleston from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose. Commuting two in half hours one way each workday is an honor and a privilege for Aaron Wright, our podcast producer of "The Glennon Factor." Through his son’s journey with congenital heart disease during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaron and his family confronted fear, job loss, PTSD and more. Tune in to hear how his video journaling hobby evolved from a personal coping mechanism to becoming Senior Production Consultant for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation.
Tune in for an unforgettable episode of “The Glennon Factor” podcast as we dive into the compelling journey of retired probaseball player Matt Holliday and his wife, Leslee. We’ll cover “all things Holliday” from first date memories to life in retirement, including their heartfelt reasons for staying connected to Cardinal Glennon. Joining us in studio is special guest co-host Maggie Bohannan, leukemia survivor and the first patient the Hollidays met more than 12 years ago! Little did Maggie know that her visit with them would result in life-changing impact for future patients and what Matt considers his “biggest accomplishment.” Also - be sure to stay tuned for the “Hot Seat” segment as the Hollidays tackle rapid-fire questions, offering a glimpse into their lighter side. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
We are talking to Dr. Hossain Marandi, President of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. After a brief icebreaker which included a tater tot taste test (tots being one of his favorite pleasures) we had the privilege of talking with our first physician president about his childhood, his family’s escape from Iran, his lifelong calling to become a physician and the subject of DEVOTION: HIS devotion to Catholic ministry, his witnessed devotion of the Cardinal Glennon health care to our community, and our combined devotion to improving the healthcare landscape within our plans for the new hospital. Perhaps it isn’t coincidence that the original vision and success of Cardinal Glennon began with Dr. Peter Danis, a devoted physician – and that the beginnings of our next 70 years will be led by Dr. Marandi, also a physician.
Season 2
While most hospitals can state that they are open 24/7, the true continuum of care doesn’t end whenever the patient leaves the parking lot. Our patients are always our patients, and we go the extra mile to make sure that our patients are safe outside our walls. That is why, in 2014, the hospital invested in one paramedic’s vision to build a program known as STARS: Special Needs Tracking and Awareness Response System. This one-of-a-kind, and now nationally benchmarked program helps coordinate and coach ambulance districts, fire districts and community hospitals to know the specialized needs of medically complex patients inside their coverage area and get the appropriate, specialized training to care for these patients’ needs before they even arrive at the patient’s side. Program Coordinator/Paramedic, Nick Salzman and parents, Jamie and Tim Massinelli joined us to share how the program got started and the impact it has on both sides of the 911 call.
Join us for this episode of The Glennon Factor, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible Glennon Guild: 100 women, one mission, under one sun, brightening countless Cardinal Glennon lives. Founded in 1957, this volunteer and fundraising organization has made a profound impact on advancing the welfare of the hospital and the children in its care, hosting a variety of fundraising events and programs and raising millions of dollars throughout the years. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, learn about their upcoming initiatives, and find out how you can support their mission to bring hope and healing to the children and families we serve. Don’t miss this heartfelt and uplifting episode!
Join us for an exhilarating episode of The Glennon Factor as we spotlight the remarkable SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Transport Team! Listen as key clinicians share gripping stories from past transports, highlight the evolution and growth of the program, and provide an insider’s look into their high-stakes, high-reward work. From managing patient transfers via ambulance or helicopter to coordinating complex logistics with other hospitals, this dedicated team ensures that every patient receives timely, life-saving care. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes journey into the heart of our lifesaving operations!
In this inspiring episode of The Glennon Factor, we explore the world of Integrative Medicine with Dr. Anu French, the pioneering physician at SSM Health who blends evidence-based holistic practices with traditional Western medicine to provide a comprehensive approach to healing. Joining Dr. French are her patient, Siler, and his mother, Stacey, who share their personal journey of hope and healing through this unique program. Discover how Integrative Medicine is making a difference in the lives of patients by addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and learn about the innovative treatments that are helping to transform care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. Tune in to hear the bookend perspective from both the patient and the provider, and gain insights into how this program is paving the way for a more holistic approach to medicine.
In this two-part series on the Complex Medical Care Program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, we explore this transformative initiative. Part 1 features Drs. Kurt Sobush and Aline Tanios, the visionary physicians who created the program. Recognizing the immense challenges faced by families of medically complex children, they sought to streamline care, reduce hospital visits, and provide comprehensive support. These dedicated doctors discuss the program’s origins and how it brings together vital resources to improve the lives of patients and families.
In Part 2, we join Dr. Aline Tanios, Dr. Michael Smiley, and the inspiring Watson family – parents Rose and Demetrius, and their daughter, Lavender, who was born with Trisomy 18. This heartfelt episode shares how the Complex Medical Care Program has supported Lavender and her family through immense challenges, demonstrating the power of compassionate care and the resilience of the human spirit.
Full Episode - It's Complicated - Pt. 1 & 2
This episode of The Glennon Factor explores the responsibility of our Level 1 trauma center to keep children safe, focusing on injury prevention and violence intervention. Lori Winkler, injury prevention nurse coordinator, and Melik Coffey, coordinator of the Life Outside of Violence program, share their experiences and insights. Lori leads efforts to protect children from preventable injuries, such as car accidents, drowning, and home safety hazards. Melik passionately supports victims of violence, providing comprehensive care and education. They discuss how social determinants of health disproportionately impact underserved communities and the importance of a “village mindset” in ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.