CODED: Genetics

Unfortunately and inaccurately, the phrase "incompatible with life" still shows up around trisomy 13 and trisomy 18, even as survival data, clinical experience, and professional guidance continue to evolve. We sit down with two leaders who have helped shape a more accurate and humane standard of care: Dr. John Carey, longtime clinical geneticist and SOFT co-founder, and Nick Holladay, pr...

The first seconds after a Down syndrome diagnosis can echo for a lifetime and the difference often comes down to a few words. We sit down with Carissa Carroll, founder of Jack’s Basket, and Lauren Talhelm, Jack’s Basket Medical Education Coordinator, to talk about what families actually experience when trisomy 21 is identified at birth or through prenatal screening, and why the “bad news” framing...

A single number deciding who gets care sounds efficient—until that number discounts your life. We dive into the world of QALYs (quality-adjusted life years) with attorney and policy leader Sylvia Yee from the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund to unpack how “objective” health economics can quietly devalue disabled people, shape coverage decisions, and ripple through prenatal testing and...

"Super babies," subway ads, and “ best baby” promises are grabbing headlines, but the story underneath is older and more complicated. We sit down with seasoned genetic counselors Laura Hercher and Bob Resta to unpack how early eugenic ideas are resurfacing through modern pronatalism, IVF add-ons, and polygenic embryo selection—now marketed as responsible parenting and better public healt...

Holiday sales make DNA kits look like shortcuts to certainty, but the fine print tells another story. We sit down with genetic counselor and rare disease advocate Devin Shuman to pull back the curtain on direct-to-consumer genetics—how “raw data” portals overwhelm families and how risks interpreted as conclusive results quietly reshape medical records and care. Together we map the real differences...

What happens when scientific discoveries collide with sensationalist headlines? When Japanese scientists published research showing they could remove the extra copy of chromosome 21 in isolated skin cells, media outlets quickly proclaimed: "Could Down syndrome be eliminated?" These dramatic claims not only misrepresented the actual science but sparked legitimate concern among people with...

Think billing for genetic counseling services is just about paperwork and numbers? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on one of the most critical yet overlooked challenges facing genetic counselors today—getting fairly paid for their expertise. Joined by billing expert Brian Reyes, MS, CGC from UT Southwestern Medical Center (speaking in his personal capacity), we d...

The House just passed what President Trump calls the "Big Beautiful Bill," and its implications could be devastating for millions of Americans who depend on Medicare and Medicaid. As this massive budget reconciliation bill heads to the Senate, Katie and Stephanie break down how its complex provisions could trigger automatic cuts to these essential programs despite promises to protect the...

When 23andMe announced its bankruptcy filing in early 2024, it wasn't just the end of a once-promising business – it raised profound questions about the future of millions of Americans' genetic data and the direct-to-consumer testing industry itself. In this deep dive, we're joined by genetic counselor Austin McKittrick to unpack what happened to this genetic testing giant that went...

Today, Katie and Stephanie celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by interviewing Stephanie's son, Andy, and his support staff, Will, about what life is like for people with Down syndrome and how support staff help people with disabilities to access the world and meaningfully engage with their communities. Find out what they do on normal days, who they serve, and what they think is important for y...

Join us as we explore the vital role Medicaid plays for individuals with disabilities and genetic conditions in our latest podcast episode. With heartfelt stories from families navigating the complexities of disability support, we dive into the importance of advocacy. This episode features insights from seasoned advocates and personal anecdotes that highlight how Medicaid is more than just insuran...

Genetics is reshaping healthcare and society faster than ever—but what does it really mean for professionals, individuals, families, and communities? Coded dives into the biggest questions at the intersection of genetics, healthcare policy, bioethics, and disability rights. Join hosts Katie Stoll , MS, CGC , genetic counselor and Executive Director of Genetic Support Foundation (GSF), and Dr. Step...