Advertise on podcast: The Backroads Bill Podcast

Description

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: @backroads_bill and on Twitter: @steertonorthONT For the video version of this episode or to explore more North Bay podcasts and to stay updated on local events and news go to NorthBayEcho.ca. For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials. Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEcho Production Credits: Host: Backroads Bill Producer: Ben Sargent Produced by Clark Communications

Unlock The Backroads Bill Podcast podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details

Email contact information

Direct podcast contact details

Listeners

Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details

Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from The Backroads Bill Podcast podcast

What Crying Can Teach Us About Being Human

2026/10/07

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 Tears, Transformation & Hope

The Search for Sasquatch Comes to North Bay

2026/09/30

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 Encounter 15:01 Inside the Sasquatch Conference 23:15 Conference Turnout & Final Details

How Thompson, Manitoba Became the Wolf Capital of the World

2026/09/23

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 Spirit Way 17:15 How the Wolf Sculptures Began 24:03 Building a Wolf Centre 36:07 What Happened to the Vision?

Fake Art, Real Money: Inside the Norval Morrisseau Scandal

2026/09/16

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 fake. 00:00 Inside the Norval Morrisseau Art Fraud 06:39 How the Fraud Was Exposed 13:26 Why Fake Art Stays in Circulation 23:18 Thousands of Fakes Still Out There 40:17 How Art Buyers Can Fight Fraud

In Search of Wendell Beckwith: Northern Ontario’s Wilderness Genius

2026/09/09

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 life and legacy. 0:00 Intro 5:20 Leaving Society for the Wilderness 11:01 Making "In Search of Wendell Beckwith" 25:45 Inside Wendell’s Unconventional Mind 35:32 The Legacy He Left Behind

The Cold War Bunkers Hidden Across Northern Ontario

2026/09/02

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. 0:00 Intro 6:14 Why Canada Built Them 12:38 Fallout Reporting Posts 19:37 Could the Bunkers Be Reused? 29:18 The Diefenbunker Spy Story

What Stories Are Hidden Inside The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence?

2026/08/26

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

Surviving the Downburst: How Trauma Changes the Way You See the Outdoors

2026/08/19

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 Storm 15:15 Returning to the Park 23:17 Trauma, PTSD & Self-Blame 37:34 Mental Health, Grief & Acceptance

CanEMERG: Mental Health Support in Times of Crisis

2026/08/12

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 CanEMERG here: https://canemerg-urgencecan.com/ 0:00 Intro 4:55 Margaret's Personal PTSD Story 10:13 How CanEMERG Supports Canadians 20:03 Psychological First Aid & Grounding 32:08 Preparing Your Mental Health Before Crisis

What Does the Future of Ontario's Forests Look Like?

2026/08/06

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 Ontario's Mills Are Closing 32:51 Wildfires, Climate Change & Forest Recovery 42:52 The Future of Forestry in Northern Ontario

Inside the Adventures of Canada's Happy Camper

2026/07/29

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. 00:00 Meet Canada's Happy Camper 04:21 The Story Behind The Happy Camper 11:54 Adventures, & Solo Camping 21:34 Kevin's Favourite Canoe Routes & Camping Gear 32:03 Wildfires, Conservation & The Future of Camping

Dream Acres Alpacas: A Hidden Gem in Northern Ontario

2026/07/23

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 city life behind to help grow Dream Acres into a one-of-a-kind agritourism experience. Learn more here: https://www.dreamacres.ca/ 0:00 Intro 2:08 Alpacas vs. Llamas Explained 6:32 How Dream Acres Began 10:53 Walking Alpacas & Farm Experiences 23:39 Inside the World of Alpaca Breeding

Experiential Learning Through the Eyes of Students

2026/07/15

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 Weeks 20:32 – The Power of Community and Connection 33:45 – How the Experience Changed Their Future

Inside One of Ontario's Most Unique Learning Experiences

2026/07/08

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 helps students build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. 0:00 – Inside a Unique Way to Teach 4:17 – Why Teachers Keep Coming Back 10:48 – Learning Through Hands-On Outdoor Activities 19:08 – Building Stronger Student Connections 32:34 – Why Experiential Learning Works

How to Find Gold in Northern Ontario

2026/07/01

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 Gold Panning Location 12:18 – Gold Panning Tools & Techniques 19:01 – Can You Actually Make Money Panning for Gold?