Gods and Genes

About Gods and Genes

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? 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? If you would like to contribute, we'd love to connect! Email your ideas to contact@godsandgenes.com (mailto:contact@godsandgenes.com) or godsandgenes@gmail.com. (mailto:godsandgenes@gmail.com) Join our mailing list (https://forms.gle/JFs4n6u4fimSZkFw6) to know all the latest on Gods and Genes or give us a follow on Instagram @GodsandGenes. (https://www.instagram.com/godsandgenes/) Gods and Genes is part of Gene Pool Media Network. (https://www.genepoolmedia.com/podcasts) While waiting for new releases, why not check out over a dozen different science-related podcasts? Logo graphic design is made by Safiah Peeran.  (https://www.linkedin.com/in/safiah-peeran-596253326?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app)

Publisher

Amber Sher

Category

health & fitness · religion & spirituality · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Nov 2025

Latest episode

10 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Aug 2026

   #8 "God is Already There" Meet the Hosts of the Chaplain's Compass

   A special crossover episode with The Chaplain’s Compass that gets at the heart of many HCPs fears when talking with religious patients: What should I do when my patients “talk God?” Guest Bio: Chaplain John Betz (he/him/his) is the Executive Director for Spiritual Health at Wellstar Health System and a Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves. As a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains, he has served in a variety of different chaplaincy and research settings for the past 20+ years, including hospital, hospice, military, and nursing home environments. He holds a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and a Master of Public Health in Biostatistics from the University of Cincinnati. He is a skilled and professional public health researcher with 10+ years of experience in quantitative and qualitative methods in healthcare. He provides project management experience in original research with the full lifecycle from conception to implementation and after-action review. He is an accomplished written and oral communicator, having presented and published in diverse settings for a variety of different audiences. Publications: Religiosity and religious and spiritual struggle and their association to depression and anxiety among adolescents admitted to inpatient psychiatric units  Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy / Taylor & Francis · Feb 21, 2022 Parental Use of Religion and Spirituality in Medical Decision-Making  Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy · Oct 4, 2019 Alice Tremaine (she/her/hers) is the Advance Care Planning Manager for Baptist Health in KY and IN, where she leads large-scale advance care planning implementation across hospitals and clinics. With nearly two decades of experience as a healthcare chaplain, Alice has served in hospice, palliative care and hospital settings, helping individuals and healthcare systems navigate the emotional, spiritual, and ethical dimensions of serious illness and end-of-life care. She is a board-certified chaplain, ordained minister, and serves on the board of directors for the Association of Professional Chaplains. Alice holds a Master of Divinity from Mercer University and a Master of Studies in Law from Wake Forest University. She is a frequent public speaker and passionate about building compassionate systems that center patient voice, and mentoring the next generation of chaplains and care leaders. Publications: Tremaine, A. (2024, January 29). In the hospital? Don’t overlook the chaplain. Next Avenue. https://www.nextavenue.org/in-the-hospital-dont-overlook-the-chaplain/ Episode Summary In this episode of Gods and Genes hosts Amber Sher, MS, CGC and Elysse Trost learn from Chaplains John Betz and Alice Tremaine about the importance of spiritual care. We walk through their journey to becoming chaplains and ask important questions for health care providers/patients like: What can I do when a patient expresses spiritual distress in light of a medical decision? How does spiritual care fit into medical care when HCPs don’t have access to chaplaincy? What research exists to connect mental health and spiritual health? What are some grounded protocols to engage with patients about their faith when it seems important for a clinical session? What should I do when my patients “talk God?” Unlock the profound intersection of spirituality and healthcare in this special crossover episode featuring the hosts of the official podcast for the Association of Professional Chaplains: The Chaplain’s Compass. Learn why spiritual care is not just an add-on, but a key part of healing, and how understanding spiritual struggle can help reduce depression, anxiety, and even medication needs for vulnerable groups. The conversation also highlights the vital role chaplains play in hospitals, military medical units, and community settings, and how healthcare professionals can bring more spiritual awareness into their care

2. 

