September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and in this special episode we're joined by BAMF Health Physician Assistant Tim Kragt to answer one of the most important questions every man should ask:

How do you catch prostate cancer early—and what happens after you're diagnosed?

From PSA screening and MRI imaging to biopsies, treatment options, and the latest advances in precision medicine, this episode walks through the complete prostate cancer journey. The team also discusses the recent expansion of Pluvicto®, an FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical therapy that is now available earlier in the treatment journey for many men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Whether you're approaching screening age, have recently been diagnosed, are supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand prostate cancer, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance from clinicians who care for prostate cancer patients every day.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
00:34 Meet the Experts: Why They Chose Oncology
02:58 Major Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment
06:23 How Prostate Cancer Is Usually Detected
08:00 What Happens After an Elevated PSA?
10:27 MRI, Biopsy & Confirming a Diagnosis
12:16 Active Surveillance vs. Surgery vs. Radiation
12:45 Treating Metastatic Prostate Cancer
15:49 Clinical Trials & The Future of Precision Medicine
17:03 Common Myths About Prostate Cancer Treatment
20:02 Understanding PSA Numbers & What They Mean
21:41 Who Is Eligible for Pluvicto®?
22:03 The Future of Radiopharmaceutical Therapy for Prostate Cancer
25:39 Why BAMF Health's Treatment Approach Is Different
29:31 Lifestyle Tips, Prevention & When to Start PSA Screening

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this special episode of the BAMF Health Podcast, we welcome Chris Fritzsching ("Coach Chris"), Executive Director of Football Education for the Detroit Lions and the iconic public address announcer at Ford Field.

While millions of fans know him for firing up the crowd on game day, Coach Chris spends the rest of the year inspiring the next generation of athletes through Detroit Lions youth football programs, parent education, and girls' high school flag football.

From teaching proper tackling and healthy habits to helping kids build confidence, resilience, and leadership, Coach Chris shares why football is about so much more than wins and losses. He also discusses the explosive growth of girls' flag football in Michigan, the importance of positive coaching, and how parents play one of the biggest roles in a child's athletic journey.

If you're a Detroit Lions fan, a parent, a coach, or simply passionate about helping young people succeed, this conversation is full of practical lessons that extend far beyond the football field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:32 Meet Coach Chris & His Roles with the Detroit Lions
02:11 Using Football to Educate Kids, Parents & Coaches
03:33 What Happens at a Detroit Lions Youth Football Camp?
05:36 Why Parent Education Matters
08:04 Teaching Healthy Habits to Young Athletes
09:58 How Football Has Become Safer Over the Years
12:10 Building Confidence Through Every Player's Experience
13:11 Accountabili-Buddies & the Spotlight Exercise
15:16 Creating Youth Sports Experiences Kids Want to Return To
17:30 The Detroit Lions' "Points of Pride" & One Pride Culture
20:11 Growing Girls' High School Flag Football in Michigan
25:00 Lions Leadership Programs Beyond Summer Camps
26:19 The Lasting Impact of Positive Coaching
28:53 Coach Chris' Outlook for the Detroit Lions Season
30:55 Closing Thoughts & One Pride

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this episode of the BAMF Health Podcast, we're joined by Petrit Rudi, Vice President of Technology at BAMF Health, and Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place, for a conversation about how technology—and especially artificial intelligence—is reshaping healthcare and why Grand Rapids has become a growing hub for innovation.

As Tech Week Grand Rapids 2026 approaches, they discuss what attendees can expect during one of the Midwest's largest technology celebrations, how healthcare organizations are putting AI into practice today, and why West Michigan is emerging as a leader in medical innovation.

The episode also offers an exclusive preview of BAMF Health's Tech Week event, where the team will unveil new AI-powered technology designed to dramatically accelerate clinical trial startup—helping reduce months of administrative work while bringing promising therapies to patients faster.

Whether you're interested in healthcare, artificial intelligence, clinical research, or simply curious about where technology is headed next, this episode offers an inside look at how innovation is already making a real-world impact—and why it's happening right here in West Michigan.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:54 What Is Tech Week Grand Rapids?
03:24 Healthcare's Growing Role in Tech Week
04:43 How Technology Is Transforming Healthcare
08:47 Why Innovation Is Happening in Grand Rapids
11:33 BAMF Health's Tech Week Event Preview
12:12 The Clinical Trial Bottleneck
12:57 How AI Can Reduce Months of Trial Planning
16:15 AI Should Handle Administrative Work
17:49 Building the Technology Behind Precision Medicine
19:27 Practical AI Across Every Industry
21:29 Moving AI From Theory to Real-World Impact
22:24 Why Healthcare Needs Action, Not Just Ideas
23:12 How Clinicians and Technologists Build Better Solutions
25:38 Why Everyone Should Attend Tech Week
28:16 Why West Michigan Is a Growing Innovation Hub
28:58 Register for Tech Week Grand Rapids 2026 & Closing Remarks

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

We sit down with Matt DeLong, BAMF Health Vice President of Radiopharmacy, to pull back the curtain on one of the most important—but least understood—parts of modern precision medicine: the radiopharmacy.

