From Here Forward

In our final episode of 2025, hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha connect with Dr. Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBC's Okanagan campus, for a conversation about UBC Okanagan’s 20th anniversary. They discuss the extraordinary growth the campus has seen over the past two decades, and talk about the important connections that have been made between the institution and the region it calls home.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Contact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here Forwardalumni UBCUBC OkanaganDr. Lesley CormackPodium Podcast Company (00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - Reflections on five years at UBCO (04:11) - Research highlights (06:16) - How the geography shapes campus life (08:15) - Key milestones in UBCO’s 20-year history (10:48) - Growing pains of a rapidly expanding campus (11:55) - UBCO’s Future goals (13:29) - Where to decompress on campus (14:01) - UBCO through the five senses (18:40) - The Unique Joy of a Small Campus (20:03) - Outro

Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide statistics.Men’s mental health is getting more attention these days—yet many still struggle to ask for help. Why? For Movember, hosts Carol and Jeevan dive into this issue with Dr. John Oliffe. This UBC professor and founder of the Men’s Health Research program shares insights into the moments that hit men the hardest, why so many avoid seeking support, and what can truly help men open up. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and in Canada, call or text the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. If you’re at immediate risk, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Contact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardPodium Podcast CompanyUBC Men’s Health Research ProgramDr. John OliffeHeads Up GuysNext Gen Men

In this episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol and Jeevan sit down with award-winning journalist, author, and UBC School of Journalism, Writing, and Media Director Kamal Al-Solaylee to examine the state of modern media. From the role of journalism in democracy, to AI, citizen reporting, and the rise of disinformation, Kamal offers candid insights into how the industry is changing—and how journalism schools are preparing the next generation. They also explore the tension between free press and financial pressures, diversity in newsrooms, and why media literacy matters more than ever in a world of information overload.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Contact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardPodium Podcast CompanyUBC School of Journalism, Writing and Media (JWAM)Kamal Al-SolayleeIntolerable: A Memoir of ExtremesBrown: What Being Brown in the World Today Means (to Everyone)Return: Why We Go Back to Where We Came FromThe Guardian (00:00) - Intro (00:53) - Who is Kamal Al-Solaylee? (01:17) - Media’s Role in a Healthy Democracy (02:41) - What Is a Free Press Today? (06:40) - When a Free Press Is Compromised (08:11) - Citizen Journalism & Labels (13:29) - Rebuilding Trust & Newsroom Diversity (16:41) - Training Journalists, Careers & the Gig Economy (20:16) - Propaganda vs. Disinformation & Media Literacy (27:31) - Most-Trusted Newspaper (29:10) - Host Reflections (30:31) - Closing & Credits

In this special UBC Homecoming episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol and Jeevan return to the Vancouver campus to visit some of their favourite spots and reflect on how the campus has evolved since they graduated. Along the way, they stop by the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the “Building Magic” party at Homecoming on September 20. They also talk with Matthew Roddis and Joanne Proft (MA[Planning]'97, MLArch'00) from UBC Campus & Community Planning to explore the transformation of campus life and the bold ideas shaping its future through Campus Vision 2050.LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEContact CarolContact JeevanPodium Podcast CompanyUBC HOMECOMINGLearn more about UBC HomecomingInteractive map: How much has UBC Vancouver changed in the past decade?CAMPUS RESOURCESRobert H. Lee Alumni CentreUBC Campus & Community PlanningCampus Vision 2050 (00:00) - Intro: September, Homecoming, and Thunderbird Memories (01:48) - Nostalgia Hits at the AMS Nest & Blue Chip Café (03:04) - Visiting the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (03:56) - Playing with the Interactive Alumni Wall (05:30) - Chatting with Alumni (06:49) - Off to the Rose Garden: A Favorite Alumni Spot (09:39) - Intro to Campus & Community Planning Segment (10:34) - What Campus & Community Planning Actually Does (12:25) - UBC Planning Wins: Main Mall, Housing, & Sustainability (14:35) - The Alumni Centre as a Landmark and Beacon (16:47) - Campus Vision 2050: Personal Favorites from the Pillars (21:18) - What Makes UBC Planning Unique (23:18) - Timelines: From Planning to Completion (25:26) - What Reaction Do Planners Hope Alumni Will Have? (27:47) - Outro

