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DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Von: Kira Dineen Gene Pool Media
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Discover New Advances in the world of genetics, from technology like CRISPR to rare diseases to new research. For over a decade, multi-award winning podcast ”DNA Today” has brought you the voices of leaders in genetics. Host Kira Dineen brings her genetics expertise to interview geneticists, genetic counselors, patient advocates, biotech leaders, researchers, and more.

***Best 2020, 2021, and 2022 Science and Medicine Podcast Award Winner***

Learn more (and stream all 365+ episodes) at DNAtoday.com. You can contact the show at info@DNAtoday.com.

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  • #368 Mock Prenatal Genetic Counseling Session: Increased Nuchal Translucency
    Nov 21 2025
    This is our fifth installment in our Mock Genetic Counseling Session Series! In this episode, prenatal genetic counselor Brittany Gancarz and student Victoria Russo perform a mock genetic counseling session. The session indication is an abnormal ultrasound finding of an increased nuchal translucency. This session was recorded in-person, providing a more dynamic and engaging learning experience therefore, we highly recommend watching it on YouTube to fully immerse yourself in the interaction. We hope this series is helpful for prospective and current genetic counseling students, as well as the general public, by demystifying the genetic counseling process. Understanding how these sessions work can empower individuals and provide valuable educational insights into this critical healthcare service. The Actors: Victoria Russo (she/her) is currently in her second and final year in the Human Genetics Program at Sarah Lawrence College training to be a genetic counselor. Russo is a graduate of Northeastern University with a B.S. in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology. The premise of this mock case was Russo’s work as part of her internship with DNA Today. Brittany Gancarz, MS, LCGC (she/her) practices as the lead prenatal genetic counselor at UConn Health, where she sees patients for a wide variety of pregnancy and preconception indications. She enjoys working as part of the healthcare team with many other skilled professionals in the Maternal Fetal Medicine department. Gancarz’s genetic counseling interests include prenatal diagnosis, cell-free DNA testing, carrier screening, ultrasound anomalies, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and perinatal palliative care. Gancarz is on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Genetic Counselor Association. She was awarded Bay Path University's Genetic Counseling Program’s Outstanding Clinical Supervisor of the Year. Brittany graduated from Colby College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Biology and minoring Creative Writing, and completed her master’s degree in Human Genetics at the Joan H. Marks Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College. Mock Cardiac Genetic Counseling Session Outline Session Indication: The patient is Kylie who is a 29 year old female who is experiencing her first pregnancy (G1P0). She is currently 13 weeks gestation and on her last ultrasound had an increased nuchal translucency measurement (3.7 mm), so her OB/GYN referred her to a genetic counselor. Contracting Brittany introduces herself as the genetic counselor and confirms the referral reason.The patient, Kylie, shares her understanding of the ultrasound findings and her lack of knowledge about genetic counseling. Explanation of Ultrasound Findings Discussion of the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement and its implications.Explanation of the potential genetic conditions associated with increased NT. Screening and Testing Options Overview of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and its capabilities.Discussion of diagnostic testing options: CVS and amniocentesis, including their procedures, risks, and timing. Family History and Genetic Concerns Exploration of family history for genetic conditions or concerns.Discussion of Factor V Leiden and its implications. Decision-Making and Next Steps Discussion of the patient's feelings and decision-making process regarding testing.Planning for screening tests and follow-up consultations. Conclusion Recap of the session and reassurance provided to the patient.Information on how to reach out with further questions and the plan for future appointments. Relevant Reproductive Genetic DNA Today Episodes: Episode #224 Single-Gene Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) with BillionToOne Episode #225 Fetal Antigen Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) with BillionToOne Episode #270 Embryo and Miscarriage Genetic Testing with Kelly Loggenberg Episode #348 NIPT Beyond the Basics: Screening for Single-Gene Conditions Previous installments of our Mock Genetic Counseling Session series: Episode #311: Cancer Session for Breast and Prostate Cancer Family History Episode #317: Prenatal Session for Advanced Maternal Age Episode #331: Pediatric Session for Autism Episode #351: Cardio Session for Sudden Death of A Family Member Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this mock genetic counseling session is intended strictly for educational purposes and should not be used for personal medical decision-making. If you have questions or concerns about your health, we encourage you to consult directly with a certified genetic counselor who can provide tailored medical recommendations. If you are in the United States, you can find a genetic counselor near you by visiting FindAGeneticCounselor.com. Stay tuned for an international genetic provider directory. Connect With Us: Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh ...
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    37 Min.
  • #367 “Gods and Genes”: A Podcast Exploring Science & Spirituality
    Nov 14 2025
