What's the Big Idea
Education & Explainer
About
"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.
Episodes
- Are we designing AI to serve us - or replace us? with David Gerhard
This episode features a discussion with Dr. David Gerhard on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, its potential societal transformation, and associated ethical challenges. The conversation includes insights from AI pioneer Geo…
- Strategic Real Estate: Canada's Quiet Power in North American Defence with Andrea Charron
Andrea Charron, Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, discusses North American security, Canada's role in Arctic security, and NORAD modernization. She also details security risks such as cyber threats and foreign interf…
- Unlocking Brain Resilience: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Zahra Moussavi discusses her research into non-pharmaceutical interventions for Alzheimer's and dementia. Her innovative treatment strategies include electrical stimulation, VR navigation, and neurorehabilitation.
- Matters of the Heart: Uncovering Sex Differences in Heart Failure with Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum
This episode features Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum discussing sex differences in heart disease and the need for tailored research and treatment approaches. He also describes the role of specific proteins in heart health and cancer treatment, and…
- Economic Reconciliation: A Model for Shared Prosperity
This episode of "What's the Big Idea?" explores economic reconciliation with Indigenous leaders and experts. Hosted by Angie Bruce, the discussion covers the impact of historical policies, the complexities of Canadian sovereignty and Indig…
- Rethinking Capitalism: Beyond Profit to Purpose
This episode discusses rethinking capitalism, moving beyond profit maximization to prioritize social and environmental well-being. Bruno Dyck introduces Social and Ecological Thought Management (SET) and its role in reimagining business pu…
- Nation-Building in the Sky: How UM is Shaping Space Stewardship with Philip Ferguson
Philip Fergusson joins host Michael Benarroch to discuss shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for space exploration. They cover responsible innovation, reconciliation, and using space technology to benefit communities on Earth, parti…
- Business as Unusual: Risk, Research and Rethinking Productivity with Dave Angus
Dave Angus joins President Benarroch to discuss how risk-taking, research, and rethinking assumptions can help Canada grow a more resilient, innovative, and productive economy.
- A Prescription for Change: Solving Healthcare’s Workforce Crisis with Drs. Peter Nickerson and Aaron Jattan
Manitoba
- Trailer: What's The Big Idea Season 3
This is a trailer for Season 3 of the podcast "What's the Big Idea." The podcast features conversations with thinkers exploring their work and ideas.
- Get Dying Right: Why Dignity in Care Matters with Dr. Harvey Chochinov
In this episode of What's the Big Idea, Dr. Harvey Chochinov shares insights from palliative care research, focusing on dignity therapy and its potential to transform end-of-life care experiences and perspectives on medical assistance in d…
- Gut Instincts: Unlocking the Microbiome’s Secrets to Health and Happiness with Dr. Heather Armstrong
In this episode of "What's the Big Idea," Dr. Heather Armstrong explains how improving gut health can help treat diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and MS. Her research focuses on the complex interactions between gut microbes, diet, and i…
- For the love of tariffs: Amanda Lang on how Trump’s re-election will impact Canada
In "For the Love of Tariffs," host Michael Benarroch speaks with journalist Amanda Lang about the potential consequences of a Trump re-election on Canada. They explore impacts on trade relationships, industries, academic freedom, and freed…
- From Sea Ice to Shipping Lanes: Manitoba's Maritime Future, with Feiyue Wang
Dr. Feiyue Wang, an expert in Arctic Environmental Chemistry, shares insights on his research into Arctic contaminants and climate change. He leads the Churchill Marine Observatory and the REACH initiative, aiming to enhance Manitoba's mar…
- AI and the Future of Humanity: Work, Worship, and Relationships with Neil McArthur
Dr. Neil McArthur, an expert in AI ethics from the University of Manitoba, discusses the implications of artificial intelligence on human society, including its effects on work, relationships, and potential existential risks, while emphasi…
- What you need to know about climate change with sea-ice expert, Dr. Julienne Stroeve
Michael Benarroch interviews climate researcher Dr. Julienne Stroeve about the rapid pace of climate change and the urgency of sea-ice loss. Dr. Stroeve discusses her research and the need for governmental action in this episode of What's…
- Why breast milk matters to all of us with Dr. Meghan Azad
Dr. Meghan Azad, an expert on breast milk, joins Michael Benarroch to discuss why breast milk is important for everyone. They also cover the research being done at The Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC).
- Thriving with Mental Illness featuring Dr. Joss Reimer
Michael Benarroch talks with Dr. Joss Reimer about her work in mental health, the impact of personal experiences, and the importance of supportive environments in the workplace.
- How leaders can remain relevant in the changing global context with Dr. Suzanne Gagnon
Michael Benarroch discusses how leaders can stay relevant in a changing global landscape with Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Associate Dean at I.H. Asper School of Business. The episode includes references to Roselinde Torres and Brené Brown on leade…
- Feeding the world without costing the earth with Dr. Nazim Cicek
Michael Benarroch speaks with Dr. Nazim Cicek about research in sustainable agriculture aimed at addressing food shortages and the climate crisis, exploring how to feed the world without harming the planet.
- Climbing the mountain of Reconciliation with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair
Michael Benarroch speaks with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair about the university's role in supporting Indigenous students and fostering Reconciliation. They also discuss the importance of Indigenous-led economic development.
- Menopause, menstruation and the weaponization of women's health with Dr. Jen Gunter
In this episode of "What's the Big Idea," Anne Mahon speaks with Dr. Jen Gunter about the misinformation surrounding menstruation and menopause. Dr. Gunter highlights how women's health is often weaponized for profit and advocates for scie…
- Why Guaranteed Income is affordable, effective and just with economist Evelyn Forget
In this episode of What's the Big Idea, host Michael Benarroch speaks with economist Evelyn Forget about guaranteed income. They discuss how basic income is an affordable, effective, and just policy for poverty reduction in Canada.
- Understanding Indigenous Self-Determination and Water Rights with Dr. Nicole Wilson
Dr. Nicole Wilson and Michael Benarroch discuss Indigenous self-determination and water rights in Canada. Dr. Wilson
- How Canada Can Become a World Leader in Public Health with Dr. James Blanchard
University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch speaks with Dr. James Blanchard, Executive Director of the Institute for Global Public Health. They explore how the university can lead academic engagement in global public health and posi…
- Creating a Home for Survivors’ stories, with NCTR Director Stephanie Scott
Michael Benarroch interviews Stephanie Scott about the ongoing impacts of Canada's residential school system and Indigenous family separation. They discuss the university's role in addressing these issues and moving toward reconciliation.
- Deep Inclusion with Dr. Robert Mizzi
Michael Benarroch interviews Dr. Robert Mizzi about his concepts of "deep inclusion" and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Manitoba.
- Anti-Racism in Medical Education with Dr. Marcia Anderson
In this episode, University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch speaks with Dr. Marcia Anderson about integrating anti-racist practices into medical education. The conversation focuses on improving health equity for Indigenous, Black,…
- Cosmology and Beyond with Dr. James Peebles
Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Dr. James Peebles joins University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch to discuss his significant contributions to cosmology, including the Big Bang Theory and dark matter. The conversation features i…
- Preview: What's the Big Idea
University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch will host Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Dr. James Peebles to discuss his groundbreaking work in cosmology, including the Big Bang Theory and dark matter. The episode will also feature…