Alumni Podcasts

A podcast featuring alumni sharing their fondest memories of their alma mater. Ryerson Rewind was produced and edited by alumna Amanda Cupido.

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The Forefront showcases how TMU is tackling the big issues facing Canadians through bold research, innovation, and collaboration.

Past episodes

Rethinking clean transportation

Season 3, Episode 6 — Canadians love driving their cars, but the reality is that 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. So, what's the solution? In this episode, we speak with two alumni entrepreneurs about their pursuit of cleaner transportation options.

Bike lanes and big cities

Season 3, Episode 5 — Bike lanes are a better alternative for the environment. But do they lead to more cyclists on the road? According to TMU research, the short answer is yes. This episode explores the benefits of building bike lanes in cities and what's keeping some people out of them.

City living: How noisy is too noisy?

Season 3, Episode 4 — For city dwellers, noise is just part of the package — but how noisy is too noisy? TMU research shows that ongoing exposure to noise can negatively impact your health, leading to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. In this episode, we hear from TMU’s leading noise expert Tor Oiamo about what cities can do to protect people's health.

Climate change and the next generation

Season 3, Episode 3 — Young Canadians are growing more concerned about climate change but are facing a critical issue: misinformation. In this episode, we discuss Generation Climate, a youth-driven initiative led by TMU’s Leadership Lab to fight climate change misinformation online.

Environmental racism in Canada

Season 3, Episode 2 — Black, Indigenous and people of colour in Canada are less likely to be educated on how climate change impacts their daily lives — yet they’re the most vulnerable to its impacts. In this episode, we explore the steps advocates are taking to educate communities and the gaps in the research — all in the pursuit of environmental justice.

Special episode: Renaming our university

Season 3, Episode 1 — In 2021, the university announced it was officially changing its name. After an eight-month process, the name Toronto Metropolitan University was announced. This episode explores the university’s process and the significance of the name change for TMU’s Indigenous communities.

The Forefront - Season 3 Trailer

Our award-winning podcast, The Forefront is back for another season! This time, we look at how TMU is tackling some of Canada's biggest environmental issues through bold research and innovation.

Dispatched to the frontlines

Season 2, Episode 6 — A shortage of nurses across the country has many hospitals scrambling for solutions. In this episode, we discuss how students from the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing have stepped up to help solve the issue in Ontario.

No news is bad news

Season 2, Episode 5 — Across the country, 447 local news outlets in more than 300 communities have shut down since 2008. In this episode, we discuss what this means for these communities and the future of local news in Canada.

The Canadian dream

Season 2, Episode 4 — Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, but how welcoming are we to newcomers seeking jobs? In this episode, we chat with Mohamad Fakih, CEO and President of Paramount Fine Foods about the important role of immigrant businesses in cities.

Getting city kids moving

Season 2, Episode 3 — During the pandemic, more than 90% of kids weren’t meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. In this episode, we explore how where families live can affect children’s activity levels.

How art can heal

Season 2, Episode 2 — A new sculpture on campus is honouring The Dish With One Spoon Territory. In this episode, we chat with lead designer and artist Matthew Hickey about the sculpture’s significance and the role of art in reconciliation.

Emissions out. Ecocentric’s in.

Season 2, Episode 1 — Imagine living in a home that is entirely functional, sustainable, and completely non-toxic. In this episode, find out how one professor worked with students to build a home with zero net carbon emissions, zero energy use and zero toxic materials.

The Forefront - Season 2 Trailer

In this season of The Forefront, we will explore the role the university is playing in creating more inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities.

A virtual Pow Wow

Season 1, Episode 6 — We discuss the significance of Pow Wows and the importance of bringing Indigenous culture to the forefront on university campuses.

Laying the foundation

Season 1, Episode 5 — We discuss Toronto’s Green Roof Bylaw, and visit Toronto Metropolitan University’s Urban Farm to chat with farm manager Arlene Throness.

A look at lifelong learning

Season 1, Episode 4 — We discuss the challenges brought on by the global pandemic and how online learning can provide a more accessible and flexible learning environment for students.

Defining the Future of Work

Season 1, Episode 3 — With a rapidly evolving economy due to technological disruption and automation, climate change, demographic shifts, and even a global pandemic — what does the future of work look like in Canada?

Diversifying Cybersecurity

Season 1, Episode 2 — After a year of looking for work, software programmer Andy Maharaj enrolled in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.

The New Age of Aging

Season 1, Episode 1 — More than 1 in 6 Canadians are at least 65 years old, but can Canada’s long term care systems handle the increasing number of elderly patients in need of support?

The Forefront - Trailer

Jeremy’s Story

Season 2, Episode 5 — What was the most important lesson critically-acclaimed director Jeremy Podeswa learned at Toronto Metropolitan University? Plus, his favourite scene from Game of Thrones!

Brian’s Story

Season 2, Episode 4 — Award-winning journalist Brian Stewart on the Toronto Metropolitan University’s ability to prepare his “impatient” generation of the 60’s and marvels at its ongoing success.

Neal’s Story

Season 2, Episode 3 — Longtime broadcaster Neal Sandy recalls unusual but beloved antics of former profs and what it was like the very first time he got behind the microphone.

Steve’s Story

Season 2, Episode 2 — He came to Toronto Metropolitan University determined to start an indie music label. Today, he’s the man behind, Beau’s one of Ontario’s most beloved craft breweries. What gives?

Maayan’s Story

Season 2, Episode 1 — Can innovation, personal experience and a need for a decent thesis topic change the world? Yes, they can.

Mehrnaz’s Story

Season 1, Episode 5 — Three-time graduate Dr. Mehrnaz Shokrollahi shares her journey and explains why, for her, it became more than a place to study, but a home.

Sonal’s Story

Season 1, Episode 4 — Sonal Bhadane, Biomedical Physics (MASc.) ’12 on the role Toronto Metropolitan University played in propelling her towards a career in science and how she managed stress as a student.

Terry’s Story

Season 1, Episode 3 — In this episode, Terry O’Connor, Journalism ’58 returns to the Quad and reflects on how much things have changed (including the smells!) Hint: there's no longer a functioning brewery on campus!

Tom’s story

Season 1, Episode 2 — Tom Thorne, Radio and Television Arts '68, started Toronto Metropolitan University's independent student newspaper, The Eyeopener. Hear about how it started, who tried to shut it down and why he thinks it's still a success.

Angela’s Story

Season 1, Episode 1 — Angela Glover (Radio and Television '94) talks about witnessing Toronto Metropolitan University transition into being a university and why it feels like she's never left.

Alumni Podcasts

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