Podcasts about Northern Ontario

1207. This week, we look at the hidden linguistic history of Ontario with Sali Tagliamonte. We look at why euphemisms like "golly" and "gosh" are going the way of the dinosaur, the surprising connection between Northern Ontario and the Southern U.S., and how Canadian words like "gas bar" and "Muskoka chair" finally made it into the Oxford English Dictionary. This episode ran for Grammarpaloozians in February 2026. To get more bonus content, visit Patreon.com/GrammarGirl.

Nearly 200 wildfires. Thousands forced from their homes. Fishing camps already lost. Water bombers being grounded because people keep flying drones into active fire zones.Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Mike Harris Jr., joins Angelo Viola for a blunt breakdown of the wildfire emergency unfolding across Northern Ontario.How dangerous is the situation? Should anglers cancel upcoming trips? What happens to remote lodges caught in the fire zone? And how do 700 firefighters, 120 aircraft and crews from across Canada begin to contain something this massive?The Minister also reveals what Ontario is spending on wildfire protection, why some fires are deliberately allowed to burn and what outdoorspeople need to check before travelling north.Plus, Ontario's new digital hunting and fishing licence system, the rules around carrying your Outdoors Card and the mysterious “meanmouth bass” that reportedly attacks dogs and swimmers.This is one every Canadian outdoorsperson needs to hear.

Sustainability conversations usually center on ecosystems, emissions targets, and corporate pledges, but this episode makes the case that people belong at the center of that conversation too. Andrew looks at how communities living closest to refineries, extraction sites, and industrial waterfronts carry a disproportionate share of the pollution burden, often without having consented to the risk in the first place. Using a Philadelphia refinery as a case study, Andrew walks through how fenceline communities experience higher poverty rates, higher rates of residents of color, and elevated cancer and respiratory risk compared to their surrounding cities. He extends that pattern to wildfire response, contrasting how affluent California communities were able to evacuate and rebuild after the Santa Ana wind fires with how remote Northern Ontario and Arctic communities, some with only one road in and one road out, had to be airlifted out entirely. The episode also revisits New York's Hudson River, once devastated by industrial chemical runoff and now home to returning oysters, menhaden, and whales after decades of restoration work. The back half of the episode turns to policy. As federal environmental justice efforts recede in 2026, states including Minnesota, Illinois, and Massachusetts are stepping into that gap, and nonprofit legal teams are winning court challenges against federal rollbacks. Andrew closes with a reminder that protecting the environment and protecting people are frequently the same fight, and that sustainable business practices tend to protect local economies as much as they protect public health. Takeaways Communities near industrial facilities carry a disproportionate pollution burden, often without their consent Fenceline communities show higher poverty rates, higher percentages of residents of color, and elevated cancer and respiratory risk Wildfire evacuation capacity varies sharply by community resources and infrastructure The Hudson River's recovery shows environmental restoration is possible after decades of industrial damage States are advancing environmental justice policy as federal efforts recede in 2026 Courts have blocked some federal rollbacks of environmental justice funding Protecting the environment and protecting public health are frequently the same fight Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube  

Photo: First Nation leaders held a press conference on July 21, 2026 to address claims by the Ontario government. (Courtesy Nishnawbe Aski Nation / YouTube) Indigenous leaders in Ontario are calling for a public inquiry into how the provincial government responded to the wildfires that ripped through parts of Northern Ontario. As Dan Karpenchuk reports, at least two First Nations communities burned to the ground. Several First Nations leaders held a news conference in Thunder Bay recently to counter claims by the Ontario government that it did communicate and respond with Native communities about the fire dangers. Helen Paavola is the chief of the Collins First Nation. “There's nothing left but just ashes. My members barely escaped with the clothes on their back.” Paavola says her community was left to evacuate without notice or support from the government, but Ontario Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop insists there was communication. “There has been a lot of communication back and forth between First Nations communities with myself and with my colleagues and our ministry officials as well.” But Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of the Nishnabe Aski Nation, disagrees. “They were here on Saturday. Premier Doug Ford some ministers were here as well and they didn't even bother to reach out to First Nations leaders.” The chiefs are calling for changes, including officials at the top of the forest fire and emergency services for the ministry of natural resources, pending an independent investigation. And they want a public inquiry into decision making, emergency coordination, and communications with First Nations as well as over provincial preparedness. Jerrod Sessler addresses the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce candidate forum, July 21, 2026. (Courtesy Columbia Basin Herald / Facebook) A congressional candidate in Washington state has apologized for recent remarks that falsely claimed the Colville Tribe has an “incentive” for more fires, because they get “free money” from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). KREM 2 TV reports that Republican Jerrod Sessler hopes to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) in an upcoming primary. The district includes parts of the Colville Indian reservation and the entire Yakama Reservation, which are both experiencing wildfires. At a candidate forum on July 21, Sessler made the following comments about the Colville Tribe. “They don’t pay taxes for anything, but yet we fight those fires to the tune of millions of dollars, and they got a check from FEMA for $30 million for the fire. So what's the incentive for them? The incentive is more fires, ‘Because we get free money.'” Tribal officials condemned Sessler's remarks, reminding people that Native citizens pay federal income “and other applicable federal taxes” while outlining how FEMA funds disaster responses. In a statement sent to tribal leaders Monday, Sessler said his remarks were “ill-informed and incorrect” and there is “no excuse for making these sorts of public comments without verifying the information.” Sessler is one of 11 candidates vying for the 4th Congressional District in the August 4 primary. And the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference just wrapped up in Portland, Oreg. The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) organized the three-day event, which held panels ranging from how to best cover the MMIP crisis to doing social videos. Melissa Greene-Blye (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma) of the IJA education committee says final registration totals came to roughly 490 attendees, one of the best turnouts yet. “That’s really exciting, um, to maybe find out that word of what’s happening is spreading and people are saying, ‘I want to be a part of this’, and they’re showing up.” Chuck Sams (Cayuse/Walla Walla, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation), the first Native director of the National Park Service, gave the keynote address. Greene-Blye says new developments also sparked interest. “The launch of the Pacific Islander Journalism Network at conference, there was a lot of excitement with that. The new bylaws were an important point of discussion, because it had been decades since they had been updated. Now, the Indigenous Journalist Association renaming is official, official, official on paper, in law.” The event wrapped up with the IJA awards and banquet, which honored Osage News editor Shannon Shaw Duty with two IJA distinguished awards. Former National Native News host Antonia Gonzales (Navajo) was also recognized for her 22 years of hosting this program. Next year's conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minn. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Addressing public health with veterinary care in rural areas

Aired July 24, 2026: We talk about El Niño, wildfires, maximum indoor heat bylaws, better nation-building projects, data centres and record oil profits from the US-Israel war on Iran. Dave Gray-Donald interviews Jon Thompson of Ricochet Media about the fires raging in Northern Ontario and the abysmal response from the province.

How do you convince the CRA that bulk silicone nipples are a legitimate business expense? This week, the fellas sit down with Miranda, affectionately known as "the boob lady”, an artist and advocate crafting hyper-realistic silicone prosthetic nipples and body casts for cancer survivors, trans folks, and anyone navigating post-surgery body trauma. Miranda opens up about her wild path to this work: from compressing her chest as an early-blooming dancer in Northern Ontario, to finding a lump at 16 and being brushed off by a doctor who told her to "only worry if it starts bleeding." Flash forward to a solo exchange trip in Denmark when her nipple actually did start bleeding, leading to emergency surgery far from home, severed milk ducts, and years of unprocessed medical trauma. From custom pierced silicone nips to calling out Canadian healthcare bureaucracy for labeling nipples as merely "cosmetic," Miranda shares how she's using empathy, art, and humor to help people love—or at least hate a little bit less—the meat suits they're living in.Be sure to check out Miranda's beautiful work! IG: @withmimi.caWebsite: www.withmimi.ca Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

How do you convince the CRA that bulk silicone nipples are a legitimate business expense? This week, the fellas sit down with Miranda, affectionately known as "the boob lady”, an artist and advocate crafting hyper-realistic silicone prosthetic nipples and body casts for cancer survivors, trans folks, and anyone navigating post-surgery body trauma. Miranda opens up about her wild path to this work: from compressing her chest as an early-blooming dancer in Northern Ontario, to finding a lump at 16 and being brushed off by a doctor who told her to "only worry if it starts bleeding." Flash forward to a solo exchange trip in Denmark when her nipple actually did start bleeding, leading to emergency surgery far from home, severed milk ducts, and years of unprocessed medical trauma. From custom pierced silicone nips to calling out Canadian healthcare bureaucracy for labeling nipples as merely "cosmetic," Miranda shares how she's using empathy, art, and humor to help people love—or at least hate a little bit less—the meat suits they're living in.Be sure to check out Miranda's beautiful work! IG: @withmimi.caWebsite: www.withmimi.ca Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Pueblo leaders and environmentalists are angry that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released an environmental assessment last week with the intent of eliminating a buffer around Chaco Culture National Historical Park that has prevented oil and gas leasing. As KUNM's Jeanette DeDios (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) reports, BLM is offering just two weeks for public comment on the report. A Biden administration order placed a 20-year ban on oil and gas development on federal lands within 10 miles of Chaco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This upset some Navajo communities who rely on royalty payments and infrastructure from oil and gas for their livelihoods. President Buu Nygren said thousands of Navajo oil and gas allottees would be negatively impacted by the decision. But in April, the BLM gave the public one week to comment on a proposal to expand oil and gas leasing around Chaco. The current proposed environmental assessment has three options: leave the buffer intact, reduce it to five miles, or remove all protections. Brian Vallo (Acoma Pueblo), chairman for the Chaco Heritage Tribal Association, says the Trump administration is not working with Pueblo communities, despite tribes working together to create an ethnographic study on why this landscape is vital to Native cultures. The study is a first of its kind, he says, and was conducted by the Pueblos themselves. “So it really traces the ethnography of this cultural and sacred landscape from our present-day communities to the great houses in Chaco, but also everything in between, pilgrimage trails, shrines, sacred sites, springs, and other places that are significant to our continued observance and practice of our own traditions and you know, Indigenous way of life.” Vallo says the association is frustrated that the federal government is not adhering to a data-sharing agreement and not considering information from this ethnographic study, but moving forward with a draft environmental assessment. “All of humanity, the land, and the resources, the animals, the water. All of those things have connection, and that connection is maintained through the generations of those of us who are the practitioners, those of us who are the cultural leaders, and the greater Pueblo community as well.” Members of New Mexico's congressional delegation have also condemned the BLM announcement as a move to push for more oil and gas drilling. The All Pueblo Council of Governors has continued to invite Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum to visit Chaco Canyon and hold a consultation with Pueblo members, but he has not responded. Vallo says young folks at Acoma are already mobilizing. “Young people from within our community who are going door to door with laptops and or notebooks to encourage tribal members to submit letters.” Public comment closes on July 29. The view of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation as resident evacuated across Collins Lake. (Courtesy Wayne Wastaken) Across Canada this weekend, nearly 900 wildfires were burning – from the Atlantic provinces to British Columbia. Northern Ontario is one of the regions that has been hardest hit. One Indigenous community there has been destroyed. And as Dan Karpenchuk reports, Indigenous leaders are calling on the federal government in Ottawa for more support. At least one small first nation in northern Ontario has burned to the ground by a devastating wildfire, which is one of nearly 200 alone burning in the province. Residents fled the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation by boat on Collins Lake, many having only a few minutes to gather some personal belongings, according to Chief Helen Paavola. “It was just a matter of minutes before my members would have died. And even during that whole time, there was no help.” Namaygoosisagagun, also known as Collins First Nation, is only one of ten communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, that have been evacuated as wildfires rip through the region. Namaygoosisagagun is now is ashes – and its residents say they face an uncertain future. The Assembly of First Nations is calling on Ottawa for help including financial support. Linda Debassige is the grand chief of the Anishnabek Nation. She says when the wildfire first approached the community, the chief herself tried to contact government officials, but they said they were not aware of the fire. “And so, had the community waited for the official emergency response activiation, this would be a recovery mission at this point in time, which is unfathomable.” Debassige says the community now needs accommodations, food, and especially a commitment to support rebuilding. One of the problems is that the Namaygoosisagagun is not federally recognized as an official Indigenous first nation. The remote first nation, more than 700 miles north of Toronto, has no road access. Debassige says the Anishnabek Nation Grand Council, which includes 39 first nations, does recognize it and is supporting members by providing accommodation, food, and clothing. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, July 20, 2026 — Tribes sue after feds redefine ‘harm’ in Endangered Species Act, upend decades of land conservation

