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

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/