In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Nandan Rao, CEO of Starlight, a virtual proactive care clinic. Nandan shares his background, including his experience founding Virtual Lab and his transition from international public health to digital health. He discusses the importance of culturally sensitive coaching, the mission of Starlight to improve patient adherence, and the successes the company has achieved in partnership with major health systems. Following the model of CMS ACCESS, Starlight coordinates closely with provider groups for referrals and co-management The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance of technology in enhancing patient care, and the personal experiences that shape Nandan's leadership style.

Check out their website here: https://hellostarlight.com/

Takeaways

🧠 Nandan Rao has a diverse background in public health and technology.

🌟 Starlight focuses on improving patient adherence through health coaching.

🤝 Culturally sensitive coaching is crucial for patient engagement.

💻 The integration of technology with healthcare can enhance patient outcomes.

📉 Value-based care is essential for improving healthcare efficiency.

🩺 Patient relationships with coaches drive better health outcomes.

🏥 Starlight has successfully partnered with major health systems.

🧩 Understanding patient behavior is key to increasing program participation.

💰 The healthcare system often prioritizes profit over patient care.

🧘‍♂️ Nandan emphasizes the importance of self-care and stress management for leaders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nandan Rao and Starlight

01:27 Founding Virtual Lab and Its Impact

04:41 Comparing International Public Health and Digital Health

07:13 The Value of an Eclectic Career in Leadership

12:17 The Inspiration Behind Starlight

23:48 Starlight's Mission and Approach

24:58 Success Stories and Outcomes from Starlight

29:15 Enhancing Patient Engagement through Referrals

32:15 The Balance of Technology and Human Touch in Healthcare

36:06 Leveraging Technology for Better Patient Outcomes

39:28 Creating Meaningful Patient Experiences

40:23 Scaling Healthcare Solutions Across Diverse Populations

44:14 Navigating the Financial Landscape of Healthcare

55:30 Personal Well-being in a High-Stress Environment

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan, co-founder and chief medical officer of World Class Health. They discuss Dr. Dharmarajan's journey in healthcare, the challenges of patient experience, and the importance of technology in improving healthcare delivery. The conversation delves into the economics of employer-sponsored healthcare, the mission behind founding World Class Health, and the potential of direct contracting and global healthcare solutions. Dr. Dharmarajan shares insights on engagement strategies, innovations, shaping the future of healthcare, and his personal health practices.

Takeaways

💡 Clinical inspiration matters in healthcare operations

⚙️ Building technology for doctors requires understanding their workflow

🧑‍⚕️ Patient experience is often poor and needs improvement

🏢 Employer-sponsored healthcare is the largest payer in the U.S.

💰 Direct contracting can lead to significant cost savings

🌎 Global healthcare can offer high-quality care at lower prices

📈 Engagement strategies must be tailored to the audience

🔍 Data transparency is crucial for innovation and accountability

📊 Incentives should align between providers, employers, and patients

🧘‍♂️ Wellness and personal health practices are vital for healthcare leaders

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan and World Class Health

02:40 Lessons from Clover Health: Clinical Inspiration and Successes

05:17 Building Tech for Doctors and Patients: Key Principles

07:27 The Importance of Reducing Friction in Healthcare

09:55 Transitioning to Global Care Delivery: Motivations and Market Opportunities

12:28 Understanding Cost Disparities in Healthcare

14:25 Challenges in the Healthcare System: Misalignments and Transparency

17:38 Founding World Class Health: Personal Stories and Market Gaps

29:06 Global Centers of Excellence: Engagement and Cost Reduction

31:37 The Role of Nurses in Patient Care

34:23 Cost Savings in Healthcare

36:36 Demand for Specific Healthcare Services

38:32 Misconceptions About International Healthcare

41:39 Innovations in Global Healthcare

44:58 Engagement Strategies in Healthcare

51:59 Personal Wellness Practices

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky interviews Noah Kotlove, Founder and CEO of Berry Street, a virtual nutrition therapy platform connecting patients with dietitians for one-on-one personalized nutrition care across more than 25 conditions, and leveraging AI to empower providers and patients . Noah shares his patient-first journey how working with a dietitian helped him lose weight and why nutrition counseling remains one of the most underutilized benefits in U.S. healthcare despite broad commercial coverage that is often $0 out of pocket. The conversation explores Berry Street’s rapid growth since January 2023, its $50M raise in 2025, the difference between dietitians vs. “nutritionists,” and how Berry Street supports patients navigating the GLP-1 era with sustainable nutrition and behavior change.

