Demystifying Genetics
Episodes
Becoming a Genetic Counselor: Identity, Mentorship, and Belonging. Demystifying Genetics with Rachel Mills.
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess talks with Dr. Rachel Mills, a genetic counsellor and educator, about her PhD work on professional identity, how conferences and men...
From Navy Decks to Genetic Docs: One Man’s AFAP Journey. Demystifying Genetics with Dan Shockley (Favourite gene: APC).
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess speaks with Navy veteran Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley, who was diagnosed at 51 with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis after routi...
From Values to Gene Therapy: Leading the Future of Genetic Counselling. Demystifying Genetics with Sara Pizadeh - Miller. (Favourite gene: CDH1)
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess speaks with genetic counsellor and NSGC president Sarah Pizadeh‑Miller about her early research on values in genetic counselling, ...
Genetic Counsellors Take the Lead: From Mackenzie’s Mission to National Genomics. Demystifying Genetics with Kirsten Boggs
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Senior genetic counsellor Kirsten Boggs discusses building GCR Connect, the rise of genetic counsellor-led research, and lessons from Mackenzie’s Mi...
PGT Unpacked: Ethics, Linkage and Hard Choices in Reproductive Genetics. Demystifying Genetics with Erica Pai
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode host Matt Burgess speaks with Canadian genetic counsellor Erica Pai about pre‑implantation genetic testing (PGT). They discuss how P...
When Genes Meet Justice: Kidney Risk, Gene Therapy, and Community Care. Demystifying Genetics with Barbara Harrison
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess speaks with Assistant Professor Barbara Harrison of Howard University about APOL1-related kidney disease, sickle cell disease, and t...
When Genes Guide Care: BRCA, Rapid Testing and Real Choices. Demystifying Genetics with Mary-Anne Young (Favourite Genes BRCA1&2).
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Matt Burgess talks with Mary-Anne Young about the real-world impact of genomics on healthcare and genetic counselling. They cover BRCA1/2 history, ...
When Genes Meet Heart: Inside Cardiac Genomics. Demystifying Genetics with Jodie Ingles (Favourite Gene: MYH7)
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess talks with Dr Jodie Ingles, a leading cardiac genetic counsellor and researcher, about inherited heart conditions, supporting famili...
Huntington’s Unlocked: Ethics, Exclusion Testing & New Gene Therapies. Demystifying Genetics with Sandra Peacock (Favourite Gene: HTT).
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Genetic counsellors Matt and Sandra explore Huntington disease, prenatal and lab-based testing ethics, and how lab genetic counsellors act as gatekeep...
From Mistake to Mastery: A Genetic Counsellor’s Story. Demystifying Genetics with Rachel Vanneste (Favourite gene SHH)
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess talks with Canadian genetic counsellor Rachel Vanneste about lessons learned from early-career mistakes, the unexpected charm of the...
Telehealth, Mainstreaming & the Modern Counsellor. Demystifying Genetics with Dawn Allain. (Favourite gene - GNAS)
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess speaks with Dawn Allain, a genetic counsellor and leader at Ohio State University, about how genetic counselling has evolved. They d...
Reinventing Clinical Trials: How Sano Genetics Puts Patients First
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt speaks with Dr. Patrick Short, scientist and CEO of Sano Genetics, about building a patient-centered genomics company, the challenges of des...
Hidden Codes: Hereditary Melanoma, CDKN2A and the Families Behind the Genes
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Aideen McInerney-Leo explores hereditary melanoma (CDKN2A), diagnostic disclosure in Turner syndrome, mainstreaming genomics, gene therapy, and th...
Who Is a Genetic Counsellor? Redefining Identity in Genomics
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt chats with American genetic counsellor Dr Lisa Schwartz about the evolving professional identity of genetic counsellors, the role of network...
Jewish Ancestry & Genetics: Carrier Screening, Community and Choice
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess interviews Gidon Schwartz from Jnetics, a UK charity offering pre-conception carrier screening and partnering with the NHS to increa...
From Clinic to TikTok: Dena DNA’s Journey Demystifying Genetics
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Matt Burgess interviews genetic counsellor and content creator Dena Goldberg (Dena DNA) about her path from clinical genetics to social media, he...
Living with CMT: Finding Answers in the SORD Gene
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Matt Burgess interviews Darryl Beitsch about his lifelong experience with Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth (CMT) and the late discovery that hi...
