Innovate and Elevate

Sharon Kedar, MBA, CFA
  • 5.0 (26)
  • INVESTING

Join Sharon Kedar, Co-Founder of Northpond Ventures, as she has candid, in-depth conversations with top doctors, scientists, and trailblazing innovators. Innovate and Elevate is the podcast where the pioneering ideas and leading-edge discoveries that redefine human health are explored. Behind every revolutionary method and device is a human, or humans, daring to make the impossible possible. Sharon, an investor at the forefront of science-driven venture capital, talks with these change agents about how they are rewriting the rules in their fields - from human health and longevity to breakthrough diagnostics and therapeutics. Featured by Harvard’s Wyss Institute, this podcast delivers the sophisticated, knowledgeable, and essential insights you need to understand how innovation impacts our lives. Because Humanity Deserves Better. Sharon Kedar is Co-Founder, Partner of Northpond Ventures. She is also a human health advocate and has been invited to and spoken at notable institutions and events nationwide, including The New York Stock Exchange, The White House, ARPA-H, and Harvard University. “This new podcast is just what I needed- a platform to learn about health and innovation. I just listened to the first episode hosted by Sharon Kedar, a true pioneer for women. The amazing thing is that this podcast delivered with such humanity. I was glad to hear women leaders talking about real world things like women helping women, balancing our lives, advancing our careers, and prioritizing our health. It was fascinating to learn from Dr. Rexrode that women’s healthcare is often just a trial for doctors (lack of women based tests) and how frustrating that is for doctors. I loved hearing from these two top experts and can’t wait to tune into more episodes. And I plan to recommend this show to women and men! Finally, the pregnancy example really hits home and was a perfect motivator.” “It’s hard to find helpful and insightful content that is easy to understand. This podcast does that and should be considered on a par with Dr Andrew Huberman’s podcast.” “The dialogue was engaging and informative without feeling overwhelming. Both Sharon and Dr Rexrode are so knowledgeable in their fields. I can’t wait to see who the other guests will be!”

  1. Shapeshifting Human Health: One Medical’s 30 Year Journey with Former CEO Amir Dan Rubin

    MAR 26

    Shapeshifting Human Health: One Medical’s 30 Year Journey with Former CEO Amir Dan Rubin

    What does it really take to build a healthcare company that lasts? In this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon Kedar sits down with Amir Dan Rubin, former CEO of One Medical and Stanford Medicine, to unpack a 30-year journey of building in healthcare. From early ideas around telehealth in the 1990s to leading One Medical through its $3.9 billion acquisition by Amazon, Amir shares what most people misunderstand about innovation in human health. This conversation challenges the narrative of overnight success. Instead, it reveals that the most meaningful breakthroughs require duration, conviction, and the willingness to build long before the outcome is clear. Amir also shares how applying systems thinking from outside of healthcare shaped his leadership across multiple organizations and offers a blueprint for building companies that scale and endure. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: Building in healthcare is a long game measured in decades, not quartersThe real risk is not failure, but never finding out what could have beenSystems thinking from outside industries can unlock innovation in healthcare As this episode highlights, success in healthcare often depends on: Time horizons measured in decadesCross-industry thinking and innovationOperational excellence and consistencyThe ability to persist through uncertainty Connect with Sharon: Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkedar/Learn more about Innovate and Elevate: https:// innovateandelevatepodcast.comSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWi1O9RBaPMYuCkKszPYVAJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: https://innovateandelevatepodcast.com/email Connect with Amir Dan Rubin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirdanrubinHealthier Capital: https://www.healthiercapital.com/ Organizations, resources and citations referenced: One Medical: https://www.onemedical.com/Amazon Deal with One Medical: https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/amazon-buy-one-medical-35-billion-deal-2022-07-21/The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-big-leap-gay-hendricksThe Toyota Way by Jeffrey K. Liker: https://www.mheducation.com/highered/mhp/product/toyota-way-second-edition-14-management-principles-world-s-greatest-manufacturer.htmlStanford Medicine: https://med.stanford.edu/UCLA Health: https://www.uclahealth.org/ The content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or investment advice. Please seek guidance from your own qualified professionals before making decisions. Chapters: (00:00) What this episode reveals about building in healthcare (02:45) Early ideas around telehealth in the 1990s (05:57) Why timing and market readiness matter (07:26) Long-term thinking in healthcare innovation (10:48) Building before the outcome is clear (15:30) Lessons from industries outside healthcare (20:10) Systems thinking and operational excellence (25:45) Scaling One Medical (30:00) The real challenges of building in healthcare (34:00) What it really takes to win in human health About Our Guest: Amir Dan Rubin is a healthcare executive and entrepreneur known for building and scaling innovative care delivery models. He is the former CEO of One Medical, where he led the company through rapid growth, its IPO, and its $3.9 billion acquisition by Amazon. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Stanford Health Care and held leadership roles at UCLA Health, Optum, and Stony Brook University Health System. Across his career, Amir has focused on improving access, experience, and outcomes in healthcare by applying systems thinking and technology. He is currently the founder and managing partner of Healthier Capital. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

