Best On Mcleod Nine Podcasts (2025)

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From ER to Innovation: Building New Healthcare Paths with Dr. Kevin Baumlin 33:24

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6d ago33:24

33:24

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Kevin Baumlin, an emergency physician and Chief Medical Affairs Officer at the Science Center. They discuss the evolving role of physicians in healthcare startups, the importance of clinical insight in product development, and the various pathways for aspiring founders and advisor…

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The Startup Leap: One Doctor’s Path from Medicine to Product Innovation with Dr. Kieran McLeod 44:41

13d ago44:41

44:41

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Kieran McLeod, a former emergency physician who made the leap from clinical work in South Africa to building startups in Australia. We first connected on LinkedIn, and this conversation reminded me just how powerful it is when physicians share their ideas publicly. Kieran …

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Beyond the Clinic: Building Impact in Pharmaceutical Startups with Dr. Heather Lampel 27:17

20d ago27:17

27:17

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Heather Lampel to talk about what it really looks like to move from traditional clinical medicine into the pharmaceutical startup space. Heather shares her story with clarity and honesty. From her roots in clinical genetics to navigating an entirely new industry. We talk about what surprise…

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Physicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira Grant 31:35

27d ago31:35

31:35

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I interview Dr. Shakira Grant, who shares her remarkable journey from practicing medicine to influencing healthcare policy and AI development. We talk about the importance of health equity and the role physicians must play in shaping AI tools that serve all populations effectively. Shakira reflects on her time…

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[Re-Release] From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris 40:11

1M ago40:11

40:11

One of our most requested episodes — revisiting how Dr. Harris translated frontline insight into healthcare innovation at scale. Ever wondered how a physician can transition from clinical care to founding a successful digital health startup? In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Bronwyn Harris, a pediatric cardiologist turned h…

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[Re-Release] Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

Originally released in March 2025, this episode with Dr. Paige Bhansali remains one of our most downloaded and discussed conversations and we're bringing it back for anyone who missed it. What if you could break out of the traditional physician career path and create a role that blends clinical care with entrepreneurship and innovation? In this epi…

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Say Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech with Dr. C.K. Wang 30:38

2M ago30:38

30:38

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. CK Wang, a medical oncologist who made the leap from clinical practice into the tech world. We talk about his transition from traditional oncology to leading roles at IBM Watson Health and Coda, where he’s working on some of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare. CK shares cand…

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A Physician’s Leap from ER to Startup: Curiosity, Clarity, and Impact with Dr. Anurag Gupta 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I talk with Dr. Anurag Gupta about his journey from being an emergency physician to founding Tembo Health, a company dedicated to supporting older adults, especially those living with dementia. He shares the role that curiosity has played in his entrepreneurial path, the importance of networking, and his persp…

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From Inspiration to Impact: A Physician’s Journey to Scalable Solutions with Dr. Manju Dawkins 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Manju Dawkins, founder of Thimble Health, a company transforming how we manage the physical and emotional stress of needle procedures. Manju shares her journey as a physician entrepreneur, and we dig into the story behind her idea, how she took it from concept to produc…

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From ICU to AI: How One Physician Made the Leap from Clinical to Startup Leadership with Dr. Darren Klugman 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Darren Klugman — a pediatric cardiac intensive care physician who made the leap into health tech innovation. Together, we explore the critical role physician insight plays in shaping successful healthcare startups. Darren shares his own journey from clinical practice to industry, and highli…

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From ER to CEO: How One Physician Built a Med Device Company by Solving What Others Ignored with Dr. Liz Clayborne 32:39

3M ago32:39

32:39

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Liz Clayborne shares her journey from being a medical resident to becoming the CEO and founder of Nasaclip, a medical device company focused on addressing the common issue of nosebleeds. She discusses the importance of identifying problems in clinical practice, the process of developing a medical device, a…

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Mini Episode: 3 Things You Can Do Now 14:53

3M ago14:53

14:53

In this episode, I share three actionable steps for physicians who are curious about stepping into the startup world. First, I talk about the importance of self-discovery., getting clear on your motivations, values, and what truly drives your interest in innovation. Then we explore strategic networking, not just meeting people, but building relatio…

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Mini Episode: 3 Mistakes to Avoid 12:32

3M ago12:32

12:32

In this mini episode, I break down the three most common mistakes I see physicians make when stepping into the startup world and how to avoid them. I talk about why it’s so important to understand your real value, what it takes to adopt a true growth mindset, and how to navigate the steep learning curve of entering a completely new space. I’ve made…

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From Clinic to Cutting Edge: How Physicians Can Lead in AI and Innovation with Dr. Mark Allen 35:01

