RSJ instructor helps to launch Ryerson research podcast

Amanda Cupido, RSJ ‘12, and a sessional instructor at the Ryerson School of Journalism, has assisted in creating a podcast covering research done at Ryerson University. 

The podcast, called “The Forefront,” talks about how Ryerson is tackling issues facing Canadians through research, innovation, and collaboration. 

Cupido said she cannot take full credit for “The Forefront,” because it was born out of a collaboration with University Advancement. They spent several months brainstorming what it would take to make a strong podcast and how it would fit with their strategy. 

Cupido said she enjoyed producing “The Forefront.” 

“As a Ryerson grad, I love hearing all about the latest research and think tanks that Ryerson has,” she said.“There's so much going on. I pride myself in staying up to date, but there's still always so much more to learn.” 

She said this podcast is a full circle moment for her, because she credits the RSJ for honing her storytelling skills. 

The first episode is called “The New Age of Aging.” She was intrigued by the research coming out of Ryerson’s National Institute on Ageing. She knew long-term care was an issue in Canada, but she did not realize the costs are forecast to triple in the next 30 years. 

Her favourite part of producing this podcast has been connecting with people featured in the show. All of the people she has interviewed have been passionate about the work they are doing or the issue being discussed in the episode. 

She is working on an episode about the future of learning and another on Ryerson’s urban farm. These episodes are in mid-production, but they will be released in the coming weeks. There is a sixth episode that will be released by the end of the year to round out the first season. 

She said she hopes this podcast allows people to learn more about some of the issues facing Canadians right now and what is being done to address them. 

“I have always thought Ryerson was an amazing hub of activity, but I think there are so many aspects that are underrated or underreported,” she said. “I'm hoping this podcast helps change that.”