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Podcast Episode

CRISPR, Consumer DNA Tests, and the Future of Mental Health with Kira Dineen - #51

The Neurostimulation Podcast··7 September 2026·57 min

About this episode

CRISPR, Consumer DNA Tests, and the Future of Mental Health with Kira DineenIn this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Kira Dineen — certified genetic counselor, host of *DNA Today* (a genetics podcast running nearly 14 years), and founder of the Gene Pool Media podcast network — for a wide-ranging conversation on genetics, mental health, and the ethics of emerging technology.Timestamps:- 16:57 – Introduction and Kira's 14-year podcasting journey- 19:22 – What genetic counseling actually is- 25:29 – The emotional and psychological side of genetic counseling- 32:19 – Consumer DNA testing: benefits and blind spots- 38:30 – CRISPR explained, and the first FDA-approved treatment for sickle cell- 45:52 – The 2018 embryo-editing controversy and germline ethics- 52:28 – Genetics, mental health, and the "marble jar" analogy- 57:20 – Career advice for aspiring genetic counselors- 1:02:07 – Lessons on communicating complex science- 1:04:36 – The future of genetics and AI's role in diagnosisResources mentioned:- DNA Today — Kira's genetics podcast- Gene Pool Media — science podcast network founded by Kira- Hidden Valley Road (book) / Six Schizophrenic Brothers (HBO documentary)- National Society of Genetic CounselorsConnect with Kira Dineen:- Podcast: DNA Today https://dnapodcast.com/gene- Network: Gene Pool Media https://www.genepoolmedia.com/