For the 6th time in just over a decade, Britain is welcoming its new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. US President Donald Trump says overnight strikes on Iran launched in honour of three American soldiers killed over the weekend. The annual rate of inflation slid to 2.8 per cent in the month of June. Five more communities in Northern Ontario are fleeing wildfires. Scientists say wildfire smoke is probably here to stay. Prime Minister Carney is expected to announce plans to join a global fighter jet program. The Harbour Symphony is a summertime staple in St. John's Newfoundland.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from over a dozen communities in northern Ontario over the past week, as nearly 200 wildfires continue to burn. We speak with Chief Lawrence Wanakamik of the Whitesand First Nation about what support his community needs, and why some say the Ontario government hasn't done enough to help.

Plus: Wildfires continue to burn in northwestern Ontario, the U.S. and Iran exchange strikes for a ninth consecutive night, Britain has a new prime minister, Spain wins the World Cup, and details on the Gordie Howe Bridge. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

This month's self-care capsule comes out of a real, lived week — five days of wildfire smoke from the Northern Ontario fires reaching southwestern Ontario, and a crash course in AQI and climate anxiety Erin didn't see coming. She shares a hope-forward book pack, a three-part mental reframe for climate anxiety, and a playful "treehouse mindset" for reducing consumption without falling into restriction or scarcity thinking. What's covered: Living through the wildfire smoke from the Northern Ontario fires (including the community of Collins) and what it revealed about her own, previously unrecognized, climate anxiety Why climate fiction wasn't the right read for this particular week, and choosing hope-forward books instead The August book pack: Becky Chambers' Monk & Robot series, Ursula K. Le Guin's speculative fiction, and a new nonfiction release A three-part mental reframe for climate anxiety: reduce consumption playfully in the next 24 hours, connect outward with community, care inward for your body in the next hour The "Treehouse Mindset" play prompt — reframing reduced consumption as an imaginative game rather than restriction The 100 Days of Gratitude challenge on Instagram (Day 28) and a call to support wildfire-affected communities Key framework: "Well-regulated, well-rested, well-fed, well-supported communities are what save the world — not individual hypervigilance." Books mentioned: A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy — Becky Chambers (Monk & Robot series) Ursula K. Le Guin — exploring her wider body of speculative and utopian fiction; specific title to follow once chosen (will share on Instagram) Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species — Elizabeth Dunn & Jiaying Zhao Join in: 100 Days of Gratitude, Instagram @medium.lady Support: Donate to the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity — CRA-registered, supporting Anishinabek Nation communities affected by the wildfires.

Ottawa pushes back against Trump tariff threats over wildfires as nearly 200 blazes ravage Northern Ontario. Urgent evacuation order issued for B.C.'s Big Bar Lake as lightning storms spark dozens of new wildfires. Separatist groups in Alberta are accusing the organization Forever Canadian of dodging fundraising regulations while advertising. The Parti Québécois is reviving a century-old border dispute with Labrador as it campaigns for the upcoming provincial election. The U.S. and Iran trade infrastructure strikes as heavy fighting continues for the seventh day in a row. Joint ambush kills Malian soldiers in Gao; counterattack underway. Former Nigerian beauty queen fights deportation from South Africa amid massive immigration crackdown.

Nearly 900 wildfires burn across Canada, with smoke spreading across much of North America, as Northern Ontario faces evacuations; Wildfire smoke continues to impact the GTA, with air quality warnings in effect as millions on both sides of the border try to cope; Canadian wildfire smoke has blanketed parts of the U.S., prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten new tariffs; Floods, hail, and tornadoes have damaged 300,000 hectares in Manitoba, leaving farmers struggling through a difficult growing season.

As the planet heats up, wildfire seasons are getting worse. Wildfires have caused mass destruction to homes and community infrastructure in Collins First Nation. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their communities across Northern Ontario. Fires continue to rage across the country.Even those of us living in cities, safe from the flames, are feeling the effects. Toronto briefly had the worst air quality in the entire world this week, which led to government warnings to limit time outside, cancelled World Cup screenings and shutdowns of public pools. And it's more than a nuisance. The Canadian Climate Institute estimates that wildfire smoke is associated with about 2,500 premature deaths per year across the country.David Wallace-Wells is a climate journalist and author of The Uninhabitable Earth. He joins us to talk about what it means that wildfire smoke is becoming a more regular part of our lives, and its place in the larger battle for clean air around the world. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Guest host Rob Fai & Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport, leader of the Ontario NDP and the leader of the Official Opposition discuss: 1 - Ford breaks silence on hotel expense scandal 2 - Ford's office freezes hiring, eliminates positions to cut costs, memo shows 3 - Wildfires threaten Northern Ontario communities as province asks for federal help 4 - Gordie Howe Bridge's net revenue to be ‘modest' in early years, Mark Carney says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest host Rob Fai & Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport, leader of the Ontario NDP and the leader of the Official Opposition discuss: 1 - Ford breaks silence on hotel expense scandal 2 - Ford's office freezes hiring, eliminates positions to cut costs, memo shows 3 - Wildfires threaten Northern Ontario communities as province asks for federal help 4 - Gordie Howe Bridge's net revenue to be ‘modest' in early years, Mark Carney says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Much of Southern Ontario is dealing with poor air quality today, while over a dozen remote communities in Northern Ontario have been evacuated due to out-of-control blazes. Vassy Kapelos speaks with CTV National News Correspondent Scott Hurst and Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips about the latest developments. On today's show: Reporters press Prime Minister Carney for more clarity around the deal to open the Gordie Howe Bridge. Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Digging deeper on the health impacts of extreme heat and wildfire smoke with Sarah Henderson, the Scientific Director of Environmental Health Services at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Rob Benzie, Laura Stone, and Marieke Walsh. TSN's Matt Cauz has a preview of this weekend's FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain. CTV film critic Richard Crouse gives his review of Christopher Nolan's much-hyped Odyssey.

Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning because of wildfires in Northern Ontario, and we have an opening date for the multi-use path on the Gordie Howe International Bridge. These stories and more are on your evening news. 

Montana is a destination for many, but it doesn't run on its own. Heather Harris is the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as Grassland & Wetland Coordinator for the state. She received her bachelor's degree in biology from Trent University, that's in Canada, and her M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Mississippi State University. She grew up in Northern Ontario where she spent most of her time outdoors. She spends a good portion of her spare time hunting turkey, waterfowl, upland birds and big game and training her bird dog Riggs. She also happens to be DrMike's sister-in-law so this one is fun! Join us for another great interview on the FowlWeather Podcast.

Author Susan Leon discusses her debut novel If They'd Only Known, crime fiction, grief, forgiveness, Northern Ontario, and the ripple effects of loss.

What if the word "coach" isn't big enough for what grief actually needs?In this conversation, Dina Bell-Laroche walks me through the journey that took her from a devastated 29-year-old — grieving her younger sister Tracy, who passed from a rare cancer while pregnant with her first child — to becoming one of the clearest voices in grief and loss literacy today. We talk about why she moved away from calling herself a "grief coach," what a grief doula actually does, and how a disconnected rotary phone in a garden in Japan became the inspiration for a project she's now bringing to a hospice near Ottawa.This one will change the way you think about "getting over" a loss — and about ranking your grief against anyone else's.About Dina Bell-LarocheDina Bell-Laroche is a Certified Thanatologist, grief doula, death educator, keynote speaker, and the author of Grief Unleashed: Moving from the Hole in Our Hearts to Whole-Hearted. Since her sister Tracy's passing in 2001, Dina has built classrooms in Nicaragua and Northern Ontario in Tracy's name, hosted dozens of Grief Cafés, and helped launch Ottawa's first Wind Phone. She writes The Grieving Place on Substack and works with individuals, families, and organizations — including elite athletes and executives — navigating grief and life-altering loss.Connect with Dina: Website: https://www.griefunleashed.ca/ Substack — The Grieving Place: https://dinabelllaroche.substack.com/ Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn: @griefunleashed Book: Grief Unleashed: Moving from the Hole in Our Hearts to Whole-HeartedIn this episode, we cover:The difference between chronos time and kairos time — and what STUGS (sudden temporary upsurges in grief) really areWhy Dina moved from "grief coach" to "grief doula," and what that shift meansDisenfranchised grief, and why sibling loss so often goes unacknowledgedWhy our culture ranks losses against each other — and why that hierarchy needs to goTalking to children honestly about deathThe story behind the Wind Phone, and Dina's new Wind Phone project at a hospice in OttawaWhat the Grief Companion Program actually looks likeWhat resonated with you? Have you ever felt like your grief wasn't "bad enough" to talk about? Drop a comment and let's talk about it.You've been listening. You're doing the work. But there's still this feeling that you're circling the same place.Maybe you've thought about working with me one-on-one. Maybe something's held you back. I get that. And I want you to know there's still a place for you.All of it, pay what you want. You decide what it's worth. Nobody gets turned away because of money.https://grief2g The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15. Visit IANDS.org to register The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15.  Visit IANDS.org to register Want to go deeper? My Substack is where I share solo essays on grief, consciousness, and continuing bonds — thoughts that don't always make it into the podcast. It's also home to a community of listeners who get it, because they're living it too. Free to subscribe. Find it at substack.com/grief2growth.Support the show

We recorded this episode straight from the shores of The Lodge at Ten Mile Lake, just north of Elliot Lake in Northern Ontario. After spending a week chasing lake trout, exploring the back lakes by boats and canoes, and experiencing everything the lodge has to offer - from the comfortable cabins to the beautiful waterfront - we sat down with owners Tyler and Krista for an on-location conversation. We talk about what inspired them to take over the lodge, what life is really like running a remote Northern Ontario fishing destination, and why Ten Mile Lake has become such a special place for anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Along the way, we dive into lake trout fishing, the history of the property, memorable moments from our stay, and what guests can expect when they make the trip north. Whether you're planning your next fishing adventure or simply love hearing stories from the people who keep Ontario's outdoor traditions alive, this episode is a great glimpse into life at one of Northern Ontario's hidden gems. GO VISIT THE LODGE AT TEN MILE LAKE! You won't be disappointed! And keep an eye out in 2027 for our PALM and Scale of Change film, which will be playing the festival! BOOK YOUR STAY: https://www.moveheallearn.com/  HOW TO HELP SO FLY: Please go leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS. It really helps our show get out there, which means we get to make MORE episodes.  Thank you to our sponsors: Drift Outfitters Redington Chums Costa Muskoka Brewery Hooké   Podcast Intro Theme Song Music: “Favela Beat“ by Birocratic (www.birocratic.com) The song used in our podcast was licensed via Birocratic License v05.2016. For info on how you can use this music in your project, check out ⁠http://www.birocratic.com/license-app.⁠ To download Birocratic's 60+ song discography, visit http:// birocratic.bandcamp.com. Thanks to all our listeners.  

