High Alchemy with Kian

Origins, Breakthroughs, and The Future of Genomics with Dr. Jerry Lanchbury PhD

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.

Genetics, Drug Discovery, and the Future of Medicine | Dr. Veera Rajagopal

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.

Genetics, Identity, and the Science of Who We Are | Professor Robert Plomin

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.

Fatherhood, Excellence, and the Age of AI Doctors | Anthony Pompliano

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.

AGI, Biotech, and China vs. The Internet | Balaji Srinivasan

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.