The Academy Distinguished Speaker Series
In spring, the Academy presents the popular Distinguished Speaker Series featuring high-profile speakers on fascinating subjects. Participation is encouraged with a Q&A after the presentations.
Famed Jeopardy! champion and CBC host Mattea Roach offers an engaging lecture that traces their journey from a record-setting 23-game winning Jeopardy! streak to becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable voices in media and literature. With razor sharp insight, Roach delivers an inspiring look at curiosity, strategy, and the stories that shape our world.
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Mattea Roach is the host of CBC’s Bookends with Mattea Roach. In the spring of 2022, they appeared on the game show Jeopardy!, embarking on a 23-game winning streak and becoming the winningest Canadian contestant in the history of the program. They followed up their initial run on Jeopardy! with appearances in the first two editions of Jeopardy Masters!, finishing as runner-up and in fifth place in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Roach appeared as the winning panelist on Canada’s great book debate, CANADA READS, in 2023, championing Kate Beaton’s graphic novel Ducks. They hosted The Backbench, a podcast focused on Canadian politics and is currently working on their first book. Originally from Halifax, Roach now lives and works in Toronto.