The Backstory

Hosted by Jarrard Inc.

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167

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Backstory, formerly the High Stakes Podcast, is a new, limited series from Jarrard Inc. President and Co-Founder Anne Hancock Toomey. For nearly two decades, Jarrard – one of the nation’s top communications consulting firms for healthcare – has partnered with thousands of leaders across the country who are striving to make healthcare better every day. But this isn’t a podcast about healthcare, or politics or even communications. It’s about authentic leadership. The Backstory is about demystifying respected leaders who’ve had a lot of success along the way because of the kind of leaders they’ve chosen to be. Each person Anne interviews is visionary, of course. They’re smart as hell, and they’re fierce about their business and their mission. They’re also humble, kind and create the kind of environments in which people can thrive. They’re not perfect. But they are real. And it’s the combination of those two things that makes each one of them great. In every episode, Anne’s guest digs into who they are, where they come from and what’s influenced them to be the person and the leader that they are today.

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60 recent

June 24, 202639 min

210. From Local Newspaper Delivery to National Philanthropy Leader, with Cynthia Brandt, PhD

In the final episode of Season 2, Anne Hancock Toomey interviews Cynthia Brandt, PhD. Brandt is CEO of the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health and a deeply respected leader in the world of philanthropy. Brandt reflects on growing up in the Midwest in a minister’s family, early lessons in authenticity from a difficult camping experience and the teacher who led the excursion, and how receiving scholarships didn’t just make higher education for her but also sparked her belief that philanthropy can change lives. Before joining the foundation that helps power Stanford Children’s Health, Brandt built her career through a series of impressive roles. After work in banking and nonprofit roles, she pursued sociology in graduate school, worked at Stanford, moved to a profoundly meaningful role at Mills College, and later led a record-breaking Smithsonian campaign that exceeded its $1.5B goal by educating the public through grassroots storytelling. She discusses her CEO learning curve through the pandemic, a stewardship mistake that reshaped her approach, leadership traits like culture, humility, and clarity, and her focus on joy and purpose at work. 1:40 Midwest Roots 4:22 A Lesson from Camping 06:44 Scholarships Changed Everything 10:52 Finding Sociology 12:18 Stanford And Mills 16:57 The Smithsonian and Storytelling At Scale 22:38 From the Smithsonian To Children’s Health 26:10 First Time CEO Lessons…and Mistakes 31:46 Traits Of Great Leaders 34:52 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6, 202635 min

209. From Pumping Gas to CEO of Leading Children’s Hospitals, with Dr. Patrick Frias

Dr. Patrick Frias is a truly unique leader with a truly unique story. Today, he is wrapping up his tenure as Co-President and Chief Executive Officer of Rady Children’s Health before heading back to his old stomping grounds in Georgia to lead Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In episode 209 of the Backstory, Anne Hancock Toomey interviews Dr. Frias about how he became who he is today and the way he thinks about leadership. co-CEO of Rady Children’s Health, noting that after their recording he was announced as the next leader of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He was born in Chile, raised in Gainesville, Fla., and finished college in Nebraska as a theology major before heading off to medical school to become a pediatric cardiologist. Along the way, he learned from – and was deeply supported by – his family during some tough childhood years. He also learned how to treat people thanks to an early job pumping gas at a local Mobile station. Today, he leads by focusing on mission and people first, and in this conversation he and Anne talk about: How to stay grounded and steady through both success and adversity The importance of surrounding yourself with talented people and empowering them to lead Leading with humility, empathy and a clear sense of purpose, especially in a complex world like healthcare Chapters: 1:57 Roots in Chile and Florida 3:42 Bullying and Empathy 4:29 First Jobs 6:27 Creighton, Theology and Pediatric Cardiology 11:41 Atlanta Career and Leadership Rise 15:07 Healthcare Leadership Realities 17:26 Becoming Rady CEO 24:55 Merger Mission and Stakeholders 30:13 Leadership Traits and Growth Edge 32:07 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 25, 202639 min

208. From Serving Frozen Yogurt to National Health System CEO, with Marty Bonick

Marty Bonick is about as well-known a name as you’ll find when it comes to the National – and Nashville – healthcare scene. Bonick is President and CEO of Ardent Health, which operates 30 hospitals and more than 280 care sites across mid-sized urban markets nationwide, while employing over 24,000 team members. In this conversation, Bonick and Anne Hancock Toomey talk about his time growing up on Chicago’s South Side with a construction-worker father and nurse mother, his shift from pre-med to healthcare administration, and learning the industry through an administrative fellowship at Hillcrest in Tulsa. He describes mentors who shaped his patient-first approach, early leadership lessons from serving frozen yogurt and prepping pizzas, and being thrust into a first CEO role at 32. He also recounts the moment when, watching the movie Twister on VHS, he got a call asking if he’d be interested in moving to Oklahoma. Yes, really. 2:13 From Chicago to Healthcare 4:40 Handy Skills and First Jobs 7:07 Mentors and Work Ethic 9:52 Hillcrest Fellowship to COO 13:04 Becoming CEO at 32 16:41 Three Leadership Rules 18:47 Starting Over in Louisville 22:25 Measuring What Matters 26:26 Taking The Career Fork 30:45 Fired 34:20 Traits of Great Leaders 36:41 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 7, 202643 min

