The Positive Gene Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Sara Kavanaugh
Podcast Overview
<p>Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we empower those navigating hereditary cancer risks with hope and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a hereditary cancer previvor living with Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 genetic mutations, this show offers a unique perspective on proactive well-being. Drawing on her own experiences and work as an advocate for <a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org">FORCE</a>, Sara bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and the realities of life as a previvor.<br /><br />Through engaging discussions with experts, advocates, and fellow previvors and survivors, Sara simplifies the complexities of hereditary risk and provides insights that empower listeners to face challenges with confidence. With a background as a communications expert and storyteller, she creates a space where education meets inspiration, and science meets everyday life.<br /><br />Whether you’re managing genetic risk, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how genetics shape our health, this is your space to discover the power of awareness and prevention.<br /><br />Visit www.positivegenepodcast.com to read the podcast blog, explore resources, or book Sara for your next speaking engagement!</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/25/2023
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Recent Episodes
May 21, 2026
Walking the Genetic Line: Emotional Truths of Hereditary Cancer Risk with Sara Champie
Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara Kavanaugh sits down with therapist, BRCA1 previvor, and podcast host Sara Champie for a deeply honest conversation about the emotional realities of hereditary cancer risk. Together, they explore the layers of fear, grief, agency, trauma, identity, and healing that can emerge after genetic testing and prevention decisions. Sara Champie shares her personal journey after learning she carried a BRCA1 mutation following the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer, and how that experience ultimately shaped her work as a psychotherapist specializing in hereditary cancer and genetic risk. The conversation dives into trauma-informed care, the emotional weight of prevention decisions, the complexity of “being strong,” and why connection and storytelling matter so much in this community. They also discuss Sara’s podcast, Walking the Genetic Line, which creates space for the deeply human side of genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk. In This Episode Sara Champie’s BRCA1 story and the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer Why hereditary cancer risk is not a “linear” emotional journey The connection between trauma, grief, anxiety, and prevention decisions How “strength” can sometimes become emotional avoidance Why agency and timing matter in risk-reducing decisions Trauma-informed perspectives on genetic counseling and medical care The emotional and somatic impacts of hereditary cancer risk The importance of connection, community, and witnessing grief The inspiration behind Walking the Genetic Line podcast Resources Mentioned Walking the Genetic Line Podcast Sara Champie, LCSW:Website: www.sarachampielcsw.comInstagram: @sarachampielcsw Connect with The Positive Gene Podcast Follow The Positive Gene Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow along on Instagram @positivegenepodcast for episodes, advocacy, education, and hereditary cancer conversations. Disclaimer: This podcast episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and should not be considered medical or mental health advice. Please consult your healthcare provider or licensed mental health professional for individualized support.
April 1, 2026
The Story That Changed Everything: Diane Hardesty on Lynch Syndrome, Family History, and Prevention
As we close out Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this episode marks the final installment in our series on Lynch syndrome and hereditary cancer risk. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to go back and listen to the earlier episodes—each one offers a powerful and important perspective on what it means to understand and navigate inherited cancer risk. **** Episode Overview Diane Hardesty’s story is one that clearly shows what can change when awareness meets action. Before genetic testing, Diane’s family experienced ten cancer-related deaths connected to Lynch syndrome. Cancer wasn’t a possibility, it felt inevitable. But once Diane chose to pursue genetic testing, everything shifted. Through testing, proactive screening, and open family communication, her family has now experienced zero cancer-related deaths. In this conversation, Diane shares her personal journey, the emotional weight of growing up with cancer as an expectation, and how one decision changed the trajectory for future generations. This episode is a reminder that understanding your risk doesn’t create fear—it creates options. Key Takeaways Family history matters more than many realizePatterns across generations can hold critical information about inherited cancer risk. Genetic testing can change outcomesKnowledge allows for earlier screening, prevention strategies, and informed decision-making. You are not only making decisions for yourselfTesting and sharing information can directly impact children, siblings, and extended family. Prevention and early detection are powerfulDiane’s family story shows what is possible when risk is understood and acted on. Conversations save livesTalking openly about cancer history within families is one of the most important steps people can take. Topics We Cover Growing up in a family where cancer felt inevitable The moment Diane first learned about Lynch syndrome Deciding to pursue genetic testing What changed after her family began testing The emotional experience of learning her son did not inherit the mutation Advocacy, awareness, and speaking on a national stage Why sharing family health history is critical How awareness continues to evolve—and where gaps still exist Resources AliveandKick’n (Lynch Syndrome advocacy and support)https://aliveandkickn.org FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered)https://www.facingourrisk.org Jacqueline Rush Foundation - Lynch Syndrome Advocacy and Education https://www.jrushfoundation.org Lynch Syndrome Awareness & Education https://www.lynchsyndromeawareness.com National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) – Find a genetic counselorhttps://www.nsgc.org NCCN Guidelines for Patients (Evidence-based screening guidance)https://www.nccn.org/patients My Faulty Gene (Advocacy + conference presence Diane supports)https://www.myfaultygene.org Final Thought Diane’s story is a powerful example of how knowledge can change a family’s future. If cancer runs in your family, or if those conversations have never happened, this episode is a place to start. 🎧 The Positive Gene Podcast - https://thepositivegenepodcast.podbean.com/ IMPORTANT: This episode is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance.