We all know we should be returning our bottles, cans, and drink containers to a recycling depot. For many people, however, a 10-cent return just isn’t enough to motivate action. But what if you had a random chance at a much higher payout? In this episode, Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Jiaying Zhao, associate professor in the UBC Department of Psychology and the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability, and Jade Radke, a PhD student in UBC’s Behavioral Sustainability Lab about an innovative solution that uses psychology and gamification to encourage recycling.LINKSContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardPodium Podcast CompanyADDITIONAL LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEProfessor Jiaying Zhao (JZ)Jade RadkeReturn-It BC ProgramProspect Theory (Kahneman & Tversky)

With drink spiking an ever-pervasive concern, how can we make nightlife safer for everyone? Thanks to UBC researchers, there’s now a stir stick that anyone can use to detect drugs like GHB and ketamine in their drinks. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan hear all about this innovative new tool — Spikeless — from Dr. Johan Foster, UBC Chemical and Biological Engineering Associate Professor, and Sasha Santos, an educator with UBC’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office. Listen to this comprehensive discussion to learn more about bridging the gap between scientific solutions and everyday practicalities, the need to avoid placing responsibilities on the vulnerable, and their hopes that all beverage-serving venues will join the effort.LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardDr. Johan Foster Learn more about Spikeless

What do a Star Wars “making of” documentary, a UBC Film Society membership, and late nights at the Norm Theatre have in common? For UBC alum Greg Ng (BA’05), they sparked a passion for film editing that’s turned into a fascinating career — one that’s enabled him to work on some of the biggest Hollywood horror films of recent years. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan sit down with the award-winning film editor to trace his journey into the industry. From his work on chilling features like Longlegs and The Monkey to his shaping of compelling documentaries (The Grizzlie Truth, Saints and Warriors) and acclaimed TV series (Allegiance, Bones of Crows), Greg shares insights on storytelling through editing — and why the editor’s role is one of the most powerful, yet invisible, in any production.LINKSContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardGUEST & WORKGreg NgThe MonkeyLonglegsUBC Film Production Program (00:00) - Introduction (01:42) - – What Is Film Editing? (03:18) - – Early Inspirations and Star Wars Influence (05:29) - – How Greg’s Portfolio Expanded (07:26) - – How Genre Affects the Editing Process (09:32) - – Awards, Recognition, and Teamwork in Editing (11:46) - – Creative Freedom and the Editor’s Role (14:59) - – Learning the Value of Collaboration (17:16) - – How “The Monkey” and “Long Legs” Came to Be (20:54) - – Editing Horror and Understanding Audience Reaction (22:03) - – Advice for Emerging Editors and Creatives (24:44) - – The Surprising Relationship Between Editing and Waffles (26:52) - – Reflections on UBC and Career Beginnings (27:14) - – Conclusion

More than 15,000 satellites are currently in orbit around our planet, with this number growing every year. For UBC’s Dr. Aaron Boley, this raises some red flags about the problem of space junk. An expert in the field of space sustainability, Boley chats with Carol and Jeevan about the practical risks we face from space junk as well as the politics of space. He also dispels the myths justifying the practice of abandoning rocket components and other objects in space — and considers all that we might lose if we continue down our current path. LINKSContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardACBoley | UBC Physics & AstronomyAaron BoleyAaron Boley - Co-Director | LinkedInOuter Space Institute (00:00) - Introduction (02:13) - What Is Space Junk? (03:43) - Risks of Space Debris on Earth (08:09) - Society’s Dependence on Satellite Technology (14:30) - Cultural and Ethical Impacts of Space Use (16:37) - The Legal Framework Governing Outer Space (20:35) - Attribution and Liability for Space Debris (21:38) - Humanity’s Repeating Mistake (26:35) - The Military Roots and Dangers of Space Activity (28:23) - Outer Space Institute: Working Towards Solutions (32:05) - How the Public Can Get Involved (34:57) - Conclusion

