Wealth Well Done With Eric Scovill

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

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

Are you prepared to defend your faith and family?
This week, Greg Downey returns to join Eric and explore biblical perspectives on masculinity, spiritual warfare, and standing up for truth. With transparency and heart, Greg and Eric examine problems plaguing churches today. They also dive into what it truly means to be a godly man and father in today's world.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, gain practical insights into strengthening your moral foundation and preparing for challenges.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Loyalty and defense in marriage
Defining biblical masculinity vs. toxic masculinity
A father's responsibility to protect his family spiritually 
Major issues plaguing the modern church
Episode Highlights:
[03:50] What is Biblical Masculinity?
Real masculinity involves loyalty to one's spouse through honoring the marriage covenant before God, as well as integrity in business dealings. Masculinity also means protecting and providing for one's family - not just financially but spiritually and physically, including defending them from threats or harm. Greg notes men are called to balance each other out with their spouse through mutual support. Overall, biblical manhood entails honoring one's role to defend the family spiritually, physically and financially. 
[10:09] What It Means to Protect Your Family Spiritually
Greg discusses protecting one's family spiritually by not leaving children's spiritual education solely to others. He emphasizes spending dedicated nightly time reading Scripture and telling Bible stories to impart understanding from a young age. Greg also stresses the importance of children comprehending spiritual warfare and discerning good from evil, while fathers set a godly example through upright conduct to aid children in learning discernment.
[20:56] The State of the Modern Church
Greg notes how in many churches, the focus seems to be on converting people but providing little discipleship beyond weekly sermons. He also observes how misogyny and lack of accountability have allowed spiritual abuse to take place. The church would do well to return to its roots as small fellowship groups rather than large productions.
[31:21] The Church's Evolution: How Paganism Influenced Modern Denominations
Greg shares his experience visiting the Vatican and uncovering how pagan rituals and idols became incorporated into Catholicism over time. While understanding the political motivations, it went against God's command to destroy all idols. The church must guard against man's tendency to organize beyond what Scripture prescribes.
Resources Mentioned:
Purim Ventures

Are you ready for a spiritual battle?
In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with entrepreneur Greg Downey, who shares how his experience in the business world revealed the importance of acknowledging the spiritual side of life. Greg is an experienced entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years. He is the founder of Pirum Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on hands-on support of portfolio companies.
Today, Greg discusses the reality of spiritual warfare and emphasizes the need for believers to engage with Scripture and exercise the authority and gifts provided by God. He provides a biblical perspective on spiritual warfare, challenging Christians to prepare for spiritual battles through faith, prayer, and utilizing their God-given spiritual tools.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Greg's background in early-stage companies and venture capital
Defining spiritual warfare and its relevance today
Jesus' teachings on faith, miracles, and preparing disciples
Personal experience with spiritual healing through prayer
Authority given to believers and call to action
Episode Highlights:
[09:38] What is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare refers to the biblical belief that Christians are engaged in an unseen battle between forces of good and evil. As believers, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers of wickedness. Spiritual warfare involves defending against and resisting attacks from demonic spirits that seek to deceive, tempt, and destroy. It is an acknowledgment that there are supernatural forces at work beyond what is seen with physical eyes – and that through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been given authority and spiritual tools to fight against the enemy.
[19:00] Faith in Action: Jesus Trains the Disciples and a Story of Spiritual Healing
Jesus emphasized the importance of faith through both belief and works. He trained his disciples and sent them out, preparing them for testing through experience. Greg shares a personal story of spiritual healing through prayer with his family. This experience highlighted the spiritual aspect of healing and the authority believers have been given through Christ's name.
[34:00] Preparing for Battle: The Call to Engage in Spiritual Warfare and Advance God's Kingdom
Greg encourages listeners to actively engage with the spiritual realm through studying Scripture and utilizing the tools God has provided. While a relationship with God is key, believers also have a responsibility as active participants working to advance God's kingdom on earth. As believers, we need to prepare by acknowledging spiritual warfare and exercising the authority and power we have been given by Christ.
Resources Mentioned:
Purim Ventures
The Unseen Realm

