Episode 47: Cult-Like Thinking in BMT

Episode 47: Cult-Like Thinking in BMT

From WolverHeme Happy Hour by Bernard Marini, Anthony Perissinotti, et al.

June 4, 2026 · 45 min · Season 1 · Episode 47

About this episode

The episode discusses cult-like thinking in hematology and BMT with transplant experts, exploring its impact and how to identify bias in practices.

“However much we flatter ourselves about our individual rationality, a good story, no matter how analytically deficient, lingers in the mind, resonates emotionally, and persuades more than the most dispositive facts or data.” Inspired by the article "The impact of cult behavior on haematopoietic cell transplant practices: believers and non-believers" (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41409-021-01473-w), in this episode, Anthony and Bernie are joined by transplant experts Tate Feeney, PharmD, BCOP and Aaron "Papa heme" Goodman, MD, to discuss "cult-like thinking" in hematology and BMT. We discuss why this occurs, go through some provocative examples, and talk about how to identify bias or ”cult-like thinking” in our own practices! Grab your favorite drink and prepare to join the wolverheme cult!

People in this episode

Hosts: Anthony Perissinotti, Bernard Marini

Guests: Tate Feeney, Aaron Goodman

Topics covered

  • cult-like thinking
  • hematology
  • BMT
  • bias identification
  • transplant practices

Keywords

  • cult behavior
  • hematopoietic cell transplant
  • BMT
  • bias
  • transplant experts

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The impact of cult behavior on haematopoietic cell transplant practices: believers and non-believers

More episodes of WolverHeme Happy Hour

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the WolverHeme Happy Hour podcast page.