Shows
Gold & BoldGold & Bold – Nov. 19 2025The train chugs along, joined by Radio Laurier PR director and the Voice of Laurier Men’s and Women’s Hockey Matteo Beckles (IG @becklessports) Mikey and Nathan get the lowdown on […]
2025-11-221h 12
The Laurier Teaching PodcastMaryam Khan: Any Interaction Can be Life-ChangingMaryam Khan from Laurier's Faculty of Social Work, and recipient of the 2025 Faculty Mentoring Award, brings authenticity, care, community, and courage into every aspect of their teaching and mentorship. Maryam builds classroom and mentoring relationships rooted in trust and accountability where students take ownership of their learning and engage in critical conversations. Maryam shares advice for creating peer mentoring communities for students that helps reduce isolation, loneliness, and build networks that carry on into professional practice. Maryam models how educators can teach with authenticity, invite growth through dialogue, and sustain lifelong communities of learning and support. Laurier's...
2025-11-2146 min
Staying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 2: Learning about Manulife insurance with Carmelina MannoWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Narayan Subramoniam. In this episode, we talk with Carmelina Manno to learn about Manulife's partnership with Laurier, and the benefits available to Laurier Alumni. We also touch on general topics related to life and health insurance. To learn more about Manulife Life and Health insurance, visit: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/index.aspx?sid=1681&gid=2&pgid=505 For perks specific to WLU alumni, check out these links:https://www.manulife-insurance.ca/la/https://www.goldenperks.ca/
2025-11-2013 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastChristos Shiamptanis: Economics Education that is Creative, Inclusive and ExperientialChristos Shiamptanis, from Laurier's Economics department in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, and recipient of the 2025 Innovation in Teaching Award, shares how he transforms economics education through experiential learning, storytelling, and inclusive classroom design. From rethinking assessment rubrics to creating opportunities for quieter students to shine, his approach is about building confidence, skills, and curiosity that last well beyond the semester. Christos reflects on the challenges and opportunities of hyflex teaching, the value of learning through practice, and why the journey of education is more important than the final grade. By removing barriers, encouraging diverse...
2025-10-2434 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastSteve Risavy: Teaching Built on Authenticity, Feedback, and Fun at LaurierSteve Risavy, from the Lazaridis School for Business and Economics and recipient of the 2025 Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award, shares his approach to teaching and learning, centred on authenticity and the importance of having fun in the classroom. Steve creates a classroom environment where students can take risks, feel safe asking questions, and see their feedback put into action. Leaning into the energy students bring into the classroom, Steve utilizes music, group activities, reflection and formative feedback techniques to promote engaged, confident, and inspired students in his courses. Outside of class, he is a trusted mentor who...
2025-09-1931 min
Inside Policy TalksPeter Menzies: It’s time to rethink Canada’s cultural policyCanadian culture is at a crossroads. For over 70 years, Canada's arts and media funding framework has remained largely unchanged, even as the country has become more diverse, more digital, and more disconnected from a unifying cultural vision.Canada now faces a patchwork system riddled with duplication, inefficiency, and uncertainty of purpose – from the CBC to the CRTC, and from municipal arts grants to federal media funds. As geopolitical pressures rise and American cultural dominance intensifies, the stakes have never been higher when it comes to maintaining a strong Canadian culture.To discuss this, Macdonald-Laurier Institute Se...
2025-08-2852 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Elizabeth Mitchell: Making Music Guided by People at Laurier2024 Hoffman-Little Award winner Elizabeth Mitchell from Laurier's Faculty of Music shares her journey into music therapy and the connective power of music in helping people express emotions, memories, and experiences. She discusses the importance of improvisation, versatility, and self-awareness, skills that allow practitioners to meet clients where they are and engage them in dynamic ways, whether in hospitals or community settings. She prepares students for clinical settings by integrating theory with hands-on experience, ensuring students develop both technical musical skills and interpersonal competencies to best serve the diverse clients that these students will support. A passionate advocate...
2025-05-0942 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Marybeth White: Teaching as a Continual Process of Learning at LaurierMarybeth White from Laurier's Religion and Culture Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence Teaching Award, shares insights on fostering a student-centered learning environment grounded in compassion, flexibility and inclusive design. Marybeth discusses the changes she's seen in students throughout her career, including what students are better at now than when she started and what they need more support on. She reflects on how teaching is a continual process of learning and adaptation, responding to the evolving needs of students through flexibility and innovation. Marybeth shares ways she's creatively reimagined her course design to focus on essential...
2025-04-2534 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Michael Woodford: Mentoring Students to be Change AgentsJoin 2024 Faculty Mentoring Award recipient Michael Woodford from Laurier's Faculty of Social Work as he shares how some of the mentors along his personal and professional journey impacted him, the importance of sharing power in mentoring relationships, and the value of creating spaces where students can thrive as their authentic selves. Whether navigating difficult conversations, developing adaptable work plans, or helping students build lasting professional networks, his mentorship philosophy centers on collaboration, reflexivity, and meeting students where they are. Michael's mentorship is built on experience and vulnerability and he discusses how faculty can empower students, foster inclusive and interpersonal...
2025-03-1454 min
Gold & BoldGold & Bold - Jan. 17, 2025It’s NFL playoff weekend as hosts Ian and Zach preview the AFC and NFC divisional rounds. But first, Laurier’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are in action against the visiting Algoma Thunderbirds for back-to-backs and the hockey teams both play at home on Hockey Day in Canada for a packed weekend of Laurier sports. Elsewhere, the pair discuss the history of Super Bowl half-time shows as well as the Toronto Raptors fighting for the #1 overall pick.
2025-02-0457 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Avis Beek: Inspiring Exploratory and Inclusive Education at LaurierAvis Beek from Laurier's Faculty of Education and the recipient of the 2024 Early Career Excellence Award shares her hands-on, kinesthetic approach to STEM education. Through creative activities that include slime-making, terrarium building, and even live animals(!), Avis sparks curiosity and fosters collaborative and inclusive learning environments. Informed by her international teaching experiences, she integrates diverse Black, Indigenous and racialized voices, role models and cultural perspectives into her classes, empowering students to see themselves reflected in both STEM fields and the educational sector. Her STEMovation program fosters excitement and in-community support for STEM education by connecting local underserved communities with...
