When 911 is called for medical assistance, paramedics are the personnel that are dispatched to provide transport and emergency medical care. Paramedics are generally known to play an essential role in our healthcare systems and are often regarded as the first-line of medical services in the community before reaching the hospital setting. However, paramedicine is more than just ambulatory and emergency care. In this episode, we hear from Cheryl Cameron (Paramedic from Alberta; Director of Operations of Canadian Virtual Hospice; PhD Student at Monash University; Senior Fellow with the NcNally Project for Paramedicine Research), Melissa Vose (Advanced Care Paramedic from British Columbia) and Amir Allana (Paramedic from Ontario and British Columbia; Masters Degree in the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto; Fellow at the McNally Project for Paramedicine Research) who provide us with a deep dive into the fascinating and dynamic discipline of paramedicine. Our guests share their experiences as paramedics, address systemic issues within paramedicine, and introduce us to the expansion of paramedicine outside of primary and emergency care.  

When 911 is called for medical assistance, paramedics are the personnel that are dispatched to provide transport and emergency medical care. Paramedics are generally known to play an essential role in our healthcare systems and are often regarded as the first-line of medical services in the community before reaching the hospital setting. However, paramedicine is more than just ambulatory and emergency care. In this episode, we hear from Cheryl Cameron (Paramedic from Alberta; Director of Operations of Canadian Virtual Hospice; PhD Student at Monash University; Senior Fellow with the NcNally Project for Paramedicine Research), Melissa Vose (Advanced Care Paramedic from British Columbia) and Amir Allana (Paramedic from Ontario and British Columbia; Masters Degree in the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto; Fellow at the McNally Project for Paramedicine Research) who provide us with a deep dive into the fascinating and dynamic discipline of paramedicine. Our guests share their experiences as paramedics, address systemic issues within paramedicine, and introduce us to the expansion of paramedicine outside of primary and emergency care.

#115: The Future of Paramedicine

The sports and fitness spaces play an important role in fostering communities – we can challenge our physical and mental capabilities, form ever-lasting bonds with teammates, find an avenue to relieve stress and find a sense of connectedness with other people. Our very own Braeden and Swapna sit down to talk about their love for sports and their journeys in this space. We hope their conversation inspires you to start your own journey in this space. In this episode, we listen to valuable insights about the different barriers Muslim women face when pursuing athletic activities in our conversation with Rishada, a program director at Hijabi Ballers, an organisation based in the Greater Toronto Area that aims to recognize and celebrate the athleticism of Muslim girls and women. http://www.hijabiballers.com/

The sports and fitness spaces play an important role in fostering communities – we can challenge our physical and mental capabilities, form ever-lasting bonds with teammates, find an avenue to relieve stress and find a sense of connectedness with other people. Our very own Braeden and Swapna sit down to talk about their love for sports and their journeys in this space. We hope their conversation inspires you to start your own journey in this space. In this episode, we listen to valuable insights about the different barriers Muslim women face when pursuing athletic activities in our conversation with Rishada, a program director at Hijabi Ballers, an organisation based in the Greater Toronto Area that aims to recognize and celebrate the athleticism of Muslim girls and women. <a href="http://www.hijabiballers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.hijabiballers.com/</a>

#114: Inclusivity in Sports and Fitness

In this special episode, we reflect on our Raw Talk Live event, themed "Finding the Cutoff" - an interesting panel discussion on identifying and addressing social biases in healthcare data. Through a candid conversation between members of the Raw Talk Podcast team and data science and healthcare experts on this ever-evolving topic, we touch on what biases exist in healthcare data, how they affect clinical practice, and how they inform care of racially marginalized communities. We hear from Dr. Pascal Tyrell (Associate Professor, Medical Imaging &amp; Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto), Sara Fung (Healthcare Advocate and Co-host of the "Gritty Nurse Podcast"), and Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi (Senior Scientist at the KITE Research Insitute, University Health Network), as they discuss these topics with our Events Coordinator and Show Host, Adrian Dychiao. 

In this special episode, we reflect on our Raw Talk Live event, themed "Finding the Cutoff" - an interesting panel discussion on identifying and addressing social biases in healthcare data. Through a candid conversation between members of the Raw Talk Podcast team and data science and healthcare experts on this ever-evolving topic, we touch on what biases exist in healthcare data, how they affect clinical practice, and how they inform care of racially marginalized communities. We hear from Dr. Pascal Tyrell (Associate Professor, Medical Imaging &amp; Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto), Sara Fung (Healthcare Advocate and Co-host of the "Gritty Nurse Podcast"), and Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi (Senior Scientist at the KITE Research Insitute, University Health Network), as they discuss these topics with our Events Coordinator and Show Host, Adrian Dychiao.

#113: Raw Talk Live: Finding the Cutoff

The spaces we live, work, play in shape our health and our psyche - and healthcare spaces are no different. In this episode, we take a deep, multifaceted look at the field of healthcare architecture. Our guests give us valuable insights into how hospitals are designed and how elements of clinical care, sound design, and innovative research combine to create spaces we all experience sickness and health in. We hear from "dochitect" Dr. Diana Anderson (board-certified healthcare architect and internist at VA Boston Health System), Dr. Michaela Cada (hematologist-oncologist and Chief Clinical Planning Officer of Project Horizon), and Dr. John Straube (registered professional engineer and Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo).

The spaces we live, work, play in shape our health and our psyche - and healthcare spaces are no different. In this episode, we take a deep, multifaceted look at the field of healthcare architecture. Our guests give us valuable insights into how hospitals are designed and how elements of clinical care, sound design, and innovative research combine to create spaces we all experience sickness and health in. We hear from "dochitect" Dr. Diana Anderson (board-certified healthcare architect and internist at VA Boston Health System), Dr. Michaela Cada (hematologist-oncologist and Chief Clinical Planning Officer of Project Horizon), and Dr. John Straube (registered professional engineer and Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo).

#112: Architecture x Health: The Blueprints behind Healthcare Spaces

In this episode of Raw Talk Podcast, we dive into the big world of little humans as we explore the topic of neonatology. Our guests give us an overview of what neonatology as a field encompasses and the very special population that neonatologists serve. This episode also dives into the impacts of research and new medications in the NICU, challenges regarding disparities of care, and the real life experience of a NICU family. This episode features notable guests like Dr. Estelle Gauda (Division Head, Neonatology at SickKids and Professor of Pediatrics at University of Toronto), Dr. Pia Wintermark (Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics at McGill University), Dr. Tamorah Lewis (Division Head for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at SickKids), Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta (Director of Research at the Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids), and most especially, Kimberley and Christina Foreman, who kindly shared their personal experiences at the NICU with us. 

