After a bit of a break, Anna Lisa returns for this interview with Assistant Professor Michael Stitzel. Michael studies diabetes, which has become so common that it’s hard not to know someone with it. This familiarity makes it easy to forget that diabetes is a disease that carries many long-term health risks and is a big public health problem. After a discussion about the “regulatory” nature of the disease, we dive into Michael’s history and interests. We discuss top-secret grant writing, the hungry brain, Michael’s Mom’s persuasive writing, the coolness of Francis Collins, moving from model organisms to humans, distance running in Connecticut, dueling pianos with the CEO, country music, Costco and @figs1. Hope you enjoy!