The Northern Sentinels Podcast

On this episode, I’m joined by Gitane De Silva, a public policy leader with over two decades of experience in diplomacy and government. A proud Albertan and a self-described generalist, she studied international relations at UBC, inspired in part by a book she read in high school about apartheid in South Africa that sparked her passion for diplomacy. After working as a parliamentary intern in Otta...

On this episode, I’m joined by Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, the inaugural Commander of the Canadian Joint Forces Command. Darcy was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996 after completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta. Before the CAF, he was a competitive pole vaulter, winning two junior national titles. He earned his wings in 1...

On this episode I’m joined by the CEO and Founder Dominion Dynamics, Eliot Pence. Born and raised in Victoria, Eliot spent much of his youth in a VW Van camping around British Columbia with his family. After completing his undergrad at UVic, he spent some time working for the Canadian International Development Agency in Africa before heading to Yale for grad school. At the conclusion of his Master...

In this episode I’m joined by Army veteran and current Chief Information Officer of Air Canada, Mel Crocker. Mel’s journey began as a military signals officer, where he gained invaluable leadership experience in places like Somalia. After 20 years of service, he transitioned to the private sector, working with General Dynamics and eventually finding his way to Air Canada. Mel shares his insights o...

On this episode, I’m joined by the CEO of Calian, Kevin Ford. He was born and raised in Ottawa to a father in sales and a mother who worked for the Royal Canadian Legion. Upon the completion of high school, he jumped right into the work force. He started in the early 80s in data processing with his first big job being with National Defence. His technical background eventually led him to the sales...

Petition e-6661 - Victoria Cross for Jess Larochelle On this Remembrance Day episode I’m joined by a Canadian who has served his country and community in many ways. Bruce Moncur hails from Windsor, Ontario, but spent his elementary school years in Texas. When his family moved back north he landed in Detroit, but went to high school in Windsor. He joined the Army Reserves prior to 9/11 and become p...

Military operations are dangerous, but so is training for operations. On this NSP Short, Cole Rosentreter describes a parachuting accident that changed the trajectory of his life. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18):...

A discussion with authors Gordon Cullen and Barry Nisbet on their new book about the selection, training, and operational employment of Canadian snipers. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Action Tr...

Billie and I have not know each other long, but our lives have crossed at several points. Billie grew up in a military family where both parents served. Unclear if it was nurture or nature, but Billie wanted to be a pilot from a young age and ended up as the first newbie pilot to fly the CF-18 Hornet in the mid-80s. Billie’s career was split between fighter pilot duties in Canada and being a test...

Dropping a bomb might seem a simple task, but there countless things to coordinate to enable that pilot to hit the right target. Billie Flynn walks through the different parts to a bombing mission on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podc...

Everyone has failures in life. My sense is the only time someone truly fails is when they decide to quit. On this NSP Short, Billie Flynn shares how his early failures as a pilot and student set the foundation for future success. Oh, and his mom might have provided a gentle nudge at the right moment. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcas...

On this episode, I’m joined by journalist, writer, and New York Times best selling author, Dan Gardner. He grew up in the small town of Swastika near Kirkland Lake in Northern Ontario. Yes, you heard me correctly, Swastika, Ontario. As you would expect, he spent his time hunting and fishing, and helping to raise orphan wild animals. Again, you heard me right. Despite this connection to the outdoor...

Is the tombstone mentality killing Canada’s defence and security? On this NSP Short, Dan Gardner explains this phenomenon and how it’s impacted Canadians’ ability to properly assess risk. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1...

Why has Canada failed to do big things over the last few decades? We have the people, skills, and the money, so what’s wrong? Listen to Dan Gardner describe how big things get done on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit...

On this episode, I’m joined by one of Canada’s foremost experts in northern security, Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer. Whitney grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and hails from a hard working, tight knit family. By the time he finished high school, he knew he wanted to be a historian. He did is undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo and went west for his Masters and PhD at the University of Calgary...

People confuse being unsafe with being uncomfortable. On this NSP Short, Whitney Lackenbauer explains the difference and argues the merits of intellectual discomfort. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMus...

Political parties like to make promises about building more infrastructure in the north. You hear in every election cycle. Dr Whitney Lackenbauer explains the challenges of fulfilling these promises on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Po...

Image credit - Sonya Gilks On this episode, I’m joined by Fredericton’s top cop, Chief Gary Forward. Gary was born into a military family and moved around in his youth before the Forward’s settled in Fredericton. He spent his childhood playing sports and knew his career path from an early age. After high school he attended the Atlantic Police Academy before joining the Fredericton Police Force. He...

Everyone physically ages, but not everyone grows up. On this NSP Short, Gary Forward talks about the importance of personal growth in his professional journey. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic, Act...

Doing the right thing can be uncomfortable, especially when it holds someone else accountable. Gary Forward shares a story about living values and the hope that everyone is supported when they are in a similar situation. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP...

On this episode, I’m joined by veteran and military nurse, Mary Ann Barber. Born and raised in Sault Ste Maire, Ontario, Mary Ann spent her youth playing sports, hunting and fishing, and being empowered to follow her own path. After starting her nursing degree at the University of Ottawa, she joined the military and began her journey of service. After completing her education and basic military tr...

To serve is to sacrifice. Some sacrifices are small like a few hours a week to coach a sport. Some sacrifices are life altering. Listen to Mary Ann Barber describe the impacts of her service on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Mu...

We prepare our military medical professionals for combat in Canadian emergency rooms. This is the one of the only options available. However, does it really prepare them for the realities of war. On this NSP Short, military nurse, Mary Ann Barber, describes the major differences of a combat ER. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Musi...

On this episode, I speak with veteran and clinical psychologist, Dr John Whelan. John was born and raised in Newfoundland and was the oldest of nine children. He had to grow up fast as the eldest child and protector of his younger siblings. He left home after high school, joined the Navy and spent almost a decade in uniform. As a life long learner with a curious mind, John started his post seconda...

Image credit - the sunflower society I had never heard the term medicalization before this discussion. On this NSP Short, Dr John Whelan not only explains the term, but outlines how it relates to PTSD. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Cred...