Podcast Summary: Cool Mules | Canadaland Investigates Episode 6: Finesse Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 6 of Cool Mules, titled "Finesse," Canadaland Investigates delves into an intricate tale of journalism, crime, and personal ambition. Hosted by Kasia Mihailovic, the episode unpacks how Vice editor “Slava P” orchestrated a bold scheme that blurred the lines between reporting and criminal activity. This summary captures the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions, providing a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Slava’s Proposition and Initial Interactions

The episode opens with Kasia Mihailovic reflecting on her initial encounters with Slava, a central figure in the investigation. Slava approached young journalists with a proposition that deviated sharply from typical freelance opportunities.

Kasia Mihailovic [02:06]: "When he first reached out to us, he asked for money. When we said no, he asked if perhaps it could be a partnership. We'd work on this podcast together and co-own the rights to it. We'd say no."

Slava’s proposition was audacious: he intended to smuggle nearly $20 million worth of cocaine into Australia, under the guise of a journalistic endeavor. His initial request for a partnership, rather than monetary compensation, signaled a deeper, more complex motive intertwined with his professional aspirations.

Slava’s Strategy: Blending Storytelling with Crime

As the episode progresses, Slava elaborates on his intentions and the narrative he aimed to craft. His overarching goal was to leverage his criminal activities as material for a compelling story, hoping that this would not only bring him acclaim but also mitigate his legal repercussions.

Slava [04:46]: "Whether talking to us, tweeting, or preparing his court documents, Slava was always storytelling, pushing a narrative he hoped would sway both the criminal court and the public."

Kasia probes into Slava’s motivations, questioning whether his obsession with cultural reference points and media influence led him astray.

Kasia Mihailovic [24:12]: "When our questions challenge that, he loses his cool. Like when we asked him if all the cultural reference points he's obsessed with... maybe he took it all too seriously and that's what led him on the wrong path."

Slava responds defensively, attributing his actions to personal shortcomings rather than external influences.

Slava [24:45]: "Now I'm gonna blame the fact I don't have a dad on it. Maybe that's it."

This exchange highlights Slava's initial reluctance to fully acknowledge the potential consequences of his actions and the factors that led him to embark on this risky venture.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Slava’s legal journey. Despite his elaborate storytelling, the Canadian legal system did not afford him leniency based on his professed intentions.

Kasia Mihailovic [31:03]: "It's December 3rd, 2019. Slava shows up for court ready to go to prison in a Canadian tuxedo, jeans and a jean jacket."

During the courtroom scenes, Justice Heather Pringle delivers a mixed verdict, recognizing both the scale of the crime and the mitigating factors related to Slava's journalistic ambitions.

Justice Heather Pringle [Details at 31:12]: "She says that the huge amount of cocaine involved makes this a large-scale scheme... she also says she accepts that Slava came to this criminal plot while he was researching a story for Vice."

Ultimately, Slava is sentenced to nine years in prison, marking a stark conclusion to his attempt to intertwine journalism with illicit activities.

Vice Media’s Decline and its Impact on Slava

Parallel to Slava’s personal saga, the episode delves into the broader decline of Vice Media. Once a powerhouse with ambitious expansion plans, Vice faced multiple scandals and financial setbacks that led to its downfall.

Kasia Mihailovic [22:18]: "Vice's valuation continued to rise even as the other big digital newsrooms contracted. The number climbed to $5.7 billion when a private equity firm gave Vice a 450 million investment."

However, the onset of the MeToo movement and internal issues within Vice exposed a culture rife with sexual harassment and misconduct, undermining the company's reputation and financial stability.

Kasia Mihailovic [22:20]: "The New York Times ran another expose... about Vice documenting a history of sexual harassment throughout the company."

These revelations not only tarnished Vice's image but also coincided with its strategic missteps, such as the failed Viceline cable channel and the eventual departure of key executives like Shane Smith.

Slava associates Vice's collapse with his own story, suggesting a personal connection between his fate and the company's unraveling.

Slava [22:53]: "I think they're all going to be gone completely in a little bit. But the point is that Vice kind of collapsed soon after I joined it, and this whole cartel operation collapsed soon after I joined that."

This interweaving of personal and corporate decline paints a picture of a turbulent period where individual ambitions and organizational failures intersected disastrously.

Slava’s Courtroom Behavior and Realizations

Throughout the episode, Slava exhibits a complex personality—confident yet vulnerable, evasive yet occasionally transparent. His demeanor in court reflects a mixture of bravado and underlying fear.

Slava [25:13]: "At the end of the day, shitty things will happen to people, but ultimately everybody's gonna be able to kind of walk away from it, you know..."

However, moments of introspection emerge, especially when Kasia confronts him about potential flaws in his character and motivations.

Kasia Mihailovic [24:45]: "Maybe he took it all too seriously and that's what led him on the wrong path."

In response, Slava initially deflects blame but gradually begins to acknowledge the gravity of his actions, culminating in a moment of honesty.

Slava [27:15]: "Yeah, fuck it. I brought cocaine into Australia. There, you happy?"

This candid admission signals a pivotal shift in Slava’s narrative, moving from self-justification to acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

The Aftermath and Final Reflections

As Slava’s sentencing concludes, the episode captures the final moments of his freedom and the beginning of his incarceration. Slava expresses a mix of relief and determination, hinting at future projects even behind bars.

Slava [23:13]: "So essentially, the plan is to bring in my recorder with me and do jail podcasts."

Kasia reflects on Slava's journey, noting his persistent optimism despite the bleak circumstances.

Kasia Mihailovic [25:40]: "He didn't even cry in court. Not that time. But he did at his next appearance when he told the judge how remorseful he was about what happened to the others and about how he failed to live up to his own image of himself."

The episode concludes with Kasia emphasizing the personal and professional toll of Slava’s actions, underscoring the complex interplay between ambition, ethics, and consequence.

Conclusion

"Finesse," Episode 6 of Cool Mules, serves as a compelling exploration of the blurred lines between journalism and criminality. Through meticulous investigation and candid interviews, Canadaland Investigates unravels Slava’s intricate web of storytelling and smuggling, set against the backdrop of Vice Media’s decline. The episode poignantly captures the human elements of ambition, regret, and the relentless pursuit of a narrative, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the costs of crossing ethical boundaries.

Notable Quotes

• Kasia Mihailovic [02:06]: "If he wanted to be our source, there could be no business relationship between us."
• Slava [03:02]: "Jonah Hill. But he's gonna do a Christian Bale thing where he gets skinny and fat in the same movie."
• Kasia Mihailovic [04:29]: "So all of that will be taken into account when it's time for the judge to make her decision."
• Slava [05:55]: "I'm sure that Ali and I would not be receiving similar sentences because for Ali, it was more or less just a money move."
• Slava [07:05]: "Mentally, I'm getting ready for, you know, 18 to 28 months."
• Kasia Mihailovic [23:26]: "The closer we get to his sentencing, the more Slava seems to be pumping up his confidence."
• Slava [26:23]: "I'm being completely honest with what I'm putting forward out there."
• Kasia Mihailovic [27:57]: "I think right here, Slava finally told."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "Finesse," highlighting the pivotal moments and intricate dynamics that define Slava's story. For those intrigued by the intersection of media and morality, this episode offers a thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions and invites reflection.