Hearts Afire

Harry's Inbox: Meeting, dating and carting

David King — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:00:00 -0500

Angelica Sandoval and David King answer your questions from Harry's Inbox, including inquiries about meeting rooms, departmental dating and the availability of golf carts.

Harry's Inbox: Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

David King — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Angelica Sandoval asks the Harry's Inbox questions and David King attempts to answer them.

A creature of habit, with Rogelio Zamilpa

David King — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Dr. Rogelio Zamilpa talks about his multiple roles at BBG Advanced Therapies, as well as what's happening now and what's on the way.

Aspiring to lead?

David King — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0600

The Aspiring Leaders program has a new look and a new structure - Sonja Martinez delivers all the details.

It's back to the future for you, Mr. Casasola

David King — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Emmanul Casasola, newly named Vice President, Lab Operations in QualTex, talks about his new role, his career journey at BBG and, of course, the Spurs.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - and get that PTO

David King — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:55:00 -0600

As we begin the BBG Employee Blood Drive, Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul offers some pointers for making your best donation ever.

Harry's Inbox: Used cars, PhDs and holidays with heart

David King — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0600

The Hearts Afire team answers your Harry's Inbox questions and talks about the Heart of the Holidays celebrations.

Developing your career at BBG, with Brandi Bradford

David King — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Brandi Bradford, Manager, Organizational Design and Culture, talks about the vital need for career development programs in the modern workplace - including ours.

Harry's Inbox: PTO, ice and 'healthy' food trucks

David King — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Angelica Sandoval and David King tackle questions from Harry's Inbox, including inquiries about paid time off, an ice machine and if there really is such a thing as a "healthy" food truck.

What the heck does Learning & Development do?

David King — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0500

It's not the same ol' training videos and handouts - our Learning & Development team works collaboratively to get you what you and your team needs. Find out how it works from Tilley Stone, who joins the podcast this month as part of National Learning & Development Month.

Muertos Fest: A chance to connect with the community

David King — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:08:44 -0500

Angelica Sandoval talks with Susan Smith about how the organization's altar at Muertos Fest helps connect the community with the BBG team.

Love as a change strategy, with Frank Danna

David King — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:45:00 -0500

The Hearts Afire podcast is back with Frank Danna, Creative Director at Softway, talking about his organization's new book, "Love as a Change Strategy."

BBG Broadcast

David King — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Angelica Sandoval and David King talk about all the amazing features of the organization's mobile app, BBG Broadcast.

Camp Discovery, with Jennifer Cavazos and Susan Smith

David King — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Jennifer Cavazos, Executive Director of Discovery Camps, and Susan Smith visit with Angelica Sandoval about Camp Discovery and Donation Day.

Culture and change, with J.R. Becho

David King — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0600

J.R. Becho, Organizational Design and Culture Director, talks about the evolution of the culture-building initiatives at BBG, including work on better explaining changes within the organization.

All night long, with Josh Sanders

David King — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0600

Find out about life on the overnight shift in QualTex-San Antonio with Josh Sanders.

The elephant in the room, with Susan Smith

David King — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:05:00 -0600

Susan Smith talks about the elephant in the room - grief, in its many forms - with Angelica Sandoval.

Welcome to BBG Advanced Therapies, with Adrienne Mendoza

David King — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0600

The Chief Operating Officer of BBG Advanced Therapies talks about the subsidiary's origins and plans for 2025.

New art, with Cristina Sosa Noriega

David King — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0600

We begin our talks with artists in the BBG collection by talking to Cristina Sosa Noriega, whose produced a mural for the Southeast Donor Center.

A surgical approach, with James Murphy

David King — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Guest host Kimberly Monroe talks with James Murphy, Tissue Recovery Manager, about how he manages the odd hours and demands of his job recovering a growing number of tissues.

Advocating for donors, with Meredyth Ramos and Christina Ortiz

David King — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0500

We're visiting with Meredyth Ramos and Christina Ortiz, the nurses who take care of our blood donors 24/7/365.

Cord blood and birth tissue, with Belinda Palacios

David King — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0500

Kimberly Monroe talks with Belinda Palacios, Lead Collection Coordinator, about the lifesaving gifts of cord blood and birth tissue.

Loyal as a pitbull, with Granville Betton

David King — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0500

With years of experience as the NUG - New Useless Guy - and VOR - Voice of Reason - Granville Betton contributes to the organization in his own unique way.

