Stem Cell Donors Australia Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Carmel O’Brien, Chief Scientist at Stem Cell Donors Australia, who breaks down the science behind stem cell donation in a way anyone can understand. From explaining what stem cells actually are (and why they’re so powerful), to how transplants work and why matching is so important, Carmel demystifies the process step by step.

Yoni joined the stem cell donor registry when he was 18. In this episode, He talks us through what happened next: the call that came years later, the checks and conversations that followed, and what donation day was actually like. He shares a clear, honest account of the process and reflects on what it meant to help someone he will likely never meet.

In this episode, Simon shares his family’s journey after his youngest son was diagnosed with leukaemia as a baby. He talks about the shock of diagnosis, the realities of hospital life, and the emotional highs and lows of treatment. Simon also reflects on the profound impact of stem cell donation, including the relief of finding matching donors and the hope that comes from knowing strangers are willing to step forward and save a life.

In this episode, we sit down with Rochelle as she tells the story of her husband Seia, who was diagnosed with leukaemia and sadly passed away after his transplant. Rochelle speaks openly about their families experience and explains how it shaped her commitment to raising awareness about the need for more registered stem cell donors.

In our first episode, you’ll meet Ollie, who was 29 when unexplained bruising and exhaustion led to a sudden AML diagnosis. With her world shifting overnight, she needed a transplant quickly. Ollie talks through those early days, how a donor was found overseas, and what life has looked like since treatment.