UWaterloo Alumni Podcasts
Get to know other Waterloo alumni through our podcast shows. UWaterloo Alumni Podcasts present personal stories and professional expertise from grads — all told in their own words.
Learn more about our shows!
Uncharted
On Uncharted, alumni open up about their career journeys to share the unexpected turns, challenges and achievements they’ve experienced.
Dreaming in colour feat. Stephanie Boutari (BAS ’11, MArch ’14)
October 07, 2024
Stephanie Boutari (BAS ’11, MArch ’14) blends her passion for painting with architectural knowledge to create vibrant murals. But this career path wasn't a natural step for the UWaterloo architecture alum. In this episode, Stephanie shares her story of taking a brave leap into the world of art. We also discuss her meticulous design process and the landscape of career possibilities for artists.
Living a happier life feat. Brian Orend (BA ’94)
September 16, 2024
In a deeply personal conversation, Brian Orend (BA ’94) opens up about his frustrating journey of medical misdiagnosis after having his first seizure at age 30. Brian's anger motivated him to research happiness and share his findings in a book, which offers practical tips for a more positive life. As a philosophy professor at the University of Waterloo, he's now teaching a course on happiness.
Juggling dual careers feat. Alice Chu (BA ’18)
June 17, 2024
After completing her co-op terms at the University of Waterloo, Alice Chu (BA ’18) felt a corporate career was no longer the right fit for her. On this episode of Uncharted, she shares her journey from the Honours Arts and Business program to a thriving career in the food industry, then pursuing a second career in law.
Where does the garbage go? Feat. Michelle Li (BSc ’05)
May 13, 2024
Michelle Li (BSc ’05) is the founder of Clever Carbon, a playful educational website with the goal of increasing carbon literacy amongst consumers. On the podcast, Michelle shares how her dream of studying optometry brought her to the University of Waterloo, an interest in business drew her to Silicon Valley and a side project to make a user-friendly carbon footprint quiz grew to a successful career in sustainability.
Entrepreneurship is within reach feat. Ahmed Mezil (BASc ’14)
April 22, 2024
What you choose to study can sometimes end up different from your career path. Listen to Ahmed Mezil (BAS '14) as he recounts his experience from UWaterloo engineering student to CEO of the cleaning company, Hellamaid.
Finding Indigenous community feat. Robin Stadelbaur (BA '12)
September 19, 2023
Follow Robin Stadelbauer (BA '12) as she recounts her journey as a student and then as a staff member at UWaterloo while exploring her relationship with her Indigenous culture and it's influence on her life.
Your skills are transferrable feat. Monika Snowdon (PhD '21)
July 25, 2023
Nano-scientist, Monika Snowdon (PhD '21), helps break down how one type of experience or knowledge can transfer to a different area. Hear her answer how your various experiences connect, her career story so far and more.
I don't want to be quiet feat. Sam Spizzirri (BA '19)
July 06, 2023
Sam Spizzirri (BA '19) entered Waterloo's Sexuality, Marriage and Family program looking to prepare for a career in family law. But instead Sam found a supportive community where they could truly be themselves. They join the podcast to talk about how local communities have supported them, and why they pursued a career where they could offer support back.
Re-release: Reconciliation and Canada's legal system
June 13, 2023
Originally recorded in May 2021, Brad Regehr (BA '93) shares how he reconnected with his identity and culture, and what the future holds for Indigenous rights in Canada. Brad is a member of the Peter Bellantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. A grandchild of a residential school survivor, and a survivor himself of the Sixties Scoop, he's worked in Indigenous law for more than 20 years. In fall 2020, he was named president of the Canadian Bar Association—the first Indigenous president in the organization's 124-year history.
Startups are hard feat. David Kennedy (BMath '02)
April 25, 2023
In 2008, David Kennedy (BMath '02) and his co-founders launched a website where users could create comic strips about themselves and their friends. This grew into what we know today as Bitmoji - emoji that look like you, and represent your emotions in a more authentic way than a yellow happy face can. Hear his career journey and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in this episode.