How are radioactive drugs actually made? What is a cyclotron? Why do these medications have to be delivered within hours of production? And what makes BAMF Health's radiopharmacy different from traditional facilities?

Matt shares how radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured, how they safely travel from the cyclotron to patients, and why radiopharmacies are becoming increasingly important as theranostics continues to transform cancer care. He also explains the logistics, safety measures, and culture that allow BAMF Health to deliver these time-sensitive therapies while expanding access to patients across the country.

Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, student, or simply curious about the science behind precision medicine, this episode offers an inside look at the technology and people helping make theranostics possible every day. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
 00:40 Meet Matt DeLong & His Career Journey
 03:54 Supporting Patients, Health Systems & Clinical Trials
 05:22 How Are Radioactive Drugs Made?
 09:23 Why Radiopharmaceuticals Have to Be Used Quickly
 11:13 What Makes BAMF Health's Radiopharmacy Different?
 14:31 Seeing the Patient Impact Firsthand
 15:55 Inside a 24-Hour Radiopharmacy Operation
 17:29 How Radiation Safety Works
 20:31 The "Banana Perspective" on Radiation
 21:53 Expanding Access Across the Country
 23:43 Building a Replicable Radiopharmacy Network
 24:55 The Evolution of Modern Radiopharmacy
 28:54 Matt's Passion for Patient Care
 30:56 The BAMF Difference
 31:50 Closing Thoughts

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this special Ask Us Anything episode, host Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini, Medical Director at BAMF Health, answer questions submitted by listeners about theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapy.

How accessible are these treatments? Are they covered by insurance? What cancers can be treated today—and what’s coming next? How much radiation are patients and caregivers actually exposed to? And what can patients expect during a treatment visit?

Dr. Mancini provides straightforward answers to some of the most common questions he hears from patients and families, including:

•  The biggest barriers to expanding access to theranostics 
•  Insurance coverage and affordability of FDA-approved treatments 
•  The future of radiopharmaceutical therapy and ongoing clinical trials 
•  Alpha vs. beta therapies explained 
•  Radiation safety for patients, caregivers, children, and pets 
•  What to expect during Pluvicto® and Lutathera® treatment appointments 

Whether you're considering treatment yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the future of precision medicine, this episode offers practical answers to help you better understand theranostics and the role it's playing in cancer care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Listener Q&A
 00:59 What Limits Access to Theranostics?
 03:48 Why Demand Exceeds Capacity
 04:02 Is Theranostics Covered by Insurance?
 06:11 Accessibility vs. Self-Pay Treatments
 08:16 What's Next for Theranostics?
 09:30 One Drug, Multiple Cancer Types
 10:35 The Future of Combination Therapies
 12:45 Alpha vs. Beta Radiopharmaceuticals Explained
 14:57 Radiation Safety for Patients & Caregivers
 18:55 Why BAMF Compares Radiation to Bananas 🍌
 20:47 Radiation Exposure From Flying vs. Treatment
 21:33 What to Expect During a Pluvicto® Treatment
 24:05 How Lutathera® Treatment Is Different
 25:57 Preparing Patients for Therapy
 26:34 Education, Safety & Setting Expectations
 27:12 Release Criteria & Going Home Safely
 28:32 Closing Thoughts & Future Q&A Episodes

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jeremiah Johns, Vice President of Medical Affairs at BAMF Health, and Dr. Simin Beg, Chief of Hospice and Palliative Care at Corewell Health, for a conversation about what it truly means to personalize healthcare.

When most people hear the term personalized medicine, they think about advanced diagnostics, molecular imaging, genetic testing, and targeted therapies. While those innovations are transforming medicine, personalized care is about more than biology—it’s also about understanding a patient’s values, goals, and individual definition of what matters most.

