The Forefront

Overview

TMU’s award-winning podcast The Forefront: Ideas for cities explores the role the university is playing in creating more inclusive, sustainable and livable cities.

Season 5

Season 4

Season 3

Season 2

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.

Season 1

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