The Glennon Factor

In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we celebrate the evolution of neonatal intensive care through the eyes of two extraordinary clinicians. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert Fleming, a neonatologist with more than 40 years of experience at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, and Dr. Lottchen Wider, a long-term critical care nurse, and Professor Emeritus, who still volunteers weekly in our NICU. Together, they share personal reflections on the dramatic changes they’ve witnessed in neonatology—from the days when a 2-pound baby faced a 95% mortality rate, to today’s reality where survival has become the expectation, not the exception. Tune in for a powerful conversation about progress, purpose, and the lifelong passion that continues to shape the future of care for our tiniest patients.

You know those days when you're doing everything you can.. and still wondering if it's enough? This week on the Glennon Factor, our guest shares what it's like to care deeply in the face of constant uncertainty -- and why "the plan is to be flexible" is more than just a saying.

Most people are familiar with the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But what about an entire children’s hospital? That requires an entire community of support! In this episode of The Glennon Factor podcast we are joined by President of McKelvey Homes and former Cardinal Glennon board president, Jim Brennan, Director of Marketing for 4 Hands Brewing Company, Liz Swyer, Cardinal Glennon parent, Greg Shurts, and Co-Owner of St. Louis City Soccer Club and President of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation, Carolyn Kindle. Tune in as the conversation uncovers some of their personal lives as well as each of their connections to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child -- but what about an entire children's hospital? In this episode of The Glennon Factor, we sit down with community leaders and passionate supporters to explore the impact of Cardinal Glennon. Tune in as they share their personal stories and connections to our mission.

How many people does it take to help kids do hard things? It takes a whole Child Life Services team...but unfortunately we could only fit a select few in our podcast studio. In this episode we are joined by Justine Bautista, Certified Child Life Specialist and facility dog handler, Brenda Wilson, schoolteacher from the Shining Star School, Scott Duell Certified Music Therapist, and last but certainly not least...Duo Dog Thor – our beloved facility dog. Tune in to hear what role Child Life Services plays in the well-being of our patients and some incredible stories from the impact of their care.

March is Child Life Month, a time to celebrate this incredible team, which includes child life specialists, hospital school teachers and creative arts therapists who help kids feel safe and supported during their hospital visits. Their impact is felt every day at Cardinal Glennon and what better way to start the month than with Episode 15 of The Glennon Factor featuring some of our Child Life Services Team.

What does it take to become a nationally ranked heart program? Who built the first ECMO machine used at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon roughly 50 years ago? What do world-renowned pediatric heart surgeons do in their free time? All these questions and many more get answered in this insightful episode of The Glennon Factor. We are honored to be joined by recently retired cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Andrew Fiore and clinical nurse for the division of cardiothoracic surgery – Barb Kountzman, RN. Listen as this incredible pair of Cardinal Glennon legends uncover some history and legacy behind our program, advancements in the field, expectations for the future generation of caregivers and what they are most proud of in their extensive careers.

On Episode 14 of The Glennon Factor, Dr. Andrew Fiore explains how teamwork has elevated Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital Congenital Cardiac Surgery Program to a nationally recognized level - because it's not about "me" or "I", but "we" as a team.