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In this episode of #GaleForceWins, Allan Dale sits down in Ottawa with Tim Powers—Chairman of Summa Strategies, prominent national political commentator, entrepreneur, and proud Newfoundlander.

Tim shares candid stories about growing up in St. John’s, the rich political and entrepreneurial history of his family (including the Crosbie family legacy and the Newfoundland Margarine Company), and how his experiences in Labrador inspired his graduate studies at the London School of Economics. From working as a bouncer on George Street at Trapper John's and serving as President of Rugby Canada, to working alongside political heavyweights like John Crosbie, Joe Clark, and Doug Young, Tim reflects on the mentors, lessons, and values that shaped his career. Plus, he pulls back the curtain on national political broadcasting, his craft beverage and bakery ventures, and how becoming a father at 46 changed his perspective on life.

Learn more at: [https://galeforcewins.com](https://galeforcewins.com)

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction to Tim Powers
0:42 Growing Up in St. John’s & Attending St. Bonaventure's College
1:32 Family Influences: Parents Barney and Debbie Powers
2:53 Sibling Rivalries & How Tim's Parents Met in Newfoundland
4:23 The Crosbie Family Legacy, Confederation & The Newfoundland Margarine Company
6:08 Ontario Grandparents: WWI History, Nursing & A Letter from Mackenzie King
7:56 The Magic of Growing Up Around a Newfoundland Kitchen Table
8:49 Academic Journey: From MUN and The Breezeway to the London School of Economics
10:50 Connection to Labrador, Davis Inlet & Studying the Innu Culture
12:55 A Life in Rugby: Swilers RFC, Mentors & Serving as President of Rugby Canada
15:02 Working as a George Street Bouncer at Trapper John’s & The Hughes Inquiry
19:15 Life Lessons from Retail & Hospitality Jobs
20:08 Entering Politics: Working for John Crosbie, Joe Clark & Doug Young
21:48 The Power of Seeking Out Strong Mentors
23:43 Current Ventures: Summa Strategies, Craft Brewing, Seltzers & Owning a Bakery
24:48 Serving on the Boards of Memorial University & The Canadian Olympic Committee
25:04 Becoming a Father at 46 & Passing Down Newfoundland Roots
27:22 Behind the Scenes in Media: VOCM, CBC Power & Politics, and Bell Media
30:09 What’s on the Horizon: Business Expansion & Aluminum Trade Tariffs
31:34 Youth Sports & Keeping Kids Grounded
32:34 Philanthropy in Labrador & The Happy Valley-Goose Bay YMCA

#GaleForceWins #TimPowers #NewfoundlandAndLabrador #CanadianPolitics #SummaStrategies #Leadership #StJohns #RugbyCanada #Podcast

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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Forget the multi-trillion-dollar "Golden Dome"—Canada needs a sovereign, cost-effective defence architecture built for the reality of the North.

In this episode (EP286) of #GaleForceWins, host Allan Dale sits down with long-time defence advisor Lee Carson to discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape facing Canada's Arctic. Carson lays out why a Canadian-led solution—dubbed the "Igloo"—is critical to securing our northern sovereignty. Built block by block using Canadian and allied technologies, dual-use infrastructure, and led directly by Inuit communities and Arctic labor, this holistic vision reimagines how Canada defends its skies, land, and subsea frontiers.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome: Allan Dale & Lee Carson

00:37 - NORAD Modernization & Working with Inuit Development Corp

01:36 - A Shifting Geopolitical Context: Arctic Threats North & South

02:11 - The Problem with the "Golden Dome" & Lessons from Modern Warfare

05:09 - Introducing "The Igloo": Canada’s Cost-Effective Arctic Defence

06:14 - Build, Partner, Buy: Inuit Leadership and Canadian Innovation

07:41 - The Building Blocks: Radar, Aircraft, Fighters, and R&D

09:52 - Undersea Warfare: Protecting Arctic Subsea Cables & Infrastructure

11:16 - Dual-Use Technology and Galvanizing National Leadership

13:30 - Breaking Down Stovepipes: Is the Igloo Doable Today?

15:44 - Next Steps: Deep Blue Conference & European Partnerships

17:02 - Bringing It All Under One Umbrella

18:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

🔗 Connect with Gale Force Wins: Website: https://galeforcewins.com

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with leaders and change makers!

