Digital Health Heavyweights

Hosted by Norm Volsky

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Episodes

121

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution. In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you.

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June 8, 2026Episode 2144 min

Episode 21: Trenor Williams, Founder & CEO of Socially Determined

In this episode of Digital Health Heavyweights, Norm Volsky interviews Dr. Trenor Williams, Founder and CEO of Socially Determined, to discuss how social risk data and analytics are transforming healthcare decision-making. Dr. Williams shares his journey from clinical practice and healthcare consulting to building a company focused on integrating social determinants of health into population health strategies. The conversation explores how social risk factors impact health outcomes, healthcare costs, and engagement, as well as how AI and advanced analytics can help healthcare organizations deliver more personalized and proactive care. They also discuss lessons learned from building health technology companies, the importance of empathy in leadership, and why the future of healthcare will depend on combining clinical and social data to improve outcomes at scale. Takeaways🏥 Social determinants play a major role in healthcare outcomes and costs.📊 Social risk data can help healthcare organizations deliver more personalized care.🧠 AI and advanced analytics are reshaping population health management.🌍 Integrating social and healthcare data creates a more complete picture of patient needs.💡 Precision medicine should include social context, not just clinical data.📈 Healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the business case for social risk integration.🤝 Empathy and culture are essential when building healthcare technology companies.⚡ Early intervention and proactive engagement can improve long term health outcomes.🚀 Socially Determined was created to help organizations better understand and act on social risks.🌱 Sustainable healthcare strategies require addressing barriers outside of traditional clinical care. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trenor Williams01:30 Early Influences and Career Path03:12 Consulting Experience and Healthcare Insights05:59 Founding Clinovations and Key Lessons08:10 The Birth of Socially Determined10:42 Understanding Social Determinants of Health14:07 Integrating Social Risk Data in Healthcare17:05 The Business Case for Social Risk Integration19:26 Quantifying Social Risks and Their Impact22:28 Leveraging Data for Better Health Outcomes23:46 Integrating Social and Healthcare Data25:42 Learning from Global Health Models29:51 Diverse Applications Across Healthcare Sectors31:43 Lessons from Building a Health Tech Company35:16 Hiring for Culture and Empathy36:46 The Future of AI in Healthcare41:29 Maintaining Well-being in a Demanding RoleFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

June 1, 2026Episode 2040 min

Episode 20: Al Lewis, Founder & Validator in Chief of Validation Institute

Discover why some of the biggest healthcare ROI claims may not be telling the full story. Join Norm Volsky as he interviews Al Lewis, President of the Validation Institute, on healthcare validation, participation bias, fiduciary responsibility, and how employers can separate meaningful outcomes from misleading metrics. "Comparing participants to non-participants is often misleading."In this episode, you'll learn:📊 Why independent validation is critical when evaluating healthcare solutions⚠️ How participation bias can dramatically distort healthcare outcomes💸 The biggest mistakes employers make when assessing ROI claims🔍 Why many healthcare vendors struggle to prove actual value⚖️ How ERISA fiduciary principles should influence healthcare purchasing decisions🧠 The surprising connection between health literacy and healthcare costs📈 How employers can ask better questions to uncover real outcomes🚀 Why innovation should always be paired with measurable proof🏥 Common reporting mistakes that lead to poor healthcare decisions🧘‍♂️ Al's perspective on maintaining wellness while leading in a high-pressure industryFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

May 26, 2026Episode 1939 min

Episode 19: Bill Gianoukos, CEO and CoFounder of Goodpath

Join us for another amazing episode of Digital Health Heavyweights for Healthcare nerds who want to fight rising healthcare costs!Most healthcare solutions focus on isolated conditions—and leave patients overwhelmed with fragmented care. What if technology could unify chronic care, delivering personalized, holistic support that truly changes lives? Bill Gianoukos, CEO of Good Path, reveals how his team is reimagining chronic disease management with AI-powered, multi-condition platforms that drive remarkable outcomes—like reducing medication dependence and improving quality of life.In this episode, discover how Bill’s diverse tech background—from augmented reality to consumer apps—inspired the transformation of healthcare tech. We explore the critical lessons learned from tech giants and early startups, especially the importance of empathy, user experience, and timely pivoting. Bill shares why building the right team and integrating holistic care—combining physical content, human coaching, and AI—is essential to scalable success in health tech today.Geek out about Startrek's Good Doctor with us and how it inspired the mission "One AI that understands all medicine, eastern, western and something that can be infallible and personalized to every member."You’ll uncover:🌟 The innovative approach Good Path takes to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, personalized to each individual’s lifestyle.🤝 How engaging human clinicians with gamified onboarding skyrockets patient participation.🤖 The role of AI in transforming outcomes—like personalized nutrition plans, real-time weight monitoring, and even AI-based holographic doctors—stepping closer to the future of truly intelligent healthcare.The stakes are high: healthcare's current siloed, reactive system leaves too many patients suffering, often with little support. By harnessing consumer tech insights and integrating behavior change science, Bill's team exemplifies how digital health can become more effective, engaging, and human-centered. Ignoring these innovations risks falling further behind in patient outcomes—and missing a massive opportunity to revolutionize healthcare.This episode is perfect for founders, healthcare innovators, or executives aiming to unlock scalable, outcome-driven solutions—not just for profit but for meaningful impact. Whether you're building digital therapeutics or transforming patient experience, Bill’s insights challenge industry norms and point the way forward—toward a future where personalized, holistic care is accessible to all.Bill Gianoukos is the CEO and co-founder of Good Path, leading the charge to bring integrated, AI-powered healthcare solutions to millions managing chronic conditions—blending tech, empathy, and clinical excellence.We had so much fun chatting with him and hope you follow along, like, comment and subscribe!Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