3M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I talk with Dr. Mark Allen about his journey from medicine into the tech industry and the transformative role AI is playing in healthcare. Mark shares the challenges he’s seen in adopting new technologies, the evolution of AI, and its potential to reshape medical practice. He explains why generative AI matters…

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No MBA Needed: A Pediatrician’s Path to VP in Health Tech with Dr. Jennie Berkovich 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennie Berkovich to explore how physicians are navigating non-traditional career paths, especially within telehealth and evolving care models. Jennie shares her journey from pediatric hospitalist to telehealth director, and we dive into the real tensions physicians face when stepping into new systems without cle…

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From Function to Value: Why Startups Pay for Physician Expertise 25:57

4M ago25:57

25:57

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I break down how physicians create measurable business value for startups. Clinical expertise doesn't just improve care, it drives revenue growth, cost efficiency, and risk reduction. Most of us were never taught to frame our skills in business terms, but the truth is: your clinical perspective can solve expen…

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The 7 Startup Functions Physicians Can Support 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

In this episode, I talk about how physicians can add real value to startups without leaving clinical practice. I break down seven core functions where we already have a competitive edge: product design, marketing, business development, clinical research, user insight, policy advocacy, and strategic advisory. Each of these roles taps into what we al…

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Breaking the Mold: How a Practicing Physician Became a Startup Insider with Dr. Gina Clark 27:49

4M ago27:49

27:49

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gina Clark to explore her unique journey from medicine into venture capital. Gina shares what it’s like to be a physician stepping into the role of a limited partner, how she evaluates and supports early-stage companies, and how her clinical background gives her an edge in startup advising. We talk candidly abou…

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Beyond the White Coat: Building a Startup Career from Private Practice with Dr. Payal Adhikari 32:01

4M ago32:01

32:01

In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Payal Adhikari, a pediatrician who made the leap from private practice into the startup world. We talk about what it takes to step into non-clinical roles and how networking, self-belief, and clinical expertise all play a part. Dr. Payal Adhikari shares her personal journey, the skills she …

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Design Is Deconstruction First: Why Your Life, Business, and Startup Idea Need a Blank Page 18:48

5M ago18:48

18:48

In this conversation, I explore the intersection of design, business, and personal fulfillment—especially through the lens of healthcare innovation. I believe the best solutions often come from deconstructing problems, not just reacting to them. That mindset has shaped how I approach both clinical challenges and startup opportunities. One of the co…

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Think Like a Founder: A Venture Lens for Startup-Minded Physicians with Christopher Poole 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

In this episode on Startup Physicians, Chris Poole and I discuss the challenges and insights related to building startups in the healthcare sector. We emphasize the importance of starting with a clear problem, understanding unit economics, and evaluating market viability. Chris shares his journey from being an entrepreneur to a venture leader, high…

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Rethinking Risk: What Startups Miss Without Physicians at the Table with Isaac Edrah 30:52

5M ago30:52

30:52

What happens when clinical expertise meets data-driven financial modeling? In this episode, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Isaac Edrah, a healthcare actuary and founder of Paramean Solutions, to explore how physician insight can dramatically shape — and de-risk — value-based care models. Isaac shares stories from the field, including one orthope…

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From Tragedy to Traction: How Clinical Rigor Built a National Pediatric Innovation Movement with Dr. Dave McSwain 30:31

5M ago30:31

30:31

When a devastating clinical moment sparks a career in innovation, what happens next? In this powerful episode, Dr. Alison Curfman is joined by her longtime collaborator and friend, Dr. Dave McSwain — CMIO at UNC Health and co-founder of the national pediatric telehealth research network, Sprout. Together, they reflect on how a single missed opportu…

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From ER to Executive: Scaling Startups and Redefining Physician Leadership with Dr. Pam Sullivan 31:03

6M ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of the Startup Physicians podcast, Dr. Pam Sullivan shares her unique journey from physical therapy to emergency medicine and ultimately to leadership roles in healthcare startups. She discusses the challenges and opportunities she faced as a woman in medicine, her transition into leadership, and her pivotal experiences in scaling o…

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Redefining Success: From Burnout to Breakthrough with Dr. Hansa Bhargava 29:55

6M ago29:55

29:55

In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Hansa Bhargava—pediatrician, writer, and Chief Clinical Strategy and Innovation Officer at Helio—to unpack her journey from clinical burnout to a purpose-driven career in health media, technology, and innovation. We talk about what it really takes to step away from traditional medicine, why…

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Bridging Innovation and Clinical Insight: How Physicians Can Shape Healthcare Startups with Shelli Pavone 29:32