    33 min
  2. Redefining Risk with Dr. Michael Rubin: On Entrepreneurship, Career Decisions, and Building Venture Capital in Human Health

    FEB 12

    Redefining Risk with Dr. Michael Rubin: On Entrepreneurship, Career Decisions, and Building Venture Capital in Human Health

    In the opening episode of Season 3, host Sharon Kedar speaks with Dr. Mike Rubin about following scientific curiosity across disciplines. Mike reflects on his early training in medicine, his decision to leave clinical practice, and how that transition led him into science-driven venture capital. Rather than framing career change as failure, this conversation examines coherence, preparation, and self-trust as essential components of innovation. Listeners gain practical context for how scientific thinking, uncertainty, and long-term discipline shape entrepreneurship and investment in human health. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: Why non-linear career paths are common in science and innovation — and how coherence matters more than linear progressionHow scientific training informs risk assessment, preparation, and decision-making in venture capitalWhy acknowledging uncertainty and saying “I don’t know” is often the starting point for meaningful discovery The content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or investment advice. Please seek guidance from your own qualified professionals before making decisions. Topics Covered in This EpisodeScience-driven venture capital and long-term thinkingTransitioning from clinical medicine to investingNon-linear careers in science and entrepreneurshipPreparation, discipline, and showing up without a playbookRisk reframed as discovery rather than failureInnovation grounded in scientific uncertaintyBuilding ecosystems that support human health research Connect with Sharon: Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkedar/Learn more about Innovate and Elevate: https:// innovateandelevatepodcast.comSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWi1O9RBaPMYuCkKszPYVAJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: https://innovateandelevatepodcast.com/email Connect with Dr. Mike Rubin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mprubin/Learn more about Northpond Ventures: Website: https://www.npv.vc/LinkedIn Northpond Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northpond-ventures/ Organizations and guidelines referenced: Northpond Ventures: https://www.npv.vc/Sands Capital: https://www.sandscapital.com/Harvard University: https://www.harvard.edu/MIT: https://www.mit.edu/Stanford University: https://www.stanford.edu/ Chapters: (00:00:41) Early Curiosity and a Passion for Science (00:02:38) Creating a Bioelectrical Engineering Major (00:03:46) Leaving Medicine at 32: A Defining Career Decision (00:06:31) From Public Markets to Venture Capital (00:10:16) The First Investment and Founding a Venture Firm (00:12:21) Redefining Risk: The Fear of Not Trying (00:14:03) Building in 2008: Opportunity in a Market Downturn (00:15:37) Showing Up and Being Prepared: The Venture Capital Edge (00:20:43) The Northpond Thesis: Science, Alignment, and Impact (00:29:08) Amplifying the Signal Within and the Power of “I Don’t Know” About Our Guest: Dr. Mike Rubin is a science-driven investor and Founder of Northpond Ventures. Trained as a physician and surgeon, he transitioned from clinical medicine into venture capital, where he focuses on translating scientific discovery into real-world impact through entrepreneurship. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is Co-Founder at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts: https://www.bravemoonpodcasts.com/

