The RTW Podcast

RTW Investments, LP
  • 4.8 (9)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semimonthly

We’re witnessing a healthcare revolution, as medical and science innovations transform the lives of millions. Join as we speak to bright scientific minds, inspiring company founders and healthcare champions that are driving this exciting period of scientific discovery. Subscribe to catch each episode as it goes live. The content of this podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to provide investment advisory services, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment fund.

  1. Oct 19

    Surviving Stage IV Cancer: The Power of Patient Peer Navigators

    At 49, Karen Peterson was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Two years later it was stage IV, with a prognosis measured in months. Karen tells Stephanie Sirota how biomarker testing and a Phase 1 immunotherapy trial saved her life, why she walked out on her original oncologist, and what underrepresentation in clinical trials looks like up close. She also explains how Karen's Club, a New York City nonprofit and 2026 grantee partner of the RTW Foundation, helps patients of color use their own test results to make informed decisions about trials. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique GuerraProduction Coordinator: YingYu LinProduction Support: Annabelle ChanResearch Consultant: Chris Liu, Senior Research Analyst, RTW InvestmentsStory Consultant: Sarah Garwood, Director of Community Engagement, RTW FoundationFeaturing: Karen Peterson, Founder and Chief Patient Advocate, Karen's Club, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer, RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Diagnosed at 49 02:36 - The vow, and an unannounced visit 04:54 - The immunotherapy trial that saved her life 06:19 - From patient to advocate 08:35 - Who to tell, who to lean on 09:52 - Leaving her oncologist 12:05 - Patients who ran out of time 14:14 - Fear, trust, and the first call 16:02 - Why representation shapes the data 17:17 - The positive impact of peer navigation 18:08 - Working with clinicians 18:59 - How Karen's Club works 20:03 - A CAR T success story 21:38 - The RTW Foundation partnership 22:54 - What decision makers should know 23:26 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Karen Peterson, Founder and Chief Patient Advocate of Karen's Club, a 2026 grantee partner of the RTW Foundation, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    Surviving Stage IV Cancer: The Power of Patient Peer Navigators

  2. Oct 13

    Biotech's Early Innings: The Signals Investors Should Watch For

    Episode Description Is there still time for investors to join the biotech rally, or have they already missed it? Rod Wong says there is still plenty of opportunity and sits down with Stephanie Sirota to make the case. They start by contrasting high-profile concerns about AI’s risks with Rod’s more measured view: manage the downside, and position early to capture the benefits. He then explains why today’s rally is built on real commercial data and fundamentals rather than the hype around technology platforms in 2020, and why cancer could be the biotech sector’s flag-bearer for the next decade. Rod discusses how FDA leadership is signaling more support for biotech innovation, how an M&A wave is reshaping the sector, and how commercial launches are outperforming expectations. Looking ahead, Rod shares what he’s watching next. He closes with his biggest-picture takeaway: that medicine is entering a golden age of innovation, one that AI’s growing impact on drug discovery productivity will only help accelerate. Podcast Team ● Producer and Editor: Tim Young ● Cinematography: Peter Garofalo ● Assistant Camera/Swing: Kate Montgomery ● Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota ● Editorial Advisors: Steve Alperin and Jim Heins ● Theme Music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz, with additional music by APM Music. Featuring: Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Follow Us Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – AI and the Fate of Humanity 04:13 – Tech vs. Biotech: Value and Villains 06:27 – The RTW Model 09:35 – What's Driving the Recovery Now 12:58 – The Decade of Oncology 15:16 – FDA Leaning into Innovation 18:39 – M&A and the Eli Lilly Effect 21:08 – Launch Performance and Public Markets 24:28 – What's Next 25:21 – Closing Thoughts Disclaimer This interview features Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, in conversation with Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect their own views and opinions as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this episode is intended as investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation to provide investment advisory services. The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of RTW Investments, its affiliates, or its clients. This content is for informational purposes only.