Send us Fan MailA train drops us at Cartier, we heave canoes and packs onto the gravel, and suddenly we're committed. No road noise, no easy exits, just a rail stop, a portage, and the start of our Spanish River canoe trip. We're Tim and Thomas, and we're recording from camp on a cool, overcast June day in Northern Ontario with rapids behind us and a whole lot of bug pressure in the air. We break down the travel day in plain language: the train timing, meeting other riders, unloading fast, and paddling roughly four to five kilometres into a beautiful campsite with space for tents and the all-important no-bug zones. If you're planning a backcountry canoe trip, you'll hear what actually mattered for comfort and safety, from bug shirts and spray to the raincoats we ended up wearing despite the forecast. Then we get to the good stuff: camp food that keeps morale high. Think ribs, sausages, cornbread, and a next-morning breakfast wrap that makes getting on the water feel easy. From there, we shift into whitewater canoeing practice, using simple shore-side explanations to talk eddies, crossings, and the fundamentals we're trying to nail down, including momentum, initiation, tilt, and hold. Yes, there's intentional swimming, and yes, there's also the other kind. If you like real-world trip reports, practical canoe camping gear talk, and honest paddling lessons, hit play. Subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review so more Canadians can find the show.Support the showCONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/homeEMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.comWEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.comYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampinFACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcampingSupport the show

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the boys head back to Northern Ontario for a wild recap of their trip to Red Pine Lodge on Ivanhoe Lake, just outside of Timmins.What started as a post-spawn walleye mission turned into a 34-mile shallow river run through skinny water, tight channels, and a few moments where the boat probably had no business being where it was. With the help of Garmin electronics, the crew pushed deep into the river system and found exactly what they were looking for: blue walleye, regular walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, and one seriously memorable honey hole.The episode also covers new Fish'n Canada species hoodies, the legal side of leaving skin on pike fillets, grass carp awareness, Idaho's new hunting tech rules, and some classic behind-the-scenes stories from 40 years of filming Fish'n Canada, including forgotten cameras, lost footage, brutal weather, and the eagle shot that got away.If you like Northern Ontario fishing stories, walleye talk, old-school outdoor TV chaos, and a little bit of questionable decision-making in shallow water, this one's for you.Drop a comment and let us know: what fish species should be next in the Fish'n Canada hoodie lineup?

A fishing guide's job is not just finding fish. It's reading people, managing pressure, and turning a tough bite into a day your guests will still talk about on the drive home. Around the table at Two Rivers Lodge, we trade honest stories about guiding in Northern Ontario, learning unfamiliar water near Kenora, and the moment you realize you're not “just a fishing buddy” anymore, you're responsible for the experience.We get into what happens when yesterday's shoreline pattern dies, how short strikes and changing conditions test your confidence, and why electronics like Humminbird side imaging and forward-facing sonar can feel amazing one day and confusing the next. We also talk about the stuff that truly builds a lodge's reputation: guide teamwork, sharing information, and keeping guests engaged even when the lake makes you work for every walleye and northern pike.Then the stories take off. Wolf pups at a shoreline den, a rescued golden eagle named Hope, and bush-job close calls involving float planes and a helicopter power loss that still makes your palms sweat. We wrap with hard-earned outdoor lessons, from hunting adrenaline to the simplest fishing truth of all: your chain is only as strong as your weakest link, and a cheap snap can cost you the fish of a lifetime.If you enjoy fishing lodge life, multi-species angling, and real guide talk about walleye, pike, muskie, and trout, you'll feel right at home here. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one, share this with a buddy who lives for the north, and leave a review to help more anglers find the show.

Noyer on filmmaking, Tax Incentives, Folk Horror, and Directing Love is the Monster What do you do when your folk horror film is deeply rooted in Finnish mythology, but the financing dictates you have to shoot it in Canada? You adapt, you pivot, and you get your movie made. This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director, and genre champion Alex Noyer (Sound of Violence) to unpack the production of his latest feature, the creature-feature folk horror Love is the Monster. Starring Madeline Zima and Leonardo Nam, the film follows a toxic couple whose trip to a remote wellness retreat plunges them into a deadly mythological ritual. Alex strips back the curtain on the grueling reality of independent film financing, sharing the exact strategic choices that moved his production across the globe to secure the best tax rebates possible.