2025-01-3142 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Jeremy Hunsinger: Building Knowledge Together at LaurierJeremy Hunsinger from Laurier's Communication Studies department and recipient of the 2024 Innovation in Teaching Award, shares his approach to creating a student-centered, studio-like classroom environment. Jeremy discusses how he integrates active learning from the very first class by having students co-create the course syllabus. His approach to grading, which focuses on specification grading and intrinsic motivation, challenges students to exceed standards rather than just meet them. Jeremy fosters critical thinking and reflection while building a passion for lifelong learning in students by encouraging connections across disciplines and the thoughtful use of technology in everyday life. Laurier's Donald F...
2025-01-171h 01Inside Policy TalksDouble Trouble: The challenge of China and Russia (Live in Calgary)On December 3, 2024, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) hosted a live panel event in Calgary entitled: The challenge of China and Russia, in the Arctic and in our supply chains. The panel featured four of MLI's esteemed thought leaders:- Balkan Devlen, director of the transatlantic program (moderator)- Jonathan Berkshire Miller, director of foreign policy, national defence, and national security- Heather Exner-Pirot, director of natural resources, energy, and environment - Rob Huebert, senior fellowThe Macdonald-Laurier Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Canada.Find Inside Policy Talks on...
2024-12-1259 min
The Promised LandIsrael's multi-front war: The physical, legal, and narrative battlegroundOn November 18, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute hosted Arsen Ostrovsky for a compelling discussion on Israel's conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, exploring the broader implications for Canada and global stability. In this episode, we’d like to share that discussion with you. Arsen Ostrovsky is a distinguished expert in international law and human rights, and the CEO of the International Legal Forum: a global network combating extremism, terror, and antisemitism. His work has taken him to the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, the British Parliament, and beyond, where he’s been at the forefront of advocating for justi...
2024-12-0534 min
Campus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 11 – Filmmakers of LaurierThis week Jack talks to Lauren from Filmmakers of Laurier! Hear all about how they support student filmmakers and how you can get involved! Check them out on Instagram @filmmakersoflaurier
2024-11-2915 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Elaine Cheng: Preparing Future Archaeologists at LaurierElaine Cheng from Laurier's Archaeology and Heritage Studies program and 2024 Early Career Excellence winner shares how she guides students through classroom and field experiences that blend real-world challenges with a mix of career-integrated and experiential learning. Elaine emphasizes the importance of both hands-on fieldwork and in-class activities to help students develop critical skills in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Her inclusive course design invites students to explore personal interests, engage in debates, and learn how to approach ethical issues in heritage studies. By blending theoretical concepts with current events, she shows students how archaeology connects to contemporary issues and how...
2024-11-2236 min
Campus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 10 – Laurier Analytics SocietyJack is joined by Vishal from the Laurier Analytics Society on Campus Connections. Hear all about the club and their upcoming event the Data Dialogue Tech Conference. Find them on Instagram @laurier_analytics
2024-11-2110 min
Campus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 9 – Laurier Animal RescueThis week Jack chats with Jamie & Zoya from Laurier Animal Rescue about what they do and how you can support animal rescue in your community! Give them a follow on Instagram @laurieranimalrescue
2024-11-1910 min
Campus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 8 – Laurier Latin Students’ AssociationOn this episode of Campus Connections Jack talks to Victoria and Daniel from the Laurier Latin Students' Association! Listen to hear all about what the LLSA does and the support they provide to students on campus. Check them out on Instagram @laurierlsa
2024-11-0816 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Simona Pruteanu: Teaching Language with Global Perspectives at LaurierSimona Pruteanu from Laurier's Languages and Literatures department and recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Internationalization Award, shares her passion for creating a multicultural and inclusive curriculum that incorporates guest speakers, creative assessments like storytelling and comic book creation, and career-integrated learning opportunities. She discusses how teaching entirely in French helps students build linguistic confidence and how the pandemic reshaped student engagement in the classroom. Simona reflects on the impact of technology on language learning, the effects generative AI tools are having on language education, and why technology cannot replace the interpersonal aspect of language learning. Laurier's Donald F...
2024-11-0145 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Max Gwynn: Inspiring Students' Confidence with Stories and Humour at LaurierMax Gwynn from Laurier's Psychology Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award reflects on his mentors and the teachers who have shaped him as an educator, and discusses the importance of stories, humour, and personal anecdotes on engaging students. He shares how his focus on increasing students' self-efficacy allows them to overcome their math anxieties and carry their newfound problem-solving abilities into their personal and professional lives. Max shares his strategies for keeping large classes engaged, including crafting lectures with narrative arcs and ensuring that students have opportunities to participate, and offers advice for colleagues on...
2024-10-1145 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Sara Klinck: Teaching as a Learning JourneySara Klinck from Laurier's Music Therapy program and recipient of the 2023 Sustained Excellence Award in the Part-time Category shares her journey from a clinical music therapist to an inspiring educator, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, humility, and lifelong learning in her pedagogical approach. Sara's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment shines through as she prepares students to handle weighty subjects such as end-of-life care. She discusses the integration of clinical experiences into her courses, the significance of universal design for learning, and the delicate balance of professional and personal well-being. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson A...
2024-09-2038 min
Band InterviewsAmanda Braam & The Paper Cranes at Elora Riverfest – Aug. 17, 2024
Radio Laurier’s Jack & Harper chat with local talent and Laurier students Amanda Braam & The Paper Cranes after their set at Elora Riverfest!
2024-08-2313 min
Handpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 4, Episode 6 - Handpicked Presents: Voicing Change - Team Reflections on Podcasting for Social Change Season 4: Episode 6 – Handpicked Presents Voicing Change - Team Reflections on Podcasting for Social Change Featuring: In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present the last of this season featuring the Voicing Change podcast, in an episode called ‘Team Reflections on Podcasting for Social Change’ in which the whole Voicing Change team got together (virtually!) to reflect on some of the lessons learned in the process of co-developing a methodology for transnational and interdisciplinary podcasting. Responding to the question “What does ‘voicing change’ mean to you in the context of being part of this acad...
2024-05-3149 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Danielle Law: Leading with Care at LaurierDanielle Law from Laurier's Psychology and Youth and Children's Studies programs and recipient of the 2023 Faculty Mentoring Award, shares her mentorship philosophy rooted in trust, support, and mutual respect. She explains how her emphasis on "red means love" in her grading shifts the way students receive academic feedback, fostering a positive, student-centered and growth-oriented environment. Danielle describes how she built the Child and Adolescent Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Lab and shares the complexities and rewards of mentoring large teams while promoting peer mentorship among students. She also@ offers ideas about how effective mentorship practices c...
