alumni UBC Podcast Archives

On March 10, 2020, Dean Blye Frank, UBC Faculty of Education, hosted a special talk and panel discussion on mental health, featuring Humble The Poet. Humble The Poet (Kanwer Singh) is a former school teacher turned into a best-selling author, hip-hop artist, designer, filmmaker, influencer and public speaker in the area of education, leadership and self-development. He has authored two best sellers that are thematised arou...

In December 2019, alumni UBC launched a year-long series that will connect and engage alumni around the theme of leadership. The series kicked off in Vancouver with an evening where UBC alumni gathered to network and learn from high-profile industry leaders. The evening began with a panel discussion where the leaders shared some of their learning and advice, as well as challenges they’ve faced in their career journeys.

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One million species around the world are at risk of extinction—many in the next few decades. British Columbia is home to more biodiversity than any other place in Canada. But from our caribou herds to southern resident killer whale pods and from our whitebark pines to Behr's Hairstreak butterflies, we're struggling to safeguard our natural heritage. Hear from world-class researchers, hosted by 2011 MacArthur Fellow Sarah O...

Margaret Trudeau is a Canadian icon, celebrated both for her role in the public eye and as a respected mental-health issues advocate. From becoming a prime minister’s wife at a young age, to the loss of both her son and her former husband, to living with bipolar disorder, Margaret tirelessly shares her personal stories to remind others of the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.

Presented by the UBC Faculty o...

Wildfire is an essential process in forest ecosystems, but can be incredibly destructive in the wildland-urban interface. Wildfire is driven by climate, weather and fuels that vary among ecosystems and through time. The combination of land-use change, fire exclusion and global warming have made many forests highly susceptible to intense fires that are difficult to control and contain. Revolutionizing forest and fire manage...

What is the basis of addiction? Hear from internationally renowned UBC alumnus, author, speaker, and leading expert on addictions and trauma, Dr. Gabor Maté, CM, BA’68, MD’77, as he presents “The Hungry Ghost: A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Addiction, from Heroin to Workaholism“. The presentation is followed by an audience Q&A. Moderated by Mike Killeen, co-host of CBC Vancouver News at 6 pm.

Recorded February 28, 201...

Throughout his career, including his three terms as mayor of the City of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi has always emphasized the importance of civic engagement. Hear his talk "Creating the Cities and Country We Deserve." Moderated by Anita Bathe - Reporter, CBC Vancouver

The Master Mind Master Class speaker series is an alumni UBC program that offers an unprecedented look into the minds of modern thinkers making a unique impact on...

Ensuring sustained economic growth while minimising environmental impact is a global challenge. Access to affordable energy has reduced poverty by more than a half since 1990, and yet approximately 1 billion people still live without access to the most basic energy services. Moreover, the rest of us need to face the mounting evidence on the negative impacts of our energy use (poor air quality, climate change, geopolitical ...

The world seems more divided than ever. Social media has made it easy to follow like-minded individuals, creating echo chambers where dissenting opinions can be filtered out. As our viewpoints have grown more polarized, conversations between opposing sides – online or in person – have become more heated. This environment has enabled populist movements to rise and hashtag activism to thrive. Are these divisions new, or have...

Headlines have linked the decline of Southern resident killer whales to just about everything—noise, shipping, toxins, whale watching and fishing. But are these the real threats to the survival of this iconic species? Hear from UBC marine mammal researcher Andrew Trites as he separates facts and research from popular assumptions. British Columbians care deeply about killer whales and feel responsible for protecting them.

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We can all identify the qualities that have traditionally defined masculinity. Of course there's strength, contribution, independence, and assertiveness, but also emotional detachment, dominance, and violence. These traits are so entrenched in our culture that they have become normalized. However, in light of the #MeToo movement and the increasing understanding of the influence patriarchy, rape culture, and toxic masculini...

Want a preview of what your future may look like? How are your aging parents or grandparents living their elder years?  Will you age the same way? While aging is inevitable for us all, there are steps we can take to help our loved ones, and ourselves, lead longer, healthier, and more independent lives. Hear from UBC Faculty of Medicine Executive Associate Dean Roger Wong and Professor Janice Eng, as well as UBC alumni and ...

In April 2016, BC declared a public health emergency in response to the rapid rise of fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses in the province. Since then, the problem has only worsened, with the number of overdose deaths in 2017 exceeding 2016’s totals by a significant margin. What are the factors contributing to this crisis and what are the consequences of this increase in drug use and addiction? How can we support individuals...

Vancouver has developed a reputation as a difficult place to raise kids. The high cost of childcare - for those who can find a spot - and the difficulty finding suitable housing have led many prospective parents to delay starting a family or explore alternatives, such as life in the suburbs. Those who choose to have kids in Vancouver often end up making sacrifices in their careers, lifestyles, or financial situations to ma...