The Canary Group

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.

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?

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.

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?

On this episode of the Canary Group, Michael and Kate have the pleasure of talking with Special Forces 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

On this episode of the Canary Group, we welcome Nina Jankowicz, a foremost expert on disinformation and gendered 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.

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?

On this episode of the Canary Group, Michael and Kate discuss the essential ingredient of survival- creativity. Thinking beyond what is, to what could be, and applying adaptive problem solving is how we turn imagination into action. The cost of failing to think creatively is steep and potentially deadly. Your hosts use examples from business, military, government, and society to illustrate why we need creative thinking now more than ever.

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.

Join Michael and Kate as they speak with Maria Robson-Morrow, PhD, the Program Manager for the Intelligence Project and Recanati-Kaplan Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. They unpack the inner workings of intelligence functions and discuss the historical, current, and future states of strategic intelligence gathering, cooperation, and evolving purposes. You will come away from the episode with a deeper understanding of the role of intelligence, its value, and the challenges facing the experts and those relying on their work.

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.

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.

From the Arctic to South America, fertilizer to freight shipping, the Canary Group's strategic intelligence experts examine the intersections and relationships to challenge the tyranny of conventional wisdom. Join hosts, Kate LaVail and Michael Vieira, as they connect the dots, exploring history, culture, science, technology, geopolitics, and more, to better understand and forecast what comes next. The Canary Group will help you see around corners and identify the innerworkings driving the change yet to come.

On our first episode, we introduce you to the hosts of the Canary Group, Kate LaVail, PhD and Michael Vieira. They take you on a record-setting world tour to give you a sense of what you can expect in this season of the show. From Australia to the Arctic, they highlight the intersections of nations, power, influence and humanity. You will come away with a better understanding of the interconnections that will shape the next 24 months to five years and an idea of what is to come this season.