UNBeknownst

Mike Corey (BSc'08) is a biology graduate turned travel host who never turns down an adventure. His curiosity has sent him searching out cultures, creatures, and locations that most people avoid – with the aim of facing – and even chasing – fear. This intense passion has led him to grow his YouTube Channel "Fearless & Far" to over 2M subscribers, receive 2 Emmy nominations for his Adventure Travel TV program "Uncharted Adventure", and an Ambie nomination for his podcast "Against the Odds".

Mike's career began after receiving his Bachelor of Science from UNB, then backpacking the world for five years volunteering as a research assistant for scientists studying ocean conservation. Bringing a camera along for these trips allowed him to capture the material he needed to win several international travel video competitions and begin his YouTube Channel.

Now a top travel influencer, Mike enjoys teaching others how to face their fears to become happier.

In this episode:

• The adventure that gave Mike the travel bug and what made him realize the world is gentler than we think.

• How his obsession with animals and nature turned into a passion for people.

• Lessons he's learned from people he's met in his exotic travels.

• Why humans need a challenge and purpose to thrive.

• What fearlessness and conquering fear actually means.

• The quiet fears that sneak up on you.

• He says "fear is the compass" is his life and directs him in his actions.

• How everyone can start to face their fears.

• The importance of stories – and how they're told everywhere.

Where to listen:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Libsyn

• Google Podcasts

Links and resources:

• Fearless and Far

• Mike's YouTube channel

• Mike's Instagram

Thanks to:

• Our alumni host, Katie Davey

• Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

• Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website.

Dr. Teresa Fowler (MEd'11) is a researcher who is diving into the sexism, misogyny and hypermasculinity of hockey in Canada and who is now working directly with Hockey Canada to try to correct the enduring problems. She is an assistant professor at Concordia University of Edmonton in the faculty of education. Her research focuses on critical white masculinities and the implications of masculinity on men's mental health in hockey culture as well as anti-colonial pedagogic approaches to teacher education. She received her Master of Education from UNB and PhD from the University of Calgary, and she has over 15 years of professional experience in K-12 education in the areas of guidance and counselling, mental health services, and Indigenous education. Teresa is a member of Scholars Against Abuse in Canadian Sport that have partnered with Center for Children's Rights to push for a judicial inquiry into the sport.

In this episode:

• Teresa's family background and how she began noticing indifferences in the culture of young men in hockey

• What is causing harm to young hockey players' identities and mental health

• Shifting the culture of hockey away from aggression and back to skills and competition.

• How silence is hard to break.

• Our research shows that sexisim in hockey culture is as normal as the air they breathe.

• Shocking examples of sexism grooming in young hockey culture in Canada.

• Her work with Hockey Canada to help them make the right changes.

• How Hockey Canada can take the lead and make a shift nationwide and why that's important for all sports.

• Harassment experienced for doing this kind of work.

• How white supremacy is tied to misogyny in hockey in Canada.

• The introduction of white male love into men's hockey in the country.

• How to begin making positive changes in toxic masculine culture.

• How men's equality is important in the conversation.

• The status of an inquiry in sport in Canada, and Teresa's recommendation at the inquiry to move sport away from Heritage Canada into Health.

Links and resources:

• Article on Dr. Fowler's research

• Info from the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC) on Hockey Canada

Thanks to:

• Our alumni host, Katie Davey

• Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

• Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie (BA'91) is a trailblazer for Indigenous rights: she's the former Special Advisor for Indigenous Issues to the UN, former Chief of Staff to then Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, and past Chief of Staff to the National Chief at the Assembly of First Nations. She also served as Director of Aboriginal Participation and Chief of Protocol for the Four Host First Nations during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Lea is a member of the Wəlastəkwey Nation at Tobique, New Brunswick and holds a BA in Language and Linguistics UNB - and since then has gained extensive experience in international relations focused on the human rights of Indigenous Peoples. In 2021 she was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

In this episode:

-Lea's family background and family role models – and how she learned that advocacy can make a difference

-Lea's first roles and how she learned how the system worked

-Her experience on and off for many years at the Assembly of First Nations, including Chief of Staff at age 27.

-Her experience advocating at the United Nations.

-What led to becoming a seasoned leader and ready to serve with Jody Wilson-Raybould in the Minister of Justice and Attorney General's office, and her experience with that chance to make change.

