All Access DNA

Are athletics in my DNA? Genetic testing & performance coaching

Dr. Jeremy Koenig shares how he came to performance genomics through his own athletic background, and the conversation explores how genetic information can inform training, injury risk, and coaching- without being treated as a prediction of destiny.
Key words: 
Precision Health, Athletic Genomics, Genetics in Sports, Genetic Counseling, Injury Risk, Training Optimization, Personalized Coaching, DNA Testing
 
Key Insights
The most impactful knowledge is context-driven
Genetic information is a navigational tool, not fate
Genes don’t guarantee Olympic success
Athletic genetic profiles can include info on metabolism & injury protection
 
Guest bio:
Jeremy Koenig is a PhD Biochemist, former professional athlete and the Founder of Iris Infinity. Jeremy built The DNA of Things podcast as a room where the brightest minds in genomics, longevity, and human performance can share their work directly with the people it matters to most. The guests are the story — he just makes sure they're heard.
 
As the founder of Iris Infinity — one of the world's leading DNA analysis platforms — he's spent two decades at the intersection of biology, technology, and athletics. That experience shapes the questions, but the answers belong to the experts.
 
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Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Aryanah Estinvil.

#58-Could epilepsy & seizures be genetic?

In this interview, we learn what epilepsy is, its causes, and the role of genetics in diagnosis and treatment. Beth Sheidley, a genetic counselor, explains the fundamentals of epilepsy, its genetic components, and the latest advancements in genetic testing.
 
Take our listener survey here: https://forms.gle/x82MKLRftpKH987s7
 
Keywords:
epilepsy, genetic testing, genetic counseling, seizures, pediatric neurology, genetic causes, epilepsy treatment, genetic diagnosis, brain disorders, clinical trials
 
Key Topics:
Clinical presentation of epilepsy and various known causes
Differences between unprovoked and provoked seizures
Genetic factors in epilepsy
Role of genetic counseling in both diagnosis and management
 
Guest Bio:
Ms. Sheidley is a licensed genetic counselor with over 30 years of experience in clinical genetic counseling, research, and teaching. Her areas of expertise include autism, epilepsy, psychiatric illness and both prenatal and pediatric genetic counseling. She received her BS degree from Cornell University in 1990 and her MS in genetic counseling from Brandeis University in 1994, where she served as Professor of the Practice/Co-Director of Research and Professional Development from 2005 to June 2014.
 
Ms. Sheidley is the Director of Genetic Counseling for the Department of Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital where she co-founded the first Epilepsy Genetics Program in the United States. Ms. Sheidley also co-founded and chairs EpiGC, an international network of genetic counselors who specialize in epilepsy genetics.
 
Ms. Sheidley was the lead author of a systematic review of the epilepsy genetics literature on behalf of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and co-authored the resulting practice guideline adopted by NSGC and endorsed by the AES. She is a Co-Investigator for the Gene-STEPS study at Boston Children’s, which enrolls infants with recent seizure onset for rapid whole genome sequencing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-rosen-sheidley-4994654/
 
Resources:
Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you
Rare Epilepsy Network (REN)
Epilepsy Foundation
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

#57-What is Fragile X syndrome & why is it underdiagnosed?

Dr. Emily Allen, a genetics researcher, explains the complexities of Fragile X syndrome, its genetic basis, and the importance of advocacy and ongoing research. Discover how genetics influence development, the challenges in diagnosis, and the promising future of personalized treatments.
 
Key words:
Fragile X, genetics, genetic counseling, developmental delays, autism, pre-mutation, research, advocacy, genetic testing, neurogenetics
 
Key Topics:
Genetics of Fragile X syndrome
Pre-mutation, carrier and full mutation distinctions
Diagnosis challenges and clinical presentations
Current research and future therapies
 
Guest bio:
Dr. Emily Allen’s research centers around studies of fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome. She values interdisciplinary engagement and actively collaborates with community organizations, government bodies, and academic institutions to enhance the breadth and impact of her research. She has combined quantitative and qualitative techniques, often beginning with broad data collection and analysis to identify patterns and trends, followed by in-depth qualitative exploration to better understand the underlying dynamics. She values the engagement of stakeholders throughout the research process, ensuring that those closest to the issues are heard and that their perspectives inform both the framing of research questions and the interpretation of results. By utilizing mixed methods, she can capture both statistical trends and individual experiences, providing a comprehensive perspective that supports better decision-making.
 
