What's the Big Idea

University of Manitoba
  • 5.0 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

"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.

  1. FEB 4

    Matters of the Heart: Uncovering Sex Differences in Heart Failure with Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum

    Season 4, Episode 4 Episode Summary:Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, globally. In conversation with the Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and former Canada Research Chair in Molecular Cardiology, Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum, this episode explores the significant differences in heart disease between men and women and the need for tailored research and treatment approaches. Dr. Kirshenbaum is a proud University of Manitoba researcher, and a major focus of his research is understanding the underlying sex specific difference in heart failure. He describes some of these mechanisms, the role of specific proteins in heart health and cancer treatment, and how research from NASA space flights provided unique insights into heart health. Also highlighted are the importance of holistic approaches to women's heart health and the impact of local research initiatives in Manitoba.  About Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum:  Director of Research Development, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of ManitobaDirector, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research CentrePrincipal Investigator, Cardiac Gene Biology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research CentreProfessor, Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of ManitobaFormer Canada Research Chair in Molecular Cardiology, University of Manitoba About What’s the Big Idea? What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts. Links and Resources Professor Lorrie Kirshenbaum, PhDFunding paves way for drug discovery platform for heart research at UMMax Rady College of MedicineInstitute of Cardiovascular SciencesSt. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research CentreUniversity of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunitiesAlumni Relations: Stay connected with UMUM News: Read more about UM events and research Help make big ideas possibleResearch at the University of Manitoba is driven by curiosity and made possible through partnership and philanthropy. If this conversation sparked your curiosity, we’d love to connect you with opportunities to support world-class research and discovery at UM. Learn more or get in touch today. Music Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community.

    27 min

  2. 2025-12-03

    Economic Reconciliation: A Model for Shared Prosperity

    Season 4, Episode 3 Episode Summary:What are the challenges and the opportunities in creating a just and inclusive economic future?  Hosted by Angie Bruce, Vice President (Indigenous) at the University of Manitoba, this episode of "What's the Big Idea?" explores the theme of economic reconciliation. Featured are Indigenous leaders and experts, Diane Roussin, a member of Skownan First Nation and project director of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, Kathleen BlueSky, a Cree Ikwe from Nisichiwasik Cree Nation and CEO of Treaty One Development Corporation, and Dr. Peter Pomart, a member of Mathias Cologne First Nation, an Asper School of Business lecturer and the former director of Indigenous Business Education Partners. Their public conversation considers the impact of racist policies like the Indian Act, the complexity of building Canadian sovereignty without infringing on Indigenous rights, the Carney government’s Bill C-5 or Building Canada Act and the relationship-building that is fundamental to successful economic reconciliation.  Host and panelists:  About Angie Bruce: Red River Métis from St. Laurent, Manitoba. Vice-President (Indigenous) of University of Manitoba, since February 2024.MBA from UM’s Asper School of Business and a PhD from Nipissing University.Former Assistant Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada's Nókwewashk sector.Former Deputy Minister in Manitoba's Indigenous and Northern Relations and Municipal Relations departments.Grew the Indigenous Natural Resource Program to $100 million.Led the development of an Indigenous Research Ethics policy.Led the highest number of Treaty Land Entitlement land transfers in Manitoba's historyHas held senior positions with the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. About Diane Roussin: Anishinaabe and member of the Skownan First Nation.Passionate advocate for Mino bimaadiziwin (the good life) for all families and children.Holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work degrees.Project Director of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, seeking to empower the Point Douglas community and create large-scale, systemic change for children and families living there.Former Executive Director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. Former Co-Director of Community Education Development Association.Former Coordinator of The Winnipeg Foundation’s Centennial Neighbourhood Project.Received the 2018 Governor General’s Award for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership. Kathleen BlueSky: A Cree and Anishinaabe Ikwe from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Minegoziibe  Anishinabe First Nation.CEO of Treaty One Development Corporation, leading a major economic development project at Naawi-Oodena, a Treaty One Joint Reserve lands located in Winnipeg, MB.MBA from Asper School of Business. Founder of Seven Feathers ConsultingFormer CEO of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.Serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the $300M First Nation Market Housing Fund Co-founded Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag, securing Manitoba’s first Social Impact Bond in 2019. About Peter Pomart: A member of Mathias Colomb First Nation - and a second-generation residential school survivor - Pomart is dedicated to advancing reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Lecturer at the I.H. Asper School of BusinessCompleting his doctoral studies in Business Administration.His primary research aims to provide an Indigenous-centered perspective on how industry actors may better align their engagement practices with Article 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  About What’s the Big Idea? What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts. Links and Resources The Winnipeg Boldness ProjectMa Mawi Wi Chi Itata CentreTreaty One Development CorporationNational Indigenous Economic Development Board: Naawi-OodenaSeven Feathers ConsultingFirst Nations Market Housing FundUniversity of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunitiesAlumni Relations: Stay connected with UMUM News: Read more about UM events and research Help make big ideas possibleResearch at the University of Manitoba is driven by curiosity and made possible through partnership and philanthropy. If this conversation sparked your curiosity, we’d love to connect you with opportunities to support world-class research and discovery at UM. Learn more or get in touch today. Music Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community. What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.