March 30, 2026
For Jacqueline: Joan Rush on Love, Loss, and Changing the Future of Lynch Syndrome
Lynch Syndrome Series This episode is part of a five-part series on living with Lynch syndrome, focused on raising awareness and sharing perspectives from patients, advocates, and organizations working to improve outcomes in hereditary cancer. Episode Overview In this episode, Sara Kavanaugh speaks with Joan Rush, co-founder of the Jacqueline Rush Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of Lynch syndrome among both patients and the medical community. Joan shares the story of her daughter Jacqueline, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at just 20 years old after years of symptoms that were dismissed. During treatment, Jacqueline and her family learned the underlying cause was Lynch syndrome. Although Jacqueline passed away at 23, her story continues to shape awareness, research, and advocacy in meaningful ways. This conversation highlights: the importance of recognizing symptoms earlier, even in young patients the need for greater physician awareness of Lynch syndrome how research and treatment have evolved significantly since Jacqueline’s diagnosis and why knowledge of genetic risk can change outcomes As Joan shares,“Knowing you have Lynch syndrome changes everything. It gives you the opportunity to change your genetic destiny instead of leaving it up to fate.” Key Takeaways Awareness can change outcomes.Earlier recognition of symptoms and genetic risk can alter the course of care. Lynch syndrome is often underrecognized.Gaps still exist in both public and physician awareness. Genetic knowledge creates opportunity.Screening, prevention, and early detection save lives. Research is advancing rapidly.Immunotherapy and prevention-focused trials are changing what’s possible. Advocacy plays a critical role.Bridging the gap between patients and providers remains essential. Resources & Links Jacqueline Rush Foundation🌐 https://jrushfoundation.org Media & Awareness Today Show segment on Lynch syndrome Katie Couric feature on Jacqueline’s story Lynch Syndrome Conferences (Patient-Focused) Penn Medicine Lynch Syndrome Conference (virtual + recordings available) Dana-Farber Lynch Syndrome Conference (virtual + recordings available) University of Colorado Cancer Center (biennial conference) 👉 Many sessions offer recordings/replays—check institutional sites for access. Additional Resource Previvor Perspectives Discussion - Living with Lynch Syndrome Risk Why This Episode Matters Jacqueline’s story reflects a time when awareness and options were limited. Today, the landscape is different. There are better tools, more research, and more opportunities to prevent or detect cancer early. This episode is not only about loss. It’s about what is now possible. Listen & Share If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with: a family member a young adult experiencing symptoms or a healthcare provider 🎧 The Positive Gene Podcast - https://thepositivegenepodcast.podbean.com/
40 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The Positive Gene Podcast?
<p>Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we empower those navigating hereditary cancer risks with hope and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a hereditary cancer previvor living with Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 genetic mutations, this show offers a unique perspective on proactive well-being. Drawing on her own experiences and work as an advocate for <a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org">FORCE</a>, Sara bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and the realities of life as a previvor.<br /><br />Through engaging discussions with experts, advocates, and fellow previvors and survivors, Sara simplifies the complexities of hereditary risk and provides insights that empower listeners to face challenges with confidence. With a background as a communications expert and storyteller, she creates a space where education meets inspiration, and science meets everyday life.<br /><br />Whether you’re managing genetic risk, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how genetics shape our health, this is your space to discover the power of awareness and prevention.<br /><br />Visit www.positivegenepodcast.com to read the podcast blog, explore resources, or book Sara for your next speaking engagement!</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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