    33 min
  3. Building a Better Menopause System: Insights from One Medical’s Dr. Erin Duralde

    12/18/2025

    Building a Better Menopause System: Insights from One Medical’s Dr. Erin Duralde

    On this episode of Innovate & Elevate, Sharon speaks with Dr. Erin Duralde, Medical Director for Women’s Health and Menopause Care at One Medical, about a question that keeps coming up in midlife healthcare: now that we know more, where do people actually go for menopause care? Recorded shortly after the FDA removed the long-standing black box warning on estrogen therapies, this conversation explores how menopause and perimenopause care can be integrated into primary care, what a modern menopause visit should look like, and how clinicians can better listen to symptoms, history, and lived experience to guide care. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: How Dr. Duralde’s early work as a patient advocate at the UCSF Breast Care Center shaped her approach to menopause care and clinical decision-makingWhy menopause education was largely missing from medical training following misinterpretations of the Women’s Health Initiative, and how that legacy still affects care todayWhat patients can expect from a dedicated menopause or perimenopause visit at One MedicalHow intake surveys and symptom tracking help clinicians better understand what matters most to each patientThe wide range of symptoms that can appear during perimenopause, beyond hot flashes and night sweatsHow clinicians think through treatment options in perimenopause, including hormonal and non-hormonal approachesThe difference between menopausal hormone therapy and combined hormonal contraception, and why timing and symptoms matterHow testosterone is used in post-menopause, why dosing matters, and how safety is monitoredHow primary care providers are being trained at scale to deliver evidence-based menopause care As always, nothing in this episode is personal medical advice. Please talk with your own clinician about your individual history, risks, and options. Connect with Sharon: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcastSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox Connect with Dr. Erin Duralde MD MPH MSCP On LinkedIn Connect with One Medical One Medical WebsiteOn LinkedInOn InstagramOn Facebook Menopause Care, Guidelines & Professional Organizations Referenced:The Menopause Society – https://www.menopause.org/American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – https://www.acog.org/American Urological Association (AUA) – https://www.auanet.org/ Topics & Therapies Discussed:Menopausal hormone therapyPerimenopause symptom assessmentTestosterone therapy in post-menopauseVaginal estrogen for genitourinary symptoms of menopauseIntake surveys and symptom-based carePrimary care–based menopause models Skip to the Good Part: 00:00 – Why Access to Menopause Care Keeps Coming Up 01:00 – Introducing Dr. Erin Duralde and Her Path into Menopause Care 03:30 – How Misinterpretations of the WHI Shaped Medical Training 06:30 – What a Modern Menopause Visit Should Look Like 09:30 – Why Intake Surveys Change the Quality of Care 12:00 – The Range of Perimenopause Symptoms 14:30 – Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Treatment Options 18:00 – Testosterone Therapy: Safety, Dosing, and Expectations 22:00 – Labs, Symptoms, and Clinical Judgment 25:00 – Scaling Menopause Care Through Primary Care Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. About Dr. Erin Duralde: Dr. Erin Duralde is a practicing primary care provider and Medical Director of Women's Health and Menopause Care at One Medical, where she leads menopause care delivery. Before joining One Medical in 2023, she practiced at Brigham and Women's Hospital's Menopause and Midlife clinic in Boston. Erin earned her MD from the University of California, San Francisco, completed her internal medicine residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and holds a Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. She has completed fellowships in both population health management and menopause management. Board-certified in internal medicine and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Erin actively researches women's quality of life and barriers to care, recently co-authoring a state-of-the-art review on menopause management for the British Medical Journal. Her goal is to close the gap between research and practice in menopause care through human-centered, compassionate treatment approaches. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

