The Backroads Bill Podcast

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Andre Bernier of Northern Spirit Adventures joins Bill and Ben to share how he brings the history of the voyageurs to life on the waters of Northern Ontario.

Andre explains how his connection to New Post Falls began, how that place became tied to memories of his father, and how those experiences eventually inspired him to start leading voyageur canoe trips.

Along the way, he shares stories of the fur trade, Indigenous history, old travel routes, traditional songs, medicinal plants, and the people who once travelled the same...

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Margaret Wanlin of Wabakimi Outfitters joins the show to talk about the devastating wildfires that swept through northwestern Ontario and changed Wabakimi in a matter of hours.

Margaret shares how the fire affected the lodge, outpost cabins and surrounding wilderness, along with the emergency efforts to help paddlers and visitors safely leave the area.

She also reflects on the role outfitters play in remote wilderness travel and the importance of preparation, communication and risk management.

0:00 Intro
9:36 How the Wabakimi Wildfires Began
12:13 Evacuating Paddlers From...

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, author and minister Benjamin Perry joins the show to explore the ideas behind his book Cry Baby: Why Our Tears Matter and what crying can reveal about grief, identity, masculinity and emotional healing.

Benjamin shares his own experience of going nearly a decade without crying and the process of learning how to reconnect with his emotions.

Find more about Benjamin Perry here: https://www.benjaminjperry.com/

0:00 Intro and Why Our Tears Matter
09:32 Learning to Cry Again
15:31 Shame, Masculinity & Tears
27:48 Faith, Queerness & Healing
42:10...

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Andrew MacKellar joins the show to talk about the upcoming North Bay Sasquatch Conference on October 10th and his own experiences investigating Sasquatch in Northern Ontario.

Andrew shares how his interest in Sasquatch began, the research he has done alongside his father, and the personal encounter that strengthened his belief that something may be out there. 

To find more information head over to Facebook and search for Sasquatch Conference (North Bay)

0:00 Sasquatch Comes to North Bay
3:32 How Andrew Got Into Sasquatch
8:48 Andrew’s Sasquatch Enc...

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Volker Beckmann shares the story of how Thompson, Manitoba built its identity as the Wolf Capital of the World.

What began as a community effort to create more pride in the city eventually grew into Spirit Way, a 2.5-kilometre route featuring public art, wolf sculptures, and a massive wolf mural inspired by the work of Robert Bateman.

Volker explains how those projects opened the door to new tourism opportunities, international connections, and plans for a dedicated wolf habitat and learning centre.

0:00 Intro
6:14 The Birth of...

In this episode of the Back Roads Bill Podcast, lawyer Jonathan Sommer joins the conversation to break down the massive art fraud surrounding renowned Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau and the wider problem of fake art in Canada.

Jonathan explains how he became involved in the Morrisseau case, how multiple fraud rings flooded the market with fake paintings, and why identifying and removing counterfeit works is so difficult.

We also explore the legal challenges around art fraud, the importance of provenance and authentication, and why some collectors may be reluctant to discover that a valuable painting is...

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, filmmaker Jim Hyder joins the conversation to share the remarkable story of Wendell Beckwith, the reclusive thinker, builder, and free thinking scientist who made his home on Whitewater Lake in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario.

Jim reflects on meeting Wendell in the 1970s, the unusual cabins and inventions he created by hand, and the unconventional way he approached science, nature, and problem-solving.

He also shares how the documentary "In Search of Wendell Beckwith" came together decades later, using interviews, archival material, and personal memories to piece together Wendell’s...

In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, amateur historian and author Paul Ozorak joins the conversation to explore the Cold War bunkers, fallout reporting posts, radar stations, and abandoned military installations that still remain across Northern Ontario and beyond.

The discussion begins with a bunker recently exposed at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park after the June 2025 storm brought down surrounding trees. From there, Paul explains why Canada built so much military infrastructure during the Cold War, how fallout reporting posts were used, and what made places like the Diefenbunker and North Bay’s underground complex so important.

In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, Bethany and Maya from the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence join the conversation to explore the stories, artifacts, and technology behind North Bay’s unique military history.

From the Cold War and NORAD to the underground complex, radar stations, fighter aircraft, and early air defence technology, the episode looks at how North Bay became deeply connected to Canada’s aerospace defence story.

0:00 Intro
5:52 A Century of Air Defence History
13:34 Artifacts From War to Cold War
20:47 Hands-On Cold War Technology
42:35 Why This Museum Matters

In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, psychotherapist Brigitte Lebel shares her harrowing experience surviving the June 2025 downburst at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

What began as a peaceful camping trip quickly turned into a traumatic night of fallen trees, injuries, rescue efforts, and hours of uncertainty.