May 13, 2026Episode 1852 min

Episode 18: Dr. Daniel Stein, Founder of Embold Health

Discover how Embold Health is redefining healthcare quality through data, AI, and transparency, and why better care does not always mean higher cost. Join Norm Volsky as he interviews Dr. Daniel Stein, founder of Embold Health, on how employers and patients can make smarter healthcare decisions by focusing on outcomes, not reputation. “Quality and cost don’t always go together.”In this episode, you’ll learn:🔍 Why healthcare transparency is critical for improving outcomes and reducing costs📊 How Embold Health measures provider quality beyond brand names and assumptions🤖 The role of AI in guiding smarter healthcare decisions at scale🏥 Why provider quality varies more than most people realize💰 How employers can reduce waste by steering toward high-value care⚖️ The shift from fee-for-service to value-based care models🧠 How data analytics is transforming healthcare navigation🔥 The impact of provider burnout on quality and system performance🚀 Why employers are becoming key drivers of healthcare innovation🧘‍♂️ Dr. Stein’s approach to maintaining personal health and balance as a founderFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

May 13, 2026Episode 1642 min

Episode 17: Scott Kirschner, Senior Director of Global Benefits at Greystar

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky sits down with Scott Kirschner, Senior Director of Global Benefits at Greystar, to unpack what it really takes to manage employee benefits at scale in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.With a career deeply rooted in benefits and healthcare strategy, Scott shares how leaders can navigate complexity, communicate effectively across diverse workforces, and drive meaningful innovation in digital health.From embracing experimentation to leveraging data for smarter decision-making, this episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone shaping the future of employee benefits.💬 As Scott puts it: “Not everything is going to be successful.”💡 Which is exactly why “you might as well try other innovative things.”🤝 And at the core of it all: “You have to do it together.”✨ Key Takeaways📚 Healthcare is a dynamic field that requires constant learning.📣 Effective communication is crucial for benefits leaders.🚀 Innovative strategies can significantly improve employee retention.📊 Understanding data is key to making informed decisions.🌍 Globalization is changing the landscape of employee benefits.📱 Digital health solutions must prioritize user experience.⚡ Early adoption of new technologies can lead to better outcomes.🎯 Accepting failure is part of the innovation process.💼 Employers have leverage to negotiate healthcare costs.🧘‍♀️ Well-being practices are essential for managing stress.🎙️ What You’ll Learn- How to manage benefits for a global, diverse workforce- Why communication can make or break your benefits strategy- The role of digital health in improving employee outcomes- How to balance innovation with operational realities- Practical ways to measure the success of benefits programs⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scott Kirschner and His Background02:49 Navigating Employee Benefits at Greystar05:44 The Role of Communication in Benefits Management08:24 Challenges in Managing Global Benefits11:16 Innovations in Digital Health Solutions13:47 Balancing Innovation with Operational Realities16:19 The Importance of Early Adoption in Benefits Solutions23:06 Embracing Risk in the Workplace25:50 The Value of Employee Health Benefits28:51 Navigating Healthcare Complexity30:45 Best Practices in Communication33:54 Evaluating Benefits Program Effectiveness37:35 Advice for Benefits Leaders39:48 Personal Well-being and Stress ManagementIf you're a benefits leader, HR executive, or digital health operator—this episode will give you a practical lens into what’s working (and what’s not) in today’s benefits landscape.🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of healthcare! Let's work together to bring down costs.Ending the podcast with 'Scott we need to talk' because we ALL need to be talking about these issues, on and off air. Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

