PODCAST · news
Canadian Intelligence Eh
by Phil Gurski
Everywhere you look these days terrorism and violent extremism dominate the headlines. Whether you follow what is happening in Afghanistan or Iraq, or in the West writ large, we are inundated with news of attacks by groups and individuals fighting for a 'cause'.In a world of multiple voices and opinions it can be very hard to know where to turn. One choice is to look to those who actually worked in counterterrorism in the national security world. In these half-hour podcasts 30-year Canadian intelligence veteran Phil Gurski is joined by a fascinating array of individuals with something meaningful to say about these issues as they provide insight into what they mean and what we need to do about them.
Episodes
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Quick Hits | So long and thanks for all the fish
Borealis has had a good run since 2015 - podcasts, blogs, media interviews, etc. not to mention six books on terrorism. It is time, however, to move on. This is the last podcast... for now. About the host Phil Gurski: Phil is the President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting Ltd. and...
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Episode #134 - What keeps French security forces up at night?
France could be seen as the 'birthplace' of terrorism - think the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution of the 1790s. The country has seen some catastrophic attacks such as the Stade de France/Bataclan jihadi one of November 2015. A new report discusses the state of terrorism in France and...
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Episode #133 - What can ordinary citizens do to stop radicalisation to violence?
When an arrest is made in a terrorism case or, worst case scenario, we are doing a post-analysis of an attack, we often read about a person's 'radicalisation process'. The assumption is that terrorists are made, not born, and that there are signs to look for before it is too late. Borealis talks…
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Episode #132 - Anders Breivik: What to do with terrorist mass murderers behind bars?
There are two types of terrorists: those who die/are killed in their attacks and those who are not. The latter usually end up in prison for long periods of time. Then what? Borealis talks once again with Norwegian CT analyst Atle Mesoy on the infamous Anders Breivik case from 2011. ►Listen to my...
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Episode #131 - The challenge of running a large domestic security intelligence operation
Canada's intelligence agency CSIS has a national presence across the country. That it where the investigations happen and the intel is collected. What it is like to run such a shop? Borealis talks to former senior CSIS IO Dan Faughnan. Dan Faughnan served for over 30 years with the Canadian...
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Episode #130 - Should Canada bring back ISIS fighters for prosecution here?
Some 40,000 ISIS terrorists joined the group in the mid-2010s from over 100 nations, including Canada. Many are still alive, some languishing in prisons or camps, including women and children. There are those lobbying for their return to their homelands: is this wise? Borealis has a conversation...
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Episode #129 - Why 'follow the money' applies to terrorism too
While acts of terrorism are not all expensive ventures, some terrorist groups do manage large financial empires (ISIS is a good example). Just how important is this and how do we detect/stop these money flows? Borealis talks with one of Canada's leading money laundering/terrorist financing gurus...
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Quick Hits | Who wants to work in national security?
Borealis has a conversation with Jennifer Benmenashe in Montreal on why she wants to gain a position on national security with the Canadian government. About the guest Jennifer Benmenashe: After completing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto in History, Political Science and...
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Episode #128 - Are incels really a threat to national security?
The most recent Canadian national threat assessment names incels as one of the most serious menaces to public safety. Are they really? Borealis chats once again with the world's premiere authority on these people, the Incel Project founder Naama Kates. Naama Kates is an investigative journalist…
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Quick Hits | Terrorism: Canadian Style Eh!
The events in Canada over the last few weeks have made international headlines and even spawned similar actions abroad (France, NZ, the Netherlands). What is it all about? Borealis weighs in on language, intelligence and a little discussed troubling event in Western Canada that could be actual...
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Episode #127 - What was it like to work as a spy in Canada?
Movies about spies are a dime a dozen - think James Bond. But what is working in intelligence really like? Borealis is joined by Andrew Kirsch, author of a new book "I was never here" Andrew Kirsch served as an intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) for just...
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Episode #126 - Is it time to revisit the mental illness/terrorism nexus?
Many people probably believe that anyone who plans a terrorist attack in which their own death is assured (i.e. a suicide bomb) is mentally suspect. And yet research has shown that most terrorists are as 'normal' as you or me. But are they? Borealis is joined by Norwegian practitioner Atle Mesoy…
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Episode #125 - What should Canada do with Saudi Arabia?
