Shawn Kanungu is one of the world's most sought-after voices on innovation and AI. He spent 12 years at Deloitte advising Fortune 500 leaders on disruption before going independent, and is the bestselling author of The Bold Ones — a book McKinsey calls essential reading for decision-makers. Forbes named him the best virtual keynote speaker they'd ever seen.Chris LaBossiere sits down with Shawn to talk about what's actually being disrupted right now, why "high agency" may be the defining trait of this decade, and why the gap between leaders who are all-in on AI and those still dabbling is widening every day. They get into the future of professional services, what it means to raise resilient kids in a comfortable life, and why the real threat of AI isn't to jobs — it's to identity.A candid, wide-ranging conversation about disruption, work, and what comes next.

Vassy Kapelos, a seasoned Canadian journalist, shares her journey from small-town reporting to becoming a top political anchor. She discusses the realities of journalism, the importance of accountability, and her insights on Canada's national identity and media landscape.

Key Topics

• Vassy Kapelos' career progression from small markets to national prominence
• The importance of humility and real-world experience in journalism
• The challenges of accountability journalism in Canada
• The impact of social media and AI on news and misinformation
• Canada's evolving national identity and its global perception

Titles

• From Swift Current to the Prime Minister's Podium: Vassy Kapelos' Journey
• The Art of Asking Tough Questions: Inside Canadian Political Journalism

Sound Bites

• "What was necessary to become a reporter?"
• "Politicians often avoid defending their ideas."
• "Media is being used to project to your base."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Vassy Kapelos

02:38
The Journey to Journalism

05:46
Career Progression in Journalism

10:20
Breaking Big Stories

13:09
The Changing Landscape of Accountability Journalism

19:56
Navigating Objectivity in Journalism

26:09
The Role of Media in Politics

30:27
The Impact of Social Media on News

34:13
Daily News Curation Process

34:41
Navigating the News Cycle

36:33
Celebrating Wins in Media Production

38:04
The Drive for Continuous Improvement

40:05
The Role of Teamwork in Success

41:34
Influence of Family on Career

46:47
Balancing Work and Family Life

48:47
Canada's Identity and Challenges

55:23
Perception of Canada on the Global Stage

01:04:07
BT EXTRO w Music .mp4

Resources

• Vassy Kapelos on Twitter
• CBC News
• Global Edmonton
• Alison Redford Severance Story

Guest Links

• Twitter
• CBC

A profound conversation with retired Canadian Lieutenant General Omer Lavoie about the realities of military service, leadership, sacrifice, and the importance of recognizing true heroism beyond symbols and medals.

Key Topics

• Leadership in combat and law enforcement operations
• The psychological and physical toll of military service
• The process and importance of military honors and recognition

Resources

• Lieutenant General Omer Lavoie's profile
• Canadian Armed Forces
• Operation Medusa - Kandahar
• Juno Beach Centre
• Canadian War Museum - Victoria Cross records
• Law of Armed Conflict - International Committee of the Red Cross
• Canadian Military Justice System

Guest Links

• LinkedIn

Welcome to our first Barney's Tavern podcast with host Chris LaBossiere. In this engaging conversation, his very good friend Todd Babiak shares insights on city branding, leadership, and Canada's global reputation, blending personal stories with professional expertise. Discover how Edmonton's spirit and strategic thinking can shape its future and Canada's place in the world. Todd also shares the experience of writing his latest book and the fun of helping to create the cover of the book too.

Key Topics

• City branding and identity
• Leadership and political cycles
• Canada's global reputation and potential

Resources

• Todd Babiak's Books
• Make Something Edmonton
• Mark Carney's Leadership
• Juno Beach Centre

Guest Links

• Twitter
• Website

Barney's Tavern is a corner booth for people who care about this country. Host Chris LaBossiere sits down with thoughtful, interesting Canadians — and take the time real ideas deserve. Generals. Entrepreneurs. Policymakers. Artists. Creatives. Builders. People shaping Canada in visible and invisible ways. The goal isn't debate. It isn't performance. It's curiosity.

COMING MONDAY, March 23rd at 7:00a MDT

https://barneystavern.ca

A new podcast is on the way- Barney's Tavern. Coming soon!

Barney's Tavern is a corner booth for people who care about this country. Host Chris LaBossiere sits down with thoughtful, interesting Canadians — and take the time real ideas deserve. Generals. Entrepreneurs. Policymakers. Artists. Creatives. Builders. People shaping Canada in visible and invisible ways.

The goal isn't debate. It isn't performance. It's curiosity.