Best North Bay Echo Podcasts (2025)

1
The Real Gah-Ning: How a Letter to Robert Munsch Became a Lifelong Friendship 46:31

23h ago46:31

46:31

You may know the name Gah-Ning from the classic Robert Munsch book "Where is Gah-Ning?", but the real story behind the character is even better. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with Gah-Ning herself to talk about how a simple letter to a beloved children's author turned into a storybook character, a lifelong friendship, a…

1
The Town at the Center of Ontario 40:27

8d ago40:27

40:27

Hornepayne is the kind of place you might pass on a map and not think twice. But what if you found out it’s actually the geographic center of Ontario? In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Mayor Cheryl Fort shares how the town is leaning into that identity and turning it into something meaningful. She talks about Hornepayne’s railway roots…

1
The Rocks That Glow in the Dark: Discovering Yooperlites in Northern Ontario 38:13

15d ago38:13

38:13

They look like regular rocks during the day. But when the sun goes down and the UV light comes out, they start to glow like lava. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we meet Ray Gionet, a rockhound who has been hunting Yooperlites along the shores of Lake Superior. He shares how he first discovered these glowing stones, what they actuall…

1
Life at Shooting Star Camp Off the Grid and On the Spanish River 34:08

22d ago34:08

34:08

At just 23 years old, Cameron Welch is running a remote wilderness camp deep in Northern Ontario. It’s called Shooting Star Camp, and it sits along the Spanish River in a place secluded from the bustle of city life. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Cameron shares what it’s like to live and work off the grid. He talks about buying the …

1
Telling Canada’s Story by Rail with CBC’s Melody Jacobson 40:22

29d ago40:22

40:22

The railway helped build Canada, but it also holds stories that don’t always make it into the history books. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, CBC producer Melody Jacobson joins us to talk about her work on a new CBC special that dives into the history of trains in Canada. From the role of sleeping car porters to the impact on Indigeno…

1
Canada’s Greatest Unknown Explorer: Adam Shoalts Hunts for Hubert Darrell 51:28

1M ago51:28

51:28

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, explorer and author Adam Shoalts returns to share one of the most fascinating stories you've probably never heard. It's the true story of Hubert Darrell, a Canadian solo explorer who vanished in the remote north nearly 100 years ago. Most people have never heard his name, yet his influence was felt thr…

1
The Story Behind Vis-à-Vis: North Bay in Deed & Tale 52:39

1M ago52:39

52:39

What happens when one man sits down with 44 people to tell the story of an entire city? In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, longtime pillar of the North Bay community Peter Handley shares the inspiration behind his newest book, Vis-à-Vis: North Bay in Deed & Tale. We talk about how the project came together, how he chose who to interview…

1
Hunting for Purple Gold in Northern Ontario 36:44

2M ago36:44

36:44

People come to Thunder Bay for the views, but many leave with pockets full of purple. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we head into the hills above Lake Superior to visit Amethyst Mine Panorama. Owner Tim Lukinuk shares how his family turned a glint of purple in the dirt into a destination that draws visitors from around the world. We…

1
Finding Adventure in the Backcountry with the Wilderness Canoe Association 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

Some of the best canoe routes in Canada aren’t in guidebooks. They’re shared around campfires, passed on through stories, and kept alive by the people who paddle them. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Eberly and Robert James of the Wilderness Canoe Association to talk about what it really means to explore the …

1
6 Days, 1000 Miles, Top Finish: Inside Sean and Lauren’s Yukon 1000 Result 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

In their first interview, Sean Lougheed and Lauren Andersen were preparing to paddle 1000 miles through the Yukon wilderness in the world’s longest and toughest canoe race. Now they’re back, and they’ve done it. In just six days and 22 hours, they paddled over 1,000 miles, slept only a few hours a night, and landed a top-three finish. In this follo…

