DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

• #343 The First Child to Receive CRISPR for Duchenne? A Father’s Fight for a Cure

  What would you do if your child was diagnosed with a terminal genetic condition, and the only hope for survival required raising $2.2 million?   In this deeply moving episode of DNA Today, we’re joined by Joe Jackson, a rare disease advocate and father of 7-year-old William, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare, progressive genetic disorder that leads to muscle degeneration and shortened life expectancy.   But William’s story stands apart. Due to a rare duplication mutation in the DMD gene, existing treatments aren’t an option. So Joe and his wife Kati are doing something extraordinary: working with Cure Rare Disease to develop a personalized CRISPR gene-editing therapy that could become the first of its kind in the United States; and possibly save William’s life.   In this conversation, Joe opens up about the emotional toll of a devastating diagnosis, the scientific promise of genome editing, and the urgent, grassroots efforts it takes to fund a first-in-human therapy when time is running out. Episode Topics Include: What it’s like to receive a diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy How William’s rare mutation excludes him from all existing treatments The role of Cure Rare Disease in accelerating gene therapy development How CRISPR could eliminate William’s genetic duplication The emotional moment Joe saw rodent models with William’s mutation fully recover after CRISPR Why personalized gene therapies like this one can cost $2.2 million+ What comes next once the fundraising goal is met The ripple effect: how William’s treatment could pave the way for other forms of DMD How Joe raised awareness by rowing 157 miles of the Rogue River in just 24 hours What the recent breakthroughs in personalized CRISPR therapies mean for the future of rare disease   Resources: At the beginning of the episode, the Host Kira Dineen couldn’t remember what percentage of cases of DMD are random/de novo, it’s 33% according to this study. Two DNA Today episodes were referenced: #156 Rich Horgan on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Cure Rare Diseases Founder) #342 $10 Million for a Cure: Donating Mr. Beast’s “Beast Games” Winnings For Son’s Creatine Transporter Deficiency Towards the end of the interview Joe mentioned a brand new 8-minute video sharing about the “We Row For William” adventure, watch it here. About the Guest: Joe Jackson is a father, rare disease advocate, and fundraiser whose youngest son, William, is battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. With support from Cure Rare Disease, Joe and his wife are working to develop a custom CRISPR-based gene editing therapy tailored to William’s exact mutation. His story was recently featured on CNN’s website and Instagram here. Joe continues to inspire families around the world with his passion, creativity, and determination to save his son’s life. How You Can Help: To support William’s custom gene therapy and learn more about Duchenne visit WeWillForWilliam.org. Every donation brings William one step closer to a groundbreaking treatment, and helps advance the future of genetic medicine. Connect With Us: Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.  See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

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• #342 $10 Million for a Cure: Donating Mr. Beast’s “Beast Games” Winnings For Son’s Creatine Transporter Deficiency

  What would you do if you won $10 million?  For Jeff and Jennifer Allen, the answer was simple: fund research to find a cure for their son’s rare genetic condition.  In this episode of DNA Today, we’re joined by Jeff and Jen Allen; Jeff is known to over 100 million YouTube viewers as Player 831, the winner of MrBeast’s high-stakes reality series Beast Games—and the recipient of the largest game show prize in history: $10 MILLION. Alongside him is his wife, Jennifer Allen, who has been an equal partner in their advocacy journey every step of the way.  But the Allens aren’t spending that money on luxury vacations or dream homes. Their mission is far bigger—and far more urgent. Their youngest son, Lucas, lives with Creatine Transporter Deficiency (CTD), a rare and devastating genetic disorder that impairs brain and muscle function. With fewer than 400 known cases worldwide and no approved treatments, CTD is under-recognized and underfunded. Jeff applied to Beast Games with one goal: raise awareness and secure funding to accelerate research. Against all odds, he won—and now, he and Jen are investing in the future of CTD research and other families like theirs. In this episode, Jeff and Jen share their incredible journey—from the intensity of Beast Games to the emotional impact of Lucas’s diagnosis, and how they’re using their platform and prize money to drive life-changing research.  Episode Topics Include: Behind-the-scenes stories from Jeff’s experience on Beast Games Jen’s perspective watching Jeff compete and staying grounded in their family’s mission What it was like for their son Jack to visit Jeff during filming and serve as his “coach” Why Jeff turned down offers of $1 million+ to stay in the game The emotional moment Jeff dedicated his final win to Lucas What Creatine Transporter Deficiency (CTD) is and how it affects Lucas The current research status and the massive funding gap for CTD How the Allens plan to use the $10 million prize to support research and gene therapy development Hope on the horizon: breaking news of the personalized CRISPR therapy and what this could mean for CTD The couple’s involvement with the Association for Creatine Deficiencies and broader advocacy work Advice for newly diagnosed families navigating rare diseases like CTD About the Guests: Jeffrey Randall Allen, known as Player 831, made history as the winner of the inaugural season of Beast Games, the high-stakes reality competition series created by YouTube sensation MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). In the show's dramatic finale, Allen secured a record-breaking $10 million prize—the largest in game show history—by correctly selecting the winning briefcase in a tense final game of chance .   His advocacy efforts are deeply personal. Allen's youngest son, Lucas, was diagnosed with Creatine Transporter Deficiency (CTD), a rare genetic disorder affecting brain and muscle function.  With less than 400 cases diagnosed world wide, CTD has no known treatment, prompting Allen to raise awareness and fund research through his involvement with the Association for Creatine Deficiencies.   Allen applied to Beast Games with the primary goal of using the platform to raise awareness for CTD. Despite offers of up to $1 million to leave the competition early, he remained steadfast, ultimately winning the $10 million prize. He plans to use the funds to support clinical trials and research aimed at finding a treatment for CTD, which is estimated to require between $30 million and $40 million to develop.    Allen resides in the Bay Area with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, Jack and Lucas. Through his historic win on Beast Games, Jeffrey Randall Allen has not only changed his family’s life but also brought global attention to the fight against rare diseases—turning a personal struggle into a powerful mission for change.    Resources: Andrew Huberman on Creatine  “Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation.” Article that Jeff references from Scientific Reports.  Breaking news of the personalized CRISPR therapy in the New York Times.  “A programmable dual-RNA-guided DNA endonuclease in adaptive bacterial immunity”. Landmark 2012 paper in Science about CRISPR that Kira references.  FDA Approves First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Association for Creatine Deficiencies Watch the Beast Games on Amazon Prime    Connect:   Follow Jeff on TikTok @legacy.831, Instagram @legacy.831, YouTube @legacy831official, and LinkedIn here.    Contact the Allen’s public relation agent Natalie Beita at Element 23, her email is natalie (at) element23.co.  Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].   

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• #341 How One Family Faced Seven ALS Diagnoses and Chose Advocacy

  In honor of ALS awareness month, we are joined by Debbie Lower. She is a remarkable advocate, educator, and caregiver whose family has been deeply impacted by ALS. Over the last three decades, Debbie has lost seven family members to ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), many of whom carried the C9orf72 gene mutation. From caregiving for her mother to mentoring other families and advocating for research funding, Debbie has turned unimaginable loss into powerful action. Today we’ll dive into the genetics of ALS, the current landscape of research and drug development, and how Debbie continues to support families navigating the emotional and genetic complexities of this disease.   Episode Topics Include: How ALS and FTD unfolded in Debbie’s family over multiple generations The impact of receiving a negative genetic test result for C9orf72 What the C9orf72 repeat expansion means for familial ALS and FTD Other genes linked to ALS and how genetic testing is evolving The emotional and psychological complexities of genetic diagnoses The difference between familial and sporadic ALS Promising clinical trials and research efforts in genetic ALS How advocacy and mentorship empower families facing these rare diseases Debbie’s advice for newly diagnosed families navigating ALS or FTD   Resources Mentioned in Episode:  I Am ALS Organization  The ALL ALS PREVENT Study  The ALL ALS ASSESS Study  HEALEY ALS Platform Trial End The Legacy Organization   Team Gleason Foundation (specifically their tech like controlling wheelchairs with eye gaze) I'm Dying To Tell You Podcast  Go On, Be Brave Documentary  Tofersen drug reversing some people’s symptoms (In 2023 the FDA approved it to treat SOD1-ALS)  “Artificial intelligence empowered voice generation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients” Regondi et. al 2025 Nature Paper “Evidence-based consensus guidelines for ALS genetic testing and counseling” Roggenbuck et. al 2023, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology Paper “Guidance for clinical management of pathogenic variant carriers at elevated genetic risk for ALS/FTD” Benatar et. al. 2025, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry Paper    At the end of the episode, host Kira Dineen has a heartfelt thank you to one of her mentors who has ALS, Doug Campbell. He has been and continues to be instrumental in the development of the DNA Today brand and business.  Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

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• #340 How Podcasting Shaped A Genetics Career: Dr. Matt Burgess Interviews Kira Dineen

  I 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 shared episodes of DNA Dialogues, It Happened To Me and PhenoTips Speaker Series. And we had the hosts of #ThroughTheGenes and Demystifying Genetics on the show. And I’ve been a guest on RealPharma. So these are all podcasts that were already in our circle, it’s just more official now!    If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email me directly at [email protected].    In this episode drop of Demystifying Genetics where I was actually a guest. This podcast is hosted by an Australian genetic counselor Dr. Matt Burgess. Matt interviews me about my journey as a high school starting this genetics podcast from my childhood bedroom to becoming a genetic counselor and now multi-award winning podcast. The conversation explores the nuances of genetic counseling, the impact of technology like CRISPR, and the unexpected connections that shape careers in genetics. Matt was also a guest way back in 2020 on Episode #114 on DNA Today when I was still a grad student.    Episode Topics:    Kira discusses her personal journey into genetic counseling  Emphasises the balance between technical skills and patient care  Addresses common misconceptions about the emotional weight of the profession  Shares insights into the groundbreaking use of CRISPR technology  Highlights the importance of podcasting in enhancing professional growth  Explores the unexpected recognition from Kourtney Kardashian’s blog    Any inquiries for Demystifying Genetics podcast can be through Matt’s LinkedIn.  Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

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• #339 Inherited Leukemia: Exploring Genetic Risk and Early Detection

  A 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 hear one of their recent episodes. I figured that would be a perfect way to celebrate the launch of Gene Pool Media.    Over the years we have shared episodes of DNA Dialogues, It Happened To Me and PhenoTips Speaker Series. And we had the hosts of #ThroughTheGenes and Demystifying Genetics on the show. And I’ve been a guest on RealPharma. So these are all podcasts that were already in our circle, it’s just more official now!    If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email me directly at [email protected].    In this episode drop of All Access DNA you will hear from genetic counselor Sarah Bannon, who discusses the complexities of inherited blood cancers, particularly leukemia. The host of All Access DNA is Kate Wilson; who will sound familiar as she is a co-host on the journal of genetic counseling’s podcast, DNA Dialogues and a podcast from the National Society of Genetic Counselors.    In this conversation, Sarah Bannon discusses the complexities of inherited blood cancers, particularly leukemia, and the evolving role of genetic counseling in understanding and managing these conditions. She highlights the historical context of genetic research in blood cancers, the importance of family history in assessing risk, and the advancements in genetic testing that have led to better identification of hereditary cancer syndromes. The conversation also covers the implications of genetic testing results for patients and their families, the challenges faced in the field, and the rewarding aspects of working in this emerging area of genetic counseling.   On This Episode We Discuss: What inherited blood cancers are and how they may run in families There are many known genes linked to hereditary blood cancers How genetic testing can help monitor family members for early signs of cancer. The role of clinical trials to explore preventative treatments for those at risk.   Sarah is a genetic counselor with over 14 years of experience in cancer genetics, specifically leukemia and lymphoma. She is a widely sought expert on hereditary predispositions to hematologic malignancy, which has been the focus of her clinical care and research. Sarah works as a genetic counselor at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).   Here are more resources related to today’s topic, blood and bone marrow cancers: National Marrow Donor Program and Be The Match Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Clinicaltrials.gov tracks all clinical trials available in the US Team Telomere - A Community for Telomere Biology Disorders RUNX1 Research Program Findageneticcounselor.org to find a genetic counselor near you   Any inquiries for All Access DNA podcast can be sent to [email protected]. Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health. The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ.  Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.  See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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