The CAN-BIND Podcast

The rise of artificial intelligence is redefining healthcare, shaping both how mental health is studied and how care is delivered. In part two of this two-part conversation, host Dr. Sagar Parikh returns with Dr. Frank Rudzicz, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University and Canada CIFAR Chair in Artificial Intelligence. They explore how AI is being applied within the CAN-BIND program, its impact on research and clinical decision-making, and the ethical questions that arise when integrating AI into mental health care. Together, they reflect on how to balance innovation with the responsible use of this powerful technology. Listen in to discover how AI is driving innovation in mental health care while thoughtfully addressing the ethical challenges it brings.   Host: Dr. Sagar Parikh Guest: Dr. Frank Rudzicz Producer: Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Audio Editor: Anastasiia Marmyzova Music: Teamwork by scottholmesmusic.com

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. Host: Dr. Sagar Parikh Guest: Dr. Frank Rudzicz Producer: Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Audio Editor: Anastasiia Marmyzova Music: Teamwork by scottholmesmusic.com

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. Host: Andrew Kcomt Guest: Dr. Sakina Rizvi Producer: Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Audio Editor: Anastasiia Marmyzova Music: Teamwork by scottholmesmusic.com

Food and mood—two things we often separate in our minds. But what if they’re more connected than we think? 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. Host: Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Guest: Dr. Fabiano Gomes Recorded by: The Watering Well  Audio Editing and Production: Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Music: Teamwork by scottholmesmusic.com

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. Host: Dr. Fabiano Gomes Guest: Dr. Susan Rotzinger Producer: Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Audio editors: Christina Macaluso & Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan Music: Teamwork by scottholmesmusic.com

*For more info on the webinar and registration, click on the link below http://tinyurl.com/epilepsy-depression-anxiety 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.  Resources for people living with Epilepsy, Depression and Anxiety: UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favourable Thoughts) https://epilepsyontario.org/programs/uplift/  HOBSCOTCH (Home-Based Self-Management and Cognitive Training Changes Lives) https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/communications/success-stories/hobscotch.htm  https://epilepsysco.org/programs-services/hopscotch/  MEW (The Managing Epilepsy Well Network) https://managingepilepsywell.org/    Guest: Dr. Elaine Kiriakopoulos, Director of the HOBSCOTCH Institute for Cognitive Health and Well-Being, Dartmouth Hitchcock Epilepsy Center Assistant professor of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth   Hosts: Dr. Wegdan Abdelmoemin Producer: Dr. Wegdan Abdelmoemin Music: The Future is Ours by scottholmesmusic.com Audio editor: Serhii Artiukh Visit the CAN-BIND website here: https://www.canbind.ca/  Visit the EpLink website here: https://eplink.ca/  Visit the OBI website here: https://www.braininstitute.ca/ 

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. Guests: Graeme: Student at Carleton University Amanda Ceniti: Ph.D. Candidate, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto Dr. Amy Gajaria: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Toronto Hosts: Dr. Sagar Parikh, Psychiatrist at University of Michigan Producer: Dr. Wegdan Abdelmoemin Music: The Future is Ours by scottholmesmusic.com Audio editor: Serhii Artiukh

In this 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). Guests: Shelley: Community advisory committee member at the Arthur Sommer Rotenberg  Depression and Suicide Studies program (ASR) as well as the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative (ONDRI). Dr. Jennifer Phillips: Scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal. Patricia Burhunduli: MD/Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Ottawa.   Hosts: Andrew Kcomt (Hope & Me), Ruth Kruger (ONDRI)  and Wegdan Abdelmoemin (CAN-BIND) Music: The Future is Ours by scottholmesmusic.com Audio editor: Serhii Artiukh To learn more about the campaign:  https://braininstitute.ca/research-data-sharing/discoverystartswithyou  

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. In this episode, we discuss the latest research, the pros, and cons of these methods and we promote an upcoming conference on the state of psychedelic research in Canada and worldwide. The conference is happening on 21 Oct 2021. Register here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/psychedelics-i…ets-170387541724 Hosted by Dr. Wegdan Rashad Abdelmoemin Guests: Dr. Emma Hapke Music: Make your dreams a reality by scottholmesmusic.com Audio editor: Serhii Artiukh Visit our website: www.canbind.ca/videos/podcasts/ This podcast was recorded in September 2021

In this episode, Dr. Sagar Parikh interviews our guest; Canadian Senator Stan Kutcher on the social determinants in depression care, the role of policy in enhancing teen mental health, technology, and, some tips for parents and teens. READ TRANSCRIPT HERE: www.canbind.ca/videos/podcasts/ Podcast was recorded in December 2020

In this episode Dr. Sagar Parikh interviews our guest; 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: www.canbind.ca/videos/podcasts/ Podcast was recorded in December 2020

In this episode we discuss the importance of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at The Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND. We also interview 2 of our CAC members (Madeline and Michael) on their personal experiences as well as what they enjoy doing as the CAC. READ TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://www.canbind.ca/videos/podcasts/ Podcast was recorded in June 2020 

In this episode we discuss an exciting study that aims to compare ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of resistant depression. Our guests are Sophie, a patient participant and Dr. Jennifer  Phillips, Associate Scientist at the Mood Disorders Research Unit at the Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa. Hosted by Dr. Wegdan Rashad Music: Make your dreams a reality by scottholmesmusic.com

Listen to Dr. Gregor Hasler's interview on Neuroplasticity, depression and psychedelics research. The Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND) hosted Dr. Hasler in February 2020 in Toronto, Canada. Interviewees: Dr. Gregor Hasler and Dr. Sidney Kennedy Hosted by Dr. Wegdan Rashad Music: Make your dreams a reality by scottholmesmusic.com See you in the next episode, The CAN-BIND team canbind.ca