    51 min

  3. 2025-11-04

    Rethinking Capitalism: Beyond Profit to Purpose

    Season 4, Episode 2 Episode Summary: In a world where the wealth gap continues to widen, with the richest 5% reaping the vast majority of globalization's financial gains, it's crucial to rethink how businesses operate. This episode challenges the status quo, urging a shift towards business models that prioritize the well-being of society and the environment over mere profit maximization. In this episode Bruno Dick, the Norman Frohlich Professor in Business Sustainability at the Asper School of Business, discusses the concept of Social and Ecological Thought Management (SET) and its implications for reimagining the purpose of business. In conversation with UM President Michael Bennaroch, Dyck explores how businesses can prioritize social and ecological well-being over profit maximization and welcomes the role the Chiu Center for Business Serving Community will play in promoting these ideas.  About Bruno Dyck: Has been teaching in the Asper School of Business since 1990.Developed two undergraduate courses: Corporate, Social, and Environmental Responsibility, and the mandatory course, Sustainable Business.Two‐time recipient of the Asper School’s Associates Achievement Award for Teaching.Recipient of UM’s student‐chosen Certificate of Teaching ExcellenceRecipient of the Significant Contribution to Excellence in Teaching award. Recipient of the Dr. & Mrs. H.H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching award. Recipient of the 2023 Faculty Sustainability Award from UM’s Office of Sustainability.Received the Francisco de Vitoria University’s Expanded Reason Award for Teaching. Received the Book of the Year Award from the International Humanistic Management Association, for the textbook Management: Financial, Social, and Ecological Well-Being.Facilitated development of a series of videos by a team of UM MBA Indigenous students, allowing business instructors, worldwide to incorporate Indigenous content into courses. About What’s the Big Idea? What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts. Links and Resources Management: Entrepreneurship, Financial and Socio-Ecological Well-Being University of Manitoba’s Chiu Centre for Business Serving CommunityUniversity of Manitoba Asper School of Business FacultyUniversity of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunitiesAlumni Relations: Stay connected with UMUM News: Read more about UM events and research Help make big ideas possibleResearch at the University of Manitoba is driven by curiosity and made possible through partnership and philanthropy. If this conversation sparked your curiosity, we’d love to connect you with opportunities to support world-class research and discovery at UM. Learn more or get in touch today. Music Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community. What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.