The era of top-down energy projects is over. Today demands collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement. And in the clean energy movement, Indigenous partnerships often lead the way. James Jenkins, Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, joins thinkenergy to unpack the Regenerative Energy 2026 Report. He explores what a just transition looks like, how Indigenous communities are shaping the future, and what the industry can learn from working together. Related links:  Indigenous Clean Energy: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/ James Jenkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jenkins-27787913b/ Regenerative Energy 2026 Report: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/regenerative-energy-national-survey-2026/ Bringing it Home Program: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/bringing-it-home/  Trevor Freeman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-freeman-p-eng-8b612114  Hydro Ottawa: https://hydroottawa.com/en    To subscribe using Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinkenergy/id1465129405 To subscribe using Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wFz7rdR8Gq3f2WOafjxpl To subscribe on Libsyn: http://thinkenergy.libsyn.com/ --- Subscribe so you don't miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkenergypod Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkenergypod/  Stay in the know on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkenergypod  Keep up with the posts on X: https://twitter.com/thinkenergypod -- Transcript: [00:00] Trevor Freeman: Welcome to Think Energy, a podcast that dives into the fast-changing world of energy through conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and people on the front lines of the energy transition. Join me, Trevor Freeman, as I explore the traditional, unconventional, and up-and-coming facets of the energy industry. If you have any thoughts, feedback, or ideas for topics we should cover, please reach out to us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com. [00:26] Trevor Freeman: Hi everyone, and welcome back. We often talk on this show about the what of the energy transition. What needs to happen, what is happening, what technologies or initiatives are growing or up-and-coming. But it's also important to consider the how of it all. Energy systems are complex. That is something that should be clear in all the conversations we have around here, but it's not just technical complexity that we need to consider. Our energy systems are also socially, politically, and societally complex. It's not just a matter of picking the right technology and implementing it. If it was that case, we've got, you know, most of the technology we need, and we'd be in a much better position than we currently are. We have to figure out how we move these projects forward. [01:14] Trevor Freeman: Traditionally, energy projects have been these large, top-down infrastructure projects. But increasingly, we're moving into a time when collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement are critical components of project success. One area where this can be seen—and, in fact, it's an area that's really pushing a lot of this change—is Indigenous leadership. [01:38] Trevor Freeman: Over the past decade here in Canada, at least, we've seen a profound evolution where Indigenous communities are not just participants in the clean energy transition or kind of bystanders; they are actively leading it in many cases. That's not to say all the problems or challenges have been solved, but we're seeing a lot of movement here. And that's the topic of my conversation today. [02:02] Trevor Freeman: To help us understand the scale of this movement, I'm joined by James Jenkins. James is the Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, which is a leading organization accelerating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participation in clean energy projects from coast to coast. I'm really excited to have James on the show today because his expertise comes straight from real, actual experience on these projects. As a proud member and former CEO of the Walpole Island First Nation, James personally drove the equity development for two 100-megawatt wind farms for his community. Today, he leverages that firsthand experience along with a diverse background in consulting, local government, and academia to serve as a national champion for Indigenous clean energy partnerships. [02:54] Trevor Freeman: His organization just released their third national survey, the Regenerative Energy 2026 report, which provides a really eye-opening snapshot of how Indigenous communities are shaping Canada's energy future through innovation, equity ownership, and community-driven solutions. So today, we're going to dive into the findings of this report, talk a little bit about, you know, what a just energy transition looks like, and explore what utility and industry players can learn from these successful partnerships. James Jenkins, welcome to the show. [03:31] James Jenkins: Hi Trevor, thank you for having me. [03:34] Trevor Freeman: So, James, let's start a little bit with some background. Tell us about Indigenous Clean Energy and how your organization works to advance First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participation in the clean energy sector. [03:47] James Jenkins: Sure. Indigenous Clean Energy is a not-for-profit organization, and we've been operating for about 10 years. So we started 10 years ago with the 2020 Catalyst Program, which was designed to develop a cohort of clean energy leaders coming primarily from Indigenous communities and businesses that could really shape the future of Indigenous participation in the energy transition. So we started with a cohort. It was led by just a few staff and our founding director, Chris Henderson. And this is our 10th year, so we'll be celebrating 10 years of the 2020 Catalyst Program at our national gathering in August. [04:24] Trevor Freeman: Awesome. Congrats. [04:26] James Jenkins: Thank you so much. So the goal of that program was to really expand the opportunities, the capacity, and the number of communities engaged in clean energy. And we have seen that progress tremendously over the last 10 years. We've seen federal grant programs to support that work also emerge as major contributors, and we've seen utilities across the country get on board and try to find ways to expand Indigenous participation. [04:54] James Jenkins: So we've seen quite a bit of success, and with that success, we've grown as well. So we're now a team of about 35, and we're much larger. So we've expanded into a few other areas. One of them is youth, so we have two different youth programs. And we've expanded into energy efficiency as well, mostly under our "Bringing It Home" umbrella. [05:16] James Jenkins: And the idea behind that is we've seen the success of the 2020 Catalyst Program and clean energy leaders really pushing the envelope in terms of what is possible when it comes to Indigenous-led generation projects. So now we're identifying a gap still existing when it comes to energy efficiency. And so, in a way, we're trying to replicate the success of the 2020 Catalyst Program. We'll be running our third year of the Project Accelerator soon. So that's geared towards energy efficiency; it's an intensive training program, and it comes with a grant. [05:47] James Jenkins: And finally, we have a policy arm as well that's also very involved in engaging at the community and regional level. So that's through our Energy and Climate team, and we have a national hub that just completed a series of directional gatherings regionally. We also have a global hub as well that's active in Oceania and Latin America. [06:09] Trevor Freeman: Oh, that's fantastic. Tell me a little bit about the youth programs that you're running. [06:14] James Jenkins: So, we support youth across our programs, but we have two programs in particular that are geared towards youth. One of them is the Imagination Program, which comes with wrap-around supports and training. Right now, we're developing a micro-credential with the University of Saskatchewan for our program participants. It comes with a grant to lead a community-scale project. A good example might be a solar-powered greenhouse. Many of them are linked to schools, and, you know, we see the passion of younger members of communities that want to move these projects forward, but it's entrepreneurial in spirit. [06:49] James Jenkins: The second is called Generation Power, which is a wage subsidy program for Indigenous youth, and we pair them with employers in the clean energy field. So some of them are utilities or renewable businesses; in some cases, they're communities or Indigenous businesses that are moving forward on projects. And it's more than just a wage subsidy; we identify all of the potential barriers for Indigenous youth entering these jobs and provide those kinds of support to increase their chance of success and staying in the workforce after the placement. [07:22] Trevor Freeman: Oh, that's very cool. We've talked a few times on this show about building that next generation of energy champions and people that are focused, you know, on this new form of energy—this new energy transition or this new world of energy that we're moving into. So fantastic to see you guys participating in that. That's really cool. [07:42] Trevor Freeman: So, I want to spend some of our time here talking about the report that your organization recently released titled Regenerative Energy 2026. So before we dive into the specific data and the numbers, let's talk about, you know, just that title itself and what the document sets out to achieve. So first of all, tell us about that term, "regenerative energy." What does that mean? Why did you choose that title? [08:09] James Jenkins: Sure. So just generally, regenerative energy is the idea that these projects are doing more than producing electricity for the market and potentially bringing in revenue. They're also contributing to the broader ecosystem, which could mean the ecology of the landscape or a reduction of carbon into the atmosphere. So it's looking at the wider impacts and planning energy with that in mind. [08:33] James Jenkins: In the Indigenous context, it goes deeper than that. We're incorporating sovereignty, energy sovereignty, and acknowledging that communities are increasingly expecting to be able to move through their energy journey on their own terms. And so that could mean other outcomes in addition to just energy stability and security. It expands to food security, but also ultimately the community being able to plan its future—how does energy fit into that? [09:03] James Jenkins: I think it fits into what we're seeing in Indigenous communities in general, where there is a need to revitalize our cultures, our practices, our governance structures. We're finding that the energy sector—it's a business sector and an opportunity and an expanding sector—but there's also alignment in terms of values in many places, with communities looking to have an impact on their landscape, on the ecology, and this is a way to do that. [09:30] James Jenkins: So regenerative energy is acknowledging that there is this revitalization happening. It's not as though our communities, our governments, our nations were extinguished over the last 300 years. What does it mean in terms of revitalizing those practices, and how do all of these projects and ambitions when it comes to energy fit into that? [09:51] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I like that description. Thanks for that, James. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but is it fair to say that the choice to use "regenerative" instead of "renewable"—which is fairly buzzy as a term, everyone kind of has renewable energy on their mind—was a deliberate choice? You're building more aspects to it; there are more facets of the description you just gave of regenerative energy compared to just renewable energy. Is that fair to say? [10:19] James Jenkins: Well, and that's true as well. And as you've read in the report, we're seeing projects expand beyond just what we would term "renewable" projects. So that was the bulk of the projects up until recently, but now transmission lines and battery storage are becoming more prominent. [10:36] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, absolutely. Great. Okay, I do want to talk to you about that. So my second question kind of at a high level around the report is, you know, one of the goals or one of the things you're doing in this report is really compiling and tracking national data around these projects. Why is that important? Why is that something that you're striving to do—to really track and compile that data? [10:59] James Jenkins: Well, in the context right now, we have a federal government that is trying to identify meaningful projects that can have an impact on the economy, have an impact on spurring economic growth in different regions. And so it's a critical time for us to broadcast information on our dataset because collectively, these projects that have Indigenous ownership and co-ownership are a massive portion of the electricity generating infrastructure of Canada, and they have a meaningful impact on the economy, but also the ability for communities to finance their own programs, to reinvest in economic development. [11:36] James Jenkins: So it's a critical time from that perspective. I think there's a need for us to be even louder because collectively as a nation, we seem to be looking for these wins that can be a shot in the arm. You know, we're worried about economic growth, and here we have many examples of projects that have Indigenous participation and that are having these benefits that are allowing different regions that are not participating in the economy in as active a way—this is a real opportunity for them. [12:05] James Jenkins: And unlike many of the mega-projects that we're thinking about right now, these have shorter timeframes, less challenges, and the risk is much more manageable in comparison. So, you know, we are trying to point out that, A, these kinds of projects—which are renewables, but also battery storage and some of these other projects—these are important for the federal government to continue to invest in because they have been investing in it heavily over the last 10 years, and that's part of the success story. [12:35] James Jenkins: But there is also a set of learnings that can be drawn from when we have so many examples of good partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations moving these projects forward. So I think when we look into the future as to how this should look, what does Indigenous participation look like for these mega-projects, we have a bit of a blueprint that we can draw from. [12:57] James Jenkins: And so we are trying to bring more attention to this. I think it's really step one. The federal government can pat itself on the back that it's been one of the key reasons why Indigenous participation in the energy sector has grown over the last 10 years, but it's not getting the attention it deserves in the current conversation. So I think that's why it's a really critical time, possibly for other non-government actors as well that are asking, "Well, in the current global and national framework, what is the best way to achieve climate outcomes, Indigenous participation in the economy, greater social outcomes?" And so we do want to point to this as a good news story that has a track record, and that's what the data really does—it speaks to that track record. [13:41] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, you often hear it framed, and in fact, just, you know, we're recording this on a Monday—just over the weekend I was listening to the radio, one of those call-in shows that really framed the choice as, "you know, we either invest in climate solutions or we focus on the economy." And I think you can probably say, "we invest in, you know, Indigenous partnership or the economy, or climate solutions." And what I'm hearing from you is it doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. It doesn't have to be either/or. In fact, the data you're showing and the projects that you're highlighting show that all of these outcomes can be achieved with the right focus and with the right investment. Is that fair to say? [14:21] James Jenkins: It is. And generally, the bucket of renewable projects or clean energy projects, the timelines are shorter, the cost is going to be easier to quantify, and the cost is coming down for these technologies—wind, solar, battery—in comparison to some of the other technologies that are being framed as the solution, which I think they will be. But framing it as either/or doesn't make much sense, especially when electricity demand is growing and it's an immediate issue. [14:51] James Jenkins: So we should look at some of these immediate solutions and acknowledge it's still a question mark for some of the other sectors that are going to be involved in building out our electricity capacity. Mining, some of these other sectors, there are some examples of Indigenous participation, but not hundreds of examples of equity participation. And so, absolutely, I've been hearing those kinds of either/or arguments, or "no more federal grants, we should have access to capital instead." That could do a real injustice to the existing capacity that's already there, like the number of people in energy offices at Indigenous communities right now. [15:28] Trevor Freeman: Yeah. So let's dive into some of the data then. You know, you see headlines sometimes about major Indigenous clean energy projects happening in collaboration, and the data in your report really backs this up. I don't want to throw too many stats out there for our listeners, but just quickly, you know, there are over 350 medium-to-large electricity generation projects across Canada with Indigenous participation. We've got 250 of those already operational, the rest in either construction or planning stages. From your perspective, James, you kind of already touched on this—the role of the federal government driving some of this momentum and visibility—just expand on that a little bit. Like, how did we get to these pretty impressive numbers where we're seeing lots of these projects? [16:15] James Jenkins: Sure, definitely. I think the origin goes back at least to around 2000 to 2008 when there was a series of Supreme Court decisions that ruled in favor of Indigenous communities when it comes to the duty to consult and accommodate—that's what the Supreme Court ultimately called it. So that's a framework that was very important when it came to Indigenous engagement in energy projects. [16:43] James Jenkins: As the UN Declaration starts to gain traction in our country, it may become less important, but it was certainly a turning point. So decisions like Mikisew Cree up to Tsilhqot'in created a framework where communities could get involved and had the legal backing to do so. Some jurisdictions—with Ontario probably taking the lead at that time, BC following, and many others following that model—supported Indigenous communities so that they could be involved in what the Supreme Court was framing as consultation. And what that meant was having the capacity to be engaged in project review. And often, the developer bore the cost of that. [17:23] James Jenkins: But there could be positive outcomes because it meant there was a framework and an impetus for communities and developers to sit down at the table when the development was taking place in the territory of an Indigenous community and their rights were potentially going to be impacted. So as that process became the norm in most regions in Canada, what emerged was this mechanism called an Impact Benefit Agreement as a way for the developer and the Indigenous community to sit down and say, "Okay, we've identified these impacts—and these are impacts to the practicing of rights that are enshrined in the Constitution, so there's this channel back to the Supreme Court decisions—so we'll have a confidential agreement called an Impact Benefit Agreement to offset those impacts," which never really fit the spirit of the Supreme Court decisions, but it was adopted all over the country. [18:14] James Jenkins: And when Ontario and BC went to bring more renewables onto the grid more quickly, they were looking at different ways to ensure there was the kind of local participation, and so they experimented with creating incentives for Indigenous equity participation in the projects. Sometimes that included municipal participation as well, but we saw a large uptake in that. And that was something I was involved in; I was a band manager in my community of Walpole Island First Nation in the past, and while this was happening, I had some other roles. [18:47] James Jenkins: But we saw it as an opportunity, and ultimately, there were many renewable projects entering the grid in Southern Ontario at a rapid rate. One of the things we were able to identify was that equity participation brought much more benefit to the community than an Impact Benefit Agreement. In the kind of projects we were looking at, it was usually tenfold if you quantified the net revenue from equity participation versus the takeaway from an Impact Benefit Agreement. [19:17] James Jenkins: So that started to become the norm, and Indigenous communities started to see this as a more meaningful way to address the need for development to happen rapidly in certain regions and especially with renewables. So there was a period where new hydroelectric projects started to include some equity participation, and then we saw, with the expansion of wind and to some extent solar, that happening at a rapid rate starting about 2008. [19:44] James Jenkins: It's expanded since then for a few reasons. So one is that over time, most regions in Canada have—most provinces have directed their utilities to put incentives in their calls to power to try to ensure more examples of Indigenous equity participation. The other possibility that's happened, which was more an Alberta story but it's been experimented with in some other jurisdictions, is a deregulated market where an Indigenous partner and non-Indigenous partner, or a fully Indigenous-owned project, can go to a consumer and negotiate a power purchase agreement, sell power directly. Sometimes having an Indigenous community providing power provides other benefits to the purchaser, whether it's the industrial or commercial partner, and so that led to quite a few projects as well in Alberta for completely different reasons. [20:34] Trevor Freeman: Would those other benefits be like preferred rates? What are the other benefits that you're referring to there? [20:39] James Jenkins: It could be preferred rates. In many cases, it's things like corporate responsibility, just the sustainability measures of having, you know, purchasing from an Indigenous partner. So that was enough of an incentive to really, you know, spur a market in those areas. [20:56] James Jenkins: And then we've seen the federal government invest through grant programs in Indigenous capacity in the energy sector. So that has allowed communities in many regions to engage in these opportunities and just have the staff to do it. Because most communities are generally dealing with many, many issues all at once—it's like three levels of government all in one, and most services are underfunded. So being able to actively participate in these opportunities, ensure there is enough trust to move forward and that the community is coming along with it, usually requires some expertise and people in the community that understand energy enough to keep everybody engaged. And these federal grant programs have contributed to that as well. [21:40] Trevor Freeman: Yeah. So with this change over the last let's call it 20-odd years or so, is there a fairly established model or process now that you see Indigenous communities and partners working through, or is every kind of new project finding its way anew? I guess what I'm asking is, yeah, is there an established process? Is it kind of like you know how these projects are going to go now, given that there's quite a bit of experience over the last 20 years? [22:06] James Jenkins: It's not an established process. And so we—for our Energy and Climate team—we engaged with BC Hydro and Manitoba Hydro to some extent on their recent calls to power and procurement because they're both looking at ways to ensure there's more Indigenous equity in projects, and there are different models to choose from. But there is the ability to look at what happened in different jurisdictions, draw from maybe what worked and what didn't, and so we're seeing utilities start to do that as they develop new procurement procedures. [22:38] James Jenkins: On the partnership side, things continue to evolve, and there's always the risk that some of these partnerships may be less beneficial to the Indigenous partner. So another report we released six months ago with Clean Energy BC is an equity guide, and the target audience of that is Indigenous communities that are looking at these equity participation opportunities to make sure that the process is fair to them and transparent to them. So there is a framework in place, but I think there's always a need to ensure that communities have access to the tools so that they have a meaningful seat at the table. And it's not a given that those will be in place, so it is an area where we place some of our efforts. [23:22] Trevor Freeman: And have you seen a change—like you talked about kind of the initial push for a lot of renewable projects being part of the impetus of seeing a big expansion here in Indigenous partnership—at least here in Ontario, which of course is where I'm sitting and we're having this conversation, there was a bit of a slowdown in that, but as we see demand significantly increasing, we're looking at more and more projects. So are you seeing that ebb and flow of project participation as well, or has it been pretty steady in terms of engagement over the last little while? [23:54] James Jenkins: In most regions, it's been growing. So you look at the Atlantic region, Quebec is really pushing for Indigenous participation in renewables. In most regions, that's happening—Maritimes very much so right now. [24:10] James Jenkins: In Ontario, we saw with the results of the most recent call to power quite a few northern projects, which is a bit surprising, but I know that's what they wanted to see happen, and it opens up some opportunity for communities in Northern Ontario. In Ontario, I think there are more regions where renewables are less socially accepted right now. And I talk to some people in Southern Ontario that are surprised how accepted it is in most of the country, with a few exceptions. So, you know, I think we might see ways that Ontario tries to draw projects in, whether it's within regions or partners where there is that social acceptance. But that's to be seen. [24:50] James Jenkins: But Ontario, like other places, knows they need to meet this growing demand, and renewables are relatively quick to deploy, relatively low risk, and will likely be part of that solution, just like everywhere. [25:05] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, absolutely. Great. Okay, I do want to talk to you about that. So my next question, you mentioned this a few times, that we're not just talking about solar panels and wind turbines, which I think is what most people think of when they think of clean energy projects, but you have mentioned a significant growth in transmission projects as well as battery storage. And there's a number of projects that are now kind of in operation with Indigenous co-ownership that fall into that transmission and battery storage category. So tell us about the economic opportunity for Indigenous communities of these types of projects, not just generation projects. [25:44] James Jenkins: Right. So battery storage is growing more along the same trajectory as those generation projects have been in the past, and as the cost for battery storage has come down, it's become a very viable way for utilities and provinces to deal with the intermittency of electricity and increase stability while meeting targets for carbon emissions. So we're seeing more Indigenous leadership in that area. [26:10] James Jenkins: And there's a premier project in Ontario, the Oneida Energy Storage Project, where Six Nations of the Grand River approached NRStor, their partner, to develop the project and then went to the Ontario government and said, "This is what we'd like to do, this is how we see it will meet some of the needs." So there was some real ingenuity in there, and I think in some way, that's an example of what could be the next stage in terms of Indigenous energy planning as that kind of capacity builds because Six Nations of the Grand River had quite a bit of experience under their belt in terms of participating in energy projects. [26:45] James Jenkins: And then Ontario has also been the leader in procuring battery storage projects, and for the most part, most of them have Indigenous equity participation in those projects. A lot of them benefit from existing relationships between construction companies and communities that can look at these opportunities and co-design them together. And I think we'll start to see that in other parts of the country as that builds. But it is a major opportunity as the technology allows us to meet some of the need to stabilize the grid, and, you know, it could reduce our reliance on solutions like natural gas, so it's a real opportunity. [27:21] James Jenkins: When it comes to transmission lines, it's a slightly different trajectory, but I think it goes back to the duty to consult and accommodate and parties sitting at the table understanding where do we go from here when there's a project that is going to have this enormous landscape impact and we can no longer do what we did in the past, which was ignore any Indigenous rights on the landscape. [27:46] James Jenkins: And I was in Ontario for the last 20 or so years and witnessed the demand from Indigenous communities to participate in transmission projects. It wasn't passive in any way. So now we hear from utilities that are saying the right thing to do is to provide these opportunities, which is fantastic. But back then, it really was Indigenous people with the foresight and the stubbornness to for years say, "No, we need a solution that's going to meet all of our needs." And as we started to see some examples—Saugeen and Nawash being one of the first, and then others in Ontario where there would be this kind of Indigenous co-ownership—it gradually started