The DNA of Things with Dr. Jeremy Koenig

In this episode of The DNA of Things, host Dr. Jeremy Koenig interviews Cameron Moulène, CEO and co-founder of AugiHealth, a cutting-edge health tech startup using AI-driven digital health records to revolutionize personalized healthcare. Cameron shares his journey from actor to entrepreneur, inspired by the challenges of managing care for his autistic son. He explains how AugiHealth empowers patients to own and control their medical data, bridging gaps in a fragmented system and enabling truly proactive health management.

🔑 8 Key Takeaways on AI and Patient-Owned Healthcare:

• The inspiration for AugiHealth came from Cameron’s personal struggle navigating disconnected healthcare systems for his son’s autism care.
• Most patients don’t truly own their medical records—AugiHealth is changing that with HIPAA-compliant, user-controlled digital health passports.
• Fragmented EHR systems create inefficiencies; AugiHealth unifies and synthesizes this data using advanced AI and large language models (LLMs).
• AugiHealth’s user interface is designed for simplicity, so even a 12-year-old can understand their health status, metrics, and personalized care suggestions.
• Predictive health analysis tools within the app allow for proactive intervention—shifting the system from sick care to preventative care.
• Doctors benefit too: AugiHealth gives providers a smart dashboard, with real-time biometrics and goal tracking to enhance care delivery.
• Ideal for families, especially parents managing children’s care—launching soon with the ability to onboard caregivers and emergency contacts.
• AugiHealth is free to use, reflecting the company’s mission to democratize access to better, longer, healthier lives without expensive subscriptions.

Connect with Cameron

 LINKS:

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

In this episode of The DNA of Things, Dr. Jeremy Koenig speaks with Peter Joseph Fitzpatrick, co-founder and CEO of Fawn Friends, a company pioneering emotionally intelligent AI companions for neurodivergent children. Peter shares the personal story that inspired the creation of Fawn—a social robot designed not just to talk, but to truly listen. Together, they explore the emotional and philosophical underpinnings of AI companionship, the challenges of ethical design, and the role of artificial friends in a child's emotional development.

Key takeaways:

• Peter created Fawn in response to his own childhood need for emotional support during a difficult divorce.
• Fawn is more than a toy—it's an empathetic AI companion designed to help tweens and teens process emotions and build social skills.
• Emotional maturity stems from learning to recognize, accept, and create space between oneself and one’s emotions.
• The Fawn experience is built around a fictional world called Aurora Hollow, giving depth and narrative to the AI interaction.
• Large Language Models (LLMs) allow for dynamic, character-driven conversations that mimic real emotional support.
• Peter emphasizes designing AI to support—not replace—human relationships and warns against ethical pitfalls.
• The emotional bond users form with Fawn raises important questions about grief, responsibility, and human-AI attachment.
• Peter urges parents to treat their child's AI companions with the same care and scrutiny as human friendships.

Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjfitzpatrick/

 LINKS:

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

In this episode of The DNA of Things, host Dr. Jeremy Koenig visits Halifax, Nova Scotia—an unexpected hub of grassroots innovation and human-centered AI—and sits down with Noah Barrett, founder of Collect. Noah shares how he's transforming apartments and basements into creative co-working spaces that are redefining what it means to build meaningful technology in community. Together, they explore how AI, community, and intentional design are reshaping the builder landscape.

8 Key Takeaways:

• 🧠 AI as a Jetpack: AI is dramatically accelerating what solo creators and small teams can accomplish—turning month-long projects into day-long builds.
• 🛠️ BuildAon vs. Hackathon: Noah’s “BuildAon” reimagines hackathons by integrating artists, marketers, and technologists into one-day, full-product sprints rooted in collaboration.
• 🌱 The Power of Community: The real innovation isn't just in the tools—it's in the people coming together to support, inspire, and push each other’s projects forward.
• 🏡 From Apartments to Ecosystems: What started as intimate coworking sessions in local apartments is becoming a movement and framework for human-centered innovation.
• 🎯 Building with Meaning: Collect focuses on helping people work on projects they’re passionate about—because when passion meets structure, transformation follows.
• 🌐 Human-First Technology: This episode challenges us to think not just about what we can build with AI, but what kind of future—and community—we're building together.
• 💬 Sharing the Vision: Noah emphasizes shared ownership and empowering others to step into leadership and creativity through action and collaboration.
• 📍 Halifax as a Hotspot: Once overlooked, Halifax is emerging as a surprising leader in tech-enabled grassroots creativity and innovation.

