In this episode, Dr. Pouya Azar sits down with Dr. Kelly Dunn for an in-depth discussion on treating opioid use disorder, the evolving fentanyl crisis, and how research can help inform more effective approaches to care and recovery.

Kelly Dunn, PhD, has been working in the field of opioid use disorder (OUD) since 2005. Growing up in rural Central New York during the late 1990s, Dr. Dunn witnessed several close friends develop opioid dependence after being introduced to prescription opioids—an experience that sparked her lifelong passion for understanding opioid use, preventing OUD, improving treatment outcomes, and exploring new approaches to pain management that reduce opioid reliance.

Dr. Dunn has served as principal investigator on more than $20 million in National Institutes of Health–funded research and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications in the areas of substance use and OUD. She is the editor of the Oxford Handbook of Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder and has held numerous leadership roles in addiction science, including president of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and the Society for Psychopharmacology and Substance Use. She has also served as editor of Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, co-editor of the Journal of Addiction Medicine, and chair of program committees for both the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Kelly Dunn's University of Maryland profile

Dr. Kelly Dunn LInkden profile

Azarlab.com

(This video is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please seek support from a qualified professional or local resources.)

In this episode, Dr. Pouya Azar sits down with Professor Glenn Sammis to explore the intersection of molecular chemistry and health innovation.

In this Gord’s Corner episode, I sit down with Scotty Colin to talk about his upbringing in Los Angeles, skateboarding, punk rock, falling into addiction, and his path to recovery—along with a few other adventures he experienced along the way. Scotty’s fascination with pattern recognition, as it relates to self-discovery and personal growth, is inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Scotty, and I hope you enjoy it too.

This was recorded when Scotty was in Vancouver in June of 2025 for his Art Show at Outsiders and Others—a non-profit art Society with a focus on bringing non-traditional artists to the forefront. -Gord

(Background voice chiming in from time  to time is my twin brother, George—making sure production is going smoothly.)

Instagram: @scottsmanship | Website: scottsmanship.com | Azar Lab Web: azarlab.com | Azar Lab Pod IG: @azarlabpod | Gord's web: gordfaulkner.com | Gord's IG: @gordfaulknercoach | Production: faulkner-productions.com

In this episode, Dr. Pouya Azar sits down with Dr. Samuel Guillaume, a substance abuse physician from Finland who brings both clinical expertise and lived recovery experience.

They discuss addiction, recovery, mental health, and how personal experience can transform the way patients are understood and treated.

Dr. Samuel Guillaume is a Finland-based substance abuse physician specializing in addiction medicine and psychiatry. Drawing from both professional training and personal recovery experience, he approaches addiction and mental health with a holistic, compassionate perspective. Dr. Guillaume also lectures and trains professionals on addiction-related topics, emphasizing understanding, empathy, and effective long-term recovery. Samuel's Instagram | Website

In this episode, Dr. Pouya Azar sits down with Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone to discuss medetomidine and fentanyl use, exposure, and withdrawal.

Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and serves as Director of Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine Initiatives. She is also the Founding Director of the Penn Medicine Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy.

(This video is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please seek support from a qualified professional or local resources.)

In this episode, Dr. Pouya Azar sits down with Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone to discuss medetomidine and fentanyl use, exposure, and withdrawal. #medetomidine #fentanyl #addiction #recovery Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Founding Director of the Penn Medicine Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy. (This video is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please seek support from a qualified professional or local resources.)

In this video, Dr. Pouya Azar sits down with professional skateboarder Brandon Turner to discuss dealing with trauma, professional skateboarding, near-death experiences, addiction, and recovery. Brandon’s instagram | Westside Recovery

In this episode, Dr. Pouya Azar talks with a mother and daughter who share their eye-opening account of the emotional pain, struggle, and lessons learned from losing a beloved son and brother to the fentanyl crisis.

Luka's memorial site: 

"This memorial website was created in memory of our beautiful boy, Luka Dylan Uebbing, 13 years old, born on January 29, 2008, and passed away on October 20, 2021. A burning star that brought light into our world."

https://www.forevermissed.com/luka/about

Anne’s bookstore: https://kinderbooks.ca/

Article Anne wrote about her son: https://kinderbooks.ca/blogs/news-and-reviews/lets-go-by-julie-flett-on-skateboarding-motherhood

“Thank you for listening to us, this was a very empowering moment for me. It is important for people to know.” 

-Anne

In this episode, Gordon Faulkner talks about decreasing his own anxiety, becoming more authentic, and the power of hypnosis. gordfaulkner.com

In this episode, popular Skateboarder/YouTuber, Ben Degros, shares his journey with skateboarding, addiction, recovery and the road forward. Ben's skate YouTube Channel | Ben's Vancouver Carpentry YouTube