From Lab Bench to Bedside: Cardiolipin Science Saves Lives- The Significant Connection between D.J. Ferguson's Master's Thesis and Forzinity's Recent Approval
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On September 19, 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval to FORZINITY™ (elamipretide), a groundbreaking new drug for Barth syndrome—an ultra-rare genetic disorder affecting only about 150 people in the United States. On the surface, it's a monumental victory for a small but desperate community. But what if this victory is also a critical clue, a key that could unlock a new frontier in the fight against some of the world's most widespread neurological diseases?
This approval marks the first-ever therapy specifically targeting mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. The implications are staggering, potentially paving the way for new approaches to treating conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, where mitochondrial dysfunction is a known culprit.
Join us as we unravel this historic first, exploring the intricate science and the decade-long journey of perseverance that led to this moment.
In this episode, we explore:
The World of Barth Syndrome: We define this devastating and ultra-rare genetic disease, understanding its profound impact on patients and the cellular machinery it disrupts.
The Unsung Hero of Our Cells: A deep dive into the science of mitochondria and a crucial molecule you’ve likely never heard of—cardiolipin. Learn why this unique phospholipid is the linchpin of cellular energy and structural integrity.
A Targeted Therapy: Discover how FORZINITY™ (elamipretide) works by directly interacting with and stabilizing cardiolipin, restoring function at the very source of the problem.
The Road to Approval: We chart the high-stakes, dramatic journey of Stealth BioTherapeutics, from a major FDA rejection to a strategic pivot that secured a historic accelerated approval.
The Broader Horizon: We connect the dots from Barth syndrome to neurodegeneration, exploring the mounting evidence that links cardiolipin dysfunction to the pathology of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and what this breakthrough means for the future of medicine.
Disclaimer:
The views of this podcast reflect those of my guests and I, and do not constitute medical or professional advice or consultation. Please see a state certified and board certified health professional for medical and professional advice. Again, we disclaim any loss in any way, and this podcast does not in any way represent a company endorsement and medical recommendation.
A Celebration of Excellence with Leaders of Color in Academia, Medicine, Engineering and Athletics. Here is the complete list: Chancellor Gary May ( Chancellor of UC Davis), Dean Raheem Beyah (Dean, College of Engineering, Georgia Tech), Dr. Emery Brown, MD, PhD ( Anesthesiologist-Statistician, Harvard/ MIT/ Mass. General Hospital), Chase Griffin ( Toigo Fellow, Investment Fellow, Athlete Creator and Quarterback, UCLA), Nagela Nukuna (Product Lead, The White House), Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton (Evolutionary Biologist and Assistant Professor at Princeton University and Two Time Emmy Nominated PBS Host), Leselle Vincent ( Senior Associate, Center for Public Impact), Sonola Onasanya ( ESG Equity Analyst, Net Purpose), Gabriel Galaraza (Professional Services Manager, Amplitude), Kyle Woumn (Engineering Manager, Nerd Wallet and Forbes 30 Under 30, 2022), Ms. Pinder (Vice Principal, Bishop Michael Eldon School, The Bahamas), Mr. Bourne ( Chemistry Teacher, B.M.E.S.) ,Mr. R. Deveaux (Deputy Permanent Secretary, The Ministry of Education, The Bahamas), Former Ambassador S. Collie ( Former Bahamian Ambassador to Washington, DC), Mr. Isaiah Swann ( MD-PhD Student at The University of Virginia), Dr. Jenaye Burrows, MBBS (Medical Doctor), Chadwin Hanna ( MD-PhD Student, The University of Florida), Dr. Kuna Fortingo, MD ( Medical Resident), Dr. Sheena Collie (Chief Medical Officer, Doctors Hospital, The Bahamas), Aaron Levarity (Professional Basketball Player in France & from The Bahamas).
The Path to KOLs--Ukranian Episode: Шлях до KOL: Наука, Лідерство та Сила Малих Кроків (The Path to KOL: Science, Leadership, and the Power of Small Steps)
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До кожного, хто переживає складний період: пам’ятайте, що тіні є доказом існування світла. Коли шлях уперед незрозумілий, а тягар світу здається надто важким, тримайтеся за тиху силу, яка живе всередині вас.
Як нагадував доктор Мартін Лютер Кінг, молодший: «Віра — це зробити перший крок, навіть коли ви не бачите всієї сходової клітки». Ваша подорож не полягає в тому, щоб бачити кінець від самого початку, а в тому, щоб мужньо зробити наступний крок. У хвилини випробувань ми часто знаходимо найбільші можливості.
