The clock is ticking on big issues like climate change, social justice, accessibility, and cybersecurity—not to mention the fact that we’re trying to recover from a global pandemic. Adaptability is now seen as the critical skill by leading employers across the country. But the trick is: we need to adapt in the right ways. Ways that will help us move forward, together. That’s why this diverse and inter-generational podcast, brought to you by BCIT, tells stories that embody the never-ending human potential to adapt to change.
Fireweed season one features guests from in and around the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, interviewing academics and industry leaders, people from business and tech who are working to create resilient systems—all built to handle change. Meet people with vastly different experiences who have demonstrated their ability to grow and adapt to whatever challenges life throws at them and—like the fireweed—come back stronger than ever.
Episode 1: It’s more than a parking spot
Humboldt Bronco player Ryan Straschnitzki’s journey from hockey hopeful to accessibility advocate
Ryan Straschnitzki knows, first hand, what it’s like to adapt – he’s a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, in which many of his Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club teammates were badly injured, or lost their lives. We talk to Ryan about life after the crash, learning to navigate a world that wasn’t built for him in a wheelchair. We also speak with Brad McCannell of the Rick Hansen Foundation about creating meaningful access in the built environment, and adaptive technology pioneer Jaimie Borisoff about his research designs that make everyday activities better for people with mobility issues.
Episode 2: Ecocities beyond the “eco”
Building cities has traditionally meant altering or destroying the natural environment, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Cities along the Cascadia Corridor, like Vancouver, British Columbia, are setting a new standard in which people and nature can coexist, proving to have a beneficial relationship. We hear from Christina Olsen from the BCIT Centre for Ecocities about her vision for healthy urban centres, and from international rivers expert and founder of World Rivers Day, Mark Angelo, about why it’s vital to protect and restore the natural features within our urban limits.
Episode 3: 10 billion attacks a day?
How industry and individuals can protect themselves online
Cybersecurity experts and IT departments warn us about it, but how seriously do we really take our online security? More time online means more time at risk…or does it? Host Maria Vinca speaks with Derek Manky, Chief of Security Insights & Global Threat Alliances for Fortinet about the dangers of doing business in our hyper-connected world, and ways in which industry is fighting back against cybercrime and fraud. Maria also explores a personal story of fraud first hand with Digital Cyber Crimes Investigator Steve Wilson, who shares tips on how to protect ourselves online.
Episode 4: Career changers and shapeshifters
From downsizing to upgrading, the adaptation of the education model
Microcredentials and smaller “just in time” training options are helping workers upgrade their skills or switch careers entirely, without the need for a degree or diploma. Host Maria Vinca talks to Ryan Chynces from Hootsuite’s Online Education program about how their practical and quick courses help potential employees stand out. She also speaks to Tom Roemer, Vice President Academic from BCIT about the institution’s “agile learning” model that allows students to get the education they want, when they need it.
Episode 5: The classroom is everywhere
How thoughtfully applied tools are advancing our advanced education
Technology in the classroom is nothing new, and it’s always evolving. Innovators like UBC’s Claudia Krebs are using technologies like Virtual and Augmented Reality to really bring course content to life. In this episode we hear from BCIT’s Associate Vice-President, Education Support and Innovation, James Rout who believes students and learning outcomes deserve to be ahead of technology – for technology’s sake.
Episode 6: Where to next?
How electric vehicles are driving change
We’re already living in the future—the future of transportation, that is! Many of us are now opting for electric vehicles, but it’s still not the easiest choice. Plus, as more EVs come online, how will our infrastructure adapt to meet the demand? We talk to BCIT’s Clay Howey about the future of our power grids and the challenge of generating enough renewable electricity. We also speak with Mark Zacharias from Clean Energy Canada about when we’ll reach the tipping point for EVs….meaning when will choosing an EV become a “no-brainer”?