It’s part TED Talk, part variety show. It’s hosted by an astronaut, with many guests, and a costume-clad backing band.
Recently, some of our Toronto team members got a chance to see Chris Hadfield’s GeneratorTO 2025, a one-night-only mixed variety show that turned out to be equal parts wonderful, weird, and educational.
We didn’t know what to expect, but an enlightening time was assured.
The Event
Hosted by Chris Hadfield, Canada’s iconic moustachioed astronaut (remember when he sang Space Oddity in space?), GeneratorTO is a science-based live show that puts what’s new and interesting front and center. The lineup is a secret, but always features some of the world’s best comedians, scientists, artists, and musicians. Anything goes, which is part of the fun.
For Nabeel aka Bridge, his favourite part was Chris Hadfield’s talk about “space pollution,” the unseen problem of defunct satellites and the cloud of debris they create.
“You never really think about satellites and space junk that’s no longer working.” he added. “They lose focus, crash into each other, causing damage to other satellites to the point that debris can come back to Earth. It’s basically environmental pollution. They’re even looking at ways to zap it away. It’s something you don’t usually consider.”
For others, it was the sheer variety. Not many shows mix so many disciplines and genres, or feature such a wide array of eclectic guests. It takes a special kind of host to wrap it all together but if anyone can do it, it’s the supremely talented Chris Hadfield.
A Night of Firsts
For many of us, it was our first time attending GeneratorTO. For some of our newer teammates, it was the first time being with the team outside of the office, giving them their first taste of PD’s after hours culture.
Conclusion
With great performances, and thought-provoking presentations, it was a reminder that sometimes the best company moments happen off the clock. For our new PDTers, it was an initiation. The evening sparked conversations and memories that will help Raise I+A for years to come.
