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PODCAST · education

The Forefront: Ideas for cities

by Toronto Metropolitan University

The Forefront showcases how Toronto Metropolitan University is tackling the big issues facing Canadians through bold research, innovation, and collaboration. Hear from some of the country's greatest minds and highlight the solutions our country needs. We don't shy away from topics like the environment, urban planning, healthcare, reconciliation and more. Hosted by Amanda Cupido.

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Episodes

  1. A seat at the table: Justin Poy on representation and community impact

    Justin Poy grew up in Toronto in the 1970’s. As one of the only Chinese-Canadian students at his school, he faced constant casual racism, from both students and teachers. This caused Justin to feel ashamed of his identity, which led him to actively avoid his cultural background throughout his...

  2. Leading by example: Mohamed Lachemi on generosity and giving back

    Education has the power to open doors, create opportunities and strengthen communities. As president and vice-chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University, Mohamed Lachemi has spent the past decade helping to expand access to higher education while championing student success. In this episode,...

  3. Next-gen nursing: How simulation labs are advancing nursing education

    Discover how Toronto Metropolitan University is shaping the next generation of nurses through immersive, hands-on education. Backed by a $1 million donation from the FDC Foundation, these innovative simulation labs immerse students in realistic healthcare scenarios, preparing them for the...

  4. From startup to success: How TMU’s leading tech incubator is advancing entrepreneurship

    TMU’s DMZ has earned its place as the world’s top university-based tech incubator with its 14 years of experience, 1000+ startups and $2.76 billion in funding. By providing entrepreneurs with the tools to build, launch and scale their ventures, DMZ fuels groundbreaking innovation while shaping…

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  5. Changing fashion for all: How Aille Design is revolutionizing inclusive clothing

    Shopping for clothes is typically a visual experience, but for those who are partially or totally blind, it can be challenging. Enter Aille Design, founded by Alexa Jovanovic, a Fashion Communication '16 alumna, and incubated in TMU’s Fashion Zone. Aille integrates braille into its designs…

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  6. The silent epidemic: The growing crisis of loneliness in Canada's seniors

    There’s a silent epidemic impacting older Canadians over the age of 50. A new report from Toronto Metropolitan University'’s National Institute on Ageing (NIA) revealed that 40 per cent of Canadians aged 50 and over are at risk of struggling with social isolation. In this episode, we explore the...

  7. The future of learning is AI: How ProfBot is transforming education

    Artificial intelligence in higher education comes with its challenges, but one Toronto Metropolitan University professor has turned AI into an asset. Meet ProfBot, the revolutionary AI study buddy developed by Dr. Sean Wise. Learn how this innovative tool has helped students increase their grades…

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  8. Shaping the future of medicine: How TMU is redefining patient care

    What if the next time you see a doctor, you are treated as a person, not just a patient, and your culture and background are embraced, not overlooked? That’s the vision Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine is bringing to life. Through its bold new approach to medical education…

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  9. Season 5: Trailer

    Our award-winning podcast, The Forefront, is back for another season! Join us as we explore disruptions in healthcare, education, technology, fashion, and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. As Real As It Gets: A new type of firefighter suit that is disrupting the industry

    Smoke, noise, disorientation— when firefighters are inside a burning building, the ability to get out safely is a challenge. In this episode, we speak with Michael Stanfield, a former Toronto fire chief and co-founder of IFTech, and Alex Ferworn, Director of the Computational Public Safety Lab at...

  11. Staying Ahead of the “Curv”: A microcredential that is changing the educational landscape

    The job market is changing at a rapid speed, making it difficult for both those looking to get hired and for those doing the hiring. How can we address this skills gap? In this episode, we speak with Matt McInnis, an educational technology leader, and with Gary Hepburn, dean of The Chang School,...

  12. Turning Music Into Medicine: The power of binaural beats

    More than 50 per cent of Canadians report that their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic. And while treatments like therapy and medication can help, they can be hard to access — and expensive. In this episode, we speak with the team behind a music therapy app called...