In this episode of Raw Talk Podcast, we dive into the big world of little humans as we explore the topic of neonatology. Our guests give us an overview of what neonatology as a field encompasses and the very special population that neonatologists serve. This episode also dives into the impacts of research and new medications in the NICU, challenges regarding disparities of care, and the real life experience of a NICU family. This episode features notable guests like Dr. Estelle Gauda (Division Head, Neonatology at SickKids and Professor of Pediatrics at University of Toronto), Dr. Pia Wintermark (Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics at McGill University), Dr. Tamorah Lewis (Division Head for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at SickKids), Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta (Director of Research at the Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids), and most especially, Kimberley and Christina Foreman, who kindly shared their personal experiences at the NICU with us.

#111: Tiny Tots, Huge Hurdles

Back to school season is in full force, and students ride the rollercoaster of academia for another year. This is where students face new joys, opportunities and challenges along the way. As technology and scientific advancements progress at a rate faster than we’ve ever seen before, graduate, post-graduate, medical and other professional students embark on a journey of research and of adulthood all at once. In today’s episode, we have a roundtable discussion to exchange views on our hopes and struggles as a graduate student. Our teams shared stories of our first research experiences, tips on finding balance between personal and academic life and keys to success learned along the way. Each of our stories are unique but common themes of resilience, collaborative work, networking with faculty and peers, coping with societal expectations and finding ways to balance a busy lifestyle can be seen. Things aren’t always easy, and they definitely aren’t pretty all the time, but through these experiences we gain knowledge that helps contribute to science, and changing the world. Although it’s a struggle, it is a collective one and we lean on one another to be the best version of ourselves. We have fun together, we support each other, and we grow stronger.  Written by Radha  [This episode was hosted by Angela and Noor. Hannah, Sonika, Braeden, Julia, and Belinda participated in our roundtable discussion. Alex and Junayd were our audio engineers. Noor was the executive producer]

Back to school season is in full force, and students ride the rollercoaster of academia for another year. This is where students face new joys, opportunities and challenges along the way. As technology and scientific advancements progress at a rate faster than we’ve ever seen before, graduate, post-graduate, medical and other professional students embark on a journey of research and of adulthood all at once. In today’s episode, we have a roundtable discussion to exchange views on our hopes and struggles as a graduate student. Our teams shared stories of our first research experiences, tips on finding balance between personal and academic life and keys to success learned along the way. Each of our stories are unique but common themes of resilience, collaborative work, networking with faculty and peers, coping with societal expectations and finding ways to balance a busy lifestyle can be seen. Things aren’t always easy, and they definitely aren’t pretty all the time, but through these experiences we gain knowledge that helps contribute to science, and changing the world. Although it’s a struggle, it is a collective one and we lean on one another to be the best version of ourselves. We have fun together, we support each other, and we grow stronger.  Written by Radha  [This episode was hosted by Angela and Noor. Hannah, Sonika, Braeden, Julia, and Belinda participated in our roundtable discussion. Alex and Junayd were our audio engineers. Noor was the executive producer]

#110: Back to School with Raw Talk

Think back to the last time you fell ill or were having a bad day - you likely reached out to your loved ones for support to help you feel better and get through the day productively. Now, think of those with terminal illness or those from marginalized communities seeking care for a chronic condition - for many of them, the first point of contact is a caregiver, helping them with following treatment regimens to even daily activities of living, like eating or changing.  They are instrumental to the wellbeing of those who cannot care for themselves - but who cares for the caregivers? This episode aims to explore the role of personal support workers and family caregivers in promoting health in families and communities, and the unique physical, cultural, and policy challenges they face, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We speak with Taylor Booroff (spokesperson of the Ontario PSW Association), Ron Beleno (family caregiver and advocate for caregivers of older adults with AGE-WELL), and Danielle Alcock (patient navigator for Indigenous communities in Southwestern Ontario).

Think back to the last time you fell ill or were having a bad day - you likely reached out to your loved ones for support to help you feel better and get through the day productively. Now, think of those with terminal illness or those from marginalized communities seeking care for a chronic condition - for many of them, the first point of contact is a caregiver, helping them with following treatment regimens to even daily activities of living, like eating or changing.  They are instrumental to the wellbeing of those who cannot care for themselves - but who cares for the caregivers? This episode aims to explore the role of personal support workers and family caregivers in promoting health in families and communities, and the unique physical, cultural, and policy challenges they face, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We speak with Taylor Booroff (spokesperson of the Ontario PSW Association), Ron Beleno (family caregiver and advocate for caregivers of older adults with AGE-WELL), and Danielle Alcock (patient navigator for Indigenous communities in Southwestern Ontario).

#109: Caregivers: The Forgotten Pillars of Healthcare

Love is a complicated, painful, wonderful, and abstract thing we are all familiar with. From the fleeting moments of bliss to the deepest relationships, love has also been the subject of objective study, yielding some diverse yet incredible insights. In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Horne (PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology, University of Toronto), Carole Sandy (a couples and family therapist based in Toronto), and Dawn Maslar-Biggie (award-winning author and Adjunct Professor of Biology based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) as we explore the science behind love, attraction, and relationships. We hope this episode can highlight some interesting facts about the neuroscience and psychology of love, and how we can use that to create better relationships.

Love is a complicated, painful, wonderful, and abstract thing we are all familiar with. From the fleeting moments of bliss to the deepest relationships, love has also been the subject of objective study, yielding some diverse yet incredible insights. In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Horne (PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology, University of Toronto), Carole Sandy (a couples and family therapist based in Toronto), and Dawn Maslar-Biggie (award-winning author and Adjunct Professor of Biology based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) as we explore the science behind love, attraction, and relationships. We hope this episode can highlight some interesting facts about the neuroscience and psychology of love, and how we can use that to create better relationships.

#108: The Psychology of Love and Relationships

In 2021, Dr. David Julius and Dr. Ardem Patapoutian won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries related to temperature and touch receptors. In this episode, Dr. Rose Hill and Dr. Robert Bonin introduce us to this topic of  sensory perception, specifically touch and pain. Dr. Bonin describes how we experience pain, delving into acute vs chronic pain, thresholds to pain, and the distinction between nociception and pain. Dr. Hill also shares about her experience being in Dr. Patapoutian's Nobel winning lab, and her work on the perception of itch. Additionally, we get a deeper look into the inner workings of the Nobel Prize, as Dr. Abdel El Manira shares about his time on the Nobel Committee and the inner workings of the Nobel. Join us on this episode, as we unravel touch and the Nobel Prize.    Written by: Veena Sanmugananthan   Links Discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch Bonin Lab UofT Centre for the Study of Pain Dr. Hill profile A trio of ion channels takes the heat Profile of 2021 Nobel Prize winners