Say yes feat. Arda Öcal (BMath '05)
March 21, 2023
How did Arda find his way to ESPN? Mostly, by saying yes. Over the years, he said yes to any opportunity, gaining new skills and experience along the way. With each "yes," Arda stepped into a new challenge. And now, he says his job is a dream come true. He joins the podcast to talk about his many jobs in broadcasting, offer advice to those who want to break in, and explain how a math degree prepared him for sports media.
Research experience, extracurricaulars and UX feat. Michael Cao (BSc '15, MSc '18)
February 07, 2023
Michael Cao came to Waterloo's Kinesiology program thinking that he might become a doctor or physiotherapist. Today, Michael is a UX researcher and leader, whose work plays a vital role in how I -- and thousands of other fans -- get the latest news about our favourite teams and players. Michael joins the podcast to talk about that role, how he got here, and how his Kin background makes him better at his job.
Inclusive language and sustainability feat. Tracelyn Corneliys (MEB '21, PhD in progress)
January 10, 2023
During her time as a communications officer for an Indigenous school board in Manitoba, Tracelyn Cornelius (MEB '21, PhD in progress) witnessed the devastating effects of what happens when business and environmental concerns aren’t aligned. These instances inspired her to pivot her career into exploring the relationship of business, sustainability and inclusivity. Tracelyn joins the podcast to discuss the importance of inclusive language in communications and explore the intersection of sustainability and equality.
Go with the flow feat. Dan Micak (BA '06)
October 04, 2022
Dan Micak (BA ’06) came to Waterloo with dreams of becoming a sports journalist. How did he end up working in corporate law? He answers that question, and offers advice to aspiring lawyers and anyone who studied the humanities.
Supporting today's parents feat. Swati Matta (BCS '10)
September 20, 2022
When Swati Matta (BCS '10) came to Waterloo to study bioinformatics, and knew that she wanted to work in health care. She also wanted to start a company someday. Born out of her expertise in digital health and her frustrating experience with pre-natal research, Koble is a platform for expecting and new parents, offering vital services and credible information. Swati joins the podcast to talk about each step in her career journey, and her future hopes for family health care.
From co-op student to VP feat. Jeff LeJeune (BMath '96)
August 22, 2022
Jeff LeJeune studied Computer Science at Waterloo, and got his first full-time job through a co-op term. He's been working in the Canadian tech sector ever since. Today, he's the VP of Engineering at Magnet Forensics, where he leads a team building software to help investigate cyberattacks and digital crime. Jeff joins the podcast to walk us through his career journey, offer advice for aspiring managers, and explain the influence co-op students have at Magnet Forensics.
The future of work is human feat. Brigette Lau (BASc '99)
July 13, 2022
Brigette Lau (BASc '99) is a mother, poker player and co-founder of venture capital firm Firework Ventures. But she didn't set out to become a startup investor. Her story begins as the daughter of hardworking immigrants who chose Waterloo's computer engineering programs because she knew it would get here a job. Brigette joins the podcast to walk us through her career and share her hopes for the future workforce.
Growth, uncertainty and graduation feat. Ola Idris (BA '22) and Safyya Cissé (BSc '22)
June 21, 2022
Despite working for it for years, graduation can feel unexpected. It's the end of an era, the beginning of a new one — a big, surreal transition. No one knows this better than Ola Idris (BA '22) and Safyya Cissé (BSc '22). Members of Waterloo's Class of 2022, they joined the podcast to look back on their time as students, share the advice they'd give to their younger selves, and discuss that surreal feeling of being a new grad.
Going pro feat. Lisa Bentley (BMath '92)
February 06, 2022
Lisa Bentley (BMath '92) is an 11-time IRONMAN champion and has represented Canada on multiple national teams. She also has cystic fibrosis, an often-fatal genetic lung disease that she now considers a super power. After retiring from sport, she employed that superpower in a new way: as an author and motivational speaker.
