Wealth Well Done

E64: Balancing Faith, Family, and Wealth with Daniel Del Real

Are you struggling to balance your financial success with your faith and family life? In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Daniel Del Real, a successful Christian entrepreneur who's cracked the code on integrating wealth, faith, and family. 
Daniel, founder of the Del Real Group and a prominent figure in the Gobundance community, shares his journey and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. From biblical perspectives on wealth management to practical strategies for prioritizing family amidst a thriving career, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live a purpose-driven, balanced life.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Biblical perspective on managing money and relationships
Developing faith through regular Scripture reading and prayer 
Practicing stewardship and delayed gratification
Importance of humility and "controlled strength" in leadership
Finding accountability and support as a Christian business leader
Intentionally prioritizing family time in a busy world
Overcoming fear to pursue goals and personal growth
Episode Highlights:
[13:34] Stewardship and Delayed Gratification in Wealth Management
Daniel emphasizes the importance of stewardship in managing wealth, sharing how he practices delayed gratification. He explains that when he started his business, he put himself on a fixed salary to experience living on a set income while investing the rest. Daniel stresses the concept that ownership stinks stewardship, highlighting the importance of realizing that money is just flowing through you rather than belonging to you. 
[20:19] Controlled Strength: Balancing Humility and Power in Leadership
Daniel introducesthe concept of "controlled strength." He emphasizes that true humility isn't about being weak or meek, but rather about having power and ability and choosing to exercise it with restraint. Daniel encourages us to pursue strength and make an impact, but then to exercise humility with that power. He explains that this combination of strength and humility is what makes for true, impactful leadership. Daniel draws parallels to Christ's example, noting how Jesus could have arrived on a stallion but chose a donkey, demonstrating humility while still possessing ultimate power.
[32:11] Prioritizing Family in a Busy World
Daniel shares his approach to intentional family life, discussing how he and his wife have prioritized time with their children and parents despite the demands of a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear priorities, stating, "If you don't prioritize what's important to you, society will." Daniel explains their decision to homeschool their children and how he integrates his family into his work life. He stresses the significance of modeling good behavior, particularly in honoring one's parents, as this is the only commandment with a promised reward. Daniel describes how he intentionally spends time with his parents, vacationing and talking with them regularly, to set an example for his children. He highlights the importance of being present for his children's activities and prioritizing family time over other interests.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.thedelrealgroup.com/
Gobundance
The Blue Zones

E63: Silencing Distractions and Staying Focused: Daniel Del Real on Risk, Preparation and Achieving Goals