207. From Clinical Dietician to CEO of Allina Health, with Lisa Shannon

In Season 2, Episode 7, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Lisa Shannon, CEO of Allina Health, to discuss her impressive trajectory from a rural community in Ohio to leading a health system with 12 hospitals and dozens of clinics across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Shannon began her career as a hospital-based dietician, growing and evolving to become a highly respected executive and leader. That success came from the early influence of her grandmother, along with, of course, mentors and leaders along the way. Shannon talks about a devastating medical error that affected her family early in her life. Indeed, one of Shannon’s priorities throughout her leadership career has been the pursuit of zero safety events, which includes creating a culture where anyone and everyone is empowered to speak up. She also offers insights into balancing work and family and emphasizes the significance of listening to one's instincts in making career choices. 2:02 Early Life and Influences 4:42 First Jobs and Early Career 7:50 College and Career Path 15:36 Leadership Journey and Mentorship 16:58 Patient Safety and Cultural Change 21:38 Career Highlights and Challenges 30:59 Leadership Insights from the Role of CEO 35:04 Balancing Career and Family 39:43 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 17, 202540 min

206. From Dairy Farmer to Intermountain Health CEO, with Rob Allen

Rob Allen is CEO of Intermountain Health, one of the nation's largest and most innovative health systems. In this episode, host Anne Hancock Toomey talks with allen Allen about his journey from growing up on a dairy farm in Wyoming to becoming a healthcare CEO at the age of 28. And if you're thinking you've heard the farm-to-CEO story before, you'd be right. Several of Anne's Backstory guests come from a similar background and here, they discuss parts of that life that may point people to careers in executive leadership. Beyond that, Allen discusses the valuable lessons learned from his rural upbringing, the various roles he undertook in healthcare from nursing homes to hospitals, and his commitment to servant leadership. He delves into his early career challenges, including turnarounds of financially struggling hospitals, the significance of a people-first mindset, and the necessity of addressing the correct problems in leadership. As he recounts his progression through different roles at Intermountain Health, Rob emphasizes the importance of transparency, hope, and engaging employees to achieve organizational success. He also opens up about balancing his demanding career with family life and offers advice for aspiring leaders. The conversation highlights Rob's visionary approach in simplifying healthcare and expanding proactive care, and the importance of authenticity, purpose, and compassion in leadership. 2:24 Early Life on the Farm 6:35 Influential Figures 8:38 College Years and Career Beginnings 11:40 Transition to Healthcare Administration & Leadership Challenges 17:28 Turnaround Success Stories 21:01 Career Moves and New Opportunities 22:14 Returning to Intermountain Health 24:37 Building a Hospital in Park City 33:05 Balancing Family and Career 35:27 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 26, 202540 min

205. From Bike Mechanic to Oura CEO, with Tom Hale

Tom Hale is the CEO of health tech company Oura. Producing one of the most prominent wearables out there (The Oura Ring), Oura is working to improve health and wellness through sustainable behavior change. In this episode, Hale and host Anne Hancock Toomey discuss his journey from working as a bike mechanic in Reno, Nevada, to a career spanning some of the most notable tech companies of the past 20+ years: Macromedia, Adobe, Linden Lab (creator of Second Life), HomeAway, and SurveyMonkey. He discusses the transformative impact of Oura's smart ring on his personal health, as well as his professional mission to shift healthcare towards preventative care through technology and AI. Hale also reflects on the lessons learned from his diverse career, emphasizing the importance of human-centric leadership, accountability, and ambition. The conversation offers valuable insights into the future of health tech and the power of mission-driven companies. 3:18 Early Life and Influences 7:31 First Jobs and Formative Experiences 10:11 Career Beginnings and Influences 13:27 Macromedia and Adobe: Lessons in Leadership 18:27 Linden Labs and the Early Metaverse 21:33 Joining HomeAway: The Birth of Vacation Rentals 25:24 Lessons from SurveyMonkey and the Importance of Brand 27:18 Joining Oura 32:37 The Vision for Oura and Healthcare Transformation 34:33 Leadership Insights and Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 12, 202543 min