Brigitte reflects on what it was like to stay calm in the middle of the chaos, return to the park afterward, and process the trauma that followed.

Brigitte's episode on To North Bay With Love: https://www.northbayecho.ca/a-conversation-about-grief-care-and-community/  

0:00 Intro
5:33 Surviving the St...

In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, clinical psychologist Margaret McKinnon joins the conversation to discuss trauma, PTSD, psychological preparedness, and the mental health challenges that can follow emergencies and disasters.

Drawing on her own experience with PTSD and decades of research with military members, veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders, Margaret explains the impact of mental health in times of crisis and trauma.

We also explore CanEMERG, a free Canadian resource designed to connect people with mental health tools, self-assessments, coping strategies, and community supports during emergencies and disasters.

Learn more about...

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, professional forester Scott McPherson shares an inside look at the science, planning, and challenges behind sustainable forestry in Northern Ontario.

From climate change and wildfires to mill closures, forest regeneration, and the future of the forestry industry, Scott explains how experts balance environmental stewardship with the need for a healthy forest economy.

He also discusses how forests are forecast decades into the future and why today's decisions will shape generations to come.

0:00 The State of Ontario's Forestry Industry
8:17 How Sustainable Forest Management Works
17:36 Why...

For decades, Kevin Callan, better known as Canada's Happy Camper, has inspired thousands of people to explore the outdoors.

In this episode of the Back Roads Bill Podcast, Kevin shares the stories behind his bestselling books, his love of canoe tripping, and why helping people connect with nature has been his lifelong mission.

From unforgettable adventures in Algoma and Quetico to the lessons learned from solo camping, close calls in the backcountry, and the changing landscape of Canada's wilderness, Kevin offers practical advice, hilarious stories, and a passion for the outdoors that's impossible not to appreciate.<...

Discover one of Northern Ontario's most unique attractions at Dream Acres Alpaca Farm in Matheson.

In this episode of the Back Roads Bill Podcast, Danielle Piquette shares how a small family-run alpaca farm has grown into a destination where visitors can walk alpacas, stay overnight, shop handcrafted alpaca fibre products, and experience life at the farm.

We also dive into the fascinating world of alpacas, from their personalities and rare colours to how their incredibly soft fibre is turned into socks, yarn, and clothing made right here in Canada. Danielle also shares the story of leaving...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we hear directly from the students taking part in the Canadian Ecology Centre's immersive summer science program. They share what it's like to step away from technology, live and learn in nature, and earn a high school credit through hands-on experiences.

From exploring ecosystems and conducting fieldwork to learning from industry professionals, the students explain how this unique approach to education has changed the way they think about science, school, and their future.

00:00 – Why Students Choose the Canadian Ecology Centre
04:30 – Learning Through Hands-On Experiences
12:04 – Life Without Phones for Two We...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we take you inside the Canadian Ecology Centre's summer programs, where students leave the traditional classroom behind and experience learning in the heart of nature.

Bill and Ben are joined by Josh, Shelby and Sarah who are just 3 of the educators who spend their time in the summer to help teach different courses. They share what makes this immersive program so unique, from teaching science and geography outdoors to using hands-on activities, fieldwork, and real-world experiences to bring lessons to life.

They also discuss how living, learning, and exploring together...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with geologist, prospector, and landman Mark Hall to explore the fascinating world of gold prospecting in Northern Ontario.Mark explains how gold forms, where prospectors look for it, and what it really takes to find it.

We also follow along as Bill tries his hand at gold panning, uncovering a few flakes along the way while learning the techniques, tools, and history behind one of Canada's oldest outdoor pursuits.

0:00 – Meet Geologist & Prospector Mark Hall
3:16 – Where to Find Gold in Northern Ontario
06:13 – How to Choose the Best G...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, Bill shares the story behind the North Bay Centennial Heritage Map, a special project created to highlight 100 years of North Bay history.

He walks through the stories, landmarks, waterways, railways, military history, and community moments that helped shape the city. From the evolution of North Bay's waterfront to its role as a transportation hub and gateway to the North, this episode looks at how the city has changed while still holding onto its roots.

0:00 – Intro
4:25 – How the Map Project Came Together
11:31 – North Bay's Origins, Railways & Early Growth
17:44 – The Tran...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Sheri and Jay, the creators behind The Beauty of the Backcountry YouTube channel.

The couple shares how a love of hiking, canoe tripping, and exploring Northern Ontario grew into a successful YouTube channel that inspires thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.