How do you go from immigrant roots to becoming the #1 real estate team leader in California? In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Daniel Del Real to discuss managing money from a biblical perspective and his journey of faith in business. 
As the #1 team leader in the state for over a decade, Daniel discusses how living a life of service and accountability has allowed him to achieve extraordinary success while staying grounded in his faith. Daniel also reflects on risk, preparation, and staying focused during challenges through applying the lessons of his faith to both his personal life and highly ranked real estate team.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Importance of accountability in goals and one's faith walk
Daniel’s approach to hiring: values over faith
Why sometimes progress doesn’t look like progress
The 4 C’s of learning
Reframing risk to withstand adversity
Communicative knowledge versus revealed knowledge
Episode Highlights:
[09:08] The Power of Gratitude and Service
While it is amazing to live life with an attitude of gratitude, actively serving others in humility with a spirit of servitude "kicks doors down" and opens up greater opportunities for success and accomplishment. Channeling your gratitude outward through meaningful service towards others takes it to a higher level and allows you to achieve more by helping people.
[10:00] The Power of Accountability
Statistics show that having specific accountability with someone increases the likelihood of achieving one's goals from 20% to 95%. Daniel notes that the highest level of accountability comes from one's relationship with God. He also focuses on creating measurable commitments for employees and scheduling regular check-ins to provide clarity on steps to stay on track.
[13:33] Hiring Based on Core Values Over Faith
When hiring for his team, Daniel says he does not directly screen for faith but rather looks for people whose core values and principles align with the organization's culture, rooted in biblical teachings. Through leading by example and answering questions about how challenges are addressed, the faith of some originally non-believing employees has deepened. Daniel's priority is protecting the culture by ensuring new hires fit with their shared vision and methods of operating.
[18:51] When Progress Doesn't Look Like Progress
Daniel talks about how progress may not always look obvious. He uses building Legos as an example, where daily steps seem repetitive but are making forward movement. Daniel stresses staying faithful to your vision and plan, as progress involves times where it doesn't look like any advancement. But persevering each day through invisible steps will lead to achieving your goal, even if the end result isn't visible yet. His message: keep working, even when progress feels invisible.
[26:30] The 4 C’s of Learning
Commitment - Committing to do something bigger
Courage - Earning courage by walking in some form of fear
Capability - Learning what you're capable of through facing fears
Capacity - Discovering your limits and how far you can go
Daniel explains these four stages are something we go through both in business and in our faith walk. Committing to a goal means facing fears, which helps us learn what we're capable of and build up our capacity through challenging ourselves. 
[35:17] The Difference Between Hearing and Experiencing: Communicative vs. Revealed Knowledge
Daniel emphasizes the importance of developing "revealed knowledge" through directly experiencing difficulties and having one's faith tested, rather than solely gaining "communicative knowledge" from others. He explains revealed knowledge provides true understanding that can be relied on when facing challenges, as it has been strengthened through personal trials, unlike knowledge that is simply heard but not lived out.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.thedelrealgroup.com/

E62: Getting Run Over by the Grace Train: Deeper Discipleship's Impact on Home, Heart and Business

How has deepening your relationship with God impacted other aspects of your life? Tune in this week to hear Eric Scovill and Erik Cabral get real about the ripple effects of a maturing faith. In this second part of their talk, these leaders dive into practical examples of navigating spiritual growth within marriage, parenting, and business. 
Part two of their discussion will tackle candid stories of strengthening faith at different paces than loved ones. Walk away empowered by their wisdom on partnering through life's changes hand in hand with God. Don't miss this chance to feel understood and equipped for your own spiritual race.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Navigating spiritual misalignment in marriage
Modeling Christ-like behavior through adversity
Homeschooling as a way to pass on Christian values
Christianity in a business setting, with a focus on prayer and faith
Bringing God into the workplace
Impacting a multitude of people through faith and influence
Episode Highlights:
[04:41] Navigating Spiritual Misalignment in Marriage 
Eric shares his experience of when his faith began to deepen at a faster pace than his wife's initial journey. While he tried different approaches to encourage her spiritual growth, it led to tension between them until he surrendered the situation to the Holy Spirit. It took years, but eventually his wife also started her own transformational process without any pushing from Eric. This story highlights the challenges that can come when spouses are not perfectly synchronized in their faith.
[16:29] Modeling Christ-Like Behavior Through Adversity
By pausing to consider how Jesus would respond instead of reacting instinctively, Erik is making an effort to treat others with the same patience, wisdom, and love that Christ displayed. Asking "What would Jesus do?" helps ensure his interactions and decisions are in line with Jesus' example of treating all people with dignity, compassion, and grace – embodying Christ-like characteristics in his daily life and interactions with others.
[20:19] Homeschooling as a Way to Pass on Christian Values
Erik alludes to not handing children over to the state for education, referring to "Caesar" and "Romans" from the Bible. He acknowledges agendas and programming in public schools that as a homeschooling family, they want to avoid exposing their kids to. Through homeschooling their own children, Erik and his wife aim to be conscious of what their children are taught, rather than leaving it up to outside influences that could undermine the faith-based upbringing they are providing at home. 
[24:15] Christianity in a Business Setting
Erik shares that he now prays with his Christian COO and other employees each day in meetings. While he has not yet incorporated prayer into larger team meetings, he plans to do so in the future. Erik expresses that most of his clients and team members are now also Christian. By openly bringing his faith into the workplace through prayer, Erik has been able to attract like-minded clients and staff and build a culture centered around his Christian beliefs.
Resources Mentioned:
On Air Brands