6M ago29:32

29:32

In this episode, I sit down with Shelli Pavone, co-founder of Inlightened, a platform built to bridge the gap between healthcare innovators and professionals. Shelli shares her journey through healthcare and startup leadership, and we dive into why startups often miss the mark when they don't meaningfully involve clinicians in the innovation proces…

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How Patient Care Prepares You to Work With Startups 24:11

6M ago24:11

24:11

In this episode, I explore the powerful parallels between clinical care and startup innovation. As physicians, we are expert diagnosticians—trained to identify real problems, design strategic solutions, and build trust under pressure. Our ability to operate in uncertainty, assess risk, collaborate across disciplines, and drive continuous improvemen…

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The Physician's Guide to De-Risking your Startup Idea 23:33

7M ago23:33

23:33

Summary This episode, I discuss the growing opportunities for physicians in the startup world and how to successfully transition from clinical roles to entrepreneurial ventures. I share why identifying real healthcare problems, designing thoughtful solutions, and building sustainable business models are critical steps—often without needing large am…

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Engineering Curiosity into Impact: Dr. Alyssa Abo on Translating Clinical Insight into Innovation 39:03

7M ago39:03

39:03

When you think about startups and healthcare, it’s easy to feel like those worlds are galaxies apart — but Dr. Alyssa Abo shows us that they’re much more connected than you think. In this episode, Alyssa shares how her journey from engineering school to pediatric emergency medicine led her straight into the heart of healthcare innovation. We talk a…

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Translating Clinical Skills Into Startup Strategy with Dr. Rebecca Miksad 38:57

7M ago38:57

38:57

This episode I’m joined by my friend and former co-consultant Dr. Rebecca Miksad. Rebecca is a powerhouse—Harvard-trained oncologist, health economist, startup executive, and now Chief Medical Officer at Color. We go deep into how she made the leap from academia to startups, how she navigated uncertainty and mentorship, and why your clinical skills…

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So You Want to Advise Startups? Here’s Exactly How to Get Started as a Physician Consultant 26:08

7M ago26:08

26:08

In this solo episode, let’s work on getting past the most common mindset hurdles that keep physicians from stepping into the startup space. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have anything unique to offer, or that you’re “just a doctor” without a business background, this one’s for you. I unpack the top five limiting beliefs I hear again and again—…

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You’re Not Stuck: Mindset Shifts for Physician Innovators with Dr. Karen Leitner 40:05

7M ago40:05

40:05

Have you ever felt like the system just wasn’t built for you? Like you’re in a role that no longer fits—but you don’t know what else is out there, or if you’re even allowed to want more? In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend and colleague, Dr. Karen Leitner, a physician, coach, and out-of-the-box thinker who’s reimagined what a meani…

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Turning Physician Pain Points into Business Opportunities with Dr. David Canes 44:32

8M ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and down-to-earth Dr. David Canes—a practicing urologist who found himself burned out, uninspired, and stuck in the repetitive rhythm of clinic visits. But instead of staying stuck, he did something a lot of us dream about—he turned a real-life clinical inefficiency into a business. And get this—he did…

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Beyond Academia: Dr. David Lim on Building Healthcare Startups 32:54

8M ago32:54

32:54

What happens when an infectious disease specialist decides to step off the academic path and jump headfirst into the startup world? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Lim, a physician-scientist turned healthcare entrepreneur, who shares his inspiring journey from UCSF to the boardrooms of Boston Consulting Group, and ultimately, into foundi…

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Doctors as Innovators: How Physicians Can Shape Products, Policy, and Public Health with Dr. Tanya Altmann 38:41

8M ago38:41

38:41

As physicians, we're uniquely positioned to identify and solve real-world health problems—but how do we translate clinical insights into impactful industry partnerships? In today's episode, I talk with pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann, who shares how she turned her passion for child health and safety into a dynamic career consulting with companies ac…

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Finding Your Why: How Physicians Can Build Careers by Solving the Right Problem with Dr. David Johnson 38:10

8M ago38:10

38:10

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. David Johnson, to talk about his unconventional career path from urologic oncology to health services research, payers, and now healthcare startups. David shares his journey of discovering the misalignment in healthcare incentives, particularly in value-based care, and how that realizati…

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Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali 35:27

9M ago35:27

35:27

What if you could break out of the traditional physician career path and create a role that blends clinical care with entrepreneurship and innovation? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. Paige Bhansali, a pediatrician with an incredible journey through consulting, healthcare startups, and value-based care. Paige has carved…

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Bridging Gaps in Pediatric Readiness with Dr. Alana Arnold 37:08

9M ago37:08

37:08

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Alana Arnold, a pediatric emergency physician, innovator, and startup founder, to the show. Alana shares her journey from working in community hospitals to launching two groundbreaking companies aimed at addressing gaps in pediatric healthcare. We dive into her passion for improving pediatric readiness i…