to become more accepted. [28:25] James Jenkins: And now it's part of the plan in many regions of Ontario, and this is a way to move the project forward, have Indigenous communities on board, and when they're sitting there as partners, there are a number of advantages that they bring to the table because in many cases there is knowledge of the landscape itself. And looking at preferred routes and other major decisions can really benefit from having these communities at the table providing their knowledge as opposed to sitting sort of on the other side of an adjudication table, which is only going to add risk to a project. [29:00] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I mean we see all parts of the electricity sector growing, and transmission is one of those areas for sure that in order to support electrification across the province, we're going to see more transmission. So it's great to hear that this is an area that is growing, or getting more buy-in, or there's more partnership happening in all parts of the electricity sector. [29:21] Trevor Freeman: So, James, you talked about regenerative energy earlier, we touched on that a little bit, and how that term is focused on being built on fairer and more equitable relationships. In your report, you kind of take this a step further by explicitly stating that this work seeks to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission—notably, Call to Action number 92. And so for our listeners who are not familiar—and please, definitely step in here if you want to explain it differently than I'm going to—but Call to Action 92 specifically calls on corporate Canada to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to commit to meaningful consultation and consent, and ensure Indigenous communities gain equitable access to jobs, training, and long-term economic benefits. [30:13] Trevor Freeman: So we often hear reconciliation discussed in a social or a political context, but your report really points to the actual act of Indigenous-led clean energy infrastructure and how that can embody this reconciliation in a material and meaningful way. And I apologize that I'm rambling a lot, this is a long question. How does building out physical infrastructure—like generation programs, transmission lines that we've been talking about, battery storage—how does that advance these goals that are kind of laid out and described in this particular Call to Action? [30:52] James Jenkins: Mm-hmm. And you're right, the benefits of these projects isn't just the net revenue, but it's also apprenticeships, jobs, the business capacity that comes with participating in the project, and sometimes the ability to open up opportunities for practicing harvesting rights where, when Indigenous communities don't have a seat at the table, often the gate or the door is shut to opportunities and access. So it's a way to open those up. [31:19] James Jenkins: And in my experience with projects in my community, when we were reviewing projects through the IBA or Impact Benefit Agreement process, the goal was always a number of apprenticeships, contribution to education, capacity, and it was always a good news story getting some jobs, employment readiness out of the project. And it was a remarkable shift to be sitting at the table as a partner and be discussing those same outcomes and really led to more of a spirit of cooperation. And we had some really great successes come out of that. [31:51] James Jenkins: As well as community members feeling like, "This is an industry that I can go work in, and I'm not a stranger in a strange land. My community has a stake in this," and feel that sense of ownership but also home, which can be this indirect challenge when it comes to people entering the workforce and sticking with it. So that kind of ownership—it's part of the solution, how do we grow the Indigenous workforce? When the Indigenous communities have a financial interest in it, it really changes the picture quite a bit, and it really helps with the foreignness that can exist. And so we've seen the opposite in renewable industries and clean energy where many communities and youth are starting to see this as a viable career path and one that makes sense for them. [32:38] James Jenkins: So, you know, and like I said before, when Indigenous communities are sitting at the table—and in my experience we had gone through project review on many, many projects because of the Impact Benefit Agreement process—we were able to bring that knowledge we had of project review to the table, which can help the project. So it was a real meaningful exchange of, "How can we meet these milestones on time? What can we bring to the table?" So there's that aspect of it, but then there's also the multi-generational knowledge that comes with living on the land. [33:10] James Jenkins: And, you know, in some ways sitting down with elders, that does take a long time and commitment and is often different than how we would typically view going through the early stages of a project. But at the end of the day, it can lead to better outcomes and actually not take as long because the pathway to gain the knowledge for the least impact through a traditional process is also incredibly time-consuming. And so having an Indigenous party at the table that can bring the correct knowledge keeps things forward, making a meaningful decision from their perspective can really add value in that way as well. [33:48] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, it's great to hear that you're seeing the impact of these programs on both the projects themselves and better outcomes in the projects, as well as building capacity and partnership in Indigenous communities. And I'm glad you kind of brought those youth programs back up; it's great to hear about those programs. [34:07] Trevor Freeman: So, you have a report or you have a section sorry in your report called "Opportunities Unrealized," which really highlights major gaps or a gap for community-focused projects right now as different federal funding programs sunset, and you specifically call out three particular pillars that need renewed policy and funding commitment. So first off, you talk about 78 healthy energy housing projects that are mostly just small pilot initiatives. And that's looking at energy efficiency in homes, which you did touch on earlier, and how that's tied to Indigenous health and energy sovereignty. So how do we move beyond those pilots to fund these at scale? What are your thoughts on how we do that? [34:53] James Jenkins: Right. So our approach is really, A, to support these pilots as much as we can so that we have that cohort of Indigenous leadership that has that experience in community, and so it can have that ripple effect where, when we started to see successful generation projects, some of them coming out of the 2020 Catalyst Program, other communities said, "Well, I want to do that too. How do I make that possible?" And then there's some leadership to grow from. So it's really catalyzing that momentum. And where do we start? So that's the piece in terms of making sure that there is a core group of energy leaders in communities that are almost at the stage where they can have a very impactful, community-scale project when it comes to efficiency that can be replicated and that there are individuals with this knowledge that are in the community. [35:41] James Jenkins: So that's the first piece, but then the second piece and the other side of the coin that we're very active in is identifying what would the solution look like to make that kind of change repeatable on a national scale. And what we're generally pointing towards is some aspect of federal support, but also private investment as well. So what kind of mechanism can be put in place that will allow private finance to make sustainability programs for Indigenous healthy homes and buildings and infrastructure feasible? [36:15] James Jenkins: And we think it is going to have to be some kind of partnership between the federal government to secure some kind of financing tool and then to bring that private capital in. And so we have a number of partners that's expanding in the finance sector, in government, to really look at what a solution like that looks like. [36:35] James Jenkins: Indigenous housing, being a federal responsibility with the federal government having a large role in it, is certainly unusual and comes with some very unique challenges that make change at that scale difficult, but it's also an opportunity. And it does put the federal government in a position where it could lead a process like that and have some very large impact. So we want to make sure there is the existing community capacity for community members to know what meaningful change looks like at the local level, what the challenges and opportunities are that can contribute to that process. So that's the idea behind the Project Accelerator, but also design at the national level of a program that can lead to new builds, new sustainable builds, and retrofits on a major scale. [37:21] James Jenkins: And there are interesting examples. I was in the US earlier this year at a clean energy conference and was surprised to learn that there were very large subsidies for energy efficiency that were available to Indigenous communities up until recently—I would say at a scale tenfold of what we've ever seen in Canada. So those kinds of programs are possible, and I think we need to think outside the box and think about how do we put this into action. [37:51] James Jenkins: But ultimately, what we point out in those reports is that energy efficiency also leads to other very critical outcomes, including health and social outcomes at the community level. And speaking with communities, politicians from communities, housing tends to be a near number one or number one issue, with housing in need of repair being the core issue. And so ensuring that new housing is built with these sustainability measures in place will lead to houses that stay healthy for longer. And so, you know, it really goes much farther than just energy outcomes and that's why it's so critical. [38:34] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, it's another example of it it's not an either or question here, it's, you know, do it right in the right way and have a focus on both healthy and affordable housing at the same time as making sure it's energy efficient and you're kind of achieving both of those goals. So that's great. [38:58] Trevor Freeman: So, the second item you've identified in this section is, you know, a lot of northern and remote communities who rely on diesel for their energy focus, and our listeners may remember about a year ago we had a conversation with Quest Canada on this topic as well. And so, a lot of those communities are among the most affected by climate change and natural disasters, and you address what needs to happen from an early-stage planning and funding perspective to ensure that those communities that are not necessarily connected to a grid aren't left behind in this transition. Can you speak to us a little bit about that? [39:41] James Jenkins: Absolute. So already the cost of diesel in these remote communities is very high. So it's already an economic and social challenge in the territories and remote areas in the northern provinces. And so it's an area where communities tend to be very engaged and have been since the beginning. So we've been engaged with northern communities since the beginning with 2020 Catalyst. [40:15] James Jenkins: And I think it has a really—for them, clean energy has this impact on them like on a visceral level. For communities that have been able to implement clean technology and turn off the diesel generator for a while, they've talked about the impact of that silence that they haven't heard in so long, you know, the smell of clean air and that sort of thing. So there's this real passion, but also acknowledgment that, you know, they want to be part of a larger climate solution, they're feeling the impacts. And so there are many initiatives in the north, a number of which we've supported. [40:53] James Jenkins: But there are many challenges as well in terms of logistics, the value chain. Transportation is a real challenge compared to infrastructure in the south. So because there have been so many projects and we partnered with the federal government through two phases of a program called the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative—and that was supported by a number of federal programs and we're just finishing off the second cohort—there is so much that we've learned through a couple dozen communities that have been heavily invested in reducing their diesel reduction. [41:35] James Jenkins: And we're really at a stage now where we can learn—we can take stock of what we've learned through this process and identify how do we get this to the stage of successful projects. And we've learned a number of things. It's also bringing technology to these places that's robust enough to withstand the challenges and just be at a utility scale, ensuring different technologies can work well with each other. [42:04] James Jenkins: But there's a real need to continue that growth, especially when there's been so much investment and so many communities are so close, with a few success stories and so much pride that comes with this. But ultimately, if they are left behind, the cost for them to power their communities with diesel is not going to become less of a challenge over time. It's only going to become more problematic. And so it's a real priority, and something that, you know, we need to keep staying loud about as well because these are where some of our real energy leaders are living and coming from when it comes to clean energy and ensuring that their priorities have a seat at the table. [42:52] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, you mention success stories, James, and as we kind of wrap up our conversation here, I want to touch on that a little bit. So you talk about looking at this in perspective of the global stage, and one of your policy recommendations discusses Canada Global Indigenous Cooperation. And you outline that there are more examples of successful Indigenous-led energy projects in Canada than anywhere else in the world. How is your organization, Indigenous Clean Energy, sharing this expertise internationally, and what can the rest of the world learn about what's happening here in Canada? [43:32] James Jenkins: So we started to learn just how far ahead Canada is in this area through participation in forums like the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and we participated in a pre-conference with 88 global Indigenous delegates. And many of them were surprised to learn of these equity projects and opportunities that exist in Canada. For us, it can still be very frustrating, so it is good to put that in perspective in terms of—from many other jurisdictions, they're still at the beginning stages. [44:06] James Jenkins: But we do have some programs in place, and for several years we've been supporting a sister organization in Australia called First Nations Clean Energy Network using a train-the-trainer model. So we've been active in Australia every year. We've been active in New Zealand as well. And we have some programming in South America in Ecuador and Colombia. And over the last year, we finished a program where we engaged with all of the provinces within Colombia with delegates from communities to assist in developing clean energy plans for their communities that they could bring to the government and and discuss a partnership framework so that they could start to reduce their reliance on diesel and other other carbon fuels. [44:59] James Jenkins: And we supported those meetings with the government as well and supported delegates from these countries to also visit communities and see success stories in Canada. And the US is another area where there have been some really positive success stories over the last few years, and there were a number of energy programs that particularly rural and remote communities benefited from, Alaska having probably a slight majority and then others in the northern part of the Lower 48. I think they're going to start to struggle because those programs are sunsetting now, I think most of them have recently sunsetted. And so I think it should be a wake-up call to our federal government that there has been this investment in the form of grants from the federal government. If we don't have some kind of programming in place, we will start to see that progress recede. [45:57] James Jenkins: But just in general, there's a lot that we can share with other jurisdictions globally, everything from what a good partnership looks like, you know, what are the learnings for meaningful participation. But we do have some examples that are very unique, I think, in almost every jurisdiction—Indigenous equity in transmission lines is is really unheard of, so so we should, you know, acknowledge that there are some things that we're doing well and um sharing that and learning what other communities are going through in other jurisdictions. It also really helps us in our strategy. [46:40] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I mean we started this conversation with you describing what your organization does, and something that struck me is it's a combination of supporting projects and project models and helping things get up and running off the ground, providing education, and focusing on advocacy. And I imagine that, you know, even within Canada but also looking at some of the partners you've just mentioned around the world, the focus on, you know, each one of those individual aspects will vary depending on what the biggest need is in that jurisdiction at that time as things change, as funding programs change. So I imagine, you know, advocacy becomes more and more important as you see funding programs change or even just project structure change. Is that kind of fair to say? [47:28] James Jenkins: Definitely. And our model is very community-driven with with community-tailored solutions and with education and capacity building at the community level being our our primary focus, which does set us apart from other organizations to some extent, but does reflect that that um every every solution is going to be different, and really bringing up that capacity at the community level is the most effective way to do it. And for these kinds of projects, there isn't one solution that fits everybody. [48:02] Trevor Freeman: Is there, to kind of wrap it up here, is there, you know, one piece of advice that you'd give to—I know this is a bit of a big loaded question, it's hard to boil it all down to one piece of advice—but is there something that you would kind of leave with let's say a utility or a developer who wants to build a successful and mutually beneficial partnership with Indigenous communities? What's that kind of one piece of advice you'd leave with them? [48:30] James Jenkins: Um, the one piece of advice, and sometimes I am asked that question, and I know there are developers outside of Canada that are starting to look at our market as things change globally. And what I would share, first of all, meeting with the communities is incredibly important. Community leadership, finding out what their process is for engagement and then establishing that relationship is hugely important. And um I think the advice usually stops there. I think many utilities and developers have heard that. [49:07] James Jenkins: But what I would suggest based on my own experience is that engagement occurs from the very top of the organization, from the utility and the developer. And that if the C-suite isn't meeting with the Indigenous partner themselves, they should be fully aware and engaged in what's happening. And that's usually the recipe for success. And you know, for these opportunities, many communities have a history where trust is something that does need to be cultivated, and that would be my main suggestion. I think it's where really successful partnerships have their strength, is there's that level of engagement from the entire vertical organization of the non-Indigenous partner. And so when there is an issue, political leadership from the community, they know who to call and vice versa, and it doesn't lead to larger misunderstandings. And it can lead to some of the more innovative projects we've seen like Oneida Storage, and there are many other examples of that where the developer and the community, after a successful project, they sit down together and they say, "What's next?" And they want to build on what they've developed together. [50:37] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I guess that's an indication of there actually being a relationship, trust built, rather than just kind of boxes checked and a process being followed. But if there's that actual trust built, it is more of a conversation that what next question can come up and there's sort of that mutual learning. So that's great. Thank you for that. So James, we always end our interviews with the same series of questions to our guests. So I'm going to dive right in here. What's a book that you've read that you think everybody should read? [51:11] James Jenkins: These are the top uh these are probably going to be the tougher questions for me, but um so I recently read a book by Cal Flyn, a UK author from Scotland, and it's called Islands of Abandonment. And the subtitle is Nature Rebounding in the Post-Human Landscape. And what she does is, in an investigative journalist style, goes to places where there hasn't been human presence for 50 or more years. Some of them are no man's land in war zones, some of them are cities facing urban decay, some of them are environmental catastrophe sites like Chernobyl, but then finding that nature has rebounded and that there is remarkable biodiversity in some of these places. [51:59] James Jenkins: So the message I don't want to take away from that is that if you get rid of humans everything will be perfect, because humans have had an impact on the landscape everywhere for much longer than we can comprehend. And in some cases, negative impacts to the landscape are because humans aren't doing what they were doing for a long time. So human intervention has a role and always will, but I think it's important to tell more stories that aren't a story of loss when we get to that point. [52:36] James Jenkins: And for Indigenous communities, many of us have been going through a process of healing, and many of us are still in that process. But as we start to heal and and ask ourselves what's next, that's when we start to think about regeneration, so regenerative energy, revitalization of our culture and and that's what's next and acknowledging that practices that have been lost are near lost can be revitalized in a way that that is uh is incredibly meaningful. And so I was happy to see that story in a widely publicized book because the major story in conservation, but also climate and other areas, has been one of loss. And so, with all of this loss, and and in some cases, you know, a bedrock of tragedy and historical tragedy, where is the, you know, where is the good news story? And I think having these stories about how nature can regenerate is important. It's important to tell that story. [53:50] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, that's fantastic. I appreciate that explanation, and these aren't supposed to be my questions to answer, but I do want to quickly mention a book called What If We Get It Right?—and I can't remember the author off the top of my head, but it really is a series of essays and poems and an exploration of like, what if we do the right things and we can address climate change? And I found it very helpful to kind of be able to imagine, yeah, this is what happens if we do the right thing, if we can address some of these challenges. So, along the same vein as what you mentioned. So, the next question is kind of the same, but what's a movie or a show that you've watched that you think everyone should take a look at? [54:36] James Jenkins: Uh, that that's a really tough one. I do like movies and shows. Um, I recently started watching two British series, um and uh they seem to be very into murder mysteries in the UK, which uh isn't something, you know, normally my favorite, but they do it really well. So I I really liked um Shetland, which is a series that takes place in remote islands in Northern Scotland. [55:06] James Jenkins: In some ways, I think even the setting that it's trying to tell, it resonates with our work in some ways and even the experience of living in an Indigenous community in a less remote location. So I enjoyed that, and then that led to um Sherlock, the the newer one starring Benedict Cumberbatch, which I thought was a very intelligent um show with a, you know, a compelling uh character with sort of superhero, but but somewhat comic book style realistic attributes, but also failings. Um, so I find I enjoy shows that are drawing from literature and putting them into today's terms and not worrying too much about um, you know, what's realistic and what's not, but really trying to—what would we how would this be written today? So I enjoyed that as well. [55:58] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I like that. Um, if somebody offered you a free round trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? [56:05] James Jenkins: So, Air Canada used to have contests for that, and we used to say Nunavut because it would get the most bang for your buck. You know, these are $4,000–$5,000 tickets, which speaks to the challenges that those communities face when it comes to decarbonizing the north. Um, for me, I mentioned I spent much of my childhood in Northern Arizona. I think at this time I'd probably use it for that, you know, I hope to visit again soon. [56:39] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, fantastic. Um, James, who is someone that you admire? [56:44] James Jenkins: Um, I've been grateful for wonderful mentors in the course of my career. Um, I'm really grateful that the founder of ICE, Chris Henderson, has dedicated himself to be a mentor for me and has has really he's committed to that um and I've learned a great deal from him. [57:04] James Jenkins: Working at Walpole Island, there were a number of chiefs that I worked closely with and have been thinking about one, um Charles Samson, who's passed away, and he really came into his own once he was chief. He had run for a long time, over 10 years, and um really learned a lot from him and his perspective. But then, uh other chiefs, Burton Kewayosh and Dan Miskokomon really really supported me and helped um helped develop my uh the breath of experience that I draw from. And today, um the current chief, Leela Thomas, is really showing some really great leadership, and I think it's a real breakthrough in our region that most of the chiefs in Southwestern Ontario are female, which was um really more rare in the past. So that's a breakthrough as well. [57:59] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, that's great. Uh, and final question, what is something about the energy sector or its future that you're particularly excited about? [58:08] James Jenkins: Um, I think what I'm excited about is that the door is open for Indigenous communities to really change the way that they're engaged with the economy, um for there to be some real opportunities for business development. Um, you know, for many years because I lived in the United States for a while, it felt like the overall economic development capacity of US tribes was far beyond what exists in Canada for a number of reasons. And and one of them is there were a few key industries in the US that the federal government, um it cultivated at different times, gaming being one, uh but it did lead to the infrastructure for US tribes to engage in business all across the country in a way that's still the exception rather than the rule in Canada. [59:02] James Jenkins: So it is exciting for me to think about there being that shift and that um truly Indigenous-led projects stop becoming one-offs, um but they start to be that real uh, you know, Indigenous leadership becomes embedded in the framework of energy decision-making. Um, the idea of it becoming a career path becomes more solidified. So I think it was a dream at one point that some ambitious leaders had, like thinking of Saugeen and Nawash equity participation in that transmission line, there was no blueprint for that. [59:39] James Jenkins: Um, but now that there's been a dream and we've seen it come into practice, so um it's exciting to think that we may continue to see that progress, and then in 10 years there there will be some foundational pillars for communities to really meet their own communities' needs on their own terms. Right now it continues to be a challenge in most places. It's uh, you know, what do we prioritize with limited resources? And um yeah, exciting that this could be a pathway to to start thinking more in terms of abundance. [1:00:19] Trevor Freeman: Yeah, I mean we started this conversation with you describing what your organization does, and something that struck me is it's a it's a combination of supporting projects and project models and helping things get up and running off the ground, providing education, and focusing on advocacy. And I imagine that, you know, even within Canada but also looking at some of the partners you've just mentioned around the world, the focus on, you know, each one of those individual aspects will vary depending on what the biggest need is in that jurisdiction at that time as things change, as funding programs change. So I imagine, you know, advocacy becomes more and more important as you see funding programs change or even just project structure change. Is that kind of fair to say? [1:01:03] Trevor Freeman: James, thanks so much for your time. I really appreciate you coming on the show and helping us understand the work that Indigenous Clean Energy is doing, some of the great success stories, but also a little bit of the path that's still to be walked in order to get to success. So thanks very much, I appreciate your time. [1:01:21] James Jenkins: Thank you, Trevor, really enjoyed it. Thanks so much. [1:01:23] Trevor Freeman: Great. Take care. [1:01:25] Trevor Freeman: Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Think Energy podcast. Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and it would be great if you could leave us a review. It really helps us to spread the word. As always, we would love to hear from you, whether it's feedback, comments, or an idea for a show or a guest. You can always reach us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com.