Takeaways

🥗 Nutrition therapy is widely covered by commercial insurance, yet remains deeply underutilized.
🧠 Dietitians support behavior change beyond “eat this / don’t eat that,” including relationship-with-food work.
⚖️ “Food freedom” helps patients avoid guilt spirals and build sustainable habits.
🍿 Small guardrails (like portioning snacks into a bowl) can compound into major outcomes over time.
🏢 Large enterprises often struggle with zero-to-one innovation—startups thrive because they’re built for it.
🚀 Berry Street scaled rapidly after launching in January 2023, reaching tens of millions in annualized revenue (as shared on-air).
💰 Berry Street raised $50M in 2025, driven by growth, a massive market tailwind, and strong provider/patient experience.
🩺 Dietitians are credentialed clinicians who can bill insurance; “nutritionist” is not a standardized credential term.
💉 GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but dietitian support helps protect nutrient intake, adherence, and long-term sustainability.
🍌 A simple daily habit: pairing fruit (banana) with protein/fats (peanut butter) can improve satiety and energy stability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Noah Kotlove and Berry Street
01:35 Noah’s Path into Healthcare: A Patient-First Story
04:10 How Dietitian Care Drives Sustainable Behavior Change
07:24 Principles Behind Noah’s 60–65 lb Weight-Loss Journey
11:41 Founding Sobriety Soft: Early Entrepreneurship in Health Tech
15:25 Lessons Learned Building a Product for a Sensitive Community
18:25 Accenture to Startup CEO: Lessons from Enterprise Innovation
21:11 The Origin and Meaning Behind the Name “Berry Street”
23:19 Why Nutrition Therapy Is Massively Underutilized
24:34 Fundraising Advice: Authenticity in a Tough Capital Market
26:20 What Drove Berry Street’s $50M Raise and Growth Strategy
28:35 Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: Credentials, Training, and Trust
31:00 Inside the Berry Street Patient Experience
33:26 Insurance Coverage Explained: Preventive vs. Medical Nutrition Care
35:11 Go-to-Market Strategy: From DTC Growth to Health Plans
35:58 Becoming In-Network: Scaling Provider Contracts Nationally
37:20 Clinical Outcomes and the GLP-1 Nutrition Pathway
39:13 The Role of Nutrition in a GLP-1-Driven Future
48:45 Managing Stress and Staying Centered as a Founder
50:12 Healthy Habits and Simple Nutrition Wins
53:01 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky interviews Karl Ulfers, Co-Founder and CEO of DUOS. They discuss Karl’s career journey from consulting to healthcare technology, his experiences at Optum and Rally Health, and the founding vision of DUOS, which aims to create a seamless system of aging for older adults. Karl shares insights on partnerships with health plans, the importance of addressing day-to-day needs for older adults, and the recent growth and investment in DUOS. He also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and shares personal anecdotes about healthy cooking and family life.

Takeaways

💼 Karl Ulfers emphasizes the importance of doing your job well as the foundation for career progression.
🎯 Taking risks in your career can lead to significant opportunities and growth.
🌐 Understanding market dynamics is crucial for success in healthcare innovation.
🤝 Building a strong, cross-functional team is essential for product development.
👵➡️👴 DUOS aims to create a seamless system of aging for older adults.
🍽️🛡️ The company focuses on addressing day-to-day needs of older adults, such as food and safety.
🏥🤝 DUOS partners with health plans to improve access to care for members.
📈💸 The recent investment in DUOS will support its growth and expansion efforts.
🧘‍♂️ Maintaining a routine is vital for managing stress as a CEO.
👨‍🍳❤️ Healthy cooking and family engagement are important aspects of Karl's life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karl Ulfers and DUOS