    Biotech's Early Innings: The Signals Investors Should Watch For

  3. Sep 22

    The 3x Survivor: CEO of Her Own Body: Amanda Rice on Patient Self-Advocacy and the Fight for Fertility Preservation Coverage

    A cancer diagnosis in your early 30s. A doctor who says chemotherapy could leave you infertile. An insurer who says you don't qualify for fertility benefits because you "aren't infertile yet." Amanda Rice lived that call and built The Chick Mission in response: a nonprofit that has funded egg-freezing cycles for nearly 900 women and helped pass fertility preservation coverage into law in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Amanda joins Stephanie Sirota to unpack both sides of what she calls being the "CEO of your own body": the self-advocacy required inside a doctor's office, and the coalition-building required inside a state legislature. They also get into the part of survivorship nobody warns you about, the depression that can follow being declared cancer-free, and what Amanda wishes every oncologist would ask a newly diagnosed patient. Podcast Team • Producer and Director: Devon Leaver, recorded at RTW headquarters in New York • Editor: Dominique Guerra • Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin • Production Support: Annabelle Chan • Sound Engineer: Stephanie Polonio • Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota • Special Thanks: John Wasilewski • Theme Music: "Ganymede" by Yehezkel Raz. Additional music by APM Music. Follow Us Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – "You Aren’t Infertile Yet": The Insurance Call 02:30 – From Fundraising Career to The Chick Mission 05:45 – The 48-Hour Hope Grant 07:45 – CEO of Your Own Body 09:30 – Putting Ourselves Out of Business: The State-by-State Playbook 11:45 – Texas, Arizona, and the Medicaid Gap 14:10 – Resilience After "Cancer-Free" 16:40 – Following the Science 19:15 – Rewriting the First Oncologist Conversation 21:30 – Worthy of More Than Survival 22:25 – Outro Disclaimer This interview features Amanda Rice, Founder and CEO of The Chick Mission, in conversation with Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect their own views and opinions as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this episode is intended as investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation to provide investment advisory services. The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of RTW Investments, its affiliates, or its clients. This content is for informational purposes only.

    The 3x Survivor: CEO of Her Own Body: Amanda Rice on Patient Self-Advocacy and the Fight for Fertility Preservation Coverage

  4. Sep 10

    Innovation is the Best Medicine

    RTW Podcast Episode 302: Innovation is the Best Medicine: Rod Wong on Driving Innovation and Fixing the Affordability Crisis Episode Description American medical care rests on two pillars: innovation and affordability. Get either one wrong and patients pay the price. RTW's Rod Wong joins Stephanie Sirota to unpack both. On innovation, they trace the “Innovation Treadmill,” the cycle that forces drugmakers to keep discovering new medicines as older ones lose exclusivity and go generic, and why that cycle is even more fragile than it looks. On affordability, they get into what's actually driving costs: the relative bargain Americans get on drug prices, the near-total absence of price transparency in medical care, and the revenue that flows to insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and hospitals instead of to the innovators taking the risk. Podcast Team • Producer: Katerina Rosen • Editor: Matt Colbourne • Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota • Editorial Advisor: Jim Heins • Theme Music: Goofy by Danny Shields and Mague by Jozeque Featuring: Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Follow Us Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:48 – The Drug Innovation Treadmill 05:04 – The Economics of Innovation 08:22 – Gene Therapy at a Crossroads 11:05 – Fixing Healthcare’s Incentive Problem 12:27 – A Policy Roadmap for Reform 16:21 – Rebalancing the System 18:28 – Closing Thoughts Disclaimer This interview features Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, in conversation with Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect their own views and opinions as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this episode is intended as investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation to provide investment advisory services. The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of RTW Investments, its affiliates, or its clients. This content is for informational purposes only.

    Innovation is the Best Medicine

  5. Aug 19

    Redefining the Weight Loss Revolution Beyond GLP1s: Influential Voices in the New Food Economy

    Americans spend $1.4 trillion a year on food, and a growing share of that spending is decided in the grocery aisle by people holding a phone. Hunter Stoler, the certified health coach behind Health with Hunter, joins RTW's Stephanie Sirota to discuss what nearly two million followers are putting in their carts and why the largest retailers are paying attention. From losing 50 pounds and keeping it off, to reading ingredient lists instead of front-of-box claims, to the arrival of “GLP-1 friendly” shelf tags that carry no agreed definition, this is a view of how consumer demand is reshaping what mainstream grocers choose to stock. Podcast team Producer & Editor: Tim Young Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Cinematographer: Peter Garofalo Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Editorial Advisors: Steve Alperin, Jim Heins Theme Music: Yehezkel Raz Featuring: Hunter Stoler, certified health coach and creator of Health with Hunter, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:18 - The Thanksgiving wake-up call 02:53 - What made the weight loss stick 03:46 - Learning to shop, and what bad habits cost 06:43 - Choosing influence over the clinical path 08:56 - Obesity: willpower, environment, or the food supply 11:15 - Reading the ingredients, not the front of the box 12:32 - Better-for-you goes mainstream 14:16 - GLP-1s and the new shelf 15:23 - Protecting muscle and prioritizing protein 19:03 - Inside the grocery walkthrough 22:20 - Change requires change Disclaimer This interview was given by Hunter Stoler, certified health coach and creator of Health with Hunter, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date of recording. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Nothing in this episode is medical advice. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their own health decisions.