E61: The Moment of Transformation: What Happens When Faith Takes Over

Have you ever experienced a moment that completely altered the course of your life? 
In this episode, Eric Scovill is joined by Erik Cabral, founder of successful podcast production company On Air Brands. Erik opens up about his spiritual journey from a Catholic upbringing to a life-changing encounter with God. Erik holds nothing back, sharing how fully embracing his beliefs sparked personal growth. Learn how strengthening faith impacted his marriage, parenting, and business leadership.
Gain valuable perspective on allowing spirituality to influence all relationships. Erik's transparent account offers insight that may strengthen your own spiritual path. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the powerful ways our faith can reshape us.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Erik's upbringing and early spiritual experiences
A defining moment of connection with God
Internal changes and external perceptions
Improving personal conduct and overcoming temptations
Pruning toxic influences and embracing God fully
Effects on marriage, parenting, business
Episode Highlights:
[09:59] Receiving God's Call to "Spread Love"
Erik shares that he kept questioning his purpose and felt another internal pull or calling. He says the message he received from God was "You're here to spread love" - not through words, but through a feeling deep in his heart. Erik conveys how this experience gave him a clear sense of mission that has guided him ever since, which was to spread love in everything he does. It's a very personal account of receiving divine revelation and clarity about his life's work.
 
[15:15] Embracing Humility Through Faith
When praised for changes, he cries knowing it's not by his efforts alone. Erik sees himself as a "vessel" for God's work, simply following God's lead rather than taking credit. His faith reshaped his mindset from self-importance to acknowledging God's role, demonstrating humility's importance in Erik's journey.
[23:32] Growth in Language, Temptations, and Self-Care Through Deepening Faith
Erik touches on eliminating swearing from his language, an area he had previously been working to improve. Erik also reflects candidly on struggles with lust and temptation, while prioritizing caring for his "temple" or health. Erik discusses the devil's temptation tactics through technology and pornography accessibility. He notes the symbolic parallels between the Apple logo and Eden's serpent. Erik advocates awareness of such temptations and avoiding platforms that perpetuate them. 
[32:35] Pruning Gossip for Progress
Erik discusses how even as part of his spiritual growth journey, he noticed gossip occurring among some Christian mothers in his homeschool community. While their faith seemed strong, he recognized gossip was not constructive behavior. This led Erik to make an effort to "prune" or remove gossip from his own life as he sought to strengthen his relationship with God. 
Resources Mentioned:
On Air Brands
Elysium Therapeutics
Renu Environmental
FYREBX
E37: Challenging American Christianity: Living Out Our Faith Fully
E43: Building a Portfolio for Stewardship: Public and Private Market Strategies
Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch

E60: Converting Waste to Value: Renu Environmental's Pathway to a Circular Plastics Economy

