The BAMF Health Podcast

BAMF Health
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine

On The BAMF Health Podcast, hosts Dr. Brandon Mancini and Christine VanTimmeren shed light on the emerging field of Theranostics and how precision medicine is changing the game in healthcare. They interview experts from around the globe who are advancing personalized healthcare to improve people’s lives.

Episodes

  1. 8h ago

    How Are Radiopharmaceuticals Made? Inside a Modern Radiopharmacy

    We sit down with Matt DeLong, BAMF Health Vice President of Radiopharmacy, to pull back the curtain on one of the most important—but least understood—parts of modern precision medicine: the radiopharmacy. How are radioactive drugs actually made? What is a cyclotron? Why do these medications have to be delivered within hours of production? And what makes BAMF Health's radiopharmacy different from traditional facilities? Matt shares how radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured, how they safely travel from the cyclotron to patients, and why radiopharmacies are becoming increasingly important as theranostics continues to transform cancer care. He also explains the logistics, safety measures, and culture that allow BAMF Health to deliver these time-sensitive therapies while expanding access to patients across the country. Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, student, or simply curious about the science behind precision medicine, this episode offers an inside look at the technology and people helping make theranostics possible every day.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction  00:40 Meet Matt DeLong & His Career Journey  03:54 Supporting Patients, Health Systems & Clinical Trials  05:22 How Are Radioactive Drugs Made?  09:23 Why Radiopharmaceuticals Have to Be Used Quickly  11:13 What Makes BAMF Health's Radiopharmacy Different?  14:31 Seeing the Patient Impact Firsthand  15:55 Inside a 24-Hour Radiopharmacy Operation  17:29 How Radiation Safety Works  20:31 The "Banana Perspective" on Radiation  21:53 Expanding Access Across the Country  23:43 Building a Replicable Radiopharmacy Network  24:55 The Evolution of Modern Radiopharmacy  28:54 Matt's Passion for Patient Care  30:56 The BAMF Difference  31:50 Closing Thoughts Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  2. Jul 7

    Your Theranostics Questions Answered – Access, Safety, & What to Expect

    In this special Ask Us Anything episode, host Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini, Medical Director at BAMF Health, answer questions submitted by listeners about theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapy. How accessible are these treatments? Are they covered by insurance? What cancers can be treated today—and what’s coming next? How much radiation are patients and caregivers actually exposed to? And what can patients expect during a treatment visit? Dr. Mancini provides straightforward answers to some of the most common questions he hears from patients and families, including:  The biggest barriers to expanding access to theranostics  Insurance coverage and affordability of FDA-approved treatments  The future of radiopharmaceutical therapy and ongoing clinical trials  Alpha vs. beta therapies explained  Radiation safety for patients, caregivers, children, and pets  What to expect during Pluvicto® and Lutathera® treatment appointments Whether you're considering treatment yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the future of precision medicine, this episode offers practical answers to help you better understand theranostics and the role it's playing in cancer care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Listener Q&A  00:59 What Limits Access to Theranostics?  03:48 Why Demand Exceeds Capacity  04:02 Is Theranostics Covered by Insurance?  06:11 Accessibility vs. Self-Pay Treatments  08:16 What's Next for Theranostics?  09:30 One Drug, Multiple Cancer Types  10:35 The Future of Combination Therapies  12:45 Alpha vs. Beta Radiopharmaceuticals Explained  14:57 Radiation Safety for Patients & Caregivers  18:55 Why BAMF Compares Radiation to Bananas 🍌  20:47 Radiation Exposure From Flying vs. Treatment  21:33 What to Expect During a Pluvicto® Treatment  24:05 How Lutathera® Treatment Is Different  25:57 Preparing Patients for Therapy  26:34 Education, Safety & Setting Expectations  27:12 Release Criteria & Going Home Safely  28:32 Closing Thoughts & Future Q&A Episodes Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  3. Jun 23

    Personalized healthcare: A combination of biology, provider insight, and patient choice