1
From Fugitive to Folk Hero: The True Story of the Wolf Man 38:51

2M ago38:51

38:51

Long before northern Ontario had highways or hashtags, there was Joe LaFlamme. He ran liquor through the bush with dog teams, tamed wolves, and somehow became a national celebrity. Suzanne Charron, author of "Wolf Man Joe Laflamme: Tamer Untamed", shares Joe’s wild story. It starts with him dodging the law and living off the land, but it doesn’t en…

1
Why Nature Still Yells at This Northern Ontario Artist 1:05:39

3M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

For more than 50 years, Clermont Duval has been painting the North. His work captures the spirit of the land, the wildlife, and the quiet moments most people miss. But for Clermont, nature isn’t quiet. It speaks to him. Sometimes it yells. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Clermont shares stories from a life in art and in nature. He ta…

1
This Young Guide Is Making Northern Ontario an Adventure Destination 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

At just 22 years old, Mylène started Follow Her North, a guiding company that’s turning Northern Ontario into a place where people come for adventure and stay for connection. She leads everything from snowshoe hikes to getting you the right supplies for your adventure, helping people slow down and reconnect with the land. In this episode, she share…

1
A Love Not Forgotten: The Story of the Canadian Ecology Center 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

100 episodes of the Backroads Bill Podcast has seen Bill and Ben talk to a number of high profile and educated guests focused on the outdoors, nature and Northern Ontario. For episode 100 Bill talks about the Canadian Ecology Center. How it started and how it turned into the hub for education and outdoor events that it is today. Bill also looks to …

1
Think Like a Bear: Expert Tips to Stay Safe in the Wild 48:24

3M ago48:24

48:24

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, bear and cougar specialist Rich Beausoleil from BearWise.org joins to talk about how to stay safe, smart, and respectful in bear country. From backcountry safety to urban attractants, Rich breaks down what really brings bears too close to people — and what works best to keep them away. 00:00 - Intro: W…

1
Memoir, Mystery, and Mortality: Claire Cameron’s Wildest Story Yet 39:35

4M ago39:35

39:35

Author Claire Cameron has written about bear attacks, wilderness trauma, and the raw edges of motherhood — but in her latest work, the story turned inward. After receiving a cancer diagnosis, Claire began writing not just about danger out there, but the uncertainty inside her own body. In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Claire reflects …

1
This Biologist Helped Build Science North and Left a Legacy of Curiosity 53:55

4M ago53:55

53:55

What does it take to inspire a generation? In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with legendary science communicator Franco Mariotti, one of the original minds behind Science North. Franco shares how his passion for biology and the natural world helped shape the early days of the centre. From bringing in live beavers and flying…

1
From Fighter Jet to Final Tribute: A Cold War Story Comes Full Circle 46:17

4M ago46:17

46:17

This week's episode revisits a previous podcast where Bill and Ben talked with Denny Treu who's father Gaylord crashed his fighter jet during a training exercise in Northern Ontario during the Cold War. Bill and friend of the show Brian Emblin where planning to take a Denny and his family up to the crash site so they could honour his father's memor…

1
1,000 Miles. 10 Days. No Help: Inside the World’s Toughest Canoe Race 44:10

4M ago44:10

44:10

In this week's episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, endurance paddlers Sean Lougheed and Lauren Anderson take us deep inside the preperation for the upcoming Yukon 1000, the longest canoe race on Earth — from Whitehorse to the Arctic Circle. For roughly 10 days, they will paddle 18 hours a day, braving storms, sleep deprivation, and total isolati…

1
The Next Great Resource War May Not be Over Oil — But Over Water 48:32

4M ago48:32

48:32

This week journalist and author Peter Annin joins Bill and Ben to explore the geopolitics, climate threats, and cross-border tensions surrounding the Great Lakes Water Basin. From the shocking history of water diversions to modern battles over access, privatization, and climate migration, this episode reveals why the next great resource war may not…

1
Modern Jobs, Real Purpose: Mining’s Pitch to the Next Generation 44:32

5M ago44:32

44:32

What if your career could offer purpose, adventure, six months off a year — and a six-figure salary? In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, mining advocate Morgan Murphy breaks down the future of work in Ontario’s booming mining industry. From underground tours to video campaigns and real talk with youth, she’s on a mission to shift the sto…

