Never Give Up: A Rare Disease Podcast

Season 2 Ep. 8 | "Call Me Bob"

In my latest episode, "Call Me Bob," I delve into the life and legacy of Dr. Robert Guthrie, a pioneering figure in newborn screening. Guthrie's groundbreaking work in developing the bloodspot test for newborn screening has saved countless lives and continues to impact the world today.
Join me as I share his story, the personal connections I've made with his family, and the profound lessons I've learned from his dedication to ensuring every baby gets a fair chance at life.
Listen to discover how one person's relentless passion can change the world.
Transcript Available
A transcript of this episode is available on my blog.
About Never Give Up: A Rare Disease Podcast
This is a storytelling podcast exploring the intersection of life, mental health, and rare disease. Sometimes I interview guests, but mostly… I just want to tell you some stories. Stories about hope. Perseverance. Self-worth. Self-care. Stories that hopefully inspire you to keep going. And to never, never, never give up.
Contact Kevin Alexander
Website: PKUJournal.com
Instagram: @kevinalexander_pku
Facebook: @pkujournal
Email: kevinalexander@pkujournal.com

Season 2 Ep. 9 | Be A Healing Presence

In this episode of Never Give Up, I delve into the impact of being a healing presence in the rare disease community. I share personal stories, reflections, and a poignant encounter with a remarkable physician that reminded me of the power of empathy and kindness. Join me as we explore what it means to truly care for one another in our journey through life with rare diseases.
Transcript Available
A transcript of this episode is available on my blog.
About Never Give Up: A Rare Disease Podcast
This is a storytelling podcast exploring the intersection of life, mental health, and rare disease. Sometimes I interview guests, but mostly… I just want to tell you some stories. Stories about hope. Perseverance. Self-worth. Self-care. Stories that hopefully inspire you to keep going. And to never, never, never give up.
Contact Kevin Alexander
Website: PKUJournal.com
Instagram: @kevinalexander_pku
Facebook: @pkujournal
Email: kevinalexander@pkujournal.com

Season 2 Ep. 10 | Recognize Your Limits

Life can change sharply. I finished writing this episode in late May. In late June, my sister-in-law, Angel Alexander, passed away from a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer. She received her diagnosis in early 2023, while I was writing Season 1 of this podcast. Over the last 18 months I watched as she showed the world how much of a courageous, fierce cancer warrior she was.
She dedicated the remainder of her life to raising awareness of cancer. And she taught me what it means to never give up.
And so, I dedicate this season in her honor. She was the most courageous, determined person I’ve ever met.
While working on this season I knew this might be happening soon. But it still didn’t feel real. When I wrote this episode called “Recognize Your Limits”, it had a different meaning to me. I share in the episode that I’m taking a break for a while.
Well, given this death in my family I will be taking an extended break from this podcast, advocacy, and social media. I don’t know when I’ll be back. But I will.
Until then, please share this show with someone you know who could use some hope.
Tell those whom you love that you love them, hug them tight, and never take them for granted.
And never, never, never give up.
Transcript Available
A transcript of this episode is available on my blog.
About Never Give Up: A Rare Disease Podcast
This is a storytelling podcast exploring the intersection of life, mental health, and rare disease. Sometimes I interview guests, but mostly… I just want to tell you some stories. Stories about hope. Perseverance. Self-worth. Self-care. Stories that hopefully inspire you to keep going. And to never, never, never give up.
Contact Kevin Alexander
Website: PKUJournal.com
Instagram: @kevinalexander_pku
Facebook: @pkujournal
Email: kevinalexander@pkujournal.com