From biochemistry to cultural design feat. Chris Wilson (BSc '21)
January 25, 2022
We often think about growth as an additive process, and it is. We take new roles to build new skills, learn new knowledge. But there's a crucial step that we forget -- letting go. In order to add, we need to make space.Chris Wilson knows this process well. Chris joins the podcast to talk about each step in his career, his work in cultural design, and what happened with that degree.
A watershed moment feat. Rahim Thawer (BA '08)
December 07, 2021
Can you point to an experience that defined your career path? For Rahim Thawer, it was an elective course — SMF 208, taught at St Jerome's. It's a Sexuality, Marriage and Family course that dives into therapies and systemic oppression. For Rahim, this was a defining moment in his education, and set him on a career path in social work. In this episode, we talk about that fateful SMF class, the St. Jerome's community and how Rahim's involvement with Glow changed his life.
Blockchain, music and turning down job offers feat. Calvin Chan (BCS '19) and Matt Reyes (BMath '19)
November 16, 2021
Two years ago, Matt Reyes (BMath '19) found himself with a tough decision. His friends Calvin and Anthony were forgoing full-time job offers to start a software consultancy business—and they wanted Matt to join.Matt also turned down a job offer and today the three are co-founders at Hypotenuse Labs, where they build AI and blockchain products for startups.Matt and his co-founder Calvin Chan (BCS '19) join the podcast to talk about why they made that decision and how they built a client base. Plus, Calvin shared some of the most exciting projects they're working on today.
Professional moves and personal revelations feat. Nel Wieman (BSc '88, MSc '91)
September 14, 2021
Our careers don't exist in a vacuum — they're an integral part of our personal development. Nel Wieman's (BSc '88, MSc '91) career journey is an amazing example of that fact.She began at Waterloo as a kinesiology student, fascinated with biomechanics. Then, she became Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist. And today, she's a public health official at the First Nations Health Authority in British Colombia. Nel joins the podcast to tell her career story and share the personal revelations she uncovered with each new step.
Writer with a capital "W" feat. Nadia Hohn (BA '01)
August 09, 2021
Finding the right career path can be hard, even when it's sitting in front of your face. Nadia Hohn (BA '01) is the author behind seven books for children. But until this year, she never believed that she could make a career in writing. In fact, she spent years feeling unsure of her career choices and searching for a new path. All the while, she was a passionate writer… but only in her free time. Nadia joins the podcast to share how she eventually took the plunge into a writing career, and how it fits into her work as an advocate for diversity.
Reconciliation and the legal system with Brad Regehr (BA '93)
July 12, 2021
Brad Regehr (BA '93) was working at the Turnkey Desk when a friend stopped by holding an LSAT study guide. That's the first time he considered becoming a lawyer. A grandchild of a residential school survivor, and a survivor himself of the Sixties Scoop, Brad has now worked in Indigenous law for more than 20 years. In fall 2020, he was named president of the Canadian Bar Association -- the first Indigenous president in the organization's 124-year history.Brad speaks with Abby Ollila, a current history student at Waterloo. They talk about how he reconnected with his identity and culture as a student, and what the future holds for Indigenous rights in Canada.
The unlikely co-founders feat. Sefunmi Osinaike (BASc '17) & Helen Huang (BSc '17)
June 07, 2021
As a Waterloo alumnus, you've probably heard a lot of entrepreneurial stories. But I promise, Sefunmi and Helen's will stand out.Sefunmi Osinaike (BASc '17) knew he wanted to start a company; he even did an entrepreneurship co-op term as a student. He also knew that he wanted his friend Helen Huang (BSc '17) to be a co-founder. Helen was not on the same page. Entrepreneurship just wasn’t on her radar. But today, they're the co-founders of Co.Lab, where they help people of all backgrounds succeed in the tech industry.