SAMMinistries and the United Way

David King — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 18:30:00 -0500

We're visiting with Nikisha Baker, President and CEO of SAMMinistries, one of the many local United Way agencies.

A strong foundation, with Clay Howell

David King — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Clay Howell, Director, Development for The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation, talks about what The Foundation does - and what motivated him toward a life of service.

Process development, with Sami Dykes and Alia Mallah

David King — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Two members of the team at GenCure - Sami Dykes and Alia Mallah - talk about what they do and where things are headed in advanced therapies.

Granulocytes and you, with Naomi Herrera

David King — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Naomi Herrera, Manager, Apheresis Services, talks about a new way we're helping save lives - granulocyte donations.

A history of leadership, part 3, with Dr. Norman Kalmin

David King — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

The final installment of our visit with Dr. Norman Kalmin, who led the organization for 27 years, includes his reflections on his time here, his youth and retirement.

Staying secure, with Jimmy Martinez

David King — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Our 50th episode features San Antonio native Jimmy Martinez, our Security Manager at BBG, talking safety, security and a little boxing.

Moving on, with Roberto Esquivel

David King — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Graphic Design Specialist Roberto Esquivel talks about his 14 years with the organization - and his impending retirement.

Life in the lab, with Max Pinones

David King — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Our latest episode features Max Pinones, Manager, Cord Blood, Birth Tissue and Advanced Therapies Laboratory, talking about life in the lab.

Lab and cello, with Austin Smith

David King — Mon, 06 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Our podcast for 50th Anniversary Week features Austin Smith, who works at QualTex in Georgia, talking about work and his other passion - playing the cello.

Coming back to QualTex, with Falisha Atwell

David King — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0500

From our visit to Georgia in late 2023, listen to our visit with Falisha Atwell, Senior Director, Laboratory Services, who talks about returning to QualTex and the many changes she found.

Donate Life Month

David King — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Host Kimberly Monroe and Susan Smith talk about the history of Donate Life Month, DLM Spirit Week and our role in promoting tissue, cornea and organ donation programs.

Building the donor experience

David King — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Hear about donor-facing initiatives within South Texas Blood & Tissue to make the experience even better, from Ken Doyle, Manager, Donor Experience for STB&T.

A history of leadership, part 2, with Dr. Norman Kalmin

David King — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

This week's episode is part 2 of a three-part series with former CEO Dr. Norman Kalmin, talking about the organization's growth in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the BBG Art Collection.

An Atlanta perspective

David King — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0600

As part of a series of interviews with the team in Atlanta, we visit with Nicholas Masterson, Lead Human Resources Business Partner based at QualTex.

Let's talk some Basura (Bash)

David King — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Hear about the upcoming Basura Bash and other BBG volunteer events from Emmanuel Casasola, Brenda Brock and Linda Lozano.

Heroes in Arms, with Bill Bullock

David King — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Bill Bullock, Specialized Program Coordinator, talks with Kimberly Monroe about the lifesaving Heroes in Arms program.

A history of leadership, part 1, with Dr. Norman Kalmin

David King — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:48:40 -0600

The first of three episodes with former CEO Dr. Norman Kalmin focuses on his path to joining the organization and his early years in charge.

MLK Day March, with Richey Wyatt and Scott Jones

David King — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Hear about the organization's first community outreach event of 2024, the MLK Day March in San Antonio.

On the right path, with Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul

David King — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:22:43 -0600

We're visiting with Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul - Dr. G to everyone - and she's talking about her career path, a typical day as Medical Director of STB&T and what she's streaming lately.

A veteran's story, with Dr. Bob Selvester

David King — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Our annual salute to Veterans Day is our visit with Dr. Bob Selvester, the physician in residence at the BBG Clinic and a 33-year yeteran of the U.S. Navy.

Preserving history, with Amanda Lozano

David King — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Hear all about a new member of the team, Multimedia Communications Specialist Amanda Lozano, and her loves of both writing and music.

Practical medicine, with Dr. Rachel Beddard

David King — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Get a doctor's opinion - and some perspective - on life at BBG from Dr. Rachel Beddard, Chief Medical Officer.

Bloodhounds are here, with Laura Eickhoff and Emmanuel Casasola

David King — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This week's episode is a visit with Laura Eickhoff and Emmanuel Casaola about the organization's soccer team, the BBG Bloodhounds.

