Ep. 68 - Is Genetic Testing Right For You? Genetic Counselor Kira Dineen on Carrier Screening, Chromosomes & Conception

Ep. 68 - Is Genetic Testing Right For You? Genetic Counselor Kira Dineen on Carrier Screening, Chromosomes & Conception

Author: Local Moms Network February 17, 2026 Duration: 26:33
Moms, information is power. And when it comes to pregnancy, each woman decides how much genetic information she wants to know. Whether you’re convinced of its value, or just curious about what it entails, this episode explains genetic testing before and during pregnancy. Our guest is Prenatal Genetic Counselor Kira Dineen, a passionate scientist and host of the celebrated podcast “DNA Today.” Kira analyzes family history, assesses risks for inherited diseases, and guides patients through genetic testing options. We cover:* what preconception genetic testing can tell us (and what it can’t)* the chances of passing along a condition if you and your partner are both carriers* testing options in the various phases of pregnancy and which types of cells are analyzed* why chromosomal abnormalities become more common as we age* the difference between inherited disease and those that result from mutationsTo learn more about Kira, head to her website dnapodcast.com and check out her podcast “DNA Today” wherever you listen to your shows.MomCast is powered by The Local Moms NetworkIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: demetra@thelocalmomsnetwork.comPodcast facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Hosted by Demetra Ganias-a writer and mother of three who’s navigating the same daily realities-MomCast is a conversation from the trenches of modern parenting. This podcast, from the Local Moms Network, moves beyond simple tips to explore the nuanced, often unspoken layers of family life, culture, and society that shape our days. Demetra guides honest talks with both leading experts and fellow moms who get it, tackling questions about child development, personal identity, and the balancing act that rarely feels balanced. The dialogue here is less about perfect answers and more about shared understanding, offering perspectives that resonate whether you’re in the car line or stealing a quiet moment. It’s a space where the complexities of raising kids intersect with everything else, acknowledging that motherhood is as much about the world we’re preparing our children for as it is about the snack currently ground into the car seat. Tune in for a genuine, sometimes messy, but always connecting look at this defining chapter. You’ll find a sense of community in this podcast, a feeling that someone is putting words to your own experience, making the journey feel a little less solitary and a lot more seen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

MomCast
Podcast Episodes
Chapters of Motherhood: Own the Plot Twist! with Zibby Owens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:59
Moms, which chapter of motherhood are you in?Wherever you are, let it change you and teach you because it’s all going to change anyway. Zibby Owens is the author of the new book “Between Chapters,” a celebration of how w…
Dr. Shefali says "Stop Doing Too Much For Your Kids!" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:25
It's our Season 3 Premiere!Moms, if you worry you’re not doing enough for your kids, it’s more likely you’re doing too much! Today we chat with renowned parenting expert and psychologist Dr. Shefali. She throws out our “…
SUMMER SIZZLER: Real Talk with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Moms, it’s so fun to meet a celebrity and find she’s as warm and relatable as we’d hoped. We know you’ll think so too!In today’s episode, we sit down with the incredible Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt. A New York Times b…
SUMMER SIZZLER: Secrets of Elite College Applications with Kate Stone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
Moms, if the thought of the college admissions process feels either overwhelming or confusing (or both), Kate Stone of Kate Stone Prep has answers. Her team mentor students all over the world to crack the code on college…