    21 min
  4. 8 Days After the FDA: Breaking Down HRT and Breast Cancer Risk with Dr. Corinne Menn

    11/26/2025

    8 Days After the FDA: Breaking Down HRT and Breast Cancer Risk with Dr. Corinne Menn

    On this episode of Innovate & Elevate, Sharon sits down with Dr. Corinne Menn, an OB-GYN, menopause specialist, and breast cancer survivor, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: the relationship between breast cancer risk and hormone therapy. Recorded eight days after the FDA announced it will remove the long-standing black box language on hormone therapy, this conversation traces the legacy of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative press conference, what the data actually showed, and how modern evidence can better guide women and their clinicians today. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: What really happened in July 2002, and why the WHI press conference (held eight days before doctors saw the full study) reshaped hormone therapy for a generation.The difference between estrogen alone and combined estrogen–progestin therapy, and why age, timing, and formulation matter.Why every major professional society (ASCO, ACOG, American Urological Association, The Menopause Society) agrees that local, low-dose vaginal hormones do not increase breast cancer risk, recurrence, or mortality.The role of tools like the Tyrer–Cuzick breast cancer risk model in understanding your baseline risk - and how Dr. Menn interprets those results in the context of HRT.Dr. Menn’s own story: being diagnosed with ER/PR-positive breast cancer at 28 during OB-GYN residency, going through abrupt menopause, and later discovering a BRCA2 mutation after updated genetic testingHow she now counsels breast cancer survivors about menopause, quality of life, and when hormone therapy may or may not be appropriatePractical ways women can prepare for a time-limited doctor’s visit to have more informed, individualized conversations about breast cancer risk and hormone therapy As always, nothing in this episode is personal medical advice. Please talk with your own clinician about your individual history, risks, and options. Connect with Sharon: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcastSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox Connect with Dr. Corinne Menn: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more on her website Breast Cancer Risk Models & Screening Tools: Tyrer–Cuzick (IBIS) Breast Cancer Risk Model - https://ems-trials.org/riskevaluator/  Gail Model (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool) - https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov  POSITIVE Trial – New England Journal of Medicine - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215851  Hormone Therapy, Menopause Guidelines & Professional Societies: The Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org/  American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) - https://www.asco.org/  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - https://www.acog.org/  American Urological Association (AUA) - https://www.auanet.org/  WHI & FDA Background Materials: Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) – National Institutes of Health - https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/womens-health-initiative-whi  WHI 2002 Press Release - https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2002/hrtupdate  Publications & Books Referenced Estrogen Matters – Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris - https://www.estrogenmatters.com/  Maria Shriver Sunday Paper Article - https://www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/warning-label-menopause-hormone-therapies/  FDA-Approved Therapies Mentioned: - Duavee (Conjugated Estrogens + Bazedoxifene) - https://www.duavee.com/  Intrarosa (Prasterone/DHEA) - https://www.intrarosa.com/  Micronized Progesterone (Prometrium) - https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/20846_prometrium_lbl.pdf  Clinicians Mentioned in the Episode: Dr. Rachel Rubin - https://www.rachelrubinmd.com/  Dr. Kelly Casperson - https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/  Dr. Vonda Wright - https://www.drvondawright.com/  Dr. Sharon Malone - https://www.sharonmalonemd.com/  Dr. Heather Hirsch - https://www.heatherhirschmd.com/  Additional Trusted Medical & Genetics Resources Alloy Women’s Health - https://www.myalloy.com/  USPSTF Screening Guidelines  https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/  Myriad Genetics – BRCA and BART Testing - https://myriad.com/patients-families/hereditary-cancer/  National Society of Genetic Counselors (Find a Counselor) - https://www.nsgc.org/page/find-a-genetic-counselor  Skip to the Good Part: 00:00 – Local Vaginal Estrogen and the Black Box Barrier 01:00 – Introducing Dr. Corinne Menn and the HHS Moment 02:00 – What the FDA Label Change Actually Means 04:00 – The 2002 WHI Press Conference and Its Fallout 06:00 – Dr. Menn’s Personal Story: Cancer at 28 and Abrupt Menopause 09:00 – Modern HRT vs. WHI Formulations 13:30 – Time-Limited Visits and the Need for Prepared Patients 21:00 – Knowing Your Baseline Breast Cancer Risk 29:00 – Does HRT Cause Breast Cancer? What the Data Actually Show 36:00 – Breast Cancer Survivors, Choice, and Quality of Life Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. About Dr. Corinne Menn: Dr. Corinne Menn is a board-certified OB-GYN and nationally recognized menopause specialist with more than two decades of clinical experience. A breast cancer survivor herself, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and lived experience to her work, helping women navigate menopause, breast cancer risk, and hormone therapy with clarity and compassion. Dr. Menn is certified by the North American Menopause Society and serves as a clinical educator on midlife women’s health, breast cancer survivorship, and evidence-based hormone therapy. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by...

