Jill Viles

Jill Viles, a courageous muscular dystrophy patient, dives into her journey of believing she shares a genetic mutation with Olympic sprinter Priscilla Lopes-Schliep. Joined by journalist David Epstein, they explore the complexities of genetics and athleticism, and Jill's emotional quest for recognition. Meanwhile, Carol Ashton, comedian Tig Notaro’s mother-in-law, shares the joy of her unique joke that only she finds funny, leading to unexpected popularity. Together, these stories highlight the beauty of personal connection and the complexities of humor.

David Epstein, a journalist and author known for his insights on genetics in sports, shares Jill Viles' compelling journey. Jill, a muscular dystrophy patient, believed she shared a genetic condition with Olympic athlete Priscilla Lopes-Schliep but discovered her unique diagnosis of Emery Dreyfus Syndrome. Their conversation delves into the emotional complexities of medical validation and the search for identity amidst genetic uncertainty. Epstein elegantly highlights themes of hope and obsession while navigating the delicate ties between personal health and familial legacy.