Demystifying Genetics

Host Matt speaks with Dr. Patrick Short, scientist and CEO of Sano Genetics, about building a patient-centered genomics company, the challenges of designing and recruiting for clinical trials, and the evolving role of diagnostics in precision medicine.

They discuss Short’s research into non-coding DNA, the practical and ethical questions around predictive and newborn screening, gene therapy prospects, and lessons from his personal ...

Dr. Aideen McInerney-Leo explores hereditary melanoma (CDKN2A), diagnostic disclosure in Turner syndrome, mainstreaming genomics, gene therapy, and the expanding role of genetic counsellors in research and patient care.

Through clinical stories, family perspectives and practical takeaways on testing and screening, this episode highlights how research and clear communication improve outcomes — with a personal note on the therapeutic...

Host Matt chats with American genetic counsellor Dr Lisa Schwartz about the evolving professional identity of genetic counsellors, the role of networking and qualitative research (including authors' positionality), and how clinical training translates into lab, policy and education roles.

They also swap stories about travel, outdoor winery concerts, Stevie Nicks, their dogs, and advances in genetics such as Duchenne research, while...

Host Matt Burgess interviews Gidon Schwartz from Jnetics, a UK charity offering pre-conception carrier screening and partnering with the NHS to increase access to BRCA and carrier testing for people with Jewish ancestry.

They discuss why ancestry matters for certain recessive conditions, how testing and outreach have evolved, ethical and identity challenges around asking about ethnicity, and where to find resources and genetic coun...

Host Matt Burgess interviews genetic counsellor and content creator Dena Goldberg (Dena DNA) about her path from clinical genetics to social media, her work educating the public on Lynch syndrome and cancer genetics, and how storytelling makes complex science accessible.

The episode also covers Dena’s personal experiences with infertility and an undiagnosed medical condition, her tips for self-advocacy in healthcare, and how authen...

Genetic counsellor Matt talks with Devin Shuman, a fellow genetic counsellor and rare-disease patient, about her family’s diagnosis of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, the long diagnostic odyssey from muscle biopsy to a candidate gene discovery, and the realities of genetic testing. Devin discusses the process of a disease causing variant in GUK1 being identified. 

They also explore how mito affects day-to-day life, the promis...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Demystifying Genetics, hosted by Matt Burgess. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) with Dr. Peter Critchley, who himself is affected by this genetic condition. The conversation uncovers the nuances of CMT, focusing on CMT1A - the specific gene in Peter's family.

Peter shares insights into how this hereditary peripheral neuropathy affects variou...

Join host Matt as he engages in a captivating conversation with his guest, American genetic counselor Erica Ramos. In this episode of Demystifying Genetics, Erica shares insights into her favorite gene, the HFE gene, associated with hereditary hemochromatosis. Their discussion delves into the evolution of understanding this condition and the importance of prevention and proactive health measures.

The episode also explores the diver...

In the season finale of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt is joined by fellow genetic counselor and podcaster, Kate Wilson, the voice behind All Access DNA. They delve into the evolving landscape of genetic counseling, exploring Kate's personal journey from rural beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for equitable access to clinical genetics. This episode highlights the disparities within healthcare systems, the importance of...

In this episode of "Demystifying Genetics," host Matt Burgess speaks with English research genetic counsellor Joshua Nolan. They explore topics such as the underrepresentation of males in genetic counselling, the intricacies of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and the symbiosis between clinical and research work in genetics. Joshua shares his insights into the professional challenges and personal experiences that shape his appro...

This episode of the "Demystifying Genetics" podcast features an insightful conversation with Ahmed-Sherrif Kanvela Yussif, one of the first genetic counsellors in Ghana. Host Matt Burgess delves into Ahmed's pioneering journey, exploring the role of genetic counseling in Ghana's healthcare system and its impact on public health, particularly regarding sickle cell disease. Ahmed shares his inspiring transition from teaching to genet...

Join host Matt, a seasoned genetic counselor, as he delves into the evolving world of clinical genetics in the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics. With guest Jaime Jessen-Brown, a genetic counselor based in Toronto, Canada, this podcast episode explores their shared journey from studying in Newcastle, Australia, to Jaime's diverse career path.

Jaime shares insights from her experience transitioning from a prenatal clinic to a ...

Join Matt Burgess in this episode of Demystifying Genetics as he sits down with Dr. Kylie Morgan, a genetic counsellor from Melbourne, to explore the emerging field of polygenic risk scores. Discover how this new form of genetic testing is shaping clinical practices in both Australia and the United States.

Learn about the personal experiences of genetic counsellors, Matt and Kylie, as they discuss the intricacies of genetic testin...

Lauren Giannetti-Sferrazza, a genetic counselor from New Jersey, shares her journey transitioning from clinical practice to industry and discusses the evolution of genetic counseling roles. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights into balancing professional responsibilities and personal experience as a pregnant genetic counselor preparing for childbirth. • Clinical burnout as a catalyst for moving to industry positions • ...

Professor Marion McAllister shares the fascinating journey of developing the Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale, a groundbreaking tool that measures patient empowerment rather than just anxiety reduction. We explore how this simple questionnaire transformed genetic counselling assessment worldwide and evolved to meet changing healthcare needs. • Creating the first standardised measure for genetic counselling outcomes based on patie...

Scott Weissman shares his journey of building a telehealth genetic counseling private practice, discussing the challenges of insurance contracts, licensing across states, and adapting to technological changes in cancer genetics. • Opened private practice in 2016 as a side business, now seeing 15-20 patients weekly • Despite having licenses in 25-26 states, establishing insurance contracts remains a major obstacle • Pivoted to 100%...

Matt sits down with Angela Arnold-Ross, an Australian genetic counsellor living in New Jersey, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about professional resilience and personal growth in the field of genetic counselling. • Sharing the experience of being laid off after 15 years and the emotional impact of unexpected job loss • The stages of grief following a career disruption and how writing became therapeutic • Using networking ...

Dr. Laura Yeates shares her journey as a cardiac genetic counsellor specialising in inherited heart diseases and supporting families affected by sudden cardiac death. We explore her recent PhD research on developing support interventions for these families and discuss the importance of wellbeing for genetic counselling professionals. • Cardiac genetic counselling focuses on inherited cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias • Dr. Yeates c...