Former Myriad CSO and genetics trailblazer Dr. Jerry Lanchbury joins Kian to chart the field’s evolution—from manual lab work and the first PCR runs to today’s embryo ranking software and whole‑genome newborn programs. Along the way, we unpack gene‑patent battles, polygenic risk scores, and the growing role patients play in steering reproductive medicine.
Dr. Veera Rajagopal, physician-scientist at Regeneron, joins this episode to explore how human genetics is driving the next wave of drug discovery. The conversation covers why early consumer genetics models fell short, the rise of whole genome sequencing, how AI is beginning to shape genetic research, and what most people misunderstand about using genetics to develop new treatments. A clear look at where genomic science is headed - and how it will change the future of medicine.
Dr. Robert Plomin is one of the world’s most influential behavioral geneticists. A professor at King’s College London and author of Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are, his work has helped shape our modern understanding of how genes influence intelligence, personality, mental health, and development.
In this episode, Dr. Plomin joins Kian to unpack decades of research on nature vs. nurture - and what this data tells us.
Together they explore:
Why parenting has far less long-term influence than most people think
The rise of polygenic scores and what they actually predict
How even identical twins turn out differently—and why that matters
What adoption and twin studies reveal about the true source of family resemblance
The role of randomness in development
How to parent without guilt, fear, or the illusion of control
Why understanding genetics is ultimately a tool for empathy and agency
Dr. Plomin doesn’t argue that environment doesn’t matter, only that it works in ways we’ve long misunderstood. This conversation is a challenge to old assumptions, and an invitation to see ourselves and others with greater clarity.
In this episode of High Alchemy, Anthony Pompliano and Kian Sadeghi sit down for a wide-ranging conversation on parenting, ambition, innovation, and the accelerating future shaped by AI. From life-or-death moments in NYC to the constant pursuit of excellence, they dive into what it means to lead, build, and stay ahead in a world that's changing faster than ever. They discuss fatherhood, performance indicators, AI in healthcare, investing, and the future of medicine - with stories, insights, and bold takes throughout.
Balaji Srinivasan has built, invested in, and predicted some of the biggest shifts in tech. From Counsyl to crypto to Network States, he’s always ahead of the curve. Now, he’s sitting down with Nucleus Founder/CEO Kian Sadeghi to break down what’s coming next.
In this episode, Balaji and Kian dive into the future of health, AI, and governance. Why did Balaji focus on Mendelian diseases? What does inflation have to do with longevity? And is universal healthcare really enough? They tackle regulation, crypto, biotech, and the AI revolution. Plus, Balaji drops a wild prediction that might just blow your mind.
Matt Lanter helped build OpenStore, the startup backed by Founders Fund that’s snapping up Shopify brands at lightning speed. Now, he’s making another big bet. This time on Nucleus Genomics, a startup backed with $30M to make DNA testing personal.Why the switch? What did he see coming?In this episode, Matt and Kian dive into the wild world of startups - big wins, brutal lessons, and the real cost of building something from scratch. Matt spills on his worst funding blunder, the best (and worst) advice in Silicon Valley, the moment he knew he had to join Nucleus, and the next big move he’s betting on.
Khaled Kteily didn’t plan to become the "Sperm King," but one life-changing moment set him on this unexpected journey.
After spilling four hot drinks on his lap (yes, really), Khaled discovered just how uncomfortable and outdated sperm freezing was - and decided to do something about it.
He founded Legacy, the at-home sperm testing and freezing company that’s breaking taboos and changing the game for men’s fertility.
In this episode, Khaled and Kian tackle questions most people are too SHY to ask: Should men freeze their sperm early? Why and how should people calculate their sperm quality? Do saunas and TRT mess with fertility? And why is fertility still treated like it’s only a woman’s problem?
This is the rawest, no-filter conversation about male fertility you didn’t know you needed.
After facing the shortcomings of the US healthcare system and experiencing a profound loss, he set out to create Bionic Health - a platform using AI to empower people to take control of their health. With a background in medicine and experience at companies like Microsoft and Nuance, Jared is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone.
In this episode, Jared and Kian dive into pressing questions: Can AI replace doctors? How can it improve diagnoses? Is the healthcare system ready for these changes? They also explore underrated lab tests, the challenges of insurance, and what it will take to truly fix healthcare.