Three years ago a Saudi 'Tiger Team' tried to assassinate a high-ranking former intel official now living in Canada, Dr Saad Al Jabri. When that failed, the Saudis sued the official, alleging massive fraud. A similar case in the US has just been dismissed as groundless: what should Canada do now?...
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Episode #124 - Policing a capital city during a major demonstration
When you are the chief of police of a major city or, more narrowly a national capital, things get complicated. Not only are there everyday issues (traffic, petty crime, etc.) but also national security ones and there are often multiple police jurisdictions at play. As Ottawa is still dealing with...
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Quick Hits | Now there's a person on a mission
An interview with Christine Veer, entrepreneur & investigator. She shares a little on her background and why she’s passionate about making a difference in the world of national security, especially counter-terrorism. You can also learn more about her through her Linkedin profile at...
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Episode #123 - Canada-China relations in the post 'two Michaels' era
When China seized the 'two Michaels' (Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig) in December 2018 it was clearly a retaliation for Canada's arrest, at the behest of the US, of the CFO of Huawei. Canadians were incensed at this violation of law and blamed China for it. A new book on this affair, entitled...
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Episode #122 - Just how bad are terrorist inmates?
For many citizens the macabre fascination with terrorism ends when trials are held and the bad guys are sent to jail. But is that the end of the threat? Borealis talks with former UK prison governor Ian Acheson on what happens after the barred doors are closed. Ian Acheson spent a quarter century...
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Episode #121 - A life as a US Special Agent
For some of us a career in intelligence/law enforcement came about almost randomly (or completely randomly in my case!). For others it was a chance to follow in the footsteps of someone admired. Borealis talks to Eric Caron, a 25-year veteran US Special Agent about his career fighting bad guys....
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Episode #120 - Killing to prevent terrorism from occurring
When we talk about counter terrorism we mean all kinds of things, ranging from 'preventing' people from going down the road to potential violence to those who actually want to kill. What is at stake when we have to kill to prevent an act from occurring. Borealis has a chat with ex-Australian...
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Quick Hits | ISIS terrorists should be tried and punished over there, not over here
A curious phenomenon has arisen of late: Westerners advocating that Canada and other nations bring back ISIS terrorists. Such an act would necessitate expensive trials, the difficult gathering of evidence and the almost impossible procurement of witnesses. Borealis looks at why these people are...
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Episode #119 - Could plastic recycling fund terrorism?
A lot of us feel good when we put the recycling bin out on garbage day, confident we are helping the environment. But did you know that organised crime is a big part of this industry? Could terrorist groups get involved too? Borealis talks with Virginia Comolli, author of a new paper "Plastic for...
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Quick Hits | Now I've seen it all: Sharks as 'terrorists'!
Shark attacks are terrifying; on that I think we all agree. So are sharks therefore 'terrorists'? If a Michigan state attorney can charge a 15-year old school shooter who 'terrified' his classmates with terrorism where does this all end? Borealis looks at the worrisome recent tendency to attach…
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Episode #118 - A fictional Canadian terrorism plot by a leading Canadian writer
Terrorism is no laughing matter but on the other hand it has been said it helps to laugh at what frightens you. There are lots of spy and intrigue novels, but what is it like to make them look and sound real if the author has no background in national security? Borealis talks to Terry Fallis,...
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Episode #117: Veteran CSIS investigator Dan Stanton
In the aftermath of 9/11 all the attention seemed to migrate to counter terrorism. That was a big change in the intelligence world where countering foreign spies had been the #1 task for decades. How has this shift affected the way intelligence services operate? Borealis has a discussion with...
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Quick Hits | How reliable is Saudi Arabia as a counter terrorism partner?
15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudi. A Saudi Air Force pilot who had joined AQ killed 3 US servicemen in Florida in December 2019. The Saudi Crown Prince orders the assassination of those he does not like. Borealis asks the question: is Saudi Arabia a desirable partner for the West when it…
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Episode #116: Mayor Brad West on the role of municipalities in national security
We see public safety and national security as largely federal or national responsibilities. And yet most of us are more connected with local officials - mayors and councilors. What role do they play in this? Borealis talks with Port Coquitlam (BC) Mayor Brad West about Chinese interference and...
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Quick Hits | Way too many things are being called terrorism today
In the wake of another mass school shooting in the US - this time in a city near Detroit - a 15-year old teen has been charged, among other things, with 'terrorism'. The rationale? He 'terrorised' the student population. Is this a good move? Borealis looks at the ever-expanding use of terrorism…
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Quick Hits | Those that can become practitioners, those that don't...
