Shows
#ThroughTheGenesS2EP6: The Impact of Race on Sickle Cell DiseaseIn this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, hosts Wunmi Bakare, Christelle Salomon, and Dima Hendricks, engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Sharl Azar, Medical Director at Massachusetts General Hospital, about the racial disparities in sickle cell disease treatment and advocacy.
The discussion delves into the historical context of race in medicine, the challenges faced by sickle cell warriors, and the systemic barriers in healthcare.
Dr. Azar shares insights on the importance of advocacy, the role of healthcare providers, and the future of gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
We hope you enjoy this conversation, l...
2025-09-1853 min
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#357 Advice for Science Grad School ApplicationsHappy September and back-to-school season, going with this theme we are sharing an episode from a show in our Science Podcast Network, Gene Pool Media. The podcast is called Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD. It’s hosted by the wonderful Dr. David Mendes and in this episode that you are about to hear he interviews me.
We recorded this three years ago, but as I was listening back to our conversation, I realized it was still relevant and timely with most, if not all, applications for genetic counseling and other graduate schools now open. We a...
2025-09-0558 min
#ThroughTheGenesS2EP5: The Role of Donors In TransplantsIn this episode of the Through the Genes podcast, hosts Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Solomon explore the complexities of sickle cell disease and the transformative role of stem cell donation.
They engage with Dr. Akshay Sharma, a pediatric bone marrow transplant physician, who provides insights into the donor's perspective, the HLA screening process, and the various methods of stem cell collection. The conversation also touches on the emotional and physical challenges faced by donors, the importance of blood group compatibility, and the need for diverse donor registries.
Personal reflections from Dapo Bakare, Wunmi's brother and...
2025-09-0457 min
#ThroughTheGenesS2EP4: Support Systems in the Transformative Process With Maite RodriguezIn this episode of the #ThroughTheGenes podcast, hosts Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon engage in a heartfelt conversation with Maite Rodriguez about her daughter Alessia's journey with sickle cell disease and the transformative therapies they pursued.
The discussion covers the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the decision to have another child as a potential donor, and the complexities of preparing for a bone marrow transplant.
Maite shares her family's experiences, the support they received, and their hopes for Alessia's future post-transplant, emphasizing the importance of community and open communication throughout their journey.
...
2025-08-2153 min
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#352 Why Biotech Will Define the 21st CenturyIn this bold and wide-ranging conversation, Ian Wendt and Na-Ri Oh sit down with Andrew Craig—British investor, entrepreneur, and author—to explore how biotechnology is poised to shape the next century in the same way physics and computing shaped the last.
Craig draws on his decades of experience as a London and New York investment banker and as a former partner at WG Partners, where he advised more than 60 biotech companies and worked on marquee deals like the $7.6B sale of Nordia Bank and IPOs for brands like EasyJet and Burberry.
But...
2025-08-011h 03
#ThroughTheGenesWhat Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy? Part 2To conclude our discussion on the topic "What Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy", our hosts - Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon - sat down with Dr. Elizabeth Krieger, who is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializing in bone marrow transplant and cellular therapies. Discover why chemotherapy is carried out for these therapies, the side effects of chemotherapy, and why some protocols require radiation and others do not.
#ThroughTheGenes #TTGS2 #TTGPodcast #GeneTherapy #TTGxBeam #TTGxSynthego #TTGxUCSF #TTGxSCP #SickleCellDisease #TransformativeTherapiesForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellEducation
2025-07-3148 min
#ThroughTheGenesS2EP3 : What Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy?In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we delve into the transformative role of fetal hemoglobin in treating sickle cell disease. Join hosts - Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon - as they explore groundbreaking gene therapy advancements with Dr. Matt Porteous, Co-founder of Kamau Therapeutics. Discover how genome editing techniques are being used to reactivate fetal hemoglobin, offering new hope for patients by reducing the severity of sickle cell symptoms. We explore the FDA-approved therapies, Lyfgenia and Casgevy, and discuss the transformative potential these treatments hold. Discover the science behind these therapies, the journey from concept to approval, and...