#CanadianDefence #ArcticSovereignty #NORAD #NationalSecurity #GaleForceWins #DefenceTech #InuitLeadership

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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On Episode 285 of GaleForceWins, we are joined by Canadian filmmaker, entrepreneur, former naval officer, and author Jason Donville at the historic Crow’s Nest Officers' Club in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Sitting down alongside his dear friend and former Royal Canadian Navy submarine shipmate and #GaleForceWins Co Founder Allan Dale, Jason opens up about his compelling new novel, A Medicine Game.

Set against the harsh backdrop of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and stretching to the living traditions of Six Nations, A Medicine Game follows two infantry officers and Royal Roads Military College best friends, Moose and Jonathan. As they navigate the brutal realities of peacekeeping and moral injury, Jonathan—a Mohawk soldier—turns to lacrosse, the Creator’s Game, as a powerful path toward healing.

In this episode, we dive deep into the central themes of Jason's book:

• The enduring power of male friendship and brotherhood built through military service
• The weight of moral injury and the realities faced by peacekeepers
• Ancient traditions of love, sacrifice, and the long road home to healing

To quote Jason on Instagram "A huge thank you to Allan Dale and Gerry Carew for bringing this conversation together in such an iconic, historic venue."

🎧 Listen to Episode 285 now on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full video on YouTube!

#GaleForceWins #AMedicineGame #JasonDonville #CrowsNest #StJohns #Newfoundland #RoyalCanadianNavy #RMC #MilitaryFiction #CanadianLiterature #Peacekeeping #PodcastEpisode

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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Honouring a legacy of service: Service before self. ⚓️🗳️🇦🇲

Every step Allan Dale takes with #GaleForceWins is grounded in the values passed down to him by his father, Almon Dale. His dad taught him that service isn't just something you talk about—it’s something you live. Continuing that family legacy of putting service before self is at the heart of everything we do.

Volunteering as an International Election Observer with @canadem in Armenia meant stepping way outside his comfort zone, but standing up for democracy is a responsibility we all share. Safe, fair, and transparent democratic processes rely on everyday people willing to step forward and serve.

And what an incredible country to carry out that mission in: Ancient landscapes and rich history that leave you speechless. The legendary warmth and hospitality of the Armenian people, Unbelievable local culture and food (if you haven't tried real Armenian culinary spreads, you're missing out!) 🍇🍷 and a deep, inspiring commitment to building a strong democratic future.

To anyone considering stepping up for their community, their country, or democracy worldwide: take the leap. Step outside your comfort zone, honour those who came before you, and serve something bigger than yourself.

WATCH! https://youtu.be/n1wlJ7ETAxo

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to #GaleForceWins ! In this episode, Gerry sits down with 19-year-old Newfoundland Labrador singer-songwriter Julia Dawson fresh off her opening performance for Styx. Julia opens up about her musical journey, her experience at music school, going viral after an impromptu duet with Kesha, and working with Grammy-winning producer Greg Wells in Los Angeles. Watch as she shares insights into her songwriting process and performs an emotional, unreleased song right at the piano.

00:00 - Introduction & Returning to Gale Force Wins Roots
00:50 - Introducing Julia Dawson (19-Year-Old Singer-Songwriter)
01:28 - Julia's Background, Music School & Scilly Cove Records Debut
03:09 - Live Performance Snippet: "Projecting"
04:36 - Early Musical Inspirations, Family Mentors & Sonia Gosse
08:23 - The Art of Songwriting & Writing From the Heart
09:37 - Performing for Big Audiences & Stage Presence
10:19 - Transitioning From Piano to Self-Taught Guitar
13:13 - Inside Music School: Growth, Challenges & Voice Major Life
14:45 - Collaboration vs. Competition in Music School
16:04 - Musical Genres & Influences (Adele & Taylor Swift)
19:49 - Perfectionism, Stage Precision & Handling Live Mistakes
24:18 - Opening for Styx & Structuring a Live Set
28:45 - The Viral Story: Performing Live with Kesha
33:07 - Remaining Grounded & Advice From Support Systems
35:35 - "You Never Know Who's Watching" & Industry Encounters
38:51 - Family Support & Visiting LA with Producer Greg Wells
41:02 - Julia's First Recording Experience (Trinity Hall & "Noel")
44:27 - Working with Mark Fener & Greg Wells 
47:20 - Premiere: Writing & Performing Brand New Song "Done Cryin"
54:06 - The Meaning Behind Her Original Song "Alone"
56:13 - How to End a Song: Resolving Chords & Closing Lyrics
58:05 - Co-Writing "Memory" with Donovan Woods
01:01:35 - How Julia Remembers Lyrics & Chord Progressions
01:04:47 - Advice for Young Aspiring Musicians
01:07:08 - The Power of Newfoundland Roots & Culture
01:08:15 - Closing Performance singing and paying piano: "Done Crying"