    33 min

  4. 2025-10-01

    Nation-Building in the Sky: How UM is Shaping Space Stewardship with Philip Ferguson

    Season 4, Episode 1 Episode Summary: No longer just a frontier for governments and billionaires, space is a shared environment that needs protection. As companies like SpaceX and Amazon launch mega-constellations of satellites, the risk to our atmosphere and orbital space grows. How can we ensure that the future of space is sustainable, inclusive, and serving communities on Earth? In this episode, Philip Fergusson, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, President of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, and Director of the University of Manitoba’s STARlab, joins President Benarroch to discuss his big idea. From co-developing satellites with Arctic communities to designing drone airships for northern connectivity, we explore how responsible innovation, reconciliation, and a focus on local needs can shape a better future for space exploration. About Philip Fergusson: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba.Magellan Aerospace Industrial Research Chair in Satellite Technology.President of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute.Director of the University of Manitoba’s STARlab.Studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where his PhD focused on astronaut movement during long-duration spaceflight missions.His work at STARlab includes building satellites launched from the International Space Station to study asteroids.Committed to reconciliation through innovation, advancing space technologies to serve northern, Indigenous, and remote communities, his work directly addresses digital inequity and supports self-determination.As a university-based researcher, he is positioned to lead a critical, evidence-informed conversation about sustainable materials and better international regulation for space.About What’s the Big Idea? What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts. Links and Resources University of Manitoba’s Starlab. University of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunities.Alumni Relations: Stay connected with UM.UM News: Read more about UM events and research. Help make big ideas possibleResearch at the University of Manitoba is driven by curiosity and made possible through partnership and philanthropy. If this conversation sparked your curiosity, we’d love to connect you with opportunities to support world-class research and discovery at UM. Learn more or get in touch today. Music Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community. What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.

    30 min

  5. 2025-05-14

    Business as Unusual: Risk, Research and Rethinking Productivity with Dave Angus

    Season 3, Episode 7 - Business as Unusual: Risk, Research and Rethinking Productivity with Dave Angus  In the wake of Canada’s federal election—and amid renewed U.S. trade tensions—Canada is at a crossroads. How do we grow an economy that’s more resilient, more innovative, and more productive? In this timely episode, Dave Angus, President of Johnston Group, former head of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and UM's incoming Chancellor, joins President Benarroch to discuss the big ideas we need now. From smarter regulation to bolder partnerships between business and post-secondary institutions, we explore how risk-taking, research, and rethinking old assumptions could help Canada meet this moment—and thrive beyond it.  About Dave Angus  Member of the Order of Manitoba Named Canada’s top Chamber of Commerce Executive in 2012.  Through his involvement with the United Way, Angus rallies local businesses in furthering their adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, specifically Call to Action #92, which focuses on youth employment.  Chair of the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Past-chair and sitting member of the Joint Public Advisory Committee of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation; Co-chair of the Board of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg;  Co-chair of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council;  Board member of the Manitoba Museum;  Board member of Winnipeg’s Downtown Council;  Canadian representative on the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives;  Co-chair of the Council of International Trade; Member of the City of Winnipeg’s Red Tape Commission;  Member of the Mayor’s Trade Council;  Board Chair of the Prairie Theatre Exchange;  Board member of the YM/YWCA.   About What’s the Big Idea?  What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts.    Links and Resources  University of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunities. Alumni Relations: Stay connected with UM. UM News: Read more about UM events and research.   Sources  What’s Next for the U.S.-Canada Relationship? The Atlantic, April 30, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbwxQFuh3zQ   'It's not true that we will go through this psychodrama every 30 days': Minister Joly on trade war, CTV News, March 5, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWKzzf4bUNU  Newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney holds press conference, moneycontrol, May 3, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3JBhQHElk   Music  Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music.     Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community. What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.  #podcast

    36 min

  6. 2025-04-02

    A Prescription for Change: Solving Healthcare’s Workforce Crisis with Drs. Peter Nickerson and Aaron Jattan