    In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jeremiah Johns, Vice President of Medical Affairs at BAMF Health, and Dr. Simin Beg, Chief of Hospice and Palliative Care at Corewell Health, for a conversation about what it truly means to personalize healthcare. When most people hear the term personalized medicine, they think about advanced diagnostics, molecular imaging, genetic testing, and targeted therapies. While those innovations are transforming medicine, personalized care is about more than biology—it’s also about understanding a patient’s values, goals, and individual definition of what matters most. Together, we explore: • The difference between precision medicine and personalized care • Why healthcare is a partnership between providers, patients, and families • The importance of health literacy and informed decision-making • How personalized care applies to cancer treatment and Alzheimer’s disease • The role of palliative care alongside advanced therapies • Why patient values should guide treatment decisions • End-of-life planning, quality of life, and patient autonomy This episode is an important reminder that while medicine is becoming increasingly precise—especially at BAMF Health—the most meaningful healthcare decisions remain deeply human. Chapters 00:58 How Dr. Beg & Dr. Johns First Met in the ICU 02:04 Career Paths: Emergency Medicine, Palliative Care & Leadership 04:03 Personalized Care as a Two-Way Street 05:57 How BAMF Health Personalizes Cancer & Alzheimer’s Care 07:15 Precision Medicine vs. Personal Values 09:04 When Treatment Decisions Become Personal 10:08 Health Literacy: The Hidden Challenge in Healthcare 12:25 Why Healthcare Systems Must Improve Communication 13:49 Personalized Care in Alzheimer’s Disease 16:20 Palliative Care’s Role in Alzheimer’s Treatment 18:59 Reassessing Treatment Goals Throughout the Journey 20:16 Clinical Trials, Advanced Therapies & Personal Choice 21:32 Understanding Patient Values Without Judgment 22:40 End-of-Life Care & Maintaining Control 23:06 Hospice Care, Quality of Life & Living Well 24:43 There Is No “Wrong” Decision 25:39 Patient Autonomy & Shared Decision-Making 28:06 Final Reflections on Personalized Care Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  4. Jun 9

    Radiopharmaceutical Clinical Trials: The Myths, The Facts, and the Impact

    In this episode, we're joined by Dan Rogers, Vice President of Clinical Trials at BAMF Health, for an inside look at the world of clinical trials and their critical role in advancing cancer care. Clinical trials are often misunderstood. Are patients treated like guinea pigs? What happens if you receive a placebo? How do clinical trials actually lead to new therapies becoming available to patients? And why are more cancer patients considering clinical trials earlier in their treatment journey? Dan breaks down the clinical trial process—from Phase I first-in-human studies through FDA approval—and explains why BAMF Health has become a national leader in radiopharmaceutical clinical research. The team also discusses BAMF’s growing RadioNexus network, investigator-initiated studies, pediatric research opportunities, and the unique infrastructure required to bring innovative therapies to patients faster. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Trials  00:26 How Dan Rogers Entered Clinical Research  02:21 Clinical Trials 101: What Are They?  04:33 Why Clinical Trials Matter for Patients  05:40 How BAMF Health Accesses Leading Clinical Trials  08:19 Expanding Access Through RadioNexus  10:12 The Infrastructure Behind Radiopharmaceutical Trials  11:53 Shaping Clinical Trial Design & Innovation  13:26 Why Being First-in-Human Matters  14:45 Who Participates in Clinical Trials?  17:13 How Patients Find Clinical Trials  18:01 Why Clinical Trials Are Becoming Earlier Treatment Options  20:46 The Challenge of Finding the Right Trial  22:49 Investigator-Initiated Trials at BAMF Health  26:05 Pediatric Theranostics & the Future of Research  27:31 Clinical Trial Myths & Misconceptions  28:00 Myth: “I’m Just a Guinea Pig”  29:21 Myth: “I Might Get a Placebo Instead of Treatment”  30:39 Myth: “Once I Join, I Can’t Leave”  31:14 Myth: “Clinical Trials Take Too Much Time”  32:45 Imaging Trials vs. Therapy Trials  33:48 The Future Impact of Clinical Research Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  5. May 26

