UHN is home to hundreds of scientists, clinicians and trainees that are making groundbreaking discoveries. From cancer to rehabilitation to neuroscience, TeamUHN is helping to make the world a healthier place.
Several podcasts have been developed to help spread word of these incredible achievements. These award-winning, science-focused podcasts have amassed followings in the tens of thousands with listeners from around the world.
Each podcast places a different lens on the journey from discovery to medical breakthrough.
Two of the podcasts—Behind the Breakthrough and Your Complex Brain—focus largely on the lived experiences of the lead researchers. The Living Transplant podcast looks at the patient experience. And the Seeds of Science podcast sheds light on the postdocs and trainees, who are pivotal to driving medical research forward.
Read on to learn about each of these podcasts and why they have been so successful in connecting to listeners.
Behind the Breakthrough | a view into the lives of UHN’s world renowned researchers
With almost 40,000 downloads to date and a fifth season launching in October 2023, this podcast features host Christian Cote interviewing scientists from across UHN. Winner of the 2022 Canadian Podcast Award for “Outstanding Science Series,” this podcast goes behind the scenes to provide insights into the research as well as personal motivations of world-renowned scientists.
“We try and capture the passions that drive these award-winning researchers,” says Mr. Cote. “We’ve been fortunate to have such a great lineup of scientists willing to delve into their journeys.”
The renowned researchers that are highlighted include the following:
- Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, who discusses his lung transplant discoveries and how his parents’ sacrifices inspired him.
- Dr. Joan Wither, Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, who discusses how her athletic career and summer internship under Dr. Anthony Fauci led her to where she is today.
- Dr. Gordon Keller, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, who discusses in-roads being made in regenerative medicine as well as his early years growing up on a mixed farm in rural Saskatchewan.
- Dr. Stephanie Protze, Scientist at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute, who discusses what drives her to continue in her quest to develop a biological pacemaker.
- Dr. Andrea Furlan, Senior Scientist at the KITE research institute, who discusses her mission to develop treatment for chronic pain, improve her patients’ lives and educate the world on chronic pain management without opioids.
Your Complex Brain| the myths, mysteries and science behind how the brain works
This podcast, hosted by Heather Sherman, Manager of Communications for the Krembil Brain Institute (KBI), is currently in its second season and is geared towards a general audience. It has been downloaded in 1,755 cities from 98 different countries around the world.
“Our podcast dives into the latest science on conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, concussion and more,” says Ms. Sherman. “We include interviews with experts as well as snapshots of the patients and family members in the middle of it all.”
Acclaimed scientists featured in the podcast include the following:
- Dr. Mojgan Hodaie, KBI Senior Scientist, who talks about her research and clinical work on chronic pain in an episode titled, “The most painful disease you’ve never heard of”.
- Dr. Angela Cheung, Senior Scientist at Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, KBI Clinician Investigator, who discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on the brain in an episode on long COVID.
- Dr. Suneil Kalia, KBI Senior Scientist, and Dr. Alfonso Fasano, KBI Clinician Investigator, who discuss the advances made using deep brain stimulation to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The Living Transplant| first-hand stories of transplant recipients, donors and caregivers
Produced by UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre and the Centre for Living Organ Donation, this podcast is now in its third season and told from the patient perspective. Candice Coghlan, a transplant recipient and Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation, co-hosts the podcast along with different invited guests that have experienced a transplant. Together, the hosts interview a medical or research expert in the field of organ transplant.
Episodes cover harrowing first-hand experiences. These include a patient who was cured of metastatic cancer through receiving a living liver transplant from her husband, and another patient’s journey in starting a family and having children after her transplant.
The Seeds of Science| the day-to-day lives and achievements of postdoctoral researchers and trainees
With hundreds of downloads of their first season and a second season in production, this podcast looks at the unique experiences of UHN’s approximately 1,300 students and postdoctoral researchers.
This podcast is hosted by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Emily Mills and PhD student Rima El-Sayed at KBI.
With the goal of connecting students and postdocs who may not normally cross paths, the Seeds of Science explores a trainee’s research achievements and lives outside of the lab. Topics include what it’s like publishing your first paper and tips for receiving awards.