PODCAST · society
From Here Forward
by alumni UBC
From Here Forward shares stories and ideas about amazing things UBC and its alumni are doing around the world. It covers people and places, truths, science, art, and accomplishments with the view that sharing better inspires better. Join hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha, both UBC grads, in exploring solutions for the negative stuff out there — focussing on the good for a change, from here forward.
Episodes
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Dark personalities: How to spot them and take back your power
Just in time for Halloween, Carol and Jeevan sit down with Dr. Leanne ten Brinke (PhD’12), associate professor of psychology at UBC Okanagan, director of the Truth and Trust Lab, and author of Poisonous People: How to Resist Them and Improve Your Life. Leanne breaks down what actually makes a…
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Meet a UBC alum bringing a Canadian classic to the stage
UBC creative writing professor and award-winning playwright Anosh Irani (BFA’02, MFA’04) joins From Here Forward to talk about adapting Rohinton Mistry's Giller Prize-winning novel A Fine Balance for Toronto's Crow's Theatre. Anosh shares what "truthfulness" over faithfulness means in adaptation,...
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The Man in Motion on grit, grief, and going the distance
Four decades after the Man in Motion World Tour, Rick Hansen (BPE'86, LLD'87) joins Carol and Jeevan to talk about the journey that changed his life. Recently voted UBC's most famous alum, Rick opens up about the chaos of day one on tour, the grind of wheeling an ultramarathon a day for more than...
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Life after stroke: How telehealth is closing the rural care gap
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada—and for survivors in rural and remote communities, recovery often means navigating a health-care system with far fewer resources than their urban counterparts. In this episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan…
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6 years, sticky notes, and a selkie: How Loghan Paylor won Canada Reads
Loghan Paylor (MFA’20) didn't set out to win CBC's Canada Reads competition. They were just trying to write the book they needed to write. In this episode, the author of The Cure for Drowning—winner of Canada Reads 2026, Giller Prize longlistee, and Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize…
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What’s happening with extending SkyTrain to UBC?
In this episode, UBC's Associate Vice-President, Campus and Community Planning, Michael White, joins Carol and Jeevan to break down the SkyTrain to UBC project—the planned Millennium Line extension to UBC. Michael explains why the Broadway Subway Project is insufficient, how the Arbutus station...
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Is innovation too masculine? Uncovering the hidden gender gap
What if the innovation economy has always had a gender problem—and we just couldn't see it? Despite a wave of visibility for women entrepreneurs, the numbers are stark: 90% of inventors in Canada are male, and women-led ventures receive less than 5% of available funding. In this episode, UBC…
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Where the wild things matter
What does it take to protect some of Canada's most iconic—and at risk—animals? In this episode, Carol and Jeevan sit down with Mateen Hessami (MSc’22), wildlife biologist and UBC Okanagan master's graduate, to find out. From collaring moose out of helicopters to rediscovering a caribou herd...
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The secret lives of orcas
In this Valentine’s Day-themed episode, From Here Forward goes beyond conventional ideas of romance to explore love, cooperation, and connection in the marine world. Hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha are joined by UBC professor Dr. Andrew Trites, Director of the Marine Mammal Research…
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From migrant justice to The Amazing Race Canada
In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan sit down with Jonathon Braun (JD’15), Allard Law alum, Legal Director of the Migrant Workers Centre, and winner of Season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada. Jonathon shares the realities facing migrant workers in Canada today—from closed work permits and…
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20 years of UBC Okanagan
In our final episode of 2025, hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha connect with Dr. Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBC's Okanagan campus, for a conversation about UBC Okanagan’s 20th anniversary. They discuss the extraordinary growth the campus has seen over the past...
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What helps men ask for help
Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide statistics. Men’s mental health is getting more attention these days—yet many still struggle to ask for help. Why? For Movember, hosts Carol and Jeevan dive into this issue with Dr. John Oliffe. This UBC professor and founder of the Men’s Health...
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Where does journalism go from here?
In this episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol and Jeevan sit down with award-winning journalist, author, and UBC School of Journalism, Writing, and Media Director Kamal Al-Solaylee to examine the state of modern media. From the role of journalism in democracy, to AI, citizen reporting, and…
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Return to campus: Carol and Jeevan explore a transformed UBC Vancouver — and what changed
In this special UBC Homecoming episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol and Jeevan return to the Vancouver campus to visit some of their favourite spots and reflect on how the campus has evolved since they graduated. Along the way, they stop by the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, which is…
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Would you recycle for a chance at $1,000?
We all know we should be returning our bottles, cans, and drink containers to a recycling depot. For many people, however, a 10-cent return just isn’t enough to motivate action. But what if you had a random chance at a much higher payout? In this episode, Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Jiaying…
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Here’s a stirring solution to drink spiking
With drink spiking an ever-pervasive concern, how can we make nightlife safer for everyone? Thanks to UBC researchers, there’s now a stir stick that anyone can use to detect drugs like GHB and ketamine in their drinks. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan hear all about this innovative new tool —...