Together, we explore:
• The difference between precision medicine and personalized care
• Why healthcare is a partnership between providers, patients, and families
• The importance of health literacy and informed decision-making
• How personalized care applies to cancer treatment and Alzheimer’s disease
• The role of palliative care alongside advanced therapies
• Why patient values should guide treatment decisions
• End-of-life planning, quality of life, and patient autonomy

This episode is an important reminder that while medicine is becoming increasingly precise—especially at BAMF Health—the most meaningful healthcare decisions remain deeply human.

Chapters
00:58 How Dr. Beg & Dr. Johns First Met in the ICU
02:04 Career Paths: Emergency Medicine, Palliative Care & Leadership
04:03 Personalized Care as a Two-Way Street
05:57 How BAMF Health Personalizes Cancer & Alzheimer’s Care
07:15 Precision Medicine vs. Personal Values
09:04 When Treatment Decisions Become Personal
10:08 Health Literacy: The Hidden Challenge in Healthcare
12:25 Why Healthcare Systems Must Improve Communication
13:49 Personalized Care in Alzheimer’s Disease
16:20 Palliative Care’s Role in Alzheimer’s Treatment
18:59 Reassessing Treatment Goals Throughout the Journey
20:16 Clinical Trials, Advanced Therapies & Personal Choice
21:32 Understanding Patient Values Without Judgment
22:40 End-of-Life Care & Maintaining Control
23:06 Hospice Care, Quality of Life & Living Well
24:43 There Is No “Wrong” Decision
25:39 Patient Autonomy & Shared Decision-Making
28:06 Final Reflections on Personalized Care

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Rogers, Vice President of Clinical Trials at BAMF Health, for an inside look at the world of clinical trials and their critical role in advancing cancer care.

Clinical trials are often misunderstood. Are patients treated like guinea pigs? What happens if you receive a placebo? How do clinical trials actually lead to new therapies becoming available to patients? And why are more cancer patients considering clinical trials earlier in their treatment journey?

Dan breaks down the clinical trial process—from Phase I first-in-human studies through FDA approval—and explains why BAMF Health has become a national leader in radiopharmaceutical clinical research. The team also discusses BAMF’s growing RadioNexus network, investigator-initiated studies, pediatric research opportunities, and the unique infrastructure required to bring innovative therapies to patients faster.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clinical Trials
 00:26 How Dan Rogers Entered Clinical Research
 02:21 Clinical Trials 101: What Are They?
 04:33 Why Clinical Trials Matter for Patients
 05:40 How BAMF Health Accesses Leading Clinical Trials
 08:19 Expanding Access Through RadioNexus
 10:12 The Infrastructure Behind Radiopharmaceutical Trials
 11:53 Shaping Clinical Trial Design & Innovation
 13:26 Why Being First-in-Human Matters
 14:45 Who Participates in Clinical Trials?
 17:13 How Patients Find Clinical Trials
 18:01 Why Clinical Trials Are Becoming Earlier Treatment Options
 20:46 The Challenge of Finding the Right Trial
 22:49 Investigator-Initiated Trials at BAMF Health
 26:05 Pediatric Theranostics & the Future of Research
 27:31 Clinical Trial Myths & Misconceptions
 28:00 Myth: “I’m Just a Guinea Pig”
 29:21 Myth: “I Might Get a Placebo Instead of Treatment”
 30:39 Myth: “Once I Join, I Can’t Leave”
 31:14 Myth: “Clinical Trials Take Too Much Time”
 32:45 Imaging Trials vs. Therapy Trials
 33:48 The Future Impact of Clinical Research

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this episode, host Christine VanTimmeren is joined by Dr. Brandon Mancini and Ben Boudro, VP of Enterprise Partnerships at COYA, to discuss how wearable technology, sleep, stress management, and recovery are reshaping the way we think about health and performance.

From Apple Watches and Oura Rings to Whoop straps and HRV tracking, this conversation breaks down what the data actually means—and how people can use it to make meaningful, sustainable improvements in their health.

Ben shares how COYA works with:

Professional and collegiate athletes
Executives and high-stress professionals
First responders and law enforcement
Everyday people trying to improve their quality of life

Together, the group explores:
• Why sleep may be the ultimate performance enhancer
• What HRV (Heart Rate Variability) actually measures
• Why “small habits” outperform quick fixes
• The relationship between stress, recovery, and longevity
• How wearables can help—or hurt—your mental health
• Why relationships and community are critical to long-term wellness

If you’ve ever wondered whether your wearable data matters—or how to actually use it—this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