In 2021, Dr. David Julius and Dr. Ardem Patapoutian won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries related to temperature and touch receptors. In this episode, Dr. Rose Hill and Dr. Robert Bonin introduce us to this topic of  sensory perception, specifically touch and pain. Dr. Bonin describes how we experience pain, delving into acute vs chronic pain, thresholds to pain, and the distinction between nociception and pain. Dr. Hill also shares about her experience being in Dr. Patapoutian's Nobel winning lab, and her work on the perception of itch. Additionally, we get a deeper look into the inner workings of the Nobel Prize, as Dr. Abdel El Manira shares about his time on the Nobel Committee and the inner workings of the Nobel. Join us on this episode, as we unravel touch and the Nobel Prize.  Written by: Veena Sanmugananthan Links <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2021/advanced-information/#:~:text=The%202021%20Nobel%20Prize%20in,has%20fascinated%20humankind%20for%20millennia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch</a> <a href="https://www.sensoryplasticity.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonin Lab</a> <a href="http://sites.utoronto.ca/pain/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UofT Centre for the Study of Pain</a> <a href="https://mcb.berkeley.edu/content/rose-hill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Hill profile</a> <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-02663-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A trio of ion channels takes the heat</a> <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2121015119" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Profile of 2021 Nobel Prize winners</a>

#107: Unravelling the Nobel Prize and Touch Sensations

The field of forensics encompasses the intersection between law and science. This episode explores forensics in more detail. Our guests, Chief Coroner of Ontario, Dr. Dirk Huyer, and Deputy Chief Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Jayantha Herath, share the investigative perspective including behind the scenes of their professions, the intersection with the judicial system, and systemic social issues in forensics. Sheila Early, a forensic nurse and co-founder of the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association (CFNA), shares how healthcare contributes to this field, how it is to work with forensic patients, and her history with the CFNA. This episode takes a deep dive into the truth about forensics, its misconceptions, and how technology evolves alongside.    Written by: Gil Angela Dela Cruz (Content Creator) and Veena Sanmugananthan (Content Creator and Science Writer)   Clinical Examination and Reporting of a Victim of Torture Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences Making Sense of a Global Pandemic: Relationship Violence &amp; Working Together Towards a Violence Free Society Episode Team: Atefeh Mohammadi (Episode Lead and Show Host), Kayvan Alfaki (Show Host), Gil Angela Dela Cruz (Content Creator), Veena Sanmugananthan (Content Creator and Science Writer), Anukrati Nigam (Audio Engineer), Anam Islam (Promotions), Janine Truong (Graphic Design). 

The field of forensics encompasses the intersection between law and science. This episode explores forensics in more detail. Our guests, Chief Coroner of Ontario, Dr. Dirk Huyer, and Deputy Chief Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Jayantha Herath, share the investigative perspective including behind the scenes of their professions, the intersection with the judicial system, and systemic social issues in forensics. Sheila Early, a forensic nurse and co-founder of the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association (CFNA), shares how healthcare contributes to this field, how it is to work with forensic patients, and her history with the CFNA. This episode takes a deep dive into the truth about forensics, its misconceptions, and how technology evolves alongside.  Written by: Gil Angela Dela Cruz (Content Creator) and Veena Sanmugananthan (Content Creator and Science Writer) <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.23907/2017.030" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clinical Examination and Reporting of a Victim of Torture</a> <a href="https://canadiancoursereadings.ca/product/lawyers-guide-to-the-forensic-sciences/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences</a> <a href="https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/nevr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Making Sense of a Global Pandemic: Relationship Violence &amp; Working Together Towards a Violence Free Society</a> Episode Team: Atefeh Mohammadi (Episode Lead and Show Host), Kayvan Alfaki (Show Host), Gil Angela Dela Cruz (Content Creator), Veena Sanmugananthan (Content Creator and Science Writer), Anukrati Nigam (Audio Engineer), Anam Islam (Promotions), Janine Truong (Graphic Design).

#106: Raw Talk Unsolved: Investigating Forensics

Raw Talk is a graduate student-run podcast at the University of Toronto about medical science, and the people who make it happen. We focus on the journeys, perspectives, and expertise of health researchers, professionals, students, patients, and community members at the University of Toronto and beyond.Our mission is to promote the research culture within the Institute of Medical Science, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and broader life sciences community; provide guidance to current and prospective graduate students; and to engage the public in medical science innovations and translational research.

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Raw Talk is a graduate student-run podcast at the University of Toronto about medical science, and the people who make it happen. We focus on the journeys, perspectives, and expertise of health researchers, professionals, students, patients, and community members at the University of Toronto and beyond. Our mission is to promote the research culture within the Institute of Medical Science, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and broader life sciences community; provide guidance to current and prospective graduate students; and to engage the public in medical science innovations and translational research.

Raw Talk Podcast

Homelessness remains a persistent, societal and human rights issue that affects over 250,000 Canadians. The challenges go beyond just finding a place to live – those who are homeless or vulnerably housed have higher incidences of chronic mental and physical health problems and often face stigma while navigating the healthcare system. On this episode, we heard from different voices at the intersection of homelessness and health. We started our conversation with Linda Bingham from Working for Change, who shared her lived experience with homelessness and addiction and how she has now found her voice to tell her story for the very first time. We also spoke to Daniela Mergarten, who told us about her struggles to find stable housing, her experiences with the healthcare system, and her advocacy work with the Lived Experience Caucus of the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness. Dr. Alissa Tedesco, a physician in the Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) program and co-chair of Health Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) Ontario, told us about the work being done on the frontline to address the healthcare needs of people who are homeless as well as some of the shortcomings of our healthcare and social service systems. Finally, Dr. Vicky Stergiopoulos, a clinician-scientist and physician in chief at CAMH, told us about her work looking at the effectiveness of a Housing First approach to improve housing stability and health outcomes amongst people experiencing homelessness. Written by: Thamiya Vasanthakumar Linda Bingham's full interview Daniela Mergarten's full interview Voices on the Street, Working for Change Dr. Naheed Dosani TedX Talk Daniela's CBC article on losing home on Dovercourt PEACH Website Journey Home Hospice Paper by Dr. Vicky Stergiopoulos: Key Ingredients of a Cross-Section Partnership Extension of At Home/Chez Soi Study by Vicky Stergiopoulos Upstream Lab Health Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) A Housing First Success Story Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness Street Health Report Card Too Little Too Late: How we fail vulnerable Canadians as they die and what to do about it