April 29, 2026Episode 1645 min

Episode 16: Isaac Kassab, the Co founder of Pearl Talent

Building High-Performing Healthcare Teams with Isaac KassabDiscover how Pearl Talent is transforming healthcare hiring across borders and why talent strategy is crucial for scaling digital health companies. Join Norm Volsky as he interviews Isaac Kassab, co-founder of Pearl Talent, on building resilient, high-quality remote teams that accelerate growth and improve care delivery. "There are brilliant people overseas." In this episode, you'll learn:🌍 How Pearl Talent leverages international micro-communities to hire phenomenal healthcare professionals🧠 The key lessons learned from early career team building and hiring abroad🚀 Why talent strategy is as vital as product development in digital health🩺 The unique challenges in healthcare talent acquisition and how to overcome them🤝 Strategies for leaders to build inclusive, effective teams across different geographies⭐ The importance of quality over cost in hiring decision-making🤖 How to incorporate AI and technology into talent management and upskilling🌱 The role of community, culture, and mentorship in scaling healthcare organizations✅ Practical tips for avoiding common hiring mistakes and setting clear expectations📈 Isaac’s insights on leadership evolution as companies growTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Isaac Kassab02:00 - The origins of Pearl Talent and the healthcare hiring challenge05:30 - Why healthcare needs international talent more than any other sector08:45 - Lessons from early career hiring mistakes and insights12:10 - The impact of team quality on company success15:25 - How Pearl builds remote healthcare teams across borders20:00 - Differences in healthcare talent requirements versus other tech sectors24:10 - The importance of culture and community in healthcare hiring28:00 - Navigating challenges unique to digital health talent acquisition32:30 - The pitfalls of outsourcing and building sustainable teams36:50 - How leadership style adapts as organizations scale40:15 - Investing in team well-being, mental health, and personal growth44:00 - The future of Pearl Talent and healthcare talent global markets48:00 - How to connect with Isaac and follow his workResources & Links:Pearl TalentIsaac Kassab on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-kassab/Book: "High Growth Handbook" by Elad GilFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

April 20, 2026Episode 1551 min

Episode 15: Ardie Sameti Co-Founder and CEO of Scala

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky sits down with Ardie Sameti, CEO and founder of Scala AI. Ardie shares his journey through healthcare, including his experience at Accolade, and the leadership lessons that shaped his approach to building and scaling companies. The conversation explores the real challenges of scaling healthcare solutions, the importance of building a strong, empowered culture, and how AI is transforming patient engagement and operational intelligence. “AI is the new UI.” Ardie also dives into why trust and transparency are non-negotiable when implementing AI in healthcare—and how founders can maintain balance while building in high-pressure environments, with trust and transparency at the center. Learn this week about making sense of the data and operational intelligence! Subscribe and follow along for more.________________________________________🔑 Takeaways🚀 Ardie's journey in healthcare began with a focus on operational efficiency.🤖 AI's value lies in its ability to provide clarity and actionable insights.🏗️ Building a culture of empowerment and accountability is crucial for success.🔍 Trust and transparency are essential in healthcare AI applications.🧠 Successful AI implementations start with understanding operational problems.💬 Engagement is key to improving patient outcomes in healthcare.🔗 Scala aims to unify fragmented data for better operational intelligence.⚖️ AI should enhance human decision-making, not replace it.🏡 Healthy living and family time are important for maintaining balance in a startup.📈 Learning from challenges is vital for growth and innovation.________________________________________⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges and AI Solutions03:14 Lessons from Accolade: Building a Healthcare Navigation System06:02 Leadership Insights: Empowerment and Culture at Accolade09:15 Challenges in Scaling Operations and Data Fragmentation12:03 Core Principles for Success: Customer Obsession and Operational Clarity15:27 Building Scala: A New Approach to Operational Intelligence18:13 The Future of Scala: Transforming Healthcare Operations21:24 Identifying Ideal Customers for Scala's Solutions24:45 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Cautions27:21 Elevating Healthcare Through Automation29:16 Data-Driven Insights for Operational Efficiency32:15 Enhancing Patient Engagement and Trust36:02 AI's Role in Reducing Cognitive Load36:49 Transparency and Trust in AI Healthcare Solutions39:51 Empowering Care Navigators with AI41:13 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in AI Implementation44:38 Demystifying AI in Healthcare47:19 Balancing Work and Family Life51:32 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

