A collaborative project between IDEA START and The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, the IDEA START Podcast amplifies voices from across disciplines and corners of campus.

Hosted by Rajeev Koyal of IDEA START and Janine Carmichael of The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, each episode dives deep into the stories and ideas that demonstrate UM’s innovative spirit and meaningful support.

“We created this podcast to celebrate and connect with the many people across campus who are reimagining what is possible,” says Koyal. “It’s also a space to learn from each other and to make the work of innovation more visible.”

Highlights from Season One:

• UM President Dr. Michael Benarroch shares his vision for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial learning at UM.
• The 100^Th UMSU President Divya Sharma and UMSU General Manager Thomas Blumer introduce UMSU Ventures – a new space to help student entrepreneurs bring their venture to life on campus.
• Debra Jonasson-Young, Director of the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, outlines key supports for students of all disciplines.
• Dr. Brenda Stoesz, who leads the Science of Teaching and Learning Team shares how Virtual Reality is being used to reimagine faculty development.
• Dr. Loren Oschipok, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation Office Director dives into strategies for protecting and advancing intellectual property.

With episodes running approximately 30 minutes, the podcast is designed for busy students, faculty, staff, and alumni who want to stay inspired and connected.

Where to Listen

The IDEA START Podcast is available on all major platforms: Listen or watch on YouTube, Yuja, or listen on Spotify. New episodes drop monthly during the academic year.

“Whether you’re launching a venture, integrating creativity into your teaching, or just curious about how innovation shows up and is supported at UM, there’s something in these stories for you,” says Carmichael.

To listen or learn more, visit IDEA START Podcast.

Do you have guest suggestions for Season 2? Reach out to Rajeev Koyal or Janine Carmichael.

If you have heard President Michael Benarroch speak at an event, then you’ve heard him mention his podcast, What’s the Big Idea? In it, he showcases some of UM’s big thinkers and highlights the impact of their groundbreaking research. He loves doing it—and the feedback has been excellent.

Amanda Lang [BES/91] sits down with President Benarroch to record a podcast episode in front of a live audience

To vote, visit the Finalist page, enter your email, and select any podcasts you know and love from the categories. If you haven’t listened to podcasts in the other categories, not to worry—you can still vote for What’s the Big Idea? Scroll down to the Most Creative Branded Podcast category, and you’ll see us there.

And if you haven’t listened to any episodes yet, check out our catalogue—or find us on Spotify—and pick something that interests you. We have so much to be proud of at UM!

What’s the Big Idea? is in its third season. The season’s final episode, featuring incoming Chancellor, Dave Angus, will be released on May 14. Season four will launch this fall.

In 2024, UM’s podcast won the bronze Circle of Excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for Podcasts (Occasional), and the gold Prix d’Excellence from the Canadian Council Advancement of Education (CCAE) for Best Podcast. And now, with your votes, we can win a Quill award too.