Ready to invest in the circular economy? On this week's episode, Eric Scovill continues his discussion with Alex Smith of Renu Environmental about their innovative solutions to plastic waste. Renu's patented pyrolysis technology converts plastic into oil without emissions, circulating resources back into the economy. 
Alex explains how carbon and plastic credits incentivize emission reductions by funding offsetting projects. Also, learn about Renu's multi-pronged business model, which provides sustainable recycling options for plastic producers while generating returns through private impact investments. Discover this opportunity to both support environmental solutions and plastic waste diversion through private markets.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The global plastic waste problem and lack of recycling
Environmental financial assets like carbon and plastic credits
Renu Environmental's consulting, trading, and technology business pillars
God's instructions in Genesis to care for the earth
Renu's pyrolysis technology and small footprint recycling machines
Potential returns from investing in Renu's pre-money valuation
Episode Highlights:
[03:33] The Immense Scale of the Global Plastic Waste Problem
Approximately 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, yet only about 10% of that plastic actually gets recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or the environment. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is an example of a major issue created by plastic waste. It’s a floating island of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean that is the size of the entire U.S. state of Texas. 
[08:14] How Environmental Financial Assets Incentivize Emissions Reduction
Environmental credits provide a key source of funding for sustainability projects. By generating and selling credits to offsetting buyers, these assets support initiatives like recycling, renewable energy and other ventures addressing environmental issues that may struggle to attract traditional investment. The credit market enables valuable green solutions to be realized through this innovative financing mechanism.
[16:29] Renu Environmental's Three-Pronged Business Model
Renu Environmental operates under three key business pillars - consulting, trading, and technology. The consulting arm provides services to help companies reduce their environmental footprint organically or through credit purchases. Renu also houses an in-house trading desk that assists with the sale of environmental credits. On the technology side, Renu has developed a patented pyrolysis process that converts plastic waste into oil using small footprint machines, which are either deployed at Renu's own conversion facilities or leased to end users for on-site recycling.
[24:00] Renu's Efficient Pyrolysis Technology
Renu has developed a patented pyrolysis process to convert plastic waste into oil using compact machines. Each machine processes 10,000 tons of plastic per year within a small 3000 square foot footprint. Renu plans to both operate their own conversion facilities as well as lease machines to end users for on-site recycling, providing a sustainable solution for plastic producers through their efficient pyrolysis technology.
Resources Mentioned:
Renu Environmental

E59: A Zero-Emissions Pathway to Recycling Plastics at Scale

You won't believe the plastic waste stats - did you know 250 garbage trucks of plastic enter the environment every hour? Spanning land and sea, the scale of humanity's plastic waste problem is immense. 
In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Alex Smith, founder of Renu Environmental, to discuss how to address the global plastic waste problem through private equity investment in circular recycling methods. Alex discusses his company's groundbreaking technology that recycles plastic waste into new plastic products with zero emissions – definitely a game-changer!
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The scale of the plastic waste problem globally and in the US
Limitations of traditional plastic recycling methods
Advancements in pyrolysis technology for plastic recycling
Renu Environmental's zero-emissions plastic recycling process
Potential for creating a circular plastic economy
Episode Highlights:
[04:15] The Staggering Scale of the Global Plastic Waste Problem
The scale of the global plastic waste problem is immense. An astounding 2.4 billion pounds of plastic waste is exported annually from the US alone, with over 900 million tons already accumulated in landfills. Plastic usage is projected to triple globally by 2050 based on current trends, with the equivalent of 250 garbage trucks full of plastic being dumped into the environment every hour. Unless addressed, the unchecked rise of plastic pollution will continue to damage the planet.
[08:10] The Challenges of Mechanical Plastic Recycling
Each time plastic is mechanically recycled, it deteriorates in quality. Plastic can only be recycled a few times before it is destined for landfill. Additionally, bottle manufacturers are only able to use a certain percentage of recycled plastic in their products, unlike paper which can be 100% recycled material. These limitations mean that mechanical recycling alone cannot create a truly circular system for plastic waste.
[11:17] Plastic Waste and Its Impact on the Environment
Around 22 million tonnes of plastic leak into the environment each year - equivalent to 250 garbage trucks daily. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, larger than Texas, is described as a huge accumulation in the Pacific Ocean. Much plastic comes from countries improperly disposing of waste in rivers and oceans, threatening wildlife that consumes microplastics. 
[21:41] Advancing Pyrolysis: Renu Environmental's Proprietary Emissions-Free Plastic Recycling Process
Advancements in pyrolysis technology for plastic recycling are discussed. Early methods simply burned plastics but the technology has significantly advanced. Renu Environmental works with an inventor with over 30 years experience researching pyrolysis. Their proprietary technology precisely heats plastic in an oxygen-free vacuum through thermal decomposition, allowing plastic types to break down at precise temperatures capturing vapors without emissions. Previous methods emitted significantly but Renu Environmental's process eliminates emissions.
Resources Mentioned:
Renu Environmental