Quick Hits #180 - Why is that some academics dislike practitioners? There are some who think practitioners have nothing to offer and should actually be ignored? Borealis looks at the problem from the perspective of a (former) intelligence practitioner. ► Read Carleton criminology department cuts...
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Episode #115: Former NSA Mark Ericson - The importance of alliances in intelligence sharing
Canada is part of what is called the '5 eyes' intelligence sharing club (Australia, New Zealand, UK and US are other four members). How important is this? How is Canada viewed in this arrangement? Borealis talks with NSA veteran linguist Mark Ericson on these matters. Mark Ericson was a Japanese...
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Quick Hits | It turns out Canada cannot prosecute returning foreign fighters...
Quick Hits #179 - Joining a listed terrorist entity is illegal. And yet hundreds of Canadians have done so and some are now home... but have not been charged. What should we do with these cases? See also: ►Canadian woman freed from ISIS detention camp reunites with daughter in Canada ►Second...
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Episode #114: Former FBI Brig Barker - Counterterrorism at the coalface
With so much written about terrorism these days it is easy to forget that there is actual counter terrorism work to be done. Identifying terrorists, following them, interviewing them, stopping them - this is real CT work. Borealis talks with veteran FBI agent Brig Barker about his years helping…
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Episode #113: Mike King - What is CVE and what does it actually do?
What is the world of CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) all about? Many acronyms, many mandates, many claims. What is the reality of all this? Borealis is joined by Mike King. Mike King, a social psychologist working on violent extremism, radicalization, & CVE. Director of Research at Edmonton's...
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Episode #112: Ahmed Patel - Why are many Muslims in denial over Islamist terrorism?
The facts are that most terrorist attacks in the world are carried out by Muslims and most victims are Muslim. Why, then, are many in the Islamic world in denial about these facts? Borealis is joined by UK activist and Sufi Muslim Ahmed Patel to talk about these issues. Ahmed Patel, the...
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Quick Hits | Repeat after me: Satan-worshiping pedophile cannibals are NOT ruling the world!
Quick Hits #178 - Conspiracy theories are as old as time and most are utterly ridiculous. Those who suscribe to them are for the most part harmless. On rare occasions, a person will decide to act on them in a violent way. How serious is this threat? Borealis looks at the infamous 'Q' of QAnon to...
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Episode #111: James Dorsey - An award-winning journalist's take on the Middle East, Asia and terrorism
There are so many voices out there when it comes to terrorism and what it all means. This makes it hard to know whom to talk and listen to. Borealis has a great talk with James Dorsey, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological...
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Quick Hits | 2017 Manchester Arena bombing: What is working on counter-terrorism really like?
Quick Hits #177 - An ongoing UK inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack in which 22 died and hundreds were injured is raising serious questions about what UK intelligence knew and when regarding this ISIS-inspired plot. Is the ensuing criticism fair? Borealis provides a former...
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Episode #110: Archie Alafriz - What we do about about terrorist financing and money laundering
The movement of money around the world is dizzying. Not surprisingly, bad actors use these platforms to finance their operations. So what is being done about it? Borealis has an in-depth conversation with former RCMP officer and money laundering/terrorist financing specialist Archie Alafriz.…
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Episode #109: Borealis joins Counterpoints for a wide-ranging discussion on terrorism and national security
How is the 'war on terrorism' going? What are we doing well? Not well? What are our moral obligations to those suffering under terrorist rule? Borealis President Phil Gurski talks with Conor to talk about this and more - have a listen! ►Watch Conor on Youtube Phil Gurski is the President and CEO…
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Quick Hits | Top 10 Dumbest Terrorists of all Time
Quick Hits #176 - Terrorists like to portray themselves as masterminds of violence. Some are pretty dumb. See also: ►Top 10 Worst Terrorist Group Names ►Top 10 Worst Right-Wing Extremism Group Names About the host Phil Gurski: Phil is the President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting...
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Episode #108: Vern White on how well does intelligence coordination work in Canada?
Canada is a big county and when it comes to security there are multiple levels of jurisdiction: municipal, provincial, first nations and federal. How do all the players get along in the national security sandbox? Borealis has a fascinating discussion with Canadian Senator Vern White, former RCMP...
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Quick Hits | Is Neo a terrorist? Can we reclaim The Matrix from the alt-right?
