What happens when a global animal health institution starts thinking about the future?

In this episode of the Tension Podcast, foresight advisor Tianna Brand shares how the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) used its 100th anniversary to leap forward — creating participatory future scenarios to explore collapse, innovation, and transformation in global food systems.

Is Canada ready for the next climate-driven emergency? Behind the scenes, a critical shift is happening in how we plan, respond, and collaborate — and you’re invited into the conversation. In this powerful episode of the Tension Podcast, Donna speaks with Simon Wells and Tiffany Leung from the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM) about the future of emergency management in a world shaped by climate change and complex crises.

What happens to global security when the climate itself becomes the battlefield?

Spoiler: it’s not science fiction — it’s already happening.

In this must-listen conversation, Professor Bruno Charbonneau at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Canada — unpacks why climate change is now one of the biggest wildcards for military readiness, international relations, and the future of warfare.

"Winning Without Fighting": Rethinking Civil-Military Interaction for the Future of Conflict

How do we navigate modern conflicts that are more hybrid, technological, and deeply intertwined with civilian populations than ever before?

In a thought-provoking episode of the Tension Podcast, Vince DiDato explores how civil-military interaction (CMI) is evolving to meet today’s security challenges.

With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond, CMI is no longer a niche concept—it’s a necessity for global security, democracy, and long-term sustainability.

Listen to the full episode

At AOD, we focus on empowering leaders through design thinking and foresight, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of national security. For more information visit: https://aodnetwork.ca/

What does it take to push the boundaries of maritime innovation? Captain António Mourinha, Innovation Advisor to the Chief of the Portuguese Navy, joined Donna Dupont on the Tension Podcast to break it down.

From navigation officer to innovation leader, Mourinha shares how the REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation, and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems) exercises and NATO collaboration with 23 nations are shaping the future of maritime unmanned systems.

Tune in for real-world lessons in defense tech innovation—apologies for the echo!

At AOD, we focus on empowering leaders through design thinking and foresight, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of national security. For more information visit: https://aodnetwork.ca/

In this episode, our host Donna Dupont interviews Wargaming expert Thomas Danger to explore the dynamic world of Wargaming as a tool for decision-making, strategy, and collaboration. Thomas shares his wealth of knowledge, diving into the art and science of designing effective Wargames, the importance of creating immersive environments, and the critical role of leadership buy-in.

They discuss how Wargaming fosters collaboration, institutional memory, and innovative problem-solving, while touching on the challenges and opportunities in professional Wargaming careers. From tips on using low-tech immersive methods to actionable advice on capturing and leveraging Wargaming insights, this episode offers something for everyone—from curious newcomers to seasoned practitioners. Whether you're interested in the educational potential of Wargames, their role in organizational strategy, or practical tips for getting started, this episode is a masterclass in the power of play to solve real-world problems.

Thomas Danger holds a master of War Studies from King’s College London, where he was introduced to the world of wargaming. Thomas Danger has been working since 2023 as a professional wargamer, at the Royal Danish Defence College (RDDC), in the Institute of Military Operations (IMO). Thomas mainly focuses on creating educational wargames for the Danish Defence College and the Danish Armed Forces. Thomas is also the co-founder of the Strand Simulations Group, a wargaming company based in the UK.

• Free Wargames by Evan D'Alessandro.
• Test Thomas Danger’s microgame “Re-arm Europe!”, a wargame on defence spending, among other games - from a series of microgames edited by Sebastien Bae.
• The Strand Simulations Group, A Professional Tabletop Game Company, Co-founded by Thomas Danger.

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In this episode, Donna Dupont interviews Madeline Johnson, a Senior Analyst with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Fraud Red Team and a seasoned expert in the field of serious games. Madeline’s unconventional career path—from international diplomacy to designing games that solve complex problems for the government—gives her a unique perspective on how serious games can drive real-world change.

Madeline explains how serious games differ from traditional wargames, unpacking their power to simulate complex scenarios, reveal unexpected solutions, and support decision-making in high-stakes environments. We explore how serious games can help governments tackle issues like fraud, systemic risk, and other non-armed conflict challenges. Madeline also shares insights into the creativity and analytical thinking behind game design and analysis, demonstrating how these games are far more than play—they’re powerful tools for understanding and addressing society’s toughest problems.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions on strategic and serious gaming, as well as any comments on organizational actions expressed by Madeline Johnson are hers alone and reflect her experience. They do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of Global Affairs Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, or of the Government of Canada.

Madeline Johnson is a Senior Analyst with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Fraud Red Team. She joined the CRA in May 2023 after serving as a Canadian diplomat for 13 years. Since 2018, she has been involved with serious games, finding deep satisfaction in their ability to spark creativity and provide valuable insights. Madeline views games as powerful processes for supporting the government to mitigate uncertainty in decision-making.

• Key serious game source in Canada – PAXsims: https://paxsims.wordpress.com/2023/04/18/workshop-on-serious-games-report/
• Stephen Downes-Martin’s work: https://sites.google.com/site/stephendownesmartin/
• Reading Now - The Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Right-Kind-of-Wrong/Amy-C-Edmondson/9781982195069

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In this episode, host Donna Dupont interviews Dr. Ben Taylor, a Senior Operations Research Analyst at Defence Research and Development Canada, about the use of serious games in the defence and security context. Dr. Taylor shares his unique journey, from a childhood fascination with war games to transitioning into a career supporting the development of defence force planning. He provides insights into the definition of serious games, highlighting their key differences from recreational games and their ability to generate valuable insights, while also acknowledging their limitations. A central focus of the discussion is Dr. Taylor's approach to designing and facilitating serious games. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity, relevant expertise among participants, and creating an immersive environment that allows players to focus on the problem at hand. The episode also explores the educational and crisis management applications of serious games, showcasing their versatility in tackling complex, real-world challenges.

Dr Ben Taylor grew up in Colchester in the UK. He is an experienced defence operations research analyst and a Fellow of the Operations Research Society. He has a B.Sc in Combined Sciences and a Ph.D. in Chemistry.

After leaving Leicester university in 1989 he joined Westland System Assessment Ltd of Yeovil in England, working mostly on software projects and studies into the tactical employment of helicopters. In 1996 he joined the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, where he managed the development of a successful land campaign simulation model and led a major land force balance of investment study.

In 2000-2001 Dr Taylor worked in the MOD central staff in London and was instrumental in the design and implementation of the MOD Capability Audit process. From 2002 he worked at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. During this period Dr Taylor started to work with scientists in allied countries working on similar defence planning problems. He has led both NATO and five-eyes study teams.

In 2007 Dr Taylor moved to Canada to work for Defence Research & Development Canada, where he has supported the development of Canadian defence force planning analyses. Dr Taylor led the analysis team for the strategic program review of the Department of National Defence in 2010-11. From 2018 he has worked on a number of pandemic-related games, including supporting the Public Health Agency of Canada’s preparations for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Links:

Vaccine rollout TTX

Matrix Game Construction Kit

Matrix Games Handbook

Pangea 2030 Paper

Dr. Ben Taylor’s LinkedIn

Serious Play Conference

PAXsims (and Connections North)

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