Following the rules, with Chris Cielak

David King — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:28:17 -0500

This episode features Chris Cielak, Manager, Regulatory Affairs with BBG Global Quality, talking dealing with regulatory agencies and vendors.

Wendy's Way, with Wendy Zachmeyer

David King — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0500

The latest podcast features Wendy Zachmeyer, Staff Accountant and an inspiration when it comes to physical fitness.

A long-term perspective, with Jose Garcia

David King — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0500

In 30 years with the organization, Jose Garcia has worked in a variety of jobs, from Components to Accessioning to Sales, and he's learned something from every one of them.

Talking about wheels, with John Barnes

David King — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This episode features a special visit with John Barnes, our Vice President of Human Resources and Learning, talking about one of his biggest passions - motor vehicles.

Helping Hearts, with Richey Wyatt

David King — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This episode features Richey Wyatt, leader of multiple employee engagement and culture-building initiatives at BBG. As he puts it, Richey wears many hats within the organization, but he is particularly happy working with his Human Resources team on projects like the Helping Hearts Fund.

Going to camp, with Susan Smith

David King — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0500

With the Camp Discovery Donation Day and dance coming up, we visit with Susan Smith about the organization's 10-year history with the camp for kids with cancer.

Inside the ATL lab, with Michael Little and Austin Smith

David King — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Michael Little and Austin Smith, who produced a rap video about the QualTex lab in Atlanta, talk about their motivations, their production and life outside the lab.

Special motivations, with Debbie Maxwell

David King — Mon, 29 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Debbie Maxwell, Supervisor Mobile Operations, talks about moving "somewhere warm" to work, as well as the many special motivations she has for working at South Texas Blood & Tissue.

Your benefits, with John Barnes

David King — Mon, 15 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Hear from John Barnes, Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, about your benefits at BBG - and a new one coming soon.

A revolution in communications, with David King

David King — Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Guest host Angelica Sandoval and guest David King talk about employee communications history and challenges, as well as the upcoming revolutionary change.

A communications revolution, with David King

David King — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0500

A giant step - a revolutionary step - in employee communication is on the way, says David King.

The future of research, with Gus Ortiz

David King — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Gus Ortiz, Clinical Research Coordinator, talks about his background and his part in the growing research program at STB&T.

The future of research, with Gus Ortiz - promo

David King — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0500

A quick snippet of episode 21 of Hearts Afire, featuring Gus Ortiz, Clinical Research Coordinator with STB&T.

Chief Science Nerd, with Scott Jones

David King — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Scott Jones talks about a wide range of topics In his visit, from his role as Chief Science Officer to his latest interests in music to his family's version of his new job title.

Chief Science Nerd, with Scott Jones

David King — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Scott Jones, Chief Scientific Officer at BioBridge Global, talks about his job in a snippet of his upcoming appearance on Hearts Afire.

Family Ties, with Audra and Makenzie Taylor

David King — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This episode features Audra and Makenzie Taylor, our mother-daughter team, talking about work, life and the time Makenzie's brother broke the family bank.

Family Ties, with Audra and Makenzie Taylor

David King — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Get a snippet of Audra and Makenzie Taylor talking about work, life and the time Makenzie's brother broke the bank. The full episode debuts March 20.

'That's my job,' with Claribel Colon

David King — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Claribel Colon, Manager Training & Admin Lab Services with QualTex, talks about the career path that led her to what she considers her ideal job.

A special motivation, with Kyree Kayoshi

David King — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600

This episode features a visit with Kyree Kayoshi, Human Resources Specialist, who talks about his extraordinary motivation to come to work at BioBridge Global, as well as his world away from work.

A special motivation, with Kyree Kayoshi

David King — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Kyree Kayoshi, Human Resources Specialist, talks about the time in his life that led him to BioBridge Global.

Just text me, with Eddie Ensor

David King — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Eddie Ensor, Lab Support Specialist with QualTex Laboratories, has a whatever-it-takes approach to his job, from making himself available just about anywhere to taking on roles in major projects.

Just text me, with Eddie Ensor

David King — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:44:22 -0600

Here's a sample of our visit with Eddie Ensor, Laboratory Support Specialist with QualTex. Our full visit with Eddie will be available on Monday, Feb. 6.

Building a people-centric culture, with Laura Eickhoff

David King — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Laura Eickhoff, Senior Director, Human Resources and Learning, talks about a wide range of plans from Human Resources to ensure that BioBridge Global is a great place to work in 2023 and beyond. She also touches on her international background and her motivations.

