Catalyst Convos

For children living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, every adventure is an opportunity to create memories, build confidence, and experience life beyond their diagnosis.

In this episode of Catalyst Convos, hosts Amy Grover and Carrie Ostrea sit down with Jeff "Riot," Rare Disease Advocate, Community Builder, and Founder of Mile Monsters Inc. Jeff shares how a single motorcycle ride for a boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy grew into a movement dedicated to helping children live as heroes, not patients.

Jeff reflects on his journey from lifelong biker to rare disease advocate and the experiences that inspired him to keep going after that first charity ride in 2018. He shares how Mile Monsters creates personalized adventures for children living with Duchenne, from meeting sports heroes and visiting new places to pursuing dreams that help them feel capable, confident, and celebrated.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories of adventure, resilience, and the power of showing up for others, one mile and one memory at a time.

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In this episode of Catalyst Convos, hosts Amy Grover and Carrie Ostrea sit down with Marissa, Founder and CEO of Team Joseph. Marissa shares how her son’s diagnosis with Duchenne muscular dystrophy changed the trajectory of her life and how that journey has evolved as more young people with rare diseases are living into adulthood.

She opens up about the shift from focusing solely on clinical care to supporting the social and emotional needs of young adults with Duchenne. Marissa shares lessons from launching a first-of-its-kind virtual conference co-led by young men with Duchenne, as well as what she’s learning from their stories in a forthcoming white paper. 

From dating to daily independence, this episode offers a powerful look at what happens when young adults get to define their own priorities and how advocacy must grow with them.

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On this episode of Catalyst Convos, hosts Amy Grover and Carrie Ostrea are joined by two rare disease caregivers, Mark and Bill, who open up about their journeys as fathers, husbands, and unwavering supporters of their families. Mark shares his experiences navigating life alongside his wife, who lives with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), while Bill speaks about raising a son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with both his wife and daughter as manifesting carriers.

They reflect on how caregiving reshaped their identities, how they’ve learned to advocate for their loved ones in the healthcare system, and what it means to create space while still being protective. From wrestling with insurance barriers to redefining masculinity through vulnerability, this is a conversation about showing up in ways that aren’t often talked about and why more dads need a seat at the table.

Tune in to hear a raw, honest, and deeply important perspective from men in caregiving roles within rare disease families.

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Presented by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
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In this episode of Catalyst Convos, host Carrie Ostrea speaks with Dr. Maya and Jessica about what it really means to support families living with rare and chronic conditions.

Dr. Maya is a professor of social work at Quinnipiac University, specializing in healthcare, transition of care, and medical trauma. Jessica is a licensed social worker at Jett Foundation and a parent to a young adult with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Drawing from their personal and professional experience, they explore why asking for help can feel overwhelming, how social workers can meet families where they are, and what meaningful support truly looks like.

From the emotional weight of caregiving to the system-level barriers patients face, this conversation breaks down misconceptions about what social work is and isn’t. Listeners will also hear about new efforts to train more social workers in the genetics and rare disease space, and how advocacy groups can begin incorporating mental health and social support into their programs. 

Whether you're a caregiver, patient, clinician, or advocate, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the human side of care

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Presented by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
www.CatalystPharma.com

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In this episode of Catalyst Convos, hosts Amy Grover and Carrie Ostrea explore the often-overlooked barriers to care faced by rare disease patients in rural communities. Joining them are Darby from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and Terri, President and CEO of the MPS Society.

Darby shares insights from NORD’s national surveys and the Living Rare Study, revealing the disparities in access, mental health support, and care navigation in rural settings. Terri offers a powerful look into the MPS Society’s boots-on-the-ground work—building trust, respecting cultural differences, and delivering direct support through social workers to families in isolated or underserved regions.

They discuss everything from the digital divide and provider education to transportation barriers and the importance of tailored outreach in communities like the Amish and Cherokee Nation. This conversation highlights practical steps organizations can take, as well as the ongoing need to meet families where they are—geographically and emotionally.

Tune in to hear what’s working, what’s still missing, and how we can all play a part in improving healthcare equity for rare disease patients in rural America.

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Presented by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
www.CatalystPharma.com

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On this episode of Catalyst Convos, host Amy Grover is joined by Laura, a university student living with epilepsy, and Desiree, a nurse practitioner diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Together, they dive deep into the unique healthcare challenges in the Hispanic community and share invaluable advice on self-advocacy, persistence, and the significance of early medical intervention. Laura, who manages her condition with transparency and community engagement, shares her journey of advocating for her health and seeking accommodations in an academic environment. Desiree provides a vivid account of her diagnostic journey, highlighting the difficulties Hispanic patients face in accessing specialized healthcare services, particularly in rural southern Texas. Both guests emphasize the importance of persistence, trusting one’s instincts, and building supportive relationships with healthcare providers. Press play and learn about the unique challenges faced by the Hispanic community regarding rare diseases and epilepsy.

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Presented by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals

www.CatalystPharma.com

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Catalyst Convos! Join hosts Amy Grover and Carrie Ostrea as they embark on an inspiring journey with Rich, the Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. In this captivating discussion, Rich opens up about his personal battle with epilepsy and the profound impact it has had on his life and career.  Together, they explore the philosophy that fuels Rich’s leadership style and the core values that set Catalyst Pharmaceuticals apart in the industry. Plus, Rich reveals how his personal health challenges have ignited a fierce passion for patient advocacy, driving the company’s mission to transform lives.  So tune in for an insightful conversation that promises to inspire and inform as we uncover how Rich’s unique experiences are shaping the future of patient care at Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. Press play and don’t miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of what resilience, advocacy, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients truly means.

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Presented by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
www.CatalystPharma.com

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Welcome to Catalyst Convos, a show that brings you a wide range of conversations relevant to those impacted by rare and difficult-to-treat diseases, including Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Epilepsy, and Small Cell Lung Cancer. Featuring genuine experiences from community members and expert perspectives, these conversations aim to educate, inspire, and empower listeners.   In each episode, Catalyst Convos offers a personal and authentic exploration of the challenges, triumphs, and life lessons experienced by individuals touched by these conditions. Join us for conversations that celebrate resilience, unite voices, and forge lasting connections within the community.  Welcome to Catalyst Convos: Empowering Stories and Expert Insights - because every story matters, and every voice deserves to be heard. 

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• Instagram @CatalystForRare
• LinkedIn @CatalystForRare

Presented by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals

www.CatalystPharma.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.