Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials, the podcast where Liam and Ted explore the evolving landscape of clinical research and challenge the assumptions holding it back. In this episode, we sit down with Maya Zlatanova — CEO of TrialHub and FindMeCure, and host of Trials with Maya Z — for a no-nonsense look at one of the most misunderstood concepts in research: feasibility.

Episode Overview:

Maya takes us deep into the hidden layers of clinical trial feasibility, arguing that what most of the industry calls "feasibility" is really just site contracting in disguise. Instead, she introduces a broader, patient-aligned view that incorporates standard of care, access, and real-world motivation. We discuss:

How clinical trials often fail because they ignore the healthcare systems patients actually live in

Why standard of care varies country to country — and how that affects recruitment and retention

The painful disconnect between pharma’s incentives and patients’ reality

Why relying on investigators alone leads to blind spots

How AI and emerging tech can streamline feasibility, but only if paired with real-world insight

And why hope, as Maya bluntly reminds us, is not a strategy

This is an unflinching and inspiring conversation about why better feasibility planning isn’t just a project task — it’s the foundation for better trials, faster development, and ultimately, better care.

Welcome to the Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we explore the evolving landscape of clinical research.

In this episode, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford sit down with Jill Pellegrino, CEO of AutoCruitment, to explore the future of patient enrollment in clinical trials. With a background spanning leadership roles at CVS Health, PPD, and Accelerated Enrollment Solutions, Jill brings deep expertise in leveraging technology and data-driven strategies to improve recruitment efficiency.

Jill shares how AutoCruitment direct-to-patient approach is expanding access to clinical trials beyond traditional site networks, tackling the industry’s biggest challenge—low enrollment rates. She breaks down the power of digital advertising, predictive modeling, and real-time data tracking in optimizing recruitment funnels, as well as the critical role of trust-building and site support in ensuring patients follow through with participation.

This episode dives into why the clinical trial industry continues to struggle with recruitment, how sponsors can rethink feasibility and budgeting for better enrollment outcomes, and why patient-centric solutions are the key to the future of clinical research and much more.

If you’re looking to stay ahead in patient recruitment and trial optimization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to the Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we explore the evolving landscape of clinical research. In this episode, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford continue the conversation with clinical trial feasibility expert Nick Palumbo to examine why feasibility is much more than just site selection—and how rethinking the process can drive better enrollment and study success.

Nick shares his insights on the broader role of feasibility, from protocol optimization to enrollment modeling, and the critical need for strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. He also highlights why personalized site engagement—not mass emails—is essential to fostering collaboration and improving trial outcomes.

This episode takes a candid look at persistent industry challenges, including the long-standing failure of 80% of studies to meet enrollment goals, and explores how re-evaluating feasibility practices could be a key part of the solution. If you want to understand how feasibility can be leveraged as a strategic advantage in clinical trials, this discussion is for you.

Welcome to the Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we explore the evolving landscape of clinical research. In this episode, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford continue the conversation with clinical research expert Nick Palumbo, diving into the role of data, digital tools, and human expertise in clinical trial feasibility and patient recruitment.

Nick shares his insights on the increasing reliance on data-driven approaches for enrollment forecasting and site selection, while also highlighting the limitations of technology and the irreplaceable value of human judgment. From the challenges of global data access to the complexity of enrollment modeling, this episode unpacks the realities of leveraging data in clinical research.

We discuss the importance of setting realistic expectations, streamlining feasibility processes, and ensuring sites provide meaningful context to enhance sponsor decision-making. If you're interested in how the industry can strike the right balance between digital transformation and human insight, this episode is for you.

Welcome to the Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we explore the evolving landscape of clinical research. In this episode, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford sit down with clinical research expert Nick Palumbo to unpack the challenges and opportunities in the feasibility process.

Nick brings over two decades of experience in clinical operations, offering deep insights into sponsors, CROs, and research sites when it comes to feasibility assessments. From the burden of feasibility questionnaires to the need for better transparency and communication, this conversation takes a hard look at how feasibility can be improved to drive more accurate enrollment projections and site engagement.

We discuss the role of benchmarking, historical data, and iterative feasibility modeling, as well as practical strategies to streamline processes and enhance collaboration. If you’ve ever wondered how feasibility can be reimagined to create stronger partnerships and accelerate trial success, this episode is for you.

Innovating Clinical Trials Podcast Series: Part 3 - Opportunities in Patient Recruitment and Industry Transformation

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we explore the cutting-edge shifts in clinical research. In this episode, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford wrap up the series with industry analyst Joel White, diving into opportunities in patient recruitment, site network growth, and the evolving role of technology.

Joel shares his insights on breaking down the root causes of patient enrollment challenges, the impact of private equity on site networks, and the exciting potential of new methodologies in recruitment. From the rise of SMOs to the commoditization of technology in trials, this episode offers a forward-looking view of how the industry is transforming.

Innovating Clinical Trials Podcast Series: Part 2 - Pricing Strategies and Emerging Dynamics

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we continue to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of clinical research. In part 2, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford are joined once again by industry analyst Joel White to dive into the complexities of pricing strategies and the shifting dynamics in the CRO and biotech sectors.

This episode unpacks the implications of pricing pressures, the role of FSP models, and the increasing consolidation of site networks. Joel shares his expert insights into how these trends are shaping the industry and what they mean for sponsors, CROs, and site organizations alike. Whether you’re managing trials, building partnerships, or navigating competitive pricing environments, this episode is packed with thought-provoking takeaways.

Part 1 - Navigating Trends in a Shifting Landscape

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials podcast, where we explore the dynamic forces shaping the clinical research industry. In this episode, hosts Liam Eves and Ted Trafford are joined by industry analyst Joel White to unpack the key trends defining Q3.

From cancellations and funding challenges to site network innovations and advancements in technology, Joel provides a compelling analysis of the current CRO and biotech landscape—and what the future might hold. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of clinical trials or seeking actionable insights to stay ahead, this episode offers valuable perspectives for industry professionals.