Dr. Jeremy Koenig speaks with Dr. Yael Joffe, a pioneer in the field of Nutrigenomics, about her journey from architecture student to genetics expert. After witnessing her grandmother's battle with cancer and finding no satisfactory answers from doctors, Dr. Joffe embarked on a quest to understand the connection between genetics, nutrition, and health. She co-developed the world's first lifestyle genetics test in 2000 and founded 3X4 Genetics, which focuses on translational genetics - making genetic information practical and accessible for everyday health decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Joffe's career path began as a personal quest after her grandmother's death from cancer, driving her to find answers about disease prevention and treatment.
• The early genetic testing industry (2000-2015) lost its way by focusing too much on data collection and single-gene testing without providing actionable, holistic insights.
• 3X4 Genetics was built on the "3-3-3" model: identifying the three most impacted health areas in your genetics, the three most important dietary changes, three lifestyle modifications, and three supplements.
• Both Dr. Joffe and Dr. Koenig began in creative fields (architecture, writing) before pivoting to genetics due to personal healthcare experiences with family members.
• Dr. Joffe emphasizes that genetics should not be viewed as "good" or "bad" genes but rather as evolutionary information that helps us adapt to our environments.
• The human genome should be understood in the context of evolutionary biology - our genes developed to help us thrive in specific environments, which explains why people from different ancestral backgrounds respond differently to foods and environments.
• Nutrigenomics looks at biochemistry and physiological pathways rather than disease prediction, focusing on root causes of health issues.
• Dr. Joffe discusses the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe, noting that despite its influence in normalizing genetic testing, the company ultimately prioritized data collection and pharmaceutical development over personal health insights.
• 3X4 Genetics maintains ethical guardrails by not selling supplements or customer data, focusing instead on education and personalized health guidance.

Connect with Dr. Yael

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

In this eye-opening episode of The DNA of Things, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Ryan Obermeier, Chief Commercial Officer at Evexia Diagnostics, to explore how a fragmented healthcare industry can be transformed through integrative medicine, personalized diagnostics, and AI-powered innovation. With over 27 years in the functional medicine space, Ryan shares his journey from poverty in central Wisconsin to leading one of the most impactful diagnostic platforms in the U.S. Discover how Evexia empowers practitioners with access to 40+ lab partners, a streamlined workflow, and tools that help clinicians deliver more accurate, holistic care. From healing the gut first to harnessing the power of large language models (LLMs), Ryan unveils a future where medicine is efficient, emotionally intelligent, and data-driven. 

Takeaways:

💡 Fragmented to Functional: The integrative medicine space remains highly fragmented, but platforms like Evexia are bridging the gaps by streamlining diagnostic access.

🧠 Emotional Intelligence Wins: Ryan emphasizes that strong relationships and empathy—not just logic—drive successful sales and leadership in healthcare.

🧬 “Heal the Gut First”: A core philosophy in functional medicine is that gut health is the foundation for treating most chronic conditions.

🧪 Evexia as the Amazon of Diagnostics: The platform aggregates 40+ lab partners, making it easy for practitioners to order, manage, and interpret tests from one place.

🤖 AI Is the Future of Care: Ryan predicts that large language models (LLMs) will allow practitioners to scale their IP and radically improve diagnostics and treatment planning.

🧰 Empowering All Practitioners: Evexia serves both licensed and non-licensed providers—expanding access to advanced testing and interpretation tools.

🌐 Seamless Integration: With robust API connections to major EMRs, Evexia lets providers operate from their own systems while simplifying lab workflows.

🚀 Adapt or Die: For Ryan, the future belongs to practitioners who embrace innovation, automate intelligently, and scale their impact through tech.

Connect with Ryan

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mark Bouzyk, a visionary in genomics, AI-powered healthcare, and precision medicine. As a scientist, entrepreneur, and innovator, Dr. Bouzyk shares his journey from pioneering genetic research to transforming clinical workflows. He discusses the intersection of AI and genomics, exploring how these technologies are reshaping medicine, improving patient outcomes, and addressing physician burnout. Dr. Bouzyk highlights his work with the Million Veterans Program and his current project, AllaiHealth, which is revolutionizing clinical intake to streamline care processes. This conversation offers an insightful look at the future of healthcare, where science not only listens but also serves, putting patients and their stories at the forefront of care.