204. From NFL Center to Tech CEO, with Chris Spencer

Chris Spencer is a tech entrepreneur and founder of TeamQ, who today is using his decade playing in the NFL as a foundation for helping athletes across the country maximize their potential on the field and in life. In this episode, Spencer and Anne Hancock Toomey discuss his background growing up in Bentonia, Mississippi, transitioning from farm life to football. He wasn't just a football player, though. Spencer had an impressive career at Ole Miss and, following a conversation with Archie Manning, entered the draft...where he was picked in the first round (unheard of for a center) and ended up snapping the ball on the play that instantly became known as BeastQuake. Here, Spencer shares insights into his dyslexia diagnosis and how football became both a crutch and a tool for his personal development. He digs into the lessons he learned and the needs he observed while playing that led him to his post-NFL career founding TeamQ, a performance intelligence platform aimed at empowering athletes beyond the game. The conversation covers Spencer’s leadership philosophies, the importance of relationships, and AI. Plus, the joy of driving tractors on the farm. 2:02 Early Life and Family 7:33 College Football Journey 13:32 Realizing NFL Potential 17:30 NFL Career Highlights 19:35 Leadership On and Off the Field 20:53 Transitioning from NFL to Life After 25:07 From Physiology to Technology 35:07 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship 38:06 Leadership Insights 39:40 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 29, 202539 min

203. From Seafood Clerk to CEO of Top Veterinary Network, with Chris Bishop

This week, Anne interviews Chris Bishop about his multifaceted career in healthcare and his transition to leading in the animal health sector as CEO of Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP). Bishop shares his journey from growing up in Tennessee, working the seafood counter, playing college basketball, working in myriad roles within healthcare and navigating the complexities of corporate leadership. He reframes "sales" as influencing behavior, discusses the importance of mentorship and highlights pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style. He also reflects on the impact of faith and the value of creating a culture of ownership within an organization. As always, stick around for the lightning round. 2:44 - Growing Up in Tennessee 7:59 - College and Career Aspirations 9:12 - Entering the Healthcare Industry 16:05 - Leading Regent Surgical Partners 22:24 - Transition to Veterinary Healthcare 24:53 - The Pet Boom and Its Implications 27:58 - Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth 30:53 - Balancing Family and Career 33:39 - The Role of Faith in Leadership 34:57 - Qualities of Effective Leaders 37:49 - Lightning Round: Quick Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 15, 202545 min

202. From Camp Counselor to Elite Athlete, Author and Entrepreneur, with Jennifer Pharr Davis

From sleepaway camp to the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis’s story is one of curiosity, courage and...camp. Her early desire to "keep up" rapidly transformed into a relentless drive to find her own limits, leading her to achievements few can even imagine. In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with the former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year to talk about how lessons from the trail have shaped her life as an athlete, business owner, and leader. Jennifer’s path began in the mountains of North Carolina and led her to set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail—averaging 47 miles a day over 2,200 miles—and to create the Blue Ridge Hiking Company, inspiring thousands to connect with the outdoors. Along the way, she’s learned about resilience, risk-taking, and redefining leadership through self-awareness, faith, and the power of nature. “If you never fail,” her camp director told her, “you haven’t set your goals high enough.” Highlights: 2:46 – Growing Up in the North Carolina Mountains 4:18 – Lessons from Summer Camp 8:30 – First Job & Early Leadership 11:00 – First Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike 15:00 – First ‘Real Job’ & the Call of the Trail 18:00 – Founding Blue Ridge Hiking Company 22:00 – Lessons in Leadership & Longevity 23:30 – Back to the AT 31:00 – Endurance, Adversity & Teamwork 35:00 – Breaking the Record 36:00 – Advocacy & the Next Chapter 38:30 – Family, Faith & Work-Life Balance 41:00 – Leadership Lessons from the Trail 43:30 – Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 1, 202540 min

201. From Burnt-Out Young Lawyer to Healthcare Media Mogul, with Scott Becker

In the first episode of Season Two, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Scott Becker. Becker’s name is synonymous with healthcare media and can’t miss industry conferences. The Becker’s brand is now an empire, covering every facet of the industry. And the energetic man behind the brand is a respected healthcare lawyer whose real purpose and passion is connecting people and ideas. Anne has known Scott for years. Yet in this conversation, they cover new ground about his life’s journey and ongoing aspirations. They talk about all the advice he didn’t get. About his mentoring of a young Barack Obama. And even about the lesson he once learned about yelling in the office. 02:16 Building Becker's Healthcare 05:11 Family and Upbringing 08:11 Law School, Early Legal Career and Leadership 18:30 Launching the ASC Newsletter 19:56 Interviewing Fascinating Personalities 23:00 Learning from Celebrity Interactions 27:36 Developing Leaders and Building Teams 30:20 Lessons from Mistakes and Life Experiences 32:17 Staying Active and Avoiding Regrets 33:16 Characteristics of Effective Leaders 34:32 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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