HemoLife Podcast

L.A. Aguayo

Welcome to the HemoLife Podcast, where we explore how to live an elite life while managing a bleeding disorder or other rare conditions. Dive into educational, entertaining content with stories of high achievers, expert advice on mental health, nutrition, and exercise, and the latest relevant news to elevate your mind, body, and soul.

  1. NOV 12

    Full Court Faith: The Rise of Jason Slonaker

    Send us a text The highlight reel doesn’t show the needles, the swelling, or the spreadsheets of practice, dosing, and rest. Jason, a 15-year-old varsity point guard with severe hemophilia A, opens up about the real work behind his rise: learning to self-infuse at 10, negotiating risk with his mom and doctors, and building a routine that lets him push hard without pretending the danger isn’t real. If you’ve ever wondered how a teen athlete can manage target joints, game-day nerves, and state-level pressure, this conversation brings you courtside. We talk through the shift from baseball to basketball, the summer league that sparked obsession, and the habits that turned pickup games into varsity minutes. Jason breaks down his prophylaxis plan—every other day and always on game day—and the ankle injuries that forced him to rethink rest and recovery. He shares why vision and pace make up for any height gap, the thrill of a recent 22-point performance, and the mindset that keeps him steady: plan for the worst, play for the best, and let discipline set the ceiling. Along the way, we dig into the hard choices, like suiting up with a swollen elbow so his team wouldn’t forfeit, and what that taught him about toughness versus denial. This story reaches beyond one player. We explore how mentorship, community, and evolving treatments change the future for kids with bleeding disorders. From subcutaneous products to gene therapy, Jason’s optimism is grounded in data and desire: if therapy reduces the daily drag of bleeding risk, training and dreams expand. For parents, coaches, and athletes navigating hemophilia, you’ll find practical takeaways on dosing strategies, injury management, and building a support system that breathes with the season. If this moved you, share it with a family, coach, or teammate who needs a blueprint for chasing big goals with a smart plan. Subscribe for more stories that turn limits into lessons, and leave a review to help others find the show. Thanks for tuning into the HemoLife Podcast. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a spark of hope or encouragement. Follow us on Instagram @HemoLife_Podcast and YouTube for updates, guest highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. New episodes drop regularly—your story matters, and this is just the beginning.

    17 min
  2. NOV 5

    Living With Pain, Choosing Purpose

    Send us a text Pain might be invisible to everyone else, but it shapes every choice you make. Raul joins us for a raw, unfiltered look at severe hemophilia: the joint damage that lingers, the fear of switching therapies, and the quiet courage of showing up for life anyway. From marathon training on short half-life factor to learning about Hemlibra and Alhemo at a community event, he walks us through the hard math of risk, relief, and what it really means to protect your vein health over decades. We dig into practical tradeoffs—daily subcutaneous dosing vs. IV routines, breakthrough bleeds during activity, and why some patients still keep factor on hand even when they try a newer agent. Raul shares what changed when he met families and kids living with bleeding disorders today: longer-lasting ports, more options, and a real chance to save joints. That hope sits next to identity questions many of us feel: when you’ve lived by limits, freedom can feel risky. Community bridges that gap, giving words to what hurts and turning fear into action. The conversation turns honest about pain management. Raul describes morphine stigma, the anxiety of refills, and the discipline that kept him steady—clear boundaries with his doctor, slow dose reductions, and zero “extras” for six years. It’s a reminder that responsible opioid use can be part of comprehensive hemophilia care when joint damage is real and severe bleeds don’t wait for stretching. Along the way, we spotlight the power of support: partners who ask how to help, friends who learn the basics, and mentors who say, “I’ve walked there.” If this story gave you something to hold onto, share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more real conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice keeps this community strong. Thanks for tuning into the HemoLife Podcast. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a spark of hope or encouragement. Follow us on Instagram @HemoLife_Podcast and YouTube for updates, guest highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. New episodes drop regularly—your story matters, and this is just the beginning.

    47 min
  3. JUN 28

    "Bloodlines & Breakthroughs: Two Brothers, One Mindset"

    Send us a text Two brothers come together to share their unique perspectives on growing up in a family affected by hemophilia, exploring how their different paths led them to similar life philosophies and purposes. • Gabe reflects on his childhood experience as L.A.'s younger brother, unaware of the full impact of hemophilia on L.A.'s life • The brothers discuss how childhood trauma shaped their competitive mindsets and approach to challenges • Both brothers found purpose through adversity despite taking different paths – L.A.'s through physical achievement and Gabe through religious faith • L.A. shares his journey creating the Chronic Physique Blueprint workbook to help others with chronic conditions develop elite mindsets • Discussion of how faith provides strength during difficult times, with Gabe sharing how his relationship with God helped him through divorce • Both agree that finding your community and support system is crucial for thriving with chronic conditions • Final message that regardless of the cards you're dealt in life, it's about playing them as if they're the ones you've always wanted Check out L.A.'s Chronic Physique Blueprint workbook on Amazon to discover the tools he's developed to help those with chronic conditions thrive physically and mentally. Thanks for tuning into the HemoLife Podcast. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a spark of hope or encouragement. Follow us on Instagram @HemoLife_Podcast and YouTube for updates, guest highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. New episodes drop regularly—your story matters, and this is just the beginning.

    1h 10m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the HemoLife Podcast, where we explore how to live an elite life while managing a bleeding disorder or other rare conditions. Dive into educational, entertaining content with stories of high achievers, expert advice on mental health, nutrition, and exercise, and the latest relevant news to elevate your mind, body, and soul.