2024-05-3140 minHandpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 4, Episode 5 – Handpicked Presents: Voicing Change – “Agroecology in Kenya” Season 4, Episode 5– Handpicked Presents: Voicing Change – “Agroecology in Kenya” Contributors Co-Producers & Hosts: Olga Awuor, Laine Young & Charlie Spring Featuring: Clark Siaji, Caleb Omolo, Andres Kathunzi In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present an episode of the Voicing Change Podcast called, ‘Agroecology in Kenya'. Voicing Change team member and radio journalist Olga Millicent Awuor interviews two community leaders in agroecological and permacultural food production in the Migori County area. They consider alternative modes of farming as pathways to greater food sovereignty, especially for marginalized groups including women and youth. How can...
2024-05-2634 minHandpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 4, Episode 4 - Handpicked Presents: The Voicing Change Podcast - "Agroecology in Canada and Brazil " Season 4: Episode 3 – Handpicked Presents: Voicing Change – “Agroecology in Canada and Brazil” Featuring: Dr Andrew Spring, Dr Eve Nimmo, Dr Erin Nelson In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present an episode of the Voicing Change Podcast called, ‘Agroecology in Canada and Brazil’ in which we hear from three researchers investigating what agroecology means and looks like on the ground. Dr Erin Nelson describes her own discovery of agroecology in Cuba and Ontario and how she realized that it’s about more than just a set of techniques but also about a change of mindset in how...
2024-05-1624 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Robert Ame: Seeking Knowledge with a Global PurposeRobert Ame from Laurier's Human Rights and Human Diversity delves into his comprehensive approach towards enriching educational experiences through internationalization. He shares his journey as an international student from Ghana to Norway and Canada and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy centered on the value of cross-cultural knowledge. Robert highlights the significance of creating inclusive educational environments that embrace a global perspective and shares his belief in the potential for academic pursuits to lead to meaningful societal change. He talks about establishing bi-directional international partnerships and illustrates the profound impact of these programs on fostering community among international...
2024-05-1055 minHandpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 4, Episode 3 - Handpicked Presents: The Voicing Change Podcast - "Forests, Food & People - Part 2" Season 4: Episode 3 – Handpicked Presents: Voicing Change - “Forests, Food, and People- Part 2” Featuring: Dr. Eve Nimmo, Dr. Jennifer Baltzer, Dr. Zach Ngalo, and Dr. Andre Lacerda In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present an episode of the Voicing Change Podcast called, “Forests, Food, and People – Part 2”. This is the second of a two part episode where Voicing Change team member Eve Nimmo interviews three forest researchers in Southern Brazil, Migori County, Kenya, and Northern Canada about relationships between forests, food and people. In this episode we hear about threats facing forests and forest comm...
2024-05-0826 minHandpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 4, Episode 2 - Handpicked Presents: The Voicing Change Podcast - "Forests, Food, & People- Part 1" Season 4: Episode 2 – Handpicked Presents: Voicing Change - “Forests, Food, and People- Part 1” Featuring: Dr. Eve Nimmo, Dr. Jennifer Baltzer, Dr. Zach Ngalo, and Dr. Andre Lacerda In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present an episode of the Voicing Change Podcast called, “Forests, Food, and People – Part 1”. This is the first of a two part episode where our guests will tell us about relationships between forests, food and people in different places. You’ll hear about the different types of forests that our guests work in, how people use these forests, and how the forests are...
2024-05-0323 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Amilah Baksh: Bringing the Energy of Social Work into the Classroom at LaurierAmilah Baksh from Laurier's Faculty of Social Work shares her holistic approach to education, which acknowledges the significance of positionality and identity and invites both educators and students to bring their entire selves into the classroom. Amilah discusses how establishing classroom community guidelines sets a foundation for respectful and supportive discussions on challenging topics. Explore how Amilah incorporates critical reflective journals as activities to encourage students to develop deep, personal introspection and insight into their experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching...
2024-04-0535 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Lisa Kuron: Guiding from Alongside at Laurier2023 Early Career Excellence Award recipient Lisa Kuron from Laurier's leadership program discusses her student-centered teaching approach which emphasizes being a 'guide on the side', utilizing classroom space creatively for diverse learning experiences, and instilling excitement about learning right from the first class. Lisa highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging using strategies to get to know her students and build community, shares ice-breaking exercises and relationship-building techniques and reflects on co-teaching. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational...
2024-03-0147 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Hind Al-Abadleh: Unlocking Environmental Sustainability with Chemistry at Laurier2023 Hoffman-Little award recipient Hind Al-Abadleh from Laurier's Chemistry and Biochemistry Department discusses integrating science with societal and environmental issues, employing effective strategies for large classes, and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. She reflects on her approach to self-care, how she helps students build patience and perseverance, and discusses the importance of bringing diverse talent into the Sciences and inspiring them to ask visionary questions. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about...
2024-02-1640 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Anne-marie Joy Henry: Helping Students Choose Curiosity at Laurier2023 Staff Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Anne-marie Joy Henry from Laurier International shares the travels that have taken her across Canada and around the globe. These foundational intercultural experiences deeply inform her approach in her current role at Laurier, where she engages students in rich discussions of complex issues in the classroom and supports their preparation for international study. Anne-marie shares strategies she uses to guide conversations and cultivate a more open, insightful, and reflective educational journey that emphasizes the transformative power of curiosity and diversity. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour...
2024-02-1655 min
Campus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 5 – Evolve Music SeriesJoining Station Manager Jackson Wells this week is Simon Van Hezewyk, co-organizer of Evolve Music Series, a collection shows curated by Laurier students full of Laurier student bands. To purchase tickets to an upcoming shows go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evolve-music-series-tickets-800284551637
2024-02-1213 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Jonathan Finn: Personalising Learning with Innovation at Laurier2023 Innovation in Teaching recipient Jonathan Finn, from Laurier's Communication Studies department, reflects on how his unique self-tracking pedagogy not only fosters ownership among learners but also encourages reflection beyond the classroom. Jonathan helps students to co-create their learning environments and personalise their learning, and discusses how low-tech innovations and getting students off screens can be powerful for creating deep and meaningful reflections and connections in the classroom. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more...
