Genetic Counselling & DNA with Kira Dineen

Release Date: 7 September, 2022

Kira Dineen is a genetic counsellor and podcaster who is passionate about science communication. Through Kira's main show DNA Today, she makes information about genetic technology, disorders, and news accessible to the world.

Join us as we talk about Kira's journey to genetics, genetic counselling, and what we can and can't learn from DNA testing kits.

About Kira Dineen

Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM, has a decade of podcast experience fueled by a passion for science communication. She has hosted and produced 6 podcasts. Her main show, “DNA Today”, is in the top 1% of podcasts globally. Listeners Discover New Advances in the world of genetics through Kira’s interviews about genetic technology, disorders, and news. The show won the Best 2020 and 2021 Science and Medicine Podcast Awards. “DNA Today” has produced nearly 200 episodes.

Listen to the Podcast

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Castbox, Deezer, Goodpods, Overcast, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Blubrry, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, JioSaavn, RSS , and other podcast platforms.

Watch on YouTube

  • [00:01:27] Kira's affinity for the field of genetics.
  • [00:04:19] Where Kira saw herself in the field.
  • [00:04:52] Labs are not the only career path in genetics.
  • [00:07:11] The value of shadowing.
  • [00:08:11] Hear from or speak to people in the field and ask questions.
  • [00:08:52] We need a career speed-dating service.
  • [00:10:03] What is genetic counselling?
  • [00:13:42] When would you start the process of speaking with a genetic counsellor?
  • [00:16:41] The two general categories of genetic conditions.
  • [00:21:15] How Direct-to-Consumer DNA testing kits work.
  • [00:24:14] Individual hotspots vs polygenic risk scores.
  • [00:26:46] Our understanding will become more refined as we gather more data.
  • [00:30:04] Kira's podcasting journey.
  • [00:36:26] Podcasting opens doors and creates connection.
  • [00:39:53] Why science communication is important to Kira.
  • [00:46:39] Bonus Question 1: What hobby or interest do you have that is least related to your field of work?
  • [00:47:30] Bonus Question 2: Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you?
  • [00:48:47] Bonus Question 3: What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do? And what advice should they ignore?
How to cite: Ong, M. (Host), & Dineen, K. (Guest). (2022, September 7). Genetic Counselling & DNA with Kira Dineen [Audio podcast episode]. In STEAM Powered. Michele Ong. https://www.steampoweredshow.com/shows/kira-dineen.html

Connect with Us

Support STEAM Powered

Review Us

Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, GoodPods, Podchaser, or your preferred podcatcher.

Become a Patron

Patreon Logo Become a patron

Affiliate Programs

Start your own podcast or YouTube channel, or run panels and seminars with Riverside.fm. Record up to 8 people in a session with up to 1000 audience members. You can record in advance as I do, or you can livestream with the option to send it straight to Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, or Twitch. There’s even a green-room for guests and live call in for audience members. Afterwards, get separate video (up to 4K) and audio (up to 48kHz) tracks per recorded participant for editing, none of that “active speaker only” limitation. You know you’re in good hands with a service whose client-base includes some heavy-hitters. Check out Riverside.fm to see who else is on board. Use promo code STEAM25 to get 25% off the first three months of your subscription.

Music is “Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935” by Brett Van Donsel.

Episode #46 • August 25, 2022

Better Patient Outcomes through Healthcare IT with Robin Wiener

Robin Wiener is a leader and change agent in healthcare IT and is passionate about empowering patients for better engagement and outcomes. Join us as we talk about Get Real Health's digital front door, putting people first in healthcare and business, and finding your path.

Episode #80 • August 17, 2025

The astronomic potential of transferable skills and the place of space on earth with Asha Stabback

There's a place for everyone in space. It's an extension of our planetary ecosystem and just as multidisciplinary as the world around us. The key is to identify your passions and transferable skills so you can shape your work and the value you can bring to your new environment. Asha Stabback is Translation and Impact Manager at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Join us as we speak about cultivating transferable skills, embracing your network, and how working with the skies above supports the land below..