New Podcast Explores Matthew Perry, Opioids, and the Gut-Brain Connection Posted: 2025-07-24 Source: UC Irvine School of Medicine News Type: Features & Briefs share The Lotfipour Lab has launched a new podcast series, The Translational Addiction Podcast, exploring cutting-edge addiction science through timely and relatable topics. In the debut episode, host and lead producer Michaela Sumortin reflects on the legacy of actor and addiction advocate Matthew Perry. The episode highlights UC Irvine research on the gut-brain axis and its role in opioid use, based on recent work by Michelle Ren, PhD, and Shahrdad Lotfipour, PhD. Creative production support was provided by Tanvi Garneni. Listen now on lotfipourlab.org Media Contacts Matt Miller Director mrmille2@uci.edu Communications & PR Office Related Faculty/Staff Shahrdad Lotfipour, PhD Associate Professor — Emergency Medicine Associate Professor — Pathology & Laboratory Medicine