Hustle feat. Marc Lafleur (BSc '14)
March 09, 2020
There’s a word everyone uses when they talk about a great entrepreneur. The thing that helps them pull through the long days, the rejection and self-doubt. The thing that keeps them going when others might give up.That word is “hustle,” and for Marc Lafleur, it’s a way of life. Marc joins us in studio to share how he made the leap from hustling for a company to hustling for himself. He gives advice you can use to build your dream career, no matter what it is.
Resilience feat. Landon Jennings (BA ’17, MA ’19)
March 09, 2020
What does meaningful work look like to you? Do you remember the moment you found your sense of purpose? Landon Jennings dedicated herself to a career serving others after she went through a really hard time in her life. Landon had to figure out how to cope with the trauma and rebuild her life. It took time and resilience, but today, her experience motivates her to help others through her work as a fundraiser and community builder. She works at St. Paul’s University College at Waterloo, and she’s with me today to talk about her journey.
Community feat. Laura Galbraith (BES '08)
March 09, 2020
Laura Galbraith has one of those jobs that tells you the world of work is changing. Laura is the Community Engagement Program Manager at Vidyard, a video platform for business that’s based in Kitchener, Ontario. In my conversation with Laura, we’ll hear about the rewards of serving others, the projects that Laura’s leading in the Waterloo tech community, and the ways that companies are changing how they think about giving back.
Creativity feat. Ajoa Mintah (BASc '01)
March 09, 2020
Ajoa Mintah has always been a maker. The founder of Four All Ice Cream spends her days whipping up treats to evoke childhood memories and delight the most discerning foodies. Today, Ajoa takes us on her journey from engineer to entrepreneur. We’ll talk about the need to be creative, and how sometimes, doing the safe thing can actually help you build your dream career.
Alumni Know
Alumni Know features alumni experts, who join to share knowledge and advice about current topics that could affect your daily life.
The future of finance feat. Ben Janetos (BA '08)
December 05, 2023
Think back to when you got your first bank account. What year was it? How did you deposit cheques, pay for items or check your balance? I bet a lot has changed since then. Ben Janetos joins the podcast to talk about the latest updates in FinTech and what the future might hold.
What's the deal with taxes? feaqt. Andrew Bauer (BA '03, MAcc '03, PhD '12)
November 21, 2023
If income taxes seem like a mysterious government equation, this episode is for you. Andrew Bauer is a Canada Research Chair in Taxation, Governance and Risk. He joins the podcast to tell us why we need to file our income taxes, the factors that could reduce the money you owe, and why you might not want a refund.
How to build your money mindset feat. Lianne Hannaway (BMath '02, MAcc '02)
November 07, 2023
How can you improve your relationship with money and build good habits? Lianne Hannaway joins the podcast to explore the personal side of money and offer insights that will help you parse through your relationship with your finances.
How to make a budget feat. Michelle Hung (BMath '08)
October 24, 2023
Life can be expensive. Between rent, debt payments, savings and personal expenses — it can be hard to keep track of what's going in and out of your bank account each month. If money feels overwhelming, don't worry! Michelle Hung joins the podcast to break down all the components of a budget, so you can create a monthly practice that works for your needs today and in the future.
Building community with the African Alumni Association
August 06, 2023
In this episode, we speak with alumni Thoko Phiri (PhD '18) and Margaret Mutumba (PhD '23) both came to Waterloo as international graduate students in the Health Faculty. After graduation, they stayed connected with a large group of African students and alumni, finding and providing support within that community. They join the podcast to share how the association got started, what supports are available, and how you can get involved.
How to make real estate sustainable
January 24, 2023
When we think about sustainability, our minds often turn to oil and gas consumption. But Kris Kolenc (BES ’16) explains that there’s more to it. An ESG professional specializing in real estate, he explains the challenges and opportunities that lie in the spaces where we live and work.