1
Planting Kindness: How Trees for Nipissing Is Growing a Greener North Bay 44:27

5M ago44:27

44:27

In this special Kindness Week episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Peggy Walsh Craig and Cindy Lalande from Trees for Nipissing, a grassroots group that’s transforming the urban landscape — one tree at a time. They’re not just planting greenery. They’re pushing for policy change, promoting environmental education, and inspiring residents to …

1
Heritage in the Rocks: Keeping Cobalt’s Mining History Alive 46:23

5M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we speak with Maggie Wilson, president of the Cobalt Historical Society, about the incredible past and uncertain future of one of Canada’s most historic mining towns. From the silver boom of 1905 to the modern-day fight to preserve headframes, mills, and trails, this is a story of resilience, rust, and remembrance…

1
How a Lost Silo and a 1950s Epidemic Sparked a Remarkable Canadian Novel 41:36

5M ago41:36

41:36

Author and journalist Christine Fischer Guy joins Backroads Bill to explore the real-life inspiration behind her haunting novel The Umbrella Mender, set during the 1950s tuberculosis outbreak in Moose Factory, Ontario. Through in-depth research, remote travel, and family connection, Christine weaves a story that parallels past and present pandemics…

1
Nature Is Holy Too: A Theologian’s Call for Environmental Justice 41:39

6M ago41:39

41:39

This week Bill and Ben sit down with Stephen Scharper, University of Toronto professor, theologian, and author of The Green Bible, to explore the deep connections between faith, creation, climate change, and our moral responsibility to the planet. From Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si to Indigenous wisdom, eco-spirituality, and the quiet power …

1
From Quebec to Alaska by Bike: The Crazy Life of Pierre Beauregard 46:50

6M ago46:50

46:50

In this week's episode, Pierre shares how embraced a lifestyle of biking everywhere and pedaled from Quebec to Alaska and back, all while giving motivational talks across Canada in his 2023 Crazy Tour. From Ironman races and desert marathons to sleeping in strangers’ yards and finding joy in every ride, Pierre proves that happiness isn’t a destinat…

1
Bill Barilko Scored the Stanley Cup Winner… Then Vanished: Finding the Wreckage of the Infamous Crash 44:27

6M ago44:27

44:27

His body wasn’t found for 11 years. The Leafs didn’t win another cup until it was.This is the story behind one of Canada’s most chilling sports legends — told by the man who helped recover the wreckage, Kevin Vincent. From remote northern Ontario bush to Tragically Hip lyrics, from Stanley Cup glory to smuggled gold, this episode dives into the rea…

1
Camping, Cycling, and Surviving: Buck Miller’s Epic Backroads Adventure 42:28

6M ago42:28

42:28

What happens when you pack a tent, a bike, and a wild dream? Former pro cyclist Buck Miller joins Backroads Bill to share his insane adventures biking through Canada's remote north — hauling camping gear, battling brutal cold, crossing frozen tundra, and chasing the rugged freedom only northern Ontario and Manitoba can offer. From cycling the world…

1
Frozen Highways & $20 Milk: Canada's Longest Winter Road is Crucial for Modern Day Survival 47:18

7M ago47:18

47:18

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we take you on a 767km Arctic journey along the longest seasonal ice road in the world — from Gillam, Manitoba to Fort Severn and Peawanuck, Ontario. Hosts Bill and Ben are joined by “Behind-the-Scenes Brian” to share stories of isolation, survival, $20 milk, polar bear tracks, and navigating the remote North like…

1
Residential Schools, Addiction & Reclaiming Identity: The Hidden History Canada Tried to Forget 59:47

7M ago59:47

59:47

In this powerful episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, retired police officer and Indigenous educator George Couchie shares his journey from policing to healing — and why truth and reconciliation in Canada is more urgent than ever. Hear firsthand stories about residential schools, systemic racism, Indigenous youth trauma, and the transformation of…