    The wearable healthcare data you should actually pay attention to

    In this episode, host Christine VanTimmeren is joined by Dr. Brandon Mancini and Ben Boudro, VP of Enterprise Partnerships at COYA, to discuss how wearable technology, sleep, stress management, and recovery are reshaping the way we think about health and performance. From Apple Watches and Oura Rings to Whoop straps and HRV tracking, this conversation breaks down what the data actually means—and how people can use it to make meaningful, sustainable improvements in their health. Ben shares how COYA works with: Professional and collegiate athletes Executives and high-stress professionals First responders and law enforcement Everyday people trying to improve their quality of life Together, the group explores: • Why sleep may be the ultimate performance enhancer • What HRV (Heart Rate Variability) actually measures • Why “small habits” outperform quick fixes • The relationship between stress, recovery, and longevity • How wearables can help—or hurt—your mental health • Why relationships and community are critical to long-term wellness If you’ve ever wondered whether your wearable data matters—or how to actually use it—this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 00:00 Introduction & National Physical Fitness Month 00:47 What Is COYA? 00:56 The Police Officer Story: Stress, Sleep & Transformation 04:24 Using Wearable Data to Build Better Habits 05:44 Why Most People Don’t Know What To Do With Their Data 06:36 Wearables, HRV & What Actually Matters 07:47 What Is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)? 08:50 Sleep, Stress & Recovery Explained 09:40 The “Four Pillars” of Health & Cancer Care 10:53 Why Recovery Matters More Than Performance 12:01 Lifespan vs Healthspan 13:18 The Central Nervous System & Chronic Stress 14:11 VO2 Max Testing & Overtraining 16:09 The “Gray Area” of Feeling Fine But Not Optimal 17:39 Small Daily Habits That Improve Health 19:10 COYA & Professional / College Athletes 20:36 Why Sleep Is the Ultimate Performance Tool 21:21 The Downsides of Wearables & Overanalyzing Data 22:32 Relationships, Community & Longevity 23:14 Why Consistency Beats Perfection 24:38 How To Start Improving Your Health Today 25:37 The 3-2-1 Rule for Better Sleep 27:11 Journaling, Reflection & Sleep Quality 28:24 Circadian Rhythm & Why Timing Matters 31:06 Final Thoughts on Wellness & Wearables Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/  Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/ Connect with BAMF Health Website: https://www.bamfhealth.com/ Our Podcast: https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/ Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  6. May 12

    What it's like to be a nurse in theranostics and clinical trials

    In this special National Nurses Month episode, we are joined by two BAMF Health nursing leaders: Christina DeVries, BSN, RN and Clay McNamara, BSN, RN. Together, they share what it’s like to help build one of the nation’s first comprehensive theranostics centers from the ground up, how nursing at BAMF differs from traditional healthcare environments, and why patient advocacy remains at the center of everything they do. You’ll also hear incredible patient stories—involving hallway concerts and potatoes—and learn how BAMF nurses are helping shape the future of personalized medicine. Whether you’re a nurse, healthcare professional, student, or patient, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping drive innovation in cancer care and beyond. 00:40 Meet Christina DeVries & Clay McNamara 01:03 What Inspired Christina to Become a Nurse 02:20 Clay’s Path Into Nursing & Travel Nursing Experience 04:18 What They Love Most About Nursing 05:46 Building BAMF Health From the Beginning 09:22 Patient Advocacy & Nurse Navigation at BAMF 10:56 Opening BAMF’s Doors for the First Time 12:36 Theranostics Nursing vs Traditional Oncology Nursing 14:57 Radiation Safety & Working Around Radiopharmaceuticals 17:51 The Most Rewarding & Challenging Parts of Nursing 20:09 What People Don’t Understand About Nursing 23:13 Favorite Patient Stories at BAMF 26:48 What BAMF Looks for in Nurses 30:43 Final Thoughts & Celebrating Nurses Month Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  7. Apr 28