Ласкаво просимо до “Шляху до KOL” — студентського подкасту, що надихає студентів клінічної фармації, майбутніх резидентів та молодих клініцистів. У кожному епізоді беруть участь світові лідери думок — канцлер Ґері Мей; доктор Роберт Ленґер; Ґреґ Цукерман (The Wall Street Journal); Кайл Вумн (Forbes 30 Under 30) — які діляться своїми поглядами на проривні дослідження, лідерство, інновації та кар’єри у фармації, орієнтовані на цінності й мету.
Нехай виклики, з якими ви стикаєтесь, зміцнюють вашу рішучість. Як писав святий Августин: «У надії є дві прекрасні дочки: їхні імена — Гнів і Відвага. Гнів на те, що є, і Відвага, щоб зробити так, аби все не залишалось таким самим». Використовуйте цю відвагу не в одному великому жесті, а в малих, послідовних діях, які ви робите щодня. Мати Тереза навчала простої, але глибокої істини: «Ми не можемо робити великих справ, лише маленькі справи з великою любов’ю».
Відмова від відповідальності: цей контент не є медичною порадою чи рекомендаціями. Звертайтеся за порадами до сертифікованих медичних фахівців на рівні ради, штату чи місцевих органів. Ми відмовляємося від будь-якої відповідальності за будь-які втрати.
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English:
To anyone navigating a difficult season, remember that the shadows are proof of the light. When the path ahead is unclear and the weight of the world feels heavy, hold on to the quiet strength that resides within you.As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Your journey is not about seeing the end from the beginning, but about bravely taking that next step. In moments of trial, we often find our greatest opportunities. Welcome to The Path to KOL, the student-led podcast empowering clinical pharmacy students, residency aspirants & rising clinicians. Each episode features global thought leaders—Chancellor Gary May; Dr Robert Langer; Greg Zuckerman (The Wall Street Journal); Kyle Woumn (Forbes 30 Under 30)—sharing insights on breakthrough research, leadership, innovation & purpose-driven pharmacy careers.Let the challenges you face fuel your resolve. As St. Augustine wrote, "Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." Use that courage not in one grand gesture, but in the small, consistent actions you take every single day. Mother Teresa taught a simple yet profound truth: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."Disclaimer: This content is not medical advice or suggestions. Consult board-, state-, and locally certified health professionals for medical advice. We disclaim any liability for any loss.
On The Path to KOLs from The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group, hosts David Ferguson and Chadwin Hanna explore how Latin America is becoming a strategic engine for high-quality, cost-effective clinical research.
Julio G. Martinez-Clark—Ambassador of IAOCR/GCSA Americas and CEO of bioaccess®—breaks down how aligning to global competence standards and smarter site activation can compress timelines for First-in-Human and Early Feasibility Studies without compromising quality. He shares lessons from pioneering trials, practical blueprints for building city-level clinical hubs, and pragmatic guidance for innovators entering LATAM markets. The conversation also touches on sustaining regional infrastructure, cross-border collaboration, and the mindset behind his long-running Global Trial Accelerators™ series.
Guest: Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess®Hosts: David Ferguson, BS, MS, Pharm.D. Candidate; Chadwin Hanna, MD Candidate & PhD Student
Please note: The views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute medical advice, consultation and suggestions. Please see a board certified and state licensed medical professional.
In this interview we discuss with a leading pioneer in chemistry, Dr. L.C. Campeau, his career and his accomplishments thus far, and what has been an impetus for his achievements. Dr. L.C. Campeau is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
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Dr. Campeau's Biography:
L.-C. Campeau obtained his Ph. D. degree in 2007 with the late Professor Keith Fagnou at the University of Ottawa in Canada as an NSERC Doctoral Fellow, after completing his B.Sc. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences. He was the recipient of the Pierre Laberge Prize for the best Ph.D. thesis in the Science Faculty. The Faculty of Science awarded him the inaugural Young Alumni Award in 2016 and in 2022 he received the inaugural Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award. L.-C. first joined Merck Research Laboratories at Merck-Frosst in Montreal in 2007 making key contributions to the discovery of Doravirine (MK-1439) for which he received a Merck Special Achievement Award. In 2010, he moved from Quebec to New Jersey, where he has served in roles of increasing responsibility Head of Catalysis & Automation, Head of Discovery Process Chemistry and Head of Process Chemistry. L.-C. is currently Associate Vice President and the Head of Small Molecule Process Research and Development, leading a team of smart creative scientists and engineers developing innovative solutions in support of all discovery, pre-clinical and clinical active pharmaceutical ingredient deliveries for the entire Merck portfolio for small-molecule therapeutics. Over his tenure at Merck, L.-C. and his team have made important contributions to >40 clinical candidates and 7 commercial products to date. Under his leadership, his organization has received the EPA’s Green Chemistry Challenge Award four consecutive years and received the Heroes of Chemistry Award for their work on Molnupiravir in 2022. His passion for scientific excellence exemplified by >80 publications and patents, several successful collaborations with key academics, and an extensive list of >85 invited lectures worldwide. As a proud Canadian, L.-C. continues his engagement in the Canadian chemistry community, serving 4 years on the NSERC Discovery Grants committee (2019-2022) and currently sits on the NSERC National Awards Selection Committee. L.-C. was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2022.
