Tension

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. About This Episode's Guest: 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. Links & Resources: 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. - Show Notes Become a supporter on ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/aodnetwork/tiers)! Tension is in Feedspot’s 5 Best Canadian Design Podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_design_podcasts/) Follow AOD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aodnetwork/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AODnetwork Youtube:

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. About This Episode's Guest: 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. Links & Resources: 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/https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Right-Kind-of-Wrong/Amy-C-Edmondson/9781982195069 - Show Notes Become a supporter on ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/aodnetwork/tiers)! Tension is in Feedspot’s 5 Best Canadian Design Podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_design_podcasts/) Follow AOD LinkedIn: ...

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. About This Episode's Guest: 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) - Show Notes Become a supporter on ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/ao...

Our host Donna Dupont interviews Dr. Oliver Jones to discuss Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium - AOD’s new turn-based mystery investigation wargame. Breakthrough puts players in situations that enable them to seamlessly develop complex strategy-making capabilities. The Shadows of Byzantium scenario takes place in Istanbul, Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia in 2040. With Turkey on the cusp of entering the European Union after a decade of political reforms and humanitarian initiatives, Istanbul is becoming a major cosmopolitan center and economic hub. Yet, its role as an emerging power in the EU is in peril. Following the outbreak of a new respiratory disease, the city is racked with unrest with the potential to spill over Turkey’s borders. The United Nations Security summons players to investigate the implications of a new disease on human security in Turkey and the region. What they uncover will shape the fate of not only Turkey, but its alliances and partnerships for years to come. About This Episode's Guest: Oliver Jones is a senior researcher at AOD. In his role at the Archipelago of Design, Oliver leads cutting edge research projects, including serious game design and publishing initiatives on emerging security and defence topics. Jones holds a PhD from the English department of York University in Toronto and MA from McMaster University's Critical Theory and Cultural Studies program. His doctoral dissertation, “Literary Friction: Poetics at the Operational Level of War” explores how literary practices have been mobilized to support innovation in defense organizations, from TE Lawrence to the present day. Show Notes AOD is thrilled to announce the official launch of Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium at our Annual Event in Lisbon, running from September 18-21, 2024! Project Inner Alliance, currently under development in partnership with Wero Creative, is one of several games conceived by AOD to accelerate cultural evolution. Specifically, Project Inner Alliance promotes transformation of beliefs and behaviours by exploring team dynamics and cohesion. Through mechanics such as limited command, trust, and procedural rhetoric, players learn the importance of increasing inclusivity and readiness in their teams, both in the game and in real life. Learn more: https://aodnetwork.ca/project-inner-alliance/ Note: This game is in the early stage of development, if you are interested in collaborating on the game design and/or have expertise in emergency management or disaster relief we invite you to email us at info@aodnetwork.ca. Safeguarding the Future: A Strategic Foresight Handbook for National Security and Defence Professionals, developed in partnership with Helen Kerr and KerrSmith Design, is a practical guide designed to equip leaders and teams with future-ready mindsets, essential for navigating the rapid and unpredictable changes in today's global landscape. This handbook addresses the need for resilient, adaptive, and proactive strategies, particularly in the realms of defense and security. It includes detailed, step-by-step instructions on various foresi...

Our host Donna Dupont interviews Kassie Miedema to discuss the power of social impact games to support learning goals, behaviour change and positive social messaging. Kassie Miedema is a Senior Foresight and Design Researcher at Archipelago of Design. Kassie is passionate about resilience and transformative culture change and continues to contribute her multidisciplinary expertise to address contemporary security and defence challenges. In this episode we discuss development of the game Project Inner Alliance, focused on cultural evolution and inclusivity within teams to transform beliefs and behaviours. The premise is a humanitarian aid and disaster relief scenario game where the environment is “the enemy” presenting challenges and obstacles. This orientation of the game shifts the focus from character based combat to collaboration and building team cohesion. Project Inner Alliance leveraged a co-design participatory approach and included a diversity of participants and perspectives in order to advance a scenario game that resonates with our defence and security community. About This Episode's Guest: Kassie Miedema is a senior Foresight and Design Researcher at Archipelago of Design. Kassie is passionate about resilience and transformative culture change and continues to contribute her multidisciplinary expertise to address contemporary security and defence challenges. At AOD, Kassie uses her skills in design thinking, foresight, serious games, workshop facilitation to tackle projects involving cultural evolution, inclusivity, and climate change. Kassie studied architecture at the University of Waterloo and worked for several years in architecture firms before pivoting her career. Her time in architecture taught her an appreciation for sustainable design and resilience, but Kassie had a desire to pursue a career change where she could have a more positive social impact. She enrolled in OCAD’s Strategic Foresight and Innovation program in 2021 where she met Professor Michele Mastroeni and began working with AOD. Most recently, Kassie has completed the project Safeguarding the Future: A Strategic Foresight Handbook for National Security and Defence Professionals (which is publicly available on the AOD website) and is currently working on a Climate Change and Security Workshop Toolkit and Project Inner Alliance, a transformative game to increase inclusivity and readiness within defence and security teams. Show Notes AOD is hosting an international conference on security design on September 18-20, 2024 at the Naval Academy, Lisbon, Portugal. If you’re a fan of the podcast and want to learn more, please visit https://aodnetwork.ca/securitybydesign/ for the full programme, and https://securitybydesign.eventbrite.ca/ to register. Project Inner Alliance, currently under development in partnership with Wero Creative, is one of several games conceived by AOD to accelerate cultural evolution. Specifically, Project Inner Alliance promotes transformation of beliefs and behaviours by exploring team dynamics and cohesion. Through mechanics such as limited command, trust, and procedural rhetoric, players learn the importance of increasing inclusivity and readiness...