E58: FYREBX: Innovating Fire Safety with Sean Henry

Did you know all it takes is a single spark to ignite a wildfire threatening countless lives and homes? 
This week, Eric and Isaac are back with FYREBX Sean Henry to discuss the multibillion dollar scale of the global fire industry from a business perspective. They explore how the industry works to both fight fires and mitigate wildfire risks, as well as how FYREBX is innovating solutions to address the escalating challenges faced by firefighters worldwide.
Tune in to learn more about the billion dollar challenges of wildfire management and how this pioneering company is rising to meet the escalating crisis with life-saving innovations.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The multi-billion dollar scale of the fire industry
Sean's experience fighting fires that led to the idea for FYREBX
How FYREBX works and its advantages over traditional fire fighting methods
Stories of FYREBX in action saving lives and property
Future plans to expand FYREBX's impact
Episode Highlights:
[02:36] The Multibillion Dollar Scale of the Fire Industry
The fire industry encompasses far more than frontline firefighting. It includes extensive land management, fuels reduction work, and rebuilding after fires. Government wildfire budgets alone reach billions annually. Insurance costs for reconstruction are also immense. A wide range of services from logging to fire equipment manufacturing contribute to the industry's multibillion-dollar scale, demonstrating wildfires' enormous economic and social impacts.
[03:28] The Inspiration for FYREBX
Sean discusses how his experience battling wildfires showed him the limitations of existing firefighting equipment. Crews needed a portable water source that could access remote areas, but trailers were unsafe and inefficient. This inspired Sean to design FYREBX, a collapsible water tank that fits on any vehicle. 
[11:25] A Life Saved: A Logger's Story  
A logger was masticating brush when a stray spark ignited a blaze. With winds fanning the flames, the fire quickly grew out of control. Just in time, the man was able to deploy his new FYREBX unit. It allowed him to safely douse the flames before the fire reached a dangerous size, saving himself and potentially surrounding lands from catastrophe.
[19:20] Protecting Resources at a Controlled Burn
FYREBX is now used by fire departments across North America. Sean details a recent controlled burn where FYREBX demonstrated its ability to safely fight fires and protect valuable trees from wildfire damage. Fire experts were impressed and many departments are adding FYREBX to their arsenals.
[38:48] Understanding Capital Efficiency
Companies that can effectively deploy additional funds to generate high returns while minimizing ongoing investment needs are highly attractive. Features like adaptable product designs allowing expansion into new markets on a single platform, partnerships enabling large-scale production through outsourced manufacturing, healthy profit margins producing profits from each additional unit, and recurring revenue streams producing cash flows with limited reinvestment needs – all signal a business's ability to grow substantially while requiring only incremental additional funding. This maximizes returns on investments and is a prime characteristic private equity firms seek in potential portfolio companies.
Resources Mentioned:
FYREBX

E57: Fighting Fires on the Frontlines: A Conversation with Wildland Firefighter Equipment Innovator Sean Henry of FYREBX