    Science and religion don’t have to be in conflict. In this special crossover, we premiere the pilot episode of “Gods and Genes”, a new brand podcast in the Gene Pool Media network hosted by Amber Sher, MS, CGC. Our host Kira Dineen interviews Amber about the conversations that emerge when genomics meets spirituality, from how clinicians respectfully engage with patients’ beliefs to how our own worldviews shape care at the bedside. Amber shares her personal background growing up in a religiously mixed home (Christian/atheist), her journey through deconstruction and back to a post-deconstruction Christian identity, and why that lived experience drew her to study religion and spirituality in genetic counseling for her graduate capstone at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI). With training in genetic counseling and a background shaped by a religiously mixed upbringing, Amber brings a unique perspective on how to navigate questions of faith in medical settings. Be sure to subscribe to Gods and Genes on your podcast app, here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes exploring belief, meaning, and medicine. Episode Topics Discussed: Why this show, why now: The vision for Gods and Genes and the gap it fills in clinical education and patient care.Science + spirituality as complements: Curiosity, mystery, and how questions in science and faith can productively coexist.Amber’s path: Growing up with Christian and atheist parents, deconstruction, and how that shapes her clinical stance today.Inside the capstone study: What genetic counselors report hearing from patients about faith/spirituality, and how prepared they feel.Key finding: Providers’ perceived helpfulness in faith-related conversations did not differ by their own religiosity, spirituality, affiliation, or years of experience, suggesting this is a trainable skill.Practical language clinicians can use:Validating statements (“It sounds like your faith is important in this decision…”)Reflective summaries to check understandingThoughtful reframing that integrates beliefs with medical options (and knowing when to refer to chaplaincy) When beliefs and recommendations diverge: Staying non-directive, exploring assumptions, and correcting myths (e.g., privacy/HIPAA concerns).Partners in care: Why clergy (e.g., rabbis in Orthodox communities) are often medical advocates, not adversaries, and how to collaborate.Common misconceptions, both ways:Among clinicians about “what clergy do” and whether to invite them inAmong faith communities about what genetic counselors do beyond prenatal care Invitations to the community: Amber seeks conversations with religious scholars, non-religion/unbelief researchers, chaplains, clinicians, and patients willing to share how belief (or non-belief) shaped their care. Correction: Around 12 minutes and 30 seconds into the episode (varies depending if you are consuming the audio or video version), Amber shares that in every session religion/spirituality comes up, she meant to say every rotation she went through, not with every patient. Key Takeaways: Patients raise spiritual or religious concerns more often than many trainees expect; be ready, not reactive.You don’t need to be religious to be helpful; skills can be learned (validation, reflection, collaboration).Not every visit needs a spiritual history, follow the patient’s lead.Chaplains, rabbis, clergy etc. can be allies who understand medical contexts and patient values.Thoughtful reframing (when appropriate) can align faith commitments with evidence-based options without being directive. Relevant Resources: Religion On the Mind podcast hosted by Dan Koch (Spotify, Apple, and Substack) "Utterly Humbled by Mystery" by Father Richard RohrRob Bell on Spirituality and MysteryRicheimer N, Wilson K, Petrasek A, Weiner J. Emunas Chachamim (faith in the sages): A prenatal genetic counseling needs assessment of Orthodox Jewish clergy in Los Angeles. J Genet Couns. 2024 Oct;33(5):1045-1058. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1816. Epub 2023 Oct 25. PMID: 37877233.Thompson AB, Cragun D, Sumerau JE, Cragun RT, De Gifis V, Trepanier A. "Be Prepared if I Bring It Up:" Patients' Perceptions of the Utility of Religious and Spiritual Discussion During Genetic Counseling. J Genet Couns. 2016 Oct;25(5):945-56. doi: 10.1007/s10897-015-9922-9. Epub 2016 Jan 13. PMID: 26758255. Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode: #306 NIH’s Dr. Francis Collins’ Leadership in the Human Genome Project and COVID-19 Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network Gods and Genes is the newest show on science podcast network, Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to all the podcasts in our network, you should check them via the links below! RealPharmaBeyond The Thesis with Papa PhDDNA DialoguesIt Happened To MeAll Access DNA#ThroughTheGenesDemystifying GeneticsPhenoTips Speaker Series ...
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    47 Min.
  • #366 Inside NSGC 2025: Entrepreneurship, Career Growth, & Genetic Counseling Trends
    Nov 10 2025
    We’re back from the 44th National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Annual Conference, which took place this year in scenic Seattle, Washington! Between the waterfront views, lively poster sessions, and packed educational symposia, the energy was electric as genetic counselors and industry partners came together to celebrate the progress and future of our field. This marks the 7th year in a row that DNA Today has produced an NSGC recap episode, and it continues to be our favorite conference of the year (shhh don’t tell the others). Our host Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM, spent the week attending sessions, reconnecting with past guests and sponsors, and meeting so many listeners in person (thank you to everyone who stopped to say hello!). In this episode we conduct a few in-person lightning interviews featuring attendees of the conference highlighting their favorite sessions and what they learned. Attendees featured include Grace Drew, Celine Belekdanian, Sofia Sheikh, Cristina Liriano Cepin, and Kim Ta. Kira Dineen was one of six panelists for the preconference workshop, “Think Big, Start Small: A Practical Guide to Entrepreneurship”. After it wrapped she caught up with Kate Wilson to reflect on entrepreneurship as a career path for genetic counselors. Kate Wilson was the session coordinator and moderator. Kate’s two podcasts All Access DNA and DNA Dialogues are housed under our science podcast network, Gene Pool Media. Relevant Resources: NSGC Professional Status Survey (PSS) DNA Dialogues, Journal of Genetic Counseling’s Podcast All Access DNA Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode: #232 Entrepreneurship in Genetics with Matt Tschirgi #302 DNA Dialogues: Gender-Affirming Terminology and Hereditary Cancer Care #307 NSGC 2024 Recap Curious about other NSGC conferences? We have recapped the last seven years of conferences including 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Don't forget to mark your calendars! The 45th NSGC Annual Conference is happening next year in Baltimore, MD from November 10-14, 2025. We are already excited to eat lots of crab cakes with fellow genetic counselors. What’s next on our conference schedule? We will be in New Hampshire for NERGG December 4th and 5th. Our host Kira Dineen will be presenting about how to utilize social and digital media in advocacy efforts. Check out the agenda here and register here, and if you are a student you get 50% off! Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 350 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM. Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.
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    23 Min.
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