Homelessness remains a persistent, societal and human rights issue that affects over 250,000 Canadians. The challenges go beyond just finding a place to live – those who are homeless or vulnerably housed have higher incidences of chronic mental and physical health problems and often face stigma while navigating the healthcare system. On this episode, we heard from different voices at the intersection of homelessness and health. We started our conversation with Linda Bingham from Working for Change, who shared her lived experience with homelessness and addiction and how she has now found her voice to tell her story for the very first time. We also spoke to Daniela Mergarten, who told us about her struggles to find stable housing, her experiences with the healthcare system, and her advocacy work with the Lived Experience Caucus of the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness. Dr. Alissa Tedesco, a physician in the Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) program and co-chair of Health Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) Ontario, told us about the work being done on the frontline to address the healthcare needs of people who are homeless as well as some of the shortcomings of our healthcare and social service systems. Finally, Dr. Vicky Stergiopoulos, a clinician-scientist and physician in chief at CAMH, told us about her work looking at the effectiveness of a Housing First approach to improve housing stability and health outcomes amongst people experiencing homelessness. Written by: Thamiya Vasanthakumar <a href="https://media.blubrry.com/rawdataims/content.blubrry.com/rawdataims/LindaBingham.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linda Bingham's full interview</a> <a href="https://media.blubrry.com/rawdataims/content.blubrry.com/rawdataims/DanielaMergarten.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniela Mergarten's full interview</a> <a href="http://workingforchange.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Voices on the Street, Working for Change</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&amp;v=jcdm5fEqJmk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Naheed Dosani TedX Talk</a> <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/precarious-housing-1.4036116" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniela's CBC article on losing home on Dovercourt</a> <a href="http://www.icha-toronto.ca/programs/peach" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PEACH Website</a> <a href="https://journeyhomehospice.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Journey Home Hospice</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800590" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paper by Dr. Vicky Stergiopoulos: Key Ingredients of a Cross-Section Partnership</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanpsy/PIIS2215-0366(19)30371-2.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extension of At Home/Chez Soi Study by Vicky Stergiopoulos</a> <a href="https://upstreamlab.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upstream Lab</a> <a href="https://healthprovidersagainstpoverty.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Health Providers Against Poverty (HPAP)</a> <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/a-housing-first-success-story" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Housing First Success Story</a> <a href="https://taeh.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness</a> <a href="http://www.streethealth.ca/downloads/the-street-health-report-2007.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Street Health Report Card</a> <a href="https://www.uvic.ca/research/groups/peol/assets/docs/too-little-too-late.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Too Little Too Late: How we fail vulnerable Canadians as they die and what to do about it</a>

#69: Forgotten Voices: Exploring Homelessness and Health

Humans have been captivated by the power of psychedelics for millennia. Traditionally, natural psychedelics have been used in religious rituals to communicate with gods or in warfare to take courage. More casual use of synthetic psychedelics like LSD and DMT is often depicted in movies and songs as surreal and stimulating events. Despite being highly regulated and poorly studied, people continue to use psychedelics for the unique and impactful experiences. In today's episode, we want to learn what science says about these magic drugs. Dr. Edward Shorter, Professor of History of Medicine and an author of many books on medical drugs, talked to us about how psychedelics were discovered. We also spoke to scientists who explore the potential therapeutic use of psychedelics. Dr. Fred Barrett, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, gave us an overview of current understanding of psychedelics on brain function. Dr. Norm Farb, Professor of Psychology at University of Toronto Mississauga, explained to us his upcoming trial on psychedelic microdosing. Finally, one of our hosts Amber Mullin shared with us her personal experiences with and perspectives on psychedelics. Tune in to find out what psychedelics have to offer. Written by: Tsukiko Miyata Frederick Barrett Homepage Norman Farb Homepage Edward Shorter's Website Soma Elixir: Nectar of the Gods (Article) Tripping through Time: The Fascinating History of the Magic Mushroom (Article) Ayahuasca: Shamanism Shared Across Cultures (Article) Peyote Website

Humans have been captivated by the power of psychedelics for millennia. Traditionally, natural psychedelics have been used in religious rituals to communicate with gods or in warfare to take courage. More casual use of synthetic psychedelics like LSD and DMT is often depicted in movies and songs as surreal and stimulating events. Despite being highly regulated and poorly studied, people continue to use psychedelics for the unique and impactful experiences. In today's episode, we want to learn what science says about these magic drugs. Dr. Edward Shorter, Professor of History of Medicine and an author of many books on medical drugs, talked to us about how psychedelics were discovered. We also spoke to scientists who explore the potential therapeutic use of psychedelics. Dr. Fred Barrett, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, gave us an overview of current understanding of psychedelics on brain function. Dr. Norm Farb, Professor of Psychology at University of Toronto Mississauga, explained to us his upcoming trial on psychedelic microdosing. Finally, one of our hosts Amber Mullin shared with us her personal experiences with and perspectives on psychedelics. Tune in to find out what psychedelics have to offer. Written by: Tsukiko Miyata <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/10000707/frederick-barrett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frederick Barrett Homepage</a> <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/psychology/faculty-staff/farb-norman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Norman Farb Homepage</a> <a href="https://edwardshorterauthor.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edward Shorter's Website</a> <a href="https://www.psychedelicadventure.net/2014/12/soma-elixir-nectar-of-gods.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soma Elixir: Nectar of the Gods (Article)</a> <a href="https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/tripping-through-time-fascinating-history-magic-mushroom-007474" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tripping through Time: The Fascinating History of the Magic Mushroom (Article)</a> <a href="https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/ayahuasca-shamanism-shared-across-cultures" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ayahuasca: Shamanism Shared Across Cultures (Article)</a> <a href="https://www.peyote.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peyote Website</a>

#68: Down the Rabbit Hole of Psychedelics

Acceptance of transgender and non-binary folks in Canada has come a long way in the last decade and arguably much of this progress was made in just the last few years. While many of us take for granted the ability to express our true selves, it was only in June of 2017 that gender identity and expression was officially recognized and protected from discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. This and many other policy changes, including those related to healthcare, stem from decades of effort and courage from the trans community. On this episode, you'll hear several perspectives on the past, present, and future of trans health. We spoke to Susan Gapka, a trans-rights advocate and Education and Training Program facilitator at The 519, who discussed her work at The 519, political activism, and lived experience as a trans individual. We also spoke with Sly Sarkisova, a psychotherapist and a registered clinical social worker specializing in trauma and LGBTQ+-related mental health, who walked us through the challenges faced by trans and non-binary folks and how they might interact with the healthcare system. Finally, Dr. Mitchell Brown, an Associate Professor in Department of Surgery at University of Toronto and plastic surgeon at Women's College Hospital, spoke to us about the Transition-Related Surgery Program, the first public hospital-based surgical program in Canada focused on providing safe and timely access to transition-related surgical care. Written by: Tsukiko Miyata Rainbow Health Ontario Sherbourne Health Women's College Hospital - Transition Related Surgeries Program The 519 Toronto Trans Coalition Project CAMH Gender Identity Clinic Glad Day Bookshop Flamingo Rampant - A micropress with a mission Sly Sarkisova

