In this insightful episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Dr. Brian Shirts, Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at Vanderbilt University and founder of ConnectMyVariant.org . Together, they explore the powerful potential of family-based genetic outreach as a pathway to preventing hereditary cancer. Dr. Shirts shares the pivotal research discoveries and patient stories that led to the creation of ConnectMyVariant—a nonprofit connecting ...
Apr 24, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Genetic Risk, and Breaking Barriers to Screening with Dr. Frederick Gandolfo, Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Host of The Real GI Doctor Show Episode Overview: In this episode, we’re tackling a tough but critical topic—March's Colorectal Cancer Awareness, genetic risk factors like Lynch Syndrome, and why so many people delay or avoid screening. I sit down with Dr. Frederick Gandolfo, a practicing GI specialist and podcast host of The Real GI Doctor Show, to ...
Mar 13, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Let’s take a moment to protect your peace. I know it is difficult to continue showing up with resilience and purpose when facing uncertainty. Advocacy and action require strength, but strength comes from within. Yet we are facing relentless attacks on healthcare, research, and fundamental rights. It’s exhausting, and some days, it feels like too much. But we cannot pour from an empty cup. This meditation is my gift to you—my fellow advocates, my community, and especially to the incredible medica...
Feb 07, 2025•11 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this special in-person episode, Host Sara Kavanaugh visits the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, to speak with Dr. Tuya Pal, Principal Investigator of the ICARE Initiative. ICARE is a groundbreaking registry dedicated to improving access to hereditary cancer expertise, advancing research, and supporting patients and families with hereditary cancer risk. Dr. Pal shares her inspiring journey into hereditary cancer genetics and how ICARE empowers participants with critical...
Jan 23, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Dr. Marleah Dean-Kruzel, a health communication expert, TEDx speaker, and BRCA2 previvor. Dr. Dean-Kruzel is not only a renowned professor of health communication but also a powerful advocate featured in the CDC's Bring Your Brave Breast Cancer Campaign. Together, they discuss the art and science of effective communication—a vital skill for anyone navigating hereditary cancer risk. From advocating for yourself in a ...
Dec 23, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Description: In this insightful episode, Host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Natalie Samson, Certified Genetic Counselor and founder of Golden Genetics, to discuss the power of integrative genetic counseling. Natalie shares her insights on combining traditional genetic testing with holistic health practices to manage health risks proactively. This episode is timely for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, shedding light on genetic factors and preventive measures. What You'll Learn: The role of gene...
Dec 01, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In Season 2, Episode 8 of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara Kavanaugh welcomes Kathy Baker, founder of My Faulty Gene, for a powerful conversation about surviving hereditary cancer and the impact of genetic testing. Kathy shares her journey of facing cancer multiple times, the life-changing decision to pursue genetic testing, and her mission to help others manage their risk and access vital resources through her nonprofit. This episode highlights: Kathy’s personal story and the turning point that ...
Nov 20, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this timely special episode, I set aside the usual format to talk sincerely about what’s at stake in Election 2024 for healthcare, women’s rights, and environmental protections. Drawing from my own experiences with miscarriages, hereditary cancer risks, and an environmental contamination, I share personal stories to highlight how the choices we make at the polls could impact access to compassionate, essential care for women and families. Policies impacting healthcare, reproductive rights, and...
Nov 04, 2024•9 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, Sara holds a deeply engaging conversation with Krista Brown, a registered nurse, cancer prevention coach, and breast cancer survivor with an ATM genetic mutation. Krista’s journey goes beyond her medical expertise; it’s a mission driven by her personal story, relentless research, and a desire to help others navigate life with hereditary cancer risks. Listen as Krista blends her professional knowledge with personal experiences to offer practical strategies on nutrition, lifestyle...
Oct 25, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this powerful and uplifting episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara sits down with worship pastor and musician David Curtis to explore how faith can be a source of strength in the face of life’s toughest challenges. David candidly shares his journey through his cancer diagnoses in 2017 and 2023, supporting his wife during her breast cancer battle in 2020, and balancing family life with the demands of ministry—all while leaning on God for guidance and peace. David's story is one of courage,...
Sep 28, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In the latest episode of "The Positive Gene Podcast" titled "Thriving with Nutrition: The Role of Diet in Hereditary Cancer Risk with Oncology Dietician, Alison Tierney," we take a crash course on the crucial impact of diet and lifestyle on managing hereditary cancer risk. Alison Tierney, a board-certified oncology dietitian and cancer thriver, shares her expertise and personal journey, emphasizing the transformative power of plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine in cancer prevention and ...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Join us for a heartfelt episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, where Marina Mukandala, an inspiring yoga teacher and CEO of L.I.F.E. with Marina, shares her transformative journey from anxiety to empowerment through yoga. In this episode, Marina opens up about how yoga not only helped her personally overcome intense anxiety but also how it has become a tool for empowering others. With deep insights into the mind-body connection, she offers practical tips and inspiration for anyone looking to embr...
Apr 15, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this season's second episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh navigates the complex world of genetics with special guest Morgan Wolfgang, a genetic counselor with a passion for hereditary cancer prevention. With expertise from Vanderbilt School of Medicine and a commitment to making genetic services accessible, Morgan shares invaluable insights into how understanding our genetic makeup can shape our healthcare choices. The conversation navigates through the crucial roles of g...