April 13, 2026Episode 1457 min

Episode 14: Donovan Ryckis, Founder and CEO of Ethos Benefits

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky sits down with Donovan Ryckis, Founder & CEO of Ethos Benefits, to break down one of the biggest challenges facing employers today: rising healthcare costs. “We can save 36% on drugs.” They dive into the hidden forces driving healthcare inflation, why fiduciary responsibility matters more than ever, and how data transparency is reshaping the future of employee benefits. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare, how Ethos Benefits is helping employers take control of their spend, and why education is the missing piece in most healthcare strategies. Talking about other brokers Donovan stresses, “It does not make sense to hire someone to give you advice who refuses to act in your best interest.” Ethos is out to change that- they work purely out of results for the employer directly. If you're an employer, benefits leader, or healthcare innovator—this is a must-watch conversation. “We only want to do our best work.”________________________________________💡 Takeaways📈 Healthcare premiums have risen significantly, impacting both employers and employees.⚖️ The fiduciary standard is crucial for ethical practices in employee benefits.💸 Misaligned incentives in healthcare lead to increased costs for employers.🔍 Data transparency is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.🧠 Employers need to understand their healthcare problem to take action.🤝 Ethos Benefits focuses on working with clients who recognize their healthcare challenges.🚀 Innovative solutions can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs.📚 Education is key to helping employers navigate their healthcare strategies.📊 Measuring success involves tracking various metrics related to healthcare spending.⚠️ The healthcare industry is facing a tipping point due to rising costs and lack of transparency.________________________________________⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ethos Benefits and Healthcare Challenges06:21 The Misalignment of Incentives in Healthcare11:41 Identifying the Right Clients for Ethos Benefits13:41 Fiduciary Standards and Ethical Practices16:40 Innovative Solutions and Data-Driven Decisions21:02 Educating Employers on Healthcare Strategies24:19 Measuring Success in Healthcare Plans25:11 The Evolution of Employer Demand27:11 Enhancing Employee Experience with Better Service31:41 The Challenge of Transparency in Healthcare34:04 Real-World Impact of Transparency and Fiduciary Practices38:48 The Documentary: It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare44:09 Opportunities in Digital Health Solutions48:59 Addressing Waste in Healthcare Spending51:02 Future Plans for Ethos Benefits53:33 Personal Well-being and Stress Management57:16 OutroCheck it all out and be sure to subscribe!Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

April 7, 2026Episode 1351 min

Episode 13: Ann Lewandowski, Co-Founder of Equitable Evidence

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Ann Lewandowski, a leading healthcare advocate and founder of Equitable Evidence, to unpack the structural challenges driving rising healthcare costs. Anne shares her perspective on fiduciary duty, misaligned incentives, and the lack of transparency in employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation dives into the influence of PBMs, the complexity of drug pricing, and how employers can take a more active role in reducing waste and improving outcomes. Ann also explores the growing role of AI and data analytics in healthcare, while emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and system-wide reform. This episode is a powerful call to action for employers, advisors, and innovators looking to challenge the status quo. Takeaways ⚖️ Fiduciary duty is critical for protecting employer and employee interests in healthcare. 💸 Misaligned incentives are a root cause of rising healthcare costs. 🔍 Transparency in pricing and contracts is essential for meaningful reform. 💊 PBMs play a significant role in drug pricing complexity and cost inflation. 📊 Data-driven decision making can help identify and eliminate healthcare waste. 🤝 Employers should engage independent advocates to evaluate healthcare strategies. 🏢 Employer-sponsored health plans are a key lever for system-wide change. 🤖 AI has strong potential but must be built on trust and accountability. 🚀 Challenging legacy systems requires collaboration and bold leadership. 🌱 Personal wellness and resilience are important when driving industry changes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Advocacy 02:10 Personal Journey into Healthcare Advocacy 04:24 Navigating the Healthcare System: A Personal Story 09:32 Understanding Healthcare Decision-Making 15:48 Fiduciary Duty in Healthcare 18:53 Denials and PBM Influence on Coverage 24:41 Understanding Healthcare Costs and Incentives 28:10 The Role of AI in Patient Care 31:56 Building the Healthcare Rebel Alliance 33:00 Challenging Existing Power Structures 38:27 Engaging Employers and Advisors 42:54 Evaluating Digital Health Solutions 45:13 Empowering Employers in Healthcare 46:15 The Importance of Trust in AI 49:28 Personal Well-being and Healthy Living 51:39 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

March 31, 2026Episode 1249 min

Episode 12: Justin Leader, CEO of BenefitsDNA

Join us for another amazing episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast where we interview the heaviest hitters in the Digital Health Industry and chat about the future of Digital Health!! This week we sit down with Justin Leader, CEO of BenefitsDNA! He shares insights on transforming employer benefits through transparency, fiduciary accountability, and innovative strategies to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Discover how his punk rock spirit drives systemic change in healthcare decision-making. “Overpayment recoupments happens all the time.” We chat through Misaligned incentives in healthcare, the need for transparency and fiduciary standards and hidden cost drivers that everyone should be thinking about. Let’s take a systemic approach to innovate benefits! Sit down with Justin this week and hear about their incredible work at BenefitsDNA, and more! Takeaways🔍 Transparency in benefits leads to better decision-making.📊 Fiduciary duty requires ongoing oversight, not a one-time check.💸 Hidden fees and shared savings fees inflate costs.🤝 Direct contracting and schedule-based care reduce expenses.🧠 Ego and lack of education hinder benefits decision-makingFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast