The Canary Group Podcast.
Join our hosts, Kate LaVail and Michael Vieira, as they combat the tyranny of conventional wisdom. They examine real and perceived tensions across the globe to understand the deeper connections and drivers shaping the future.
Relying on research, analysis and expertise, including incredible guest subject matter experts, they are on a mission to illuminate the agents and connections, conditions and perceptions impacting our world for the better and worse.
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Episode 17: The Supernatural Southwest
On this episode of the Canary Group, Kate and Michael are joined by Phoenix-based, Jessica Dunham, journalist, author and Emmy® Award-winning film producer. From ghosts to Aliens, divide between the metaphysical and reality has always seemed a little thinner in the American Southwest. Listen to a discussion on the role of myth and oral history, as well as geography and demographics in creating the utterly unique culture found in Arizona, New Mexico and other Southwestern states.
Episode 16: International Jobs
In this Episode, Michael and Kate discuss the international landscape of jobs. From the return of American manufacturing positions to the need for diverse skillsets and knowledge around the world, changes are afoot. What does the labor market look like today and tomorrow? How do generations entering the workforce today, seeking success, look different than those before?
Episode 15: Prelude to War
The rumblings keep getting louder. References to the triggers of WWI and WWII are dappling conversations and the phrase, "past is prologue" has found new life. Join Michael and Kate as they discuss the symptoms and signs of an upcoming global war or wars.
Episode 14: What Does the Future Hold for Japan?
Perhaps no other country has undergone so many identity shifts than Japan. From a ferocious expansionist nation to leaders in peaceful industrialization, Japan has reshaped themselves to thrive. Now, with a shrinking population, threats from other nations, who will Japan need to become to ready themselves for what is next?
Episode 13: A Chat with Special Forces Ben
On this episode of the Canary Group, Michael and Kate have the pleasure of talking with Ben, a security and intelligence specialist and member of the US Special Forces community. They talk about training, Ben’s work and the components of strong leadership. Ben brings a fantastic and hilarious perspective to the conversation. You won’t want to miss this one.
Episode 12: Some Latitude for Gratitude
It’s the end of the year and Michael and Kate are taking an episode to express their gratitude in a truly Canary kind of way. They explore the psychological and sociological role of gratitude and why it matters.
Episode 11: Conspiracy Theories, Part Deux
On this episode of the Canary Group, Michael and Kate resume their conversation about conspiracy theories. Tune in to hear more about the sociological purposes they serve and how we use them to derive meaning from the world.
Episode 10: Sea Power with Commander Salamander
Our guest this week is a former naval officer and well-recognized figure in defense blogging circles. Going by the pseudonym Commander Salamander, he has been a persistent, impassioned, and educated voice talking about national security matters, geopolitics, and all things connected to sea power. Sal is also incredibly funny, and a delightful interlocutor. Join Kate and Michael as we ask Sal to guide us through our current global situation, and what a Navy brings to the table in regards to the current geopolitical situation.
Episode 9: Digital Currency with Yaya Fanusie
On this episode of the Canary Group, we welcome Yaya Fanusie, a former counterterrorism and economic analyst with the CIA and leading scholar and analyst on digital currency and financial crimes. This conversation ranges from crypto and central bank digital currency (CBDC) to his riveting podcast, The Jabbari Lincoln Files, about a CIA analyst facing a new kind of global threat while being scapegoated. No spoilers here, but the podcast is as compelling as his coherent, easy to understand expertise on the dangers (and potential advantages) of digital currency.
Episode 8: The Disinformation War with Nina Jankowicz
On this episode of the Canary Group, we welcome Nina Jankowicz, an expert on disinformation online abuse. The internet is not a safe place. From state actors to trolls, Nina shares her personal and professional experiences with online abuse and disinformation and discusses what we can do about it.
Episode 7 True Believers: What Makes a Conspiracy Theory Believer?
On this episode of the Canary Group, Michael and Kate delve into conspiracy theorists. From JFK to little green men, people have always tried to make sense out of the unknown. In the first installment of Conspiracy Theories, your hosts dive in to the psychological and sociological drivers of conspiracy belief. What makes someone more likely to believe in a conspiracy theory? What does the prevalence of conspiracy theorists say about our society today?
Episode 6: Creativity and Survival
“We are in unprecedented times.” We’ve been hearing this statement from government officials, employers, and even our friends and family repeatedly over the past three years. From COVID and the war in Ukraine, Chat GPT, and a shaky economy, the threats to life as we know it are all around us. What do we need to respond to all this change? We need creativity.
Episode 5: Energy Security. Who turned out all the lights?
It’s no secret that finding and keeping resources has been the central driver for most, if not all, wars, and exploits. More specifically, the hunt for power in all shapes and forms is what fuels the political, cultural, and economic worlds we live in. Oil and gas, hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, and more- each has benefits, but also costs. Join us as Michael and Kate discuss energy scarcity, the balance between traditional and green energy, and where everyone stands as we move into an era of greater energy insecurity.
Episode 4: Friends, Foes, and Frenemies
On this episode, we talk with Maria Robson-Morrow, PhD, about the past, present, and future of international, national and private intelligence organizations. From the creation of Five Eyes to innovative approaches to strategically leverage intelligence, we explore the changing expectations, value, and impact of intelligence throughout the world.
EPISODE 3: Turkey will not be ignored, Michael!
A gambler. A volatile ex-girlfriend. A weight. There are so many ways to describe this singular nation that sits at the intersection of east and west, always playing by its own rules. Join Michael and Kate as they explore the colorful history of the former Ottoman Empire, embracing tradition and evolution, secularism and deep religious faith, and allyship with the EU and Asia simultaneously. This critical nation is one to watch. You will come away with a better understanding of what makes it tick, its likely future influence, and why it matters.
Episode 2: Food Security
Your hosts, Michael and Kate, take on one of the most serious early indicators of trouble to come: food insecurity. In the US, it looks like food deserts and supply chain issues. In other parts of the world, it looks like food aid held hostage by armed militia. Food is used for power and control around the world. Join them as they explore the complex issue, diving deep to understand what to know and what to watch.