Our host Donna Dupont interviews an international military design panel - Dr. Florian Andresen, Dr. Robert Rosa and Anders Theis Bollmann to discuss design education, and why it's an important mindset to cultivate for military officers, strategists and future generals. Florian is a Post-Doc at the Chair of Technology and Innovation Management at Helmut-Schmidt-University, and leads projects on Military Design Thinking and Communities of Practice in the German Armed Forces. Robert is currently serving in the Wars Studies University in Warsaw, he conducts classes with senior officers in the field of military strategy and design. Anders is working on a PhD at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) as part of “Rethinking Entrepreneurship”, his project investigates the relationship between entrepreneurialism, defense policy and military practice. In this episode we discuss the roller-coaster ride of design to navigate the tension in thinking between traditional linear planning, and different ways to explore complex and rapidly changing environments. A practice that requires an open-mind, humility, empathy, a curiosity to explore the unknown, and the courage and creativity to pave a new path forward. About This Episode's Guests: Florian Andresen Dr. Florian Andresen is currently a Post-Doc at the Chair of Technology and Innovation Management at Helmut-Schmidt-University (University of the German Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg). Dr. Hans Koller. In this role, he leads projects on Military Design Thinking and Communities of Practice in the German Armed Forces. Additionally, he serves as a lecturer at Helmut-Schmidt-University, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, and the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College, where he teaches in the areas of Strategic Management, Design Thinking, and Complexity. Previously, he was a Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Public Sector Consulting. Moreover, he served as a career soldier (Captain) and is currently an active reserve officer at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College (Major). His focus areas include Dynamic Capabilities and Organizational Adaptability/Agility, Business Model Innovation and Business Ecosystems, Military Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence, Institutional Logics and Institutional Complexity, and Communities of Practice. You can find a link to Florian’s dissertation that deals with bottom-up capability development in the German Armed Forces (Strategic Management / Dynamic Capabilities) at this link. He also has a publication on different institutional logics and design in the German Navy (link to the German version), An English version can be provided upon request. Robert Rosa Dr. Robert Rosa is currently serving in the Wars Studies University in Warsaw. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences, discipline: security sciences. His dissertation concerned the design approach in military operational thought. His military service includes positions in: a radar unit during compulsory military service, and in engineering and airborne troops, as well as tactical a...

Our host Donna Dupont interviews Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard and Scott DeJong to discuss the world of serious games. Philippe is a professor at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, a designer, and is the Co-founder of the Archipelago of Design. Scott is a PhD researcher at Concordia University in Montreal, game designer, educator and public scholar. In this episode we discuss the use of serious games as a tool to explore and navigate complex challenges, how games assist to make sense of the complexity and provides a safe space to engage in meaningful dialogue for action and change. AOD’s Arctic Albatross is a turn-based mystery investigation wargame. Game details and opportunities for a demo and full game session are available here: Breakthrough Arctic Albatross Scott’s game Lizards & Lies is a conspiracy theory boardgame that explores disinformation. Details are available here: https://www.lizardsandlies.ca/

Host Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard in conversation with guests Balkan Devlen and Donna Dupont, engaging the tensions between Forecasting vs. Foresight. Tension is a podcast produced by the Archipelago of Design, hosted by Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard, engaging tensions in the theory and practice of design for security and defence purposes across NATO members and partners. Through engaging representatives of different positions in the AOD network, the aim is to unlock new possibilities in design as practice in the 21st century.

Host Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard in conversation with guest Ben Zweibelson engaging the tensions in his new book, Understanding the Military Design Movement.

Host Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard in conversation with guests Edward Hayward and Jean-Michel Millet engaging the tension of Time and our understanding of it in design.

Host Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard in conversation with guests Ben Zweibelson, Philip Cash, Jeffrey van der Veer, Nathan Schwagler and Robin van Oorschot engaging the tension between Civilian and Military Design. *Please note this episode was recorded in a noisy environment and may be difficult to hear in places. It is still made available as a resource for the community.

Host Philippe Beaulieu-Brossard in conversation with guests Ofra Graicer and Robin Holt engaging the tension between Deliberate vs. Emergent Strategic Design in the context of the COVID pandemic.