1
Will The Northland and Other Passenger Trains Be Able To Survive in Northern Ontario? 48:44

7M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Linda Savory-Gordon, who is involved with multiple non-for-profit organizations including sitting on the boards of both MTA Inc and CAPT. We explore the decline of passenger rail and public transportation in rural Canada, the real-life consequences for people who rely on it, and the grassroots mov…

1
What These Forgotten Photos Reveal About Northern Indigenous Life 40:53

7M ago40:53

40:53

What if a single photograph could reclaim an entire history? In this deeply moving episode of Backroads Bill, Indigenous writer, journalist, and cultural curator Paul Seesequasis shares the story behind his renowned Indigenous Archival Photo Project. Through images of everyday Indigenous life—moments of joy, resilience, and tradition—Paul is reconn…

1
The McGuffins on Art, Activism & Why Lake Superior Changes You 48:06

8M ago48:06

48:06

In this inspiring episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with legendary Canadian explorers, authors, photographers, and conservationists Joanie and Gary McGuffin. From 6,000-mile canoe journeys to their mission to protect Lake Superior, the McGuffins share stories of wilderness, love, art, and environmental action. Whether you're an outdoor enthusi…

1
Cold Plunges Changed His Life… Could They Change Yours? 57:14

8M ago57:14

57:14

What if the secret to mental resilience, emotional healing, and physical strength was as simple as stepping into freezing water? In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Clint Gore, who shares how cold plunges transformed his life—from overcoming trauma to finding clarity and inner strength. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✅ The Science of …

1
Is an Ice Hut the Ultimate Place to Podcast About Fishing? 43:09

8M ago43:09

43:09

Join us in this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast as we embark on a frosty adventure in Northern Ontario! We're podcasting straight from an ice hut on the serene Lake Nipissing, bringing you the authentic sounds and stories of ice fishing.Our special guest, Matt Koprash, shares his journey from the warm waters of Mexico to the icy lakes of Onta…

1
Dog Sledding & Skijoring: An Adventure with Northbound Huskies 33:46

8M ago33:46

33:46

Ever wondered what it's like to glide through the snow with a team of eager dogs leading the way? In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, we dive into the world of dog sledding and skijoring with Northbound Huskies. Our guest, Kaja, shares her incredible journey from Switzerland to Northern Ontario, where she now trains dogs and their owners…

1
Travelling Through Ontario with Morning North 32:37

8M ago32:37

32:37

Bill has been on CBC radio for many years talking with Markus Schwabe from Morning North about his adventures and Northern Ontario and now the tables have turned! Markus alongside Morning North producer Erik White come on the podcast to talk about their travels in Northern Ontario, Markus getting to see a hill for the first time after growing up in…

1
Bringing the Healing Properties of Nature to People with Disabilities 48:14

9M ago48:14

48:14

Kari Krogh is a co-founder of the Eco Wisdom Preserve and her mission is to use nature to help people heal through illness and their disabilities. Kari opens up about her personal disability and how using forest bathing and other techniques helped her manage it where traditional medicine was failing. She also talks about the medical studies she has…

1
The Outdoors is a Videographer’s Playground 47:22

9M ago47:22

47:22

This week Bill and Ben are joined by two social media and youtube content creators who focus on making fun and entertaining videos based on their love of the outdoors. Careena Alexis (found on youtube and social media @careenaalexis) and Jeff Mcgirr (found on youtube under Lucrestyle ) talk about their passion for creating outdoor video content. Th…

1
Waubgeshig Rice: My Life as an Outsider 44:49

9M ago44:49

44:49

An award winning author, long time radio personality and podcast host Waubgeshig Rice joins the podcast. He chats about his latest novels Moon of the Crusted Snow and Moon of the Turning Leaves and bringing traditional Ojibwe language into a mainstream medium. Waub also talks about his upcoming projects including how he is using his experiences gro…