There’s been a lot of talk in the media about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, but what does DEI actually mean? Why do so many people seem to misunderstand its intent? In recent years, many companies moved quickly to implement DEI programs that addressed inequities in recruitment and hiring practices, mentorship, and other opportunities. But just as quickly, backlash arose to these policies. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan speak to Dr. Camellia Bryan, an assistant professor at the UBC Sauder School of Business, about the importance of DEI and how backlash can actually be a sign that real progress is being made.LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardBeyond Backlash: Advancing Dominant-Group Employees’ Learning, Allyship, and Growth Through Social Identity ThreatAbout Dr. Camellia BryanContact Dr. Bryan (00:00) - Introduction (01:28) - What is DEI and Who Does it Include? (03:32) - What DEI Initiatives Look Like in Practice (06:08) - Why DEI Backlash Doesn’t Mean Failure (07:44) - Who is DEI for? (09:44) - Biases in Hiring and the “Qualified” Debate (11:27) - Rise of DEI Post-2020 and the George Floyd Effect (13:26) - The Business Case for DEI and Risks of Scaling Back (15:25) - Populism, Politics, and DEI as a Cultural Flashpoint (16:42) - How to Start DEI Dialogues at Work (19:35) - Common Questions and Misconceptions (21:29) - Conclusion

For people living in remote locations and requiring urgent ultrasounds, the best option at the moment is to travel to a major city for the diagnostic test. But a UBC researcher is looking to change that. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan speak to David Black (BASc’21), a PhD candidate in electrical and computer engineering at UBC about his groundbreaking work on remote ultrasound imaging. Learn how he’s tapping into the power of mixed reality — which enables interactions between physical and digital worlds — to bring ultrasound diagnostics directly to patients.LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardLearn more about David’s Mitacs Innovation AwardContact David (00:00) - - Introduction (01:34) - - David’s Academic Background & Entry into Robotics (02:50) - - What is Robotic Ultrasound? (04:07) - - Why Focus on Ultrasound Technology? (06:15) - - Testing & Challenges of the Prototype (11:30) - - Importance of Community Consultation (13:50) - - Personal Connection to Remote Healthcare (14:30) - - Real-World Impact & Potential Life-Saving Applications (16:33) - - How UBC Shaped David’s Research (17:24) - - Passion for Medical Robotics Over Other Fields (17:51) - - Career Aspirations Post-PhD (19:24) - - Winning the Mitacs Innovation Award (20:17) - - Balancing Research, Outdoor Adventures, and Life (21:33) - - Conclusion

What’s the relationship between love and happiness? The answer is not as simple as you might think. In this episode, Carol and Jeevan talk to UBC alum Carrie Jenkins, a writer and professor of philosophy at UBC, about her research to understand love in all its forms. They discuss the limitations of romantic love, the stigma of singlehood, the realities of non-monogamy, and the social constructs that connect them all.LINKSContact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardCarrie Jenkins' website Carrie’s WritingWhat Love Is and What It Could Be Sad Love: Romance and the Search for MeaningNon-Monogamy and HappinessUninvited : Talking Back To PlatoVictoria Sees It (00:00) - Introduction (03:14) - Western Views on Romantic Love (05:21) - Biological & Social Approaches to the Philosophy of Love (08:53) - Romantic Love, Capitalism, and Power (13:06) - What is Sad Love? (17:01) - Rethinking Love Beyond Happiness (19:45) - The Stigma of Being Single (22:13) - Gen Z, Loneliness, and Love Today (26:28) - Conclusion & Key Takeaways

To kick off an exciting new year of From Here Forward, Carol and Jeevan get to know Bill Nikolai (BA’80, MEd’86, MLIS’08), a UBC alum who doesn’t back down from much… including the idea of gliding off mountain peaks. Hear about what drives his paragliding passion, and find out what it takes to conquer fears and embrace the opportunities that arise in your life.LINKS●        Contact Carol on Bluesky●        Contact Jeevan on X●        From Here Forward●        Watch Bill’s documentary●        Bill's IMDb●        Bill’s Instagram●        Bill’s YouTube●        Bill’s Vimeo●        Strava●        Wedgemount Lake Hike Guide - Vancouver Trails

In this special year-in-review episode, Carol and Jeevan are joined by their producer Kylé to share some of their favourite From Here Forward moments from 2024. Find out which conversations inspired them, changed their perspectives, and even drove them to change their decision-making. Enjoy this fun throwback to the year that was.FEATURED EPISODES●     Episode 16: Finding Hope in Climate Activism with Abul Bashar●     Episode 12: Risky Genes: Uncovering the Genetic Basis of Breast and Ovarian Cancers with Dr. Steven Narod●     Episode 11: Wildfires, climate change, and the future of forest management with Dr.Lori Daniels●     Episode 17: Bringing a start-up mentality to environmental conservation with Dax Dasilva●     Episode 15: Reimagining the dating experience for Gen Z with Connor Rose●     Episode 19: The Bard goes digital: Emerging technologies and Shakespeare’s First Folio with Dr. Pennefather●     Episode 23: What’s at Stake in the 2024 US Elections with Paul Quirk●     Episode 13: Sipping, Savouring, and Safeguarding BC WineLINKS●     Stories of Change Film (Bashar's Documentary)●     Join the alumni UBC Wine club