Apr 05, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this exciting kickoff to Season 2 of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh shares an enriching conversation with Wenora Johnson, the President of the FORCE* Board of Directors. As a three-time cancer survivor and Lynch Syndrome advocate, Wenora shares her remarkable journey through adversity, the power of genetic awareness, and the transformative work of FORCE. Highlighting Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day, this episode underscores the critical role of community, knowledge, and proactive...
Mar 22, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Episode Summary Welcome to a special bonus episode of "The Positive Gene Podcast," titled "Guided Reflections/Meditation: Soothing the Mind Amidst Health Challenges." In this unique session, your host, Sara Kavanaugh, steps away from the usual format to bring you a soothing guided meditation tailored for anyone grappling with health challenges. Whether you're navigating the uncertainties of hereditary cancer risk, recovering from an illness, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility in the face ...
Jan 02, 2024•6 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Are you grappling with feelings of fear and uncertainty after receiving a hereditary cancer genetic test result? You're not alone. 'The Positive Gene Podcast' and host, Sara Kavanaugh, presents 'From Panic to Peace: Navigating Your Genetic Diagnosis Journey,' a deeply empathetic episode that addresses the emotional turmoil and isolation many experience in the wake of such life-altering news. In this episode, we delve into the heart of these emotions, offering a compassionate hand to guide you th...
Nov 28, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this special episode of The Positive Gene Podcast titled "Circle of Support: Empowering Caregivers on the Previvor and Survivor Journey," host Sara Kavanaugh honors National Caregivers Month and Thanksgiving by focusing on the gratitude for caregivers' essential roles for individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes. Sara discusses the emotional challenges and 'scanxiety' associated with regular screenings, reflecting on how this stress impacts not just the patients but also their families an...
Nov 21, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this enlightening episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh takes you through 'A Candid Guide to Genetic Testing Choices: Four Key Considerations.' With her unique perspective as a hereditary cancer previvor and advocate, Sara provides listeners with an unbiased and detailed exploration of the complex decision-making involved in genetic testing. Delving into the nuances of personal motivations, the significance of aligning choices with personal values, the critical role of gen...
Nov 10, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Join Sara Kavanaugh on The Positive Gene Podcast as she shares a poignant narrative of her family's encounters with cancer and how these experiences have shaped her approach to health and living. In this episode, Sara transforms the narrative of hereditary inevitability into one of empowerment and informed action. We explore the emotional weight of genetic risk, debunk the myths surrounding cancer inevitability, and learn how proactive surveillance can be a beacon of hope. Sara’s personal journe...
Nov 03, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The Positive Gene Podcast Episode: “Five Ways to Support Loved Ones Through Hereditary Cancer Choices” Explore the intricacies of hereditary cancer mutations and the daunting decisions they can pose with host Sara Kavanaugh. Tune in to learn how to navigate these tough conversations, be it as the decision-maker or a supportive loved one. Understand the Why: Recognize the emotional toll of family health history, prior battles with cancer, and the anxiety of looming risks. Listen More, Speak Less:...
Oct 27, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, join Sara as we explore empowerment for those living with hereditary cancer risks. Discovering a hereditary cancer mutation can be a profound moment, raising questions, fears, and even opportunities. As we delve deep, we unravel the different facets of empowerment, from awareness and education to active participation in one's health journey. Through personal anecdotes and evidence-backed insights, we shed light on how to navigate the unique challenges of this journey, always adv...
Oct 19, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this revealing episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh offers an intimate look into her personal journey with hereditary cancer syndromes. Drawing from her own experiences—from her initial diagnosis and emotional challenges to the strength she found in faith and community—Sara provides listeners with insights into navigating the complexities of genetic awareness and proactive health decisions. Please Note: This episode contains discussions of personal faith and spirituality,...
Oct 12, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 4
SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we journey through the less-trodden paths of a genetic diagnosis. With a blend of personal stories and expert insights, we touch upon the emotional, financial, and social facets that come along with it. Whether it's understanding insurance intricacies or navigating family conversations, our aim is to bring clarity and comfort. Remember, every challenge brings an opportunity to grow and learn. So, come along as we empower ourselves with knowledge, community support,...
Oct 04, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 3
The Positive Gene Podcast Episode #2: Lessons Learned While Navigating Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Genes Show Notes Introduction: Introduction to genetic testing for hereditary cancer genes. An overview of the R.E.A.D.Y. Framework. Disclaimer: Insights are personal, not medical advice. Only 5-10% of cancers are due to inherited gene defects. BEFORE TESTING: Recognize Risks Importance of understanding potential genetic risks. Resources: facingourrisk.org and cancer.org . DURING TESTING:...
Sep 28, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome! Join Sara Kavanaugh on The Positive Gene Podcast as we navigate hereditary cancer risks with clarity and optimism from the patient perspective. We know navigating the landscape of hereditary cancer risks can feel overwhelming. But worry not! Through engaging discussions and captivating topics, we'll demystify the world of life with hereditary cancer risk, unraveling its complexities in a way that's both accessible and informative. Thanks for listening! IMPORTANT: I am not a medical prof...
Sep 25, 2023•5 min