    43 min
  5. Special Episode with Dr. Kelly Casperson on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

    11/13/2025

    Special Episode with Dr. Kelly Casperson on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

    Why do only 5% of women in America use hormone therapy today, when so many did just two decades ago? In this special live episode, host Sharon Kedar sits down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, author, and leading voice in women’s health, to unpack the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — and how one misleading press release in 2002 changed everything. Dr. Casperson explains what really happened with the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, how the fear around hormones took root, and why it’s time to write the new narrative. Together, Sharon and Kelly discuss estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — what they do, who they help, and how new FDA attention may finally mark a turning point. From brain fog to bone density, motivation to longevity, this conversation breaks down myths and builds hope for the next generation of women — and the doctors who care for them. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: The 2002 Study That Changed Everything: How the Women’s Health Initiative was misinterpreted — and why a misleading press release reshaped women’s health for decades.The Truth About Hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are made naturally by the body — and modern therapies are safer, smarter, and more personalized than ever before.Longevity and Prevention: Hormones don’t just treat symptoms — they can protect your bones, brain, and heart, helping women live longer, healthier lives.The Next Generation of Change: From Gen X to Millennials, women are demanding better care, better education, and better science. Connect with Sharon: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcastSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more on her websiteBuy The Menopause Moment now Additional Resources: The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (JAMA)FDA Menopause Panel Discussion (YouTube)Dr. Casperson’s book: You Are Not BrokenDr. Kelly Casperson Speaking at the FDA’s Announcement for Removing “Black Box” Warnings Skip to the Good Part: (0:00) Introduction: Sharon welcomes Dr. Kelly Casperson — live from the FDA Menopause Panel (3:00) The emotional power of restoring hormones — “I’m not angry anymore” (8:00) Viagra vs. HRT: The gender gap in sexual medicine (14:00) The WHI study: What really happened in 2002 (21:00) Fear, misinformation, and the black box warning (28:00) How hormones affect every organ in the body (33:00) Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — the full picture (40:00) The “Lost Generation” of women and rewriting the narrative (46:00) Testosterone: The forgotten quarterback of women’s health (53:00) Policy, training, and the future of menopause care (59:00) The next generation: Why millennials won’t wait to suffer (1:03:00) Closing thoughts: Every woman deserves the conversation Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. About Dr. Kelly Casperson: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, speaker, author, and women's health advocate. After realizing the significant gap in women's sexual health and hormone education, even within the medical community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through her work. As the host of the popular podcast "You Are Not Broken," and author of books like You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, she uses humor, candor, and science to demystify complex topics around sexuality, menopause, and hormonal health, helping women to advocate for themselves and live their best intimate lives. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

