The Backroads Bill Podcast

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 .<br...

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-grizzly3:32 First...

Troy Hurtubise was a larger than life character who was obsessed with creating the next big invention. One of the inventions that defined him was the bear suit which was famously featured in the film "Project Grizzly".In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we explore Troy’s story through the eyes of someone who knew him best, his son Brett. We talk about the obsession that drove him, the risks he took, and the line between genius and self-destruction. 0:00 Introducing Troy Hurtubise and Project Grizzly5:23 Building and testing the bear suits14:27 Lif...

At White Pines Collegiate & Vocational School in Sault Ste. Marie, school doesn’t look like it used to. Alongside classrooms and hallways, students are learning trades, building real skills, and even running a working chocolate factory.In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we step inside White Pines to explore how the school is rethinking education. Principal Jennifer Barbeau and former student Josh Sidwell share why hands on learning, creativity, and multiple pathways matter, especially in Northern Ontario where one size does not fit all.1:58 Why White Pines is rethinking traditional education <br...

For decades, Sudbury was known around the world for environmental damage. The land was scarred, the air was polluted, and few people believed recovery was possible. One person who saw something different was Jane Goodall.In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with Dr John Gunn to talk about how Sudbury became an unlikely symbol of environmental hope. He shares how science, community action, and long-term commitment helped restore the land and why Jane Goodall believed this Northern Ontario city had a story worth telling to the world.0:00 Intro5:30 What Sudbury...

Every year, Santa flies over Northern Ontario. He sees the lakes, the rivers, the towns, and the backroads most people never notice.This time, we asked him to stop and answer a few questions. In this special christmas eve episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Santa joins us to talk about Northern Ontario history, geography, folklore, and some familiar stories from past episodes of the show.

Twenty-five years ago, Jalynn Bosley left the traditional classroom to create something different. What started with a backpack, a few brave students, and a belief in the power of nature grew into Alive Outdoors, a nationally recognized outdoor education program.In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Jalynn shares how Alive Outdoors began, why she believes outdoor experiences are essential for personal growth, and what she has learned from a career built on trust, challenge, and connection.0:00 – Intro3:10 – How Jalynn's name and journey shaped her path6:00 – Leaving teaching to follow a new direction1...

Steve Hayward has spent most of his life on a snowmobile.He’s been a big part of Ontario’s snowmobile community. From helping to create SnowTrax to working closely with clubs and trail groups, Steve has seen how the sport has grown and what it’s up against today.In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Steve shares stories from the trail, talks about how snowmobiling has changed over the years, and opens up about the challenges that clubs and riders are facing now.He also reflects on what snowmobiling means to Nor...