Did you know that UBC has a glassblower on staff? In this episode, get to know Brian Ditchburn, the scientific glassblower for UBC’s Chemistry Department. Find out what his days in the glass shop look like and why he feels that his job is the best one on campus. Brian shares some of his philosophy about the impermanence of glass and how he sometimes helps students relieve stress with a little destructive therapy.LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEGlassblowing Services at UBC

The 2020 US presidential election and the unprecedented events that followed have set the stage for a tumultuous contest in 2024. In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Paul J. Quirk, professor and Phil Lind Chair in US Politics and Representation in UBC's Department of Political Science, about the upcoming election and what its outcome could mean for democracy in the US. They delve into the back story of the Electoral College, discuss possible scenarios for election night and the weeks that follow, and look at the impact this election could have on Canadian democracy too.Want some post-election analysis? On November 7, Dr. Quirk will be on the panel for the alumni UBC webinar “US Elections 2024: Analyzing the Trump-Harris showdown”.LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEUBC profile: Professor Paul J. Quirkalumni UBC webinar: US Elections 2024: Analyzing the Trump-Harris showdown — register hereContinued reading:Richard Hasen's book on protecting American democracyPaul Quirk's book on democracy in the US and Canada

It’s the start of a new academic year and UBC’s student athletes are back in action. It’s an exciting time, but for some it can be challenging to balance the pressures of being both a student and a high-performance athlete. In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Whitney Sedgwick, a licensed psychologist and mental performance/mental health lead for UBC Athletics, and Sam Pritchard, the senior manager of sport science and sport medicine at UBC Athletics, about the UBC Thunderbirds Mental Health Initiative, which supports student athletes so they can perform their best.Links:UBC Thunderbirds Mental Health InitiativeUBC Athletes Hub Twitter/X: Carol / Jeevan

In this special Pride episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan talk to Dr. Amin Ghaziani, a professor of sociology and Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities at UBC, about his new book Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution. They speak about the evolution of queer nightlife, the nuances of intersectional belonging, and the importance of intentional allyship.Link ListUBC Profile: Amin GhazianiAmin Ghaziani: Website / LinktreeAmin’s Social Media: Instagram / XAmin’s Books: Princeton University PressAmin’s Review in The Nation: The State of the Gay Bar | The Nation Amin on JVN’s Getting Curious Podcast: Where Have All The Gay Bars Gone?Amin on NPR’s Marketplace Podcast: Why Gay Bars Are Closing - And What’s Taking Their PlaceTwitter/X: Carol / JeevanCheck out our full archive of episodes here

In this episode, Carol and Jeevan talk to UBC alum and lawyer Melanie Ash (LLB’96) about her path into the legal profession and her work to support a framework of racial justice and equity for New York City’s government. They also discuss some of the differences in the legal and social justice landscape between Canada and the United States.LinksMelanie Ash: LinkedIn Twitter/X: Carol / JeevanCheck out our full archive of episodes here

When UBC acquired a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio in 2021, it was only the first step in an initiative to digitize and improve access to this historic text. In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan speak to Dr. Patrick Parra Pennefather, Associate Professor at UBC Theatre and Film in the Faculty of Arts, about why this acquisition was so important to the university and how emerging technologies including touch tables, mixed reality, and generative AI are enhancing users’ interactions with the folio and interpretations of Shakespeare’s work.LinksUBC Profile: Dr. Patrick PennefatherDr. Patrick Pennefather: Website The Shakespeare First Folio | UBC Emerging Media Lab | UBC Twitter/X: Carol / JeevanCheck out our full archive of episodes here

In this episode, Carol and Jeevan speak with Jordyn Rice and Sarah Heath from UBC's Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Lab about the impacts of exercise in preventing cognitive and mobility decline. They discuss common barriers to exercise, the value of health coaching, and emphasize the point that even a little bit of physical activity is better than nothing. They also offer an opportunity for listeners to get involved in a study.Links from the episode:Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Lab: Website Falls Prevention Clinic: Website  Jordyn Rice’s profile: Website Sarah Heath’s profile: Website  Current Clinical Study on SuPA Mobility: Website  Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose’s profile: Website Center for Aging Smart: Website