    The BAMF Health Foundation – Expanding Access, Research, and Hope

    In this episode, Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini are joined by Afton DeVos, Consulting Director of the Foundation for Medical Advancement and Breakthroughs (FMAB). This conversation explores the origin and mission of FMAB—created in response to grateful patients who wanted to help others access life-saving care. Together, they discuss how the foundation is working to remove financial barriers, accelerate research, and expand education so more patients can benefit from cutting-edge therapies. Afton shares her deeply personal connection to this work as a cancer survivor and caregiver, and how her family’s experience—including the loss of her father while awaiting a clinical trial—fuels the urgency behind expanding access and speeding innovation. We also break down the foundation’s three core pillars: Access – Helping patients overcome financial barriers to treatment Research – Supporting clinical trials and accelerating innovation Education – Raising awareness about available therapies and opportunities This episode is a powerful look at how philanthropy, innovation, and patient-centered care come together to change lives—and save them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Foundation for Medical Advancement and Breakthroughs (FMAB) 00:52 Meet Afton DeVos & Her Background 03:46 How the Foundation Started  05:24 What the Foundation Does  05:30 Barriers to Care 08:44 Foundation Pillars: Access, Research, Education 09:36 Research: Why Faster Innovation Matters 10:07 Investigator-Initiated Trials Explained 11:45 Why Speed Matters in Clinical Research 12:01 Afton’s Personal Story & Family Cancer Journey 15:17 Funding the Foundation & Early Growth 18:22 Impact of Patient & Family Donations 20:07 Afton’s Shares More of Her Personal and Family Story 24:41 Pancreatic Cancer & Clinical Trial Access 26:11 Looking Ahead: 2026 Initiatives & Events 27:56 How to Get Involved & Support the Foundation 29:15 Final Thoughts on Access & Impact Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  8. Apr 14

    Building the Future of Theranostics in Detroit

    Welcome to the BAMF Health Podcast, where we explore the future of theranostics, precision medicine, and personalized healthcare. In this episode, Christine VanTimmeren is joined by BAMF Health Founder & CEO Anthony Chang and Dr. Adnan Munkarah, President of Clinical Enterprise and Chief Physician Executive at Henry Ford Health, to discuss a major milestone: the groundbreaking of a new comprehensive theranostics center in downtown Detroit. This conversation dives into the strategic partnership between BAMF Health and Henry Ford Health, why Detroit was selected as BAMF’s second location, and how this new center will expand access to cutting-edge theranostics care across Michigan, the Midwest, and beyond. We explore the infrastructure and workforce challenges facing theranostics, the importance of vertical integration in radiopharmaceuticals, and how this collaboration will help train the next generation of clinicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, we discuss what this means for patients—bringing earlier detection, more personalized treatment, and new hope to those who need it most. This episode highlights how partnerships like this are not just building facilities—but building the future of medicine. 00:00 Introduction & Groundbreaking Announcement  00:40 Why Detroit Was Chosen for BAMF’s Expansion  02:08 Henry Ford Health’s Commitment to Detroit  03:45 Why Henry Ford Is the Right Partner  05:26 Why Henry Ford Chose BAMF  09:35 Barriers to Expanding Theranostics  10:05 Infrastructure Challenges   12:51 Access Challenges & Vertical Integration  14:44 Detroit as a Healthcare Innovation Hub  16:22 Michigan as a Leader in Precision Medicine  18:08 Transforming the Site & Community Impact  19:41 Workforce & Training the Next Generation  20:34 Building the Future Healthcare Workforce  22:17 What This Means for Patients  24:01 The Future of Early Detection & Innovation  25:28 Why Michigan Is Uniquely Positioned  26:46 The Future of Healthcare in Detroit  27:24 Final Reflections & Vision Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  9. Mar 31

    Celebrating World Theranostics Day with Theranostics Expert Dr. Harshad Kulkarni

    In this special World Theranostics Day episode, Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini are joined by Dr. Harshad Kulkarni, Chief Medical Advisor at BAMF Health and a global leader in theranostics, to discuss how this innovative approach is transforming cancer care and beyond. We break down what theranostics is, how it combines diagnostics and targeted therapy, and why it represents one of the most powerful shifts toward truly personalized medicine. Dr. Kulkarni shares his global experience, insights from early adoption in Europe, and how theranostics is rapidly expanding in the United States. We also explore the growing pipeline of clinical trials, the role of imaging in selecting the right patients, and how this approach is improving patient outcomes, quality of life, and survival. Finally, we look ahead to the future—where theranostics could extend beyond cancer into diseases like cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's, and more. 00:00 Intro & World Theranostics Day  00:41 What Theranostics Means  02:19 Meet Dr. Harshad Kulkarni  02:54 How Dr. Kulkarni Entered Theranostics  04:20 How Europe Advanced Theranostics Earlier Than the U.S.  08:12 Why Imaging Is Essential to Theranostics  09:59 “See What You Treat, Treat What You See”  12:30 FDA-Approved Theranostics Today  15:59 Beyond Cancer: Alzheimer’s, Cardiology, and More  17:43 Why Theranostics Isn’t Available for Every Cancer Yet  21:46 Real Patient Outcomes & Quality of Life  25:34 What’s Next for Theranostics  27:11 Closing Thoughts & Learn More Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  10. Mar 17

    The BAMF Health Story and the Rise of Theranostics

    Hosts Dr. Brandon Mancini (Medical Director at BAMF Health) and Christine VanTimmeren (Marketing Manager) introduce listeners to the groundbreaking field of Theranostics, a form of precision medicine that combines advanced imaging with targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies to diagnose and treat disease. To kick off the series, they are joined by Chad Bassett, co-founder and COO of BAMF Health. Chad shares the origin story of the organization, including how a chance meeting with founder Anthony Chang led to a bold vision: building the world’s most advanced Theranostics center. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The meaning behind the name BAMF Health Why Theranostics is emerging as the next major pillar of cancer careHow BAMF Health was designed to integrate radiopharmaceutical production, imaging, and therapy in one placeThe role of clinical trials in bringing new treatments to patients fasterThe patient-centered philosophy that guides every aspect of careThe future of Theranostics in treating cancer, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and more0:00 – Welcome to the BAMF Health Podcast  0:25 – Meet the Hosts: Dr. Brandon Mancini & Christine VanTimmeren  2:19 – What is Theranostics? The Science Behind BAMF Health  4:24 – Why We Started the Podcast  6:16 – Introducing Our Guest: BAMF Health Co-Founder Chad Bassett  7:29 – The Origin Story of BAMF Health  9:20 – Why BAMF Health Was Built as a For-Profit Company  12:18 – Treating the First Patients and Early Growth  14:10 – What Makes the Patient Experience Different at BAMF  18:18 – The Role of “Time” in Patient Care  20:15 – Humanizing Healthcare  21:31 – The Future of Theranostics and Precision Medicine  22:29 – New Frontiers: Cancer, Pain, and Alzheimer’s  27:08 – Measuring Success: Giving Patients More Time  27:33 – Chad Bassett’s Personal “Why”  30:01 – Closing Thoughts Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/  Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/ Connect with BAMF Health Website: https://www.bamfhealth.com/ Our Podcast: https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/ Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  11. Mar 16

    Get to Know The BAMF Health Podcast

    Welcome to The BAMF Health Podcast! Hosts Christine VanTimmeren, BAMF Health Marketing Manager, and Dr. Brandon Mancini, board-certified radiation oncologist and Medical Director at BAMF Health, introduce the mission behind the podcast and the innovative work happening at BAMF Health. In this episode, they explain what BAMF Health is, break down the meaning of Theranostics, and discuss how precision medicine is transforming the way diseases like cancer are diagnosed and treated. They also share what listeners can expect from future episodes, including conversations with clinicians, researchers, athletes, innovators, and healthcare leaders exploring how we can all optimize our health. Whether you're interested in advanced cancer therapies, medical imaging, clinical trials, or the future of personalized healthcare, this podcast will explore the ideas, technologies, and people shaping the next generation of medicine. 00:00 Introduction to the BAMF Health Podcast 00:26 What is BAMF Health? 01:05 What is Theranostics? 01:49 Personalized Precision Medicine 02:34 The Future of Healthcare & Patient Empowerment 03:18 What to Expect From the Podcast 04:04 Topics We'll Cover 04:59 Episode Wrap-Up & Episode 1 Preview Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/  Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/ Connect with BAMF Health Website: https://www.bamfhealth.com/ Our Podcast: https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/ Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

  12. Feb 20

    Something's Coming!

    Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini Christine VanTimmeren Connect with BAMF Health Our Website Our Podcast

    Something's Coming!
  • 12 Episodes

About

On The BAMF Health Podcast, hosts Dr. Brandon Mancini and Christine VanTimmeren shed light on the emerging field of Theranostics and how precision medicine is changing the game in healthcare. They interview experts from around the globe who are advancing personalized healthcare to improve people’s lives.

Information

  • Creator
    BAMF Health
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The BAMF Health Podcast
  • Show Website
    The BAMF Health Podcast