Flux Capacitor

Flux Capacitor

di Francis Bradley

Episode 148: "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads" with Francis Bradley

After 147 episodes behind the microphone, Francis Bradley takes a seat on the other side of the conversation. In this special farewell episode, Francis reflects on the origins of The Flux Capacitor, the idea that inspired it, and the curiosity that has guided nearly eight years of conversations about the future of Canada's electricity sector. Joined by Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Julia Muggeridge, and Director of Communications, Graeme Burk, Francis shares how a “wild idea” became a podcast that captured the conversations already shaping the industry. He discusses the meaning behind the name Flux Capacitor, the satisfaction he experiences producing every episode himself, and the moments and guests that left a lasting impression. The conversation also explores some of the podcast’s milestones, from on-the-ground recordings at COP27 to hundreds of book recommendations and more than 200 hours of interviews. Francis even admits what books recommended for the book club that he actually read! Along the way, Francis reflects on the relationships and experiences that shaped both the podcast and his remarkable 40-year career with Electricity Canada and its predecessor, the Canadian Electricity Association, offering a personal perspective on how Canada's electricity sector has transformed over the decades. As he steps into retirement after four decades in the industry, Francis looks ahead to photography, travel, family, and whatever comes next, while leaving listeners with a simple lesson that has shaped his career: be curious, ask good questions, and stay open to where the conversation leads. The Flux Capacitor will return. Book recommendation: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vzi1bvWkrjw

Episode 147: Electrification Isn't Stalled: Fact, Fiction, and Canada's Electricity Future, with Philippe Dunsky

From the fate of the Canadian Electricity Advisory Council's recommendations to the challenge of connecting data centres, Philippe Dunsky joins host Francis Bradley to discuss the difficult decisions confronting policymakers, regulators and utilities as Canada balances economic growth, affordability, reliability and electrification. Links: Dunsky Energy + Climate Philippe Dunsky on LinkedIn Canadian Electricity Advisory Council's final report “Powering Canada: A blueprint for success” Book recommendation: Clearing the Air: A Hopeful Guide to Solving Climate Change in 50 Questions and Answers, by Hannah Ritchie

Episode 146: Frontier AI, Zero-Day Exploits, and the Evolving Threat Landscape for Canadian Electricity Companies

What happens when cyber threats start moving at machine speed? Bridget Walshe and François Lemay join host Francis Bradley to discuss frontier AI, zero-day vulnerabilities, critical infrastructure protection, and the new race between attackers and defenders in Canada's electricity sector. Links: Bridget Walshe on LinkedIn François Lemay on LinkedIn The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (the Cyber Centre): Book recommendations: Scarecrow: A Novel of Betrayal, by Number 37 Books by Louise Penny Supertoys Last All Summer Long, by Brian Aldiss

Episode 145: Building Capacity at the Speed of Growth: Rupen Pandya on powering Saskatchewan's future

What does it take to build tomorrow's electricity system while keeping today's lights on? SaskPower CEO Rupen Pandya joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation on how Saskatchewan is tackling growth, reliability, nuclear power, and the energy transition. They close the conversation with Rupen’s book recommendation. Links: Rupen Pandya on LinkedIn Rupen Pandya at SaskPower: SaskPower Book recommendation: The Company: The Rise and Fall of the Hudson's Bay Empire, by Stephen Bown

Episode 144: You Can't Change Geography: The Canada-US Electricity Relationship, with Andrew Shaw

In this episode of The Flux Capacitor, host Francis Bradley welcomes Andrew Shaw for a conversation on the evolving Canada–U.S. electricity relationship amid trade tensions, energy security concerns, AI-driven load growth, and geopolitical change. Despite political friction, Andrew argues that reliability, resilience, and deep integration make continued cooperation both necessary and likely. They close the conversation with Andrew’s book recommendation. Links: Andrew Shaw on LinkedIn Andrew Shaw at Bracewell Bracewell LLP Book recommendation: The Last Days of Budapest: The Destruction of Europe’s Most Cosmopolitan Capital in World War II, by Adam LeBor

Episode 143: The Future Is Robust. The Path Is Opaque: A Retiring CEO Looks Ahead, with John Kousinioris

In this episode of The Flux Capacitor, host Francis Bradley is joined by former TransAlta CEO John Kousinioris to discuss TransAlta’s transformation from coal to a diversified electricity company, the lessons of the energy transition, and the need to balance reliability, affordability and decarbonisation. They also explore electrification, AI-driven demand growth, workforce and supply chain challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and John’s leadership lessons. They close the conversation with John’s book recommendation. Links: John Kousinioris on LinkedIn TransAlta Corporation

Episode 142: From Dialogue to Delivery: What Positive Energy Has Learned About Building Canada's Energy Future, with Monica Gattinger

In this episode of The Flux Capacitor, host Francis Bradley speaks with Positive Energy’s Founding Chair, Monica Gattinger. After a decade of shaping Canada’s energy dialogue, Monica reflects on Positive Energy’s impact on public and investor confidence, Indigenous partnerships, and energy governance. She also explores why the sector’s greatest challenge is no longer ambition—but execution. They close the conversation with Monica’s book recommendation. Links: Monica Gattinger on LinkedIn Positive Energy Positive Energy Research Publications Report, “System Under Stress: Energy Decision-making in Canada and the Need for Informed Reform” Report, “Energy Projects and Net Zero by 2050: Can We Build Enough Fast Enough?” Book recommendation: Horse, by Geraldine Brooks

Episode 141: Grid of the Future: Leadership, Legacy & Electrification with David Lebeter

In this episode of The Flux Capacitor, host Francis Bradley speaks with former Hydro One CEO David Lebeter about the growing complexity of the electricity sector. They explore rising demand, grid expansion, and the challenge of balancing large-scale infrastructure investment with affordability. David reflects on leadership, reliability, Indigenous partnerships, and the real role of AI in operations, emphasizing that while technology matters, success ultimately depends on people, public trust, and maintaining focus on customers. They close the conversation with David’s book recommendation. Links: David Lebeter on LinkedIn Book recommendation: The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran

Episode 140: Faces of the Industry 2026, Part 3, Rod Doornbosch and Jodi Suski

On part 3 of the Faces of the Industry award, host Francis Bradley discusses the award, which recognizes six professionals for their leadership in the electricity sector, and features conversations with two of the winners. Rod Doornbosch, an Enterprise Architect at FortisAlberta, is recognized for his work in AI, particularly AI Rod, an AI assistant he uses for introductions and audience insights. Jodi Suski, District Operating Supervisor for SaskPower, shares his experience managing wildfire damage in northern Saskatchewan, emphasizing the importance of boots-on-the-ground input and advanced mapping tools. Links: Faces of the Industry award press release Rod Doornbosch on LinkedIn

Episode 139: Faces of the Industry 2026, Part 2, Gary Brunet and Maryna Korsei

On part 2 of the Faces of the Industry award, host Francis Bradley discusses the award, which recognizes six professionals for their leadership in the electricity sector, and features conversations with two of the winners. Gary Brunet, a Senior Project Engineer at TransAlta, discusses the rehabilitation of the 85-year-old Cascade Hydro facility using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) technology, completing the project in six weeks with zero safety incidents. Maryna Korsei, a SeniorLeader at BC Hydro, emphasizes the importance of supply chain resilience, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions and the need for diversified suppliers. Both discuss the challenges and innovations in their respective fields. Links: Faces of the Industry award press release Gary Brunet on LinkedIn Maryna Korsei on LinkedIn
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