How to plan a holiday feast
December 13, 2022
The holidays can come with a lot of excitement, but also a lot of pressure. If you're hosting friends or family in the coming weeks, you know there are a lot of moving pieces that come with holiday feasts and food. Elizabeth Kerr, a Waterloo alum and chef, joined Alumni Know to share advice on the topic. Watch the video for tips to make your holiday food more special and less stressful.
Why does giving feel good?
November 21, 2022
According to science, giving really does make us feel good. Today, I'm joined by Sara Konrath, Associate Professor at Indiana University, who researches the science of empathy and generosity. Sara will explain how giving makes us happy — and how it brings a bunch of other benefits. Plus, she's got some tips to help you get (and give) the most this season.
Career Perspectives: Working with seniors
November 02, 2023
Today, we're listening in on a conversation between two alumni who know a lot about working with seniors. Tiffany Moraes is a Therapeutic Recreation grad who has worked in senior living for 12 years. And Rebekah Churchyard, a grad in Social Development Studies, works in home and community care support services. Tiffany and Rebekah discuss how they ended up in this field, the challenges that come with it, and why they love working with seniors. Keep listening.
How do we know public policies worked? feat. Andres Arcila (PhD '20)
September 06, 2022
Today, public agencies are under pressure to collect and interpret data that reveals exactly what happened when a policy was implemented. Andres Arcila joins to explain how this is changing public policy, and help us understand the truth behind public data.
Remember when: Burning the dog
May 11, 2022
If you were a Waterloo student in 1968, you might remember an event that drove the media and police to campus in throngs. To show the violence and devastation napalm leaves in its wake, student protestors planned something drastic. They sourced their own napalm, and promised to burn a dog. In a special episode of the Waterloo alumni podcast, you’ll hear from four alumni celebrating milestone anniversaries of their graduation, sharing what it was like as a student from 1967 to 1972.
Are fees killing your finances? feat. Alexandra Horwood (BA '10)
April 26, 2022
If there’s one thing Alexandra Horwood (BA ’10) doesn’t like, it’s the f-word: fees. She explains why she doesn’t like this word, and offers advice for those who aren’t sure whether they need a financial advisor or a do-it-yourself platform.
The benefits of a learning mindset feat. Judene Pretti (BMath '97, MMSc '09, PhD '19)
April 05, 2022
Learning opportunities can offer new ways to advance your career, new skills to improve your life, and a new understanding of the world. To gain all these things, it helps to have a life-long learning mindset. Discussing this topic is Judene Pretti, a senior advisor in the Work-Learn Institute, the research unit that pulls insights from Waterloo's co-op programs. She'll share insights from a study that followed students before and after graduation, and the benefits they found by embracing life-long learning.
What employees want feat. Anne Fannon (MA '03)
March 01, 2022
In this episode, we explore employee desires with Anne Fannon, director at the Work-Learn Institute, a research unite that pulls insights from Waterloo's world-renowned co-op programs. She'll give us some valuable information about what the youngest workers want from their careers, and what tomorrow's most successful employers will provide them.
Is news entertainment? feat. Arjun Moorthy (BASc '99)
December 07, 2021
Arjun Moorthy is the founder of The Factual, an AI-powered news platform that provides readers with credible perspectives on today’s trending stories. He joins the show to explain the role of sensationalism in the media and how The Factual’s platform works.
How to write a novel feat. Carolyn Mills (BA '00)
October 26, 2021
Carolyn Mills (BA '00) spends her days in the classroom, teaching grade seven students. But she's also an award-winning writer and author of two books. Her picture book, The Little Boy Who Lived Down the Drain, was published in 2017. And as of March 2021, you can find her debut novel, The Good Son, on library and store bookshelves.
