DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

In DNA Dialogues we dive into the intricate world of genetic counseling research. Join us as we peel back the layers of groundbreaking articles from the Journal of Genetic Counseling, bringing you exclusive discussions with the authors themselves. Each episode sparks a vibrant exchange, exploring the latest discoveries, ethical dilemmas, and technological advances that are shaping the future of medical genetics. From navigating complex testing decisions to building trust with diverse communities, listen in as we unpack the science, challenge assumptions, and celebrate the human connection at the heart of genetic counseling research. So, grab your headphones, unravel the double helix, and prepare to be captivated by the array of voices in DNA Dialogues, a podcast where the blueprint of life meets intimate human conversation.

Episodes

October 1, 2026 • 57 mins

This episode explores genetic service delivery and various ways genetic counseling can be incorporated.

Segment 1: How to Reduce Time to Genetic Testing: A Video-Based Approach in the Inherited Cardiac Conditions Service

Guest Bios

Dr Lisa Bryson is a Clinical Genetics Registrar at the Centre for Genomic Medicine in Glasgow, with a background in paediatrics. She is due to complete her clinical genetics training shortly and will t...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Understanding the decision of parents to opt-out of medically actionable secondary findings offered through genome sequencing

Guest Bios:

Robin Hayeems is a Senior Scientist in Child Health Evaluative Sciences (CHES) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and an Associate Professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) at the University of Toronto. She is trained in genetic counselling public h...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, we are exploring innovative research methodologies in genetics, including narrative and visual methods, conversation analysis and body mapping. Our guests highlight using these methods to drive inclusive and diverse research as well as providing a more nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of families. 

Segment 1: Defining joy after a genetic diagnosis: A narrative inquiry

Guest Bio:

UNC Greensboro ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode of DNA Dialogues, we explore two innovative approaches to improving access to genetic testing and hereditary cancer care. First, Daniella Kamara and Mariana Niell Swiller discuss UCLA's GENETECA™ program, a point-of-care genetic testing model that integrates cancer genetic services directly into oncology clinics. In the second half of the episode, Tesla Theoryn discusses research examining why many people who expres...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Learn the importance of community engagement in intersex research from Louis Canavan and Bria Brown-King. Discover insights into how intersex voices shape prenatal screening conversations. It's crucial that research reflects the realities and needs of those being studied. When intersex perspectives are included, the findings are not only richer but also more relevant to the community.

Featured Article: Intersex community perspecti...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of predictive genetic testing in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from Dr. Jade Howard's recent study. Learn how it impacts decision-making and what it means for families.

Article: “Predictive genetic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Experiences of decision-making and engagement with UK genetic counseling services”

In this episode we discuss:

- The decisio...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode we are exploring 2 recent Journal of Genetic Counseling articles on the topic of insurance coverage and concerns about genetic discrimination.

Segment 1: Cardiovascular genetic counselor decision making about discussing life insurance with patients

Guest Bios:

Sara Cherny has almost 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor in the Chicagoland area, specializing in cardiovascular genetics for the past decade. Her...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Today’s episode explores two deeply human dimensions of genetic counseling- how we support families as they process complex genomic information over time and how people make meaning in the face of uncertainty. Both segments discuss how we can support people as they make sense of genetic information in their lives.

Segment 1: Putting control into parents' hands: Parent experiences with a genomic results e-booklet

Guest Bio:

...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode we are talking about uncertainty and risk along with patient preferences for communication.

Segment 1: The attitudes of individuals with or at risk of adult-onset genetic conditions on reproductive genetic testing: A systematic review

Shanice Allen is a PhD student from the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) at the University of Sheffield. The aim of her research is exploring the attitudes a...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

We are talking about submitting and publishing manuscripts in the Journal of Genetic Counseling! J9 Austin, the Editor-in-Chief, sits down to explain the process of review, tips for submitting and editing, and answers listener questions.

In this episode we discuss:

- A bonus episode with the Journal of Genetic Counseling editor-in-chief on why and how to publish research.

- How to choose a journal, write clearly, and navigate subm...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Today’s episode is about clinical genetic services. In the first segment, Khalida talks to authors Courtney and Jade about retention of patient-facing genetic counselors and how generational age and work environment influence retention. For the second segment, Khalida chats with Dr. Ba-Jaj about telegenetics in India, reviewing data from 3 years and almost 1000 cases!  

Segment 1: Factors influencing retention of p...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Today we are featuring two articles that relate to moving genetics into mainstream healthcare. In our first segment, we discuss polygenic risk scores and the transition from research to clinical use. Our second segment focuses on hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the triaging of clinical referrals. 

Segment 1: Readiness and leadership for the implementation of polygenic risk scores: Genetic healthcare providers' perspe...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Earlier this month, we celebrated Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day on November 13! In recognition of this, we are featuring 2 articles that explore professional issues in the field of genetic counseling. In our first segment, we talk to Dr. Rachel Mills about the professional identity of early-career genetic counselors and in the second segment, we speak to Dr. Laura Yeates about self care strategies in cardiovascular genetic cou...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The case for integrating genetic counselors into primary care:A paradigm shift for our profession

Natasha Berman (she/her) MA, MS, MPH, CGC is a clinical genetic counselor at the UPMC Department of Family Medicine who works within the primary care precision medicine clinic. She provides direct patient care to patients for a variety of indications. She has coauthored multiple textbook chapters covering family medicine genetic topic...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we talk with two authors who have papers featured in the special issue of the Journal of Genetic Counseling on Research Methods in Genetic Counseling. In the first segment we explore implementation science and its utilization in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. In our second segment, we talk to an author about retrospective chart reviews and the benefits and drawbacks of this methodology.

S...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

We are discussing perspective changes in neurology genetics with the crossover of the APOE gene in neuro and cardio as well as telehealth for neurology predictive testing.

Segment 1: Is it time for a paradigm shift? Inclusion of APOE  on genetic dyslipidemia panels.

Emily Brown is a certified genetic counselor at the Center for Inherited Heart Disease at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She graduated from the University of Maryland Ge...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we talk to two genetic counselors about their recent publications in a special edition of the Journal of Genetic Counseling focused on research methods in genetic counseling. First, Benjamin Helm delves into statistical approaches and discusses how transparency and honesty in research can lead to more meaningful scientific contributions. Then Kennedy Borle explores the challenges and benefits of integrating qualita...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we explore the motivations, findings, and clinical implications of a recent study examining patient understanding of the terms “sex” and “gender” in the context of prenatal testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). 

“Patient understanding of fetal sex versus gender in the context of routine cell-free DNA screening”

Mindy Kolodziejski (she/her) is a Senior...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode we are exploring two publications related to cancer care. In our first segment we talk to 2 authors about their research on genetic counselors and identification of patients for high-risk pancreatic cancer screening. In our second segment, Khalida interviews a genetic counselor about their study to evaluate surgical patient perspectives of genetic testing provided by a non-genetics professional. 

Segment 1: &ld...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode we feature 2 articles that explore hot topics in genetics as well as opportunities to improve patient care in honor of DNA Day on April 25. DNA day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project and the discovery of DNA’s double helix. Both of these studies utilize qualitative methodologies to highlight people’s experiences and share their stories.

Segment 1: Not Parent Expected” results t...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices