The Backroads Bill Podcast

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.<br...

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 Intro5:52 A Century of Air Defence History13:34 Artifacts From War to Cold War20:47 Hands-On Cold War Technology42:35 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 Intro5:33 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 Industry8:17 How Sustainable Forest Management Works17:36 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 Centre04:30 – Learning Through Hands-On Experiences12:04 – 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 Hall3:16 – Where to Find Gold in Northern Ontario06:13 – 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 – Intro4:25 – How the Map Project Came Together11:31 – North Bay's Origins, Railways & Early Growth17:44 – 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 – Intro6:53 – 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...