Ever wonder what it takes to battle the monster wildfires raging across the American West? 
In this episode, veteran firefighter Sean Henry sheds some light on the grueling realities of fighting fires on the frontlines. From harrowing close calls to innovative new strategies, Sean shares candid stories from his decades battling blazes in California. 
He also explains what drove him to start FYREBX and how his new gear is helping equip firefighters with cutting-edge tools. So fire up this podcast to get a no-holds-barred look at the challenges facing our wildland heroes—and one man working to help them fight fire with fire.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Understanding fuels reduction strategies 
Innovative strategies for battling intense wildfires
Inspiration for starting FYREBX to support firefighters
New gear and tools helping crews combat the flames
Giving firefighters a voice through a podcast
Episode Highlights:
[04:12] Understanding Fuels Reduction to Manage Wildfire Risk
Fuels reduction refers to management practices that aim to reduce the amount of combustible materials available to burn, such as trees, brush, grass, and dead vegetation, which are collectively known as wildland fuels. When fire needs fuel to spread, reducing the amount of available fuel helps to control and contain fires. Some key aspects of fuels reduction discussed in the episode include removing ladder fuels to prevent fire from spreading from the forest floor up into tree canopies, performing prescribed burns to reduce surface fuels, and using equipment like masticators and dozers to thin out vegetation.
[08:12] Contributory Factors to The Recent Increase in Catastrophic Forest Fires
Weather events - Prolonged drought conditions across many regions have stressed trees and reduced soil moisture levels. This has made forests more susceptible to disease, insect infestation, and intense fire activity even when rain returns. 
Mismanagement of lands - Past policies restricting logging and controlled burns led to an accumulation of excess vegetation and fuels in forests. At the same time, decreased management has allowed ladder fuels to develop. These conditions have increased fire intensity and made blazes more difficult to control when ignited.
[15:05] The Evolution of Wildfire Fighting: Meeting Today's Intense Fire Conditions
The way wildfires are fought has progressed significantly over the years. In the past, fires on federal land were often left to burn small and slow, allowing nature to take its course. However, with climate change leading to hotter, drier conditions and a buildup of fuels, this approach is no longer viable. Today, immediate air support is deployed when new fires are detected to quickly get water or retardant on the flames before they can grow out of control. On the ground, specialized hotshot crews cut containment lines and lay hose rapidly. Large bulldozers carve wider firelines through dense vegetation. Coordinated attack strategies now involve thousands working together to battle major fires and protect communities.
[27:40] Giving Firefighters a Voice Through a Podcast
Sean felt strongly that wildland firefighters' stories needed to be shared more widely. He is thinking about launching a podcast called "Wild Wild Side" where he could conduct in-depth, hour-long interviews with crews from various agencies. Sean wants listeners to truly get to know firefighters as individuals - learning about their backgrounds, how they got their start in the industry, and what a typical day fighting fires entails. Most importantly, he wants to give them a platform to tell gripping, first-hand accounts from the firelines and allow their voices to be heard.
Resources Mentioned:
FYREBX

E56: Tackling the Opioid Crisis through Innovation and Partnership

Is a scientific breakthrough finally on the horizon in the battle against opioids? In this episode, we’re joined again by Greg Sturmer and Tom Jenkins of Elysium Therapeutics to discuss Elysium's groundbreaking work to develop new drug technologies aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. 
Greg and Tom explain how a personal tragedy close to home sparked their mission to make an impact. They dive into the science behind Elysium's O2P and SOOPR technologies, designed to prevent opioid abuse and overdose while providing life-saving reversal effects. 
Don't miss this fascinating discussion on cutting-edge efforts to tackle the epidemic and the role of strategic partnerships in advancing life-saving solutions.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Elysium Therapeutics' mission and molecular engineering approach
O2P technology for preventing opioid abuse and overdose 
SOOPR technology providing long-acting overdose reversal
The investment side of things
Episode Highlights:
[03:36] The Spark That Led to Their Interest in The Opioid Crisis
Greg shares how a personal tragedy in their community sparked their focus on the opioid crisis. Two children were killed after being hit by a driver under the influence of opioids, fueling their drive to make an impact. 
[06:16] How O2P Works
O2P was designed to utilize the known opioid hydrocodone, but with molecular modifications, where it only releases the drug when you swallow it and your stomach breaks it down. This prevents other ways of taking it, like snorting or injecting, and protects against overdose by limiting how much gets in your system if you take too many. Clinical tests showed that even with a huge extra dose, O2P kept people's exposure below lethal levels. Plus, it only may need once-a-day dosing instead of multiple times like other opioids, lowering the risks of misuse.
[25:01] SOOPR - Solving the Need for a Longer-Lasting Overdose Reversal Agent
When treating an opioid overdose, time is critical since the person has already stopped breathing and is becoming hypoxic. While Narcan rapidly reverses IV drugs like heroin, its short hour-long effect isn't ideal for today's long-acting fentanyl taken orally. SOOPR was designed through preclinical testing to last 5-10x longer, allowing it to fully cover fentanyl's extended danger period from oral use - a window Narcan alone can't address due to its brief lifespan. Both work fast to resuscitate overdoses, but SOOPR's prolonged protection is key to reversing modern potent synthetics.
[35:52] Investing in Elysium
Elysium Therapeutics has benefited greatly from their lead investor Mesa Verde Venture Partners, known for their strong track record in life sciences investing. Over half of Mesa Verde's portfolio companies have experienced liquidity events like acquisition or IPO, demonstrating their ability to identify promising opportunities. Mesa Verde's expertise in evaluating and supporting biotech ventures through development has provided invaluable guidance and validation to Elysium as it works to advance its important new technologies.
Resources Mentioned:
Elysium Therapeutics
Mesa Verde Venture Partners