‘Powerhouse’ Lives: A Genetic Counselor’s Journey Through Mitochondrial Disease (GUK1)
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Genetic counsellor Matt talks with Devin Shuman, a fellow genetic counsellor and rare-disease patient, about her family’s diagnosis of mitochondrial...
Unraveling Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT): A Journey Through Generations. Demystifying Genetics and CMT1A with Peter Critchley
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Demystifying Genetics, hosted by Matt Burgess. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Charcot-Mari...
Genetic Ventures: From Counseling to Entrepreneurship. Demystifying genetics with Erica Ramos (Favourite gene - HFE Hereditary Hemochromatosis)
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Matt as he engages in a captivating conversation with his guest, American genetic counselor Erica Ramos. In this episode of Demystifying Gen...
From Rural Roots to Genetic Advocate. Demystifying Genetics with Kate Wilson.
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the season finale of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt is joined by fellow genetic counselor and podcaster, Kate Wilson, the voice behind All Access...
Inside Genetic Counselling: Navigating Direct-to-Consumer Testing and Research. Demystifying Genetics with Joshua Nolan
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Demystifying Genetics," host Matt Burgess speaks with English research genetic counsellor Joshua Nolan. They explore topics such a...
Pioneering Genetics in Ghana: A Groundbreaking Journey. Demystifying Genetics with Ahmed-Sherrif Kanvela Yussif
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the "Demystifying Genetics" podcast features an insightful conversation with Ahmed-Sherrif Kanvela Yussif, one of the first genetic co...
Genetic Counseling Unwrapped: A Deep Dive. Demystifying Genetics with Jaime Jessen-Brown
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Matt, a seasoned genetic counselor, as he delves into the evolving world of clinical genetics in the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics...
Unraveling Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) in Genetics. Demystifying Genetics with Kylie Morgan
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Genetic Counseling Is Evolving Beyond Hospital Walls. Demystifying Genetics with Lauren Giannetti Sferrazza
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren Giannetti-Sferrazza, a genetic counselor from New Jersey, shares her journey transitioning from clinical practice to industry and discusses the...
Beyond Genes: Can We Truly Measure the Impact of Genetic Counselling? Demystifying Genetics with Marion McAllister
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Marion McAllister shares the fascinating journey of developing the Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale, a groundbreaking tool that measures pa...
What Happens When You Become Your Own Boss in Genetic Counseling? Demystifying Genetics with Scott Weissman.
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Weissman shares his journey of building a telehealth genetic counseling private practice, discussing the challenges of insurance contracts, lice...
Resilience After Redundancy: A Genetic Counsellor’s Journey; Demystifying Genetics with Angela Arnold Ross
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt sits down with Angela Arnold-Ross, an Australian genetic counsellor living in New Jersey, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about professio...
Inherited Hearts and Healing Minds: A Cardiac GC’s Journey. Demystifying Genetics with Laura Yeates
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Laura Yeates shares her journey as a cardiac genetic counsellor specialising in inherited heart diseases and supporting families affected by sudde...
From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Sarah Powell on Inherited Cancer and BRCA1. Demystifying Genetics with Sarah Powell
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Powell, CEO of Inherited Cancers Australia, shares her journey from triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 29 to discovering her BRCA1 m...
Beyond BRCA: Bringing Polygenic Risk into Primary Care. Demystifying Genetics with Sibel Saya
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Matt Burgess interviews genetic counsellor and researcher Dr. Sibel Saya about integrating genetic testing into primary healthcare settings, focus...
Decoding Risk: Understanding Polygenic Risk Scores in Modern Medicine. Demystifying Genetics with Erica Spaeth
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode dives into polygenic risk testing, exploring how genetic data can inform healthcare strategies. We discuss the complexities of communicat...
Beyond the Science: The Emotional Work of Genetic Counselling. Demystifying Genetics with Gillian Hooker
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an insightful discussion that delves into the intricacies of genetic counseling through the lens of our guest, Dr. Gillian Hooker. We expl...
Living in the Shadow of Huntington Disease & the HTT gene. Demystifying Genetics with Kathy Langley
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kathy Langley opens up about her family's struggles with Huntington disease, sharing her personal journey from the silent pain of knowing her father's...
Podcasting, Patients, and the Power of Story in Genetics. Demystifying Genetics with Kira Dineen
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kira Dineen shares her transformative journey from a curious teenager to an award-winning genetic counselor and podcaster. The conversation explores t...
