Peer Review - The University of Calgary Alumni Podcast

Anila Lee Yuen, BSc’02, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Newcomers, prepares to welcome Syrian  refugees to Calgary. 

Direct download: 66_Anila_Lee_Yuen_makes_newcomers_feel_welcomed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:40pm MDT

Derrick Shirley, MSc’07, psychologist, speaker, and author of The 400 Pound Male Stripper talks about taking it all off.

Direct download: Derrick_Shirley_the_400_lb_stripper.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Kym Boycott, PhD’97, MD’00, medical geneticist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, is a leading global expert in rare diseases.

Direct download: 64_How_Kym_Boycott_became_addicted_to_rare_diseases.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Danielle Smith, BA’97 and former leader of the Wildrose party turned radio host for NewsTalk770, discusses life after politics.

Direct download: Peer_Review_63-_Danielle_Smiths_life_after_politics.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:47am MDT

Anar Simpson, BSc'86, MCS’01, Simon Bryant, MD’9, and Kristina Groves, BSc’04, MSc’15 discuss refuges, sustainable energy, and much more. Recorded in front of a live audience in That Empty Space at the University of Calgary on November 20, 2015. 

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Live.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Yousef Traya, BCR’01, shares stories from over 30 years of family business in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta.

Direct download: Yousef_Traya_-_Peer_Review.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Tyler Trafford, BA’71, is the author of the award winning book, Almost a Great Escape; a love story almost too amazing to be true.

Direct download: Tyler_Trafford_-_Peer_Review.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Wilma Shim, BSc’07, LLB’10, is a lawyer for the Government of Alberta as well as a powerlifting coach with Special Olympics Calgary.

Direct download: Peer_Review_59_-__Wilma_Shim_does_the_heavy_lifting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Nancy Moules, BN’95, MN’97, PhD’00, is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, and holds the Kids Cancer Care Foundation Chair in Child and Family Cancer Care.

Direct download: Peer_Review_58_-_Nancy_Moules_helps_families_heal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Sebastian Sztabzyb, B.Eng’00, co-founder of Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, explains how he uses engineering to brew a great cup of coffee.

Direct download: Peer_Review_57_-_Sebastian_Sztabzyb_engineers_a_great_roast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:39pm MDT

Pat Kelly, BA’94, is the Conservative candidate for Calgary Rocky Ridge in the 2015 federal election.

Direct download: Peer_Review_56_A_-_Pat_Kelly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Stephanie Kot, BA’10, is the NDP candidate for Calgary Rocky Ridge in the 2015 federal election.

Direct download: Peer_Review_56_B_-_Stephanie_Kot.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Kent Hehr, BA’97, LLB’01, is the Liberal candidate for Calgary Centre in the 2015 federal election. 

Direct download: Peer_Review_56_C_-_Kent_Hehr.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Elizabeth Cannon, BSc'84, MSc'87, PHD’91, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary, discusses what happens after Eyes High.

Direct download: Peer_Review_55_-_Elizabeth_Cannon_sets_her_sights_even_higher.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

W. Brett Wilson, MBA’85, entrepreneur and former panelist on Dragons’ Den, shares how his view of success has evolved.

Direct download: Peer_Review_54_-_W_Brett_Wilson_redefines_success.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Murray Ord, BFA’72, executive producer for Alberta Film Entertainment, talks about working on popular films like, Legends of the FallThe Assassination of Jesse James…, and Brokeback Mountain.

Direct download: Peer_Review_53_-_Murray_Ord_Helps_Bring_Hollywood_to_Alberta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Mary Anne Moser, BSc’88, BA’92, PhD’05, is the President and Co-Founder of Beakerhead. On this episode, we talk about the upcoming third annual Beakerhead event, and explore the science of everyday life.


Wayne Harris Jr., BPE’82, head coach, University of Calgary Dinos Football, shares memories of his father and reflects on his own life in football.

Direct download: Peer_Review_51_-_Wayne_Harris_Jr.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Listen to clips from some of the more popular Peer Review conversations from the past 12 months.

Direct download: Episode_50_-_The_Best_of_Season_One.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:27am MDT

Natalie Panek, BSc’07, is a mission systems engineer at MDA Robotics and Automation, working on Canadian space robotics and other Canadian space exploration programs. On this episode of Peer Review, we review Natalie’s work, discuss space exploration, and talk about strong female leaders. 

Direct download: Episode_49_-_Natalie_Panek_sets_her_eyes_high.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Sharon Carry, BA'75, BEd’76, MCS’90, has been the President and CEO of Bow Valley College since 1997. On this episode of Peer Review, we discuss Sharon’s academic career, 50 years of Bow Valley College, strong female leaders, and much more.

Direct download: Episode_48_-_Sharon_Carrys_obsession_with_student_success.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Scott White, BMus’89, is a multi-talented songwriter, playwright and musical director. On this episode of Peer Review, we look back at his ill-fated rock band, West World, talk about why he was “the world’s worst drag queen,” and discuss his latest play, Newfoundland Mary.

 

Direct download: Episode_47_-_Scott_White_wants_to_give_you_something_exciting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Jodi Willoughby, BCR’01, is the co-owner of Crave Cookies and Cupcakes. First opening their doors in Calgary in 2004, Crave now has four locations in the city, as well as shops in Edmonton and Saskatoon. 

Direct download: Episode_46_-_Jodi_Willoughby_Craves_Something_Sweet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:39am MDT

Dr. Breanne Everett, MD’09, MBA’13, is the CEO and director of Orpyx, a wearable medical technology company that creates life-changing health tools that empower the user through data analytics.


Tony Tran, BComm'11, is a community builder with Antyx Community Arts, a dance instructor, and founder of the inovative dance collective, The Bad Girls Club YYC.

Direct download: Episode_44_-_Tony_Tran_Strikes_a_Pose.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Dawn Johnston, PhD’05, is the Assistant Dean, Student Engagement (Faculty of Arts) and a senior instructor in the Department of Communication, Media and Film at the University of Calgary. On this episode of Peer Review, Dawn shares her thoughts on Caitlyn Jenner, great television, Calgary’s food scene, and much more.

Direct download: Episode_42_-_Dawn_Johnstons_pop_culture_grab_bag.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Vern Kimball, BA’81, MBA’90, is the President of the University of Calgary Alumni Association, and the former CEO of the Calgary Stampede. On this episode of Peer Review, Vern shares stories from nearly 30 years of involvement with the greatest outdoor show on earth. 

Direct download: Episode_42_-_Vern_Kimball_and_the_greatest_outdoor_show_on_earth.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Hayley Peckham, BComm’14 and Kimberly Stewart, BSc’16 (expected), share stories from their terms as Calgary Stampede Royalty.  

Direct download: Episode_41_-_The_2015_Calgary_Stampede_Princesses.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Brad Granberg, MD’12, is an ER doctor with a focus on disaster medicine and disaster management. On this episode of Peer Review, Brad revisits his time spent in Nepal providing post disaster medical relief.

Direct download: Episode_40_-_Brad_Granberg_in_the_disaster_zone.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Leslie Reid, Msc'97/PhD'02, is a geologist and the associate dean of teaching and learning (Science). On this episode of Peer Review, Leslie answers questions about earthquakes, explains how the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning will impact the university, and shares geology stories. 

Direct download: Episode_39_-_Leslie_Reid_Rocks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Jill Drader, BGS’05, is the founder of Woman in Work Boots and is a coach and consultant at Steel Toe Stiletto Ltd. On this episode of Peer Review, Jill talks about her turbulent youth, discusses working in the trades in Alberta, and explains why she helps others discover their passions. This episode touches on mature subject matter, listener discretion is advised. 

Direct download: Episode_38_-_Jill_Drader_jill_of_all_trades.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Harry Sanders, BA’88, is a self-employed historical consultant and writer, as well as Calgary Heritage Authority’s historian laureate. Since he started studying Alberta’s history as a young teen, Harry has gone on to author books about the city's waterworks system, historical walks in the city, and much more. On this episode of Peer Review, Harry reflects on Calgary’s past, sharing stories about some of the men and woman who have helped make the city what it is today.

Direct download: Episode_37_-_Travel_back_in_time_with_Harry_Sanders.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

James Fell, BA’93/MA’96/MBA99, is an internationally syndicated fitness writer, penning pieces for the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, TIME Magazine, AskMen.com, Chatelaine.com, and Men’s Health. On this contentious episode of Peer Review, James shares his opinion on fad diets, Dr. Oz, CrossFit, and much more. 

Direct download: Episode_36_-_James_Fell_vs_Fad_Diets.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Rosa Marchitelli, BA’95, is a journalist and news anchor for CBC Calgary. After starting her career at A Channel in Calgary, Rosa worked as a journalist in Edmonton and Vancouver prior to returning to Calgary to co-host a newscast with her husband. On this episode of Peer Review, Rosa reflects on her days as a tough arts critic writing for the Gauntlet, talks about why her dream interview would be with Pope Francis, and discusses the future of CBC.

Direct download: Episode_35_-_Rosa_Marchitelli_goes_public.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Lourdes Juan, BGS’05/MEDes’09, is the director of LMJ Consultants and Soma Advanced Skin & Body Therapy. On this episode of Peer Review, Lourdes shares how she obtained her informal business education, talks about Calgary development trends, and discusses LeftOvers, her non-profit organization that delivers fresh food to people in need. 

Direct download: Episode_34_-_Lourdes_Juan_does_good_for_her_city.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Heather Yourex, BCS'03, is a health reporter for Global News Calgary. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit Heather's UCalgary days, look back on her time spent in Africa documenting the aids pandemic, and talk about health care issues facing Albertans.

Direct download: Episode_33_-_Heather_Yourexs_global_health_perspective.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Paul Fairie, MA’07/PhD’13, is a Political Science instructor at the University of Calgary and a Data Scientist for Centrality Data Science. On this episode of Peer Review, Paul provides insight into the upcoming Alberta Provincial Election, explains proper twitter behaviour, and shares a bit about his interests outside of politics.

 

Direct download: Episode_32_-_Paul_Fairie_surveys_Albertas_political_landscape.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

John Fairbairn, BSc'06, is a former Canadian Olympic skeleton athlete, currently working in the oil and gas industry in Calgary. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit John’s UCalgary days, look back on how he ended up representing Canada at the Sochi 2014 Olympics, and talk about life after competitive sports.

Direct download: Episode_31-_John_Fairbairn_the_brain_behind_the_brain.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Andrew Pearce, BSc’84/MSc’88, is the director of research and development at DreamWorks Animation. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit Andrew’s UCalgary days, talk about how he ended up working on such films as Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Monsters vs. Aliens, and discuss what the future of these types of movies could look like.

Direct download: Episode_30-_California_Dreaming_with_Andrew_Pearce.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Elizabeth Anderson, BA’10, is the author of Being Mentally Healthy (in spite of a mental illness), and received the True Grit Award from the Lt. Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addictions for her contributions to public education, advocacy, and stigma reduction of mental health issues. On this episode of the Peer Review, Elizabeth shares her story about living with schizophrenia and depression, and explains how she has given her illness experience a broader meaning by giving people accurate information and dispelling the myths that are associated with those living with diagnosis. 


Ken Lima-Coelho, BA’94, is the Vice President of Communications at YMCA Calgary, a Heebee-jeebee, a former CBC Radio journalist, and much more. On this episode of Peer Review, Ken shares stories about former schoolmates, Naheed Nenshi, Danielle Smith, and Ezra Levant, talks about the birth of the Heebee-jeebees, and discusses the importance of community engagement. 


Lori Bacon, BComm’81, is the president and owner of Swimco, Western Canada’s leading swimwear retailer. On this episode of Peer Review, Lori revisits Swimco's history, reveals some of her favourite swimwear trends over the past 40 years, and discusses Sports Illustrated’s inclusion of "plus-size” models in their 2015 swimsuit issue. 

Direct download: Episode_27_-_Take_a_dip_with_Lori_Bacon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

While still completing his business degree in Operations Management, Matt Diteljan, BComm’13, was hired as the CEO of Pocket Homes Inc., a tech startup that believes their smart phone application will completely change the way people find their perfect home. When he is not focused on real estate, Matt stays busy by helping spread positive messaging in Canadian high schools through his company, Glacier Communications. On this episode of Peer Review, Matt talks about the importance of mentorship, explains what it’s like to work at a tech startup, and shares stories about being a millennial entrepreneur.


