Trent Voices

TRENT Magazine and the Trent Voices podcast spoke with John Horgan '79, the newly retired former Premier of British Columbia, for a wide-ranging conversation that included thoughts on his legacy, a lifetime of activism, the impact of Trent University on his career, and on what's coming next as his political career winds down. Trent Voices is excited to share the full conversation with the former Premier as bonus TRENT Magazine audio content. 

Jeannette Menzies '95 (M.A., Canadian Heritage and Development Studies) is the second Trent alum to take on the role of Canada's ambassador to Iceland (after Stewart Wheeler '88). Studying under thesis advisor and founding Trent University president THB Symons (along with professors John Wadland and Julia Harrison), her love of Canada runs deep. We caught up with Jeannette when she visited the Peterborough campus to give her talk "From Trent to Reykjavik – the Path of Canada's Current Ambassador to Iceland" as part of Canadian Studies 50th Anniversary Conversations and Celebrations. Our TRENT Magazine/Trent Voices interview ranged from how curiosity has helped guide her career to the importance of studying Canada to the most surprising parts about living in Iceland. We hope you enjoy it.

The Spring 2023 edition of TRENT Magazine features a very special Trent crossword puzzle created by Professor emeritus and crossword enthusiast David Poole. Professor Poole has published crosswords in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Chronicle of Higher Education, and many other publications. We recently caught up with him, via zoom, for a conversation about the creation of crosswords. David joined Trent's Mathematics Department in 1984, where he remained a member until his retirement in 2016. He served as department chair on three occasions, and from 2002-2007 he was associate dean of Arts and Science (Teaching & Learning). His dedication to high-quality teaching resulted in several teaching awards over the years, including Trent's Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, the University's top teaching award, as well as a 3M Teaching Fellowship, the country's top university teaching award.

Jonathan Pinto '06 (Canadian Studies, Lady Eaton College) is the host of Up North, CBC Radio One's regional afternoon show for Northern Ontario, and is based in Sudbury. He was formerly a reporter/editor and an associate producer at CBC Windsor. Jonathan is a renowned foodie and the author of The Best of Windsor Cookbook. Earlier this year, he returned to Peterborough Campus for the first time in years to pass on some of his experiences on to a new generation of students. In this TRENT Magazine/Trent Voices conversation, we talked about touring Northern Ontario over the airwaves, sharing Canada with Canadians, and the (sometimes) controversial topic of what constitutes a curry.

We caught up with award-winning communications professional, broadcast journalist, television producer and host Anita Erskine '99 during her stint as Trent University's CEO in Residence. We talked to her about returning to campus after almost 20 years, her experience working with Trent's current cohort of students, and how Trent continues to inform her life and career. The CEO-in-Residence program, coordinated through the School of Business and Life After Trent, gives students at both the Peterborough and Durham campuses unparalleled access and opportunities to learn from business leaders across the country and around the globe. The University's previous CEO-in-Residence was Dr. Katie Taylor, chair of the board of the Royal Bank of Canada, and past president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

TRENT Magazine and the Trent Voices podcast caught up with John Horgan '79, the newly retired former Premier of British Columbia, for a wide-ranging conversation that included thoughts on his legacy, a lifetime of activism, the impact of Trent University on his career, and on what's coming next as his political career winds down. Trent Voices is excited to share some highlights of this interview, which will be presented in full in the spring edition of TRENT.  In this preview, Mr. Horgan talks about what he sees as his legacy as Premier.

We recently caught up with Linda Schuyler, co-creator and executive producer of Degrassi, honorary alumna, and creative partner and wife to Trent Chancellor Stephen Stohn for a conversation about her new book The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir.

Internationally renowned Indigenous playwright, novelist, musician, songwriter, and member of the Order of Canada – drew a large crowd to Showplace Performance Centre on Thursday, October 12 as he delivered this year's W.L. Morton Lecture as part of the University's 50th anniversary celebrations for the School for the Study of Canada.   ‘An Evening with Tomson Highway,' featured Highway taking on the role of raconteur as he told of his upbringing in northern Manitoba. His colourful and moving tale included early life with a nomadic caribou-hunting family, attending residential school, the hardships of his childhood and the power of music and art to heal as he went on to become an internationally acclaimed playwright, author, musician and multilingual speaker (Cree, French and English). We talked with him before the show/

Writer, historian, and Trent alumnus Tim Cook '90 talks about his latest book Lifesavers and Bodysnatchers, the parallels between the Great War and pandemic of 1918 and COVID, and how is fight with cancer helped inform the book. Tim Cook is Chief Historian and Director of Research at the Canadian War Museum. His bestselling books have won multiple awards, including three Ottawa Book prizes for Literary Non-Fiction and two C.P. Stacey Awards for the best book in Canadian military history. In 2008 he won the J.W. Dafoe Prize for At the Sharp End and again in 2018 for Vimy: The Battle and the Legend. Shock Troops won the 2009 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction. Cook is a frequent commentator in the media, and a member of the Royal Society of Canada and the Order of Canada.

In 2018, Trent Chancellor and producer of television's iconic Degrassi franchise Stephen Stohn '66 released Whatever it Takes: Life Lessons from Degrassi and Elsewhere in the World of Music and Television. In the book, he tells stories from behind the scenes and of making it in the music and television world in this star-studded, rock 'n' roll trip through a Canadian show business explosion. Stephen, who has been at the heart of the entertainment industry for over forty years, shares a lifetime of experience and unique insights into how dreams are turned into reality. “Whatever It Takes” — both a mantra and Degrassi's theme song — has been heard millions of times all over the world. It embodies a philosophy of struggle and self-belief leading to accomplishment, as well as the story of an exploring mind, an adventurous pursuit of experience, ringing failures, and the willingness to see things in a different way. Recently, Stephen released Whatever it Takes as both an audiobook and a podcast with longtime creative partner, friend, and fellow Trent alumnus Christopher Ward '67. Trent Voices caught up with Stephen to talk about the evolution from print to online audio.