2025-07-2438 min#ThroughTheGenesWhat Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy? Part 1In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we delve into the transformative role of fetal hemoglobin in treating sickle cell disease. Join hosts - Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon - as they explore groundbreaking gene therapy advancements with Dr. Matt Porteous, Co-founder of Kamau Therapeutics. Discover how genome editing techniques are being used to reactivate fetal hemoglobin, offering new hope for patients by reducing the severity of sickle cell symptoms. We explore the FDA-approved therapies, Lyfgenia and Casgevy, and discuss the transformative potential these treatments hold. Discover the science behind these therapies, the journey from concept to approval, and the impact...
2025-07-1838 min
#ThroughTheGenesThe Journey To Transformative Therapy - Maintaining EligibilityIn this episode of Through the Genes, we had Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Dr. Mark Walters with us. The hosts discussed the topic, The Journey to Transformative Therapy - Maintaining Eligibility.This is an episode for anyone who is interested in how a sickle cell patient maintain their health so they are a perfect candidate for cell and gene based therapies, so, if this is you, then this is the episode for you.If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead to like and share with someone and if you haven't subscribed, you should do that now.
#GeneTherapy #TTGxBeam #TTGxSynthego #TTGxUCSF...
2025-07-0342 min
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#347 Gender Affirming Cancer Genetic CounselingTo celebrate the end of Pride month, we are sharing this episode of the PhenoTips Speaker Series, which was hosted by our own, Kira Dineen.
The current rise in structural hostility towards transgender and gender diverse individuals highlights the importance of appropriate and affirming care for this medically marginalized community. In cancer genetics, specific factors such as medical transition and psychosocial impacts alter the approach to, and requirements of, genetic counseling for trans patients. To support the unique needs of trans and gender diverse patients in hereditary cancer genetic counseling, this episode of the PhenoTips Speakers series f...
2025-06-271h 03
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#346 Patient Experiences with Sickle Cell Experimental Treatments: The Triumphs & TrialsWe’re kicking off Season 2 of #ThroughTheGenes with a powerful and personal episode in honor of World Sickle Cell Day, which was commemorated yesterday on June 19th.
This podcast isn’t just about science, it’s about storytelling through the lens of lived experience. Hosted by three uniquely different women who have experience with transformative therapies for sickle cell disease, this season celebrates the sisterhood they’ve built through vulnerability, advocacy, and the desire to push the conversation forward.
If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember Episodes #288 and #289 of DNA Today, wh...
2025-06-2051 min
#ThroughTheGenesPatient Experiences with Experimental Treatments - The Triumphs & TrialsIn this episode of Through the Genes, hosts Wunmi Bakare, Dima Hendricks, and Christelle
Salomon engage in a heartfelt discussion about their personal journeys with sickle cell disease
and the transformative therapies they have explored. They share their motivations for seeking
experimental treatments, the emotional and physical challenges they faced, and the importance
of mental health and self-care. The conversation highlights the resilience of sickle cell warriors
and the impact of their experiences on their identities. The episode concludes with a
light-hearted quick-fire round, reinforcing the bond...
2025-06-1948 min
#ThroughTheGenesBonus Episode: Visible & Invisible Disabilities and How They Impact UsIn this episode of Through the Genes, host Wunmi Bakare engages with guests Seonni and Vanesha from the Mind the Gap podcast to discuss the complexities of visible and invisible disabilities, personal health journeys, and the importance of advocacy within the South Asian community. The conversation explores their experiences with health diagnoses, the impact of caregiving, and the cultural stigma surrounding health issues, particularly sickle cell disease. The guests share insights on the need for greater awareness and education, emphasizing the power of storytelling and personal narratives in fostering understanding and support.
Keywords
2025-06-091h 08
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#344 Trans and Gender Diverse Patients' Experiences with Reproductive HealthcareWe wanted to let you know of a live podcast episode of the PhenoTips Speakers Series happening soon on June 18th, 2025 at 12pmEST. We do an annual pride installment, this year we are exploring Gender Affirming Cancer Genetic Counseling. Sign up here so you can tune in and ask your questions live to host Kira Dineen and the impressive panel we have lined up.
Have you heard? I launched a brand new science podcast network called Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to t...