-Her principles of justice, integrity and truth telling and how they didn't always mesh with the realities of politics

-Her work today in human rights, governance and reconciliation

-The Indigenous rights advancements that are giving her hope

-Ideas for being an ally moving forward and how to further the Calls to Action

-What Lea is optimistic about for the future

Links and resources:

Lea's LinkedIn

Thanks to:

-Our alumni host, Katie Davey

-Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

-Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Mark Leger (MA'11) was editor of Huddle, the popular Maritime online business news publication, from 2017 to early 2023, and was also director of news content for parent company Acadia Broadcasting, which owns and operates 15 radio stations in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. A journalist for more than 25 years, Mark began his career as a reporter and editor with the Telegraph-Journal and went on to work for CBC Radio as a reporter and producer. An entrepreneur at heart, he has been involved in three start-up media companies in New Brunswick. He is a graduate of the Ryerson University journalism program and has a master's in political science from UNB Saint John.

In this episode:

• Mark's path to journalism and startups – and his willingness to take risks

• The good news approach to Huddle and why people crave positive stories that inspire action

• The disappearance of local media and its effect on communities

• Ideas on solutions for local journalism in the future

• Thoughts on the CBC vs private media and shaky business models

• Figuring out how to fund local journalism innovation for communities – and the idea of non-profit models

• Podcasts as one part of the solution

• Journalism as a core pillar of democracy

Huddle

Mark's LinkedIn

Thanks to:

Our alumni host, Katie Davey

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Balarama Holness (MEd'16) is a former CFL athlete turned social entrepreneur, community organizer and anti-racism activist. A native of Montreal, he played professional football for the Montreal Alouettes, with whom he won the Grey Cup in 2010. He's also well educated, having earned a Master's in Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor from McGill University. In 2018, Balarama gained political notoriety by gaining support to force Montreal's municipal government to launch a public inquiry into systemic racism and discrimination in the city. In 2021, Balarama announced his run for Mayor of Montreal under a new, community-led political party, Movement Montreal. Now, he's published a book that recounts his journey from an ashram in West Virginia to becoming a leader in Montreal committed to reshaping society as we know it.

In this episode:

• His unusual upbringing and how he felt marginalized upon returning to Montreal.

• How he got into football and how sports got him back on track.

• Why his advanced education was his way to empower himself and his needs in society.

• The step into politics and activism, and ideas for how citizens can press for true democracy and open access.

• The tensions between Quebec and "Rest of Canada" (and Montreal) over discriminatory laws.

• How he and others are pressing forward to eradicate racism in Montreal and beyond.

Links and resources:

Balarama Holness website

His book, Eyes on the Horizon: My Journey Toward Justice

Thanks to:

Our alumni host, Katie Davey

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Ambassador Deborah Lyons (BA'71, DLitt'15) is a diplomat with 21 years of professional experience in political affairs, international cooperation and economic development. Her most recent assignment was as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, having served prior to that as Ambassador of Canada to Israel and before that as Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Ms. Lyons has held several senior positions with Canada's Department of Global Affairs, including as Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy and Planning and Chief Strategist, and directorships covering commercial relations, international finance and technology. She has also worked with Canada's Department of Natural Resources and Privy Council Office and owned and managed an environmental consulting firm. Ms. Lyons is from Miramichi, New Brunswick and graduated from UNB in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In this episode:

• Deborah's account of being in Afghanistan during an extremely challenging transition period of the American withdrawal of troops and takeover by the Taliban.

• Why she's such a fan of the United Nations and why she wanted to be in Afghanistan at that time.

• The progress she saw in the country prior to the Taliban takeover and her feelings on the state of women in Afghanistan today.

• Her insights on the future for women in Afghanistan, and on engaging and educating women for global societal stability.

• What Canada and Canadians can and should do to help support women in Afghanistan.

• Deborah's two realities - that formed who she is.

• Her thoughts on next steps in her career and role in diffusing the growth of divisive hate speech and discourse in Canada and around the world.

• Her advice on how we move forward in a changing world.

Links and resources:

UN Announcement

UN Farewell statement

Deborah's Twitter

Thanks to:

• Our alumni host, Katie Davey

• Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

• Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website.

John Leroux (PhD'20) is an architect, art historian and currently Manager of Collections and Exhibitions at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick. John has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of art history, architecture, visual art, curation, and education. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University, an M.A. in Art History from Concordia University, and a PhD in History from UNB. He has worked at award-winning architecture firms in Toronto, Atlanta, Saint John, and his hometown of Fredericton – and has taught at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the University of New Brunswick, and St. Thomas University. He's also won many awards for architectural and public art projects throughout Canada. A passionate advocate for the arts and for architectural conservancy, John has authored 16 books on architecture and visual culture, including Building New Brunswick: An Architectural History and Building a University: The Architecture of UNB.