    28 min
  6. Menopause is Hot with Joanna Strober, CEO of Midi Health

    10/14/2025

    Menopause is Hot with Joanna Strober, CEO of Midi Health

    What happens when a successful professional is dismissed by her doctor, given sleeping pills for severe perimenopause symptoms, and instead decides to launch a company to help change women's healthcare forever? In this conversation, host Sharon Kedar welcomes Midi Health’s CEO Joanna Strober, who shares her personal story of being dismissed by her doctor and her mission to fix the women's health crisis. Joanna and Sharon tackle the pervasive fear and misinformation about HRT and breast cancer. They reveal the truth and misinformation about the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study. Joanna details how Midi provides expert, insurance-covered care and is shifting the paradigm so women can proactively protect their bones, brain, and heart. This is an essential listen for any woman ready to age with power. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: The Care Crisis and Midi’s Solution: How Joanna's personal experience of being dismissed by doctors for symptoms like brain fog and anxiety led her to create Midi Health, a successful, insurance-covered virtual platform scaling expert care for midlife women.Dismantling HRT Fear: The truth about the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, revealing that there is zero correlation between taking estrogen and getting breast cancer (unless you have estrogen-positive breast cancer) and that women on the estrogen-only arm had a 30% less likelihood of breast cancer.Longevity and HRT: Why the golden time to start estrogen is during perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause, and how staying on it may be essential for long-term protection of your bones, brain, and heart. Connect with Sharon: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcastSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox Connect with Joanna Strober: On LinkedInLearn more about Midi Health Additional Resources: The 2002 Women's Health Initiative  Skip to the Good Part: (0:00) Introduction: Sharon's Advocacy and Welcome Joanna Strober, CEO of Midi Health  (2:00) Joanna’s Personal Story: From Brain Fog, Anxiety, and Marriage Problems to Finding a Specialist  (9:00) Finding the Right Care: HRT, Transformed Life, and the Bone Protection Dose  (18:45) Solving the Care Crisis: Founding Midi Health and Scaling Expertise with Insurance Coverage  (25:00) Midi's Word-of-Mouth Success and Dispelling the Breast Cancer Myth  (33:00) Longevity and HRT: The Golden Window for Bones, Brain, and Heart Protection  (36:30) HRT and Stigma: Why We Need to Talk About Hormones and Staying on the Patch Forever  (39:00) The Financial and Family Case: Midi Patients Cost Less for Insurers  (41:30) Midi's Mission, Funding, and the Future of Virtual Care  (45:00) Conclusion and Thank You Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. About Joanna Strober: Joanna is the founder of Midi Health, a virtual care platform for women, with a focus on perimenopause and menopause. Midi brings expert care, covered by insurance, to women nationwide. Before Midi, Joanna founded Kurbo, the first digital therapeutic for childhood obesity, which was scaled to help tens of thousands of children worldwide. The company was successfully sold to Weight Watchers in 2018. Before diving into digital health, Joanna spent more than 20 years in direct private equity and venture capital investing in health and consumer companies, including several notable consumer internet companies, such as Blue Nile, eToys, BabyCenter, HotJobs, and Flycast. Joanna is the author of the book Getting to 50/50, a primer on how women can succeed and thrive at work and home. She has spoken extensively to corporate and graduate school audiences on the topic of women and leadership. She was named to Forbes' 50 over 50 list of top Innovators, the CNBC Changemaker 2025 and Time 100 Healthcare Leaders. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

    32 min
  7. My Personal HRT Protocol with Dr. Rachel Rubin, Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist

    09/30/2025

    My Personal HRT Protocol with Dr. Rachel Rubin, Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist

    What if aging wasn't about being discarded, but about reclaiming your dignity and power? In this powerful episode of Innovate and Elevate, host Sharon Kedar sits down with her personal doctor, Dr. Rachel Rubin, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. Dubbed "The Women's Dignity Doctor" by Sharon, Dr. Rubin is on a mission to fix the menopause care crisis by educating both patients and clinicians. The two unpack the systemic failures of modern medicine, from the misinterpretation of the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study to the shocking fact that doctors are still not adequately trained in women's midlife health. Dr. Rubin shares her five-step "prescribing" guide for HRT, including testosterone and vaginal estrogen, and a deeply personal story about why this work is a matter of life and death. This is a must-listen for every woman who feels like a "hot mess," or is an advocate for a woman in her life, who is not feeling like herself. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: The Midlife Care Crisis: Understand why women are often left to navigate menopause symptoms like brain fog, joint pain, and sleep issues on their own, and how the medical community's siloed approach to care has failed them. Dr. Rubin explains why this is a systemic problem, not a failure of individual doctors.The "NFLM" Diagnosis: Learn about the "Not Feeling Like Myself" diagnosis that Dr. Rubin uses to describe the common, but often dismissed, symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.The Five Pillars of HRT: Get a detailed look at the five key areas of hormone replacement therapy that Dr. Rubin covers in her course for clinicians: systemic estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, vaginal hormones, and vulvar vestibule cream.A Call for Dignity: Hear why Dr. Rubin and Sharon believe that access to proper menopause care is about more than just managing symptoms—it's about a woman's fundamental dignity. Dr. Rubin shares a poignant story about a patient who was at risk of dying from a UTI due to lack of treatment Connect with Sharon: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcastSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox Connect with Dr. Rachel Rubin: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more on her websiteTake the Hormone Therapy for Early Adopters course Additional Resources: Find a sexual medicine provider at ISSWSH.orgThe 2002 Women's Health Initiative American Urologic Association guidelines on genital urinary syndrome of menopauseFree trainings on genital urinary syndrome of menopause on Dr. Rubin's YouTube Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs website Skip to the Good Part: (0:00) Introduction and The Menopause Care Crisis (1:50) What Midlife Care Looks Like with Dr. Rubin (6:08) Why The Medical System Got It Wrong (11:00) Fixing the Marketing Problem (15:15) The Fear of Breast Cancer (18:25) The Dignity of Aging (20:01) The Care Crisis and Dr. Rubin’s Course (25:40) Unpacking the HRT Prescriptions (26:10) Systemic Estrogen (the "Workhorse") (30:22) Progesterone (35:50) Testosterone (39:40) Vaginal Estrogen: A Life-Saving Treatment (44:40) Vulvar Vestibule Cream (46:25) Dr. Rubin's Wish for the Future Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. About Dr. Rachel Rubin: Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist and a fellowship-trained specialist in sexual medicine. An assistant clinical professor at Georgetown University, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for people of all genders. Dr. Rubin is a passionate advocate for human health, working to advance the fields of research, education, and advocacy in sexual medicine. She is a prolific educator, teaching doctors how to prescribe hormone therapy through her online courses. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

    48 min
  8. The New Testosterone Story with Dr. Kelly Casperson, Urologist

    09/23/2025

    The New Testosterone Story with Dr. Kelly Casperson, Urologist

    What if everything you thought you knew about testosterone was completely wrong? This episode of Innovate and Elevate features a groundbreaking conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a renowned urologist and women’s health advocate who is rewriting the narrative around testosterone and women. She makes a compelling case for why testosterone is not just for men and why it is so much more than just a hormone for libido. Dr. Casperson, whom host Sharon saw speak in-person at the FDA Menopause Panel, unpacks the outdated medical dogma that has created a massive gap in women's health. The message is clear: our midlife journey isn't just about managing symptoms, but about aging with power, which starts with advocating for proper hormone health and understanding what your body needs to thrive. This is a must-listen for every woman who loves HRT and wants to live a better, stronger second half. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: The New Testosterone Story: Learn why testosterone is a human hormone that helps with motivation, energy, and brain clarity—not just libido. Dr. Casperson reveals that female bodies have four times the amount of testosterone than estrogen and why this hormone is vital for longevity.Barriers to Access: Understand the shocking truth about what’s holding women’s health back—from outdated regulations and the misinterpretation of data that has driven black box warnings to the lack of training for well-meaning doctors. You'll hear why the system is in "catch-up mode," and how doctors and organizations, including the FDA, are now working hard to correct the misinformation from decades ago and bring accurate information to the public.The Power of Patient Advocacy: Discover why women are turning to sources like Instagram and ChatGPT for medical advice and how this is a sign of a larger problem. Dr. Casperson provides a powerful call to action for women and men to advocate for proper health and to stop accepting a life of struggle and ill health. Connect with Sharon: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcastSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson: On LinkedInOn InstagramLearn more on her websiteBuy The Menopause Moment now Additional Resources: FDA Menopause Panel VideoDr. Kelly Casperson at the FDA Menopause Panel VideoDr. Heather Hirsch Academy - Testosterone and Sexual Health CourseThe Menopause SocietyYou Are Not Broken - Dr. Kelly’s first bookThe 2002 JAMA WHI StudyMenoposse Skip to the Good Part: (1:19) How Dr. Casperson Got Into Hormone Health (1:34) Introduction (2:59) Medical Education Gaps Around Women's Health (5:44) The New Testosterone Story (23:55) The Challenge of Getting Care (29:33) The Scale of the Problem (33:27) The Importance of Treating Both Partners (38:10) Closing Thoughts Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. About Dr. Kelly Casperson: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, speaker, author, and women's health advocate. After realizing the significant gap in women's sexual health and hormone education, even within the medical community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through her work. As the host of the popular podcast "You Are Not Broken," and author of books like You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, she uses humor, candor, and science to demystify complex topics around sexuality, menopause, and hormonal health, helping women to advocate for themselves and live their best intimate lives. About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around women's health. She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo. This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

    39 min
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Join Sharon Kedar, Co-Founder of Northpond Ventures, as she has candid, in-depth conversations with top doctors, scientists, and trailblazing innovators. Innovate and Elevate is the podcast where the pioneering ideas and leading-edge discoveries that redefine human health are explored. Behind every revolutionary method and device is a human, or humans, daring to make the impossible possible. Sharon, an investor at the forefront of science-driven venture capital, talks with these change agents about how they are rewriting the rules in their fields - from human health and longevity to breakthrough diagnostics and therapeutics. Featured by Harvard’s Wyss Institute, this podcast delivers the sophisticated, knowledgeable, and essential insights you need to understand how innovation impacts our lives. Because Humanity Deserves Better. Sharon Kedar is Co-Founder, Partner of Northpond Ventures. She is also a human health advocate and has been invited to and spoken at notable institutions and events nationwide, including The New York Stock Exchange, The White House, ARPA-H, and Harvard University. “This new podcast is just what I needed- a platform to learn about health and innovation. I just listened to the first episode hosted by Sharon Kedar, a true pioneer for women. The amazing thing is that this podcast delivered with such humanity. I was glad to hear women leaders talking about real world things like women helping women, balancing our lives, advancing our careers, and prioritizing our health. It was fascinating to learn from Dr. Rexrode that women’s healthcare is often just a trial for doctors (lack of women based tests) and how frustrating that is for doctors. I loved hearing from these two top experts and can’t wait to tune into more episodes. And I plan to recommend this show to women and men! Finally, the pregnancy example really hits home and was a perfect motivator.” “It’s hard to find helpful and insightful content that is easy to understand. This podcast does that and should be considered on a par with Dr Andrew Huberman’s podcast.” “The dialogue was engaging and informative without feeling overwhelming. Both Sharon and Dr Rexrode are so knowledgeable in their fields. I can’t wait to see who the other guests will be!”

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Kedar, MBA, CFA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sharon Kedar, MBA, CFA
  • Show Website
    Innovate and Elevate

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