The Genetic Coach Podcast

The Genetic Coach
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Join Di White as she digs into how genetics is revolutionizing our understanding of human athletic potential and traditional fitness practices. Learn how your genetic blueprint can elevate your athletic performance to new heights and meet high-performing athletes unwrapping their journeys to success and what has shaped their progression.

  1. JAN 12

    Hormones, Genetics, and Injury Risk in Athletes with Marina Shanafelt

    In this episode of The Genetic Coach Podcast, we explore the powerful but often overlooked relationship between hormones, genetics, and injury risk in athletes. While hormones are frequently discussed in the context of reproduction, this conversation shifts the focus to how steroid hormones influence muscle strength, connective tissue integrity, bone resilience, recovery, and long-term performance in both female and male athletes. Hosted by Di White, this episode features 3X4 Genetics expert Marina Shanafelt, a certified nutrition specialist and nutrigenomics mentor, who breaks down how estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol interact with training load, stress, and energy availability to shape injury vulnerability across different life stages. Through real-world case studies, Marina explains how genetic insights can reveal hidden risks related to stress response, hormone metabolism, inflammation, bone health, and tissue repair, allowing athletes and clinicians to move from generalized advice to targeted, high-impact interventions. Whether you are a developing athlete, elite performer, coach, or clinician, this episode provides practical, science-backed insights into how understanding hormonal balance through a genetic lens can support smarter training, better recovery, and long-term athletic resilience. Key talking points: The role of steroid hormones in muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone health How hormonal shifts across puberty, menstrual cycles, and aging influence injury risk Differences in injury patterns between female and male athletes The impact of low energy availability and chronic stress on hormone balance and tissue resilience How genetics reveal individual vulnerabilities in hormone metabolism and stress response Case studies showing how DNA-guided nutrition and training adjustments reduce injury risk Using genetic insights to personalize recovery, fueling, and long-term performance strategies

    48 min

  2. 12/15/2025

    Celiac Disease and Sports Performance: What Athletes Need to Know

    In this episode of The Genetic Coach Podcast, we explore the connection between celiac disease, genetics, and athletic performance, and why many athletes experience fatigue, injuries, and stalled progress without understanding the underlying cause. Hosted by Di White, this conversation features Registered Dietitian and nutrigenomics expert Nikki Grant, who explains how genetic predisposition to celiac disease can disrupt gut health, nutrient absorption, immune function, and recovery in athletes. Through clear explanations and real-world examples, the episode unpacks how specific HLA gene variants influence celiac risk, why symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed in sport, and how genetic insights help athletes move beyond trial-and-error nutrition. From smarter carbohydrate choices to rebuilding gut integrity and managing training load, this discussion highlights how DNA-informed strategies support sustainable performance and long-term resilience. Whether you are an athlete, coach, or clinician, this episode offers practical, science-backed insights to help you train and recover in alignment with your biology. Key talking points: What celiac disease is and why it matters in athletic performance Genetic predisposition and the role of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 variants Common signs of undiagnosed celiac disease in athletes Why celiac is often misdiagnosed as overtraining or IBS The impact of gut health on energy, endurance, and recovery Nutrition strategies for athletes with celiac risk or diagnosis Using genetic insights to support long-term performance and resilience

    44 min

  3. 04/11/2025

    Inside Elite Beach Volleyball: Evan Cory and Sarah Amidon on Genetics, Nutrition & Recovery

    In this exciting new episode of The Genetic Coach Podcast, we delve into the elite world of Pro Beach Volleyball Player and FIVB medalist, Evan Cory, and Sports Genomics Dietitian Sarah Amidon of Root & Fruit Nutrition. Hosted by Di White, they reveal how personalized genetic insights have transformed Evan's approach to recovery, inflammation, nutrition, and optimized performance as a professional athlete in the ultra-competitive realm of Elite Beach Volleyball.  Whether you're a competitive athlete or simply intrigued by the future of genetics in sports performance, this episode is filled with practical and inspiring insights on data-driven strategies, mental resilience, and recovery science that can reshape your athletic journey. Key talking points: Introduction to Evan Cory: FIVB medalist and professional beach volleyball athlete navigating a demanding global circuit. Genetics in Sport: How personalized genetic testing revealed Evan's heightened inflammatory risk and shaped his recovery strategies. Nutrition Evolution: Transitioning from generic nutrition to a tailored, DNA-informed anti-inflammatory diet, including the role of gluten sensitivity, omega-3s, sulforaphane, and timing. Recovery as a Competitive Advantage: Why understanding individual genetic pathways can elevate recovery, prevent injury, and improve adaptation. The Role of Mindset in Elite Sport: Insights on mental strategies, mentorship, and the psychological intensity of solo/team competition in high-stakes environments. Wearables & Data Synergy: Integrating genetic data with tools like WHOOP and Oura Ring to contextualize performance metrics. Challenges of Global Travel: Balancing performance nutrition with regional food risks; strategies for packing smart and supplementing effectively.   Team Collaboration in Genomic Sports Medicine: How dietitians, coaches, and strength professionals can use DNA data to personalize training. The Future of Performance & Prevention: Using genomics to reduce overtraining, optimize NIL investment outcomes, and prevent costly injuries.

