E37: Noor Siddiqui on embryo screening, the fertility crisis, and parenting

In this episode, Erik sits down with Noor Siddiqui, founder and CEO of Orchid. They discuss Orchid's recent breakthrough in embryo whole genome sequencing, the fertility crisis, parenting, dating, and more.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist

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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

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LINKS

Orchid: https://www.orchidhealth.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@noor_siddiqui_ (Noor)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@upstream__pod

@turpentinemedia

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview

(01:06) Intro

(01:26) What is Orchid?

(04:13) Genome sequencing for embryos: What Orchid has accomplished

(07:00) The breakthrough that enabled Orchid's genome sequencing

(08:32) The impact and significance of the polygenic risk score

(11:59) What is IVF

(15:19) Sponsors: Shopify

(20:04) Concerns and stigmas around reproductive technology

(26:10) On the Gattaca future where parents create perfect children

(27:54) Moral panic around longevity

(30:32) Anything that can improve things can be used in very hostile ways

(33:30) What are the norms around having kids going to be 30-40 years from now

(36:55) Noor's thoughts on declining fertility rates

(42:13) Matchmaking and dating

(48:21) Is the decline of men a real thing?

(50:20) Increasing fertility rates, moving the culture, and the negative effects of fertility collapse

(1:07:37) Trying out Orchid and how the test works

(1:09:16) Wrap

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

Producer: Sam Kaufman

Editor: Graham Bessellieu

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