Trent University alumna Anita Erskine '99 is ranked one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Africa, one of the Top 100 Most Inspirational Women in Ghana, and one of the most inspirational Ghanaian public figures. She's also a Trent University alumna. Wearing a host of hats, Ms. Erskine is a strategic communications specialist, broadcast journalist, television producer and host. This diversity has cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile communication professionals from West Africa. In 2020, Ms. Erskine joined the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative as both host and advisor. She's also lent her voice and personality to numerous social impact projects due to her unwavering belief in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals' mantra of not leaving anyone behind. Ms. Erskine was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Ghana. She joined TRENT Magazine for a long distance Zoom interview from Ghana. This interview is part of our special extra online TRENT Magazine content. You can find a shortened version in the June 2021 edition.

In a special preview of the alumni flagship publication, TRENT Magazine is presenting a feature audio interview with expert in disease modelling and mathematical edipemiology and immunology, and Trent alumna, Dr. Jane Heffernan. The conversation, which touches on such current hot-button issues as COVID variants and vaccination, proved so timely that the magazine worked with the Trent Voices podcast to release the interview in an online audio format. As one of Canada’s leading mathematicians and a director with the Centre for Disease Modelling at York University, Dr. Heffernan’s highly regarded research focuses on the spread and persistence of infectious diseases. As with many of her research colleagues across Canada and around the globe, her focus over the past year has been dedicated almost exclusively to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Heffernan is an associate professor in the York University Faculty of Science/Department of Mathematics & Statistics and York Research Chair (Tier II), Multi-Scale Methods for Evidence-based Health Policy. The June edition of TRENT Magazine will feature a bio and interview with Dr. Heffernan, as well as stories on the impact of the pandemic on the arts, and in-depth interview with Ghanian broadcaster, talk show host, actress and girls’ education advocate, Anita Erskine.

Jim Maxwell ‘92 is a digital matte painter/concept artist, currently working on the television show Vikings Valhala. His work on the Vikings series has earned him four Emmy nominations, including a win this year. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his work on The Borgias. Jim has won a total of six Canadian Screen Awards. His digital matte painting/concept artist filmography includes more than 30 feature movies and television shows. Jim has a B.A. (Hon) in Cultural Studies and English Literature. For the visual slides from the event, please see: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7qpcodj3g0yarbm/AADU6VFdLeCcbMCCY_q0_uoda?dl=0 This live Zoom event happened earlier this year and was presented by The Trent English Student Society, Trent Alumni Engagement and Services and  Life After Trent.

As a sought-after public speaker and lecturer specializing in resiliency, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe delves into navigating stress and change, leadership, and personal wellness. Described as transformational, engaging, and thought-provoking, her keynotes provide practical strategies grounded in global research and case studies that help foster resiliency within others and ourselves. Her new book, Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday Resiliency, she builds on this sustainable model for everyday resiliency, identifying the emotional, psychological, and physical obstacles that derail us and keep us from moving on in our lives.

To help celebrate Black History Month, guest host Trent University Chancellor Stephen Stohn interviewed Ghanaian-born Ontario Superior Court of Justice judge, and Trent alumnus, Kofi Barnes. Justice Barnes has built a career out of his passion for helping those with both addiction and mental health issues. He’s the founder of the Metro West Youth Community Restoration Court, the Durham Mental Health and Drug Treatment Court and is co-founder of Canada’s first Drug Treatment Court. Honoured with both Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Silver and Jubilee Medals for his work, Justice Barnes is the editor of People, Places and Things: Inspirational Voices from Canada's Drug Treatment Courts. He is also a previous recipient of the Trent University Distinguished Alumni Award. Chancellor Stephen Stohn is the host of the acclaimed Trent Talks video series. He's also the host of the yet-to-be-released Chance Encounters, a video series that will see Chancellor Stohn sitting down with notable Trent community members around the world in order to hear their unique stories. This is an audio sneak peek at Chance Encounters. We look forward to bringing you the video series in the near future.

Julia Caron '03 and Jonathan Pinto '06 are drive time hosts on CBC Radio.

 We talk about life in the hosting chair and the delicate art of broadcasting during the pandemic. Julia is the host of Quebec AM. She's an award-winning journalist who is constantly seeking out and sharing captivating stories across the furthest reaches of the province. Early on in her career with CBC, Julia firmly established herself as a natural storyteller and tenacious sleuth. She is perhaps best known for her obsession with history, and what we can learn about the present from our past. That is reflected in everything from her extensive knowledge of early photography and film all the way down to her vintage wardrobe. A voracious reader and art lover, you're likely to cross paths with Julia in libraries, art galleries and museums across Quebec. She frequently participates in local literary events and festivals in both official languages, and proudly calls herself a franglophone (yes, it's a thing).
 Jonathan Pinto is the host of CBC Thunder Bay and CBC Subury's afternoon radio show on CBC Radio One, Up North.Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Jonathan fell in love with CBC Radio at the age of 14 while listening to CBC Toronto’s Here and Now. He appreciated how the accents and stories reflected his own parents, who are from India. Over the last ten years with CBC, Jonathan has maintained an unwavering commitment to truth, accuracy and accountability. He has designed extensive online candidate guides to keep voters informed during municipal elections, and even climbed aboard a fishing boat to report on Canada’s largest freshwater fishery. He started his career as a producer at CBC Toronto, and most recently was a reporter and guest host at CBC Windsor and CBC London’s Afternoon Drive.  When Jonathan isn’t caring for his infant daughter, you can find him browsing local markets, sampling beloved eateries or cooking at home. He’s a self-professed food lover and is open to all must-try suggestions!  

Trent Voices sat down with Trent University President and VIce-Chancellor Leo Groarke for a special conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on Trent, universities across Canada, and post-secondary education. Professor Groarke takes us through Trent's response to the pandemic -- from the provincial shutdown in March through to the reopening of campus for the 2020 academic year. He also discusses how COVID-19 has, and will continue to affect universities and university education. It's a unique glimpse into leading a university through a global emergency, with all of the complications that a busy campus community represent -- including budgets, housing, live lab experiments, international students, the need to continue the academic year in progress, and the launch of new, safe academic year.The interview took place as part of Trent University's 2020 virtual Homecoming celebrations and originally aired during a special Trent Radio Alumni Homecoming Broadcast.