In this Episode Aly Nickling-Riddle shares her journey from personal tragedy and corporate life to building a homestead in Northern Ontario. After leaving everything behind to travel in a vintage RV, she unexpectedly met her future husband, and together they pursued a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Aly discusses the realities of homesteading, the emotional and financial challenges many aspiring homesteaders underestimate, and the inspiration behind her book Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You? This conversation offers a practical roadmap for anyone considering a move toward greater self-reliance.Our Guest: Aly is a Canadian author, keynote speaker, McGill lecturer, and freelance journalist who brings a refreshingly honest perspective to modern homesteading and self-sufficient living. With a background in media, business, and more than a decade of professional writing experience, she helps people think carefully before making major lifestyle changes. Her book, Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?, encourages aspiring homesteaders to look beyond social media ideals and understand the real physical, financial, and emotional demands of rural life. Through workshops, lectures, and presentations, she focuses on practical planning, resilience, sustainability, and building realistic paths toward long-term self-reliance.Key TopicsAly RiddleRiddle Ridge HomesteadHomesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?Self-sufficiency and resilienceEmotional challenges of homesteadingFinancial planning before buying landCommunity and neighbor relationshipsRural versus urban lifestylesInfrastructure costs and land developmentPreparedness and disaster resilienceBuilding realistic homestead plansPersonal consultations for aspiring homesteadersHurricane Helene recovery lessonsThe Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla EmeryKey Questions AnsweredWhy did Aly choose the homesteading lifestyle?After experiencing multiple personal tragedies and a divorce, Aly decided to rebuild her life from scratch. She left the corporate world, traveled in an RV, and eventually found a path toward a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.What inspired the book Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?Aly and her husband noticed many people leaving homesteading after only a couple of years because they entered the lifestyle with unrealistic expectations. The book was created to help people understand what they are truly signing up for before they buy land.What makes this book different from other homesteading books?Most homesteading books focus on skills and projects after purchasing land. Aly's book focuses on the planning, financial, emotional, and practical considerations that should happen years before purchasing property.What is the biggest misconception about homesteading?Many people believe homesteading is a slower, stress-free lifestyle. In reality, it replaces urban stresses with different challenges that require resilience, adaptability, and commitment.How does Aly define homesteading?Homesteading is any effort to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on systems that can fail. It can happen in rural settings, suburban backyards, or even urban apartments.What hidden costs surprise new homesteaders?Infrastructure expenses such as wells, septic systems, driveways, utilities, and ongoing maintenance are often underestimated. Many people also overestimate how quickly a homestead can generate income.Why is community important for homesteaders?Strong neighbor relationships provide support, skill sharing, trade opportunities, and resilience during emergencies. Community often determines long-term success more than individual effort.What lesson did Aly learn from a tornado striking her property?The experience reinforced that no amount of planning eliminates uncertainty. Gratitude, adaptability, and resilience become essential when nature disrupts carefully crafted plans.What drives Aly's work today?She is passionate about helping people move from dreaming about self-sufficiency to creating practical, realistic plans that can succeed over the long term.Episode HighlightsAly rebuilt her life after personal tragedy by leaving corporate life and traveling full-time in a vintage RV.She met her future husband on the very first day of a work-camping opportunity in Florida.Their homesteading journey required far more planning and time than they originally expected.Emotional resilience is often more important than practical skills for long-term success.Homesteading can be practiced anywhere, not just on large rural properties.New homesteaders frequently underestimate infrastructure and development costs.Community relationships can be as valuable as land, tools, and equipment.A tornado that dropped over 100 trees on Aly's property became a lesson in gratitude and resilience.Calls to Action & ResourcesBook — Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You? (Available through Amazon and local bookstores)Instagram — Riddle Ridge HomesteadFacebook — Riddle Ridge HomesteadConsulting Services — Personal planning consultations for new and aspiring homesteaders available through the website.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/RiddleRidge for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this episode, I talk with Micheon Hutchings from A Lovely Place Called Home. She and her family are in the process of moving from their current homestead/farm in northern Ontario to a new property further north (yes, further north). She shares with me their efforts and challenges of relocating their farm to a new location many hours away. Micheon has a large following on Instagram at A Lovely Place Called Home. Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