2025-06-0622 min
#ThroughTheGenesBonus Episode: Curative Therapies Beyond the BordersThrough the Genes Podcast | Bonus Episode: Curative Therapies Beyond the Borders
In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, the hosts of the Let's Talk about Sickle Cell Podcast, Jenica Leah and Maya Bloomberg discuss the critical topic of sickle cell disease, focusing on advocacy, treatment options, and the disparities in healthcare systems between the UK and the USA. They share personal stories and insights into the challenges faced by sickle cell patients, including the high costs of treatment, the importance of mental health support, and the role of community in advocacy. The conversation highlights the need...
2025-05-2240 min
It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast#60 CRISPR, Community, and Courage: A Deep Dive into Sickle Cell AdvocacyIn this powerful episode of It Happened To Me, co-hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman are joined by two fierce patient advocates and changemakers in the sickle cell disease community: Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks. Both women are living with sickle cell disease and have transformed their lived experiences into platforms for storytelling, education, and change.
They are also the co-hosts of #ThroughTheGenes, a podcast that launched last year on World Sickle Cell Day (June 19, 2024). The show explores gene therapy and other innovative treatments for sickle cell disease while centering patient voices. With a second s...
2025-05-1936 min
#ThroughTheGenes#ThroughTheGenes – Season 2 TrailerIn Season 2, we go deeper—confronting ethical dilemmas, highlighting critical clinical insights, and sharing unfiltered patient experiences that matter most to the sickle cell community. This season empowers warriors, caregivers, and providers with knowledge to navigate curative therapies with clarity and confidence. We also introduce our newest sickle sister, Christelle Salomon,
🧬 Featured Experts & Guests:
Dr. Mark Walters
Dr. Matthew Porteus
Dr. Akshay Sharma
Dr. Elizabeth Krieger
Chris Lundy
Oladapo (Daps) Bakare
Dr. Marsha Treadwell
Supported by Beam Therapeutics, Synthego Corporation®, and Kamau...
2025-05-1306 min
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#340 How Podcasting Shaped A Genetics Career: Dr. Matt Burgess Interviews Kira DineenI launched a brand new science podcast network called Gene Pool Media, two weeks ago on DNA Day, April 25th. The response has been amazing, so thank you to everyone who has been supportive, especially the podcasts that have joined the network including…
RealPharma
Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD
DNA Dialogues
It Happened To Me
#ThroughTheGenes
Demystifying Genetics
PhenoTips Speaker Series
All Access DNA
Two brand new shows debuting this year: one in the rare disease space and another exploring the intersection of health science, religion, and spirituality.
Over the years we have s...
2025-05-0952 min
DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast#339 Inherited Leukemia: Exploring Genetic Risk and Early DetectionA week ago on DNA Day, April 25th, I launched a brand new science podcast network called Gene Pool Media. The response has been amazing, so thank you to everyone who has been supportive, especially the podcasts that have joined the network including…
RealPharma
Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD
DNA Dialogues
It Happened To Me
#ThroughTheGenes
Demystifying Genetics
PhenoTips Speaker Series
All Access DNA
Two brand new shows debuting this year: one in the rare disease space and another exploring the intersection of health science, religion, and spirituality.
And All Access DNA, which you are about to h...
2025-05-0244 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 8 - Bridging Science and Stories: Kira Dineen on DNA and Sickle Cell”In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we are joined by Kira Dineen, host of the award-winning podcast, DNA Today. Kira brings her expertise in genetics to the conversation as we explore the intersection of DNA, gene therapies, and sickle cell disease. Together, we discuss how science is advancing treatment options and how storytelling can amplify the voices of those affected by genetic conditions. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends cutting-edge science with powerful personal narratives, shining a light on the future of gene-based therapies for sickle cell warriors.
2024-09-2642 min
#ThroughTheGenesACT in PracticeIn this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we’re excited to welcome back Dr. Staci Martin as she puts Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into practice. Dr. Martin provides an in-depth exploration of mental health challenges specific to individuals with sickle cell disease, especially those undergoing curative therapy.