    Redefining the Weight Loss Revolution Beyond GLP1s: Influential Voices in the New Food Economy

  6. Jul 20

    Psilocybin on the Verge: Treating Depression at Compass Pathways

    Treatment-resistant depression affects four million Americans, and until now, patients have had almost no options. Dr. Steve Levine of Compass Pathways joins RTW's Stephanie Sirota to discuss COMP360, a psilocybin-based therapy for treatment-resistant depression. From the science behind rapid and durable response, to the regulatory path, reimbursement infrastructure, and what's next for PTSD, this is a rare inside look at how the most promising new chapter in psychiatric medicine gets built. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Research Consultant: Connor Williams Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Theme Music: Yehezkel Raz Additional Music: APM Music Featuring: Steve Levine, Chief Patient Officer of Compass Pathways, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer. Don't forget to listen to part 1 of Stephanie's discussion, Psilocybin: Counterculture to Cutting-Edge Psychiatry. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:37 – Steve Levine & Compass Pathways 5:27 - The Treatment Resistant Depression Journey 9:42 - Who are the TRD Patients? 11:06 - Holding Psychedelics to the Same Standard 18:25 - Why PTSD Is the Next Frontier 21:01 - Lifestyle's Role in Treatment Durability 22:41 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Steve Levine, Chief Patient Officer of Compass Pathways, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    Psilocybin on the Verge: Treating Depression at Compass Pathways

  7. Jun 22

    Psilocybin: Counterculture to Cutting-Edge Psychiatry

    Are psychedelics poised to transform mental health treatment? Connor Williams joins Stephanie Sirota for a deep dive into psilocybin, the science behind its effects on the brain, and its potential in treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and other serious conditions. As clinical trials advance and FDA pathways take shape, psychedelics have moved from counterculture to clinic, raising critical questions for patients, clinicians, and investors alike. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production support: Annabelle Chan Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Research Consultant: Connor Williams Theme music: Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Senior Research Analyst, Connor Williams, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments Stay tuned for part 2 of Stephanie's discussion on Psychedelics with Dr. Steve Levine, Chief Patient Officer at Compass Pathways. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:12 - Explaining Psilocybin 4:21 – Recreational Use to Medical Use 6:03 - Compass Pathways’ Story 11:18 - Getting Psychedelics to Patients 16:04 - Myth or Fact: Psilocybin 21:15 - What’s next for Psilocybin? 20:02 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Senior Research Analyst, Connor Williams, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    Psilocybin: Counterculture to Cutting-Edge Psychiatry

  8. May 28

    ASCO: The Biggest Event in Oncology

    For decades, some cancers were a near-certain death sentence. Now, a new generation of cancer drugs—many coming from biotech, not big pharma—is changing that. RTW’s Chris Liu discusses ASCO 2026, and breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and other hard-to-treat tumors. What's driving the progress, why is it happening now, and what does it mean for the future of cancer care? PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Production Assistant: Nicole M. Rosales Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie A. Sirota Research Consultant: Chris Liu Research Consultant: Julia Harper Research Consultant: Lauren Lee Theme Music: Yehezkel Raz Additional Music: APM Music Featuring by Chris Liu, Senior Research Analyst, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner, and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:04 – The Evolution of Cancer Treatments 3:19 - Unmet Needs in Oncology 10:03 - Treating Pancreatic Cancer 14:20 - The Importance of ASCO 16:48 - The Rise of Chinese Biotech 21:54 - Trends in Oncology 23:42 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Chris Liu, Senior Research Analyst, and moderated by Partner, and Chief Business Officer Stephanie Sirota, at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    ASCO: The Biggest Event in Oncology
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

We’re witnessing a healthcare revolution, as medical and science innovations transform the lives of millions. Join as we speak to bright scientific minds, inspiring company founders and healthcare champions that are driving this exciting period of scientific discovery. Subscribe to catch each episode as it goes live. The content of this podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to provide investment advisory services, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment fund.

Information

  • Creator
    RTW Investments, LP
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RTW Investments, LP 2023
  • Show Website
    The RTW Podcast

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