In this episode of Leap Together, Zachary Gobst talks with Dr. Michele Reynolds, a family medicine physician turned ACRP-certified principal investigator who has led more than 400 clinical trials over three decades. What began as a “lucky accident” became a career defined by precision, patient education, and strong sponsor partnerships.

Dr. Reynolds shares how mentorship shaped her approach, why building trust with monitors and recruitment teams leads to better outcomes. She discusses how she’s navigated changes in the industry, from recruiting “right-fit” participants to contributing to pivotal vaccine research during COVID-19.

From lessons learned in the field to insights on maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle in research, this conversation is a masterclass in running studies that make a difference for both science and patients.

On this episode of Leap Together, Dr. Mark Gorovoy joins host Zach Gobst to reflect on a remarkable career at the cutting edge of ophthalmic surgery. As a pioneer of DSAEK, Dr. Gorovoy shares how embracing high-volume surgical practice, learning from complications, and staying patient-focused led to major breakthroughs in corneal care. This episode dives into the art of innovation in medicine, from early skepticism to system-wide adoption, and why some treatments can reshape care forever. An episode for anyone passionate about progress in clinical trials, ophthalmology, and patient-centered innovation. 

In this episode of Leap Together, host Zach Gobst sits down with Joel Stanley, founder and former CEO of Charlotte’s Web, and now CEO of AJNA Biosciences, to explore the pioneering path from supplement to FDA-approved botanical drug. Joel shares the powerful origin story of Charlotte’s Web, the lessons learned from navigating the unregulated CBD market, and how those insights now fuel his mission to bring safe, standardized plant-based therapeutics to patients through AJNA Biosciences.

Learn how Joel and his team are working to bridge the gap between natural medicine and clinical science, what it takes to build physician advocacy, and why access, not just efficacy, is the next frontier in healthcare innovation.

Whether you're a clinical leader, researcher, or founder, tune into this episode for a blueprint for building science-backed solutions that start with compassion.

In this episode of the Leap Together podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Raymond Douglas, a world-renowned oculoplastic surgeon and Chief Scientific Officer at Sling Therapeutics. Known for his pioneering work in thyroid eye disease (TED), Dr. Douglas was a lead developer of Tepezza, the first FDA-approved treatment for TED; ushering in a new era of patient-centered innovation.

Dr. Douglas shares how his early work in oncology and immunology laid the foundation for breakthroughs in ophthalmology, and how deeply personal patient experiences inspired him to challenge the limitations of traditional care. We explore his journey from lab research to global impact, the growing role of personalized medicine, and how collaboration, mentorship, and empathy have shaped his mission.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of TED, reducing barriers to clinical trial access, and how translational science, when paired with compassion, can redefine what’s possible in modern medicine.

In this special episode of Leap Together, we flip the mic and put our very own CEO, Zach Gobst, in the guest seat. Interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25, Zach shares the personal story that led him to launch Leapcure and the values that continue to guide the company nearly a decade later.

Zach dives into:

• How a family health scare sparked his commitment to clinical research
• The evolution of Leapcure from a tech startup to a purpose-driven services company
• The power of true partnerships with sponsors, sites, and advocacy groups
• Why empathy, equity, and patient understanding are the future of clinical trials
• Lessons in leadership, company culture, and building a team that leads with impact

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the heart and mission of Leapcure and why we believe clinical trials work best when everyone’s voice is heard.

In this episode of the Leap Together podcast, we’re honored to feature Taleena Koch, founder of the Breathe Support Network. Driven by personal experience caring for her mother diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), Taleena transformed her journey into a powerful advocacy network supporting thousands navigating respiratory diseases.

Join us as Taleena shares how personal caregiving challenges sparked her passion for advocacy, the critical gaps she discovered in patient support, and her remarkable effort in building a global community dedicated to education, empowerment, and connection. We also dive into the evolving landscape of clinical research, insights into lung transplantation advancements, and how advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping more patient-centric trials.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on turning personal trials into impactful triumphs, and discover how collaborative advocacy can genuinely transform lives.

In the first Leap Together episode, host Zach Gobst talks with Christine Gustafson, founder and CEO of the Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Community Organization. Christine shares her journey from isolated patient to global advocate, emphasizing the power of community in overcoming fear and isolation. They discuss parallels between entrepreneurship and advocacy, highlighting the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and authenticity. Christine’s insights underscore the vital role patient advocacy plays in clinical research and treatment advancements for TED. 

Welcome to the Leap Together podcast, where we highlight top leaders driving breakthroughs in clinical research and life sciences.