The DNA of Things with Dr. Jeremy Koenig

 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

 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

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

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

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

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

 In this episode of The DNA of Things, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Garrett Marshall, a visionary leader in digital health and fitness innovation. Garrett shares his journey from a career in sports and fitness to becoming a pioneer at the intersection of fitness, technology, and entrepreneurship. He discusses his work at Xponential Fitness, leading digital transformation efforts, and how his latest venture, the Precision Health Platform, is set to revolutionize the way fitness providers integrate health data to personalize training and wellness solutions. From biomarker-driven insights to the evolving role of AI in fitness, this episode dives deep into the future of digital health and the power of data-driven personalization. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how technology is reshaping the fitness industry and how professionals can leverage it to enhance client outcomes.

Episode Highlights:

• The Evolution of Fitness & Technology – Garrett Marshall shares how fitness has evolved beyond physical training, integrating digital tools and data-driven personalization to enhance outcomes.
• From Athlete to Entrepreneur – Garrett’s journey from sports to fitness technology was shaped by his personal experiences with training, injury recovery, and entrepreneurship.
• Bridging the Gap Between Fitness & Digital Health – His work at Exponential Fitness and beyond has focused on blending traditional fitness models with emerging health technologies.
• The Rise of Digital Fitness Platforms – During his tenure at Exponential, he led the creation of Exponential Plus, a digital fitness platform that expanded access to on-demand workouts.
• Precision Health & Personalization – Garrett’s latest venture, the Precision Health Platform, integrates biomarker analysis, lab testing, and telehealth services to help fitness providers offer more tailored wellness solutions.
• Data-Driven Insights for Fitness Professionals – The platform enables fitness providers to leverage physiological data, such as hormone levels and recovery metrics, to refine training programs.
• Technology as a Tool, Not a Replacement – While digital solutions enhance fitness experiences, Garrett emphasizes the importance of human connection and expertise in delivering results.
• The Future of Fitness & Health Optimization – The industry is shifting toward a holistic, science-backed approach, where fitness, recovery, nutrition, and technology work together to improve overall well-being.

Connect with Garrett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmarshall/

 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 reflects on his first year as a father and how it has reshaped his understanding of human performance, family systems, and child development. Joining him is Brandon Larson, creator of Fantastic Dads, a program that blends scientific insights with practical strategies to help fathers foster deep connections with their children. Together, they explore the role of dads in modern society, the balance between individualism and community in parenting, and the importance of systems thinking in human development. Dr. Koenig shares his personal journey of navigating fatherhood, the impact of structured guidance, and the lessons learned from integrating developmental science into everyday parenting. Whether you're a parent, coach, or someone passionate about shaping the next generation, this conversation offers valuable insights into raising resilient, capable individuals. 

Episode Highlights:

• Fatherhood as a Transformative Experience – Becoming a dad reshapes perspectives on performance, family dynamics, and child development.
• The Power of Systems Thinking – Parenting benefits from a structured, problem-solving approach similar to coaching elite athletes.
• The Role of Fathers in Child Development – Dads play a crucial role in communication, motor skill development, and emotional bonding from day one.
• Balancing Individualism and Community – While modern parenting often feels isolating, building a supportive network is essential for both parents and children.
• The Importance of Early Development – Critical developmental windows, such as early motor skills and self-regulation, shape a child’s long-term growth.
• Resilience and Emotional Regulation – Teaching children coping mechanisms, like slow breathing, helps develop emotional intelligence and executive function.
• Personalized Parenting Through Science – Leveraging genetics, data, and behavioral insights can enhance parenting strategies and child well-being.
• Consistency and Rituals Matter – Establishing family routines fosters security, learning, and strong parent-child relationships.

Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conceivecreaterepeat/

 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 is joined by Andrew Steele, an Olympian turned entrepreneur and a leader in consumer genomics and functional health. From his Olympic journey as a sprinter for Great Britain to co-founding DNAFit and now Stride, Andrew shares how his experiences on the track shaped his innovative approach to health optimization. Together, they delve into the evolution of consumer genomics, the integration of multi-omics data in personalized wellness, and the societal shift toward proactive health management. Andrew's insights reveal practical ways to unlock your potential by leveraging genetics, environment, and behavior. Tune in to be inspired by his story and gain actionable tips for optimizing your health and extending your health span.

Episode Highlights:

• From Athlete to Innovator: Andrew Steele transitioned from an elite sprinter and Olympic medalist to a pioneer in consumer genomics and health optimization, bringing lessons from athletics to health tech.
• The Evolution of DNAFit: Andrew co-founded DNAFit, one of the first companies to offer personalized genetic testing for wellness, which was later acquired by Prenetics.
• Multi-Omics Revolution: Through his new venture, Stride, Andrew combines genomics, microbiome data, and clinical care to create a comprehensive approach to health management.
• Societal Shift in Health: Andrew highlights how the public is moving from reactive healthcare to proactive, preventive strategies, with tools like wearables and biomarker tracking becoming mainstream.
• Health Optimization for All: Personalized health is no longer limited to elite athletes or biohackers; everyday individuals can now access actionable insights to improve their wellness.
• Lessons from Sports: Andrew shares how resilience, grit, and a willingness to embrace discomfort as an athlete have influenced his entrepreneurial success.
• Accessible Technology: Stride aims to simplify the health journey by integrating data, supplements, and telehealth services, making health optimization seamless and actionable.
• Empowering Choices: This episode underscores the importance of understanding your unique biology and taking ownership of your health to unlock your full potential.

Connect with Andrew: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrewsteeleathlete

 LINKS:

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

In this episode, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Hannah Dose, the Co-Founder and CEO of AU Genomics, a trailblazer in genomics innovation. From pioneering CRISPR research in plant sciences to transforming human health and accessibility in genomics, Hannah's story is one of resilience and groundbreaking achievements. She shares her insights on bridging gaps in health and science, her company’s journey to winning the XPRIZE for rapid COVID testing, and how AU Genomics is making genomic tools more accessible. Tune in to explore how innovation, passion, and a commitment to equity are reshaping the future of genomics.

Episode Highlights:

• Innovative Genomics Solutions: Hannah Dose shares how AU Genomics is tackling high-stakes challenges with bespoke next-generation sequencing solutions, making advanced genomic tools accessible to more people.
• CRISPR Breakthroughs: Hannah's early work in plant sciences using CRISPR technology laid the foundation for her pivot to human health and genomics accessibility.
• XPRIZE Victory: AU Genomics’ rapid, cost-effective COVID-19 saliva test not only won the prestigious XPRIZE but also highlighted the team's dedication to equitable healthcare solutions.
• Addressing Global Health Gaps: Hannah emphasizes the critical need to overcome logistical, financial, and regulatory barriers that hinder equitable access to genomics research and healthcare across borders.
• Empowering Underserved Communities: AU Genomics actively supports marginalized researchers and communities by enabling access to innovative tools and methods previously out of reach.
• AI in Genomics: The integration of AI and advanced computational tools is revolutionizing data analysis, lowering costs, and driving innovation in the genomics space.
• Collaboration and Mentorship: Hannah underscores the importance of building a network of experts to complement your skills and push the boundaries of innovation.
• The Future of Genomics: AU Genomics aims to foster creative, inclusive, and collaborative environments where bold ideas can be tested, transforming the genomics landscape for the better.

https://www.augenomics.com/

 LINKS:

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