Gods and Genes
Claim This Podcastby Amber Sher
Podcast Overview
<p>Are you curious about the intersection of health and religion? Wondering how to navigate meaningful conversations as a healthcare provider with your patients as they discuss their own faith with you?</p> <p>Hosted by a certified genetic counselor with an interfaith background, Gods and Genes explores how personal beliefs and clinical practices intertwine. We’ll hear a diversity of perspectives: chaplains, spiritual leaders, nonreligious scholars, genetics professionals, and many many more on the role of faith. Listen now to a podcast rooted in curiosity, compassion, and complexity. Whether you’re personally spiritual or simply seeking to better support your patients’ beliefs, Gods and Genes offers thoughtful dialogue, real stories, and a safe space to ask: What are and aren’t we prepared for when talking about the sacred in science?</p> <p></p> <p>If you would like to contribute, we'd love to connect! Email your ideas to <a href="mailto:contact@godsandgenes.com">contact@godsandgenes.com</a> or <a href="mailto:godsandgenes@gmail.com">godsandgenes@gmail.com.</a> Join our <a href="https://forms.gle/JFs4n6u4fimSZkFw6">mailing list</a> to know all the latest on Gods and Genes or give us a follow on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/godsandgenes/">@GodsandGenes.</a> Gods and Genes is part of <a href="https://www.genepoolmedia.com/podcasts">Gene Pool Media Network.</a> While waiting for new releases, why not check out over a dozen different science-related podcasts? Logo graphic design is made by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/safiah-peeran-596253326?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Safiah Peeran. </a></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/6/2025
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Recent Episodes
July 20, 2026
#7 How Faith and Science Can Strengthen Each Other
Episode Tagline Redefining Faith and Science: How Genetics and Spirituality Coexist in Modern Medicine Guest Bio Sari Brusso, MS, CGC, is a Prenatal Genetic Counselor employed at the BronxCare Health System, and adheres to the practices of Conservative Judaism. For today’s episode, she brings insight about this community, working with Jewish communities at large, and highlighting how faith builds into genetic counseling sessions as an opportunity to deeply connect with our patients of diverse religious backgrounds. Sari earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, where she majored in Genetics and minored in Disability Studies. She went on to complete her graduate training in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College. In her role, she collaborates closely with maternal fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, and midwives to support patients throughout pregnancy. She is passionate about advancing genetics education and increasing awareness of genetic testing in underrepresented communities. Sari also has a deep interest in the intersection of religion and science as she has navigated the two throughout her life. Connect with Sari Brusso at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sari-brusso/ Episode Summary In this episode of Gods and Genes, I learn from Sari Brusso about the importance of acknowledging faith in clinical sessions. We explore her story as she integrated her upbringing rooted in faith-based social work within Conservative Judaism with her passion in genetics. As she shared with us, her life experiences have brought her key insights including: Believing that faith and scientific progress are mutually exclusive is a misconception; both can coexist and even enhance each other if viewed through a nuanced lens. Different religious interpretations of shared stories can lead to diverse ethical stances, impacting real-world medical decisions like abortion or genetic testing. Scientific advancements can be viewed as metaphorically akin to divine interventions Clinicians’ unconscious biases, including religious assumptions, influence how questions are posed and how care is delivered. Engaging with religious figures can deepen support for patients navigating complex decisions like reproductive choices. Within faith communities, there is a range of ideologies—from conservative to progressive (separate from political affiliations)—whose interpretations influence acceptable medical practices. Be sure to subscribe to Gods and Genes on your podcast app, here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes exploring belief, meaning, and medicine. Relevant Resources: Dorff, E. N., & Zoloth, L. (Eds.). (2015). Jews and Genes: The genetic future in contemporary Jewish thought. Jewish Publication Society. https://jps.org/books/jews-and-genes/ Connect With Us: Would you like to be a guest on Gods and Genes? Email your pitch to Amber at contact@godsandgenes.com or godsandgenes@gmail.com. We are releasing episodes on a monthly schedule with plans to increase our releases more frequently. We thank you for your patience and hope you continue to support us as we work hard to release content on a regular basis. If you’d like to subscribe to our email list to be involved in the know any time a new episode launches, click here. While you wait, why not check out one of the other incredible podcasts in the Gene Pool Media network? With over a dozen different podcasts to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding a podcast in your niche. Gods and Genes is hosted and produced by Amber Sher, MS, CGC . Our logo graphic designer is Safiah Peeran. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: JDHZWDM8YBMEWWJR See what else we are up to on Instagram. Questions/inquiries can be sent to contact@godsandgenes.com or godsandgenes@gmail.com.
June 15, 2026
#6 Gods and Genes is Growing!
Episode Tagline On this episode of Gods and Genes, meet Elysse Trost! An upcoming genetic counselor and the first official Podcast Collaborator of Gods and Genes Guest Bio Elysse Trost is an upcoming genetic counseling student into the Class of 2028 at the University of Colorado. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2024 with a degree in genetics. As a Catholic, she developed an interest in exploring complex questions in philosophy and ethics, as well as building authentic, meaningful connections with others. After learning about Gods and Genes, she was drawn to its mission of making religion/spirituality in healthcare more approachable and has since has been warmly welcomed as a collaborator. Episode Summary In this episode of Gods and Genes, I learn from Elysse Trost, future genetic counselor. We walk through Elysse’s faith journey and how she has come to see Catholicism as an “array of colors.” She brings us deeper to understand a nuance in faith. Get ready for a conversation that explores the following: People see religious doctrines as inflexible, but they actually encompass a spectrum of interpretations and experiences. Faith helps navigate morally ambiguous issues like abortion or genetic therapy. Sharing faith publicly involves risks but fosters authenticity and trust. Religious moral codes shape attitudes towards medical procedures, requiring critical examination. Doubts and questions are integral to authentic faith and ethical growth. Religious communities are composed of varied convictions, serving as a resource for inclusive practices. Religiously affiliated clinics provide care that respects personal values, making patients feel more comfortable about the care that these clinics provide. Be sure to subscribe to Gods and Genes on your podcast app, here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes exploring belief, meaning, and medicine. Episode Topics Discussed: Catholicism, Faith Journey, Health, Faith and Health, Genealogy, Thomistic Institute, Genetic Counseling, Genetics, Spiritual Counseling, Career Counseling Relevant Resources: Fadiman, A. (1997). The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Wilson, E. (n.d.). Ascension Presents. Retrieved from Ascension Presents The Bible Project. (2014–present). The Bible Project [YouTube channel]. BibleProject. https://www.youtube.com/@bibleproject John Paul II. (2006). Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan. Pauline Books & Media. Hudson, M. (Creator). (2024–present). The Promised Land [TV series]. The Promised Land Series. https://www.thepromisedlandseries.tv/ Harmon, D. (Creator). (2017–present). The Chosen [TV series]. The Chosen, LLC. Connect With Us: Would you like to be a guest on Gods and Genes? Email your pitch to Amber at contact@godsandgenes.com or godsandgenes@gmail.com. We are releasing episodes on a monthly schedule with plans to increase our releases more frequently. We thank you for your patience and hope you continue to support us as we work hard to release content on a regular basis. If you’d like to subscribe to our email list to be involved in the know any time a new episode launches, click here. While you wait, why not check out one of the other incredible podcasts in the Gene Pool Media network? With over a dozen different podcasts to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding a podcast in your niche. Gods and Genes is hosted and produced by Amber Sher, MS, CGC and Elysse Trost. Our logo graphic designer is Safiah Peeran. See what else we are up to on Instagram. Questions/inquiries can be sent to contact@godsandgenes.com or godsandgenes@gmail.com.
March 20, 2026
#5 Cure Sialidosis: A Podcasthon 2026 Special
In this episode of Gods and Genes, Host Amber Sher, MS, CGC, sits down with Daniel Peach to learn about how the Cure Sialidosis community is transforming the narrative of rare diseases through perseverance, science, and groundbreaking gene therapy research, offering hope and solidarity to families worldwide. This episode is a special episode dedicated to the global charity event: Podcasthon 2026. We’re delighted to be one of 2500 podcasts taking part in this initiative and will be highlighting the amazing work done at Cure Sialidosis 501(c)3 non-profit. Learn more about curesialidosis at curesialidosis.org Learn more about Podcasthon at podcasthon.org Guest Bio Dan Peach is a rare disease advocate and Research Lead with Cure Mucolipidosis, a nonprofit dedicated to finding treatments for mucolipidosis and related lysosomal storage disorders, including Sialidosis. Drawing from his own journey with Sialidosis and the loss of his brother Anton, Dan has turned deep personal grief into a lifelong mission to connect families, accelerate research, and make sure no one faces this diagnosis alone. Through his leadership with Cure Mucolipidosis, ISMRD, and other rare disease groups, he helps build bridges between patients, clinicians, and scientists, championing projects like gene therapy and global patient registries that bring real hope within reach. Dan Peach is the driving force behind Cure Sialidosis, a nonprofit community he helped launch to connect families and fund gene therapy research for Sialidosis. Episode Summary Most people think rare diseases are unsolvable mysteries, but Dan Peach’s story proves otherwise. When diagnosis gaps left his family in the dark for decades, he refused to accept "no treatment" as the end of the line. Today, discover how one man's relentless pursuit of hope is inspiring groundbreaking research in Sialidosis, a devastating yet ultra-rare genetic condition affecting fewer than 5 million people worldwide.This episode dives into the complex science of lysosomal storage disorders, explaining how tiny cellular trash collectors go awry and cause progressive decline. You'll learn about the critical role of enzymes like neuraminidase 1, the genetic mutations behind Sialidosis, and the promising gene therapies on the horizon. But today’s episode is not just a biology lesson–it’s a story of perseverance. Dan Peach shares his journey from diagnosis frustration to pioneering patient advocacy, rallying a global community of families who believe that, despite the odds, a cure is possible.We also explore the profound spiritual and emotional resilience within the Sialidosis community. Hear how faith, hope, and collective activism fuel breakthroughs, even when modern medicine has yet to find a cure. Dan's unwavering belief in science paired with his faith-driven resolve exemplifies the power of advocacy and human connection in overcoming the darkest diagnoses. Perfect for healthcare providers, rare disease advocates, and families confronting similar diagnoses, this episode illuminates how relentless action and compassionate support can rewrite the narrative of otherwise terminal conditions. If you believe that hope and science can intersect to transform lives, this story will inspire you to see the possibilities beyond current limitations. Join us as we celebrate the human spirit mobilized for change–because in every tiny cell and brave heart, there lies the potential for extraordinary discovery and healing. Tune in to learn how one community’s fight for a future without Sialidosis is changing what’s possible–and how your voice can be part of this vital movement. Learn more about Cure Sialidosis at curesialidosis.org See our Podcasthon link: https://podcasthon.org/podcaster/gods-and-genes Be sure to subscribe to Gods and Genes on your podcast app, here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes exploring belief, meaning, and medicine. Episode Topics Discussed:
8 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Gods and Genes?
<p>Are you curious about the intersection of health and religion? Wondering how to navigate meaningful conversations as a healthcare provider with your patients as they discuss their own faith with you?</p> <p>Hosted by a certified genetic counselor with an interfaith background, Gods and Genes explores how personal beliefs and clinical practices intertwine. We’ll hear a diversity of perspectives: chaplains, spiritual leaders, nonreligious scholars, genetics professionals, and many many more on the role of faith. Listen now to a podcast rooted in curiosity, compassion, and complexity. Whether you’re personally spiritual or simply seeking to better support your patients’ beliefs, Gods and Genes offers thoughtful dialogue, real stories, and a safe space to ask: What are and aren’t we prepared for when talking about the sacred in science?</p> <p></p> <p>If you would like to contribute, we'd love to connect! Email your ideas to <a href="mailto:contact@godsandgenes.com">contact@godsandgenes.com</a> or <a href="mailto:godsandgenes@gmail.com">godsandgenes@gmail.com.</a> Join our <a href="https://forms.gle/JFs4n6u4fimSZkFw6">mailing list</a> to know all the latest on Gods and Genes or give us a follow on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/godsandgenes/">@GodsandGenes.</a> Gods and Genes is part of <a href="https://www.genepoolmedia.com/podcasts">Gene Pool Media Network.</a> While waiting for new releases, why not check out over a dozen different science-related podcasts? Logo graphic design is made by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/safiah-peeran-596253326?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Safiah Peeran. </a></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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