Quick Hits #175 - The Matrix franchise has been around since 1999 and is a trilogy of very cool films. They are full of simulated violence in which humans are battling the machines which are using them to drain their lifeforce. Matrix Resurrections is coming out in December: what do the films…
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Quick Hits | Why what we call "terrorism" matters!
Quick Hits #174 - There are those out there who want authorities to stop calling Islamist terrorism by that name. Alternatives include "faith-based terrorism" and "terrorists abusing religious motivations". In this Quick Hits podcast, Borealis argues why this is wrong-headed and…
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Episode #107: Gavin Horner on intelligence vs evidence from a law enforcement officer's perspective
When it comes to stopping terrorism all information should be used, right? It is not as simple as that. In order to charge a potential wrongdoer the data must be in the form of evidence, not intelligence. Borealis talks about these issues with 30-year Toronto police veteran Gavin Horner. Gavin...
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Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are back in Canada after 1020 days detention in China
Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig touched down on Canadian soil on Saturday after being arbitrarily detained in China for 1020 days. As Canada celebrates the return of the “two Michaels,” it’s worth asking what this hostage diplomacy saga tells us about Canada-China relations and global affairs...
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Quick Hits | Should academics tell national security professionals how to do their jobs?
Quick Hits 173 - Why do some academics try to tell national security professionals how to do their jobs? Is there no better way to manage this relationship? Borealis looks at the Acorn TV series Outlier to examine how 'town and gown' should work better. About Phil Gurski: Phil is the President…
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Episode #106: A conversation with former Al-Qaeda recruiter Jesse Morton
Is it possible to be an 'ex-jihadi'? How would we know? What about state-run efforts at 'de-radicalisation'? Borealis has a fascinating conversation with Jesse Morton, often described as the #1 Al Qaeda recruiter in the US in the mid 2000s and now very much involved in undermining Islamist...
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"There has been hints and warnings" - Intelligence veteran remembers 9/11, 20 years later
Jeff Sammut was joined by president and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting and author Phil Gurski on Canada Now to talk about the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 20 years later. ►Catch Jeff live weekdays from 1-3pmET on Sirius XM Canada Talks channel 167 About Phil Gurski: Phil is the President…
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Episode #105: Taliban takeover, Incels and New Zealand attack - Chatting with Destiny about recent events
Phil Gurski joins Destiny for his 4rth appearance on his livestream. They discuss Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover, the latest New Zealand attack, ISIS, Incels, Canada's mass graves and the January 6th Washington riots. ►Follow Destiny on Youtube:...
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Quick Hits | Was Afghanistan an 'intelligence failure'?
Quick Hits 172 - Afghanistan has fallen to the Taliban and already the fingers are being pointed at whose fault it was. Several have called this an 'intelligence failure'. Is it? Borealis weighs in on who 'lost' Afghanistan. Read more:...
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Episode #104: Naama Kates on the Plymouth shooting and what the media gets wrong about incels
On August 12, 22-year old Jake Davison killed his mother and four others (including a 3-year old girl) in Plymouth, UK, before taking his own life. Despite initial police statements that this was not a series of acts of terrorism the 'he was an incel' bandwagon got going fairly quickly. What we...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Everywhere you look these days terrorism and violent extremism dominate the headlines. Whether you follow what is happening in Afghanistan or Iraq, or in the West writ large, we are inundated with news of attacks by groups and individuals fighting for a 'cause'.In a world of multiple voices and opinions it can be very hard to know where to turn. One choice is to look to those who actually worked in counterterrorism in the national security world. In these half-hour podcasts 30-year Canadian intelligence veteran Phil Gurski is joined by a fascinating array of individuals with something meaningful to say about these issues as they provide insight into what they mean and what we need to do about them.
HOSTED BY
Phil Gurski
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How many episodes does Canadian Intelligence Eh have?
Canadian Intelligence Eh currently has 360 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Canadian Intelligence Eh about?
Everywhere you look these days terrorism and violent extremism dominate the headlines. Whether you follow what is happening in Afghanistan or Iraq, or in the West writ large, we are inundated with news of attacks by groups and individuals fighting for a 'cause'.In a world of multiple voices and...
How often does Canadian Intelligence Eh release new episodes?
Canadian Intelligence Eh publishes regularly with 360 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts Canadian Intelligence Eh?
Canadian Intelligence Eh is created and hosted by Phil Gurski.
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