The Canary Report
Hosted by Michael Zalle, Founder and CEO of YellowBird, The Canary Report features the sharpest minds in risk management and workplace safety. Each episode dives into bold, real conversations that challenge outdated safety models and cut through compliance theater. You’ll hear from guests who bring a powerful mix of tech-driven insight, human-first experience, and hard-won lessons from the field. Ideal for those leading safety initiatives in construction, logistics, manufacturing, or looking at safety from within the insurance industry, this podcast delivers the insights you need to stay ahead. Tap into real world case studies, stay on top of emerging technologies, and get field-tested strategies that are redefining how safety programs are built and scaled. Real experts. Real outcomes. Your playbook for the future of safety starts here.
How Alana Spencer Builds Business-Driven Sustainability in Construction
June 12, 2025 • 30 MIN
Sustainability is only real when it works for people, business, and for the planet. In this episode of The Canary Report, host Michael Zalle talks with Alana Spencer, VP of Sustainability at Clayco, about what it takes to drive practical, measurable sustainability in construction and real estate. Alana shares how to align sustainability with business goals, where to start, what often gets missed, and why business skills matter just as much as passion when leading environmental change.
Building Safety in Construction from the Inside Out with Brett Smith
May 29, 2025 • 49 MIN
What if you could transform workplace safety by focusing on the human side of risk management? On The Canary Report, host Michael Zalle speaks with Brett Smith, Global Safety Director at Gardner Builders, about transforming safety culture in high-risk construction environments. They discuss mental health support, building trust with subcontractors, and human-centered leadership. Brett shares practical strategies, from transparent communication to OSHA collaboration, that enhance both physical and psychological safety. Discover how humility, assertiveness, and real-time feedback can drive meaningful change in safety programs without sacrificing productivity.
Introducing: The Canary Report, A Podcast by YellowBird
May 22, 2025 • < 1 MIN
Hosted by Michael Zalle, Founder and CEO of YellowBird, The Canary Report features the sharpest minds in risk management and workplace safety. Each episode dives into bold, real conversations that challenge outdated safety models and cut through compliance theater. You’ll hear from guests who bring a powerful mix of tech-driven insight, human-first experience, and hard-won lessons from the field. Ideal for those leading safety initiatives in construction, logistics, manufacturing, or looking at safety from within the insurance industry, this podcast delivers the insights you need to stay ahead. Tap into real world case studies, stay on top of emerging technologies, and get field-tested strategies that are redefining how safety programs are built and scaled. Real experts. Real outcomes. Your playbook for the future of safety starts here.
Creating Safety Culture with Kevin Rivera
September 9, 2024 • 20 MIN
YellowBird's Michael Zalle speaks with Kevin Rivera, Director of EHS Operations at HUMA and YellowBird Pro about creating a positive safety culture and how that culture can effect everyday workplaces. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform making workplaces safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Sign Up today!
Enhancing Safety & Health for Non-Profit Workers with S4NP’s Jack Geissert
June 24, 2024 • 19 MIN
YellowBird's Michael Zalle speaks with Safety 4 NonProfits (S4NP)'s Founder Jack Geissert about S4NP's mission prioritizing safety & health for non-profit workers. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform making workplaces safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Sign Up today!
Revitalizing & Building the Future of Safety with Salute Safety’s Branden Neal
February 20, 2024 • 31 MIN
YellowBird's Michael Zalle speaks with Salute Safety CEO Branden Neal about building businesses to support the safety industry and encouraging the inclusion of tech in modern day workplaces. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform that makes the workplace safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Ready to join YellowBird? Sign Up today!
Eliminating Worker Blame with YellowBird Pro Sharleigh Zavaglia
December 18, 2023 • 27 MIN
YellowBird Pro Sharleigh Zavaglia joins YellowBird CEO Michael Zalle to discuss a young professional’s journey into the safety field, and how eliminating worker blame plays a big role in cultivating a positive safety culture.
YellowBird Pros Discuss EHS Career Advancement
October 10, 2023 • 6 MIN
There may not always be a clear professional path for EHS and Risk Management professionals. Hear from YellowBird Professionals answer a question about career advancement posed by Safeopedia’s CEO Scott Cuthbert. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform that makes the workplace safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Ready to join YellowBird? Sign Up today!
The Value of Safety Professional Experiences with Safeopedia’s Scott Cuthbert
August 27, 2023 • 21 MIN
YellowBird's Megan Trummel speaks with Safeopedia's CEO Scott Cuthbert about the challenges that face the EHS professionals in today's constantly changing world. Through the inception and growth of Safeopedia, Scott shares his insight into the needs of the EHS community, shares his curiosity about what long-term career development looks like for safety professionals, and talks about how the U.S. and Canada can learn from other international programs. To join the Safeopedia community, visit safeopedia.com. Interested in learning more about YellowBird's EHS and Risk Management platform? Visit goyellowbird.com.
Pros, where can AI help in your job?
August 7, 2023 • 8 MIN
Hear from YellowBird Professionals answer a question posed by our previous guests from CompScience. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform that makes the workplace safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Ready to join YellowBird? Sign Up today!
Meet CompScience with Mike & Kris
July 31, 2023 • 26 MIN
YellowBird CEO Michael Zalle and Derek Hogan chat with Mike Seling, VP of Growth and Kris Mizel, Head of Loss Control from CompScience. Learn more about how AI can help your business and more about CompScience. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform that makes the workplace safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Ready to join YellowBird? Sign Up today!
Welcome to Canary in a Coal Mine
July 19, 2023 • 5 MIN
YellowBird CEO Michael Zalle and YellowBird President Michelle Tinsley give insight into what you can expect to hear on Canary in a Coal Mine, the new podcast highlighting stories in the safety and risk management industries. Canary in a Coal Mine is a YellowBird podcast. YellowBird is a comprehensive EHS and Risk Management platform that makes the workplace safer by connecting qualified professionals with safety needs nationwide. Ready to join YellowBird? Sign Up today!