    49 min

  4. 03/28/2025

    Making Waves: Olympian Emma Chelius on Sprint Swimming & Personalised Science

    In this episode of The Genetic Coach, host Di White sits down with Olympian Emma Chelius. Emma reflects on her incredible journey as a competitive swimmer, from her early days in KwaZulu-Natal all the way to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In this compelling episode, listeners gain insight into the role of genetics, mental resilience, and recovery strategies in elite sport. Emma also takes the opportunity to open up about her training evolution, challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she balanced talent with hard work to reach her peak. Discover how genetic insights could revolutionize personalized athletic performance. Key Talking Points: Olympic Experience Emma shares the highs and lows of competing at the Olympics, and how the experience shaped her both personally and professionally. Sprint Training Demands A look into the unique intensity and precision required for sprint swimming, from training structure to mindset. Recovery & Marginal Gains Discussion on how elite swimmers optimise recovery through sleep, nutrition, and tracking the smallest performance gains. DNA & Personalised Performance How Emma uses data-driven testing to personalize training and the potential she sees in leveraging genetic insights for recovery and performance. Mental Resilience Techniques Emma uses to stay focused and composed under competitive pressure, including mindfulness and visualisation. Support Network The role of coaches, medical teams, and family in sustaining elite performance and wellbeing. Beyond the Pool Emma opens up about finding balance, identity, and purpose beyond the world of high-performance sport.

    45 min

  5. 03/07/2025

    The Future of Training: Leveraging Genetics for Athletic Success

    In this episode of The Genetic Coach, host Di White sits down with endurance athlete Jeff Hsu, an early adopter of Genefit. Jeff, a lifelong cyclist and software development manager, shares how genetic insights have reshaped his approach to training, nutrition, and recovery - leading him to shave 30 minutes off his marathon time. Discover how personalized genetic data, paired with technology and smart wearables, can optimize performance and prevent injuries. If you’ve ever wondered how genetics can fine-tune your training, this episode is for you! Key Talking Points: Jeff Hsu’s Background & Training Journey •Former high school athlete turned endurance cyclist and now a marathon runner. •Balancing training with a full-time tech career at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and PayPal. •Transitioned to running for efficiency—easier to fit into a busy schedule than cycling. Genetic Testing & Key Insights •Initially interested in 23andMe-style testing, but discovered the power of sports genetics. • Test revealed strong endurance genes and fast recovery ability, yet Jeff wasn’t recovering well due to deficiencies. • Identified B-vitamin & vitamin D deficiencies, leading to a personalized supplementation strategy. Data-Driven Training & Recovery •Early adopter of power meters & wearables to track training load. •Used GeneFit run program to train for his second marathon—improving by 30 minutes. •Session Scores & Load Balance from GeneFit helped fine-tune daily workouts. Preventing Injuries & Overtraining •Struggled with cramping issues, tried different nutrition strategies. •Monitored connective tissue injury risk through GeneFit and adjusted training. •Incorporated yoga & cross-training (tennis, hiking, cycling) to maintain fitness while reducing injury risk. The Future of Personalized Training •Genetic insights validate and refine traditional training plans. • Genetic data helps personalize nutrition, recovery, and workout intensity. •Advocates for more athletes integrating genetic testing & wearable tech into their training for sustainable performance improvements.