Close to the heart, with Roger Ruiz

David King — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Roger Ruiz, Senior Communications Specialist in Corporate Communications, talks about his 15 years with the organization, including the day a production company wanted to film a zombie movie in the Donor Pavilion. He also touches on the part of his job that is close to his heart, working with patients and their families during the hardest times of their lives.

An outside perspective, with Lee Buckler

David King — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Longtime BBG business consultant Lee Buckler visits with guest host David King talks about advanced therapies, the future of medicine, and the organization's role in that future.

The Next Phase of Medicine, with Becky Cap

David King — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Becky Cap, Senior Vice President, Business Development for BioBridge Global, talks about her new role, the organization's future and advanced therapies.

Becky Cap: The next phase of medicine

David King — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:54:22 -0600

This is a preview for the next episode of Hearts Afire, with Becky Cap, Senior Vice President, Business Development. She talks about her new role, the organization's future and in this clip, her view of advanced therapies.

Projects and progress, with Annie Prescott and Kevin Rodriguez

David King — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Guest host Emmanuel Casasola visits with two members of his team in BBG Global Quality, Annie Prescott and Kevin Rodriguez, about recent projects they have completed for the organization.

Grief Support and Life Legacies, with Susan Smith

David King — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Guest host Kimberly Monroe visits with Susan Smith, Grief Support and Life Legacies Manager, about some of her projects at BioBridge Global, including the Giving Tree and Muertos Fest, as well as Susan's highly personal grief journey.

A Veteran's View, with Neil Houser

David King — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In our Veterans Day episode, BBG Data Analyst and former U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Neil Houser visits with guest host Emmanuel Casasola about his military career, his life at BBG and his away-from-work passion.

Dedication to Tissue Banking, with Kimberly Monroe

David King — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Kimberly Monroe, Manager, Business Development in the STB&T tissue program, talks with guest host David King about her work with the tissue program, her dedication to tissue banking and her greatest food discovery in San Antonio.

A different journey, with Sal Castaneda

David King — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Adrienne Mendoza visits with Salvador Castaneda, Compliance Specialist with STB&T Donor Services, about his unusual career path with the organization and his interest in fitness and sports.

New horizons, with Amanda Whitelonis

David King — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Adrienne Mendoza visits with Amanda Whitelonis, who is Program Manager at GenCure after working in several diverse areas of the organization, including Global Quality and Research and Development.

A focus on quality, with Emmanuel Casasola

David King — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0500

The latest episode of Hearts Afire is a visit with Emmanuel Casasola, Executive Director, Global Quality. He talks with our host, Adrienne Mendoza, about his background, his motivations and his family's story.

Welcome to Bulverde, with Lisa Kisley

David King — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0500

This edition features a conversation between Lisa Kisley, Supervisor at the South Texas Blood & Tissue donor center in Bulverde, and our host, Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer for South Texas Blood & Tissue. Lisa talks about the challenges of opening the organization's newest donor center, as well as the reception the new donor center has received from the community.

New perspectives, with Christopher Palmer Charleston

David King — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0500

This edition features a conversation between Christopher Palmer Charleston, Fixed Sites Operations Leader with South Texas Blood & Tissue, and our host, Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer for South Texas Blood & Tissue.

Coming home, with Mo Sayed

David King — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0500

After working at a blood center in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mo Sayed has returned to the organization as Director, Donor Recruitment, for South Texas Blood & Tissue. He visits with his new boss, Adrienne Mendoza, about his experiences and motivations.

Leading with love, with Richey Wyatt

David King — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0500

This episode is a visit between two longtime colleagues at BioBridge Global: Our host, Adrienne Mendoza, who is Chief Operating Officer of South Texas Blood & Tissue, and Richey Wyatt, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, & Chief Compliance Officer. This episode is a get-to-know you visit with Adrienne, who worked for Richey when she was in charge of BBG Global Quality. They discuss topics ranging from the weather (hot) to leadership styles.

About Hearts Afire

David King — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:43:40 -0500

Our host, Adrienne Mendoza, provides a quick look at the new Hearts Afire podcast for the BioBridge Global team.

Episode 1: Trailer

David King — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:40:48 -0500

Hearts Afire host Adrienne Mendoza discusses the need for a collaborative team, as part of her discussion with Richey Wyatt, who is Senior Vice President, General Counsel, & Chief Compliance Officer at BioBridge Global. This a clip from Episode 1 of Hearts Afire, the BBG employee podcast.