In this episode:

• The magnificent historical architecture of New Brunswick and the not-so-magnificent modern architecture of New Brunswick.
• What it means to love a place and steward it
• Why the places that are popular are because of the quality of the environment
• John's favourite building in New Brunswick
• The unique nature of wooden architecture in the Maritimes John's favourite buildings on UNB's campuses and why they're significant
• The history behind the built environments of the Saint John and Fredericton campuses John's favourite artwork in Fredericton – and it's on the UNB campus!
• His thoughts on the expansion of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Links and resources:

John's website

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Building a University: The Architecture of UNB

Thanks to:

Our alumni host, Katie Davey

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Krista Jones (BScEE'88) has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses for over 30 years. She leverages her deep entrepreneurial and leadership experience to advise founders, inspire teams and create programs to scale Canada's most innovative companies. Currently Senior VP of Ventures Services at MaRS Discovery District, she recently founded MaRS Momentum, an exclusive program that supports the executives of high-growth companies and accelerates their journey to $100 million in revenue. Krista is relied on as thought leader in the "Future of Work" by organizations from all around the world. As an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor and expert problem solver, she has a unique combination of expertise and is known for her comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, business models and innovation practices.

In this episode:

• How Krista gained the confidence to go big on projects and ideas.
• Going deep in different areas of MaRS and supporting entrepreneurs.
• The future of jobs and how people can use tech while keeping the focus on people.
• How automation – or rather augmentation - plays a role in the evolution of jobs.
• Why companies are making short-term decisions right now.
• Krista dives into the Momentum program to help solve Canada's productivity gap.
• How to close the innovation loop.
• Why Canada should embrace the success metrics of good, better, best.
• The challenges that persist in Canada when it comes to joining the global competition.
• What Krista is excited about for the future.

Links and resources:

MaRS Discovery

Krista's LinkedIn

UNB article on Krista and the future of work

Krista's article in The Record

Thanks to:

Our alumni host, Katie Davey

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Donald Savoie (MA'72) holds the Canada Research Chair in Public Administration and Governance at the Université de Moncton, as well as the Clément-Cormier Research Chair in Economic Development. Over his career, he has served as an advisor to federal, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, the private sector, independent associations, OECD, the World Bank and the United Nations. In 1986, at the request of the Canadian prime minister, he undertook a review of federal government regional development efforts in Atlantic Canada and prepared a report that led to the establishment of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Professor Savoie has published numerous books on public policy, public administration and federalism and has written articles that have appeared in leading national and international peer-reviewed journals in Canada, the U.K., India and the United States.

In this episode:

• The risk of centralization of power among various Western governments
• How lack of regional ministers has contributed to a public lack of trust in the government
• The breakdown of accountability
• What government is good at
• How Donald became such a prolific researcher and writer
• Why he's a "Maritime nationalist"

Links and resources:

Donald J. Savoie Institute

Publications

Thanks to:

Our alumni host, Katie Davey

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website

Emilie Chiasson (BPHIL'15) is a design and innovation expert who's worked with government and NGO organizations to co-create meaningful solutions to persistent problems in developing countries and regions. After graduating from UNB's Renaissance College, she completed a Master's in Global Affairs from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and since then has gained field experience working with vulnerable populations on the traditional unceded territory of the Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) peoples as well as with communities in Africa, Asia and Europe. Emilie has worked hard to support marginalized groups and bring to light their lived experiences through advocacy and programming and has navigated complex policy and humanitarian issues. She is currently a Social Science & Social Behaviour Change Fellow with Aga Khan Foundation Canada, stationed in Kampala, Uganda.

In this episode:

• Emilie's non-linear path from UNB to living on five different continents
• What human-centered design means in the field
• Innovative interventions Emilie's been working on
• Complex solutions to complex conflicts and problems
• Gender education and equality efforts in Uganda – and why it's so important
• Prioritizing health and wellness and a social network to maintain momentum

Links and resources:

Emilie's LinkedIn

UNB's Renaissance College

Aga Khan Foundation Canada

AKF Gender Equality Policy

Thanks to:

Our alumni host, Katie Davey

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website