2024-02-0939 minCampus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 4 – Laurier VotesOn this episode of Campus Connections, Jackson sits down with Laurier Votes CRO Orlan Cui about Students Union elections, how students can stay informed, and how to vote!
2024-01-2412 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn conversation with Tracy Snoddon: Building Thriving Learning Communities at Laurier2023 Sustained Excellence in Teaching recipient Tracy Snoddon, from Laurier's Economics department joins Debora VanNijnatten, academic director of Teaching Excellence and Innovation to discuss her efforts to connect with students individually and create an impactful and supportive learning environment, emphasizing real-world applications, active teaching approaches, and centring care in her classroom. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier: https://bit.ly/award-winning-faculty Find out more about Tea...
2024-01-1938 minCampus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 3 – Laurier Moot CourtThis week Jackson is joined by Tamara Djuknic and Jack Newby of Laurier Moot Court. Tamara is the organization's President and Jack is their Senior Vice President. Together they chat about what 'mooting' is and why they do it! Their event Hawk's Cup will be hosting on campus from Nov. 11th-12th. You can learn more about the organization here
2023-11-0615 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 1: John Tolentino Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ayanfe Ayeni. Today we're catching up with John Tolentino, who acquired his university teaching certificate from Laurier in 2020 and then completed his master’s of social work at Laurier in 2022. In this episode, John shares how his passion for social, racial, and queer justice led him to pursue a career in social work. Connect with John on Linkedin @johntolentino94.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2023-10-3022 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastShaunasea Brown: Building Collective Care in the ClassroomShauansea Brown in Laurier's Communication Studies department discusses how she creates an environment where students can have difficult conversations safely by building trust and a collective care ethic in her classroom. Dr. Brown discusses how she encourages students to bring their lived experiences into her course. She also helps students unpack and discuss new ways of seeing and understanding, creating a supportive framework that gives students the responsibility for taking care of themselves and each other. Follow Shaunasea Brown on Instagram: @drshaunasea Hosted by Alesha Moffat, educational developer Explore more from Teaching Excellence...
2023-10-2635 minHandpicked: Stories from the Field“Will the Pursuit of Limitless Growth Make Us Better Off?: Redefining Progress in the Canadian Food System Policy Featuring: Naomi Robert In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we speak with Naomi Robert, a Research & Extension Associate at the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnique University and a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University on her new project called “Beyond GDP: Lessons for Redefining Progress in Canadian Food System Policy”. Naomi discusses the problematic history of GDP as a measure of well-being in our country and how we can move towards measures that more accurately depict the well-being of Canadians. Contributors Co-Producers & Hosts: Laine Young & Amanda Di...
2023-10-1621 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field“Resilient Communities for the Future”: A GIAHS Designation for Agroforestry in Brazil"Featuring Dr. Evelyn Nimmo In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we sit down with Dr. Evelyn Nimmo, a Research Associate with the LCSFS and the President of the Center for the Development and Education of Traditional Erva-mate Systems (CEDErva) in Paraná, Brazil. Dr. Nimmo shares the ongoing process of applying for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) designation for the traditional agroforestry practices of growing erva-mate in Brazil. She shares the community-focused process, and how this designation might positively affect the practice on the ground....
2023-10-0539 minCampus ConnectionsCampus Connections Ep. 1 – Laurier Musical TheatreOn the inaugural episode of Campus Connections, station manager Jackson Wells sits down with Madison McGuire and Laura Marlatt of Laurier Musical Theatre to discuss their upcoming production of Legally Blonde: The Musical and the other events they've got planned for the year. You can find out more at https://www.lauriermusicaltheatre.ca or on social media @lauriermusicaltheatre.
2023-09-2916 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field“Farmer-led Research Helps us Realize That We're Really Innovators”: Improving Ecological Farming Practices and Farm-to-farm Knowledge Sharing with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario Featuring Dr. Erin Nelson, Dr. Sarah Larsen, Heather Newman, Brent Preston In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, Dr. Erin Nelson from the University of Guelph interviews some of her community partners. She speaks with Dr. Sarah Larsen, Research Director at the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, and two participants in its farmer-led research program, Heather Newman and Brent Preston. The episode covers ecological farming and farmer-led research and shares important examples of what this looks like in the (quite literally) field. Contributors Co-Producers & Hosts: Laine Young & Amanda Di Battis...
2023-09-2838 minHandpicked: Stories from the FieldHandpicked Presents: The Indigenous Health and Food Systems Podcast – “Environmental Dispossession:” Hosted by: Dr. Marylynn Steckley Produced in collaboration with: Dr. Sonia Wesche, Victoria Marchand, & Dr. Josh Steckley In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present an episode of the Indigenous Health and Food Systems Podcast called, “Environmental Dispossession, Land, and the Environment” This podcast is hosted by Dr. Marylynn Steckley from Carleton University and is produced in collaboration with Dr. Sonia Wesche and Victoria Marchand from the University of Ottawa and Dr. Josh Steckley from the University of Toronto, Scarborough. The Indigenous Health and Food Systems Podcast aims to elevate the voices...
2023-09-2240 min
Handpicked: Stories from the FieldHandpicked Presents: The Indigenous Health and Food Systems Podcast – “What are Indigenous Foods?” Hosted by: Dr. Marylynn Steckley Produced in collaboration with: Dr. Sonia Wesche, Victoria Marchand & Dr. Josh Steckley In this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we present an episode of the Indigenous Health and Food Systems Podcast called, “What are Indigenous Foods?” This podcast is hosted by Dr. Marylynn Steckley from Carleton University and is produced in collaboration with Dr. Sonia Wesche and Victoria Marchand from the University of Ottawa and Dr. Josh Steckley from the University of Toronto, Scarborough. The Indigenous Health and Food Systems Podcast aims to elevate Indigenous scholars' voice...
2023-09-1524 min
Handpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 3, Episode 1: “There’s Beauty in Diversity”: Connecting Food, Biodiversity, and SustainabilityIn this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, your hosts speak with Dr. Alison Blay-Palmer about the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity, and Sustainability. Dr. Blay-Palmer tells us about the priorities of the Chair (sustainable food production, Indigenous and traditional foodways, & transitions to just food systems) and some of the projects supported through the network. We also speak with some attendees of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP15 meetings in December 2022 about agroecology, biodiversity, and their hopes for the future with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). ContributorsCo-Producers & Hosts: Amanda Di Battista & Laine...
