The Positive Gene Podcast
Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we empower those navigating hereditary cancer risks with hope and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a hereditary cancer previvor living with Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 genetic mutations, this show offers a unique perspective on proactive well-being. Drawing on her own experiences and work as an advocate for FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Sara bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and the realities of life as a previvor. Through engaging discussions with experts, advocates, and fellow previvors and survivors, Sara simplifies the complexities of hereditary risk and provides insights that empower listeners to face challenges with confidence. With a background as a communications expert and storyteller, she creates a space where education meets inspiration, and science meets everyday life. Whether you’re managing genetic risk, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how genetics shape our health, this is your space to discover the transformative power of awareness and prevention. Subscribe now for a dose of empowerment in every episode. Visit www.positivegenepodcast.com to read the podcast blog, explore resources, or book Sara for your next speaking engagement!
Episodes
In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Maddie Williamson, a genetic counselor and BRCA1 carrier, joins host Sara Kavanaugh to discuss what it means to navigate hereditary cancer risk as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Maddie shares the challenges and insights that come with balancing genetic risk, identity, and access to care. The conversatio...
In this moving episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with author Tiffany Graham Charkosky, whose forthcoming memoir Living Proof: How Love Defied Genetic Legacy shares her deeply personal journey through Lynch Syndrome, family loss, and the power of love and resilience.
Tiffany reflects on how discovering her genetic risk reshaped her understanding of health, motherhood, and legacy and how she’s teachi...
Earlier this year, musician Peter Cornell — brother of the late Chris Cornell — received a diagnosis no man expects: breast cancer. Testing revealed he carries a CHEK2 mutation, which increases the risk for breast, prostate, and other cancers.
In this raw and powerful conversation, Peter shares how his wife first discovered the tumor, his treatment experience at Vanderbilt, and the profound impact of genetic testing on his family. ...
Episode Overview
Season changes can stir up a lot - especially if you’re living with hereditary cancer risk. In this conversation, Lisa Jacobs shares her framework of “graceful grit” - meeting hard moments with both courage and softness. We talk scanxiety, decision fatigue, and how simple, repeatable practices (breath, micro-goals, ritual, curiosity) help you feel present and grounded before screenings and big health decisions.
Wha...
Summary In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh takes the mic on the road in London with Dr. Stefania Vicari and Dr. Hannah Ditchfield of the University of Sheffield. Together, they explore how research into social media is reshaping what we know about hereditary cancer, advocacy, and the very word previvor.
Why does this matter? Because our digital footprints tell powerful stories — and understanding them...
Episode Summary: In this Season 3 premiere of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Kristina Coccoluto — a BRCA1 previvor, Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher, and passionate advocate — to explore what it means to face genetic risk and still run forward with purpose.
Kristina shares her deeply personal journey: growing up surrounded by cancer, the emotional weight of testing and preventative surge...
In this insightful episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Dr. Brian Shirts, Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at Vanderbilt University and founder of ConnectMyVariant.org. Together, they explore the powerful potential of family-based genetic outreach as a pathway to preventing hereditary cancer.
Dr. Shirts shares the pivotal research discoveries and patient stories that...
Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Genetic Risk, and Breaking Barriers to Screening with Dr. Frederick Gandolfo, Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Host of The Real GI Doctor Show
Episode Overview: In this episode, we’re tackling a tough but critical topic—March's Colorectal Cancer Awareness, genetic risk factors like Lynch Syndrome, and why so many people delay or avoid screening. I sit down with Dr. Frederick Gandolfo, a practici...
Let’s take a moment to protect your peace.
I know it is difficult to continue showing up with resilience and purpose when facing uncertainty. Advocacy and action require strength, but strength comes from within. Yet we are facing relentless attacks on healthcare, research, and fundamental rights. It’s exhausting, and some days, it feels like too much.
But we cannot pour from an empty cup.
This meditation is my gift to you—my fello...
In this special in-person episode, Host Sara Kavanaugh visits the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, to speak with Dr. Tuya Pal, Principal Investigator of the ICARE Initiative. ICARE is a groundbreaking registry dedicated to improving access to hereditary cancer expertise, advancing research, and supporting patients and families with hereditary cancer risk.
Dr. Pal shares her inspiring journey into hereditary ...
In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Dr. Marleah Dean-Kruzel, a health communication expert, TEDx speaker, and BRCA2 previvor. Dr. Dean-Kruzel is not only a renowned professor of health communication but also a powerful advocate featured in the CDC's Bring Your Brave Breast Cancer Campaign.
Together, they discuss the art and science of effective communication—a vital skill for anyone navi...
Description: In this insightful episode, Host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Natalie Samson, Certified Genetic Counselor and founder of Golden Genetics, to discuss the power of integrative genetic counseling. Natalie shares her insights on combining traditional genetic testing with holistic health practices to manage health risks proactively. This episode is timely for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, shedding light on genetic fac...
In Season 2, Episode 8 of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara Kavanaugh welcomes Kathy Baker, founder of My Faulty Gene, for a powerful conversation about surviving hereditary cancer and the impact of genetic testing. Kathy shares her journey of facing cancer multiple times, the life-changing decision to pursue genetic testing, and her mission to help others manage their risk and access vital resources through her nonprofit.
This episo...
In this timely special episode, I set aside the usual format to talk sincerely about what’s at stake in Election 2024 for healthcare, women’s rights, and environmental protections. Drawing from my own experiences with miscarriages, hereditary cancer risks, and an environmental contamination, I share personal stories to highlight how the choices we make at the polls could impact access to compassionate, essential care for women and ...
In this episode, Sara holds a deeply engaging conversation with Krista Brown, a registered nurse, cancer prevention coach, and breast cancer survivor with an ATM genetic mutation. Krista’s journey goes beyond her medical expertise; it’s a mission driven by her personal story, relentless research, and a desire to help others navigate life with hereditary cancer risks.
Listen as Krista blends her professional knowledge with personal ...
Faith Over Fear: David Curtis on Overcoming Cancer’s Challenges Through Music and Spiritual Strength
In the latest episode of "The Positive Gene Podcast" titled "Thriving with Nutrition: The Role of Diet in Hereditary Cancer Risk with Oncology Dietician, Alison Tierney," we take a crash course on the crucial impact of diet and lifestyle on managing hereditary cancer risk.
Alison Tierney, a board-certified oncology dietitian and cancer thriver, shares her expertise and personal journey, emphasizing the transformative power of plant...
Join us for a heartfelt episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, where Marina Mukandala, an inspiring yoga teacher and CEO of L.I.F.E. with Marina, shares her transformative journey from anxiety to empowerment through yoga. In this episode, Marina opens up about how yoga not only helped her personally overcome intense anxiety but also how it has become a tool for empowering others. With deep insights into the mind-body connection, she...
In this season's second episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh navigates the complex world of genetics with special guest Morgan Wolfgang, a genetic counselor with a passion for hereditary cancer prevention. With expertise from Vanderbilt School of Medicine and a commitment to making genetic services accessible, Morgan shares invaluable insights into how understanding our genetic makeup can shape our healthcare c...
In this exciting kickoff to Season 2 of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh shares an enriching conversation with Wenora Johnson, the President of the FORCE* Board of Directors.
As a three-time cancer survivor and Lynch Syndrome advocate, Wenora shares her remarkable journey through adversity, the power of genetic awareness, and the transformative work of FORCE.
Highlighting Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day, this episode u...
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