   20 Jul 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.

3. 

   15 Jun 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.

4. 

   20 Mar 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:

5. 

   20 Feb 2026

   #4 Forge Ahead - The Legacy of a Positive Atittude

   Dan “Dry Dock” Shockley shares how he reframed a bleak diagnosis with a positive attitude to transform as he created his own path toward advocacy.

6. 

   17 Jan 2026

   #3 “Spiritual Genetics” Meeting the Hosts of Autoimmune Adventures

   Hosts Becky Miller, Stacy Griffin and Alysia Thomas share their inspirational story on how they started their restorative podcast, Autoimmune Adventures, for all autoimmune warriors.

7. 

   15 Dec 2025

   #2 Misconceptions about Faith in Healthcare

   SUMMARY: In this episode of Gods and Genes, host Amber Sher, MS, CGC, delves into the intersection of healthcare and faith, exploring how spirituality can be integrated into medical settings. The episode addresses common misconceptions about chaplaincy, emphasizing the role of chaplains as spiritual care practitioners who provide holistic support beyond end-of-life ceremonies. Amber discusses the importance of understanding patients' spiritual needs and offers strategies for healthcare providers to engage in meaningful conversations about faith. The episode also highlights the significance of religious leaders in patient support systems. If you enjoy what you’re hearing, follow us on Instagram @GodsandGenes. Subscribe, rate, and comment on this podcast as it truly helps other interested individuals find this restorative space (godsandgenes.podbean.com). If you would like to contribute to the podcast, please reach out via email to contact@godsandgenes.com or godsandgenes@gmail.com. Gods and Genes is created, hosted, and produced by me, Amber Sher. Logo Graphic Design is produced by Safiah Peeran. Gods and Genes would not be possible without the incredible support of Gene Pool Media network. Eager for more science-related podcasts to add to your commuting playlist? Check out the shows on Gene Pool Media—there’s over a dozen different shows to choose: https://www.genepoolmedia.com/podcasts CORRECTIONS: @5:31 - “However nearly half of surveyed Americans described being religious or spiritual, but not both.” - This statistic was later verified to be incorrect. It is nearly a third (33%) of Americans who describe being religious or spiritual, but not both, as reported by the Pew Research Center in 2023. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. RESOURCES: Sialidosis Information Cure Sialidosis. www.curesialidosis.org. Click here to donate. National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2016, May 27). Sialidosis. NORD | Rare Disease Database. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/sialidosis/. Featured Paper Richeimer, N., Wilson, K., Petrasek, A., & Weiner, J. (2023). Emunas Chachamim (faith in the sages): A prenatal genetic counseling needs assessment of Orthodox Jewish clergy in Los Angeles. Journal of Genetic Counseling, jgc4.1816. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1816. Faith in Healthcare Pew Research Center. (2023, December 7). Spirituality among Americans. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/12/07/spirituality-among-americans/. Anandarajah, G., & Hight, E. (2001). Spirituality and medical practice: Using the HOPE questions as a practical tool for spiritual assessment. American Family Physician, 63(1), 81–89. Association of Professional Chaplains. (n.d.). Association of Professional Chaplains. https://www.apchaplains.org/. Best, M., Butow, P., & Olver, I. (2015). Do patients want doctors to talk about spirituality? A systematic literature review. Patient Education and Counseling, 98(11), 1320–1328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.04.017. Earl, B. S. W., Klee, A., Edens, E. L., Cooke, J. D., Heikkila, H., & Grau, L. E. (2022). Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions about the Role of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services in Substance Use Outpatient Treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9441. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159441. London Health Sciences Centre. (2025, October 21). Truths and misconceptions: Spiritual care. https://www.lhsc.on.ca/news/truths-and-misconceptions-spiritual-care. Puchalski, C. M., Vitillo, R., Hull, S. K., & Reller, N. (2014). Improving the Spiritual Dimension of Whole Person Care: Reaching National and International Consensus. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 17(6), 642–656. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2014.9427. Sagaser, K. G., Shahrukh Hashmi, S., Carter, R. D., Lemons, J., Mendez‐Figueroa, H., Nassef, S., Peery, B., & Singletary, C. N. (2016). Spiritual Exploration in the Pren

8. 