Resources related to today’s topic:
People article
National Fragile X Foundation
Emory page?
 
Give your feedback and help shape All Access DNA! Take our listener survey here: https://forms.gle/x82MKLRftpKH987s7
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

#56-Why is communication important in genetic care?

Dr. Marleah Dean Kruzel explores the critical role of communication in healthcare, emphasizing how effective dialogue between clinicians and patients can improve health outcomes, reduce errors, and foster trust. She shares personal stories, research findings, and practical tips for enhancing health communication, especially around uncertainty and complex medical information.
 
Key Words: healthcare communication, patient-provider interaction, medical uncertainty, storytelling in science, health literacy, genetic counseling, medical errors, patient engagement, science communication, healthcare research
 
Topics Covered:
Importance of communication in healthcare
Impact of uncertainty on patient decisions
Role of storytelling in science and medicine
Barriers to effective patient-provider communication
Strategies for improving health literacy and trust
 
Guest Bio:
Marleah Dean Kruzel (PhD, Texas A&M University) is a professor, researcher, and speaker in healthcare communication. Her research focuses on communication of genetic risk information, has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and funded by the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The daughter of a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor and BRCA2 previvor herself, she is committed to patient engagement and science communication. For example, she participated in the CDC’s “Bring Your Brave” campaign designed to educate and inspire young women regarding breast cancer risk, frequently gives community presentations and is featured on podcasts to disseminate her about research results. Dr. Dean Kruzel is also a Scientific Advisory Board member for the non-profits FORCE and My Faulty Gene.
 
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marleah-dean-kruzel-ph-d-02062128/
 
Here are more resources related to today’s topic:
Marleah's story on CDC's Bring Your Brave campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbDIUIXPsqM
Marleah's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RVpgP_0XTs
Marleah’s website
Marleah’s YouTube channel
Society of Behavioral Medicine website
University of South Florida Genetic Counseling Program
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

#55-Heart health & Connective Tissue: What is Marfan syndrome?

Maya Brown-Zimmerman shares her personal journey with Marfan syndrome, the importance of early diagnosis, and navigating life with a connective tissue disorder. She discusses medical management, genetic testing, community support, and her work in genetic counseling.
 
Key words: Marfan syndrome, genetic counseling, connective tissue disorder, medical management, genetic testing, patient advocacy, community support, rare diseases
 
Key Topics:
Diagnosis and clinical signs of Marfan syndrome
Genetic testing and its role in diagnosis
Managing health and lifestyle with Marfan syndrome
 
Guest bio:
Maya Brown-Zimmerman is a cardio genetic counselor living with Marfan syndrome, and the mother of four kids. She is passionate about making genetic information accessible. She's volunteered with the Marfan Foundation since she was a teenager and is currently an advisor to both their Professional Advisory Board and Board of Directors. 
 
Resources related to today’s topic:
Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you
Marfan Foundation
Facebook Marfan syndrome
The VEDs Movement
Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation
 
Take our listener survey here: https://forms.gle/x82MKLRftpKH987s7
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

#54-Genetic News Updates with DNA Dispatch

We are talking about current events in genetics, including Olympic sex testing, genetic privacy in insurance, and legal challenges faced by genetic testing companies. It highlights how genetic information is used, misused, and the ongoing debates around privacy and ethics
Key words: Genetics, Olympic sex testing, Genetic privacy, Insurance discrimination, Genetic data lawsuits
 