    Season 3, Episode 6 Healthcare systems across Manitoba—and Canada—are facing a critical challenge: a shortage of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. In this episode, we explore the root causes of this crisis, and dive into our guests’ big ideas to help solve it. Just as there is a family physician designation in Canada, Dr. Aaron Jattan argues that there should be one for rural doctors, recognizing the extra training and skills needed in this role. Dr. Peter Nickerson believes we need a distributed education model to train learners across the province. With Winnipeg exceeding its training capacity, rural communities who want physicians need to invest in training them locally. Expanding training programs is a step in the right direction, but long-term solutions to multi-faceted problems require strategic planning, policy changes, and investment in retention efforts. Tune in to hear how Manitoba is working to address these challenges—and what more can be done. About Dr. Jattan Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director at the Max Rady College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba.Chief Medical Officer (acting), Winnipeg Regional Health AuthorityChairs and sits on national committees with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)Family physician and hospitalist working primarily out of St. Boniface Hospital.Completed his medical school at the University of Ottawa and his residency at the University of Manitoba in the Brandon streamCompleted his master’s in medical education through the University of Dundee.Actively engaged in research involving clinical feedback and curricular innovation.About Dr. Nickerson Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine at UMTransplant nephrologist at the Health Sciences Centre WinnipegMedical consultant to the Transplant Immunology Laboratory at Shared Health.2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Society of Transplantation2020 Rose Payne Distinguished Scientist Award, American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics2018 Medal for Research Excellence, Kidney Foundation of Canada2016 Paul I. Terasaki Clinical Science Award, American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics2016 Clinical Science Established Investigator Award, American Society of Transplantation2016 Scholastic Award, Doctors Manitoba2012 Fellow Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences2012 Dr. John B. Dossetor Research Award, Kidney Foundation of CanadaAbout What’s the Big Idea? What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts. Links and Resources A comparison of teaching opportunities for rural and urban family medicine residents, Dr. Aaron Jattan.Dismantling the hub and spoke: Social accountability and rural medical education, Dr. Aaron Jattan.University of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunities.Alumni Relations: Stay connected with UM.UM News: Read more about UM events and research.SourcesHow this med school is tackling the rural doctor shortage, CBC News, The National, June 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqdU0OzF6-4 Manitoba needs to do more to woo doctors to rural northern communities, CBC News, Feb 2023 https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/rural-er-docs-are-struggling-to-do-it-all-peer-support-programs-try-to-lessen-the-load-1.6735155 Doctors Manitoba ‘optimistic’ about rural health care changes outlined in new report, Global News,  October 2022 https://globalnews.ca/news/9233856/doctors-manitoba-optimistic-rural-health-care-changes/ Music Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community. What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.

    43 min

  7. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Trailer: What's The Big Idea Season 3

    "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. #podcast #education

    2 min

  8. 2025-01-29

    Get Dying Right: Why Dignity in Care Matters with Dr. Harvey Chochinov

    Get Dying Right: Why Dignity in Care Matters with Dr. Harvey Chochinov  Season 3, Episode 5    How can we get dying right? In this episode, Distinguished Professor Dr. Harvey Chochinov helps answer this question by sharing stories and insights gained from decades of research in palliative care wards.    Dr. Chochinov pioneered “dignity therapy” and now he shares his bigger idea on how dignity-centered health care can transform our experiences of end-of-life care and our views on medical assistance in dying (MAID), personhood, family, and much more.    About Dr. Harvey Chochinov  Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. Senior Scientist at the CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute. Officer of the Order of Canada, member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for Academic Innovation from the University of Manitoba. Co-founder of the Virtual Hospice, the world’s largest repository of information and support for patients, families, and care providers. Author of Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days, winner of the 2011 Prose Award. Author of Dignity in Care: The Human Side of Medicine   About What’s the Big Idea?  What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts.    Links and Resources  Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days: Learn about the book by Dr. Harvey Chochinov. Dignity in Care: Explore this initiative. University of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunities. Alumni Relations: Stay connected with UM. UM News: Read more about UM events and research.   Music  Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music.   Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Help us spread the big ideas from the UM community. What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.  #podcast #education #university

    29 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Manitoba
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © University of Manitoba
  • Show Website
    What's the Big Idea