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The invisible force behind your favourite movies and shows
What do a Star Wars “making of” documentary, a UBC Film Society membership, and late nights at the Norm Theatre have in common? For UBC alum Greg Ng (BA’05), they sparked a passion for film editing that’s turned into a fascinating career — one that’s enabled him to work on some of the biggest...
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How concerned should we be about falling space junk?
More than 15,000 satellites are currently in orbit around our planet, with this number growing every year. For UBC’s Dr. Aaron Boley, this raises some red flags about the problem of space junk. An expert in the field of space sustainability, Boley chats with Carol and Jeevan about the practical...
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The truth about DEI and what backlash against it really reveals
There’s been a lot of talk in the media about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, but what does DEI actually mean? Why do so many people seem to misunderstand its intent? In recent years, many companies moved quickly to implement DEI programs that addressed inequities in recruitment and...
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Scanning from afar: How a UBC innovation is improving ultrasound access
For people living in remote locations and requiring urgent ultrasounds, the best option at the moment is to travel to a major city for the diagnostic test. But a UBC researcher is looking to change that. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan speak to David Black (BASc’21), a PhD candidate in…
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Beyond “happy ever after”: The truth about love
What’s the relationship between love and happiness? The answer is not as simple as you might think. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan talk to UBC alum Carrie Jenkins, a writer and professor of philosophy at UBC, about her research to understand love in all its forms. They discuss the limitations…
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The adventurous life of a paragliding librarian
To kick off an exciting new year of From Here Forward, Carol and Jeevan get to know Bill Nikolai (BA’80, MEd’86, MLIS’08), a UBC alum who doesn’t back down from much… including the idea of gliding off mountain peaks. Hear about what drives his paragliding passion, and find out what it takes to...
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The Highlight Reel: Looking back at 2024
In this special year-in-review episode, Carol and Jeevan are joined by their producer Kylé to share some of their favourite From Here Forward moments from 2024. Find out which conversations inspired them, changed their perspectives, and even drove them to change their decision-making. Enjoy this...
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The stress-relieving benefits of breaking glass
Did you know that UBC has a glassblower on staff? In this episode, get to know Brian Ditchburn, the scientific glassblower for UBC’s Chemistry Department. Find out what his days in the glass shop look like and why he feels that his job is the best one on campus. Brian shares some of his…
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What’s at stake in the 2024 US elections?
The 2020 US presidential election and the unprecedented events that followed have set the stage for a tumultuous contest in 2024. In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Paul J. Quirk, professor and Phil Lind Chair in US Politics and Representation in UBC's Department of Political...
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How UBC is prioritizing the mental wellbeing of its varsity athletes
It’s the start of a new academic year and UBC’s student athletes are back in action. It’s an exciting time, but for some it can be challenging to balance the pressures of being both a student and a high-performance athlete. In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Whitney Sedgwick, a...
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Queer nightlife and the pursuit of joy
In this special Pride episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Amin Ghaziani, a professor of sociology and Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities at UBC, about his new book Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution. They speak about the evolution of queer...
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Behind New York City’s vision for racial justice
In this episode, Carol and Jeevan talk to UBC alum and lawyer Melanie Ash (LLB’96) about her path into the legal profession and her work to support a framework of racial justice and equity for New York City’s government. They also discuss some of the differences in the legal and social justice...
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The Bard goes digital: Emerging technologies and Shakespeare’s First Folio
When UBC acquired a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio in 2021, it was only the first step in an initiative to digitize and improve access to this historic text. In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan speak to Dr. Patrick Parra Pennefather, Associate Professor at UBC Theatre and Film in the…
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The hidden benefits of a daily dose of physical activity
In this episode, Carol and Jeevan speak with Jordyn Rice and Sarah Heath from UBC's Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Lab about the impacts of exercise in preventing cognitive and mobility decline. They discuss common barriers to exercise, the value of health coaching, and emphasize the point...
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Bringing a start-up mentality to environmental conservation
In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan speak to UBC alum Dax Dasilva (BA’23), CEO of the commerce company Lightspeed and the founder of the environmental alliance Age of Union. Dasilva shares his entrepreneurial origin story, discusses his early acts of environmental activism, and explains why…
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Finding hope in climate activism
When UBC economics student Abul Bashar Rahman was in ninth grade, he learned that one-third of his country, Bangladesh, would be underwater by 2050 as a result of climate change. This realization set him on a path towards climate action that took him as a UBC delegate to COP27 in Egypt in 2022…
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Reimagining the dating experience for Gen Z
Have you ever found love on a dating app? In this special Valentine’s Day episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan connect with UBC student and entrepreneur Connor Rose, who co-founded an app IRLY that offers a unique Gen Z spin on making a match. They discuss the app’s early days in the e@UBC program,...
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From pharmacy to farming: One UBC alum’s adventures as an entrepreneur
Join hosts Carol and Jeevan in conversation with UBC pharmacy alum Avi Gill (BSc’12, BPSc’16), one of the owners behind Farming Karma, a “farm to can” soda-making company based in the Okanagan. Discover the brand's evolution from a family farm to a thriving enterprise that produces award-winning...