Key Topics:
The Olympics will start using SRY testing which is a scientifically flawed method of testing for biological sex
Australia passes a country-wide law protecting against using genetic data in life insurance underwriting
Recent lawsuit allegations bring up questions on how private your genetic data really is
 
Related Episodes:
What are sex trait variations and how do we support intersex individuals? With Kaitlyn Brown
Does genetics influence sex and gender? With Kim Zayhowski 
When is rare disease not so rare? With Susanna Smith
The DNA Dialogues Podcast episode #27: Protecting genetic information: Life insurance and GINA
Should I delete my 23andMe data? With Anya Prince
What should I know about buying a DNA test? With Andrew McCarty
 
Sources:
Andrew Sinclair: World's Athletics' mandatory genetic test for women athletes is misguided. I should know- I discovered the relevant gene in 1990
Essay: Gender verification of female athletes
A sex test for Olympic contenders harms all women by Chris Mosier and Erika Lorshbough
Circulating Testosterone as the Hormonal Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance
Genetic Discrimination is Coming for Us All by Kristen V. Brown
How your health (and genetic results) affects your life, travel and health insurance
Future implications of polygenic risk scores for life insurance underwriting
Time to End the Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
U of Iowa Genetic Privacy in the US: Insurance and Law Enforcement Use
Healthcare AI Firm Sued Over Alleged Unlawful Disclosures of Genetic Data
Tempus AI Sued for Breach of Genetic Information Privacy Act
Genetic data are not always personal- disaggregating the identifiability and sensitivity of genetic data
Policy brief: can genomic data be anonymised? Global Alliance for Genomics and Health
 
Give your feedback and help shape All Access DNA! Take our listener survey here: https://forms.gle/x82MKLRftpKH987s7
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

What should I know about buying a DNA test?

In this insightful interview, genetic counselor Andy McCarty discusses the rise of private practice in genetics, the nuances of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and how to interpret results responsibly. Learn about access, misconceptions, and the importance of professional guidance in genetic testing. 
 
Key Takeaways:
Not all genetic testing is the same
Verify results with clinical-grade testing
Consult a genetic counselor for interpretation of results
Misleading results can impact your health decisions
 
Guest Bio:
Andrew McCarty is a genetic counselor focused on bringing accessible, evidence-based genetic services to patients and healthcare teams. As founder of Clover Genetics, he works across specialties to interpret genetic test results, design patient-centered counseling pathways, and advise clinicians on appropriate test selection and follow-up. Andrew has a pragmatic approach: he prioritizes clear communication, action-oriented recommendations, and realistic expectations for what genetic information can  and cannot tell us. 
 
Resources:
Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you
Clover Genetics, Andrew McCarty’s practice
 
Keywords: genetic counseling, direct-to-consumer testing, private practice, genetic results interpretation, healthcare access, genetic variants, clinical vs consumer testing
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

Tortured Hope: What is it like growing up at risk for Huntington’s Disease?

Lori Jones shares her personal journey with Huntington's disease, exploring its symptoms, family impact, and the importance of community and research. Lori shares with us insights into living with risk, making decisions about testing, and advocating for better understanding and treatment.
 
Keywords: Huntington's disease, genetics, neurodegenerative, family impact, genetic testing, community support, research, memoir, advocacy
 
Key Topics:
Genetic inheritance and risk of Huntington's disease
Family impact and personal stories of living with HD
The importance of community, support, and advocacy in HD
Current research, clinical trials, and future hope for HD treatments
 
Guest Bio:
Lori Jones has personally experienced the effects of Huntington’s Disease (HD) in her family and was instrumental in starting a Team Hope annual event in her area to raise awareness and support for research and community programs. She has been published in the Wisconsin HDSA Update Newsletter, and spoken in the public schools about HD, genetics, and presymptomatic testing. She has contributed short stories for Women in High Def by Diane Markins. A storyteller at heart, she regularly writes and speaks about her experiences with HD and many other topics to groups of all ages. Lori has three adult children and lives with her husband Chris in Wisconsin, when they aren’t escaping north to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. “Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve” is her first book.
 