Acceptance of transgender and non-binary folks in Canada has come a long way in the last decade and arguably much of this progress was made in just the last few years. While many of us take for granted the ability to express our true selves, it was only in June of 2017 that gender identity and expression was officially recognized and protected from discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. This and many other policy changes, including those related to healthcare, stem from decades of effort and courage from the trans community. On this episode, you'll hear several perspectives on the past, present, and future of trans health. We spoke to Susan Gapka, a trans-rights advocate and Education and Training Program facilitator at The 519, who discussed her work at The 519, political activism, and lived experience as a trans individual. We also spoke with Sly Sarkisova, a psychotherapist and a registered clinical social worker specializing in trauma and LGBTQ+-related mental health, who walked us through the challenges faced by trans and non-binary folks and how they might interact with the healthcare system. Finally, Dr. Mitchell Brown, an Associate Professor in Department of Surgery at University of Toronto and plastic surgeon at Women's College Hospital, spoke to us about the Transition-Related Surgery Program, the first public hospital-based surgical program in Canada focused on providing safe and timely access to transition-related surgical care. Written by: Tsukiko Miyata <a href="https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rainbow Health Ontario</a> <a href="https://sherbourne.on.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherbourne Health</a> <a href="https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/surgery/transition-related-surgeries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's College Hospital - Transition Related Surgeries Program</a> <a href="https://www.the519.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 519</a> <a href="http://transcoalitionproject.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toronto Trans Coalition Project</a> <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/gender-identity-clinic-adult" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CAMH Gender Identity Clinic</a> <a href="https://www.gladdaybookshop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glad Day Bookshop</a> <a href="https://www.flamingorampant.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flamingo Rampant - A micropress with a mission</a> <a href="https://www.slysarkisovacounselling.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sly Sarkisova</a>

#77: Trans Health: True to Self

Sports play an important role in our culture, from the individual level where many participate in recreational activities for exercise and social benefits, to the national and international levels where professional sports are a huge industry worth billions. Sports can strongly unite people, but athletes of every level from the weekend warrior to the professional athlete can face challenges that remind us that there is a team behind the team - helping maintain their mental and physical health! In this episode we hear from inspiring speakers sharing their insights from the worlds of medicine, research and professional athlete development. Dr. Doug Richards kicks things off, he is the Medical Director and Staff Physician practicing sport and exercise medicine at the David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic, Chief Medical Officer at the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario, and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Next up to the plate is Dr. Gretchen Kerr, the Vice Dean of Programs at the School of Graduate Students and Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto specializing in athlete maltreatment. Karl Subban earns the hat trick with his inspirational personal experiences as an educator and in raising five elite children, including the development of 3 NHL Players. In the spirit of teamwork, this episode was created in collaboration with Medicine in Motion. Until next time, #keepitraw Written by: Stephanie Nishi Medicine and Motion Podcast Athlete Maltreatment Among National Athletes Prevalence Study Athlete Maltreatment Among National Athletes Prevalence Summary NCAA Athlete Mental Health

Sports play an important role in our culture, from the individual level where many participate in recreational activities for exercise and social benefits, to the national and international levels where professional sports are a huge industry worth billions. Sports can strongly unite people, but athletes of every level from the weekend warrior to the professional athlete can face challenges that remind us that there is a team behind the team - helping maintain their mental and physical health! In this episode we hear from inspiring speakers sharing their insights from the worlds of medicine, research and professional athlete development. Dr. Doug Richards kicks things off, he is the Medical Director and Staff Physician practicing sport and exercise medicine at the David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic, Chief Medical Officer at the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario, and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Next up to the plate is Dr. Gretchen Kerr, the Vice Dean of Programs at the School of Graduate Students and Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto specializing in athlete maltreatment. Karl Subban earns the hat trick with his inspirational personal experiences as an educator and in raising five elite children, including the development of 3 NHL Players. In the spirit of teamwork, this episode was created in collaboration with Medicine in Motion. Until next time, #keepitraw Written by: Stephanie Nishi <a href="https://medicineinmotionpodcast.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medicine and Motion Podcast</a> <a href="https://athletescan.com/sites/default/files/images/prevalence_of_maltreatment_reporteng.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athlete Maltreatment Among National Athletes Prevalence Study</a> <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/investigates/elite-athletes-abuse-1.5125147?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athlete Maltreatment Among National Athletes Prevalence Summary</a> <a href="http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/mind-body-and-sport-how-being-injured-affects-mental-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCAA Athlete Mental Health</a>

#76: Sports Medicine & Performance: It Takes a Team

Music, we listen to it when waking up, while in transit, at work, and with friends. It is a form of entertainment, but also has the potential to provide so much more. Music is a universal language with the ability to connect and reach people on social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual levels. It can bring us joy and motivate us, accompany us through difficult times, evoke nostalgia, and alleviate our worries. These qualities allow music to be applied to improving physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In this episode, we invite you to join us as we explore the science of music therapy. We hear from five music therapists working in various aspects of the field: Dr. Michael Thaut, Canada Research Chair in Music and Health Sciences; Dr. SarahRose Black, Music Therapist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Health; Priya Shah, Music Therapist at Journey Home Hospice, Fudger House, and the Music Therapy Centre; Dr. Corene Hurt-Thaut, Assistant Professor of Music and Health Sciences at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, and Program Director of the Academy of Neurological Music Therapy; and Bernice Chu, Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow in the United Kingdom at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. In addition to our guests' insights, they also shared musical snippets of their work with their clients, which may tug at your heart strings and inspire. You'll want to stay tuned to the very end! We hope this episode opens your ears and heart to the role of music in health and wellbeing, and inspires you to listen and explore the power of music. Until next time, keep it raw! Written by: Stephanie Nishi Music Therapy Association of Ontario (MTAO) The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy UHN Music Therapy Inpatient Resource Certification Board for Music Therapists Canadian Association of Music Therapists Music Heals

Music, we listen to it when waking up, while in transit, at work, and with friends. It is a form of entertainment, but also has the potential to provide so much more. Music is a universal language with the ability to connect and reach people on social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual levels. It can bring us joy and motivate us, accompany us through difficult times, evoke nostalgia, and alleviate our worries. These qualities allow music to be applied to improving physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In this episode, we invite you to join us as we explore the science of music therapy. We hear from five music therapists working in various aspects of the field: Dr. Michael Thaut, Canada Research Chair in Music and Health Sciences; Dr. SarahRose Black, Music Therapist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Health; Priya Shah, Music Therapist at Journey Home Hospice, Fudger House, and the Music Therapy Centre; Dr. Corene Hurt-Thaut, Assistant Professor of Music and Health Sciences at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, and Program Director of the Academy of Neurological Music Therapy; and Bernice Chu, Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow in the United Kingdom at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. In addition to our guests' insights, they also shared musical snippets of their work with their clients, which may tug at your heart strings and inspire. You'll want to stay tuned to the very end! We hope this episode opens your ears and heart to the role of music in health and wellbeing, and inspires you to listen and explore the power of music. Until next time, keep it raw! Written by: Stephanie Nishi <a href="http://www.musictherapyontario.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Therapy Association of Ontario (MTAO)</a> <a href="https://nmtacademy.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy</a> <a href="https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/Music_Therapy_inpatients_PMH.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UHN Music Therapy Inpatient Resource</a> <a href="https://www.cbmt.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Certification Board for Music Therapists</a> <a href="https://www.musictherapy.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canadian Association of Music Therapists</a> <a href="https://www.musicheals.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Heals</a>