  13. Fashioning Health Care: Humanizing the experience for breast cancer patients

    A lot of things about being a breast cancer patient can feel dehumanizing, but one thing that can change is what patients are given to wear on their chest. In this episode, we speak with patient advocate Jennifer Schultz and Jessica Mudry, director of the Healthcare User Experience (HUE) Lab at...

  14. The Quantum Wallet: Leveraging innovation to combat identity theft

    In 2018, hackers got hold of TMU alumna Erin MacDonald’s personal information and began a tsunami of purchases — affecting her credit rating and causing profound stress. In this episode, we speak with Erin about the theft of her identity, along with global information technology leader Claudette...

  15. Season 4: Trailer

    Our award-winning podcast is back for another season! This time we’re exploring human-centred innovation, from designing a post-surgical garment for breast cancer patients to employing robotics to help first responders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Rethinking Clean Transportation: How cities can be designed to reduce emissions

    According to TMU's Centre for Urban Energy, by 2030, 80% of the world's population will live in urban areas, so the way we use energy will impact the way we live, work and grow as a community. This has many people – including TMU alumni, looking for alternative modes of transportation. In this...

  17. Bike Lanes and Big Cities: Keeping people moving with protected bike lanes

    Canadians continue to be divided on bike lanes on city streets. However, research out of TMU shows that after developing protected bike lanes, four in ten users in Toronto were new cyclists. Before this infrastructure existed, these cyclists would have used an alternate means of travel. This is...

  18. City Living: How noisy is too noisy?

    For city dwellers, noise is just part of the package – but how noisy is too noisy? Research shows that ongoing exposure to noise can negatively impact your health, leading to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. And according to the United Nations Environment Program – it's also a top...

  19. Generation Climate: A youth-driven climate change initiative

    Canadian youth are becoming increasingly concerned about the climate change crisis impacting our country and the world. TMU's Leadership Lab is working towards building factual awareness around solutions to the challenge of climate change through a youth-driven initiative known as Generation...

  20. Environmental Racism: Why certain communities are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change

    In Canada and around the world, Black Indigenous and people of colour are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Research has shown that racialized communities in Canada have higher exposure to air pollution and less access to green spaces. In this episode, we discuss the gaps in the...

  21. Special Episode: A deep dive into the renaming of our university

    In 2021 the Standing Strong Task Force provided a list of recommendations for how the university can address the legacy of Egerton Ryerson and forge a new chapter. One of the recommendations was a renaming to reflect our university values better. The process included feedback from over 30,000...

  22. Season 3: Trailer

    Toronto Metropolitan University's award-winning podcast The Forefront is back! This season, we look at how the university is tackling some of the environmental issues impacting Canadians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Season 2: Trailer

    In this season of The Forefront, we will explore the role Toronto Metropolitan University is playing in creating more inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Dispatched to the Frontlines: Filling the nursing gap

    In Ontario and across the country, hospitals are struggling with a nursing shortage. The issue has prompted the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing to work with the provincial government to provide support to hospitals through a job placement program for students. In this episode, learn more about...

  25. No News is Bad News: The dire state of local journalism

    Since 2008, 447 local news outlets in more than 300 communities have shut down across Canada. This includes everything from newspapers to local TV to community radio. School of Journalism Professor April Lindgren has been tracking the trend via The Local News Research Project which tracks changes...

  26. The Canadian Dream: The impact of immigrant entrepreneurs

    In a multicultural hub like the Greater Toronto Area, what impact do immigrant entrepreneurs and retailers have on the city? Urban and Regional Planning professor Dr. Zhixi Zhuang says the benefits go beyond economic ones and extend into establishing a sense of belonging and ownership for many...

