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. 

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. 

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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. 

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

Lori Andrews, BFA’92, is a self-employed interior designer and photographer. Also known as “the 10 cent designer,” Lori has mastered the art of social media, developing a strong global following. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit Lori’s UCalgary experience, explore the pros and cons of social media, and discuss many different aspects of interior design.

Eric Termuende, BComm’14, is a director with Gen Y Inc., a Canadian startup company specializing in intergenerational dynamics and emerging talent. On this episode of Peer Review, we discuss Eric’s involvement with Gen Y Inc., explore millennial employment habits, and revisit how he traveled across Europe using only energy drinks as currency.

Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk, BEd/BA’97, is a professional golfer; currently ranked third in the world for women’s long drive. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit Lisa’s unconventional journey into professional golf, talk about how she developed her powerful swing, and discover what it's like to work with some of the world’s top golf professionals.

Patrick Finn, MFA’09, is an associate professor in the School for Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Calgary. On this episode of Peer Review, we explore Patrick’s work as a drama professor, tackle some of the biggest issues facing today’s post-secondary education system, and Patrick explains open source thought and his problem with critical thinking.

Matt Masters, BA’02, is a country and western singer who plays world and Canadian music Alberta style. On this episode of the podcast we explore Matt’s early days as a student and budding musician, talk about the challenges of being an independent artist, and Matt clears up a lot of misconceptions I had about the country and western music genre.  

Aviv Fried, BSc’04 and MEng’09, is the owner of Sidewalk Citizen Bakery in Calgary, Alberta. On this episode of Peer Review we revisit Aviv’s UCalgary experience as an international student, discuss his transformation from scientist to baker, and Aviv reveals the secrets to making the most delicious loaf of sour dough bread.  

Reed Ferber, B.PE’93, is an associate professor in kinesiology and nursing at UCalgary, as well as the chief scientific officer and director at Calgary Running Injury Clinic. On this episode of Peer Review we revisit Reed’s stint in professional basketball, talk about how he ended up at the forefront of running research, and Reed offers helpful injury preventing running tips.  

Theanna Bischoff, BA’06, is a registered psychologist and the author of two novels, "Cleavage" and “Swallow". On this episode of Peer Review we discuss the publishing process, why her books tackle challenging subjects, and Theanna explains why she prefers not to mix her psychology career with her writing.

Matt Embry, BA’99, started making movies when he was eight years old. Armed with remarkable hustle and ambition, Embry has gone on to experience the film industry on both sides of the camera. Now, as president of Spotlight Productions, Embry has helped produce and direct several Calgary focused documentaries and programs that have aided in telling the story of the city he loves. On this episode of Peer Review, we talk about the importance of receiving an all encompassing university experience, the importance of developing a strong hustle, and review some of the great cinematic masterpieces shot in Calgary.

Vicki Stroich, BFA’99, has been a part of Alberta Theatre Projects for nearly 15 years. After starting as a student intern, Vicki went on to contribute to the company’s artistic and organizational success for 12 years before being named ATP’s Executive Director in 2013. Known not only in the local theatre community, Stroich has had an impact globally as former president of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. On this episode of Peer Review, we revisit Vicki’s university days as a drama major, talk about the theatre production cycle, and discuss two plays in ATP’s current lineup that will get anyone hooked on theatre.

Maurice Yacowar, BA’62, completed his degree when the University of Calgary was still UAC, a branch of the University of Alberta. Known as the controversial first editor of the Gauntlet, the university’s student newspaper, Maurice went on to a successful career in academia as a film professor, and as a dean at Brock University, Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and at the University of Calgary. On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Maurice’s controversial Gauntlet days, his role in creating the country’s first film studies program, and why the Sopranos is the greatest television show of all time. 

Kali Taylor, BComm’10, firmly understands the important role today’s youth will have in shaping tomorrow’s energy industry. As the executive director of Student Energy, a global non-profit that is creating a movement of young leaders committed to transitioning the world to a sustainable energy future, Kali has become a global powerhouse. On this episode of Peer Review, we discuss the importance of youth leadership, life as a “hippie in a suit,” and new sustainable energy trends.

Alyssa Tilston, BComm’12, launched The Sugar Cube, Calgary’s mobile candy store, in March 2013. When she is not selling sweets on the streets, she works as a Marketing Manager at Sure Systems Ltd. On this episode of the podcast, we discuss her undergraduate experience at UCalgary, how to successfully use social media to grow a small business, and debate whether or not chips should be considered candy.

On this first episode we catch up with former astronaut and UCalgary’s new chancellor, Robert Thirsk, BSc’76, LLD’09 as he discusses growing up in Calgary as a provincial wrestling champion, his favourite music for space travel, and what it means to be UCalgary’s 13th chancellor.

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