#75: The Healing Power of Music

While humans have struggled for millennia with the spread of contagious diseases, rapid global movement of people and food now magnifies the risks of outbreaks, requiring better monitoring and faster response than ever before. Completely by coincidence, during the making of this episode, the 2019 novel coronavirus spread from Wuhan to the rest of Asia, Europe, and North America. The World Health Organization has officially upgraded this outbreak to the status of Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While many infectious disease specialists were busy dealing with this outbreak, we were fortunate to speak with several key experts about outbreak science, monitoring, response, and prediction. First, we spoke with Dr. Kamran Khan, a physician, academic, and scientist at St. Micheal's Hospital and University of Toronto. Dr. Khan is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He also founded BlueDot, a company specializing in machine learning models to predict the timing and trajectory of infectious disease outbreaks. We also spoke with Dr. Ross Upshur, a professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Upshur is a specialist in public health medicine, and Head of the Clinical Public Health Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Join us as we discuss the pressing issues of outbreaks, and track one in real time, on this week's episode of Raw Talk. Written by: Amber-Anne Mullin JHU COVID-19 Dashboard BlueDot Naming New Viruses: Something Catchy? History of Outbreaks in Canada Public Health Agency of Canada CDC Outbreak Monitoring WHO Disease Outbreaks Monitoring WHO Handbook on Epidemics Dr Margaret Chan speaks at the 70th World Health Assembly MSF (Doctors Without Borders) Against Malaria Foundation Evidence Actions's Deworm the World

While humans have struggled for millennia with the spread of contagious diseases, rapid global movement of people and food now magnifies the risks of outbreaks, requiring better monitoring and faster response than ever before. Completely by coincidence, during the making of this episode, the 2019 novel coronavirus spread from Wuhan to the rest of Asia, Europe, and North America. The World Health Organization has officially upgraded this outbreak to the status of Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While many infectious disease specialists were busy dealing with this outbreak, we were fortunate to speak with several key experts about outbreak science, monitoring, response, and prediction. First, we spoke with Dr. Kamran Khan, a physician, academic, and scientist at St. Micheal's Hospital and University of Toronto. Dr. Khan is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He also founded BlueDot, a company specializing in machine learning models to predict the timing and trajectory of infectious disease outbreaks. We also spoke with Dr. Ross Upshur, a professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Upshur is a specialist in public health medicine, and Head of the Clinical Public Health Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Join us as we discuss the pressing issues of outbreaks, and track one in real time, on this week's episode of Raw Talk. Written by: Amber-Anne Mullin <a href="https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JHU COVID-19 Dashboard</a> <a href="https://bluedot.global/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlueDot</a> <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/01/23/its-been-sequenced-its-spread-across-borders-now-the-new-pneumonia-causing-virus-needs-a-name" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naming New Viruses: Something Catchy?</a> <a href="https://magazine.utoronto.ca/research-ideas/health/history-of-pandemics-bubonic-plague-influenza-hiv-aids-smallpox/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">History of Outbreaks in Canada</a> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Public Health Agency of Canada</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/outbreaks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CDC Outbreak Monitoring</a> <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WHO Disease Outbreaks Monitoring</a> <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/managing-epidemics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WHO Handbook on Epidemics</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3j8dJm8a9c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr Margaret Chan speaks at the 70th World Health Assembly</a> <a href="https://www.msf.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MSF (Doctors Without Borders)</a> <a href="https://www.againstmalaria.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Against Malaria Foundation</a> <a href="https://www.evidenceaction.org/dewormtheworld-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evidence Actions's Deworm the World</a>

#74: Outbreak Transmission: When Diseases Go Viral

Our genetic information makes us who we are. "Hacking" into such an essential part of nature used to be something that happened only in science fiction. However, technology and scientific knowledge are evolving rapidly and "bio-hacking" has gone from sci-fi to reality. In fact, scientists and doctors around the world are conducting studies to see whether genetic engineering techniques could be used as interventions for various diseases like sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. On this week's episode, we explore what our future could look like if we start to modulate our own biology at the genetic level. Dr. Josiah Zayner, CEO of the ODIN and promoter of DIY biology, shared his passion for hands-on science, learning from self-experimentation and genetic engineering in his own home. The techniques and the potential of genetic engineering were further explained by Andrew Hessel, a "genomic futurist" and co-lead of the Genome Project-Write. We also spoke with Dr. Michael Szego, Clinical Ethicist and Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine and Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto, to weigh in on the role of ethics in genetic engineering. Finally, our team reflected on how we envision "biohacking" in the future. Are you ready to biohack yourself? Tune in to find out! Written by: Tsukiko Miyata Raw Talk Listener Survey! Open Insulin NEO.LIFE: Online Magazine  Josiah Zayner: STAT News Op-Ed The Odin Andrew Hessel's Website New York Times Op-doc: "Gut Hack" Genome Project-Write Humane Genomics Dr. Michael Szego Article: Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2017: An update Article: CRISPR'd babies: human germline genome editing in the 'He Jiankui affair' Article: Where will we draw the line? Public opinions of human gene editing