Episode Highlights:

• AI and Genomics in Medicine: Dr. Mark Bouzyk discusses how AI and genomics are converging to revolutionize healthcare by improving patient outcomes, streamlining clinical workflows, and addressing physician burnout.
• The Million Veterans Program: Dr. Bouzyk shares his work with the Million Veterans Program, where genomics is used to understand veteran populations and drive population genetics research.
• AllaiHealth's Impact: AllaiHealth, Dr. Bouzyk's current project, is transforming clinical intake processes to reduce physician time spent on administrative tasks, enhancing patient care, and improving physician satisfaction.
• Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine: The episode delves into the evolution of pharmacogenetics, illustrating how genetic testing is shaping personalized treatment plans, including better responses to medications and identifying adverse reactions.
• Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Dr. Bouzyk discusses the challenges and opportunities within the direct-to-consumer genetic testing space, including the financial difficulties many companies face in being profitable.
• The Future of Healthcare: The conversation emphasizes the growing importance of incorporating genomics and AI into healthcare to make medicine more personalized, efficient, and patient-centered.
• Long-Term Healthcare Transformation: The episode touches on how AI and genomics can help address chronic diseases, reduce unnecessary surgeries, and ultimately lower healthcare costs by making care more precise and preventative.

Connect with Mark

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

 In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Omer Sabary, a PhD candidate at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology, to explore the fascinating world of DNA data storage. Imagine a future where all the information ever recorded—books, photos, and entire digital archives—could be stored in a tiny strand of synthetic DNA. Omer shares his journey into this groundbreaking field, breaking down complex ideas into accessible insights. From the challenges of error correction to the role of AI in optimizing data storage, this conversation uncovers the immense potential of using DNA, nature’s most efficient storage medium, to revolutionize how we preserve data for generations to come. As we celebrate one year of The DNA of Things podcast, this episode is a glimpse into a future where biology and technology merge to reshape the digital world.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Jeremy Koenig interviews Omer Sabary, PhD candidate at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology.
• Discussion on the concept of DNA data storage, using synthetic DNA to store digital information.
• Omer shares his journey into the groundbreaking field of DNA data storage.
• Exploration of the challenges of error correction in DNA storage.
• The intersection of AI and DNA data storage in optimizing data preservation.
• How DNA could become the ultimate medium for archiving all recorded information.
• Insights into the future applications of DNA data storage, including practical aspects and implications.
• Celebration of one year of The DNA of Things podcast, highlighting innovations at the crossroads of biology and technology.

Connect with Omer

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

 In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Thomas Roos, a Stanford-trained genomicist, elite triathlete, and digital twin pioneer, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of genetics, sports science, and human performance. Roos shares his expertise in optimizing training, enhancing recovery, and reducing injury risk through genomic insights, highlighting his work with elite athletes, professional teams, and groundbreaking research in polygenic risk scoring. From discussing the role of continuous glucose monitoring and hydration strategies to the future of AI-driven genomics and precision health, this conversation unpacks the evolving landscape of performance-based medicine. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone looking to maximize your potential, this episode offers a deep dive into how DNA can unlock sustainable greatness. 

What You'll Learn:

• Genomics in Sports Performance – Understanding an athlete’s DNA can optimize training, enhance recovery, and reduce injury risks through personalized approaches.
• Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS) – PRS helps assess genetic predispositions to injury, recovery speed, and athletic performance potential, allowing for tailored interventions.
• The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) – Tracking glucose response in real-time helps athletes refine nutrition strategies to maintain energy levels and optimize endurance.
• Hydration & Electrolyte Balance – Athletes have unique sweat and sodium loss profiles, making individualized hydration crucial for maintaining peak performance.
• AI & Digital Twins in Human Performance – AI-driven genomics and digital twin modeling will enable more precise, data-driven decision-making for athlete training and recovery.
• The Importance of Recovery – Sleep, nutrition, and hydration play a vital role in reducing injury rates and ensuring sustainable peak performance.
• Personalized Training Over Generic Plans – Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, genetic insights allow training regimens to be customized to an athlete’s unique biology.
• Future of Precision Medicine in Sports – The integration of omics, wearables, and AI in professional sports is paving the way for personalized, predictive, and practical health solutions.

