Raw Talk Podcast

In this episode, Noor sits down with Dr. Tony Eskander, head and neck surgeon and scientist at the University of Toronto, to unpack the evolving landscape of head and neck cancers. Once primarily associated with smoking and alcohol, these cancers are increasingly linked to HPV, particularly in younger patients, a shift that’s reshaping how we think about risk, equity, and prevention. Dr. Eskander breaks down the various kinds of head and neck cancers, from oral cavity to nasopharyngeal cancers, and highlights how different populations are disproportionately affected.  Tune in for the first episode of our Head & Neck Cancer series. Production Team: Noor Al Kaabi (Show Host and Executive Producer), Vicky Li (Audio Engineer), Areej Mir (Promotions) Eskander Lab

The idea of a vaccine against cancer may seem like science fiction, but in the case of HPV vaccines, it is a reality that has existed for over a decade. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection and can cause 6 different types of cancer, affecting people of all genders. HPV vaccination programs have been implemented in many countries worldwide in an effort to reduce cancer incidence, with some very newsworthy results. In this episode, hosts Braeden and Hannah describe a population study that made headlines in 2024 for reporting zero cases of cervical cancer in women vaccinated as part of Scotland's national vaccination program that began in 2008. To learn more about HPV vaccines in the Canadian context, Braeden and Hannah interview Dr. Nancy Durand, associate professor at the University of Toronto and specialist in HPV-related diseases. Dr. Durand reviews the link between HPV and cancer and the history of the HPV vaccine. She discusses HPV vaccination programs in Can

The human microbiome has been a hot topic of discourse – but what do we really know about it? This diverse ecosystem of microbes can be thought of as its own organ, interacting and influencing many physiological processes. Understanding what contributes to its strong formation is a multi-disciplinary and growing field of research. To learn more about the human gut microbiome in its earliest stages of formation, we sought the expertise of Zahra Pakzad, PhD Candidate at the University of British Columbia; Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta, Associate Professor at the University of Calgary; and Dr. Meghan Azad, Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba. In this episode, they walk us through a series of early life milestones – starting as early as birth itself – that dictate the development of this complex and microscopic system of the body. They also discuss how the microbiome impacts the immune system and share their hopes for future research in this field. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how such tin

Are plant-based diets really healthier—or just another social media trend? Between #WhatIEatInADay videos and influencers pushing “miracle” supplements, it’s hard to separate the science from the marketing. In this episode of Raw Talk Podcast, we sit down with three experts to cut through the hype. Dr. Zahra Kassam, a radiation oncologist and co-founder of Plant-Based Canada, reveals how plant-based nutrition can help prevent chronic diseases and improve cancer outcomes. Dr. Stephanie Nishi, a registered dietitian and Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Nutrition, breaks down the science behind plant-based dietary patterns and when to seek the help of a registered dietitian. Dr. Alistair Dias, an Associate Professor in the University of Toronto’s Human Biology Program, explains the role of essential trace elements like iron, copper, and zinc as well as the science behind antioxidants and supplement absorption. Packed with myth-busting insights and practical tips, this episode is

In the words of Robert Mckee, our appetite for story is a reflection of the profound human need to grasp the patterns of living, not merely as an intellectual exercise, but within a very personal, emotional experience. Storytelling and narrative play a huge role in medicine. Many physicians are also artists, writers, actors, and musicians, and use their talents to advance healthcare. So how do theatre, film, and literature become powerful tools for advocacy, education, and healing? In this episode, we dive into the intersection of medicine and the arts through the lens of narrative medicine. We sit down with Autumn Rennie, an MD/PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, who shares how she uses film to amplify patient voices and advocate for change in healthcare. We also connect with Professor Hartley Jafine, a medical improv facilitator and lecturer, who shows us how applied theater can transform clinical practice. Through improv exercises, we learn how to strengthen communication, build empathy, and naviga

Male contraceptives are on the horizon, promising to revolutionize reproductive health, expand contraceptive options beyond condoms and vasectomies, and shift the burden of birth control. In this episode, we explore the current landscape and science behind male contraception, the challenges of bringing new methods to market, and what the future holds for reproductive responsibility. To guide us, we spoke to Dr. Logan Nickels, Chief Research Officer at Male Contraception Initiative, Dr. Stephanie Page, an endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington involved in researching male birth control for 25 years, and Dr.Melanie Balbach, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on non-hormonal contraceptive targets. They break down the latest advancements in male birth control, the scientific hurdles researchers face, and why funding remains one of the biggest obstacles to innovation in this field. Our guests also provide insight into the clinical trial proce

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in healthcare, blending science, movement, and patient-centered care. In this episode, we explore the journey of becoming a physiotherapist, the importance of evidence-based practice, and the evolving challenges within the field. To guide us, we spoke with Melanie MacKinnon, a physiotherapist, educator in the MScPT program at the University of Toronto, and a PhD candidate in health professional education. Joining her are MScPT trainees Alyssa Marino and Lisa Nham, along with recent graduates and PT residents Iman Yarow and Shaheer Khawar, who shared their experiences and insights from the program. Together, our guests reflect on their clinical experiences, the collaborative nature of PT in multidisciplinary settings, and the personal and professional growth that comes with the role. They also discuss key challenges and gaps in the field, the value of diversity, and advice for aspiring PTs. Tune in to learn more about the transformative field of physiotherapy and the dynamic in

In this episode, we dive into the world of surgical innovation—think lungs on ice, robots in the operating room, and AI transforming the way surgeries are performed. We hear from Dr. Aadil Ali, who shares his groundbreaking work in lung transplantation, highlighting challenges like organ preservation and the innovative solutions his team developed, including a life-changing preservation method now used worldwide. Next, Dr. Siba Haykal introduces us to the world of reconstructive surgery, discussing off-the-shelf tissues and the potential of using bioreactors to engineer transplants that mimic natural tissues more effectively. Finally, Dr. Amin Madani delves into the integration of artificial intelligence in surgery, revealing how computer vision and AI can revolutionize decision-making and surgical precision.   The episode was hosted by Prisca and Bellinda. The interviews were conducted by Noor, Prisca, and Bellinda. Tima served as the audio engineer, Selina assisted with episode promotions, and Noor was the

Welcome to the Raw Talk Reunion mini series where we touch base with past team members! In the previous episode (#124), we spoke with our Co-Founders to hear all about how the podcast came about. In this episode (#125), we catch up with more Raw Talk Podcast alum who were integral members of the podcast during past seasons. We explore how their involvement with the podcast influenced their personal and professional lives, where their paths have led since their time with us, and the wisdom they offer to our listeners.

Welcome to the Raw Talk Reunion mini series where we touch base with past team members! In this first episode (#124), we sit down with our Co-Founders, Richie Jeremian and Jabir Mohamed, to delve into their founding visions for the podcast. They share insights into the evolution of the podcast and reflect on how the team and structure of Raw Talk has expanded over the past eight seasons. Keep an eye out for the next episode (#125), where we catch up with more Raw Talk Podcast alum!

Conversations around generational differences in the workplace are becoming increasingly common. Contentious issues around working expectations and treatment are happening across many fields, including healthcare. Nurses, in particular, have faced many challenges in recent years, particularly as a result of the pandemic and widespread employee shortages, and the field has become a hotbed for conversations around generational working styles. To better understand how generational dynamics are impacting the field and how the newer generation of nurses see their futures, we spoke to undergraduate nursing students Vivian Li and Avery Russell, and graduate nursing students Kimberly Villacorta and Ben Le, at the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Each guest shared their path to nursing and reflected on their education and experience thus far. They also shed light on the biggest challenges facing the field right now, particularly those impacting nursing trainees. Finally, our guests shared key

Trauma-related injuries are severe and can often lead to long-lasting adverse patient outcomes such as physical damage, mental health struggles, diminished quality of life, and even death. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of death both nationwide and globally. In this episode, we sit down with three experts in trauma care: Dr. Homer Tien (Trauma Surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and President and CEO of Ornge), Dr. Suzanne Beno (Medical Co-Director of the Trauma Program at Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children), and Dr. Brodie Nolan (Emergency Physician and Trauma Team Leader at St. Michael’s Hospital). Each guest shed light on the current state of trauma care in different fields. Dr. Tien provides us with a comprehensive overview of the trauma systems and the intersection between civilian and military trauma care. Dr. Beno shares insight into pediatric trauma care and how it compares to adult trauma care. And finally, Dr. Brodie Nolan provides us with an ove

What do you think when you hear the words “Bill 60”?  For years, public versus private healthcare has been a topic of debate. But how much do we really know? Tune in to hear Dr. Allin, Director of the North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and Dr. Danyaal Raza, health reformer and founding advisor of Progress Toronto answer our questions about healthcare privatization. In this episode of Raw Talk, we learned how different healthcare systems function, the economic (and political) sustainability of healthcare models, and how our own Canadian healthcare system compares to other international models. Our guests discuss both the pros and cons of certain healthcare models, as well as more nuanced topics like motivations behind how healthcare is provisioned, who is most greatly impacted by changes to the system, and their own opinions on how to most effectively treat patients.    Written by: Gil Angela Dela Cruz

In an era where medications like Ozempic are gaining popularity for their off-label use as weight loss drugs, the dialogue on societal perceptions of weight and health is increasingly relevant. Listen in on our thought-provoking discussions featuring Ali Eberhardt (registered dietician at the Provincial Adult Tertiary Specialized Eating Disorders Program) and Dr. Catherine Sabiston, (Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Mental Health) as we explore how societal structures, media, and body ideals intertwine to shape our understanding of weight loss.

Canadians in rural areas make up one-fifth of the population yet are served by only 8% of the physician population. With limited access to primary care, mental health care, and specialist care, rural Canadians experience worse health outcomes compared to the rest of the population. In this episode of Raw Talk Podcast, we dive into the current state of rural health care in Canada. Our featured guests in this episode are Dr. Ojistoh Horn (Family Physician at Akwesasne Medical Clinic and Lecturer at McGill University) and Dr. Catherine Cervin (Retired Family Physician and former Vice Dean Academic at Northern Ontario School of Medicine). Our guests provide us with an overview of social, political, and environmental differences in rural settings and the challenges faced by these communities in accessing various health care resources. Dr. Horn speaks about her experience as a physician in a rural community and strategies for navigating various equity, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility issues. Dr. Cervin prov

In this two-part episode, we discuss two very important topics related to Women’s Health; Endometriosis and Cervical Cancer. Please listen to Part 1 if you haven't already!   Cervical cancer is a very common cancer among young women. Early detection, primarily done via cervical screening (also known as a pap smear), greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. In Part 2, we hear from Naomi Forward (Co-Founder of Thyia) and Beth Dobson (Senior Designer at Mettle Studio), who discuss the screening process behind cervical cancer and the importance of early detection of this condition. They also discuss accessibility of screening, cost of screening, screening inside and outside a healthcare setting, and many more important topics. 

In this two-part episode, we discuss two very important topics related to Women’s Health; Endometriosis and Cervical Cancer.    Everyone wants to be seen and heard, especially in the context of their health and well-being. Unfortunately, this hasn’t always been the case for individuals with endometriosis. In Part 1, we take a deep dive into understanding endometriosis and gain some valuable insight into the journey of being diagnosed from our guests. We hear from Dr. Jamie Kroft (Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and Gynaecologist surgeon at Sunnybrook Hospital) and Amanda Weston (Research Quality Associate, University Health Network) who has lived experience with endometriosis.

Medical imaging, from the familiar X-rays to advanced MRI and CT scans, has revolutionized healthcare. These techniques allow us to glimpse inside, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. At the heart of these processes are radiologists, the medical detectives who decipher these images and translate them into diagnoses guiding patient care. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence (AI) looms large on the horizon. The potential for AI to enhance medical imaging has received increased interest. Imagine algorithms that can spot anomalies in seconds or even predict diseases before symptoms occur! In this episode, we hear from Dr. Michael McInnis (Thoracic Radiologist at JDMI; Radiology Quality Assurance Lead at UHN High Risk Lung Cancer Screening Program; Assistant Professor at UofT), Dr. April Khademi (Associate Professor, Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering at TMU; Principal Investigator of the Image Analysis in Medicine Lab; Affiliate Scientist, St. Michael’s Hospit

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 s

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/