Our genetic information makes us who we are. "Hacking" into such an essential part of nature used to be something that happened only in science fiction. However, technology and scientific knowledge are evolving rapidly and "bio-hacking" has gone from sci-fi to reality. In fact, scientists and doctors around the world are conducting studies to see whether genetic engineering techniques could be used as interventions for various diseases like sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. On this week's episode, we explore what our future could look like if we start to modulate our own biology at the genetic level. Dr. Josiah Zayner, CEO of the ODIN and promoter of DIY biology, shared his passion for hands-on science, learning from self-experimentation and genetic engineering in his own home. The techniques and the potential of genetic engineering were further explained by Andrew Hessel, a "genomic futurist" and co-lead of the Genome Project-Write. We also spoke with Dr. Michael Szego, Clinical Ethicist and Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine and Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto, to weigh in on the role of ethics in genetic engineering. Finally, our team reflected on how we envision "biohacking" in the future. Are you ready to biohack yourself? Tune in to find out! Written by: Tsukiko Miyata <a href="https://rawtalkpodcast.typeform.com/to/geU4OO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raw Talk Listener Survey!</a> <a href="https://openinsulin.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Open Insulin</a> <a href="https://neo.life/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NEO.LIFE: Online Magazine </a> <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/01/02/crispr-babies-scientist-he-jiankui-should-not-be-villainized/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josiah Zayner: STAT News Op-Ed</a> <a href="https://www.the-odin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Odin</a> <a href="https://andrewhessel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Hessel's Website</a> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/11/opinion/gut-hack.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York Times Op-doc: "Gut Hack"</a> <a href="https://engineeringbiologycenter.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Genome Project-Write</a> <a href="https://www.humanegenomics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Humane Genomics</a> <a href="http://jcb.utoronto.ca/people/szego.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Michael Szego</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jgm.3015" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article: Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2017: An update</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jlb/lsz010" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article: CRISPR'd babies: human germline genome editing in the 'He Jiankui affair'</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732319846867" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article: Where will we draw the line? Public opinions of human gene editing</a>

#73: Biohacking: From Sci-Fi to Reality

Climate change has been called the defining issue of our time. Its scope, complexity, and impact pose an enormous challenge to humanity. Political, economic, ecological, agricultural, and health systems are already being affected in unprecedented ways. In this episode, we sat down with climate experts and activists to discuss these issues. First, we heard from George Kourounis, renowned global adventurer, storm chaser, and host of Angry Planet, who clarified the difference between climate and weather, and described the impacts of climate change we're already feeling. Next, we listened in on a talk by Gideon Forman, a Policy Analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation and former Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE). He discussed the magnitude of climate change in the context of health. Dr. Chung-Wai Chow, a lung transplant physician and leading research scientist at the University Health Network, whom we heard from in episode 38, elaborated on the effects of wildfires and pollution on respiratory health, based on her research in Fort McMurray. You'll also hear from Dr. Edward Xie and learn more about how other vulnerable populations are being impacted by climate change, from Indigenous communities in Canada to climate refugees across the globe. Dr Xie helped us understand how increased flooding, droughts, and spread of infectious diseases are further stressing fragile health systems based on his work as an emergency and family physician at the University of Toronto and board member of CAPE. While the situation is serious, there's much we can do to help fight climate change, from personal lifestyle changes to community activism to international accountability. Along with our other guests, Carol Devine, Humanitarian Advisor for Doctors Without Borders and Community Scholar in the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University, shared her insights and recommendations on how we can tackle the climate challenge together. Written by: Stephanie Nishi Raw Talk Listener Survey! TEA: Toronto Environmental Alliance CAPE: Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment CAPE Toolkit for Health Professionals David Suzuki Foundation Angry Planet, with George Kourounis A crisis in the making: MSF and the global health impact of climate change (Article) Lancet Climate Change Countdown 2019 Report Meatless Mondays Climate-induced migration and displacement: closing the policy gap The UN Refugee Agency: The 1951 Convention

Climate change has been called the defining issue of our time. Its scope, complexity, and impact pose an enormous challenge to humanity. Political, economic, ecological, agricultural, and health systems are already being affected in unprecedented ways. In this episode, we sat down with climate experts and activists to discuss these issues. First, we heard from George Kourounis, renowned global adventurer, storm chaser, and host of Angry Planet, who clarified the difference between climate and weather, and described the impacts of climate change we're already feeling. Next, we listened in on a talk by Gideon Forman, a Policy Analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation and former Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE). He discussed the magnitude of climate change in the context of health. Dr. Chung-Wai Chow, a lung transplant physician and leading research scientist at the University Health Network, whom we heard from in episode 38, elaborated on the effects of wildfires and pollution on respiratory health, based on her research in Fort McMurray. You'll also hear from Dr. Edward Xie and learn more about how other vulnerable populations are being impacted by climate change, from Indigenous communities in Canada to climate refugees across the globe. Dr Xie helped us understand how increased flooding, droughts, and spread of infectious diseases are further stressing fragile health systems based on his work as an emergency and family physician at the University of Toronto and board member of CAPE. While the situation is serious, there's much we can do to help fight climate change, from personal lifestyle changes to community activism to international accountability. Along with our other guests, Carol Devine, Humanitarian Advisor for Doctors Without Borders and Community Scholar in the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University, shared her insights and recommendations on how we can tackle the climate challenge together. Written by: Stephanie Nishi <a href="https://rawtalkpodcast.typeform.com/to/geU4OO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raw Talk Listener Survey!</a> <a href="https://www.torontoenvironment.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TEA: Toronto Environmental Alliance</a> <a href="https://cape.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CAPE: Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment</a> <a href="https://cape.ca/campaigns/climate-health-policy/climate-change-toolkit-for-health-professionals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CAPE Toolkit for Health Professionals</a> <a href="https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Suzuki Foundation</a> <a href="https://www.knowledge.ca/program/angry-planet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angry Planet, with George Kourounis</a> <a href="https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/article/crisis-making-msf-and-global-health-impact-climate-change" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A crisis in the making: MSF and the global health impact of climate change (Article)</a> <a href="http://www.lancetcountdown.org/2019-report/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lancet Climate Change Countdown 2019 Report</a> <a href="http://meatlessmondays.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meatless Mondays</a> <a href="https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/resource-documents/10996.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Climate-induced migration and displacement: closing the policy gap</a> <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/3b66c2aa10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The UN Refugee Agency: The 1951 Convention</a>

#72: Burning Up: The Health Impacts of Climate Change

What does it mean to lead a meaningful life? How do we find meaning in a modern context? Are we in the midst of a "meaning crisis"? Answering such profound questions is no easy task, but in this episode, we speak to several guests who are diving into the deep end and trying to do just that. First, we speak with Dr. Fabienne Picard, a neurologist at the University Hospital of Geneva, about using ecstatic seizures to scientifically study the feeling of meaning and what occurs physiologically during these moments. Then, we hear Dr. Tayyab Rashid, a clinical psychologist at the Health and Wellness Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough, discuss how he uses positive psychology in his clinical practice to help people achieve a sense of well-being. Finally, we sat down with Dr. John Vervaeke, an associate professor of psychology and cognitive science at the University of Toronto, to hear all about zombies, the "meaning crisis", and to get a more philosophical perspective on meaning and how to live a more meaningful life. So join us as we tackle these profound questions, and explore the science, psychology, and the philosophy of meaning and wellbeing. And hopefully you find something meaningful in our exploration! Written by: Amber-Anne Mullin Consciousness and Wisdom Lab Dr Tayyab Rashid's Website Awakening from the Meaning Crisis YouTube Series