2023-09-0844 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 7: Camille LawrenceWelcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. Today we're catching up with Camille Lawrence, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Laurier in 2012. In this episode, Camille discusses her journey into the television industry and describes her experiences working on shows like Umbrella Academy and The Amazing Race Canada. Connect with Camille on Instagram @cammlawrence The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2023-07-2525 minInside Policy TalksCanada at NATO's upcoming Vilnius Summit - Balkan Devlen and Alexander LanoszkaWelcome to Inside Policy talks, the premier video podcast of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. At the Macdonald-Laurier Institute we harness the power of Canada's brightest minds to tackle Canada's greatest challenges. In this episode you'll hear Balkan Devlen, Director of the transatlantic program at MLI, in conversation with MLI's senior fellow Alexander Lanoszka. Balkan and Alexander discuss Canada's recent contribution of 15 Leopard tanks, and the necessary personnel, to the enhanced Forward Presence in the Latvia battlegroup.
2023-06-2636 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 5: Sydney BangWelcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Sydney Bang, class of 2019. After studying kinesiology at Laurier, Sydney found a passion for data analytics and eventually landed a role as an analytics engineer at Spotify. In this episode, we talk about her career journey from exercise science to software engineering. For more information on Sydney's journey to analytics engineering and Spotify's interview process, check out her Medium article here.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2023-05-1023 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn conversation with Michael Woodford: 2SLGBTQ+ Thriving in Academic SpacesMichael Woodford from Laurier's Faculty of Social Work discusses creating supportive and inclusive classrooms and campuses that support 2SLGBTQ+ students and faculty. Michael's research work on large studies like Thriving on Campus helps campus communities understand how to better support the needs of diverse 2SLGBTQ+ students in and beyond the classroom, and he shares strategies that listeners can use to build inclusive campus spaces and classrooms, along with ways to pre-empt and diffuse microaggressions. Hosted by Laurier undergraduate student Belle O'Neill. Resources discussed: Thriving on Campus Querying Higher Education The LGBQ Microaggressions on Campus Scale The NAME Steps for addressing micr...
2023-05-0447 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Paula Fletcher: Mentoring Students for Broad PossibilitiesFaculty Mentoring Award recipient Paula Fletcher from Laurier's Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss how she helps build confidence in students, the importance of faculty mentoring one another and the mentors who have shaped her journey. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence, for being classroom innovators and mentors, and for embedding internationalization into their...
2022-12-1338 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Michael Cinelli: Celebrating the Journey of LearningHoffman-Little Award recipient Michael Cinelli from Laurier's Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss his approach to mentorship, how he helps students find balance in their lives, and strategies he uses to create thriving classroom and lab environments. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence, for being classroom innovators and mentors, and for embedding internationalization into th...
2022-12-1353 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Lydia Awuah-Mensah: Helping Students Reflect on Volunteer ExperiencesStaff Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning recipient Lydia Awuah-Mensah from Laurier's Career Development Centre joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss how she helps students reflect on their skill development, navigate transformative volunteer experiences and make meaning of the "Aha" moments in their lives. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence, for being classroom innovators and mentors, and for embedding...
2022-12-1337 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Richelle Monaghan – Setting Students Up for Transformational LearningLaurier Teaching Fellow Richelle Monaghan from Laurier's Community Health and Biology programs joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss creating community in the classroom, structuring courses with empathy and the impacts of embedding Universal Design for Learning into her teaching. The Laurier Teaching Fellowship program cultivates a culture of teaching excellence and student success by harnessing the diverse skills and experiences of the fellowship community. Together with colleagues and Teaching and Learning, the Laurier Teaching Fellows advance teaching and learning at all levels of campus and community. Discover more about the Laurier...
2022-12-1351 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Colin Labadie: Tuning into Your ClassroomEarly Career Excellence Award recipient Colin Labadie from Laurier's Faculty of Music joins Mary Wilson, Laurier's vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments that allow instructors and students to inspire and improvise with one another, and the role that care and compassion play in teaching. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence, for being classroom innovators and mentors, and...
2022-12-1331 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Michelle Skop: Finding New Ways to Learn TogetherInnovation in Teaching Award recipient Michelle Skop from Laurier's Faculty of Social Work joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss bringing simulation-based education into the Social Work classroom, centring community in teaching, and creating classrooms that flourish by being open to possibility. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence, for being classroom innovators and mentors, and for embedding internationalization into their curriculum...
2022-12-1331 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Jennifer Holm: Making Math Education ApproachableEarly Career Excellence Award recipient Jennifer Holm from Laurier's Faculty of Education joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss moving mathematics education forward, keeping the focus on students and their thinking, and leading by example in the classroom. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence, for being classroom innovators and mentors, and for embedding internationalization into their curriculum and pedagogy. ...
2022-11-0739 minThe Laurier Teaching PodcastIn Conversation with Kevin Spooner: Helping Students Rise to the OccasionSustained Excellence Award recipient Kevin Spooner, who teaches in Laurier's North American Studies and History programs, joins Mary Wilson, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, in conversation to discuss his student-centred approach to teaching and reflect on the arc of his career, including being an early pioneer the flipped classroom, while sharing his hopes for the future of teaching and learning. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Recipients are recognized for both long-standing and early-career excellence...
2022-10-2845 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 3: Carmelina Manno with ManulifeWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we talk with Carmelina Manno to learn about Manulife's partnership with Laurier, and the benefits available to Laurier Alumni. We also touch on general topics related to life and health insurance.To learn more about Manulife Life and Health insurance, visit: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/index.aspx?sid=1681&gid=2&pgid=505
2022-09-0930 min
Handpicked: Stories from the FieldS2E4: "We can’t simply redistribute food waste to hungry people”: Food Waste, the Right to Food, and Municipal Solutions in VancouverIn this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we talked to Jamie-Lynne Varney, a master's student in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University (SFU) who prepared the recent report, “Right to Food Framework for Tackling Food Waste and Achieving a Just Circular Economy of Food in Vancouver, B.C.” This report was a collaboration between the Food Systems Lab at SFU and the Vancouver Economic Commission. The process brought together community experts from across the food system to uncover ways to make these food systems more sustainable by reframing food waste using a Right to F...
