About this episode
This episode discusses the dangers of radon, its impact on health, and personal stories of survival and advocacy.
How a silent killer invades our homes and our genes HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich GUESTS: Jackie Nixon, Citizens for Radon Reduction; Jane Malone, National Policy Director Indoor Environments Association; Khadijah Mitchell, Ph.D., Temple University, School of Public Health Your DNA is not a fixed blueprint. Dr. Khadijah Mitchell elucidates epigenetics, showing that our environment and behaviors can “flip switches” on our genes, turning them on or off. But what happens when that environment is toxic? Enter a silent, invisible threat: radon. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer and seeps into 1 in 15 homes. For lung cancer survivor and activist, Jackie Nixon, this statistic is deeply personal. She shares her powerful story and her fight to educate others. This podcast isn’t just a science lesson; it’s a story of survival and a crucial public health warning. Hear from environmental advocate Jane Malone on why simple testing is vital and the need for life-saving regulations that are still missing in many high-risk states. This episode is a powerful mix of cutting-edge science and real-world action…
People in this episode
Host: Hildy Grossman
Guests: Jackie Nixon, Jane Malone, Khadijah Mitchell, Ph.D.
Topics covered
- radon
- lung cancer
- epigenetics
- public health
- environmental advocacy
- home safety
Keywords
- radon
- lung cancer
- epigenetics
- home testing
- public health
- environmental risk
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Citizens for Radon Reduction, National Policy Director Indoor Environments Association, Temple University, School of Public Health
More episodes of Backstage @ Upstage
- Facing the Shock: Personal Stories of Youth, HER2, and Lung Cancer · June 1, 2026 · 42 min
- In Me or Around Me? Genetics vs. Environment in Lung Cancer · April 25, 2026 · 36 min
- Too Young for This? Facing Lung Cancer and Finding Our Voice · March 18, 2026 · 29 min
- Harnessing The Arts To Upstage Lung Cancer – Our story of advocacy, artistry, and action · February 27, 2026 · 32 min
- What if We Could Outsmart Lung Cancer? Could a vaccine change our future? · January 16, 2026 · 39 min
- The Scariest Words You’ll Hear, “It’s Spread” Moving From Fear to Hope · December 11, 2025 · 34 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Backstage @ Upstage podcast page.