E55: The Opioid Epidemic: Origins, Impacts, and Alternative Pain Treatment Options

Are you ready to discover the future of pain treatment? Scientists may have just made a breakthrough that could revolutionize pain treatment and stop the opioid epidemic in its tracks. The future of pain relief and stopping this tragic epidemic has never looked brighter.
In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Tom Jenkins and Greg Sturmer of Elysium Therapeutics to discuss solutions to the opioid crisis. If successful in clinical trials, this discovery may finally offer a real solution to end the tragic opioid epidemic for good. Eliminating the risks of misuse – this could be a game-changer! 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The progression to addiction
The shift from acute to chronic use of opioids
The pendulum swing
How opioid addiction can affect anyone
Fentanyl production and its devastating effects
 
Episode Highlights:
[11:18] The Progression to Addiction
Tom discusses how opioid addiction often starts with prescription drugs and progresses from there. He explains that people don't just suddenly decide to use heroin - it begins with being prescribed opioids for legitimate pain and having leftover pills. Taking extra doses for their euphoric effects can lead to misuse and abuse as people seek out more pills from friends and family. This establishes a cycle of reinforcement that drives further-seeking behaviors and sets people up for addiction.
[20:30] The Shift from Acute to Chronic Opioid Use
The opioid crisis began in the 1990s when two major changes occurred. First, pain became the fifth vital sign in healthcare, increasing focus on pain management. Around the same time, Purdue Pharma released OxyContin, making opioids more suitable for long-term chronic pain through a controlled-release formulation. This shifted prescribing from predominantly acute, short-term pain to chronic pain and increased opioid prescriptions dramatically. While aiming to improve patient care, this unintendedly fueled the rise in prescription opioid abuse and overdoses.
[23:14] The Swing Back Towards Control
In 2011-2012, there was a "pendulum swing" in response to the worsening opioid crisis. Where focus had moved to chronic pain management and opioid exposure, the pendulum swung back towards controlling opioid use and abuse. Prescriptions dropped 44% as doctors became more hesitant. However, fatal overdoses remained the same because the pharmaceutical industry had not developed safer alternatives and formulations. 
[44:42] Fentanyl Production and Its Devastating Effects
The opioid crisis has impacted virtually everyone. Greg notes that 90% of overdoses are from swallowing pills, not injection or insufflation as many assume. This is due to the proliferation of illicit fentanyl pills on the market of varying and often lethal potency. People unknowingly take more to feel the effects, not realizing the risks. As such, the crisis is difficult to address because opioid abuse cannot be easily identified - it affects everyday people across all demographics rather than just the stereotypical addict. 
Resources Mentioned:
Elysium Therapeutics