2022-04-2144 min
E-ComversationsLaz 101: The First Year ExperienceWelcome to the first episode of E-comversations this year featuring the Co-Presidents of E-Commerce Laurier, Taya Elezi and Olivia Tiessen. On this episode, Taya and Olivia share their first year experiences at Wilfrid Laurier University and give advice on various topics such as courses, co-op, getting involved within Laurier and more. Further, Taya talks about her experience as a double degree student at Wilfrid Laurier University while providing helpful advice on exams. Additionally, Olivia talks about the well known Co-op Program at Wilfrid Laurier University as well as adapting to online learning. Stay tuned for more episodes every other...
2022-02-2823 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 3: Abid AliWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Abid Ali, Laurier Brantford class of 2015. Abid currently works as a management consultant for Capco. Tune in to hear about his journey.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2022-01-2222 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 2: Starting a Side HustleWelcome to the second episode of Season 2 of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. Today's episode follows the theme of starting a side hustle, so we're catching up with Stewart and Courtney Russell to talk about their small business, Well Baked Box. The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2022-01-0832 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 1: Continuing the Conversation with Dr. Elan TsarfatiThis special edition of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Mary Neil, features Dr. Elan Tsarfati. Elan joined us in August 2021, during our Inspiring Conversations series, to speak about COVID-19 research at the time. In this episode, Elan follows up that conversation 6 months later to talk about omicron, vaccine efficacy, the future of restrictive measures, long COVID and post-infection complications, and where do we go from here.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.Additional notes:Antiviral drug resistance and the use of directly acting antiviral drugs...
2022-01-0430 min
Pod Bless CanadaL’autre côté de l’étang, épisode 3 : L’avenir des technologies émergentes et de l’OTANEn février 2021, l’OTAN a présenté une stratégie pour les technologies émergentes, ce qui témoigne de l'importance grandissante de ces technologies pour l’avenir de la sécurité collective et pour l’OTAN. Dans le troisième épisode de la série « Across the Pond », Christian Leuprecht, chercheur associé à l’Institut Macdonald-Laurier, s’entretient avec Moritz Zimmerman, de l’OTAN, au sujet du développement de l’intelligence artificielle et de la technologie automatisée ainsi que de leurs répercussions sur le mode de fonctionnement de l’OTAN.
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Across the Pond Ep. 3: The future of emerging technologies and NATO
In...
2021-11-1636 min
E-ComversationsSix Lessons from Six Years at ShopifyFor the first E-Comversation of the 2021-22 school year, we spoke with Scott Siragusa regarding his journey from Laurier to his role at Shopify. Scott has been working at Shopify for almost 6 years in various positions which include outbound sales, expanding segment, and now works as an upgrades coach. Graduating with a BBA degree in 2015, Scott provided us with many pieces of advice to those interested in pursuing a career in E-Commerce, Brand Communication, and Marketing. He guided us through his journey about what inspired him, how the people around him gave him advice, and the importance of a...
2021-11-0123 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field“We walk in the footsteps of our ancestors”: Traditional knowledge, youth engagement, and resilience in DélįnęIn this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, Mandy Bayha, Director for Culture, Language, and Spirituality for the Délįnę Got'įnę Government, talks with Dr. Andrew Spring about the importance of traditional knowledge and language for community wellbeing and resilience Délįnę, NWT. Beginning with a conversation about community resilience in the face of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic Mandy traces connections between colonialism, traditional economies, and food security and explains how Elder knowledge and youth engagement inform all the work taking place in the community. Contributors Guests: Mandy Bayha & Andrew Spring Co-Producers & Hosts...
2021-10-1252 min
Pod Bless CanadaAcross the Pond Ep. 1: A new podcast series by MLI’s Transatlantic ProgramCanada is the quintessential transatlantic nation; our security and prosperity are intimately tied to the security and prosperity of both sides of the Atlantic. Our interests and values are deeply linked with and shared by our NATO allies; Canadians have spent considerable blood and treasure in defence of European democracy, and Canadians continue to stand on guard in Europe to this day.
To better understand these issues, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute has produced "Across the Pond" - an 8-part podcast series by MLI's Transatlantic Program, in cooperation with NATO's Public Diplomacy Division. This podcast series explores the current and emerging challenges...
2021-09-3027 min
Pod Bless CanadaEp. 71 - Fighting Back Against Global Hostage-Taking with Sarah Teich and Ai-Men LauSeptember 4th, 2021 marks a grim anniversary for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor; it is their 1000th day of arbitrary detention at the hands Chinese authorities, as part of the regime's retaliation for the lawful arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou. Canada's lack of action in response to Beijing's hostage-taking has signaled to the international community that this belligerent behaviour can occur with impunity. Furthermore, victims and their families are often left in limbo without a coordinated response from Ottawa.
MLI Senior Fellow Sarah Teich joined communications officer Ai-Men Lau to discuss the increasing need for a substantive overhaul of Canada's...
2021-09-0315 min
Handpicked: Stories from the FieldSeason 2, Episode 3: “Disadvantaged by Digitization”: Technology, Big data, and Food SystemsIn this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, guest producer Harrison Runtz talks with food systems experts Kelly Bronson, Irena Knezevic, and Carly Livingstone about how new digital technologies are changing the ways we grow and get food. They look at how big agri-businesses like John Deere create visions of a technological future of food, examine what Amazon’s entry into online food retailing has meant for small-scale and local food retailers, and argue for a more critical understanding about the impact of technological innovations on food systems. Together, they ask vital questions about who benefits and who doesn’t from new food t...
2021-07-2653 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 5: Courtney LangstaffWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. In this episode, we're catching up with Courtney Langstaff, Laurier Brantford class of 2013. Courtney currently works in video production for MLSE. Tune in to hear about her journey, and learn about building a career in media production.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2021-05-2450 minPod Bless CanadaEP. 62 - DisinfoWatch with Marcus Kolga and Ai-Men LauLaunched in 2020, DisinfoWatch is the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s new COVID-19 and foreign disinformation monitoring and debunking platform. During the COVID pandemic, it has become increasingly evident that western democratic societies are more exposed to malign foreign and domestic actors seeking to confuse and polarize our societies through conspiracy theories, blatant fabrications and propaganda. Now more than ever is it important to expose and raise awareness of mis/disinformation to build long-term and broad resilience against it in society.
In the latest episode of Pod Bless Canada, MLI Senior Fellow and founder of DisinfoWatch Marcus Kolga joins communications officer Ai-Men Lau to...