Connect with NOAH

 LINKS:

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

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig speaks with Dr. Ryan Rossner, Director of Longevity at Minicircle, about non-viral gene therapy, its implications for muscle restoration, fighting inflammation, and extending health span. Dr. Rossner shares insights into the science behind plasmid gene therapy, its unique approach compared to traditional methods, and the future possibilities of harnessing DNA for enhanced human potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Non-Viral Gene Therapy: Minicircle uses a plasmid-based approach to deliver therapeutic genes without viruses, reducing safety risks while effectively integrating into human cells.
• Follistatin Therapy: This gene therapy targets lean muscle growth and anti-inflammatory benefits by increasing the expression of Follistatin, offering a promising alternative to growth hormones and testosterone.
• Localized Delivery with Systemic Impact: Injecting plasmids into belly fat cells creates a localized protein factory that delivers systemic health benefits.
• Future of Gene Therapy: Minicircle is exploring therapies for cognitive enhancement (Klotho) and muscular dystrophy, pushing the boundaries of genetic interventions.
• Decentralized Medicine: The rise of medical tourism and decentralized research models could democratize access to advanced therapies.
• Philosophy and Biology: The conversation dives deep into the philosophical implications of gene editing, questioning whether DNA is a fixed code or an evolving blueprint we can co-create with.
• Light-Based Biology: Emerging technologies that use light to enhance mitochondrial function hint at revolutionary methods of energy production and healing.

Connect with Dr. Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/rjrphd/

 LINKS:

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

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig talks with Mac Davis, biotech entrepreneur and founder of Minicircle, Inc. They explore Mac's unconventional journey from cryptocurrency to pioneering plasmid-based gene therapies, diving into revolutionary approaches to genetic enhancement and philosophical perspectives on human evolution.

Key Takeaways:

• Minicircle's Innovation: Mac Davis has developed a gene therapy platform using circular DNA (plasmids) that can deliver targeted genes to enhance human health and potentially extend lifespan.
• Self-Experimentation Journey: Mac and his co-founder tested their first follistatin gene therapy on themselves after animal studies, experiencing significant muscle growth, fat reduction, and improved wellbeing.
• Adapting to Modern Challenges: Minicircle therapies could help humans adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions and toxins (microplastics, PFAS) that our bodies didn't evolve to handle.
• Beyond Disease Treatment: The therapies target both disease conditions (HIV, ALS, Crohn's) and potential enhancement of human capabilities through genes like klotho, associated with higher IQ and improved brain health.
• Biology as Information: Mac describes plasmids as an "information technology" - similar to books or websites - that can spread beneficial biological information between people.
• The Future of Enhancement: "Plasmids work" is Mac's central message - they represent an accessible, effective technology for gene transfer with vast untapped potential for intentional human biological enhancement.

 LINKS:

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

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kristin Oja, founder of STAT Wellness, to explore her incredible journey from dancer and personal trainer to pioneering a new model for healthcare. Kristin shares how she bridged functional medicine, movement science, and community to create a scalable, patient-centered system that focuses on proactive health, not just reactive care. We dive into her entrepreneurial spirit, the creation of STAT Wellness, her innovative use of technology and data, and her inspiring mission to transform healthcare across the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Kristin Oja’s diverse background in fitness and emergency care fueled her vision to redesign healthcare around prevention and intention.
• STAT Wellness blends functional medicine, movement science, and community support to create a holistic, scalable model for health.
• "Strength To Achieve Total Wellness" (STAT) reflects the core belief that everyone has room for growth across mind, body, and spirit.
• Patients undergo detailed health histories, body composition analysis, personalized lab work, and customized care plans from day one.
• The membership model at STAT Wellness offers affordable access to functional medicine, coaching, fitness, and community events.
• Genetics and environmental testing are used to personalize health strategies and empower individuals to take control of their wellness.
• STAT Wellness is developing innovative technology like WellPro to make patient data accessible, actionable, and inspiring.
• Kristin’s long-term vision is to expand STAT Wellness nationwide, transforming healthcare to prioritize healthspan, not just lifespan.

Connect with Dr. Kristin

 LINKS:

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

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

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

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

 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