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.

Episode 17: The Supernatural Southwest
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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Episode 16: International Jobs
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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?

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Episode 15: Prelude to War
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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Episode 14: What Does the Future Hold for Japan?
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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?

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Episode 11: Conspiracy Theories, Part Deux
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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Episode 7 True Believers: What Makes a Conspiracy Theory Believer?
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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?

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Episode 6: Creativity and Survival
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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Episode 5: Energy Security. Who turned out all the lights?
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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Episode 4: Friends, Foes, and Frenemies
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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Episode 2: Food Security
Kate LaVail Kate LaVail

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.

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