Remixed- The Path to KOLs: The New Chemist Podcast’s Global Journey in Science, Pharma, and Education: Interview with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO & Co-Founder of 1Cell.Ai
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In this episode we provide and educational episode remix made with software assistance ( for educational purposes only) , we sit down with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO & Co-Founder of 1Cell.Ai, to explore how AI-driven single-cell analytics are revolutionizing precision oncology. Discover how the OncoIncytes platform merges ctDNA, live CTCs, single-cell RNA and proteomics for a real-time, multimodal tumor profile—and learn how these insights are sharpening patient selection, accelerating ADC trials, and delivering earlier, more accurate measures of therapeutic response. Mohan also shares his playbook for building a capital-efficient biotech across Silicon Valley and India, the emerging trends set to reshape drug development, and practical advice for chemists, data scientists, and founders looking to break into the field. Tune in this August for a deep dive into the future of cancer research and drug discovery.--
Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute professional or medical advice or consultation. Please see a medical professional or healthcare professional for advice, suggestions and consultations. We disclaim any loss in any way.
Music citation: Open source
Highlighted Episode- The Path to KOLs: Nobel Lecture Compendium (100+) with AI-Powered Overviews
In this episode, we compile over 100+ Nobel Lectures and key lectures and use AI LLMs to produce video overviews of those lectures.
Please note: The views of this podcast represent those ofmy guest and I, and do not constitute medical, professional or financial advice or consultation. Please refer to the state and board-certified professionals. We disclaim any loss in any way.
Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down with Sam Libby,President and Managing Director at TCB Capital Advisors, whose career has been dedicated to transforming healthcare through strategic investments and partnerships. With more than 30 completed transactions —spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and innovativedeal structures—Sam has become a trusted advisor at the intersection of finance, science, and patient care.
Our conversation dives deep into his origin story—fromRutgers to leading one of the most dynamic advisory firms in healthcare—and explores how his investment philosophy balances patient-centered missions with the financial discipline demanded by markets. Sam shares case studiesfrom groundbreaking ventures like Clairity, the first FDA-cleared AI breast cancer risk platform, and Altoida, a pioneer in early cognitive assessment technology, offering valuable lessons for founders and investors alike.
We also discuss the critical role of strategicpartnerships, the evolving dynamics between founders and investors, and the exciting frontiers shaping the future of healthcare—from oncology and neurodegeneration to women’s health and digital innovation. Sam highlights how AI and data are reshaping deal-making, due diligence, and commercialization pathways. Finally, Sam offers practical advice for aspiring thought leaders and entrepreneurs on refining their pitch, stepping into leadership beyond the lab, and positioning themselves for long-term impact in arapidly evolving industry.
Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, investor, orfuture healthcare leader, this episode provides insightful perspectives on the business of innovation, the art of deal-making, and the mission to improve patient outcomes.
Music citation: open-source classical music
Please note: The views of this podcast represent those ofmy guest and I, and do not constitute medical, professional or financial advice or consultation. Please refer to the state and board-certified professionals. We disclaim any loss in any way.
🎙️ Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down with Sam Libby,President and Managing Director at TCB Capital Advisors, whose career has been dedicated to transforming healthcare through strategic investments andpartnerships. With more than 30 completed transactions —spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and innovative deal structures—Sam has become a trusted advisor at the intersection of finance, science, and patient care. Our conversation dives deep into his origin story—from Rutgers to leading one of the most dynamic advisory firms in healthcare—and explores how his investment philosophy balances patient-centered missions withthe financial discipline demanded by markets. Sam shares case studies from groundbreaking ventures like Clairity, the first FDA-cleared AI breast cancer risk platform, and Altoida, a pioneer in early cognitive assessment technology, offering valuable lessons for founders and investors alike.
We also discuss the critical role of strategicpartnerships, the evolving dynamics between founders and investors, and the exciting frontiers shaping the future of healthcare—from oncology and neurodegeneration to women’s health and digital innovation. Sam highlights how AI and data are reshaping deal-making, due diligence, and commercialization pathways. Finally, Sam offers practical advice for aspiring thought leaders and entrepreneurs on refining their pitch, stepping into leadership beyond the lab, and positioning themselves for long-term impact in arapidly evolving industry.
Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, investor, orfuture healthcare leader, this episode provides insightful perspectives on the business of innovation, the art of deal-making, and the mission to improve patient outcomes.
In this highlighted, re-aired, fireside chat, remixed episode, and podcast interview with Simar- a Marshall Scholar and graduate of Harvard University, we discuss Simar's achievements in science communication, his perseverance, and the hard work required to produce good work, science communication, and good journalism. Furthermore, Simar provides insights as he is a developing and achieving young leader in the science and journalism arenas. Definitely an episode worth listening to!Here are the links to his website and LinkedIn Page:1. Simar's website: https://www.simarbajaj.com/2. Simar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simar-bajaj/----Note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I.Note: Purpose of these episodes- not at all, for advice or medical suggestions. These are aimed to provide support for peer pharmacists in training in educational andintellectually stimulating ways. Again, these are not at all for medical advice, or for medical suggestions. Please see your local state and board-certified physician, PA or NP, and pharmacist for medical advice andsuggestions.---Recorded in 2023
In this highlighted episode of The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group’s — The Path to KOLs, host David Ferguson sits down with Christine Hollis, Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at Marshall Gerstein. Christine has dedicated her career to guiding scientists and engineers into impactful roles within intellectual property law, bridging the worlds of innovation and legal protection.
She shares insights on:
Pathways for STEM talent to enter IP law as patent agents or technical specialists.
The skills scientists bring to legal environments and innovation ecosystems.
Strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion in science-driven law.
The future of STEM-law collaboration in an era of AI, biotech, and medtech.
Whether you’re a student, scientist, or innovator, Christine’s vision will broaden your perspective on how STEM expertise can shape industries beyond the lab.
Disclaimer: These episodes do not constitute medical or professional advice. These are only for intellectual engagement. Please see your local and board-certified health professional for medical advice, consultation, and suggestions.
Music by Viacheslav Starostin from Pixabay
Highlights from: The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group — The Path to KOLs: Accelerating First-in-Human in LATAM — Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess® w/ Chadwin Hanna, MD-PhD Student (UF) and David Ferguson (Host)
In this episode, on The Path to KOLs from The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group, hosts David Ferguson and Chadwin Hanna explore how Latin America is becoming a strategic engine for high-quality, cost-effective clinical research.
Julio G. Martinez-Clark—Ambassador of IAOCR/GCSA Americas and CEO of bioaccess®—breaks down how aligning to global competence standards and smarter site activation can compress timelines for First-in-Human and Early Feasibility Studies without compromising quality. He shares lessons from pioneering trials, practical blueprints for building city-level clinical hubs, and pragmatic guidance for innovators entering LATAM markets. The conversation also touches on sustaining regional infrastructure, cross-border collaboration, and the mindset behind his long-running Global Trial Accelerators™ series.
Guest: Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess®
Hosts: David Ferguson, BS, MS, Pharm.D. Candidate; Chadwin Hanna, MD Candidate & PhD Student
Please note: The views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute medical advice, consultation and suggestions. Please see a board certified and state licensed medical professional.
Highlights from: The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group: The Path to KOLs — Interview with Dr. Michael A. Morris, MD, MS, DABR, DABNM, DCI — Co-Founder, United Theranostics
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🎙️ In this episode of The Path to KOLs, Dr. Michael A. Morris, MD, MS, DABR, DABNM, DCI—co-founder of United Theranostics—explains how his team is moving Pluvicto from single mega-centers into safe, consistent community clinics. We dig into the toughest regulatory and logistical hurdles, the playbook for dosing accuracy, imaging quality, and safety, and how clinics are designed for a compassionate, family-centered patient journey with real-world feedback loops.
Dr. Morris also shares how United Theranostics trains local technologists, pharmacists, and nurses, mentors future KOLs, and maps a path to coverage across all 50 states. Looking ahead, we discuss what’s beyond Pluvicto—including actinium-225 PSMA approaches—and how telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI are improving patient selection, follow-up, and outcomes.
About the guest: Dr. Morris is a physician-scientist in nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, and clinical informatics; Medical Director in Glen Burnie, MD; adjunct faculty at the University of Miami and University of Maryland; and a principal investigator on multiple FDA clinical trials in prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.
Subscribe for actionable insights at the intersection of innovation, operations, and patient-centered care.
Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay
Please note: The views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute in any way medical advice or consultation. Please see a board and state certified medical professional for advice, consultation and suggestions.
