What's the Big Idea

Apr 03 2024 11
What's the Big Idea Podcast artwork

"What's the Big Idea" is a new podcast featuring University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch in conversation with some of today's big thinkers. Together, they’ll unpack “the big idea” their work explores. A series featuring an exciting and diverse array of voices from the UM community contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of the people of Manitoba, Canada, and the world.

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What you need to know about climate change with sea-ice expert, Dr. Julienne Stroeve

Apr 03 2024 27 mins  
Michael Benarroch is joined by Professor Julienne Stroeve, a renowned climate change researcher. She is a professor in the University of Manitoba's Center for Earth Observation Science and a senior Canada 150 research chair in climate forcing of sea ice. Professor Stroeve has briefed US Vice President Al Gore, US congressional staff, and the World Economic Forum on her research.In

Why breast milk matters to all of us with Dr. Meghan Azad

Mar 18 2024 32 mins  
Michael Benarroch is joined by Dr. Meghan Azad, Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba with cross appointments in immunology and food and human nutritional sciences. Dr. Azad studies the science of breast milk and is one of the world's foremost experts on the wonderful substance. In this episode, they explore why breast milk matters to all of us, and

Thriving with Mental Illness featuring Dr. Joss Reimer

Feb 07 2024 24 mins  
Michael Benarroch sits down with Dr. Joss Reimer, Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and someone who not only led Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccine implementation task force but has worked tirelessly to end the stigma around mental illness. Together, they explore how Dr. Reimer’s personal experiences have affected her work around mental health, and why we

How leaders can remain relevant in the changing global context with Dr. Suzanne Gagnon

Dec 13 2023 27 mins  
Show notes:How can you become a better leader? In this episode, Michael Benarroch explores this question with Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, the Associate Dean of Professional graduate programs at I.H. Asper School of Business, the inaugural director of the Burns Leadership Institute and the Canada Life Chair in Leadership Education. At the start of this episode, you hear clips from the follo

Feeding the world without costing the earth with Dr. Nazim Cicek

Nov 22 2023 28 mins  
In this episode, Michael Benarroch speaks to Dr. Nazim Cicek whose big ideas are proving that it doesn't have to cost the earth to feed the world. He's a professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science. Michael and Nazim explore how research is advancing sustainable agriculture to address food shortage

Climbing the mountain of Reconciliation with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

Oct 11 2023 33 mins  
Michael Benarroch sits down with Professor Niigaan Sinclair, one of the most sought after national voices on education, politics and Reconciliation. Sinclair is the former head of the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba, an indigenous content consultant and columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press.Their conversation explores whether the university is doing e

Menopause, menstruation and the weaponization of women's health with Dr. Jen Gunter

Sep 13 2023 27 mins  
In this episode, guest host University of Manitoba's Chancellor Anne Mahon speaks to UM alum and New York Times best-selling author of the Vagina Bible and the Menopause Manifesto, Dr. Jen Gunter. As a board certified OB/GYN in both Canada and the United States, Dr. Gunter is a candid advocate for women and science.In this powerful conversation, she shares her mission to correct th

Why Guaranteed Income is affordable, effective and just with economist Evelyn Forget

Mar 21 2023 33 mins  
Why Guaranteed Income is affordable, effective and just with economist Evelyn Forget. University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch in conversation with economist and academic director of Manitoba Research Data Centre Evelyn Forget. Together they’ll discuss how a basic income guarantee is not only possible and affordable, but an effective and just way to reduce poverty in Ca

Understanding Indigenous Self-Determination and Water Rights with Dr. Nicole Wilson

Feb 28 2023 22 mins  
University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch in conversation with Dr. Nicole Wilson, Canada Research Chair in Arctic Environmental Change and Governance. Together they’ll discuss how Canada can better understand, govern, and enhance Indigenous self-determination over water rights.About the guest:Dr. Nicole Wilson is a scholar of settler origin whose research focuses on Indi

How Canada Can Become a World Leader in Public Health with Dr. James Blanchard

Jan 18 2023 25 mins  
The University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch in conversation with Executive Director of the University of Manitoba’s Institute for Global Public Health Dr. James Blanchard. Together they’ll discuss how the University of Manitoba can be at the center of engaging the academic sector in global public health and how Canada can become a world leader in this field.