2021-04-0727 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 4: Sarah StrehlerWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. In this episode, we're catching up with Sarah Strehler, Laurier Brantford class of 2009. Tune in to hear about Sarah's journey as an educator and freelancer, and gain valuable insight.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2021-04-0728 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 61 - The COVID Misery Index with Rick Audas and Ai-Men LauA year has passed since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada with full force, and the results are in on how severely the impact of the virus has been felt in this country compared to similar advanced economies. But how does Canada compare to the rest of the world?
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute launched the COVID Misery Index this week and is based on data analysis conducted by Richard Audas, the lead methodologist on the Misery Index.
To discuss this, Audas joined communications officer Ai-Men Lau to discuss how Canada’s performance has been compared to the rest of the world on th...
2021-03-1119 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field“I Can Seed Something Here, I Have Land”: Intersectionality, Urban Agriculture, and Community Benefit in Quito, EcuadorIn this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, Laine Young speaks with Alexandra Rodriguez about Agricultura Urbana Participativa AGRUPAR, an urban agriculture project that aims to address food insecurity and improve people’s lives by creating more a sustainable food system in Quito, Ecuador. Using an intersectional lens, Laine and Alexandra’s conversation looks at the positive community-wide impacts of women's involvement in participatory urban agriculture projects and considers how women’s lived experience is governed by race, class, gender, sexuality, ability and other factors. Alexandra shares her experience working on the project as well as examples of how AGRUPAR is finding local solu...
2021-03-0832 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 3: Andrew GoodWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. In this episode, we're catching up with Andrew Good, Laurier Brantford class of 2012. Andrew is a public health specialist who is currently employed at Laurier. Tune in to hear about his journey, and gain insights on the career-building process. Andrew also shared some insight on how COVID has impacted his career as a public health specialist.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2021-02-2432 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 60 – Understanding Russia’s anti-democracy crackdown with Marcus Kolga and Vladimir AshurkovThe world has followed closely the attempted assassination via poisoning, recent arrest, and now conviction of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny. With thousands of Russian citizens having taken to the streets to protest the corrupt and authoritarian rule of President Vladimir Putin, many have asked whether countries like Canada will do anything in response to Russia’s brazen attempts to target, kill, or otherwise stifle the voices of Russian pro-democracy figures.
To discuss these recent events and what the world ought to consider doing, MLI Senior Fellow Marcus Kolga spoke with Vladimir Ashurkov, the Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation an...
2021-02-1818 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 58 - Canada and the Indo-Pacific with Jonathan Berkshire Miller and Brett ByersIn an effort to improve Canada’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute has launched a dedicated “Canada and the Indo-Pacific Initiative.” To discuss this important new project, MLI Communications Manager Brett Byers was joined by Senior Fellow and Director of MLI’s Indo-Pacific Program, Jonathan Berkshire Miller.
Miller and Byers examine the challenges and opportunities in the region - ranging from security, to trade, to multilateral cooperation, and more - as well as the role that Canada can play. They outline the importance of Canada embracing its status as an Indo-Pacific nation, urging policy-makers to develop a clear-ey...
2021-01-2924 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 2: Devin McElroyWelcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. On this episode, we're catching up with Devin McElroy, Laurier Brantford class of 2009. Devin is currently employed with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) as a manager of executive suites. Tune in to hear about his journey, and gain insights on the career-building process.The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2021-01-2028 minE-ComversationsWhat the Growth of E-Commerce Means for Employment OpportunitiesIn our first edition of E-Comversations, we spoke with Tyler Masur, an Amazon Product and Merchandising Manager at Startech.com. Tyler is a Laurier alumnus of the Business Technology Management program, at Laurier’s Brantford campus. Having recently transitioned into a role in E-Commerce, Tyler had a lot to say about the industry. In this chat, we talked about his time working at StarTech, what drove his decision to specialize in E-Commerce, where he sees the industry going in the next few years, and the advice he has for students looking to pursue a career in E-Commerce.
2021-01-1123 minStaying Golden PodcastStaying Golden - Episode 1: Rachel RungeWelcome to the very first episode of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. On this episode, we're catching up with Rachel Runge, Laurier Brantford class of 2009, respectively. The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.
2020-12-0325 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field"We are all shepherds of the data: Food, tech and data sovereigntyTechnology is changing all aspects of the food system, including how smaller-scale farmers and food producers connect with different markets. In this episode of Handpicked, Dr. Theresa Schumilas describes her work as the Director of Open Food Network Canada, an open source software platform designed to help producers and eaters build better and more sustainable food systems. You’ll hear about how justice and fairness can inform an activist approach to coding and how non-proprietary software is contributing to food sovereignty in Canada and beyond. Using Open Food Network as an example, Dr. Shumilas explains how software platforms are helping smaller...
2020-07-1941 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 40 - Why MLI Chose Xi Jinping as Policy-Maker of the Year with Charles Burton and Brett ByersEvery year, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute names the person or institution that has had the greatest impact—for good or ill— on Canadian public policy as Canada’s Policy-Maker of the Year.
In this special episode of Pod Bless Canada, MLI Communications Manager Brett Byers was joined by MLI Senior Fellow Charles Burton to discuss why the Institute named Chinese Communist Party General-Secretary, Xi Jinping, as our 2019 Policy-Maker of the Year.
Though his influence and his impact on public policy is hardly in the best interests of Canadians, few can deny that Xi Jinping has forced more policy responses on Canada than a...
2019-12-3133 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field"What Gets Measured Gets Managed": Hidden Food Metrics as Tools for DemocracyIn this episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we sit down with Dr. Nevin Cohen, an Associate Professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Health and the Research Director of the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute in New York City, to explore how to measure food system change. Because of the complexity of our food systems, there are hundreds of metrics that can be used to measure sustainability and food system health. Dr. Cohen explains how food system researchers are rethinking the kinds of metrics they use in order to make important food policy d...
2019-10-2823 min
Handpicked: Stories from the Field"Because Everybody Eats": Exploring Sustainable Food Systems for a Better WorldIn the very first episode of Handpicked: Stories from the Field, we will introduce you to our podcast and give you a taste of what you can expect from the upcoming season. We sit down with Dr. Alison Blay-Palmer and ask her some tough questions about food systems and the work of the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (LCSFS). We explore the concept of “sustainable food systems” in depth so that listeners have the context they need to better understand the work that will be highlighted throughout the Handpicked series. In this episode, we also speak with LCSFS Advisory Board m...