Resources:
Lori Jones’ Website
Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve
Help 4 HD International
International Huntington Association
Huntington’s Disease Society of America
Information on uniQure
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Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

What does this genetic diagnosis mean? Living well with uncertainty

In the realm of genetic counseling, understanding and support are crucial for families facing daunting medical news. When I sat down with Anna Chassevent, a seasoned genetic counselor, she shared valuable insights about the importance of walking alongside families during their journeys through uncertain medical terrain. In this post, we’ll explore her thoughts on meaningful communication, the role of personal experience in counseling, and how to foster a supportive environment for families in need.
Key words: genetic counseling, living well, meaning, resilience, uncertainty, patient experience, psychosocial support, healthcare, mental health, genetic diagnosis
 
Key Takeaways:
The importance of walking alongside families through unknowns
Integrating personal lived experience into clinical practice
Making meaning of challenging news and decisions
The role of hope, resilience, and living well
 
Guest Bio:
Anna is a board certified genetic counselor at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, specializing in pediatric neurogenetics. She graduated from The Johns Hopkins/National Institutes of Health Genetic Counseling Training program. She is also an associate professor, guest lecturer, student mentor, and published research author.
She is passionate about supporting families in living well no matter their or their child’s diagnosis through uncovering what is meaningful to them, holding onto their strengths, and recognising their freedom and responsibility amidst life’s unexpected challenges.
Anna has received training in a range of counseling methods and frequently incorporates logotherapy into her practice. In 2020, Anna was nominated by a patient for the esteemed Heart of Genetic Counseling Award.
She is also a cancer survivor and parent to a child with developmental and behavioral delays, which has profoundly shaped how she cares for the families she sees.
 
Resources:
“Man’s Search for Meaning” book by Viktor Frankl
What is logotherapy?
Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you
 
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

Therapeutic Abortion Explained: Heartbeat Laws, Genetic Testing, and Hard Decisions

In this conversation, Kate talks to Shannon Wieloch about the complexities surrounding therapeutic abortions, particularly in the context of heartbeat laws and genetic counseling. They explore the emotional and medical implications of these decisions, the role of genetic testing, and the impact of legislation on patient care. Shannon shares her experiences working with patients facing difficult choices in wanted pregnancies, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in these situations. 
Keywords: abortion, therapeutic abortion, heartbeat laws, genetic counseling, patient care, emotional support, healthcare legislation, prenatal care, reproductive rights
 
Key Takeaways:
The emotional weight of decisions surrounding pregnancy choices is profound.
Heartbeat laws often prioritize legal definitions over medical realities.
Genetic testing can provide crucial information but is not always necessary.
Patients often face significant emotional and financial burdens when seeking care.
Legislation can complicate access to necessary medical procedures.
Many patients feel isolated in their experiences of making pregnancy decisions.
 
Guest Bio: Shannon M. Wieloch, MS, CGC, is a board-certified genetic counselor with more than 24 years of clinical and industry experience across reproductive, prenatal, infertility, and genomic medicine. She currently serves as Director of Genetic Counseling at Fairfax Cryobank and is the founder of Stork Genetics, LLC, where she provides patient-centered genetic counseling.
Shannon has served in senior clinical, product, and program management roles at Genome Medical, Mayo Clinic, CooperGenomics, and major academic medical centers. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed and professional publications, blog posts, and educational resources, and has regularly contributed to national conferences, podcasts, and professional committees within the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Here are more resources related to today’s topic:
Links to Shannon’s pages:
https://www.facebook.com/storkgenetic/
https://www.instagram.com/storkgenetics/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stork-genetics
“What You Need to Know About ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Bills” by Madison Feller, Elle, published May 7, 2019
“Doctors’ organization: calling abortion bans ‘fetal heartbeat bills’ is misleading” from The Guardian
Center for Reproductive Rights
National Network of Abortion Funds
Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com
 
Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com
 
Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.
 
The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.