About the NSGC Podcast Series

The NSGC Podcast Series explores leading voices and best practices in genetic counseling in an easy, on-the-go format for NSGC members. Episodes are released bi-monthly. Podcast materials and episodes will be added to the respective year's podcast page as they are made available.

Where You Can Listen

Search for the "NSGC Podcast Series" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

2022 Podcast Series

July: Advocating for the Intersex Community: How to Begin Dismantling a History of Harm

About 2% of people are diagnosed as intersex, but there is a lack of research on the experiences of intersex people, especially in the genetic counseling field. Podcast Subcommittee members Liann Jimmons and Jessica Dronen interview genetic counselors Darius Haghighat, Kayla Horowitz, and Rebecca Freeman about their research and advocacy for the intersex community. We hope this conversation will help our listeners advocate for and empower the intersex community through their work. Click here for additional resources on this important topic.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

April: New Directions in Newborn Screening: Krabbe and Beyond

NSGC Podcast Subcommittee members Ryan Kuehl, Liann Jimmons, and Jessica Dronen discuss the implications for healthcare systems and the role of genetic counselors in an evolving newborn screening landscape with Dr. Debra Lynn Day-Salvatore, MD, PhD, FAAP, FACMG; Amy Gaviiglio, MS, CGC; and Laiken Peterson, MS, LCGC. This episode discusses the Journal of Genetic Counseling (JoGC) article "A qualitative assessment of parental experiences with false-positive newborn screening for Krabbe disease" and is part of the JoGC CEU program.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

February: Heart Health Advocacy: Patient and Provider Perspectives

Welcome to season 5 of the NSGC Podcast Series! We are kicking off the 2022 season with a discussion on cardiogenetics to honor American Heart Month. Join Podcast Subcommittee members Naomi Wagner and Mary Pat Bland, cardiovascular genetic counselor Nadine Channaoui, MS, CGC, and patients Rebecca, Abby, and Theresa as they share their personal and professional stories of FLNC gene mutation and the associated increased risks for sudden cardiac arrest. Our speakers are passionate advocates for increasing heart health awareness, including CPR and AED training. To learn more and locate resources in your area, please visit the American Heart Association at heart.org.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

2022 Podcast Subcommittee Members

Naomi Wagner, MS, CGC, Subcommittee Chair

Ryan Kuehl, MGC, LGC, Subcommittee Vice Chair

Mary Pat Bland, MS, CGC

Jessica Dronen, MS, LCGC

Liann Jimmons, MS, CGC

2021 Podcast Series

December: Fireside Chats with Mentors and Colleagues

To end 2021 on a lighter, more positive note, the members of the 2021 Podcast Subcommittee conducted one-on-one interviews with mentors and admired colleagues in the field of genetic counseling to discuss their accomplishments and aspirations for the future of the profession. Join us as Ryan Kuehl speaks with Shannan Dixon, Naomi Wagner meets with Michelle Fox, Rawan Awwad interviews Wendy Uhlmann, and Mary Pat Bland discusses with Karen Kovak.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

October: Access and Service Delivery: Changing the Conversation

Join Podcast Subcommittee member Ryan Kuehl in conversation with Emily Boothe and Brian Reys from NSGC's Access and Service Delivery Committee. Emily and Brian share personal experiences with service delivery challenges and innovations and advice for tackling these issues in your own workplace. This conversation draws on the Journal of Genetic Counseling (JoGC) article "Genetic counseling service delivery models: A study of genetic counselors’ interests, needs, and barriers to implementation", to which Emily was a contributing author. This episode is approved as part of the JoGC CEU program.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

Special Episode: J.E.D.I. - Next Steps After the Exeter Report Comment Period

In this special episode, Podcast Subcommittee Chair Naomi Wagner meets with NSGC Director at Large and liaison to the J.E.D.I Committee Jodie M. Vento and J.E.D.I Committee student member Brady Bunkleman to discuss comments received in response to the Exeter Report and next steps in NSGC's J.E.D.I. journey.

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August: Addressing Information Gaps in Sickle Cell Education

This episode addresses genetic counseling topics that relate to sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, discusses medical racism, and reviews the importance of accessible information and education related to sickle cell disease and sickle trait. Podcast Subcommittee member Mary Pat Bland meets with Dr. Tilicia Mayo-Gamble to discuss her Journal of Genetic Counseling (JoGC) article "Sickle cell carriers’ unmet information needs: Beyond knowing trait status", and Podcast Subcommittee Chair Naomi Wagner meets with Liann Jimmons to discuss her video “Introduction to Genetic Counseling: Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease”. This episode is approved as part of the JoGC CEU series.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

July: Genetic Testing and Social Media: Growing a Space for Genetic Counselors

Podcast Subcommittee member, Ryan Kuehl, interviews Dr. Corey Basch about her JoGC article "DNA testing information on YouTube: Inadequate advice can mislead and harm the public" and discusses genetic testing information and misinformation in online spaces with Ms. Ellen Matloff. Ryan and Podcast Subcommittee Chair, Naomi Wagner, discuss the implications for genetic counselors' presence on social media. This episode is approved for the JoGC CEU program.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

Special Episode: J.E.D.I. - NSGC & The Exeter Group Report

Podcast Subcommittee Chair, Naomi Wagner, meets with our former Chair and member of NSGC's J.E.D.I. Committee Khalida Liaquat to discuss how to engage with NSGC's Exeter Group Report. Make your voice heard during the open comment period, which will close on June 9, 2021!

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

May: Infertility from the Inside: Journeys of Loss & Hope

In this episode our hosts Naomi, Rawan, and Mary Pat speak with Katie Hornberger, MS, CGC, Annabel Adams, and Melissa Strassberg, MS, CGC on their personal and professional experiences with infertility.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

February: Family Testing for VUS Reclassification: Family Member and Provider Perspectives

Welcome to the fourth season of the NSGC Podcast Series! In this episode, our hosts Naomi and Ryan speak with Dr. Brian Shirts and Courtney Kokenakes on family testing for VUS reclassification.

Listen to the Episode | Transcript

Listen to Past Podcasts

To access podcast episodes and materials from previous years, click the respective year(s) below.

2020 | 2019 | 2018

Podcast Subcommittee

Naomi Wagner, Chair
Rawan Awwad
Mary Pat Bland
Ryan Kuehl

Online Education Center

Job Connection

Awards and Grants