"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.
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Are we designing AI to serve us - or replace us? with David Gerhard
Season 4 · Episode 7
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 37:40
A thought-provoking discussion with Dr. David Gerhard, a leading AI researcher and computer scientist on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, its potential to transform society, and the ethical challenges that come with it. In this conversation, interspersed with excerpts from AI pioneer and Nobel Laureate, Geoffrey Hinton’s Knight Distinguished Lecture, we hear how AI's decision-making processes differ from human cognition, about the risks and benefits of large language models, the role of governance, regulation, and international cooperation in shaping AI development, and the importance of designing AI to serve human values.
About David Gerhard:
Professor and Department Head of Computer Science, University of Manitoba;
2018 & 2014 Paragon Award of Innovation, University of Regina / Regina Chamber of Commerce);
2016 Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Regina Alumni Association;
Co-founder; Co-owner; Head of research and applied innovation, Shiverware Interactive Software Developments, Inc;
About Geoffrey Hinton
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, University of Toronto;
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba since July 2020;
Professor in Department of Economics, Toronto Metropolitan University (2017-2020);
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Toronto Metropolitan University (2017-2020), acting as the institution’s chief academic and operating officer;
Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba (2011-2017);
For more information about Michael Benarroch, see here.
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.
Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
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.
#podcast #Education
Strategic Real Estate: Canada's Quiet Power in North American Defence with Andrea Charron
Season 4 · Episode 6
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 40:20
Season 4, Episode 6
Episode Summary: Our guest is Andrea Charron, Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies and an academic working closely with the Canadian Armed forces. In conversation with UM’s President Michael Bennaroch, she discusses the evolving security landscape facing North America and Canada's crucial role in Arctic security and U.S. defense needs. Charron details security risks such as cyber threats and foreign interference and sheds light concerning NORAD modernization and the importance of international partnerships, including with Greenland, Denmark, the UK and Mexico.
About Andrea Charron:
Professor of Political Science at the University of Manitoba
Featured twice in the Economist for her Canadian foreign policy and NORAD expertise (2019 and 2021) and on the CBC radio show Ideas (2020)
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.
Unlocking Brain Resilience: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Season 4 · Episode 5
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • Duration 32:40
Season 4, Episode 5
Zahra Moussavi discusses her findings into using non-pharmaceutical interventions for Alzheimer's and dementia. With a background in electrical engineering, Moussavi’s groundbreaking research highlights the role of synapses and brain activity in cognitive health. Her innovative treatment strategies include electrical stimulation, VR navigation, and neurorehabilitation. These have shown success in potentially slowing, stabilizing, and reversing cognitive decline. In her conversation with UM President Michael Bennaroch, she emphasizes the importance of early detection and the need for innovative approaches to manage dementia as a chronic condition rather than a progressive one.
About Zahra Moussavi:
Canada Research Chair Tier I.
Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba.
Founder and former director, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Manitoba.
Recipient of the 2018 Technical Excellence Award.
Awarded IEEE EMBS Distinguished Lecturer, 2014 and 2019.
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.
Matters of the Heart: Uncovering Sex Differences in Heart Failure with Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum
Season 4 · Episode 4
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • Duration 27:08
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 Manitoba
Professor, Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Former 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.
Economic Reconciliation: A Model for Shared Prosperity
Season 4 · Episode 3
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • Duration 50:46
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 history
Has 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.
Rethinking Capitalism: Beyond Profit to Purpose
Season 4 · Episode 2
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 32:52
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 Excellence
Recipient 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 Awardfor Teaching.
Received the Book of the Year Award from theInternational Humanistic Management Association, for the textbook Management: Financial, Social, and Ecological Well-Being.
Nation-Building in the Sky: How UM is Shaping Space Stewardship with Philip Ferguson
Season 4 · Episode 1
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 • Duration 30:12
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?
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.
Business as Unusual: Risk, Research and Rethinking Productivity with Dave Angus
Season 3 · Episode 7
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 • Duration 36:16
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.
A Prescription for Change: Solving Healthcare’s Workforce Crisis with Drs. Peter Nickerson and Aaron Jattan
Season 3 · Episode 6
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 • Duration 43:24
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.
Completed his medical school at the University of Ottawa and his residency at the University of Manitoba in the Brandon stream
Trailer: What's The Big Idea Season 3
Season 3
Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Duration 02:07
"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
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Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
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.
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 Consulting
Former 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 Business
Completing 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.
Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
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.
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.
Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
Help make big ideas possible Research 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.
2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Society of Transplantation
2020 Rose Payne Distinguished Scientist Award, American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
2018 Medal for Research Excellence, Kidney Foundation of Canada
2016 Paul I. Terasaki Clinical Science Award, American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
2016 Clinical Science Established Investigator Award, American Society of Transplantation
2016 Scholastic Award, Doctors Manitoba
2012 Fellow Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
2012 Dr. John B. Dossetor Research Award, Kidney Foundation of Canada
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.