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Sipping, savouring, and safeguarding BC wine
Join Carol and Jeevan as they sip their way through today’s episode on BC wine. Hear how wine makers in the province are navigating the impacts of climate change, and the ways in which UBC research is helping to boost their resilience and adaptation during these challenging times. Plus, learn…
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Risky genes: Uncovering the genetic basis of breast and ovarian cancers
Join Carol and Jeevan as they explore advances in cancer detection and prevention with UBC alum Dr. Steven Narod (BSc’75, MD’79), a leading expert in breast and ovarian cancer genetics research. Dr. Narod was among a team of researchers in the 1990s who made the groundbreaking discovery of BRCA1...
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Wildfires, climate change, and the future of forest management
Join Carol, Rumneek, and new co-host Jeevan Sangha as they dive deep into the world of wildfires with award-winning UBC researcher, Dr. Lori Daniels (MSc’94). From the phenomenon of “zombie fires” to the fascinating paradox of using fire to suppress fire, Dr. Daniels explains what’s behind BC’s...
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Campuses of the future: An inside look at campus planning at UBC
Discover the fascinating changes coming to UBC's campuses — from a deepening commitment to Indigenization to groundbreaking sustainability initiatives — with Ben Johnson, Director of Campus Planning for UBC Okanagan, and Michael White, Associate Vice-President of Campus + Community Planning and…
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Storytelling that sticks: A conversation with a Vancouver journalism icon
Carol and Rumneek chat with UBC alum and the CBC’s Justin McElroy (BA’11) on his path to journalism, the changing nature of the industry, and his love of niche topics (and charts!) that have helped him connect with audiences in creative and captivating ways. From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
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Dr. Gail Murphy: On the frontlines of research and innovation at UBC
Carol and Rumneek speak with Dr. Gail Murphy, Vice-President of Research & Innovation, about UBC’s evolution into a world-class research powerhouse over the past quarter century. Dr. Murphy highlights several recent projects that reflect UBC’s innovative and collaborative approach to research…
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The weird, wacky, and wonderful: Stories from UBC’s colourful past
Hear from UBC historians Herbert Rosengarten and Sheldon Goldfarb as they share their extensive knowledge of UBC’s storied past – including entertaining and obscure tales that might surprise you. From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
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The power of storytelling for human rights
UBC alum and digital activist Daniella Barreto (MSc’17) joins From Here Forward to discuss her new podcast with Amnesty International Canada — Rights Back At You — which explores anti-Black racism, policing, and surveillance in Canada. A public health graduate turned podcaster, Barreto is…
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The big nanoparticle story behind the COVID-19 vaccine
Rumneek and Carol speak with UBC’s Dr. Pieter Cullis (BSc’67, MSc’70, PhD’72), whose pioneering research on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has received global acclaim. Without the development of LNPs, which serve as the “delivery system” for life-saving therapeutics, the mRNA COVID vaccines by...
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The three billion download man
Carol and Rumneek talk with rapper and singer bbno$ ("baby no money," aka Alex Gumuchian) about his path to astounding musical success that coincidentally began in a big way on the day of his graduation from UBC Okanagan in 2019. From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
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Reflections from UBC’s 15th President
Just before his departure, Professor Santa J. Ono spoke with Carol and Rumneek about his time at UBC, including its special qualities, what he learned during his presidency, what he’ll miss, and his advice for the university moving forward. From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
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Turning mining waste into climate gold
Carol and Rumneek speak with Dr. Greg Dipple, a professor of Geological Sciences at UBC. His company is a recent winner of the $1 Million X Prize backed by the Elon Musk Foundation, funding breakthroughs on the world’s most pressing problems. Learn about his approach that uses mining waste for...
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The gig economy: Friend or foe?
Carol and Rumneek speak with Shannon Walsh, an associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Film at UBC, and also a filmmaker. Her fifth and latest film is The Gig is Up. Hear about the ways the global gig economy is impacting not only the future of work, but society as a whole. From Here...
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From Here Forward: Trailer
From Here Forward shares stories and ideas about amazing things UBC and its alumni are doing around the world. It covers people and places, truths, science, art and accomplishments with the view that sharing better inspires better. Join hosts Carol Eugene Park and Rumneek Johal, both UBC School…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
From Here Forward shares stories and ideas about amazing things UBC and its alumni are doing around the world. It covers people and places, truths, science, art, and accomplishments with the view that sharing better inspires better. Join hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha, both UBC grads, in exploring solutions for the negative stuff out there — focussing on the good for a change, from here forward.
HOSTED BY
alumni UBC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does From Here Forward have?
From Here Forward currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is From Here Forward about?
From Here Forward shares stories and ideas about amazing things UBC and its alumni are doing around the world. It covers people and places, truths, science, art, and accomplishments with the view that sharing better inspires better. Join hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha, both UBC grads, in...
How often does From Here Forward release new episodes?
From Here Forward has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to From Here Forward?
You can listen to From Here Forward on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts From Here Forward?
From Here Forward is created and hosted by alumni UBC.
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