From Lake Superior and Killarney to the French River and Wabakimi, they discuss some of their favourite adventures, the challenges of filming in remote locations, and what it takes to capture the beauty of the wilderness on camera.

We also talk about camping lessons learned...

This episode explores the impact of the Canadian Ecology Centre's Teachers Mining Tours, which help educators and students get a firsthand look at modern mining and the many career paths it offers.  

The mining sector issues a challenge to help the environmental education centre.

Our guest is Bryan Wilson, Senior Vice President of Operations, Ontario at Equinox Gold's Greenstone Mine. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Brian shares how mining has changed over the years, from advances in safety and technology to the growing demand for skilled workers.



0:00 – Intro
6:53 – Modern Mining & Techn...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with former Member of Parliament, author, and Northern Ontario advocate Charlie Angus for a wide-ranging conversation about democracy, the North, and the future of Canada.

After more than two decades representing Timmins–James Bay in Ottawa, Charlie reflects on the issues that defined his political career, from fighting for rural and northern communities to advocating for Indigenous rights, public accountability, and stronger democratic institutions.

He shares stories from the road, lessons learned from representing one of Canada's largest ridings, and why Northern Ontario's voice remains as important as...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, acclaimed Canadian author Christine Fischer Guy returns to the podcast to talk about her brand-new novel, The Instrument Must Not Matter.

The story follows a gifted young pianist who leaves Toronto for New York City after earning the chance to study under a world-renowned mentor. 

Christine takes us behind the scenes of writing the novel, including the years of research she devoted to understanding the mindset of professional musicians, the influence of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, and even taking piano lessons herself to better connect with the experience of p...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Justin Wood, founder of Geneticks.ca and a staff scientist at the University of Guelph, to talk about the growing reality of Lyme disease in Canada and the personal experience that changed his life forever.

Justin shares his journey from being a healthy university athlete to suddenly dealing with debilitating neurological symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, and years of unanswered medical questions. After being bounced between specialists and struggling to find answers, he was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease, beginning a long and difficult road to recovery.

...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Brennain Lloyd from Northwatch, one of Northern Ontario’s longest-running environmental advocacy organizations.

For nearly four decades, North Watch has been involved in some of the region’s biggest environmental debates, from forestry and mining to landfill proposals, nuclear waste storage, and land use decisions that affect communities across the North .

Brennain takes us through the origins of North Watch in the late 1980s, how the organization grew out of environmental and peace activism, and why public participation in environmental decision-making still matters today.

0:00 – Intro<...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with the team behind one of Northern Ontario’s most recognizable outdoor products, The Original Bug Shirt Company in Powassan.

What started as a simple idea to help people enjoy the outdoors without being eaten alive by black flies and mosquitoes has grown into a globally recognized brand worn by campers, hunters, forestry workers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. 

Julie shares the incredible story of how the company began in the early 1990s, how she started sewing bug shirts from home while raising her children, and...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Otto Bedard who is an expert technologist in hydrometry, hydraulics and innovation.

With recent flooding hitting the North Bay area, the timing couldn’t be better. Otto takes us inside the system most people never think about, the network of gauges, sensors, and data collection points that track how high rivers rise and how fast water moves.

We dive into how water levels are actually measured, what “stage” and “discharge” mean, and how this data gets shared across Canada to help inform decisions around flooding, infrastructure, and safety...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Curtis Lafleche, a Northern Ontario outdoorsman who has turned his passion for the backcountry into a growing presence on YouTube.

What started as simple walks quickly turned into a deep curiosity about the land, eventually leading to backcountry trips, canoe expeditions, and a love for exploring the wild spaces of Northern Ontario . We also dive into how Curtis made the leap from private adventures to sharing his experiences online.

From filming solo trips and learning the ins and outs of content creation, to finding his own...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with one of Canada’s most recognizable voices in weather, climatologist David Phillips, for a conversation that spans more than five decades of forecasting, storytelling, and scientific change.

From his early days with Environment Canada to becoming a familiar presence on The Weather Network, David reflects on how both the science and the public’s relationship with weather have evolved. We talk about how forecasting has changed, from simple observations to advanced technology powered by satellites and supercomputers, and why predicting the weather is still as challenging as ever .

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Juno-nominated artist Adrian Sutherland to explore how his music is deeply rooted in his life in Attawapiskat and his culture.

From early influences at home to performing on national stages, Adrian shares how his sound has evolved while staying true to where he comes from.

We also dive into his new book The Work of Our Hands, and how storytelling, music, and culture all connect.

Adrian opens up about life in the North, the realities of remote communities, and why he continues to create...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we head off the highway and into the small Northern Ontario community of Gogama, a place with a population of just a few hundred but a story that runs deep.