2024-09-1112 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 6: The Mental Health Perspective w/ Staci MartinDr. Staci Martin joins us for a conversation that explores various aspects of mental health and self-care for individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly those undergoing the curative therapy process. The chapters cover topics such as common mental health issues, preparing for curative therapy, identity crisis and self-discovery, developing mental health tools, support for individuals unable to pursue curative therapy, establishing healthy boundaries, challenges of identity crisis and survivor's guilt, qualifications for a therapist, self-help resources, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The conversation emphasizes the importance of psychological flexibility and finding support in one's tribe. In this conversation...
2024-08-2844 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 5: The Clinical Perspective w/Genesis Jones and Wynona ColesThis episode concludes part two of the interview with Genesis Jones. She shares her experience with post-transplant complications, specifically hemolytic anemia, and the treatments she has undergone. She discusses the challenges of managing chronic pain and the impact it has on her mental health.
Later in the episode, Wunmi and Dima interview Wynona Coles, the research lab manager at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health. They discuss curative therapy options for sickle cell disease, with a focus on gene therapy. They cover topics such as the role...
2024-08-1446 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 4: Transplant vs. Gene Therapy w/Caterina Minniti and Genesis JonesIn this conversation, Dr. Caterina Minniti discusses curative therapies for sickle cell disease, focusing on gene therapy. She explains the process of preparing for gene therapy, including the discontinuation of hydroxyurea and the use of blood transfusions. Dr. Minniti also discusses the ideal patient for gene therapy, the timeline for the preparation process, and the manufacturing process of edited stem cells. She compares and contrasts gene therapy with stem cell transplantation and bone marrow transplantation, highlighting the potential complications and ongoing research in the field.
We are also joined by Genesis Jones. Genesis is...
2024-07-3151 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 3: The Caregiver Perspective w/ Amanda OlaghereWelcome to episode 3 of #ThroughTheGenes.
Amanda Olaghere shares her experience as the caregiver to her husband, Jimi, who participated in a gene therapy clinical trial for sickle cell disease. Before the trial, their lives were filled with constant hospital visits and emergency room visits due to Jimi's pain crises. The decision to participate in the trial was made after reading an article about another patient's success story (Victoria Gray). The couple weighed the risks and logistics, including Jimi's work, Amanda's pregnancy and a global pandemic. Amanda discusses the challenges of being a caregiver, including adjusting to hospital...
2024-07-1751 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 2: The Patient Perspective w/ Jimi OlaghereWelcome to Episode 2 of #ThroughTheGenes. In this episode, we hear from Jimi Olaghere a patient who successfully undergone a curative therapy.
#ThroughTheGenes provides an in-depth look at the lived experiences of patients who have participated in the curative process, sharing their highs, lows, and everything in between. This series is designed for patients, caregivers, community-based organizations, researchers, and educators, aiming to help patients and their support networks navigate emerging developments in gene therapies for sickle cell disease.
Subscribe to the #ThroughTheGenes email list to stay up to date as new episodes, tools, and resources become available, and to receive o...
2024-07-0350 min
#ThroughTheGenesEpisode 1: History of Sickle Cell Research w/ Vence Bonham Jr., JD, & Dr. Matthew HsiehWelcome to Episode 1 of #ThroughTheGenes, a show that highlights the risks, benefits, and limitations of cell and gene-based therapies as a curative option for sickle cell disease. In this inaugural episode, we delve into the history of sickle cell research with esteemed guests Vence Bonham Jr., JD, and Dr. Matthew Hsieh.
#ThroughTheGenes provides an in-depth look at the lived experiences of patients who have participated in the curative process, sharing their highs, lows, and everything in between. This series is designed for patients, caregivers, community-based organizations, researchers, and educators, aiming to help patients and their support networks navigate emerging...
2024-06-1946 min
#ThroughTheGenes#ThroughTheGenes Official TeaserPremiering June 19, 2024 (World Sickle Cell Day), the #ThroughTheGenes is an informative podcast series highlighting the risks, benefits, and limitations of gene-based therapies as a curative option for sickle cell disease. The show is hosted by sickle sisters, Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks, taking you behind the lived experience of patients who participated in the curative process; revealing their high, lows and everything in between.
This collaborative effort aims to help patients and their support networks navigate emerging developments in gene therapies for sickle cell disease. The clinical information referenced on #ThroughTheGenes was taken from...
2024-06-1804 min