00:00 Introduction & National Physical Fitness Month
00:47 What Is COYA?
00:56 The Police Officer Story: Stress, Sleep & Transformation
04:24 Using Wearable Data to Build Better Habits
05:44 Why Most People Don’t Know What To Do With Their Data
06:36 Wearables, HRV & What Actually Matters
07:47 What Is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)?
08:50 Sleep, Stress & Recovery Explained
09:40 The “Four Pillars” of Health & Cancer Care
10:53 Why Recovery Matters More Than Performance
12:01 Lifespan vs Healthspan
13:18 The Central Nervous System & Chronic Stress
14:11 VO2 Max Testing & Overtraining
16:09 The “Gray Area” of Feeling Fine But Not Optimal
17:39 Small Daily Habits That Improve Health
19:10 COYA & Professional / College Athletes
20:36 Why Sleep Is the Ultimate Performance Tool
21:21 The Downsides of Wearables & Overanalyzing Data
22:32 Relationships, Community & Longevity
23:14 Why Consistency Beats Perfection
24:38 How To Start Improving Your Health Today
25:37 The 3-2-1 Rule for Better Sleep
27:11 Journaling, Reflection & Sleep Quality
28:24 Circadian Rhythm & Why Timing Matters
31:06 Final Thoughts on Wellness & Wearables

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/ 
Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/

Connect with BAMF Health
Website: https://www.bamfhealth.com/
Our Podcast: https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this special National Nurses Month episode, we are joined by two BAMF Health nursing leaders: Christina DeVries, BSN, RN and Clay McNamara, BSN, RN.

Together, they share what it’s like to help build one of the nation’s first comprehensive theranostics centers from the ground up, how nursing at BAMF differs from traditional healthcare environments, and why patient advocacy remains at the center of everything they do.
You’ll also hear incredible patient stories—involving hallway concerts and potatoes—and learn how BAMF nurses are helping shape the future of personalized medicine.

Whether you’re a nurse, healthcare professional, student, or patient, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping drive innovation in cancer care and beyond.

00:40 Meet Christina DeVries & Clay McNamara
01:03 What Inspired Christina to Become a Nurse
02:20 Clay’s Path Into Nursing & Travel Nursing Experience
04:18 What They Love Most About Nursing
05:46 Building BAMF Health From the Beginning
09:22 Patient Advocacy & Nurse Navigation at BAMF
10:56 Opening BAMF’s Doors for the First Time
12:36 Theranostics Nursing vs Traditional Oncology Nursing
14:57 Radiation Safety & Working Around Radiopharmaceuticals
17:51 The Most Rewarding & Challenging Parts of Nursing
20:09 What People Don’t Understand About Nursing
23:13 Favorite Patient Stories at BAMF
26:48 What BAMF Looks for in Nurses
30:43 Final Thoughts & Celebrating Nurses Month

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast

In this episode, Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini are joined by Afton DeVos, Consulting Director of the Foundation for Medical Advancement and Breakthroughs (FMAB).

This conversation explores the origin and mission of FMAB—created in response to grateful patients who wanted to help others access life-saving care. Together, they discuss how the foundation is working to remove financial barriers, accelerate research, and expand education so more patients can benefit from cutting-edge therapies.

Afton shares her deeply personal connection to this work as a cancer survivor and caregiver, and how her family’s experience—including the loss of her father while awaiting a clinical trial—fuels the urgency behind expanding access and speeding innovation.

We also break down the foundation’s three core pillars:

Access – Helping patients overcome financial barriers to treatment
Research – Supporting clinical trials and accelerating innovation
Education – Raising awareness about available therapies and opportunities

This episode is a powerful look at how philanthropy, innovation, and patient-centered care come together to change lives—and save them.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Foundation for Medical Advancement and Breakthroughs (FMAB)
00:52 Meet Afton DeVos & Her Background
03:46 How the Foundation Started 
05:24 What the Foundation Does 
05:30 Barriers to Care
08:44 Foundation Pillars: Access, Research, Education
09:36 Research: Why Faster Innovation Matters
10:07 Investigator-Initiated Trials Explained
11:45 Why Speed Matters in Clinical Research
12:01 Afton’s Personal Story & Family Cancer Journey
15:17 Funding the Foundation & Early Growth
18:22 Impact of Patient & Family Donations
20:07 Afton’s Shares More of Her Personal and Family Story
24:41 Pancreatic Cancer & Clinical Trial Access
26:11 Looking Ahead: 2026 Initiatives & Events
27:56 How to Get Involved & Support the Foundation
29:15 Final Thoughts on Access & Impact

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn
Dr. Brandon Mancini
Christine VanTimmeren

Connect with BAMF Health
Our Website
Our Podcast