Connect with Thomas

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

 In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Dr. Jo Handelsman, a trailblazer in metagenomics and former Associate Director for Science at the White House, to explore the profound impact of the microbiome on human health, the evolution of personalized medicine, and the intersection of science and policymaking. They discuss how microbes, often seen as adversaries, are in fact the architects of life, influencing everything from antibiotic resistance to mental health. Dr. Handelsman shares insights into her pioneering research on microbial communities, the role of genomics in medicine, and the critical need for evidence-based science in shaping public policy. From her groundbreaking work in soil microbiomes to her contributions to national science initiatives, this conversation highlights the power of scientific discovery and its real-world applications. 

Episode Highlights:

• The Microbiome’s Role in Health – How microbial communities influence human health, from gut function to disease prevention.
• Metagenomics and Scientific Discovery – Dr. Handelsman’s pioneering work in analyzing unculturable microbes through DNA sequencing.
• Antibiotic Resistance and Microbial Warfare – The growing challenge of antibiotic resistance and how microbes adapt in complex environments.
• Fecal Matter Transplants and Clinical Applications – How gut microbiome manipulation is being used to treat conditions like C. diff and potentially autism.
• Science and Policy in the White House – Dr. Handelsman’s experience advising on national science initiatives, including responses to epidemics.
• The Future of Personalized Medicine – The potential of microbiome-based diagnostics and therapies for mental and physical health.
• Intergenerational Science Education – Encouraging curiosity and resilience in young scientists, including the importance of failure in research.
• The All of Us Project and Next-Gen Genomics – How large-scale genetic and microbiome studies are shaping the future of precision medicine.

https://wid.wisc.edu/people/jo-handelsman/

https://handelsmanlab.discovery.wisc.edu/

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

In this episode of The DNA of Things, Dr. Jeremy Koenig welcomes Dr. Gil Blander, founder of InsideTracker, to explore how personalized health analytics, real-time biomarker data, and AI-driven insights are revolutionizing longevity and healthspan optimization. With a Ph.D. from the Weizmann Institute of Science and postdoctoral research at MIT, Dr. Blander has dedicated his career to closing the gap between lifespan and healthspan. He shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the science behind InsideTracker, and how understanding blood biomarkers, DNA, and physiological data can empower individuals to take control of their health. This conversation dives into biological age vs. chronological age, genetic predispositions, and behavioral science's role in longevity. Whether you're a biohacker, athlete, or someone seeking to optimize your health, this episode provides actionable strategies to live better, longer.

What You'll Learn:

• Lifespan vs. Healthspan – Dr. Gil Blander emphasizes the importance of not just living longer but ensuring those extra years are filled with good health and vitality.
• The Power of Biomarkers – Blood biomarkers provide a real-time window into overall health, helping identify risk factors before they become critical issues.
• Biological Age vs. Chronological Age – InsideTracker’s data-driven approach measures biological age based on blood markers, helping users optimize their health at any stage.
• Genetics and Lifestyle Synergy – While genetics play a role in health, lifestyle choices such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep have a far greater impact on longevity.
• Athletes and Biohackers Lead the Way – From professional athletes optimizing performance to longevity seekers making small daily changes, personalized health tracking is reshaping wellness.
• The Future of AI in Health – AI-driven insights are making personalized health recommendations more precise, allowing for proactive prevention rather than reactive treatment.
• Behavioral Science for Lasting Change – Small, consistent lifestyle shifts—such as diet adjustments, better sleep, and stress management—can have a massive long-term impact on health.
• Preventative Healthcare as the Future – Dr. Blander advocates for shifting from disease treatment to prevention, reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.

https://www.insidetracker.com/

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

In this episode of The DNA of Things, we sit down with Adora Cheung, a serial entrepreneur and investor known for co-founding Homejoy and later becoming a partner at Y Combinator. Adora shares her journey from building and scaling startups to a wake-up call about the toll of hustle culture on founders' health.

