No Ordinary Subjects
Welcome to 'No Ordinary Subjects,' a new health, medicine, and clinical research-focused podcast with a mission of shining a bright light on overlooked issues and underrepresented perspectives. Here, we aim to explore the facets and implications of diversity, equity and inclusion from the perspectives of all stakeholders. From those providing care across specialties, to individuals working tirelessly to bring new therapies to market, and the medical heroes who decide to participate in clinical trials. Whether patients or healthy volunteers— just don't call us "subjects!" Guests are the extraordinary humans in every sector of this ecosystem who are making progress possible for the rest of us. Join me on this collective journey toward better outcomes — for ALL. Feedback and suggestions for podcast topics and guests are welcome! Please share the links with those you care about, and subscribe to catch every episode on your favorite platform. Thanks in advance! #beyondlipservice
Episodes
21 episodes
VOICE-ACTIVATED - A Regulatory Reckoning of Authentic Engagement in Clinical Trials
In this follow-up to my keynote presentation at the meeting of the North Carolina Regulatory Affairs Forum (NCRAF) in conjunction with the Triangle Chapter of the ACRP, I’m reflecting— full-chested and unfiltered— on what it means to be voi...
TRUTH, Not Trust, Is the REAL Currency in Clinical Trials
In this episode, I touch on why truth, not just trust, is essential in clinical research. I challenge the status quo, advocating for radical transparency to empower participants and build genuine engagement. Read my more in-depth artic...
Contagion of Doubt: How Misinformation Brought Measles Back
This episode of No Ordinary Subjects confronts the return of measles in the United States— a disease we once eliminated. We explore how rising vaccine hesitancy, fueled by years of politicized misinformation and erosion of public trust...
The 2025 Reckoning: Refusing to Rewrite History
In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects, host Allison Kalloo unpacks the dangerous implications of the Trump administration’s latest executive order, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, which takes direct aim at th...
Guidance with Teeth - Why the FDA Needs Enforcement Power
In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects, host Allison Kalloo exposes a critical flaw in how clinical trials are regulated in the U.S. The FDA can issue guidance, make recommendations, and encourage diversity— but it lacks the power to ...
The Plasma Paradox - The Ethics of Industry Profits & Donor Compensation
This episode of No Ordinary Subjects gets into the ethical complexities of the $24 billion plasma donation industry and the "Plasma Paradox": the vast financial gap between donor compensation and the multi-thousand dollar value of plasma-derive...
Beyond Buzzwords: DEI Guidelines for Real Clinical Trial Equity
Tune in to this episode to get guidance on cutting through DEI noise to deliver actionable guidelines for clinical trial equity. Learn how to move beyond buzzwords, meet FDA expectations, and create real change. We cover lived experience, recru...
International Women's Day: Power & Possibility
Our perspectives and opportunities are shaped by culture, history, and the experiences we carry. On this International Women’s Day episode of No Ordinary Subjects, we’re celebrating how these forces influence the way we move through th...
Corporate Chameleons - Adaptive DEI Rebranding
Lately, there’s been a shift: Companies and institutions that were always genuine about cultural change are finding themselves needing to “rebrand” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in light of the toxic political climate. But let’s be rea...
The Death of DEI? Not on MY Watch!
DEI is under attack—watered down, defunded, and dismissed. But let’s be clear: its death is neither inevitable nor acceptable. In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects, I confront the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion he...
When Clinical Trials Fall Short: A Patient’s Unfiltered Review
In a candid episode of No Ordinary Subjects, I share my personal experience of being shortchanged in a migraine clinical trial after a technical error led to a missed blood draw. The sponsor's refusal to take responsibility sparked a crucial qu...
Revisiting the Issue of Patient Compensation
In this solo episode of No Ordinary Subjects, I reflect on a topic close to my heart: patient compensation in clinical trials. Having stepped away from the industry, I share my candid thoughts on how the lack of respect for participant...
Need to Get Unstuck? Just Start
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed by where to begin? Both are more common than a cold. In this episode of No Ordinary Subjects, host Allison Kalloo dives into the power of taking that all-important first step toward your passion. Whether you’...
2024 Year-End Wrap-Up
As the year comes to a close, host Allison Kalloo reflects on the challenges, growth, and clarity 2024 brought while setting an inspiring tone for 2025. In this deeply personal episode, Allison shares stories from her journey, including lessons...
Grace & Grit - Navigating Breast Cancer with Lady Kimberly
In this episode of 'No Ordinary Subjects', we hear from 'Lady' Kimberly Anderson, whose breast cancer journey is a remarkable testament to both grace and grit. Diagnosed at the young age of 32, Lady Kimberly is forthcoming about her harrowing e...
Health Equity Congress - Patient Perspectives - Part 1
The 2nd Annual Health Equity in Clinical Trials Congress took place in Atlanta, GA on May 8-9, 2024. I'm your podcast host, Allison Kalloo, and I moderated the opening plenary session— a panel featuring patients like me! Not surprisingly,...
Rural Health Advocacy - Patricia Peele
On this episode of No Ordinary Subjects, host Allison Kalloo sits down with the remarkable Ms. Patricia Peele, a community activist and advocate from rural Halifax County, North Carolina. Patricia's story is one of inspiration and action, dedic...
Unraveling Male Lupus - VERY Extended Interview
This extended, deeply personal episode of No Ordinary Subjects features a courageous conversation with a man who bravely shares his journey with lupus. For too long, lupus has been mistakenly perceived as a "women's disease," leaving men who ex...
Diversity Patient Recruitment - Hiding in Plain Sight
This episode of No Ordinary Subjects offers a deeply personal reflection from your host. I'm Allison Kalloo and I decided to share a powerful encounter that has shaped her understanding of bias in research. Taking a trip down memory lane, I rec...
PREMIERE Episode
Stepping out of the long shadows of myths, misconceptions, and misalignment, No Ordinary Subjects connects the dots and clears a path toward better outcomes in clinical trials – for everyone involved. The status quo is not acceptable, ...
DEI - Still & Always a Vital Subject
Welcome to No Ordinary Subjects. This podcast boldly explores the crucial intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion in health, medicine, and clinical trials. This premiere episode lays the foundation for a series of candid and thought-pr...