2019-09-2731 min
On War & SocietyEpisode 28 - The Society of the Righteous and Harmonious FistsAs Canadians, there is a sense that international collaboration has acted and continues to act as a positive force in the world today. Yet certain events serve as a reminder that the foundations of our international relationships have sometimes developed not out of cooperation, but out of aggression and intervention. The Boxer Rebellion unfolded during the high tide of imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. In response to pressure from foreign diplomatic and religious influences, the Boxers, or the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists, rose as an anti-foreign Buddhist sect, taking control over large swaths of Northern China resu...
2019-09-0143 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 27 — Assault on the Winter LineThe Italian Campaign during the Second World War remains a subject of controversy—whether it was “Normandy’s Long Right Flank” or a costly stalemate continues to be debated by historians to modern day. Terry Copp, director emeritus of the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies, believes he has found a new multinational approach to studying the Italian Campaign as he zeroes in on the late 1943/early 1944 Allied assault on the Axis Winter Line. The Winter Line was the site of many famous battles that have since become important national icons, including Ortona, Orsogna, the Rapido River and Mont...
2019-08-0132 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 30 - Hong Kong's Imperilled Freedoms with Charles Burton and Martin LeeIn this episode of Pod Bless Canada, MLI Senior Fellow Charles Burton was joined by Martin Lee - the founder of Hong Kong's Democratic Party who is known as “the Father of Democracy” in Hong Kong. Burton and Lee discuss the extradition issue gripping Hong Kong in the larger context of democratic rights and freedoms in the region.
The recent sentencing of nine leaders of Hong Kong’s pro-democratic Umbrella Movement shows that Beijing’s grip is tightening over Hong Kong’s free society, including the judiciary. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is trying to put in place meas...
2019-05-2129 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 22 – Shell ShockShell shock has become a stand-in for the experience of all soldiers of the First World War. And it has also become one of the most popular topics of inquiry for historians of the First World War. Mark Humphries, associate professor history at Wilfrid Laurier University and Director of the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies, has contributed another addition to the ever-growing literature on the topic with his new book on shell shock in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Looking at the experience of doctors and patients as well as the medical...
2019-03-0141 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 21 – Rural Canada at WarWe know a lot about the urban experience during the First World War in Canada but far less about the rural equivalent. Canadian historians sometimes assume––and quite wrongly––that the urban Canadian experience of the war can stand in for the rural. But it can't. Jonathan Vance's new book A Township at War shows that the conventional narrative of the First World War in Canada did not match that of East Flamborough from 1914 to 1918. Prohibition, conscription, suffrage, enemy alien internment––these are the issues encountered time and again when writing about the First World War. But in a small rural s...
2019-01-3133 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 16 Part 2 - Canada-US relations and the NAFTA talks with Chris Sands and Brian Lee CrowleyEp. 16 Part 2 - Canada-US relations and the NAFTA talks with Chris Sands and Brian Lee Crowley by Macdonald-Laurier Institute
2018-09-2823 minPod Bless CanadaEp. 16 Part 1 - Canada-US relations and the NAFTA talks with Chris Sands and Brian Lee CrowleyEp. 16 Part 1 - Canada-US relations and the NAFTA talks with Chris Sands and Brian Lee Crowley by Macdonald-Laurier Institute
2018-09-2622 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 16 – Unpacking the Trauma Kit, Pt. 2Wars often time come home. Reintegration into civilian life comes with a whole new set of challenges for veterans. For the second part of our four-part series on the past and present experiences of veterans in Canada, two historians and two veterans discuss the instability of civilian life for many veterans after having served in the military. Mental trauma, both sustained on the battlefield and even after returning home, contributes to this instability, as the government and larger Canadian society fails to understand the challenges many veterans face. This episode is funded by the Department of National...
2018-08-3140 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 15 – Unpacking the Trauma Kit, Pt. 1Too often we forget the casualties of war. Whether on film, in novels and even in writing history, scenes of soldiering and warfare pervade while the aftermath is ignored. Nationalism is deeply intertwined with many twenty and twenty-first century wars, making it sometimes difficult to acknowledge war’s painful legacies. Over the next few months, we are hoping to counter that narrative by bringing the historical and contemporary experiences of Canadian veterans to the fore. This episode is part one of two on the past and present experiences of veterans in Canada. A panel consisting of two his...
2018-07-3129 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 14 – Rewriting the Great WarSince 2014, there has been an outpouring of literature on the First World War that has moved the field in exciting new directions. Over thirty books have been released by Canadian academic presses over the past almost four years, including titles on conscription, shell shock, and the memory of the war. But before these books were published, Mark Humphries wrote an intriguing 2014 article in the Canadian Historical Review about the historiography of the First World War in Canada and where he thought the field should lead next. Among several other revealing insights, he urged future scholars to adopt a transnational...
2018-06-2930 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 8 – In Search of the Canadian OfficerMany have fallen down the rabbit hole of over-researching. Telling the entire story is tempting, but it is an unattainable standard. Reconstructing the past out a series of texts simply cannot measure up to the multifaceted and dynamic realities of an all-encompassing history. And so it is imperative that historians abandon this idealized goal––if not for the sake of time, at least then for one’s sanity. Dr. Geoff Hayes, an associate professor of history at the University of Waterloo, visited us this month to talk about his new book Crerar’s Lieutenants. But before we discusse...
2017-12-1630 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 3 – Complicating HistoryWho is Wilfrid Laurier University’s Cleghorn Fellow in War and Society? Mary Chaktsiris dropped by the studio this month to talk about her new position, teaching in a different environment, and her research into Toronto and the Great War. Mary became the Cleghorn Fellow in 2016, following a two-year stint at the Council of Ontario Universities. Teaching four classes at a new university this past year, Mary still finds that community-building is one of the most important parts of being a professor wherever one may be. Focusing on Toronto during the Great War-period in her dissertation, Mary in...
2017-07-0126 minOn War & SocietyEpisode 1 – The War Junk HistorianEric Story sits down with Dr. Alex Souchen, a post-doctoral fellow at the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies in Waterloo, ON, to discuss his research on munitions dumping in Canada during the 1940s. Alex helps explain the destructive environmental legacies of munitions dumping in Canada and around the world, and speaks about the growing scientific debate surrounding these legacies. Where does the historian fit in these discussions? In a small role, perhaps, says Alex, but an essential one if we are to understand the ecological impacts of munitions dumping. Towards the end of...
2017-05-0225 min