Bloodworks 101

Bloodworks Northwest
  • 5.0 (20)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Started in 2020, Bloodworks 101 is an Anthem Award-winning, weekly podcast produced by Bloodworks Northwest, a Seattle-based blood bank and research center. It is the nation’s only regularly scheduled podcast in the blood banking industry. Episodes are designed to inspire and educate listeners to donate time, money or blood. On Bloodworks 101 you'll meet experts who can discuss everything from the importance of blood donation to trypanophobia (fear of needles). Emmy Award-winning producer John Yeager, is joined by a team of gifted storytellers; Helen Pitlick and Juan Cotto. In 2025, Bloodworks 101 won its sixth coveted Anthem Award, beating out more than 2,500 entries from 43 nations. 

  1. 4D AGO

    "That was Code Red" — Retired police officer Greg Schmidt (S7 E26)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message In an emergency, every second counts. Last week on Bloodworks 101, Chief Scoggins of Seattle Fire Department mentioned one way that first responders save lives: by carrying whole blood on board Medic One vehicles to administer transfusions at the scene of a bleeding event. But before this, police officers like Greg Schmidt used to turn on their sirens to get patients lifesaving blood as quickly as possible. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Greg to learn more.  Support the show

    24 min

  2. FEB 26

    "When the Need is There" Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins (S7 E25)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message February is Black History Month, a time set aside to honor the contributions Blacks have made in our community. But it's also a time to look ahead at the challenges before us. One prominent Black Seattlite is Harold Scoggins, Seattle's Fire Chief. As a first responder, Scoggins knows the importance of blood donation better than most. And now, as a newly appointed member of the Bloodworks Board of Trustees, the Chief has a deeper understanding of the difference Bloodworks Northwest makes in our community. Recently, the Chief sat down with Bloodworks 101 contributor, Juan Cotto.   Support the show

    18 min
  3. "Paying It Forward in Portland" - Hayley Resk" (S7 E24)

    FEB 19

    "Paying It Forward in Portland" - Hayley Resk" (S7 E24)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message What would you do if someone literally gave you a new lease on life? Now imagine if the number of people who gave you that lease was more than 200? On today's edition of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager introduces us to Hayley Resk who's literally "paying it forward" in Portland.    Link to the Solvita website: Solvita - From one, to many.   Support the show

    23 min

  4. FEB 12

    Encore: "Young Blood" Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks (S7 E23)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message This has been an epic week for Riq Woolen and the Seattle Seahawks! A few years ago, Riq took part in our "Young Bloods" blood donation awareness campaign. In honor of the Seahawks' championship season, here’s Bloodworks 101 host John Yeager’s interview with Riq from 2023. Support the show

    5 min

  5. FEB 5

    "Pretty Sobering Numbers" The Black Donor Study - Harry Thomas (S7 E22)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the achievements and contributions made by Blacks in this nation. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's also a time to look at some "pretty sobering numbers" when it comes to Black Americans and blood donation. For today's editon of Bloodworks 101, John spoke to Harry Thomas, Bloodworks Northwest's Vice President of Marketing Operations and Planning about those numbers and a new study of Black donors. Support the show

    13 min
  6. "Brian Dunning - Skeptoid" (S7 E21)

    JAN 29

    "Brian Dunning - Skeptoid" (S7 E21)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message What's holding you back from donating blood? Are you afraid of needles? Well, if you're uncomfortable around needles, this is the episode for you. Because as the donor in this edition of Bloodworks 101 found out, sometimes you can't even feel the donation when it actually starts. The donor's name is Brian Dunning, from Bend, Oregon. He's an award-winning podcast host who makes his living debunking myths wherever he finds them. But as producer John Yeager tells us, it's also about "walking the talk," about blood donation. Here's a recent Skeptoid episode about Blood Donation Myths: Skeptoid Special thanks to the staff at Skeptoid, including Kathy Rightmire, Director of Operations and Resources for stepping up and making a donation.  Support the show

    14 min

  7. JAN 22

    "Jannah - The Tokyo Trip Winner" (S7 E20)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Recently, Bloodworks Northwest awarded a free trip to one lucky donor. The destination? Tokyo. It was called "Donate and Win," all part of our "Music's in Our Blood" campaign. Producer John Yeager got a chance to speak with the winner who couldn't have picked a more fitting destination. It's a place she's dreamed of almost all her life.  Support the show

    12 min

  8. JAN 15

    “What is your contribution?” – Jace Ecaj and Where the Heart Lives (S7 E19)

    Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message How is hip hop like blood donation? As Jace Ecaj (The Residency, Black Stax) and Giselle Lehmann (Bloodworks) explain, Where the Heart Lives, our high school and college education program, brings the two together in a meaningful and memorable way.  Learn more: https://wheretheheartlives.org/ Support the show

    29 min
See All (251)

Trailer

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Started in 2020, Bloodworks 101 is an Anthem Award-winning, weekly podcast produced by Bloodworks Northwest, a Seattle-based blood bank and research center. It is the nation’s only regularly scheduled podcast in the blood banking industry. Episodes are designed to inspire and educate listeners to donate time, money or blood. On Bloodworks 101 you'll meet experts who can discuss everything from the importance of blood donation to trypanophobia (fear of needles). Emmy Award-winning producer John Yeager, is joined by a team of gifted storytellers; Helen Pitlick and Juan Cotto. In 2025, Bloodworks 101 won its sixth coveted Anthem Award, beating out more than 2,500 entries from 43 nations. 

Information

  • Creator
    Bloodworks Northwest
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bloodworks 101
  • Show Website
    Bloodworks 101

You Might Also Like