In today's business world, it's easy to get caught up in chasing money, status, and success. But as believers, we're called to a higher standard of managing our resources in a way that honors God. In this episode, Eric Scovill and Pastor Nathan Rychener continue the conversation and tackle this important topic head-on. Through insightful biblical teaching and practical advice, take their challenge to reexamine your relationship with finances from a place of heart transformation. Find the encouragement to get into God's word, make a plan, and live generously!
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Rejecting Jesus through inaction in the face of cultural opposition
Understanding the Sermon on the Mount
Finding humility and motivation in God’s help
A Call for Contrition: Recognizing the lack of brokenness over sin
Tips to help you get started with the Bible
Practical steps to align your finances with God's purposes
Episode Highlights:
[11:57] Finding Motivation and Humility in God's Help
When you earnestly pray and seek God's guidance and assistance, your motivation to follow through on your intentions significantly increases. The essence of being poor in spirit is recognized as humbly approaching God, acknowledging that we possess nothing of merit to impress Him. This understanding shifts the focus from material poverty to a poverty of spirit, emphasizing the importance of relying on God's help in all endeavors.
[16:12] A Call for Contrition: Recognizing the Lack of Brokenness over Sin
In Psalm 119:136, the Psalmist expresses deep sorrow and sheds tears over the disobedience to God's law that he witnesses in the world. His heart is shattered because he understands that sin grieves God. This heartfelt response to sin contrasts with the current state of spirituality, particularly in America, where there seems to be a lack of contrition and brokenness over wrongdoing. This lack of remorse serves as a troubling sign of the spiritual sickness within our society. The Psalmist's example calls us to examine our own hearts and rekindle a genuine sense of sorrow and repentance for our collective transgressions.
[19:40] Tips for Getting Started with the Bible
For those wanting to get started with regular Bible reading, Nathan suggests beginning with short passages like the Sermon on the Mount to avoid getting overwhelmed. Developing a consistent reading plan is also important, whether it's a chapter a day or reading through the whole Bible in a year. Additional resources like the Bible Project videos can help provide context without replacing direct engagement with Scripture. Most importantly, they stress the need to pray and meditate on what is read in order to understand and apply it, not just check reading off a to-do list. With a plan and the Holy Spirit's help, regular Bible study can become a life-changing habit.
[23:17] Practical Steps to Align Your Finances with God's Purposes
Begin your financial journey by examining your heart attitude and embracing the concept of stewardship of God's resources. Gain a comprehensive understanding of biblical teachings on tithing, cheerful giving, and generosity. Develop a generous lifestyle by considering "how much" you can give in each opportunity, rather than questioning whether to give at all. Remember, the importance lies in giving generously, regardless of the amount, as your heart posture matters more than the dollar figure. Stay open to God's guidance in reshaping your financial goals, dreams, and priorities to align with His purposes. Prioritize obedience over personal desires and regularly seek divine guidance through prayer for your spending, saving, investing, and giving, ensuring alignment with God's will.

How serious are you about your faith? On the latest episode of “Wealth Well Done”, Eric and Pastor Nathan Rychener challenge comfortable Christianity. They discuss the high stakes of judgment day and urge listeners to truly know and obey God, not just check boxes. Nathan emphasizes responding immediately to Holy Spirit's conviction. Don't rely only on secondhand knowledge - regularly read Scripture yourself. This episode will stir you up and make you reconsider your relationship with Christ. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Rediscovering the fear of the Lord
Fear of the Lord for eternal perspective and finances
Uncovering the true meaning behind the Sermon at the Mount
Repentance and obedience in Christianity
Surrendering all to love God
 
Episode Highlights:
[06:34] Rediscovering the Fear of the Lord
In the American church, the fear of the Lord has been lost, along with the reverence, humility, and contrition that accompany it. This absence is evident in our lack of recognition of God's holiness, as seen when Isaiah encountered Him in Isaiah 6. Overwhelmed by a sense of his own unworthiness, Isaiah cried out and fell before the Lord. It is this realization that ignites the fear of the Lord within us. This fear is what safeguards us from sin and compromise, guiding us to walk in integrity and wholeheartedness before God. In an age where this fear is desperately needed, let us seek to rediscover it and cultivate a deep reverence for the Lord.
[10:15] Fear of the Lord for Eternal Perspective and Finances
Without the fear of the Lord, all perspective is lost. We find ourselves chasing after temporary and trivial things of this world, losing sight of eternity and what truly matters. The weight and importance of things in God's eyes fade away when we lack the fear of the Lord. Living for eternity becomes impossible without this reverence. Taking this concept to the realm of money, it becomes clear that faithful handling of finances in light of eternity requires the fear of the Lord residing within our hearts. To gain a proper perspective and live with eternal significance, let us cultivate a deep reverence for God in every aspect of our lives.
[19:27] Genuine Repentance: Actions that Reflect True Transformation
In Acts 26, Paul boldly declares his message of repentance and turning to God to King Agrippa. He emphasizes the importance of performing deeds in line with true repentance. While salvation is a free gift based on the grace of Jesus, it requires action when Jesus says, "Follow me." Paul's message resonates as he urges believers to demonstrate their repentance by taking tangible steps towards change. Whether it's breaking free from addictions or rectifying dishonest practices, genuine repentance calls for actions that align with the transformation of the heart.
[24:43] Wholehearted Devotion: Surrendering All to Love God
In emphasizing the first and most important commandment, Jesus instructs us to love the Lord our God with every aspect of our being - heart, soul, mind, and strength. This goes beyond mere sentimentality; it entails wholehearted devotion and complete surrender to God in every area of our lives. It means obeying Him in all aspects - from our relationships to our finances, from our physical well-being to our business endeavors. True love for God leaves no room for half-heartedness or selective obedience; instead, it encompasses a radical surrender, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him, and we willingly follow His guidance in all things.