01:33 Early Career and Consulting Insights

04:38 Journey at Optum and Innovations in Healthcare

11:04 Transition to Rally Health and Leadership Growth

14:41 Career Progression and Promotion Strategies

20:23 Building Teams and Company Culture

25:43 Evolution of Products at Rally Health

28:23 Founding DUOS and Personal Inspiration

28:28 The Journey Begins: A Decade of Insight

31:14 Vision for Aging: Building a System of Care

34:11 Partnerships with Health Plans: Enhancing Member Care

37:06 Securing Growth: Navigating Investment in a Tough Market

42:37 Member Experience: Simplifying Access to Care

50:50 Practicing What You Preach: Balancing Work and Life

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In this latest episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky and guest Elan Adler, CEO and founder of OneImaging, dive into a dynamic discussion about their respective ventures. Elan shares insights on OneImaging's recent $31 million Series A funding round led by VY Capital, highlighting strategic growth plans and industry challenges. Meanwhile, Norm discusses the founding and mission of MVP Growth Partners, emphasizing the importance of investing in companies that deliver real value. Together, they explore the broader implications for the digital health industry, the role of behavior change, and the potential for significant market impact.

Takeaways

💰 Elan Adler discusses the successful $31 million Series A funding round for OneImaging and its strategic implications.
🤝 VY Capital's involvement is seen as a strategic advantage for OneImaging's growth.
🚀 Norm Volsky shares the vision behind MVP Growth Partners and its focus on value-driven investments.
🎯 The conversation highlights the importance of aligning with investors who share a company's vision.
🏥 Norm and Elan explore challenges in the healthcare industry, including cost and access.
🔄 The role of behavior change in improving health outcomes is emphasized.
🌐 Elan shares insights on the potential for digital health companies to achieve significant impact.
📈 Norm discusses the importance of investing in companies that drive real value for customers.
🔮 The episode explores the dynamics of the digital health ecosystem and its future potential.
🛤️ Elan and Norm reflect on their respective journeys and the impact of their companies on the industry.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05:00 One Imaging's Series A Funding Success

00:15:00 Strategic Partnership with VY Capital

00:25:00 MVP Growth Partners: Vision and Strategy

00:35:00 Healthcare Industry Challenges

00:45:00 Behavior Change and Health Outcomes

00:55:00 Future of Digital Health

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews John Quinn, founder and CEO of Wellnecity. They discuss John's journey from financial services to healthcare, the evolution of Wellnecity data-driven benefits management platform, and the importance of data in transforming healthcare. John shares insights from his consulting experience, the mission of Wellnecity, and the company's approach to hiring and building a strong culture. They also explore client success stories, the significance of fiduciary duty, and the future trends in healthcare, emphasizing the need for convenience and better patient experiences.

Takeaways

💼 John Quinn transitioned from financial services to healthcare due to the inefficiencies he observed in the industry.
🧠 Wellnecity’s Smart Hub platform integrates data to simplify health plan management.
🔗 The healthcare system is complex, with many data silos and a lack of interconnectivity.
📊 John emphasizes the importance of actionable data over traditional reporting methods.
🎯 Wellnecity’s mission is to help employers deliver affordable health benefits.
⚙️ The company focuses on connecting point solutions to enhance health plan performance.
🤝 Hiring for curiosity and collaboration is crucial for building a strong company culture.
💪 John advocates for higher quality healthcare to reduce costs.
💻 The future of healthcare lies in virtual solutions and convenience for patients.
💡 Wellnecity aims to provide a better patient experience through data-driven insights.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wellnessity and John Quinn

01:55 John's Journey into Healthcare

03:56 Insights from Consulting Experience

06:54 Building Wellnessity: The Origin Story

09:54 Evolution of Wellnessity's Product

13:58 Mission and Vision of Wellnessity

14:55 Company Building and Hiring Practices

17:55 Successes and Lessons Learned

19:54 Client Success Story and Impact

21:20 The Dynamics of Competition in Healthcare

23:05 Fiduciary Duties and Data Utilization

24:37 Ensuring Data Accuracy and Integration

26:40 Proactive Benefits Management for Cost Savings

28:29 Performance Improvement Strategies

30:23 Surprising Insights from Client Engagement

32:46 Building a Mission-Driven Company

35:40 Future Trends in Healthcare

39:26 Enhancing Patient Experience in Healthcare

44:38 Personal Health Practices and Lifestyle Choices

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Brad Kreick, CEO of Access Hope, discussing his journey in healthcare, the evolution of cancer care, and the innovative solutions AccessHope provides to bridge the gap between cutting-edge oncology and local treatment. Brad shares insights from his extensive experience in healthcare management, consulting, and investment, highlighting the importance of collaboration between treating oncologists and specialized cancer experts. The conversation also touches on the future of digital health, the impact of AI, and the personal stories that drive the mission of AccessHope.