Murray Falk, BEd’68, is a retired high school teacher and a former editor of the Cal-Var student newspaper, the forerunner to the Gauntlet. Starting his degree when the institution was still a branch of the University of Alberta, Murray graduated in 1968 after taking time off to teach. On this episode of the podcast, Murray looks back on early campus events, talks about the university’s autonomy from the University of Alberta, and shares stories from his 34-year teaching career. 

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital


Amanda Hehr, MBA’14, is one of the co-founders of Cru Juice, prior to which she was the VP of business development and marketing at Orpyx Medical Technologies. Encouraged by a friend to complete a masters degree in business, Amanda took a leap of faith and left her career in the field of wearable medical technology to start her own cold-pressed juice company. Now, six months after opening their doors, Cru Cold-Pressed Juice is about to open there third Calgary location. On this episode of Peer Review, Amanda talks about why she left a successful career in medical technology to forge her own path, explains what cold-pressed juice is, and discusses why it’s important for her to give back to the Calgary community. 

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Episode_24_-_Amanda_Hehr_stars_in_50_Shades_of_Green.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Mark Hopkins, BA’05, is the Co-Artistic Director of Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre and the creator of the community building initiative, "We Should Know Each Other". On this episode of Peer Review, Mark revisits his university days, explains his unique community building initiative, and talks about launching Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre.

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Episode_23_-_Get_to_Know_Mark_Hopkins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Evan Bahry, BA’93/MBA’08, is the current executive director of the Independent Power Producers Society of Alberta. On this epiosde of Peer Review, as a sneak peak of Shulich Engineering's 2015 Distinguished Speakers Panel event that will focus on Electrical Power in Alberta, Evan shares his views on the biggest issues facing Alberta's electrical market.

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Episode_22_-_An_enlightening_conversation_with_Evan_Bahry.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Kate Thompson, MArch’02, is the Director of Development at Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, and a former sessional instructor at the University of Calgary. On this episode of Peer Review, Kate tells me why she thinks the New Central Library will be better than the The Bow, discusses the hurdles faced when redeveloping a downtrodden area of a city, and talks about the future of urban development in Calgary.

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital


Nick Blitterswyk, BSc’04, is the CEO of Urban Green Energy in New York, prior to which he was an actuary for JPMorgan Chase. On this episode of the podcast, Nick looks back at his time at the University of Calgary, talks about launching Urban Green Energy, and explains what they are doing to help with environmental issues.

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Episode_20_-_Nick_Blitterswyk_Goes_Green.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

Andrew Phung, MA’06, is a senior performer at Loose Moose Theatre Company, and the director of special projects at Youth Central. Recently voted “best local actor” and “best local comedian” by FFWD Weekly, Andrew has been busy filming his two television shows, Let’s Talk English and Cowtown Sketch. On this episode of Peer Review, we talk about Andrew’s connection to the North East quadrant of Calgary, explore the world of sneaker collecting, and talk about why it’s important to fail. 

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Episode_19_-_Andrew_Phung_never_stops_improving.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

#18: Todd Hirsch helps make sense of economics

Todd Hirsch, MA’92, is the Chief Economist at ATB Financial, a regular columnist for the Globe and Mail, and a member of UCalgary's Board of Governors. On this episode of Peer Review, Todd looks back at the evolution of economics over the past two decades, reveals what changes he would make to the city of Calgary, and addresses the biggest challenges facing Alberta’s economy.

 

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital

Direct download: Peer_Review_-_Episode_18_-_Todd_Hirsch_helps_make_sense_of_economics.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

#17: Dallas Flexhaug stays one step ahead of the lava

Dallas Flexhaug, BA’04, has been a journalist with Global News since 2005, and currently co-anchors the Noon News Hour in Calgary. On this episode of the podcast, we look back at Dallas’ journey from university graduate to established news anchor, explore the shifting landscape of broadcasting, and talk about some of her favourite news stories from the past few years.

ucalgary.ca/alumni/digital


#16: Chad Saunders, champion of community building radio

Chad Saunders, BA’96, has been a part of CJSW radio for a quarter-century. Starting as a volunteer in 1990, Chad eventually managed the station from 2000 to 2012. Even now, as Manager, Operations and Special Projects at the National Music Centre, Chad still hosts his popular Friday program, My Allergy to the Fans. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit Chad’s student volunteer days, explore CJSW’s colourful history, and discuss the importance of community radio in the digital age.


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