Reggie Watts, a creative force in comedy and music known for his improvisational flair, shares insights on spontaneity in art and life. Sonia Vallabh, a dedicated biomedical researcher, reflects on her personal journey with prion disease and the power of resilience through science. Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, a prominent conservationist, discusses her pivotal role in establishing national parks in South America, revealing the challenges of blending conservation with community needs. Together, they explore the delicate dance between planning, adapting, and improvising through life's uncertainties.

Sonia Vallabh is a biomedical researcher driven by a personal mission to find a cure for prion disease, which claimed her mother's life. She shares her emotional journey upon discovering her genetic mutation and the transformative impact it had on her life. Vallabh discusses innovative therapeutic approaches being developed at the Broad Institute, tackling the complexities of misfolded proteins. She reflects on the interplay of grief and hope in the context of parenting, while highlighting the broader implications of her research for related neurological disorders.

Sonia Vallabh, who lost her mother to a mysterious brain disease, discovers she has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the same genetic mutation. She discusses living with uncertainty, getting test results, and finding comfort in not constantly managing uncertainty.

Sonia Vallabh, a dedicated scientist, shares her profound journey after losing her mother to a hereditary prion disease. She and her husband Eric recount the painful diagnosis process and the emotional weight of looming genetic risks. They discuss the transformative decision to shift from grief to scientific pursuit, aiming to prevent others from suffering similar losses. Their commitment fuels their research, showcasing resilience and the power of love even in the face of heartbreaking adversity.

Biomedical researcher Sonia Vallabh shares her quest to cure prion disease after discovering her genetic mutation. The podcast delves into her journey, from genetic prion disease discovery to research pursuits for therapy. It explores using CRISPR for prevention, challenges of testing new medicines, and reflections on family, genetics, and scientific breakthroughs.