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.
Publisher
Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto
#138: Beyond Acne: Inflammation, Autoimmunity & the Skin
Skin disease does not always begin and end at the skin. Inflammatory and autoimmune processes can shape conditions ranging from psoriasis and eczema to systemic diseases with important dermatologic manifestations. In this episode of Raw Talk, we speak with dermatologist and researcher Dr. Anastasiya Muntyanu about the relationship between the immune system, inflammation and skin disease. We explore how these conditions develop, the role of environmental and biological factors, and how research is changing our understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune dermatology. Dr. Muntyanu also takes us inside the intersection of clinical dermatology and research, and discusses why studying the skin can provide important insights into processes occurring throughout the body.
11 Aug 2026
#137: Breaking Out: The Science of Acne
Acne is incredibly common, but there is no shortage of conflicting advice about what causes it and how it should be treated. In this episode of Raw Talk, we speak with Dr. Sam Hanna and Dr. Angela Duan about the science behind acne and how it is approached in clinical practice. We explore why acne develops, how treatment can differ from person to person, common misconceptions surrounding skincare and breakouts, and what patients should know when seeking care. We also discuss the broader impact acne can have beyond the skin and how our understanding and treatment of the condition continues to evolve. Whether you have experienced acne yourself or simply want to understand one of dermatology's most common conditions, this episode takes a closer look at what is really happening beneath the surface.
19 Jun 2026
#136 Part 2: Trip or Treatment? Inside Psychedelic Therapy
For patients facing life-threatening illness, distress can involve fear, grief, uncertainty, and questions of meaning. In Episode 136 Part 2, we speak with Dr. Emma Hapke from the Psychedelic Psychotherapy Research Group at UHN about psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life distress in patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.
We also hear from Daryna Skybina, who shares her perspective as a patient and reflects on the human side of navigating serious illness. Together, these conversations highlight both the promise and complexity of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Thank you to our production team: Avni Bhargava and Swapna Mylabathula (Show Hosts), Bellinda Yi (Content Creator), Tiffany Chien (Science Writer), Victoria Li (Audio Editing), Dana Huang (Graphic design and Promotions), and Nicole Chu (Executive Producer).
Who has been a guest on Raw Talk Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Zahra Pakzad
Marie-Claire Arrieta
Meghan Azad
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
5,633
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.7 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 67 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
94
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
Contact Raw Talk Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
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