We’re joined by longtime resident Gerry Talbot, who has spent his entire life in Gogama and has been involved in nearly every aspect of the community. From local services and volunteer boards to preserving the town’s history, Gerry shares what it takes to keep a small town going and why people continue to call it home .

We talk abou...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we head to Northwestern Ontario to take a closer look at the township of Ignace, a small community facing a big decision about its future.

Once supported by forestry, mining, and tourism, Ignace has seen its population decline and its economy slow in recent years. With mills closing and opportunities becoming harder to find, the town found itself at a crossroads. That changed when Ignace was selected as the host community for Canada’s proposed deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel, a project that could bring billions in investment, new jobs, an...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we head to Northwestern Ontario to explore one of the most intriguing archaeological discoveries in the region in recent years.

Local historian Johanna Rowe joins the show to talk about the discovery of the Wawa Runestone, a rock carving hidden in the bush that contains more than 250 characters written in runic script.

Johanna walks us through how the discovery first came to light, the process of bringing archaeologists and language experts into the investigation, and the years of careful research that followed.

Find out more here: https://www...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we connect with a trucker whose journey spans continents. Sludge one of the stars of the Netflix series Outback Truckers, joins the show while passing through Northern Ontario after filming on the winter roads along the James Bay coast.

Known for hauling freight across the harsh landscapes of Australia, Sludge found himself facing a completely different challenge: driving heavy trucks through deep cold, snow, and ice in the far north.

In this conversation, Sludge shares how he first became part of the long-running television series, what it was like trading...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we head north to the shores of Lake Superior to meet Kim Asmussen, known to many as the “Snowshoe Art Guy.”

Instead of a paintbrush and canvas, Kim uses snowshoes and wide open winter landscapes to create massive geometric designs and images in the snow that can only truly be appreciated from above Kim shares how a simple idea turned into a unique form of outdoor art.

What started with one triangle in a schoolyard has grown into intricate patterns across frozen lakes and fields. Using tape measures, compasses, and care...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we welcome in professors at Burman University Kevin Kiers and Tim Buttler to talk about their new book, Outdoor Experiential Learning in Canada. It brings together educators from across the country to share how they are taking learning beyond the classroom and into the real world.

Kevin and Tim share their own stories, from childhood adventures in rivers and mountains to years spent teaching students outside. What comes through clearly is that outdoor learning is not a trend. It is something that sticks with you. The experiences students have outside often become...

On this episode of Backroads Bill, we step away from our usual backroads stories to focus on something that affects every community: our local schools.

School board trustees are elected by their neighbours to help guide budgets, set direction, and serve as the voice between families and the education system. It is a role built on community service, not politics. With several boards now under provincial supervision and possible changes ahead, the future of elected trustees in Ontario is uncertain.

We’re joined by Stephanie Donaldson of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, and a former trus...

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with world-renowned botanist, medical biochemist and author Diana Beresford-Kroeger.

Diana shares her extraordinary journey growing up in Ireland and having ancient wisdom passed down to her. She then studied to become a scientist with two PhDs who has spent decades studying the chemistry of trees and their direct connection to human health.

She explains how the forests do far more than provide beauty and oxygen. Trees release natural compounds into the air that support our immune systems, protect our bodies, and quite literally help us breathe easier.<...

Science does not just live in textbooks. It lives in stories, curiosity, and the ability to make people care.

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Pearson. Dr. Pearson was the founding Director at Science North and a longtime professor at Laurentian University.

We dive into science communication and it's importance, the importance of science centers like Science North, and how making science fun and hands on will help inspire the next generation of scientists.

00:03 Meet Dr. David Pearson  
06:34 Sudbury’s Regreening Success  
12:16 How Science Nort...

Leadership in Northern Ontario looks different. It means knowing your community, earning trust, and making tough decisions in places where resources are limited and expectations are high.

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with two Northern Ontario mayors, Michelle Boileau of Timmins and Cheryl Fort of Hornepayne, to talk about what it’s really like to lead as a woman in local politics.

They share their paths into public office, the challenges they’ve faced, and why representation matters in towns and cities across the North.

5:37 Cheryl Fort’s path t...

When Project Grizzly was first filmed, no one could have predicted the impact it would have decades later. What started as a story about a man building a bear suit in his backyard has become a cult documentary with a lasting place in Canadian film history.

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, filmmaker Peter Lynch reflects on making Project Grizzly, working alongside Troy Hurtubise, and capturing a story driven by obsession, curiosity, and risk.

Learn more about the upcoming 30th anniversary screening here: https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/project-grizzly



3:32 First...