Closures on Highways 11 and 17 can cut off entire northern communities and disrupt supply chains, raising questions about why long-standing calls for more resilient infrastructure have yet to be answered. Charles Cirtwill, founding president and CEO of the Northern Policy Institute, and Maggie Horsfield, first vice-president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities and deputy mayor of North Bay, join Jeyan to discuss. Then, in Sault Ste. Marie, a decades-old vision for a deep-water port is back in focus. Could the project finally move forward, and what would it take to make it viable? Mayor Matthew Shoemaker weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there really more than one species of smallmouth bass? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the crew dives into groundbreaking research suggesting the fish we all know may actually be made up of four distinct evolutionary lineages.Plus, University of Victoria PhD candidate Wesley Greenree joins the show to explain how everyday anglers are helping scientists study Chinook salmon by collecting stomach samples, revealing surprising changes in the Pacific food chain and what they could mean for the future of our fisheries.Also in this episode: Could British Columbia produce the next Canadian record largemouth bass?  Clearing up misconceptions about Apple AirTags and Bluetooth tracking  A fascinating Northern Ontario walleye tournament format  Proper tick removal and Lyme disease prevention  The latest Fishing Canada updates and new merchandise Whether you're a hardcore angler or just love learning about fish and conservation, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

A solemn procession carrying the casket of Const. Tarun Bali is returned from Northern Ontario a day after he lost his life in the line of duty; Ontario Premier Doug Ford meets with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as he pushes his 'Fortress North America' plan; and, the Panamanian national team sets up base camp at a resort of Alliston to prepare for the World Cup.