What does it mean to lead a meaningful life? How do we find meaning in a modern context? Are we in the midst of a "meaning crisis"? Answering such profound questions is no easy task, but in this episode, we speak to several guests who are diving into the deep end and trying to do just that. First, we speak with Dr. Fabienne Picard, a neurologist at the University Hospital of Geneva, about using ecstatic seizures to scientifically study the feeling of meaning and what occurs physiologically during these moments. Then, we hear Dr. Tayyab Rashid, a clinical psychologist at the Health and Wellness Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough, discuss how he uses positive psychology in his clinical practice to help people achieve a sense of well-being. Finally, we sat down with Dr. John Vervaeke, an associate professor of psychology and cognitive science at the University of Toronto, to hear all about zombies, the "meaning crisis", and to get a more philosophical perspective on meaning and how to live a more meaningful life. So join us as we tackle these profound questions, and explore the science, psychology, and the philosophy of meaning and wellbeing. And hopefully you find something meaningful in our exploration! Written by: Amber-Anne Mullin <a href="https://cwsl.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Consciousness and Wisdom Lab</a> <a href="http://www.tayyabrashid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr Tayyab Rashid's Website</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54l8_ewcOlY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Awakening from the Meaning Crisis YouTube Series</a>

#71: What Does It All Mean?

Children have historically been excluded from medical research studies and clinical trials in order to protect them. While this exclusion is well intentioned, we need pediatric research to answer important clinical questions and improve clinical care for this patient population. On this episode of Raw Talk, we explored the nuances of pediatric health research and clinical practice. Our conversation started with Dr. Elizabeth Stephenson, Staff Cardiologist, researcher, and Chair of the Research Ethics Board at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), who shares why it's so important to include vulnerable populations, like children, in research and the ethical considerations that make this possible. Dr. Stephenson also discussed concepts including capacity, consent vs assent, and risk vs benefit in the pediatric setting. We also spoke with Nurse Practitioner Tara McKeown and Clinical Research Nurse Andrea Cote about their exciting and challenging roles in the New Agent and Innovative Therapy (NAIT) program, conducting early phase clinical trials at SickKids. Finally, Dr. Paul Nathan, Director of the AfterCare childhood cancer survivorship program at SickKids, shares how clinical care differs in childhood vs adult cancer survivors, the concept of "shared care" in this field, and both he and Dr. Stephenson discuss the importance of including children and adolescents in conversations about their health. Written by: Melissa Galati Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario All Ontario AfterCare Programs - POGO SickKids AfterCare Program New Agent and Innovative Therapy (NAIT) Program Children's Oncology Group (COG) Ronald McDonald House Toronto

Children have historically been excluded from medical research studies and clinical trials in order to protect them. While this exclusion is well intentioned, we need pediatric research to answer important clinical questions and improve clinical care for this patient population. On this episode of Raw Talk, we explored the nuances of pediatric health research and clinical practice. Our conversation started with Dr. Elizabeth Stephenson, Staff Cardiologist, researcher, and Chair of the Research Ethics Board at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), who shares why it's so important to include vulnerable populations, like children, in research and the ethical considerations that make this possible. Dr. Stephenson also discussed concepts including capacity, consent vs assent, and risk vs benefit in the pediatric setting. We also spoke with Nurse Practitioner Tara McKeown and Clinical Research Nurse Andrea Cote about their exciting and challenging roles in the New Agent and Innovative Therapy (NAIT) program, conducting early phase clinical trials at SickKids. Finally, Dr. Paul Nathan, Director of the AfterCare childhood cancer survivorship program at SickKids, shares how clinical care differs in childhood vs adult cancer survivors, the concept of "shared care" in this field, and both he and Dr. Stephenson discuss the importance of including children and adolescents in conversations about their health. Written by: Melissa Galati <a href="https://www.pogo.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario</a> <a href="https://www.pogo.ca/programs-support/survivor-care/pogo-aftercare-program/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All Ontario AfterCare Programs - POGO</a> <a href="http://www.sickkids.ca/HaematologyOncology/What-We-Do/Patient-Services/Programs/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SickKids AfterCare Program</a> <a href="http://www.sickkids.ca/HaematologyOncology/nait/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Agent and Innovative Therapy (NAIT) Program</a> <a href="https://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Children's Oncology Group (COG)</a> <a href="https://www.rmhctoronto.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ronald McDonald House Toronto</a>

#70: Not Just Tiny Adults

Fifty years after humans first set foot on the Moon, we're on the verge of a new era in space exploration. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA have upcoming plans to go back to the Moon and even the private sector is in on the action, with SpaceX aspiring to send a crew to Mars by 2024. Space exploration is exciting, but we are far from understanding all the effects of space travel on the human body. In today's episode, we spoke to Dr. Shane Journeay, a physician specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine. He told us about the requirements for becoming an astronaut, the physical toll of space travel, and the rehabilitation required after returning to Earth. We also spoke to former CSA astronaut and physician Dr. Dave Williams, who told us all about his experience on the International Space Station - from eating and sleeping to running experiments in outer space. Scientists Dr. Laurence Harris and Marieke de Korte told us about the space health research they're involved with, and Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, CEO of Hexoskin, told us about Astroskin, an intelligent textile that continuously monitors the vital signs of astronauts. You don't want to miss out on this stellar episode! Written by: Thamiya Vasanthakumar Astronaut Dave Williams' book Defying Limits NASA Twin Study Vection Project Immuno Profile: Staying Healthy in Space Canadian Space Agency: Life in Space

Fifty years after humans first set foot on the Moon, we're on the verge of a new era in space exploration. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA have upcoming plans to go back to the Moon and even the private sector is in on the action, with SpaceX aspiring to send a crew to Mars by 2024. Space exploration is exciting, but we are far from understanding all the effects of space travel on the human body. In today's episode, we spoke to Dr. Shane Journeay, a physician specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine. He told us about the requirements for becoming an astronaut, the physical toll of space travel, and the rehabilitation required after returning to Earth. We also spoke to former CSA astronaut and physician Dr. Dave Williams, who told us all about his experience on the International Space Station - from eating and sleeping to running experiments in outer space. Scientists Dr. Laurence Harris and Marieke de Korte told us about the space health research they're involved with, and Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, CEO of Hexoskin, told us about Astroskin, an intelligent textile that continuously monitors the vital signs of astronauts. You don't want to miss out on this stellar episode! Written by: Thamiya Vasanthakumar <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Defying-Limits-Lessons-Edge-Universe-ebook/dp/B07CLFT1L3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Astronaut Dave Williams' book Defying Limits</a> <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/twins-study" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NASA Twin Study</a> <a href="http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/vection.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vection Project</a> <a href="http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/immuno-profile.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Immuno Profile: Staying Healthy in Space</a> <a href="http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/life.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canadian Space Agency: Life in Space</a>

#67: Out of this World: Research and Health in Space

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