Blood is the currency of clinical trials—and getting it from patient to lab within 48 hours can make or break a study. In this episode, LabConnect CEO Wes Wheeler joins us to discuss how a lab-agnostic model, purpose-built software, and disciplined process design are transforming global clinical research.

Wes breaks down why LabConnect chooses not to own labs and how this decision enables speed, scale, and flexibility across seven key regions where trials are conducted and patients reside. He also unpacks the technology powering their connected ecosystem—unified LIMS, ERP, sample tracking, and data integrations that convert scattered specialty testing into submission-ready data. The result: a network that supports roughly 80% of the data used in new drug applications, while preserving audit trails and regulatory integrity for agencies like the FDA and EMA.

Looking ahead, Wes explores how AI, machine learning, and digital twins are reshaping clinical development—from modeling preclinical safety to identifying recruitable patient populations and flagging anomalies before they impact results. With cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and radiopharma driving the next wave of precision medicine, he shares how LabConnect’s innovation mindset keep trials moving forward.

Along the way, Wes reflects on the mentorship, engineering mindset, and leadership lessons that took him from mechanical engineer to global healthcare executive.

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What powers a global fandom machine? We sat down with Funko’s Chief Product Officer, Husnal Shah, to trace the line from a week‑one Disney sellout to 900 licenses and a milestone few toy companies reach in decades. We break down the three Cs—Culture, Creativity, Commerce—that decide which figures get made, why certain iconic moments jump off the shelf, and how a recognizable form can still surprise you when it captures the perfect story beat. 🪀

Husnal opens the door to Funko’s incubation lab, where blue‑sky ideas meet real‑time signals from sales, marketing, and social listening. You'll hear how concepts progress from a creative showcase to 3D prints, then to tooling and production—all while the launch story and marketing plan develop in parallel.

We get into the rise of Pop Yourself, the personalized experience that turns collectors into characters, and why gifting for birthdays, weddings, and holidays has turned customization into a growth engine. There's also a frank look at resilience, including diversified sourcing across Asia, navigating geopolitical and pandemic difficulties, and reaching new audiences as kids shift earlier to gaming, YouTube, and social platforms. 🎮

Looking forward, we explore how AR and digital layers can elevate discovery and display, including virtual try-ons, interactive unboxings, and community moments that bridge physical and digital shelves. We also talk geo expansion, and why Funko organizes teams by fandom to keep authenticity high in anime, music, film, and gaming. For anyone interested in product strategy, licensing, collectibles, or the business of culture, this conversation maps how a beloved form factory stays fresh and how the next billion could be even more personal. 🧸

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend who collects, or leave a quick review—what topic should we "pop" next?

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What happens when two eighth-grade students notice a problem during volleyball matches? They create an award-winning invention that could soon hit store shelves nationwide.

Meet Sam Priest and Olivia Adams, volleyball players turned inventors who developed the "Untie Knot" – an elegantly simple silicone band that prevents shoelaces from coming untied during physical activity. Their invention journey began when they witnessed a teammate's shoe come untied during a match, causing an awkward game stoppage.

Through their school's Inventionland Education course, these young innovators learned to apply observational skills, research, and creative problem-solving to address this everyday annoyance. Through multiple prototypes, they discovered that shoelaces come untied through repeated impact forces during running or walking. Their solution? A stretchy silicone band that securely wraps around the knot to keep it tight.

The most remarkable aspect of Sam and Olivia's story isn't just their clever invention, but how the experience transformed their confidence and future outlook. Before the course, neither considered themselves inventors or had interest in STEM careers. Now, they have a company in Texas interested in bringing their product to market. Their success showcases the power of applied learning – combining mathematics, language arts, design, and science to solve real-world problems.

Their story demonstrates why hands-on STEM education deserves priority in our schools. It teaches not just technical knowledge but crucial life skills: creative thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and effective communication. As Sam advises future inventors: "Just be creative and share a lot of ideas. We had no clue what we were going to make when we started this, but it all worked out."

Want to discover how STEM education could unlock your child's potential? Listen to Sam and Olivia's full journey in this inspiring episode.

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