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PODCAST

The Backroads Bill Podcast

It’s time to hit the backroads of Northern Ontario and beyond with Backroads Bill! Tune in every Wednesday to explore the history and beauty of Northern Ontario. Alongside host and producer Ben, Bill (who is the founder and the GM of the Canadian Ecology Centre) goes more in depth to the stories he has been sharing for years on CBC Radio and Village Media.Whether it’s a “day-trip” “overnight-trip” or “Sunday drive” you will discover your next great adventure!Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram:

history

All Episodes

46:17

From Fighter Jet to Final Tribute: A Cold War Story...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/07/09

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 memory with a plaque.Unfortunately Denny unexpectedly passed away days before the trip. Bill and Brian talk about the trip up with a new plaque to honour both

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44:10

1,000 Miles. 10 Days. No Help: Inside the World’s...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/07/02

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 12+ hours a day, braving storms, sleep deprivation, and total isolation with only a GPS and each other to rely on.The toughest part? Getting accepted into the race in the first place. Follow their journey starting July

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48:32

The Next Great Resource War May Not be Over Oil — But...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/06/25

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 be over oil — but over water.Annin, author of The Great Lakes Water Wars, explains why this region could become a global flashpoint — and what’s being

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44:32

Modern Jobs, Real Purpose: Mining’s Pitch to the Next...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/06/18

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 story — and show that mining is more than just rocks.We cover everything from career paths and skilled trades, to women in mining, Indigenous partnerships,

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44:27

Planting Kindness: How Trees for Nipissing Is Growing...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/06/11

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 rethink the value of trees in a city without a tree bylaw.Learn more about Trees for Nipissing at their website: https://trees4nipissing.org/00:00 -

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46:23

Heritage in the Rocks: Keeping Cobalt’s Mining...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/06/04

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.Whether it’s mining students from around the world or tourists walking the Heritage Silver Trail, the legacy of Cobalt lives on — but only if we choose to

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41:36

How a Lost Silo and a 1950s Epidemic Sparked a...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/05/28

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 — from TB to COVID — and invites readers to rethink how we view medicine, memory, and Indigenous history in the North.Purchase the Umbrella Mender:

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41:39

Nature Is Holy Too: A Theologian’s Call for...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/05/21

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 of “sit spots,” Stephen shares his views on what our focus should be regardless of personal views.00:00 - Intro02:00 - Meet Stephen Scharper:

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46:50

From Quebec to Alaska by Bike: The Crazy Life of...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/05/14

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 destination — it’s movement.Find Pierre's book here: https://pleinairenor.ca00:00 - Intro01:12 - The “Crazy Tour” to Alaska 04:08 - How One Marathon in 2006

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44:27

Bill Barilko Scored the Stanley Cup Winner… Then...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/05/07

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 real history behind the myth — and why a movie could be on the way.00:00 - Intro: The Goal That Sparked a Legend 03:00 - The Crash That Changed Hockey

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42:28

Camping, Cycling, and Surviving: Buck Miller’s Epic...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/04/30

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’s longest winter road to preparing for the Yukon River Quest gauntlet, Buck talks about the physical toll, the love for nature, and why he’s never stopped

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47:18

Frozen Highways & $20 Milk: Canada's Longest Winter...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/04/23

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 few have.From impassable muskeg to remote Indigenous communities, we explore what life is really like at the top of Ontario — and why this seasonal

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59:47

Residential Schools, Addiction & Reclaiming Identity:...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/04/16

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 police training in Ontario.Whether you're Canadian or not, this is a raw, eye-opening conversation you won’t forget.00:00 - Welcome & Introduction

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48:44

Will The Northland and Other Passenger Trains Be Able...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/04/09

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 movements working to bring better service back to the North.Linda shares insights from her work with the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains and explains

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41:04

What These Forgotten Photos Reveal About Northern...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/04/02

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 reconnecting families, communities, and all Canadians with a more complete and truthful history of the life across the Hudson Bay watershed in the 50s and 60s.We

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48:06

The McGuffins on Art, Activism & Why Lake Superior...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/03/26

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 enthusiast, artist, or someone looking to connect deeper with nature, this conversation will make you want to pick up a paddle—and a camera.Learn more about their

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57:14

Cold Plunges Changed His Life… Could They Change Yours?

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/03/19

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 Ice Baths – How cold water affects the body & mind ✅ Clint’s Personal Journey – From struggles to strength through cold exposure ✅ The Mental Health

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43:09

Is an Ice Hut the Ultimate Place to Podcast About...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/03/12

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 Ontario. Together, we delve into:Ice Fishing 101: Tips and tricks for beginners eager to embrace this chilly challenge.Northern Ontario's Hidden Gems:

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33:46

Dog Sledding & Skijoring: An Adventure with...

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/03/05

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 in these thrilling winter sports. Discover the history, the training process, and how you can get started with your own dog—whether it's a Husky or even

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32:37

Travelling Through Ontario with Morning North

The Backroads Bill Podcast ·

2025/02/26

Bill has been on CBC radio for many years talking with Markus Shwabe 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 Saskatchewan, and North Bay vs Sudbury…. which is the superior city?Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram: @backroads_billand on Twitter:

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