How to disagree with others feat. Liane Davey (MASc '95, PhD '99)
September 28, 2021
You've probably seen it in the headlines before: we are more polarized than ever. Politics, the climate, the shape of the Earth — people are disagreeing about all of it, and that can take a real toll on our everyday lives, at work and home.So, how do we deal with all these polarizing beliefs? For that, we're turning to Liane Davey (MASc '95, PhD '99). Known as the "teamwork doctor," she's advised hundreds of teams on how to work together effectively. And her newest book, The Good Fight, is all about conflict. Watch the video to hear her advice on how we can disagree with others in a more productive way.
Event Broadcasts
Did you know that we host alumni events all over the world? Event Broadcasts brings those events — including lectures and expert panels — to your earbuds.
The quest for happiness
May 29, 2024
In May, the University of Waterloo launched a new alumni chapter in Ottawa. As part of the event, alumni from the Ottawa region joined an expert panel to discuss how they balance competing priorities, challenge negative thoughts and build community in life and at work.
The Mistakes That Made Us
May 17, 2023
Everyone makes mistakes, but most of us don't like to talk about them. In this episode, you'll get to hear three Waterloo grads share the unexpected obstacles and lessons learned in their careers so far. Hear the discussion between startup founder Ian MacKinnon (BMath '06, MMath '08), life leadership coach Gloria Eid (BA '11) and Moderator Matt Manuel (BASc '93), principal PM manager at Microsoft
Intentional leadership for the future
March 07, 2023
Rose Patten is the Special Advisor to the CEO of BMO Financial Group and Chancellor of the University of Toronto, and just last week she joined the UWaterloo community to discuss her new book, Intentional Leadership: The Big 8 Capabilities Setting Leaders Apart. In today's episode, you'll hear that discussion with UWaterloo President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel, where Rose revealed why Leadership needs to be intentional and the top skills required for success.
Job Search Club
February 22, 2023
If you're an international student or new grad, this episode is for you.
Job Search Club is a new program for international visa students at UWaterloo. Every week, students gather for online sessions that will help them prepare for their post-graduation job search. In today's episode, you get to be a fly on the wall in one of these sessions, where four international alumni share their experience starting a career in Canada. Together, they cover a lot of topics, including work permits, interview tips and cultural differences in Canadian workplaces.
Data is beautiful
October 18, 2022
In the Data + event series, alumni join a group of Waterloo experts to explore the power and responsibility that comes with data. This episode is a recording from the latest event in the series, Data + The Arts. Hosted by Craig Kaplan, Associate Professor in the Cheriton School of Computer Science, the event featured a panel of artists who use data in their practices. They discuss different ways that artists can use data, how the meaning behind data might informs their art and more.
The hopes and fears of health data
August 09, 2022
n the Data + event series, alumni join a group of Waterloo experts to explore this topic. This episode is a recording from the second event in the series, Data + Health. You'll hear a panel of alumni and faculty members discuss how data has changed health care. What have we learned so far, and how could data assist in making health a human right around the world?
The power of climate data
July 26, 2022
In the Data + event series, alumni join a group of Waterloo experts to explore the power and responsibility that comes with data. This episode is a recording from the first event in the series, Data + Climate. Hosted by Chris Fletcher, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Environment, the event featured a panel of alumni who use data to explore climate issues and create solutions. They discuss the evidence that our climate is changing, and how we know humans are responsible. Plus, they suggest solutions to reduce emissions.
Talking Trust with the Right Honourable David Johnston
May 24, 2022
Earlier this month, the University of Waterloo was visited by an old friend: The Right Honourable David Johnston, former President of UWaterloo and former Governor General of Canada. David joined current President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel to speak about trust in our nation, the topic of his 2018 book. They discuss the deterioration of trust that David observed even before the pandemic, how we can re-build trust in Canada, and the role that the local community can play.
Insights on our 5G future
October 12, 2021
Three experts share their knowledge on 5G technology, the new opportunities it brings, and the risks it uncovers. This bonus episode is a recording from our recent alumni event, "Humans and Interconnectivity."