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From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris 40:11

9M ago40:11

40:11

Ever wondered how a physician can transition from clinical care to founding a successful digital health startup? In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Bronwyn Harris, a pediatric cardiologist turned healthcare innovator. From her early days in biomedical engineering to pioneering a digital health startup that was later acquired…

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Building Your Personal Brand in the Startup Ecosystem with Sarah Johnston 32:01

10M ago32:01

32:01

Are you a physician considering a career pivot or wanting to explore opportunities outside traditional medicine? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Johnston, a career branding expert and founder of The Briefcase Coach, who has helped hundreds of executives, including myself, navigate career transitions. We explore practical strategies to optimi…

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Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup Mindset 18:36

10M ago18:36

18:36

In this episode, we’re diving into how startups think and what we as physicians can learn from their approach to innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how design thinking, rapid iteration, and minimum viable products (MVPs) could reshape healthcare, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how startups thrive on speed, creativity, and disruption, and w…

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How Physicians Can Bring Clinical Expertise to the Startup World 32:14

10M ago32:14

32:14

Today, we’re exploring the many ways physicians can break into the startup world and make an impact. Whether you’ve considered founding a company, consulting for innovative health-tech startups, or joining an advisory board, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get started. I’ll share why startups are hungry for our clinical e…

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Breaking the Mold: How Physicians Can Thrive in Startups 22:40

10M ago22:40

22:40

Welcome to the very first episode of Startup Physicians! I’m Alison Curfman, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. This podcast is for physicians who are curious about diving into the dynamic world of startups—whether you’re considering launching your own company, consulting for innovative health-tech initiatives, or just exploring new opportunities. In…

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Welcome to Startup Physicians 3:45

11M ago3:45

3:45

Are you a physician wondering if there’s more to your career than the hospital or clinic walls? Welcome to StartUp Physicians! I’m Dr. Alison Curfman, your host, and I’m here to help you explore how doctors like us can break into the exciting world of healthcare startups. In this trailer episode, I’m sharing my journey—how I built a healthcare comp…

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Season 2, Episode 9: Part II of Donor Dylan's Story - The Sperm Donor with 97 Biological Children 22:30

1y ago22:30

22:30

This is Part II of Donor Dylan's story. Picture this – you just found out you have 97 biological children. Baffled? So was our guest, Donor Dylan, when he discovered this shocking revelation due to sperm donation. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Dylan unravels his rollercoaster journey of having so many biological children. We dig into his initia…

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Season 2, Episode 4: Planning Adventure Travel with Kids (Costa Rica) 27:42

1y ago27:42

27:42

In this episode, Hera and Estela discuss planning a non-traditional family adventure. Recorded while in Costa Rica, they walk through how to find lodging and flights as well as what a day at language immersion camp looks like at Explornatura Kids camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. In addition to the highlights like monkey sightings and surf, they discu…

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Season 2, Episode 5: Conquering Black-to-school Anxiety and Planning Epic Play Dates 27:51

1y ago27:51

27:51

Remember the buzz of preparing for a new school year? Those summer play dates that were the perfect blend of fun and preparation for the upcoming educational journey? We, Hera and Estela, take you back to those times, sharing personal anecdotes as we navigate the world of play dates - the joy, the inclusion, and the potential challenges. We even to…

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Season 2, Episode 6: Embracing Diversity - A Conversation on Unique Family Structures 28:05

1y ago28:05

28:05

This week we recap on the first week of school and discuss how kid social interactions have changed post pandemic (particularly for kids who were school aged during the height of it). Have you ever considered how remote learning impacted children's social skills? Picture this, a young student, fresh from a year of remote learning, navigating the tr…

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Season 2, Episode 7: Confronting Discrimination: A Tale of Hair, Friendship, and a Beyonce Concert 23:46

1y ago23:46

23:46

What happens when the feeling of belonging is put to the test? You're about to hear the tale of a Beyonce concert, a couple of extra guests, and an unexpected lesson in friendship and values. We laugh, we cringe, and we learn as we recount that night when we had to sit on the floor, shunned by a friend. Through this personal story, we want to make …

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Season 2, Episode 8: The Man with 97 Biological Children (Part I) - Donor Dylan's Tale of Sperm Donation and Discovery 21:51

1y ago21:51

21:51

Ever wonder what it's like to walk into a sperm bank, answer some peculiar questions, donate, and then years later discover you have 97 biological children? That's exactly what happened to Donor Dylan, our guest in this riveting discussion. Dylan lets us into his journey of discovery, the shock of learning that he has a multitude of biological chil…