In the second episode of our #TrentUCares podcast miniseries, we talk to Trent School of Education graduates Rich McPherson and Mitch Champagne, as well as Dr. Cathy Bruce, Dean of the School of Education, about teaching during the pandemic, balancing working, parenting, and educating kids, as well as ideas on how parents can help make the educational process more rewarding.Video with closed captioning available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xCgc0T5ueD8

In the first episode of our #TrentUCares podcast miniseries, we talk to Nursing graduates Natalie Beavis and Scott Wight about their experiences over the past two months. We're also joined by Dr. Kirsten Woodend, Dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, who has a special National Nurse's Week message for nurses around the world. For a closed caption video of the recording, please visit: https://youtu.be/SCRYWrbaDR4

Trent alumnus Dr. Tim Cook '90 is a Great War historian at the Canadian War Museum, as well as an adjunct professor at Carleton University. He has authored numerous books on both the First and the Second World Wars, including No Place to Run: The Canadian Corps and Gas Warfare in the First World War, Shock Troops, Vimy: The Battle and the Legend, and his latest, The Secret History of Soldiers: How Canadians Survived the Great War. In 2008 he won the J.W. Dafoe Prize for At the Sharp End and again in 2018 for Vimy; Shock Troops won the 2009 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction. In 2013, Cook received the Pierre Berton Award for popularizing Canadian history. In 2019, The Secret History of Soldiers won the Ottawa Book Award. Dr. Cook is a member of the Order of Canada. Trent Voices talked to Dr. Cook on how our perspective of historic events change, the balancing act between storytelling/entertainment and historical narrative when writing, and how he chooses the front-line stories that make it into his work.

Trent University Business alumnus Jason Parsons is best known as the DJ and Hype Man for the band Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS), where he performs under the name Human Kebab. But while he and bandmate Ashley Buchholz have garnered millions of Spotify streams, tens of thousands of likes on Facebook and toured all around the world over the past decade, the key to Mr. Parsons success has been as much about entrepreneurial spirit, career creativity, and keen business sense as it has music. We previously talked to Jason a couple of years ago, when he took on the role of Trent Alumni Day of Service Ambassador. "Trent Voices caught up with The Human Kebab via Skype for a conversation that ranged from the serious to the silly: from the origins of his unique stage name to jamming with Maestro Fresh Wes to touring the world making music to the impact of his Trent experience. But what we kept returning to was the importance of community – in this case, both the USS and the Trent University ones." You can find that interview here.

Women Leaders in Peterborough Politics, Part 3 of 3. Newly re-elected MP Maryam Monsef. Peterborough has a long history of being represented by Trent University alumni politicians. Currently, alumnus Dave Smith is the MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. Alumnus Jeff Leal held that seat for the previous four terms (and sat on Peterborough City Council before that). There are also several alumni represented on area councils. Never before, though, have women taken on so many major political roles here. Right now, alumna Diane Therrien is Mayor of Peterborough, alumna Emily Whetung MacInnes is Chief of Curve Lake First Nation, and alumna Maryam Monsef is about to start her second term as MP for Peterborough-Kawartha – she was formerly Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality. All three of these women are in their 30s – relatively young for politics – and all three are breaking new ground. TRENT Magazine was honoured to bring this trio together to talk about the state of local and Canadian politics today – in particular, about gender inclusivity and empowerment.

TRENT Magazine sat down with alumnus, environmental educator and director of Camp Kawartha and the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre for a conversation about education, leadership, and the relationship between kids and their natural environment.

Women Leaders in Peterborough Politics, Part 2 of 3. Emily Whetung MacInnes. Peterborough has a long history of being represented by Trent University alumni politicians. Currently, alumnus Dave Smith is the MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. Alumnus Jeff Leal held that seat for the previous four terms (and sat on Peterborough City Council before that). There are also several alumni represented on area municipal councils. Never before, though, have women taken on so many major political roles here. Right now, alumna Diane Therrien is Mayor of Peterborough, alumna Emily Whetung MacInnes is Chief of Curve Lake First Nation, and alumna Maryam Monsef is MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, as well as Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality. All three of these women are in their 30s – relatively young for politics – and all three are breaking new ground. TRENT Magazine was honoured to bring this trio together to talk about the state of local and Canadian politics today – in particular, about gender inclusivity and empowerment. This episode features Emily Whetung MacInnes. Look for the other episodes soon.

Women Leaders in Peterborough Politics, Part 1 of 3. Diane Therrien. Peterborough has a long history of being represented by Trent University alumni politicians. Currently, alumnus Dave Smith is the MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. Alumnus Jeff Leal held that seat for the previous four terms (and sat on Peterborough City Council before that). There are also several alumni represented on area municipal councils. Never before, though, have women taken on so many major political roles here. Right now, alumna Diane Therrien is Mayor of Peterborough, alumna Emily Whetung MacInnes is Chief of Curve Lake First Nation, and alumna Maryam Monsef is MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, as well as Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality. All three of these women are in their 30s – relatively young for politics – and all three are breaking new ground. TRENT Magazine was honoured to bring this trio together to talk about the state of local and Canadian politics today – in particular, about gender inclusivity and empowerment. This episode features Diane Therrien. Look for the other episodes soon.

Alumnus David Grand is the founder and CEO of Muskoka Grown, a 65,000-square-foot, top quality cannabis production facility, as well as a former member of the Trent University Board of Governors. Using the latest technologies, he is trying to create the gold standard of cannabis companies. Mr. Grand took TRENT Magazine’s editor, Donald Fraser, on a guided tour of the facility and followed it up with a conversation that tackled the science, economics, and social aspects of marijuana. We interviewed him in December, via Skype, and featured excerpts of this conversation in the March TRENT Magazine.

Anastasia Kaschenko is the chief technical officer and co-founder of Majik Water, a start-up currently creating new sources of affordable, clean drinking water for communities in Kenya and South Africa. Making use of technology that harvests moisture from the air, the company is aiding individuals and communities, but they’re also partnering with some of the world’s largest business to lessen industrial water consumption in areas most affected by shortages. TRENT Magazine/The Trent Voices podcast caught up with Anastasia in Australia. We're featuring the interview as the cover story for the Winter 2019 edition. Please visit www.trentmagazine.ca for more.

