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.

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.

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/

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.

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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: https://www.youtube.com/@aodnetwork
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKsTAN86Nx 

Previous AOD Content

• Tension Ep. 11: Beyond Wargames - How Serious Games Drive Government Innovation
• Tension Ep. 10: The Power of Serious Games in Defence and Security - Dr Ben Taylor
• Tension Ep. 9: Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium - A Turn-Based Mystery Investigation Wargame 
• Tension Ep. 8: Project Inner Alliance - Designing a Social Impact Game

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil

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/
• 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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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: https://www.youtube.com/@aodnetwork
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKsTAN86Nx 

Previous AOD Content

• Tension Ep. 10: The Power of Serious Games in Defence and Security - Dr Ben Taylor
• Tension Ep. 9: Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium - A Turn-Based Mystery Investigation Wargame 
• Tension Ep. 8: Project Inner Alliance - Designing a Social Impact Game
• Tension Ep. 7: The Bold and Messy Roller-coaster Ride of Design Education for Military Officers

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil

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)

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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/)

Please join us to Celebrate the Launch of Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium on November 21st, 2024 – 6:00 PM at The Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop (The Atelier), Ottawa, ON, CA. Register through this link: https://shadowsofbyzantium.eventbrite.ca/

AOD is thrilled to announce that Game-Changer members can now apply for our new Certification Programme! Learn More: https://aodnetwork.ca/certification

Follow AOD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aodnetwork/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AODnetwork
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aodnetwork
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKsTAN86Nx

Previous AOD Content

• Tension Ep. 9: Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium - A Turn-Based Mystery Investigation Wargame 
• Tension Ep. 8: Project Inner Alliance - Designing a Social Impact Game
• Tension Ep. 7: The Bold and Messy Roller-coaster Ride of Design Education for Military Officers

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil

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 foresight tools, relevant case studies, and resources to deepen understanding, aiming to foster future-thinking skills that can be applied across diverse initiatives. Learn more: https://aodnetwork.ca/safeguarding-the-future/

Become a supporter on ko-fi to get early access to the Tension podcast episodes!

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: https://www.youtube.com/@aodnetwork
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKsTAN86Nx

Previous AOD Content
Tension Ep. 8: Project Inner Alliance - Designing a social impact game focusing on cultural evolution, inclusivity and team cohesion
Tension Ep. 7: The Bold and Messy Roller-coaster Ride of Design Education for Military Officers
Tension Ep. 6: Should We Play or Should We Learn? Reflections on the Tension Behind Serious Games

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil

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 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 foresight tools, relevant case studies, and resources to deepen understanding, aiming to foster future-thinking skills that can be applied across diverse initiatives. Learn more: https://aodnetwork.ca/safeguarding-the-future/

Become a supporter on ko-fi to get early access to the Tension podcast episodes!

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: https://www.youtube.com/@aodnetwork
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKsTAN86Nx

Previous AOD Content
Tension Ep. 7: The Bold and Messy Roller-coaster Ride of Design Education for Military Officers
Tension Ep. 6: Should We Play or Should We Learn? Reflections on the Tension Behind Serious Games

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil

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 and operational level command as a professional soldier. Deployment in Afghanistan in 2009. In 2018 Robert became senior Military Design Educator in cooperation with Joint Special Operations University in Tampa. 

Robert conducts classes with senior officers in the field of military strategy and design, as well as participates in the implementation of projects in the field of strategy design, including military strategy. He tries to combine a multidisciplinary approach in his service and work.

He is currently working on an English monograph of his work. 

Anders Theis Bollmann 

Anders is working on a PhD at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) as part of the “Rethinking Entrepreneurship”. His project investigates the relationship between entrepreneurialism and defense policy and military practice. As part of this work Anders is investigating military and strategic design as institutional entrepreneurship and how mil/stratdesign education is used to shape an (entrepreneurial) professional identity amongst military and other defense professionals.

Prior to his PhD Anders has worked as a research assistant at Center for Military Studies at Copenhagen University and as a research consultant at the Royal Danish Defence College, both places his work focused on the intersection between military organization, practice and identity and emerging technologies. Furthermore, he had a short stint as a public-school teacher teaching German, History and Political Science to 8 and 9 graders. Anders holds a MA in Philosophy & Science Studies and History.

You can find a link to Anders’ publications here.

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.

Become a supporter on ko-fi to get access to the extended version of this episode!
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: https://www.youtube.com/@aodnetwork
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKsTAN86Nx

Previous AOD Content
Tension Ep. 6: Should We Play or Should We Learn? Reflections on the Tension Behind Serious Games
Tension: BLUF Cut Ep. 5 - Forecasting vs. Foresight
Monthly Campfire: Who Should I Be Talking To Here? - April 24, 2024

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil

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/

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.

*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.