    33 min

  6. 02/28/2025

    The Autoimmune Athlete: Thriving Through Functional Nutrition & Genetics

    In this episode of The Genetic Coach, host Di White sits down with Margaret Floyd Barry, a functional nutritionist, educator, and real food advocate, to explore the intersection of autoimmunity, athletic performance, and functional health. Margaret shares her personal journey - from witnessing her mother battle multiple autoimmune diseases to reversing her own Hashimoto’s diagnosis - and how these experiences shaped her mission to help others heal through root-cause nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Key Talking Points: The Reality of Autoimmune Disease – What happens when the immune system attacks itself, and how symptoms manifest in athletes. Why Traditional Medicine Falls Short – The limitations of symptom management versus a functional approach that identifies underlying triggers. The Power of Gut Health – How food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, and chronic inflammation impact recovery and endurance. Training with Autoimmunity – Strategies to optimize performance, avoid burnout, and adapt training based on genetics and bio-individual needs. Genetics & Personalized Health – How genetic insights can fine-tune training plans, recovery strategies, and long-term health resilience. Whether you’re an athlete managing autoimmunity or simply looking to optimize your health, fitness, and longevity, this episode is packed with science-backed strategies to help you train smarter and recover faster.

    54 min

  7. 02/14/2025

    Swimming Beyond Limits: Michelle Weber on Open Water Racing, the English Channel, and Genetic Testing.

    In this episode of The Genetic Coach, host Di White sits down with two-time Olympic open water swimmer Michelle Weber, one of South Africa’s top endurance athletes. Michelle shares her journey from competitive pool swimming to dominating the open water scene, her self-coaching experience, and how she prepared for iconic challenges like the English Channel and Robben Island crossings. They explore the role of genetics in athletic performance, discussing how understanding her genetic profile might provide insights into her endurance capabilities, recovery strategies, and nutrition. Michelle also reflects on her motivations, including her personal journey through loss, and how swimming became both a competitive drive and a means of healing. Key Talking Points: Introduction to Michelle Weber Di White introduces Michelle Weber, highlighting her impressive career as a two-time Olympic open water swimmer. Overview of Michelle’s achievements, including her national titles and record-breaking English Channel swim. Michelle’s Early Beginnings in Swimming Growing up in a coastal town and developing a passion for the water from an early age. The influence of her family and how her sister’s first swim gala sparked her competitive drive. Transition from Pool Swimming to Open Water Michelle’s early success in shorter pool events and how she found her strength in long-distance swimming. The intense training environment at Kings Park Pool and its role in shaping her endurance. The Role of Genetics in Performance Discussion on power vs. endurance genetics and how testing could provide insights into Michelle’s strengths. The potential of genetic testing to refine training and recovery strategies. Self-Coaching and Training for the Olympics and Channel Swim How Michelle transitioned to self-coaching from 2018 onwards and the discipline required to maintain elite performance. The challenges of training without a coach and structuring her own programs. Recovery and Injury Prevention Insights into Michelle’s natural ability to recover and her injury-free career. Her experience with tachycardia and decision to undergo a corrective procedure. Nutrition and Cross-Training for Endurance Michelle’s disciplined approach to nutrition and how she tailors her diet to optimize performance. The role of cross-training, including trail running, core workouts, and weight training. The English Channel Swim: A Personal and Physical Challenge Michelle’s motivation behind the record-breaking swim and the personal loss that fueled her journey. The unpredictable nature of open water swimming, navigating tides, and mental resilience. The Logistics of a Marathon Swim How a swimmer is fed and supported during an ultra-endurance event. The impact of saltwater exposure and managing energy levels mid-swim. Coaching Others and the Growth of Open Water Swimming Michelle’s transition to coaching and helping others prepare for endurance swims. The rising popularity of open water challenges and their personal significance for swimmers. Closing Thoughts Reflections on resilience, self-motivation, and the next steps in Michelle’s journey. Final words on the impact of genetics in understanding athletic performance.

    38 min

  8. 02/06/2025

    ​Pushing Limits: Michelle Krebs on Endurance, Challenges, and Triumphs

    In this episode, professional triathlete Michelle Krebs shares her remarkable journey from aspiring track and field athlete to a top-performing long-distance triathlete. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including injuries, an eating disorder, and mental struggles, and how she ultimately found her passion in triathlon. Michelle discusses her transition from short-distance racing to long-distance endurance sports, how she discovered her true athletic strengths, and the critical role of nutrition, training, and mindset in achieving peak performance. Michelle also dives into her race-day strategies, her best performances in Kona, and the support systems that helped her succeed. The conversation highlights how genetics, environment, and personalized training can make a significant impact on an athlete’s career. Whether you’re a triathlete or just interested in high-performance endurance sports, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, dedication, and self-discovery.

    47 min
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About

Join Di White as she digs into how genetics is revolutionizing our understanding of human athletic potential and traditional fitness practices. Learn how your genetic blueprint can elevate your athletic performance to new heights and meet high-performing athletes unwrapping their journeys to success and what has shaped their progression.

Information

  • Creator
    The Genetic Coach
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Genetic Coach Podcast