About Julia Dawson's Featured Songs
"Done Cryin": A deeply emotional acoustic ballad about self-discovery, emotional vulnerability, and reclaiming strength after hard times. As Julia notes in the interview, the key line "A smile holds a thousand tears and I'm done crying" reflects how people often hide their struggles behind a smile.
"Alone": Written about her first major heartbreak at 16, this track explores the weight of moving on and how original songs evolve in meaning over time as an artist grows.
"Memory": Co-written with acclaimed songwriter Donovan Woods, this song explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and holding on to memories before they disappear.

(You can search on YouTube or music streaming platforms to listen to full studio releases of Julia Dawson's tracks like "Alone" and "Noel".)

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

CHECK OUT THE ISLAND DEW as we talk about the GFW training.

 -----Everybody has a powerful story to tell, but let’s be honest—getting that story out into the world can feel incredibly intimidating.

Allan Dale appeared on the Island Dew Podcast and we were given the original video and audio to post our segment. If you want to see the entire Youtube video click here.

About #GaleForceWins training.
Whether you're a business owner wanting to grow your brand, a new entrepreneur, or someone trying to build a legacy, creating content often feels overwhelming. You might be staring at a blank screen, lacking the technical skills, or simply feeling like you don't have the time to figure it all out.

#GaleForceWins Training is officially LIVE! We’ve taken the guesswork out of storytelling and built two practical options tailored to your schedule:
The Rapid Content Creation TacPack: An intensive 8-12 hour deep dive that equips you with the exact skills and confidence you need to start creating content immediately.
The 60-Minute Sprint: Short on time? This high-level overview gives you the essential tools and frameworks to get moving fast.


Here is the best part—the ultimate win-win. We believe in empowering others, which is why every time you purchase a Rapid Content Creation course, we donate the exact same package to a transitioning Canadian Armed Forces veteran. You gain the tools to help your company, and together, we empower a veteran to start their own entrepreneurial journey. (Check out the file "Training launch video 1080.mov" attached below to hear more about our mission!)


Ready to find your voice and make an impact? Click on Galeforcewins.com/training

P.S. We love action-takers. If you've read this entire post, you're exactly the type of person we want to train. The first 5 people to DM Gerry or me will get access to one of our courses absolutely FREE. Don't wait—claim your spot!

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

In this latest interview, Allan Dale sits down with Michael Hunt, a dedicated police officer with the RNC, to discuss his career, the changing landscape of law enforcement, and his upcoming transition back to the community.

Here are the key highlights from their conversation:

A Transition Back to the Streets: Michael is currently wrapping up a rewarding two-year short-term assignment with the Criminal Investigation Division's General Investigation Unit, where he focused on property crimes, break-ins, and armed robberies. He is now eager to bring his sharpened investigative skill sets back to street patrol.

Deep Experience: With 13 years of service under his belt, Michael spent a full decade on street patrol. He has extensive experience serving diverse areas across the region, including downtown, CBS, Torbay, Mount Pearl, Paradise, and Kenmount Heights.

A Evolving Landscape: Michael shares insights into how policing has changed, noting a significant rise in calls for service—increasing by 20,000 over the last two years alone—as well as a stark rise in firearms offenses compared to when he first started.

A Legacy of Service: Law enforcement runs in the family! Michael shares a proud personal moment about his grandfather, a retired emergency officer who actually presented Michael with his badge at graduation.

The Power of Teamwork: From working alongside specialized units like K9, forensics, and tactical teams, to collaborating with community partner agencies, health professionals, and social workers, Michael emphasizes that modern policing relies heavily on a massive, unified team effort.