  27. Missing the Playground: How to get city kids moving during lockdown

    When the pandemic began in March 2020, many people found themselves suddenly trapped at home — with everything from restaurants, to gyms, to playgrounds being shut down. A national survey found that less than 3% of Canadian children and youth were meeting the physical activity guidelines...

  28. How Art Can Heal: The making of an Indigenous installation in the heart of Toronto

    This year, the university is taking part in the City of Toronto Year of Public Art initiative, with a series of installments and exhibits. One of the installments, ‘The Ring’, is in honour of the Dish With One Spoon Territory, the land on which the university is built. In this episode, host…

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  29. Emissions Out. Ecocentric’s In: What does a ZeroHouse look like?

    Every year, hundreds of thousands of people move to Toronto, which means the need for housing is not slowing down, however neither is the rising costs. This leads to an increase in the construction of high rises, which are polluting the environment. The solution? The ZEROhouse concept is a...

  30. A Virtual Pow Wow: The importance of bringing Indigenous culture to university campuses

    Like many events in 2020, Ryerson’s Pow Wow looked a little different this year. The annual student-led initiative typically takes place on campus, but when Covid-19 hit, they were forced to shift the event online. The result? A full virtual experience, consisting of Ryerson Pow Wow Education…

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  31. Laying the Foundation: Urban farming and the use of green roofs

    Ryerson University paved the way for green roofs in urban cities, with its first one— The Andrew and Valerie Pringle Environmental Green Roof, going up in 2004. Since then the city of Toronto was the first city in North America to adopt a bylaw that requires all new buildings with the space, to...

  32. Lifelong Learning: A look at delivering education online during the lockdown

    The sudden emergence of COVID-19 has forced higher education institutions around the world to reevaluate how they will teach their students by looking into the best ways to deliver education online.In this episode, Amanda Cupido speaks with Gary Hepburn, Dean of Ryerson’s G. Raymond Chang School…

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  33. Defining the Future of Work: Three things to expect

    With technological disruption and automation, climate change, demographic shifts, and, now, a global pandemic – what will the future of work really look like in Canada? In this episode, Amanda Cupido works to answer this question as she sheds light on the projects and programs being implemented…

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  34. Diversifying Cybersecurity: A new program that is changing the face of the industry

    As more and more Canadians digitize their lives, they increase their risk of cyber attacks. This, in turn, has created an increased demand for cybersecurity-related jobs. This is a gap Ryerson is working to close.In this episode, Amanda Cupido sits down with the leaders of Ryerson’s Rogers...

  35. The New Age of Aging: How Canada can prepare for its aging population

    More than one in six Canadians are now at least 65 years old. Many Canadian families are already juggling the responsibilities of caring for their parents and their own children. The wait lists for long term care are outliving the patients on them. What can be done? In this episode, we’ll speak...

  36. The Forefront: Trailer

    The Forefront showcases how Ryerson is tackling the big issues facing Canadians through bold research, innovation, and collaboration. From cybersecurity to finding solutions to the problems facing our ageing population - The Forefront will shed light on how Ryerson is addressing these issues....

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Forefront showcases how Toronto Metropolitan University is tackling the big issues facing Canadians through bold research, innovation, and collaboration. Hear from some of the country's greatest minds and highlight the solutions our country needs. We don't shy away from topics like the environment, urban planning, healthcare, reconciliation and more. Hosted by Amanda Cupido.

HOSTED BY

Toronto Metropolitan University

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Forefront: Ideas for cities have?

The Forefront: Ideas for cities currently has 36 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Forefront: Ideas for cities about?

The Forefront showcases how Toronto Metropolitan University is tackling the big issues facing Canadians through bold research, innovation, and collaboration. Hear from some of the country's greatest minds and highlight the solutions our country needs. We don't shy away from topics like the...

How often does The Forefront: Ideas for cities release new episodes?

The Forefront: Ideas for cities has 36 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to The Forefront: Ideas for cities 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 The Forefront: Ideas for cities?

The Forefront: Ideas for cities is created and hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University.
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