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 on the importance of self-awareness, adapting to company culture, and the evolving role of technology in the airline industry. He also delves into his personal background, growing up in a military family with deep roots in Newfoundland, and his views on balancing individual and group priorities.

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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 side of business world. This change in focus eventually led him to be the top executive at the Canadian defence company, Calian.

In addition to his professional life, Kevin is a champion of the Ottawa music scene and has been coaching hockey for decades.

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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 part of the citizen soldiers that contributed significantly to Canada’s contribution. On 4 September 2006, he was wounded when a US aircraft mistook Canadian troops for the enemy. Dozens were wounded and Private Mark Anthony Green was killed. Bruce sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in the removal of 5% of his brain. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Part of his ongoing service is a campaign to see Canadian military personnel accurately recognized for their acts of heroism. The most high profile being the camping for Jess Larochelle to receive the Victoria Cross.

Please take a look at the petition for Jess Larochelle and add your voice to a formal review of his case. The petitions closes on 20 November 2025.

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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.

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A discussion with authors Gordon Cullen and Barry Nisbet on their new book about the selection, training, and operational employment of Canadian snipers.

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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 pilot in the U.S. His career culmination point was leading a Canadian fighter squadron into combat in 1999 during the NATO bombing campaign in Kosovo. At the completion of that operation, Billie retired from the Canadian military and found himself in the test pilot world with most of this next chapter being spent on the F35 program.

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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.

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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.

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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 outdoors, his passion was history. After an undergraduate and masters in history, with a detour through law school, he landed as a journalist at the Ottawa Citizen. He was fortunate to work for an editor who sent him around the world. He eventually started writing books with a focus on psychology and decision-making. Dan is a prolific commentator on politics, policy, and geo-strategic issues. This discussion took place soon after the Canadian federal election and we had a great discussion on various hot button issues.

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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.

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