Alumna Jenna Pilgrim '12 is passionate about changing the way the world does business. Carving a career in the emerging cryptocurrency economy, she's a pioneer in way that people will be doing business in our not-so-distant future. She joins us on Trent Voices to explain both cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. It's an insightful insider's look at an often misunderstood business infrastructure. Jenna is currently the Director of Business Development at Bloq Inc., a multipurpose software company building the next generation of blockchain and token infrastructure. She is also the Cofounder and COO of Streambed Media - a new era media company supported by a blockchain tech solution - aimed at reclaiming trust in media and video production. Previously, Jenna was the Director of Business Development at the multi-million dollar Blockchain Research Institute, conducting the definitive investigation of blockchain strategies, opportunities, and implementation challenges and funded by companies and governments worldwide.

Trent University alumnus Richard Harrison ’76 has been named the winner of the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award for Poetry for On Not Losing My Father's Ashes in the Flood, published by Hamilton's Wolsak & Wynn. It was the latest honour for the book, which also won the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry and the third prize for poetry in the 2017 Alcuin Society's Book Design Awards. On Not Losing My Father's Ashes in the was also shortlisted for the City of Calgary's 2016 W.O. Mitchell Book Prize and a finalist for the poetry category of the High Plains Book Awards.We caught up with Richard for a Skype interview to discuss the award. The conversation ranged from the nature of the Canadian literary voice to the poetry of hockey to how Trent helped shape his career. Of his award winning collection, he noted: “There is a pause moment, where many of the things I started 40 years ago [while at Trent] have now come to this point. And in some senses there is completion here.” Harrison credits former Lady Eaton College Principal Douglas McCalla and faculty members Orm Mitchell and Michael Peterman for hosting readings and introducing him to writers such as Patrick Lane, Robert Kroetsch, Susan Musgrave, Margaret Laurence, and Adele Wiseman. He found the experience of listening to Patrick Lane read in the Sr. Common Room so powerful that it led him to try his own hand at creative writing. He also credits Trent with helping feed his curiosity and creativity. “Trent was small enough – and the faculty were friendly enough, not just in their discipline, but across disciplines. They were understanding of the nature of inquiry and allowed me to let inquiry lead me to where it wanted to go. And they encouraged me all the time to keep going. My professors understood that what I was doing was looking for a lifetime’s work, and that this was how I would find it.” He looks back to academic movements such as those found in Trent’s Canadian Studies programs as being intergral to helping Canada focus on their own unique stories and their own unique literature – something he says has benefited him and his writing. Richard Harrison’s eight books include the Governor General’s Award–finalist Big Breath of a Wish, and Hero of the Play, the first book of poetry launched at the Hockey Hall of Fame. He teaches English and Creative Writing at Calgary’s Mount Royal University, a position he took up after being the Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at the University of Calgary in 1995. His work has been published, broadcast and displayed around the world, and his poems have been translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.

Jason “The Human Kebab” Parsons is DJ and Hype Man for Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker. On stage – when he’s not attached to his turntables – he’s a perpetual motion machine. On the mic he’s constantly urging the crowd to get into it – to really participate. His energy is infectious, which is definitely one of the aspects of the band that resonates with their legion of fans. USS has been described as “a science experiment put to music” and they are, in a word, experimental. They mix elements of rock, hip hop, grunge, electronica, drum and bass, and more, creating a sound that is altogether their own. They are modern music in a blender. #TrentVoices caught up with The Human Kebab via Skype for a conversation that ranged from the serious to the silly: from the origins of his unique stage name to jamming with Maestro Fresh Wes to touring the world making music to the impact of his Trent experience. But what we kept returning to was the importance of community – in this case, both the USS and the Trent University ones.For a full archive of our podcast interviews, please visit our #TrentVoices podcast page.

The new season of Trent Voices, The TRENT Magazine Live/Trent Alumni Affairs podcast show, is kicking off with a "Women in Politics" mini-series that will feature interviews with successful Trent alumnae politicians, both past and present, including: Hochelaga NDP MP Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet '74, Nanaimo-Ladysmith NDP MP Sheila Malcolmson '85, and long-standing Peterborough mayor Syvlia Sutherland '68. We'll also revisit interviews with Peterborough-Kawarthas Liberal MP and Minister for the Status of Women Maryam Monsef '03 and Peterborough city councillor Diane Therrien '10 -- hopefully adding fresh new content to these conversations. This week, we start with Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, a Canadian anthropologist, unionist, and politician, who was first elected as an NDP MP in the 2011 election. She represents the electoral district of Hochelaga. Since November 2015, she has served as the NDP's Whip. During our far-reaching conversation, we discuss her evolution from museum guide to union representative to Federal politician; gender representation in politics; and how gender and ethnic diversity have changed the nature of political discourse in the House of Commons.

With two well-received collections of poems and a fearless collection of essays, Canadian investigative journalist, essayist and poet, Michael Lista, was welcomed to Trent University as the 2017 Margaret Laurence fellow. His talk Outside the Whale: Literature and the Left in the Age of Trump focused primarily on the role the literary left will play in a new political climate of right-winged politics and nationalism. Mr. Lista has worked as a book columnist for The National Post, and as the poetry editor of The Walrus. He is the author of three books: the poetry volumes Bloom and The Scarborough, and Strike Anywhere, a collection of his writing about literature, television and culture. His essays and investigative stories have appeared in The Atlantic, Slate, Toronto Life, The Walrus, Canadaland, and elsewhere. From the School of the Study of Canada: He’s been a book columnist and noted poet and during his visit at Trent University, Michael Lista was ready to defend his craft – and the literary left – particularly at a time when the political elite seems on the verge of stepping into the ring at the slightest comment. On February 9, 2017, speaking to a crowd at Traill College’s Bagnani Hall, he shared his own experiences in writing both ahead of, and following the U.S. election. Throughout his address, Mr. Lista painted a picture of struggles facing literary writers who have, by and large, been described as left leaning. Now, he suggests, they are under fire much in the way they held the right to the fire for so long. He says, “It has resulted in a new, drawn-out battle, pitting literary writers against one another. It’s taken the focus, to some extent, off those who would normally be the target of the writers.” This year, Mr. Lista has been named writer-in-residence, filling a fellowship established in 1988 as a tribute to and in memory of Margaret Laurence, Trent University’s fourth chancellor. It is co-administered by Department of English Literature and Canadian Studies Program and brings promising writers who are in the early stages of their careers to Trent University. Mr. Lista has worked as a book columnist for the National Post, and as the poetry editor of The Walrus. He is also the author of three books and his essays and investigative stories have appeared in The Atlantic, Slate, Toronto Life, Canadaland, and numerous other publications. Kate Taylor, an English major at Trent, says she was compelled to take in the address after Mr. Lista spoke to her advanced creative writing class earlier in the day. “It’s very interesting to hear a writer read their own work and describe the process and annotations they give to their own work that you don’t get when you read it on a website,” she says.    