MTHFR and Misunderstandings: Counselling Through Confusion. Demystifying Genetics with Sarah Long
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features a conversation with genetic counsellor Sarah Long, who shares her insights into non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and its imp...
ClinVar, Controversy, and the Case for Change at Myriad Genetics. Demystifying Genetics with Susan Manley
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Myriad Genetics has had a contentious reputation, especially amongst the genetic counseling community in North America. This is mainly due to Myriad's...
Pedigrees, Pronouns, and Progress: Shaping Inclusive Genetics Tools with TrakGene. Demystifying Genetics with Kathryn van Diemen
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're thrilled to welcome Kathryn van Diemen, a data aficionado turned genetic counsellor, who shares her captivating journey and current role at Trac...
More Than a Degree: Creating Space for Growth in Genetic Counselling Education. Demystifying Genetics with Alison McEwen
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Experience the gratifying journey of Dr. Alison McEwen, a pioneer in genetic counseling, and the current president of the Human Genetics Society of Au...
At the Crossroads of Discovery: Genetics, Ethics, and the Story of Chopra-Amiel-Gordon syndrome (ANKRD17 gene).Demystifying Genetics with Maya Chopra
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In an engaging exploration of genetics, join me as I converse with the distinguished Dr. Maya Chopra of Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's H...
Where Law Meets the Genome: Genetic Counselling, Human Rights, and Public Health Ethics. Demystifying Genetics with Julia Mansour
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare to be immersed in the intriguing world of genetic counseling as we navigate its intersection with law, policy, and public health, with our est...
From Chromosomes to Chapters: The Journey of a Genetic Educator. Demystifying Genetics with Janice Berliner
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get set for an enlightening journey into genetics and writing with the remarkable Janice Berliner. Our conversation traverses her career evolution fro...
Alfie, Academia, and the Art of Genetic Counseling Research. Demystifying Genetics with Laura Forrest
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the captivating world of genetic counseling with Laura Forrest, a respected academic and associate genetic counsellor all the way from Melbour...
Demystifying Genetics with Pilar Magoulas
27 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode of season 2 of Demystifying Genetics I chat with Chief Genetic Counselor Pilar Magoulas from Texas, USA. This is my first episo...
Demystifying Genetics with Elly Lynch
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hello! I've returned with my podcast Demystifying Genetics. In this return pod I talk to senior genetic counsellor Elly Lynch. Elly and I discuss gene...
Demystifying Genetics for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week
02 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week is Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness and I was lucky enough to have three fabulous guests on Demystifying Genetics. First Guest...
Demystifying Genetics with Mike Field
19 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this ninth Demystifying Genetics podcast I discuss Fragile X and other conditions of learning disability with Dr Mike Field, Consultant Clinical Ge...
Demystifying Genetics with John Conaghan
30 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a podcast all about Huntington disease (HD). Joining me in this podcast is Senior Social Worker John Conaghan. I love all my guests and lov...
Demystifying Genetics with Martin Delatycki
29 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Prof Martin Delatycki joins me for this podcast. Martin is a clinical geneticist in Melbourne, Australia. He works clinically, but also has a strong r...
Demystifying Genetics with Kristine Barlow - Stewart
14 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast I was lucky enough to speak to Kristine Barlow – Stewart. Kris has been a genetic counsellor in Australia for many years. Kris is hi...
Demystifying Genetics with Lucinda Freeman
30 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Lucinda is a fabulous genetic counsellor who I was lucky enough to study with back in 2004. Lucinda was granted a Churchill Fellowship in 2016. She sp...
Demystifying Genetics with Jane Tiller
16 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Demystifying Genetics with Jane Tiller This podcast can be accessed via Apple iTunes Podcasts at https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/demystifying-gene...
Demystifying Genetics with Yasmin Bylstra
02 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I had the pleasure of catching up with Genetic Counsellor Yasmin in this latest podcast. Yasmin discussed many issues related to genetic counselling i...
Demystifying Genetics with Ron Fleischer
20 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It was a pleasure having Ron as my first guest on my podcast. We covered many topics including Ron's private genetic counselling practice in Sydney, A...
Demystifying Genetics with Matt Burgess
18 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first podcast in a series called Demystifying Genetics where I, Matt Burgess, Genetic Counsellor am interviewed by my partner Daniel Goodf...