Takeaways

💡 Brad Kreick's journey into healthcare stemmed from a desire to be a doctor.
🏥 Healthcare is a dynamic industry, constantly evolving yet facing persistent challenges.
🎯 AccessHope aims to bridge the knowledge gap in cancer care between local oncologists and specialized experts.
🤝 Collaboration between treating oncologists and AccessHope's specialists leads to improved patient outcomes.
📈 The company is on track to achieve profitability while continuing to grow and expand its services.
👥 Brad emphasizes the importance of building a strong team to drive the mission of AccessHope.
🧬 The cancer care landscape is rapidly changing, with advancements in precision oncology and genetic testing.
💼 AccessHope's model integrates into employer benefit plans, enhancing patient access to specialized care.
🤖 The future of digital health will see consolidation and the impact of AI on operational efficiency.
🌿 Personal well-being and healthy living are crucial for leaders in high-stress environments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AccessHope and Brad Kreick
01:33 Brad's Journey into Healthcare
04:11 Experience at Apria and Perspective on Healthcare
06:39 Consulting Career at BRK Ventures
08:01 Notable Client Experiences and Lessons Learned
12:01 Insights on Private Equity Deals
13:51 Transition to Access Hope
16:53 Achievements at Access Hope
20:14 Understanding Access Hope's Mission
24:52 Collaboration with Employers and Health Plans
26:18 Collaboration in Oncology Care
28:23 Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness
31:52 Future Directions for Access Hope
34:43 Product Development and Customer Engagement
36:59 Market Trends and the Role of AI
40:34 Innovation and Evolution in Digital Health
42:47 Patient Stories and Impact
46:32 Cost Management in Cancer Care
49:08 Personal Well-being and Healthy Living

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky is joined by Kili Preitauer, CEO of Override Health, and Dr. Christina Le-Short, VP of Clinical Delivery. They discuss the innovative approaches of Override Health in managing chronic pain through a virtual, patient-centered model that emphasizes non-opioid solutions. The conversation explores the misconceptions surrounding healthcare providers and payers, the importance of whole person care, and the integration of AI in healthcare. Both guests share their personal journeys in healthcare, the challenges they face, and the successes they've achieved in improving patient outcomes. The episode concludes with insights on the future of healthcare and the importance of personal health practices for leaders in the industry.

Takeaways

💻 Override Health focuses on virtual chronic pain management.
🧩 Kili’s journey into healthcare began with problem-solving.
🤝 Christina Le-Short emphasizes the need for collaborative care.
💡 Misconceptions about payers include the belief that they don't care about patients.
🩺 Doctors often don't have all the answers for complex conditions.
👥 Building strong teams is crucial for success in healthcare.
🌿 Patients need whole-person care for effective pain management.
📈 Override Health has seen significant patient satisfaction and outcomes.
🤖 AI can enhance efficiency in healthcare without replacing human interaction.
🧘 Personal health practices are essential for leaders in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Override Health and Its Mission

01:43 Personal Journeys into Healthcare

04:11 Misconceptions in Healthcare: Payers and Providers

06:40 Building Teams and Leadership in Healthcare

08:45 Accomplishments in Pain Management

09:49 The Importance of Whole Person Care

10:34 Startup Experiences and Lessons Learned

11:56 Inspiration Behind Joining Override Health

15:14 Hiring for Success: Key Traits

16:59 Identifying Better Approaches to Chronic Pain

22:46 Patient Experience and Success Stories

26:47 Non-Opioid Approaches to Pain Management

28:20 Partnerships with Payers for Cost Reduction

29:38 Transforming Pain Management: A New Approach

30:19 Understanding Opioid Side Effects

33:34 The Role of AI in Healthcare

39:08 Future of AI in Pain Management

44:10 Major Accomplishments at Override

45:20 Predictions for Digital Health

49:06 Practicing What You Preach: Healthy Habits

55:53 Outro

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