   14 Nov 2025

   #1 Meet the Host of Gods and Genes

   In this special pilot episode of 'Gods and Genes,' host Amber Sher, MS, CGC, is turning the tables and being interviewed by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM, host of DNAToday. This conversation explores the intersection of healthcare, spirituality, and genetics. Interviewed by Kira Dineen, Amber shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind the podcast, discussing how her religious background influences her practice. The episode delves into the importance of understanding patients' beliefs in healthcare and the potential for science and spirituality to complement each other. Amber shares her personal background growing up in a religiously mixed home (Christian/atheist), her journey through deconstruction and back to a post-deconstruction Christian identity, and why that lived experience drew her to study religion and spirituality in genetic counseling for her graduate capstone at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI). With training in genetic counseling and a background shaped by a religiously mixed upbringing, Amber brings a unique perspective on how to navigate questions of faith in medical settings. In this episode, we covered how some patients raise spiritual or religious concerns in a way that can invite us to build rapport. When this does happen, we go through strategies on how to be ready and not reactive. We cover that personal religious or spiritual identity isn't necessary to navigate these conversations. Instead, skills and training can be adapted for the scenario with examples of validation, reflection, collaboration. We go into how chaplains, rabbis, clergy, etc. can be allies who understand medical contexts and patient values. And we cover tricky situations like navigating when religious beliefs go against evidence-based options. Gods and Genes is a brand new podcast in the Gene Pool Media network. Gods and Genes is hosted and produced by Amber Sher, MS, CGC. Logo graphic designer is Safiah Peeran. Special thanks to Kira Dineen for all the contributions to this episode. Find us at godsandgenes.podbean.com and follow us on Instagram @GodsandGenes. 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. If you'd like to share your ideas for the podcast, reach out via email to contact@godsandgenes.com or godsandgenes@gmail.com. Post-Show Corrections: At (12:30) Amber shares that in every session religion/spirituality comes up, she meant to say every rotation she went through, not with every patient. Relevant Resources: Religion On the Mind podcast hosted by Dan Koch (Spotify, Apple, and Substack) "Utterly Humbled by Mystery" by Father Richard Rohr Rob Bell on Spirituality and Mystery Richeimer N, Wilson K, Petrasek A, Weiner J. Emunas Chachamim (faith in the sages): A prenatal genetic counseling needs assessment of Orthodox Jewish clergy in Los Angeles. J Genet Couns. 2024 Oct;33(5):1045-1058. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1816. Epub 2023 Oct 25. PMID: 37877233. Thompson AB, Cragun D, Sumerau JE, Cragun RT, De Gifis V, Trepanier A. "Be Prepared if I Bring It Up:" Patients' Perceptions of the Utility of Religious and Spiritual Discussion During Genetic Counseling. J Genet Couns. 2016 Oct;25(5):945-56. doi: 10.1007/s10897-015-9922-9. Epub 2016 Jan 13. PMID: 26758255.

9. 

   6 Nov 2025

   Introducing Gods and Genes (Trailer)

   This introductory episode to the Gods and Genes podcast introduces us to the focus of a series that navigates the intersection of health and faith. Led by genetic counselor Amber Sher, Gods and Genes delves into how religious beliefs can influence medical decisions and the ethical challenges that arise. This series aims to foster deeper conversations between healthcare professionals and patients of diverse backgrounds If you love hearing powerful stories that connect deeply with integrative health, then join us as we explore the coexistence of science and spirituality. Artwork: Safiah Peeran Website: godsandgenes.podbean.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsandgenes/

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

4.7 / 5

14 ratings

Contact Gods and Genes

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.