For those looking for a dynamic, professional, and deeply rewarding career outside of a traditional 9-to-5 office job, Michael strongly encourages submitting an application to join the growing RNC team.

The #GaleForceWins partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA) has been a privilege for us to create and we look forward to more conversations in the future! 🌊👮‍♂️

🗓️ The full interview is out now!

Shane McClafferty, Gerry Carew

#CommunityPolicing #RNC #LawEnforcement #RNCA #PoliceInterviews

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

We are proud to continue our #GaleForceWins partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA)! 🤝

In this latest episode, we sit down with Staff Sergeant Mike Summers, a dedicated police officer with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. With an incredible 38 years of service, S/Sgt. Summers brings a wealth of experience from nearly every corner of the force.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in:

🔹 Street Patrol (his current role)

🔹 Operations Section

🔹 Criminal Investigation Division

🔹 Training Section

🔹 Professional Standards

🔹 A stint in Corner Brook

He also dedicated 30 years to the RNC Tactical Team. In our chat, he shares a unique insight into the team, noting that while some Canadian forces have full-time tactical units, the RNC’s team operates as a part-time, secondary duty for its members.

Check out the full interview to hear his story!

Allan Dale, Shane McClafferty, Gerry Carew

#RNCA #CommunityPolicing #RNC #LawEnforcement

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

🛡️ Shaping PEI’s Role in Canada’s Defence Strategy!
Prince Edward Island is making strategic moves in Canada's evolving defence landscape! In this clip with Allan Dale from #GaleForceWins , Tom Dunne—a 35-year RCAF veteran and Chair of PEI's newly formed Defence Strategy Expert Panel—breaks down how the province is positioning itself to support national security and economic growth.
Key Takeaways:
Leveraging Local Strengths: How PEI is using its expertise in aerospace, marine technology, bioscience, and even food security for dual-use defence solutions.
Atlantic Collaboration: Working across the Atlantic provinces to strengthen supply chains, share workforce talent, and build a regional defence hub.
Sovereign Capability: Aligning with Canada’s push to "build, partner, and buy" to ensure domestic self-reliance.
Listen to learn how the Island is innovating for the future! 👇

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

Looking for Top Talent in Defence and Security? 

Meet NATO Youth 🇨🇦 Canada.

22-year-old Spencer Carew, Volunteer President of NATO Youth Canada, sat down with #GaleForceWins at #MASS2026 to discuss a critical shift: Canadian youth are increasingly engaged, passionate, and ready to enter the defence and security sectors.

As the official youth wing of the NATO Association of Canada, NATO Youth Canada isn't just raising awareness—they are actively building a critical talent pipeline for the industries of tomorrow.

Why Industry and Government Must Pay Attention.

A Massive Talent Stream: NATO Youth Canada connects partners with an expansive demographic of young professionals (ages 18 to 30), ranging from fresh high school graduates to dedicated master's researchers.

Fiercely Non-Partisan & Diverse: The organization boasts a highly diverse cohort offering a wide array of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, united by a drive to do constructive, impactful work.

Global Reach: Sponsoring NATO Youth Canada means tapping into a network of over 1,000 "ambassadors." These young leaders represent Canadian interests at conferences across major NATO countries and beyond.

Tackling Modern Issues: Members are actively developing expertise and shaping dialogues on today's defining challenges, from defence modernization and cybersecurity to climate-related security risks and democratic resilience.

An Investment in Perspective

As Spencer perfectly highlighted, partnering with NATO Youth Canada goes far beyond traditional sponsorship. It is a direct investment in personnel, a fresh perspective, and the up-and-coming talent that will defend our future.

Whether you are in government, academia, or the defence industry, now is the time to lean in. Support these young leaders as they keep the vital conversation of transatlantic security alive and topical within their circles.

Connect with NATO Youth Canada to secure the talent of tomorrow and expand your presence across the alliance. www.natoyouth.ca

#GaleForceWins supports this important Canadian youth organization and we ask you to please like and share or even better, to invest in them.

#NATOYouthCanada #TalentPipeline #YouthLeadership #GaleForceWins #CyberSecurity #GlobalSecurity 

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/