From the first Canadian VJ (and Trent alumnus) Christopher Ward, Is This Live? captures the pure fun and rock ’n’ roll rebellion of the early years of MuchMusic television. Christopher Ward joins us by Skype to talk about his latest book. We talked to Ward last year in a wide ranging interview about his career as an award-winning songwriter, music journalist, and author. You can find that podcast here. But when we heard that he was working on a book about the early days of MuchMusic, we made him promise that he'd come back to talk to us about it.  He graciously agreed. From Penguin Random House:On August 31, 1984, the Nation’s Music Station launched, breaking ground as the Wild (Canadian) West of television—live, gloriously unpredictable, seat-of-the-pants TV, delivered fresh daily. The dream child of TV visionary Moses Znaimer, and John Martin, the maverick creator of The New Music, Much was live and largely improvised, and an entire generation of Canadians grew up watching the VJs and embraced the new music that became the video soundtrack of our lives. The careers of Canadian legends like Blue Rodeo, Corey Hart, Jane Siberry, Bryan Adams, Platinum Blonde, Glass Tiger, Colin James, the Parachute Club, Honeymoon Suite, Barenaked Ladies, Maestro Fresh Wes and Sloan were launched when Much brought them closer to their fans. Much also gave us international acts (Duran, Duran, Tina Turner, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Madonna, Motorhead, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers), and covered the second wave of music activism with events like Live Aid and the Amnesty International Human Rights Now! tour. Ranging from Toronto’s iconic studio at 299 Queen Street West, to Vancouver’s MuchWest, MuchMusic’s programming travelled across Canada and connected the Canadian music scenes in an unprecedented way. With stories of the bands, the music, the videos, the specialty shows, the style and the improvisational approach to daily broadcast life at Much, Is This Live? is told by the people who were there—the colourful cast of on-air VJs, the artists who found their way into our living rooms of the nation as never before, and the people behind the cameras. As our tour guide to the first decade at MuchMusic Christopher Ward delivers a full-on dose of pop culture nostalgia from the 1980s and ’90s, when the music scene in Canada changed forever.  

We are extremely excited to stream our #TrentVoices Literary Series. The impressive alumni lineup, which includes a who’s who of Canadian authors, is perfect listening for the chilly days of autumn.  Pull Up a chair, a cozy blanket, and a comforting beverage. We hope that you’re as excited as we are. This week: From linwoodbarclay.com: Linwood Barclay is the #1 internationally bestselling author of thirteen novels, including Trust Your Eyes, A Tap on the Window, No Time for Goodbye and that novel's follow-up, No Safe House. Last summer, his thriller Broken Promise, the first of three linked novels about his fictional upstate New York town Promise Falls, was released. Book two, Far From True was released earlier this year.  The finale, The Twenty-Three, was released this fall.

We are extremely excited to stream our summer #TrentVoices Literary Series. The impressive alumni lineup, which includes a who’s who of Canadian authors, is perfect listening for the dog days of summer. Tune in from your dock, deck, patio, or summer sanctuary. We hope that you’re as excited as we are. This Week: Yann Martel From Penguin Random House Canada: "Yann Martel is the author of Life of Pi, the #1 international bestseller and winner of the 2002 Man Booker (among many other prizes). He is also the award-winning author of The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios (winner of the Journey Prize), Self, Beatrice & Virgil, and 101 Letters to a Prime Minister. Born in Spain in 1963, Martel studied philosophy at Trent University, worked at odd jobs—tree planter, dishwasher, security guard—and traveled widely before turning to writing. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada, with the writer Alice Kuipers and their four children." His most recent work Is this year’s New York Times Bestseller The High Mountains of Portugal.   Also in the series: Leah McLaren: August 5th -- click here for the the full interview. From the Globe and Mail: “Leah McLaren is a journalist, novelist and screenwriter. She’s published two novels, The Continuity Girl (2007) and A Better Man (2015) both with Harper Collins Canada and Hachette in the USA. The first was a Canadian bestseller, though the second is actually much better. Leah is the Europe correspondent for Maclean’s and is a regular contributor to the Spectator magazine (UK) as well as Toronto Life for which she won a gold National Magazine Award in 2012. She’s been writing a column in the Globe since1999. She lives in Ontario and London, England where she shares a home with her husband and two boys.”    Linwood Barclay: September 2nd From linwoodbarclay.com: "Linwood Barclay is the #1 internationally bestselling author of thirteen novels, including Trust Your Eyes, A Tap on the Window, No Time for Goodbye and that novel's follow-up, No Safe House. Last summer, his thriller Broken Promise, the first of three linked novels about his fictional upstate New York town Promise Falls, was released. Book two, Far From True was released earlier this year.  The finale, The Twenty-Three, will be released this fall."   Janette Platana: September 9th From Tightrope Books: "Janette Platana’s cheerfully disturbing, gleefully outraged, and chillingly beautiful stories break open the lives of apparently ordinary people who struggle and sometimes succeed in living without compromise, refusing to sacrifice the world they sense to the world they see, and where things can be true without ever being real. The range of this accomplished and poetic voice may cause vertigo, owing, as it does, as much to the Clash to Stephen King, to Caitlin Moran as to Flannery O’Connor, and something to David Sedaris. A Token of My Affliction will make you laugh while breaking your heart wide open."   Richard B. Wright: TBA From Simon and Schuster: "Richard B. Wright is the author of thirteen novels and has won the Giller Prize, the Governor General’s Award, the Trillium Book Award, and the CBA Libris Awards for Author and Book of the Year. His most recent novel is 2016’s Nightfall. He lives in St. Catharines with his wife, Phyllis."

We are extremely excited to stream our summer #TrentVoices Literary Series. The impressive alumni lineup, which includes a who’s who of Canadian authors, is perfect listening for the dog days of summer. Tune in from your dock, deck, patio, or summer sanctuary. We hope that you’re as excited as we are. This Week: Leah McLaren: From the Globe and Mail: “Leah McLaren is a journalist, novelist and screenwriter. She’s published two novels, The Continuity Girl (2007) and A Better Man (2015) both with Harper Collins Canada and Hachette in the USA. The first was a Canadian bestseller, though the second is actually much better. Leah is the Europe correspondent for Maclean’s and is a regular contributor to the Spectator magazine (UK) as well as Toronto Life for which she won a gold National Magazine Award in 2012. She’s been writing a column in the Globe since1999. She lives in Ontario and London, England where she shares a home with her husband and two boys.”  Also in the series: Yann Martel: August 12th From Penguin Random House Canada: "Yann Martel is the author of Life of Pi, the #1 international bestseller and winner of the 2002 Man Booker (among many other prizes). He is also the award-winning author of The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios (winner of the Journey Prize), Self, Beatrice & Virgil, and 101 Letters to a Prime Minister. Born in Spain in 1963, Martel studied philosophy at Trent University, worked at odd jobs—tree planter, dishwasher, security guard—and traveled widely before turning to writing. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada, with the writer Alice Kuipers and their four children." His most recent work Is this year’s New York Times Bestseller The High Mountains of Portugal.   Linwood Barclay: September 2nd From linwoodbarclay.com: "Linwood Barclay is the #1 internationally bestselling author of thirteen novels, including Trust Your Eyes, A Tap on the Window, No Time for Goodbye and that novel's follow-up, No Safe House. Last summer, his thriller Broken Promise, the first of three linked novels about his fictional upstate New York town Promise Falls, was released. Book two, Far From True was released earlier this year.  The finale, The Twenty-Three, will be released this fall."   Janette Platana: September 9th From Tightrope Books: "Janette Platana’s cheerfully disturbing, gleefully outraged, and chillingly beautiful stories break open the lives of apparently ordinary people who struggle and sometimes succeed in living without compromise, refusing to sacrifice the world they sense to the world they see, and where things can be true without ever being real. The range of this accomplished and poetic voice may cause vertigo, owing, as it does, as much to the Clash to Stephen King, to Caitlin Moran as to Flannery O’Connor, and something to David Sedaris. A Token of My Affliction will make you laugh while breaking your heart wide open."   Richard B. Wright: TBA From Simon and Schuster: "Richard B. Wright is the author of thirteen novels and has won the Giller Prize, the Governor General’s Award, the Trillium Book Award, and the CBA Libris Awards for Author and Book of the Year. His most recent novel is 2016’s Nightfall. He lives in St. Catharines with his wife, Phyllis."

On July 7th, 2014, Trent alumnus Mark Quattrocchi ‘08 departed on a two-year cycling journey around the globe, travelling across 40 countries, 5 continents, and 35,000km, all while raising money for Free the Children’s Adopt-A-Village program. The impressive trip has raised over $48,000 in support of education in underprivileged communities around the world. Beginning in Sanya, China, where he spent time as an international teacher at a Canadian school, Mark cycled home to his small town of Rideau Ferry, Ontario, turning his dream of biking across the world into a reality. Mark experienced vast cultures, unique food, beautiful off-the-beaten-path landscapes, and friendly hospitality along the way.  It’s a journey he’ll never forget. Cycling anywhere from 70 to 130km each day, then camping out in a tent by night, the trip was both physically and emotionally strenuous for the 28 year old. Yet, despite facing difficulty along the way, Mark’s passion for education and the success of his fundraising efforts for Free the Children continued to motivate him. In June 2016 Mark’s spectacular journey came to an end when he cycled across the border into Canada and arrived at home. Raising money for Free the Children’s Adopt-A-Village program along the way, Mark’s ride has helped to build schools in Rural China, India, Kenya, and Ecuador. With each school costing $10,000 to build, Mark is still working towards his ultimate goal of raising $50,000 for the charity, which will support the completion of a fifth and final school in Nicaragua. To support Mark and Free the Children, click here. Mark completed his Bachelor of Education at Trent University in 2012, having already completed his undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Greek & Roman Studies at the university. Having accomplished his goal of biking around the world, Mark is currently focusing on writing a book about his experiences. He is also speaking about his ride in locations around Eastern Ontario. He calls his talk, “Finding Your Bicycle Ride.” Visit Mark’s website, www.oneadventureplease.com, to read about his experience. Listen to the full podcast to hear about Mark’s cycling trip across the world.

The four-part series showcased the breadth of research undertaken by scholars and scientists associated with the School of the Environment, which launched in September 2015 and brings together experts from a variety of disciplines who are teaching or studying environmental topics. "Each meeting features two short presentations, one by a scientist and one by an arts or policy person, so that every session captures a bit of the diversity of scholarship that goes on here," explains Professor Bocking, who is also chair of the Environmental and Resources Studies Program.  "It's a way for researchers at the School to gain a better understanding of what everyone else is doing and to encourage collaboration and sharing." Trent Voices will be playing two of these events.  This is the second installment. For the first seminar (the loss of trust from green energy prospecting in Ontario, presented by Stephen Hill; approaches to improving sustainability of crop production systems in Ontario, presented by Mehdi Sharif), please see: http://trenttalks.podbean.com/e/trent-university-school-of-the-environment-seminar-series-part-1/. In this episode: Poisoning a lake: The fate and effects of nanosilver added to a natural lake ecosystem, presented by Chris Metcalfe. Sketching a global history of ecology and environmental conservation, presented by Stephen Bocking.