We dive into the myths of burnout, the shortcomings of traditional healthcare, and why founders should treat their health as a business asset. Adora opens up about her own health struggles post-Homejoy, how she realized the flaws in the system, and what led her to create InstaLab—a company designed to empower people with proactive, data-driven healthcare without the usual red tape.

We also explore:

• The dangers of prioritizing success over well-being
• The role of personalized biometrics in longevity and performance
• How entrepreneurs can optimize their health without sacrificing their grind
• Why access to essential health tests shouldn't be a privilege

If you're a founder, creator, or leader, this episode is a must-listen. Because the best entrepreneurs aren't the ones who burn out—they're the ones who build for the long game.

Connect with Adora: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adoracheung

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

Dr. Chris McMaster, a leading geneticist and former Dean of Medicine at Dalhousie University, joins The DNA of Things to explore the transformative potential of gene therapy in treating rare diseases. As the scientific director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research’s Institute of Genetics, he sheds light on how genetic and genomic medicine is shifting from treating symptoms to curing diseases at the DNA level. Dr. McMaster shares insights into the ethical dilemmas of genetic data, the power of collaboration in scientific innovation, and the future of newborn genome sequencing. With a career spanning groundbreaking contributions to pharmacogenetics and orphan disease treatments, he discusses his latest venture, Allogene, and how his work in muscular dystrophies and infectious diseases is paving the way for a healthier future. Tune in for a compelling conversation about the evolving landscape of genetic research and its real-world impact on medicine. 

Episode Highlights:

• Gene therapy is revolutionizing medicine
• Genome sequencing is now faster and more affordable
• Scientific collaboration accelerates innovation
• Newborn genome sequencing will transform early diagnosis
• Genetic data privacy and ethics are crucial concerns
• AI and bioinformatics are reshaping medical diagnostics
• Small biotech companies are driving rare disease treatments
• Medical research must prioritize patient impact over publications

Connect with Dr. Chris

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Mike Polcari, former chief architect at 23andMe and now founder and CEO of Haplotype Labs, to discuss the evolution of consumer genomics and the future of personalized medicine. Mike shares insights from his journey at 23andMe, where he helped scale the platform into a leader in genetic testing, and how that experience led him to launch Haplotype Labs. The conversation dives deep into polygenic risk scores, the power of genetic data in preventative healthcare, and how AI-driven platforms like Haplo Hub are bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and clinical application. If you're curious about how genetics is revolutionizing medicine, predicting disease risks, and optimizing health strategies, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

• From Tech to Genomics – Mike Polcari transitioned from a background in software engineering at Salesforce to becoming the chief architect at 23andMe, where he played a pivotal role in scaling consumer genomics.
• Scaling 23andMe – He was instrumental in driving 23andMe’s technology, helping it evolve from a niche DNA testing service into a mainstream household brand with millions of users.
• The Power of Polygenic Risk Scores – These genetic models help predict disease risk by analyzing multiple genetic markers, providing valuable insights for preventative healthcare.
• Bridging Research & Clinical Care – Polcari’s new venture, Haplotype Labs, aims to translate genetic discoveries into actionable health solutions for clinicians and patients.
• Haplo Hub’s Mission – His startup provides a SaaS platform that enables genetic testing labs and medical practices to integrate advanced genetic risk models into healthcare.
• Applications Beyond Ancestry – Genetic insights are being applied to everything from cardiovascular disease prevention to autoimmune conditions and personalized medicine.
• Challenges in Healthcare Adoption – Despite advances in genomics, there is still a gap in translating genetic reports into actionable clinical decisions, which Haplotype Labs seeks to address.
• The Future of Precision Medicine – With AI and continuous research, personalized medicine is becoming more effective, allowing individuals to make informed choices about their health and longevity.

Connect with MIKE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polcari/

LINKS:

https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry