Podcasts
Episode 13: Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health: The Future of Care? (Part 1)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in healthcare, with increasing relevance for mental health research and clinical practice.
In this episode, host Dr. Sagar Parikh is joined by Dr. Frank Rudzicz, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University. Dr. Rudzicz also holds the Canada CIFAR Chair in Artificial Intelligence and the Killam Memorial Chair at Dalhousie. In part 1 of this two-part conversation, they explore the foundations of AI—what it is, how it differs from everyday tools like search engines, and the subtle ways it’s already shaping our daily lives. They also discuss how AI is being used in research and clinical settings, and what it could mean for the future of mental health care.
Tune in to learn how this powerful technology is beginning to reshape the way we understand and support mental health. Read transcript here.
Released: May 22, 2025
Episode 12: Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Suicide Risk and Prevention
Suicide impacts more than just the individual—it ripples through families, friends, and communities.
In this episode, host Andrew Kcomt is joined by Dr. Sakina Rizvi, Chair of the Arthur Sommer Rotenberg (ASR) Suicide & Depression Studies Program at the University of Toronto at St. Michael’s Hospital. Together, they delve into the complexities of suicide risk and prevention, exploring the neurobiological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to suicide risk. They also discuss strategies for identifying, assessing, and supporting individuals at risk. Discover how a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention can save lives—and why compassion and understanding are key. Read transcript here.
Released: March 24, 2025
Episode 11: Food for Thought: The Surprising Link Between Diet and Mental Health
In this episode, our host, Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan, explores the groundbreaking work of clinician-scientist and psychiatrist, Dr. Fabiano Gomes. From the impact of processed foods to the gut-brain connection, Dr. Gomes uncovers how nutrition affects brain function—and why dietary changes could play a crucial role in mental health treatment. Read transcript here.
Food and mood—two things we often separate in our minds. But what if they’re more connected than we think?
Released: February 03, 2025
Episode 10: A Decade of Unravelling Mood Disorder Mysteries: The CAN-BIND Research Journey
Over the past decade, CAN-BIND has led the charge in scientific exploration, pushing boundaries, challenging stigma, and conducting groundbreaking research in collaboration with patients and families.
In this special episode, join our host, Dr. Fabiano Gomes, and CAN-BIND Program Manager, Dr. Susan Rotzinger, as they take you on an exciting journey through the last 10 years of CAN-BIND’s pioneering work in depression research. Read transcript here
Released: October 09, 2023
Episode 09: Epilepsy, Depression & Anxiety: What Do We Know?
In this episode, CAN-BIND collaborated with EpLink to create this special podcast to explore what we know about epilepsy, depression and anxiety.
Listen as Dr. Elaine Kiriakopoulos, the Director of the HOBSCOTCH Institute for Cognitive Health and Well-Being at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Epilepsy Center, discusses the current relationship between epilepsy, depression and anxiety and the type of resources and support people living with these conditions can seek.
This podcast also gives you a sneak peek into a free webinar we will be holding with EpLink and the Ontario Brain Institute that delves into why depression can happen in people living with epilepsy, what to do about it and busting some myths about treatment. For more information, click here.
Released: September 16, 2022
Episode 08: Canadian Virtual Mental Health Care: Perspectives from Lived Experience, Psychiatrist and Researcher
In this episode, we explore the strengths and challenges associated with virtual care, including phone visits and video calls. Listen as Dr. Sagar Parikh discusses with our guests Graeme, Amanda Ceniti and Dr. Amy Gajaria on their experiences as a patient, researcher and clinician (respectively). We also explore tips and suggestions to improve the quality of virtual care in Canada. Read transcript here
To read more on our study on measuring perspectives of health care users and providers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34986035/
Released: June 02, 2022
Episode 07: Discovery Starts with You: Inspiring Perspectives on Participating in Research & Data Sharing
In this Discovery Starts with You episode, we hear the perspectives of three women on why people participate in brain research using an open science and data sharing model: the care partner, the researcher, and the research student. This podcast was created in collaboration between ONDRI (Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative) and CAN-BIND (Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression), supported by OBI (Ontario Brain Institute). Read transcript here
To learn more about the campaign: braininstitute.ca/research-data-sh…erystartswithyou
Released: January 24, 2022
Episode 06: Interview with Dr. Emma Hapke on MDMA and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy
In this episode, we host Dr. Emma Hapke, psychiatrist, and researcher at University Health Network and the University of Toronto. Dr. Hapke’s work explores MDMA and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in people suffering from severe mental health issues like PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. We discuss the latest research, the pros, and cons as well as promoting our conference on the state of psychedelic research in Canada and worldwide. The conference occurred on 21 Oct 2021 and a summary can be found here: https://canbind.ca/psychedelicscanada/
Released: September 27, 2021
Episode 05: Interview with Senator and Psychiatrist Stan Kutcher on Mental Health in Canada (Part 2)
In this second part of this interview with Senator Stan Kutcher, we discuss on the social determinants in depression care, the role of policy in enhancing teen mental health, technology and finally, some tips for parents and teens. Read transcript here
Released: June 24, 2021
Episode 04: Interview with Senator and Psychiatrist Stan Kutcher on Mental Health in Canada (Part 1)
In this episode, Dr. Sagar Parikh interviews Canadian Senator Stan Kutcher on his journey becoming a psychiatrist, getting involved in teen mental health, and discussions on how the school system can take part in providing mental health care. Read transcript here
Released: May 03, 2021
Episode 03: Nothing About Us Without Us- Community Involvement in Research
In this episode we discuss the importance of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at CAN-BIND. We also interview 2 of our CAC members (Madeline and Michael) on their personal experiences. Read transcript here
Released: March 09, 2021
Episode 02: Ketamine Vs ECT for Treatment Resistant Depression
Most people with treatment-resistant depression are referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Ketamine is a novel agent found to also be effective. This CAN-BIND study asks the question how effective is ECT versus ketamine? Read transcript here
Released: May 29, 2020
Episode 01: Neuroplasticity, Depression and Psychedelics
Dr. Gregor Hasler, shares some fascinating new research on neuroplasticity and the use of psychedelics (like LSD) in the treatment of depression. Read transcript here
Released: April 17, 2020