Chatelaine Magazine recently named Athena Reich the “World’s Top Lady Gaga Impersonator.”  But to label her an impersonator would tell only a fraction of the story.  Reich, a talented artist in her own right, subverts Gaga with her own unique brand of feminist and queer music and drama – going so far as to incorporate her own pregnancy into a show called #ARTBIRTH, where Gaga delivers a baby live on stage.   How Gaga is Reich?   Billboard Magazine once printed a photo of her, mistakenly thinking it was Gaga.  Then there’s the fact that Gaga herself tweeted in support of Reich’s work.   In 2015 she starred as Lady Gaga in #ARTBIRTH at the Laurie Beechman Theater in NYC, which received multiple run extensions and a Time Out Critic's pick.   Reich is hardly limited to her impersonator role.  As a singer/songwriter, she has released 5 full-length albums and numerous singles. Her music videos have charted #1 on MTV LOGO and her song "Love is Love" won Best Pop Song at the Outmusic Awards.   As an actress, her credits include While Collar, The Perfect Murder, "An Evening with Donald Kempinski" (Little Fella Films), "Hush: Inside the Waiting Womb" (LA / NY).   Her music can be bought on iTunes or streamed on Spotify.

Trent University Chancellor Dr. Don Tapscott’s latest book has just been published by Penguin Random House.  BLOCKCHAIN REVOLUTION: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World is co-authored by his son Alex Tapscott. It is the first book to explain why blockchain technology – a truly open, distributed, global platform – will fundamentally change what we can achieve online, how we do it,and who can participate. It is a fascinating follow-up to several groundbreaking works in which Dr. Tapscott explores the economic and social impact of technology, including Macrowikinomics; New Solutions for a Connected Planet (2010); the bestseller Paradigm Shift (1992); and Radical Openness: Four Unexpected Principles for Success (2013). His book Wikinomics was the best selling management book in the United States in 2007. In 2014, the 20th Anniversary Edition of Dr. Tapscott’s hit The Digital Economy was released with a new foreword by Eric Schmidt, Chairman of Google, and 12 new essays addressing the original topics of the book. #TrentVoices sat down with Tapscott at the Rotman Centre School of Management at the University of Toronto for a special interview that focused on Blockchain Revolution, the bisecting futures of technology and the global economy, as well as on his ongoing relationship with Trent University. Dr. Tapscott is one of the world’s leading authorities on innovation, media, and the economic and social impact of technology and advises business and government leaders around the world.  He is an Adjunct Professor of Management at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and the inaugural Fellow at the Martin Prosperity Institute. In2013,he was appointed Chancellor of Trent University.  This month, his position of Chancellor was renewed for a further 3 years.

"There is a lot of amazing environmental research going on at Trent University that people may not be aware of," says Dr. Stephen Bocking, director of the Trent School of the Environment, as he speaks about the School's inaugural seminar series which kicked off on March 28, 2016. The four-part series showcases the breadth of research undertaken by scholars and scientists associated with the School of the Environment, which launched in September 2015 and brings together experts from a variety of disciplines who are teaching or studying environmental topics. "Each meeting features two short presentations, one by a scientist and one by an arts or policy person, so that every session captures a bit of the diversity of scholarship that goes on here," explains Professor Bocking, who is also chair of the Environmental and Resources Studies Program.  "It's a way for researchers at the School to gain a better understanding of what everyone else is doing and to encourage collaboration and sharing." Trent Voices will be playing two of these events. In this episode: Power brokers: The loss of trust from green energy prospecting in Ontario, presented by Stephen Hill. Approaches to improving sustainability of crop production systems in Ontario, presented by Mehdi Sharifi.

The Last Lecture offers graduating students an opportunity to come together and reflect upon their experiences at Trent University, bring closure to the time that they have spent here, and celebrate their many accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom. This annual event features an address by a graduating student, a distinguished alumna/us and a faculty member who will offer their words of inspiration to the Convocation Class. Each lecturer speaks under one theme, offering their personal reflections, stories and words of wisdom to the graduating class. The Last Lecture helps to signify the beginning of the next step on your journey. Unlike convocation where you sit by program and alphabetical order, at the Last Lecture you may choose to sit next to the person you sat beside in your first year lecture, and that same person might be your best friend today. Gather together a group of close friends and celebrate your last Trent lecture together.  2016 Speakers: Opening Remarks delivered by the Dean of Arts and Science (Humanities), Dr. Moira Howes Graduating Class – Lexie Houghton, Otonabee College Alumni – Stephen Brown ‘86 Faculty – Dr. David Beresford, Biology and Environmental Resource Studies   For full bios and more information, please visit http://trentu.ca/colleges/events.php#TheLastLecture

A short anecdote from Bill Kimball about his "Billy K's Grab Bag of 45's" show from the 1980's.  To listen to the full interview, please visit http://trenttalks.podbean.com/e/trent-voices-radio-show-episode-26-bill-kimball/

Jim Maxwell has been making waves in the field of Hollywood matte painting – the painted background that allows filmmakers to create the illusion of an environment that is nonexistent in real life or would otherwise be too expensive or impossible to build or visit. And he has made some very prominent ones in his career: from recreating the Vatican in The Borgias to sweeping panoramas of floating armadas in Vikings. Maxwell has received no shortage of recognition from the entertainment industry for his work, with a nod from the Emmy Awards for The Borgias in 2012, then two more nominations for his work on Vikings in 2013 and2014. He won Canadian Screen Awards in 2014 and 2015, also for his work on Vikings. During his time at Trent, Maxwell was a member of The Spleen Bishops – whose Celtic music stylings made them household and “pubhold” names around these parts.  In this episode, we talk about his experience creating movie effects magic, the changing technology behind the new Star Wars movie, as well as what it’s like to attend black-tie Hollywood award shows.  We then go back in time and remember The Spleen Bishops, how Celtic music became a phenomenon in Peterborough, and the gig that broke beer sales at the legendary Underdog pub (underneath the Red Dog).