Highlights from: The Making of KOLs: The New Chemist Podcast’s Global Journey in Science, Pharma, and Education: Interview with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO & Co-Founder of 1Cell.Ai
---In this episode , we sit down with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO & Co-Founder of 1Cell.Ai, to explore how AI-driven single-cell analytics are revolutionizing precision oncology. Discover how the OncoIncytes platform merges ctDNA, live CTCs, single-cell RNA and proteomics for a real-time, multimodal tumor profile—and learn how these insights are sharpening patient selection, accelerating ADC trials, and delivering earlier, more accurate measures of therapeutic response. Mohan also shares his playbook for building a capital-efficient biotech across Silicon Valley and India, the emerging trends set to reshape drug development, and practical advice for chemists, data scientists, and founders looking to break into the field. Tune in this August for a deep dive into the future of cancer research and drug discovery.--
Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I.
Music citation: Open source
In this highlighted re-aired episode, Abhinaya discusses her academic successes thus far and her advice to those wanting to pursue Medical Device/ Engineering job field.
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Music citation: Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay
Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I.
Interview recorded in 2021.
(c) The New Chemist Podcasting Group
This curated compilation with leaders such as Dr. Etienne, and Dr. Langer, as well as early career professionals and students such as MD-PhD Student Chadwin Hanna, Dr. Ugo, Dr. Maada, and PharmD Student David Ferguson, stitches together the most resonant moments from four interviews recorded in 2020, 2023, 2024, and 2025 with Institute Professor Robert Langer, Sc.D. . Across a half-decade marked by pandemic breakthroughs, startup surges, and classroom innovation, Dr. Langer reveals how impact-driven work fuels transformative work at the intersection of bioengineering, academia, and industry.
In this special episode of The New Chemist's Podcast, we explore the brilliance of Nobel Prize lectures in science, presented in both English and Hebrew. Join us as we highlight groundbreaking discoveries and honor the scientists who have shaped our understanding of the world—from Stockholm to the global stage.
Please note the views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I. Also, these views do not constitute medical or professional advice. Please see the relevant board-certified and state licensed professionals.--
בפרק מיוחד זה של הפודקאסט של הכימאי החדש, אנו בוחנים את הזוהר של הרצאות פרס נובל במדע, המוצגות באנגלית ובעברית. הצטרפו אלינו כשאנו מדגישים תגליות פורצות דרך ומכבדים את המדענים שעיצבו את הבנתנו את העולם - משטוקהולם ועד לבמה העולמית.
שימו לב שהדעות של הפודקאסט הזה משקפות את אלה של האורחים שלי ושלי. כמו כן, דעות אלה אינן מהוות ייעוץ רפואי או מקצועי. אנא פנה לאנשי המקצוע הרלוונטיים המוסמכים והמורשים על ידי המדינה.
In this special bilingual episode, we explore the 2024 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, Medicine, and Economics. From groundbreaking mRNA research to advancements in quantum dots and behavioral economics, we unpack the science—and the stories—behind the world's most prestigious awards.
本期特别节目，我们以中英双语带大家了解2024年诺贝尔奖中的三大重点领域：化学奖、医学奖与经济学奖。节目将介绍mRNA技术的医学突破、量子点的化学奇迹，以及行为经济学的新发展，一起探索这些改变世界的研究成果！
Tune in to:
Learn what each prize was awarded for
Hear insights from both scientific and global perspectives
Practice your Chinese and English listening skills in a natural, engaging context
欢迎科学爱好者、语言学习者以及对诺贝尔奖好奇的你一同收听！
🎧 Available now on all major platforms.
🎙️ 请在各大平台搜索收听！
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Some of the content produced involved the use of AI.
Highlights from: The New Chemist's Podcast: From Stockholm to the World: Nobel Lectures in the Sciences in English, 中文 (Chinese), and Deutsch (German)
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Please note these views do not reflect or constitute medical or professional advice or consultations. Please see the relevant board and state certified professionals. We disclaim any loss in any way.
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Note some of the production of this episode, involved the use of AI.
In this episode of The New Chemist’s Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the iconic Jason Mraz, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, known for timeless hits like "I’m Yours" and "Lucky". 🎶
But Jason is more than just a musician—he is a passionate environmental advocate, using his platform to raise awareness about sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and soil health. 🌱 Joining him is Mr. Makespeace, an environmentalist dedicated to fostering change and protecting the planet. Together, they discuss their journeys in music and environmental activism, especially through their involvement in the Kiss the Ground movement.
🎙️ Join David Ferguson as he, Jason, and Mr. Makespeace explore the intersection of creativity and advocacy, offering inspiring insights on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