1
The Ring of Fire: Why it's so Important to Canada's Economic Growth 48:00

9M ago48:00

48:00

The Ring of Fire has been over 15 years in the making but still the conversations go on between the Canadian Government and the Indigenous communities involved. Now Doug Ford has brought up the importance of this potential mine as a potential key investment after Trump’s inauguration and talk of tariffs with Canada. Stan Sudol, a long time mining j…

1
Why the La Vase is so Important for Northern Ontario 49:53

10M ago49:53

49:53

Many in North Bay know Chris Mayne for his role as a city councillor but he has a major passion for canoeing. He has been part of the team that has revitalized the La Vase portages in our area. He joins Bill and Ben to talk about the importance of the La Vase as well as the ongoing efforts to bring it back to its former glory. He also talks about h…

1
Roy MacGregor’s Take on the Outdoors, Canadian Politics and The World Juniors 40:26

10M ago40:26

40:26

Roy MacGregor has had a long career in print media working for Macleans and The Globe and Mail. He also is a best selling author of multiple outdoors books and the kids book series The Screech Owls. Roy shares his thoughts on his career in journalism, his love of the outdoors and also gives his opinion on the current state of Canadian politics. Fol…

1
Ian Tamblyn a Canadian Folk Music Icon 43:23

10M ago43:23

43:23

Ian Tamblyn had the chance to make it big in the music scene but decided to turn down the chance when it meant changing the lyrics and topics from Canadian stories to something a little more commercial. Ian joins the show to talk about his career that has spanned over 40 albums, how the music industry has changed from an analog world to digital, an…

1
In Search of the Perfect Sweat 48:35

10M ago48:35

48:35

Mikkel Aaland authored the 1978 novel “Sweat” about the history of the sauna. He has a series releasing on Amazon called “Perfect Sweat” where he retraces his steps from the past 45 years to find the perfect sweat. Mikkel joins the show to talk to Bill and Ben about his sauna journey, his appearance on David Letterman and his Sauna Aid project wher…

1
The Healing Properties of Nature 1:09:52

11M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our listeners who celebrate and this week Bill and Ben brought on Reverend Ted Harrison. Ted talks about his experiences with nature as a healing property and how he uses it to help teach his faith. Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram: @backroads_bill and on Twitter: @steertonorthONT To explore more North Bay p…

1
A Window into the Jewish Community of Northern Ontario 58:10

11M ago58:10

58:10

The Fentster Gallery’s tagline is “a window into Jewish life” and has been a unique viewing experience in Toronto for over a decade. Artist Meichan Waxer and the Fentster Gallery Curator Evelyn Tauben join Bill and Ben to chat about Meichan’s exhibit “I Will Relate to You”. The exhibit is an artistic ode to the general stores that sustained a famil…

1
Time to Break out the Snowshoes with Backroads Bill 44:35

11M ago44:35

44:35

This week features no guest but instead Bill and Ben go in depth on a winter time tradition - snowshoeing. Bill talks about the history of the snowshoe, his favourite places to hike in the winter and we ask the important questions “at what point does a snowshoe become a cross country ski?” Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram: @backroads_bill and on…

1
Celebrating Christmas in the Forest at The Canadian Ecology Centre 38:29

11M ago38:29

38:29

This week Bill brings in his second in command Laura Kielpinski, the Assistant General Manager of the Ecology Centre, onto the show to talk about Christmas in the Forest. Each year sees hundreds of people come to the Canadian Ecology Centre over the course of 3 weekends. The festivities include Santa making a visit, sugar cookie decorating, campfir…

1
3 Environmental Catastrophes That Changed the Landscape of Northern Ontario 45:27

11M ago45:27

45:27

In this episode Bill describes three environmental catastrophes that impacted Ontario’s landscape. The lack of consultation with both Indigenous Peoples and environmentalists allowed these projects to go through. These catastrophes helped shape policies to make sure there is accountability and to prioritize the people impacted by these changes. Fol…

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