Yuwa Hedrick-Wong is the Chief Economist and Chair of the Academic Advisory Council at MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth – a group that just might make you doubt what you think you know about multinational financial organizations.  He’s also the Global Economic Advisor for MasterCard Worldwide. Prior to his global role, he was Economic Advisor to MasterCard in Asia/Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. He has served as economic strategist and advisor to over fifty leading multinational companies, advised executives and boards of directors for over 100 leading international businesses, and has delivered key note addresses at various prestigious business conferences around the world.  He is a regular commentator interviewed on CNBC, BBC World, CNN, CCTV (China), CBN (Shanghai), BTV (Beijing), Channel News Asia, Bloomberg Forum and many others. Hedrick-Wong believes that economic growth drives shared prosperity – that it is not just limited to a single class or group of individuals. The Center for Inclusive Growth works to expand the middle class—in both developing and developed nations —in order for a better sharing of the benefits of economic development. According to Hedrick Wong, “in this situation, there is large-scale betterment—a boost to the common good—and growth for MasterCard’s business as well: a win-win process.” He stresses the importance of taking this a step further. “We work with governments to create a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusive growth—and of equity,” he explains. “The impact of this can lead to being a win-win-win situation.” It’s a revolutionary approach to economic development.  And one we delve into during this extended interview.

Dalal Al Waheidi discusses what it means to be a global citizen -- including the “why” behind global citizenship and its significance especially in the current political climate. Al Waheidi was the 2016 Jack Matthews Fellow at Trent. She is the executive director of We Day Global, where she is responsible for leading the team that brings the power of We Day to cities in Canada, the US and the UK. Ms. Al-Waheidi joined Free the Children in 2002 after graduating from Trent with a degree in International Development Studies, and has held a variety of roles including international project director, chief operations director and executive director. “Dalal truly embodies the uniquely Canadian values of global citizenship that Jack Matthews embedded in the institutions he established,” said Dr. Michael Allcott, director of TIP. “An immigrant to Canada, her extraordinary leadership and commitment to others is an example of the strength of the Canadian mosaic—her work so far has empowered thousands of young Canadians to engage civic discourse and service, and to begin changing the world for the better.”

  2015 Ph.D. grad Andressa Lacerda is in mid-career stride, despite being only 26.  She’s a founding partner and the CFO in Noble Inc., a company that will manufacture and distribute filtration systems to remove nanosilvers from wastewater as well as introduce pharmaceuticals that will cure cancer and diseases that are caused by virus’.  Her partner in this is Adam Noble, a whiz-kid who has set both the Trent community and world on fire with research that he accomplished in the labs at the university when he was just a high school student.    Andessa helped mentor Adam into becoming one of Canada’s “20 Under 20” in 2014.  Together they have just signed on as cornerstone tenants of Trent University’s new Research and Innovation Park, with a $20 million, 50,000-square-foot production facility to be built soon.   Andressa’s own research has shed new light onto neurological disorders – in particular how mutations of LITAF protein cause the genetic Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.    It’s a fascinating discussion – and one where another of Andressa’s talents shine: the ability to take complex ideas and make them relatable to students and laypeople.

Jack Roe has been an on air presence for CBC Radio, 680 NEWS, CKPT (now Energy 99.7) and (back in 1973-5) Trent Radio, where this interview took place. The conversation ranges across his 40+ year career in radio and captures memories from the magical to the manic: from interviews with Chris Hadfield to interviews with a guy who traveled North America blowing himself up at county fairs, from carving out community radio to almost getting arrested in pre-unification Germany.  Roe also gives a glimpse behind the scenes of the one of the most demanding radio studios in Canada, and then offers views on the state of modern radio -- as well as advice for media studies/journalism students on how they can find their own way in the shifting media landscape.It's an honest, intimate, and often humorous conversation that shines the light on an individual who is much more used to shining the light on others.

Our interview with Canada's Ambassador to Iceland, Stewart Wheeler, takes us on a journey from Trent to Bogotá to Afghanistan to Iceland and speaks to the ability to evolve, learn, and communicate.Stewart began his career in the public service in 1993, working in the Public Information Office at the House of Commons. In 1994, he joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada.He has served abroad in Washington, D.C., as second secretary, covering congressional relations and energy trade policy; Bogotá, as political counsellor; London, as head of the public affairs team at Canada House; and Kabul, as political program manager at the Canadian embassy in Afghanistan (2010 to 2011).Stewart has also had a variety of assignments at headquarters, serving as parliamentary relations officer, departmental spokesperson in the Press Office, deputy director of Mexico Relations, deputy director of corporate and internal communications, and, most recently, director of Cabinet relations.He earned the Minister’s Award for Foreign Policy Excellence as a member of the Kosovo Task Force in 1999.From 1999 to 2004, Mr. Wheeler served as press secretary to the governor general and in that capacity accompanied the governor general on her State Visit to Iceland in 2003.He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Since graduating from Trent University in 1980 with a degree in Cultural Studies, Bill Kimball has been involved in many aspects of the Peterborough arts community, particularly in the areas of contemporary dance and theatre.  He has contributed to the creation of live performance spaces in Peterborough, beginning with City Stage, a performance space operated by Artspace in the early 1980’s and continuing to the present with various renovations and improvements to the Market Hall. In 1994, Bill created a nationally recognized dance presenting program called Peterborough New Dance, and later expanded the mandate to theatre and other forms of performance while changing the name to Public Energy, a name which reflects his desire for the arts to be integrated into public life as much as possible. Bill is currently the Artistic Producer at Public Energy.Our interview with Bill covers the "Town and Gown" history of the arts, in particular the impact of Artspace, Peterborough New Dance, Public Energy, and the Electric City Culture Council.

TRENT Magazine sat down for a one-on-one with the newly minted Minister of Democratic Institutions, Maryam Monsef.  We discuss her first days on Parliament Hill, the life-altering experience of becoming a cabinet member, and how the position of Minister of Democratic Institutions will help shape future governments of Canada.  Here is an excerpt from that discussion.Look for the full story in the February edition of TRENT Magazine.