Outdoor Journal Radio hits the road to Timmins, Ontario for the Timmins Walleye Championship and the NOWT finals. Ang, Nik, and Dean break down the tournament, the Princecraft boat prizes, the difference between the championship and sportsman divisions, and what makes J&B Cycle and Marine such a hub for Northern Ontario anglers.The crew also talks about their latest Fish'n Canada shoot, Nik's brand-new iPhone taking a 13-foot swim, invasive grass carp, lone star ticks in Ontario, and why the guys don't always measure every fish they catch.Topics include: Timmins Walleye Championship, NOWT finals, Princecraft boats, J&B Cycle and Marine, invasive grass carp, lone star ticks, fishing tournaments, and behind-the-scenes Fish'n Canada stories.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, I sat down with acclaimed filmmaker Darlene Naponse to discuss her stunning new film Aki. More than a documentary, Aki is a poetic meditation on land, memory, community, and our relationship to the natural world. Together they explore narrative sovereignty, Indigenous storytelling, mining and environmental responsibility, truth and reconciliation, and the power of listening more closely—to the land, to one another, and to ourselves. Naponse reflects on how making the film transformed her as an artist and why hope, connection, and responsibility remain at the heart of her work. A thoughtful conversation about belonging, beauty, and finding our way home.Darlene Naponse is an award-winning Anishinaabe filmmaker, writer, and community advocate from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in Northern Ontario. Widely recognized as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Indigenous cinema, her work explores themes of land, identity, language, sovereignty, community, and the enduring relationships that connect people to place.Over the past decade, Naponse has built an acclaimed body of work that includes the feature films Falls Around Her, Stellar, Every Emotion Costs, and Aki. Her films have screened at major festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), imagineNATIVE, and the American Indian Film Festival, earning praise for their poetic visual style, emotional depth, and commitment to authentic Indigenous storytelling.Beyond filmmaking, Naponse has spent years working in community development, governance, and nation-building initiatives within her own community. That lived experience informs much of her creative work, which often bridges personal stories with broader questions about history, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and cultural resurgence.Her latest film, Aki is a striking visual meditation on community, memory, and humanity's relationship with the natural world. Created through a process rooted in respect, observation, and Indigenous ways of seeing, the film reflects Naponse's ongoing commitment to narrative sovereignty and storytelling that emerges from community rather than speaking for it.Whether working behind the camera, mentoring emerging artists, or engaging in conversations about Indigenous futures, Darlene Naponse continues to challenge audiences to look more closely, listen more carefully, and reconsider their relationship with the land and with one another.David Peck is a writer, speaker, and award-winning podcaster who works at the intersection of storytelling, social change, and meaningful dialogue. As the host of Face2Face and former host of Toronto Threads on 640 AM, he has published over 800 in-depth interviews with some of the world's most compelling thinkers, artists and storytellers, including Viggo Mortensen, Sarah Polley, Raoul Peck, Werner Herzog, Chris Hadfield, David Cronenberg, Jason Issacs, Gillian Anderson and Wade Davis. With a background in philosophy and international development, David brings a thoughtful, globally aware perspective to every conversation.He's a published author and experienced keynote speaker, known for creating spaces where complexity is welcomed and ideas come alive. Whether moderating panels, hosting live events, or speaking on issues ranging from ethics to media, David's work is grounded in a deep curiosity about people. At heart, he simply loves good conversation — and believes it's one of the best ways we grow, connect, and make sense of the world.For more information about David Peck's podcasting, writing and public speaking please visit his site here.F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face. Used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US proposes new 10 per cent tariff on Canada. Wildfires burn out of control in Northern Ontario and northeast of Winnipeg. Violent clashes in Southampton, England over December 2025 teen death. Fire at India guest house kills 21, mostly foreign nationals. Head of WHO says he is encouraged by how the Ebola outbreak is being handled in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Reaction to Alberta's estimated separation costs. Ottawa endorses plan to send some beluga whales to Spain, from beleaguered Marineland.

Explore how James McBride (@cnasalvador) is building El Salvador's sovereign aviation infrastructure. From ferrying a helicopter 3,000 miles to launching the first Bitcoin-friendly air taxi, learn how Cielo Norte Aviacion is decentralizing the skies and skipping fiat traffic jams.National sovereignty depends on more than just a digital currency because citizens remain limited by crumbling fiat infrastructure and exhausting traffic jams. In this episode, James McBride argues that freedom requires the physical infrastructure to move as fast as Bitcoin. By launching Cielo Norte Aviacion, James is betting that the future of the Salvadoran Citadel depends on decentralizing the skies to allow for a level of mobility that was previously impossible in Central America.The journey to establish this vision involved a literal trial by fire that started with a grueling international flight from Northern Ontario. James recounts the logistics of ferrying a helicopter 3,000 miles across borders while navigating the shifting regulations of multiple countries and searching for jet fuel in remote regions. This story of grit and proof of work highlights the massive physical effort required to build a new business in the Bitcoin nation and describes the immense relief he felt when the aircraft finally touched down on Salvadoran soil.As James reaches the finish line of his AAC certification, he is preparing to launch a high speed air taxi service that changes the last mile logistics of El Salvador. His fleet offers private charters that reach world class surf breaks like Punta Mango in under thirty minutes so that travelers can bypass the nightmare traffic of San Salvador. This initiative creates a functional network that connects the most remote and beautiful locations in the country to the economic heart of the city.The business expansion includes a clear roadmap for industrial and government support alongside tourism. By utilizing aerial surveying and Lidar technology, Cielo Norte facilitates mining operations and infrastructure planning with a level of precision and speed that drones cannot match. This technical edge and the future addition of fixed-wing aircraft for cargo position the company to become the backbone of Salvadoran industry and a critical pillar of the economic rebirth of the country.James also shares a behind the scenes look at his private meeting with President Bukele where he pitched the vision of making El Salvador the aviation hub of Latin America. This comprehensive family approach spanning from Bitcoin exchanges to the skies reflects a unique moment in history where entrepreneurs are actively building the world they want to live in. Whether you are a pilot interested in technical flight rules or a Bitcoiner looking for the next frontier of growth, this episode demonstrates that the sky is no longer the limit in El Salvador.—Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about James McBrideX (Company): https://x.com/cnasalvadorWeb: https://www.cielonorteaviacion.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/cielonorteaviacion/WhatsApp (Business Line): +503 7745 8200 Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: https://www.twitter.com/BitcoinBeachIG: https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 Intro01:13 Why the McBride family moved their business to El Salvador02:48 Scaling a Canadian mining airline into a Salvadoran charter04:12 Flying a helicopter 3,000 miles from Canada to El Salvador06:15 How air taxis solve the San Salvador traffic nightmare11:51 Navigating 10,000-foot mountain ranges under VFR rules13:38 Why El Salvador's geography is perfect for helicopters16:02 Using Lidar aerial surveying for mining andLive From Bitcoin Beach

Ontario has started cutting development charges. But is this the breakthrough Ontario's housing market needs, or just the first step?In this episode of The Missing Middle Podcast, Mike Moffatt sits down with Kim Fairley, President of Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), to unpack what Ontario's new development charge reforms mean for homebuyers, builders, and municipalities – and what still needs to happen next.They discuss: • Why development charges can add up to $200,000 to the cost of a new home in Ontario • How some Ontario cities have raised DCs by 1,000%–5,000% since 2000 • Why Sault Ste. Marie has no development charges—and what other cities can learn from it • Whether recent provincial and federal reforms will actually improve affordability • What Ontario's housing market could look like over the next 6–18 monthsChapters:00:00 Intro: Ontario's new development charge deal: what changes?03:55 Is housing finally getting more affordable? 05:14 Northern Ontario's housing market: a different reality07:09 Sault Ste. Marie has no development charges08:07 Do buyers know how much development charges cost?10:25 Why transparency on development charges matters12:08 Lower housing costs without raising taxes? 13:35 Do Ontarians support cutting development charges? 16:07 Can politicians actually work together on housing? 17:08 What happens next for Ontario housing? 18:18 Progress made, but the hard part starts now Research/links:How to Lower Development Charges Without Raising Property Taxes https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/how-to-lower-development-chargesA Pathway to Development Charge Reform https://www.orea.com/advocacy/Development-Charge-ReformHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina MaddeauxProduced by Meredith MartinFunded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Thank you to today's sponsors!- The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada's land and water from invasive species- SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures- J&B Cycle and Marine: Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment- Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories- Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts!Vic Fedeli joins Outdoor Journal Radio to talk about the long-awaited return of the Northlander train, a major transportation project that could change the way anglers, families, tourists, and northern communities travel across Ontario.After being cancelled in 2012, the Northlander is finally making its comeback with brand-new railcars, modern amenities, and routes connecting Toronto with Northern Ontario. The crew also discusses rising gas prices, road trip concerns, fish finders, invasive grass carp, old Fan 590 favourites, and a massive Garmin giveaway.For anyone who loves fishing, hunting, tourism, or travelling into the North, this one matters.

A thousand-foot gill net can hold a whole day's worth of truth about a fishery and Paige Drew has lived that reality on Lake Superior. We sit down with Paige and Caleb Johnson, two newly minted guides at Two Rivers Lodge, and talk honestly about what it means to earn your place in a lodge family when the season is just starting and the water is still near freezing. The conversation starts where most guests never get to look: broken water lines, massive food orders, generator upgrades, new docks, and the kind of teamwork it takes to make a remote Northern Ontario fishing lodge feel effortless.Paige walks us through her route from growing up around Ontario fish hatcheries and studying Fish and Wildlife at Fleming College to working Great Lakes field projects. We get into invasive species control, targeted netting, and the detailed sampling that happens after the nets come up: sorting by mesh size, measuring fork length, taking scales, collecting fin clips for genetics, and even pulling otoliths for aging. If you've ever wondered what fisheries science looks like on the water, this is the clearest picture you'll get without stepping onto the tugboat.Caleb brings the next-generation angle, coming from Alberta with a YouTube goal and the drive to build something real as “The Alberta Angler.” We talk about chasing better fishing opportunities, filming in a working lodge environment, and why fish handling ethics matter if you want a sustainable trophy fishery for pike, walleye, bass, and muskie. Subscribe, share this one with a buddy who loves the North, and leave a review with your biggest question about guiding life.

The year was 1969.  I was a month shy of my ninth birthday.  It was way past my bedtime, though it was only 10pm.  In my memory of the event, it was the middle of the night.  Along with my family, gathered around the black-and-white television in my parent's bedroom, we watched the broadcast of the Apollo 11 moon landing.  At 10:56pm EDT time we witnessed, along with the rest of the world, a grainy, gray-scale image of Neil Armstrong stepping onto the lunar surface and say, “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Neil left out a single syllable,  word, “a”.  He had meant to say “That's one small step for A man.” That man being him.  Still, it didn't matter to anyone watching or listening at the time.  The universe had changed.  Humans from earth had stepped foot onto another world.   Thousands of kids at the time wanted to become astronauts and join the space program. I wasn't one of them. Yes, I loved all things space, watched Star Trek, and followed every NASA launch.  I remember Skylab and Mir, the Space Shuttle and Hubble.  I geek out on videos from the International Space Station and have followed the Artemis program for years, finally seeing Artemis II launch, orbit the moon and splash down safely this April, nearly 55 years after Apollo 17, splashed down in December of 1972, ending human missions to the moon for over half a century.   My life took a different path in 1969, having watched the Miracle Mets win the World Series and see them celebrate on the field, on that same black-and-white television in my parents bedroom, a couple of months later.  I chose to pursue a life that would eventually get me on the field at some nebulous future date, when a team I was involved with won a World Series.  I made it to that dreamed of future from my childhood in October of 1992, as I ran onto the field when the Toronto Blue Jays won their first World Series.  Today's guest, on the other hand, did everything in her power to become an astronaut and earlier that same year, flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery, mission STS-42, as the first neurologist and Canadian woman in space.  I even crossed paths with Roberta Bondar when she threw out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game, soon after her shuttle flight. Two people from very different walks of life, with two very different goals, take different paths and end up in the same place all those years later.  But it didn't end there.  In 2022, when I was up in Sault Ste. Marie, I discovered that Dr. Bondar was born there and they had celebrated her shuttle mission with a flower garden built into a scale model of the Space Shuttle Discovery.  The following year I heard she was giving a talk about her new book, "A Space for Birds", and I knew I had to go.  This time it was two birds, not Blue Jays, that brought us back into the same space.  After the talk, I spoke to her agent and we made arrangements for this very podcast. I've come a long way from that kid who loved space but wanted to live a childhood dream of winning a World Series, and Dr. Bondar has travelled to exactly where she wanted to be.  To fly in space.  Each of us, in different ways, didn't just wish and hope for these things to happen. We focused our lives and energies toward our goals.  My mother used to say, “if wishes were horses, we would all ride.”  That was an important lesson to learn as a kid.  Don't wish, do.  In an era when young people think that “manifesting” a dream will just make it happen, the people who are successful at achieving their goals, like Dr. Bondar, put in the hard work.  Me, I just got lucky. Stop the presses!  In a wonderful bit of serendipity, just days before this episode was due to air, with Dr. Bondar on the podcast to talk about Whooping Cranes, an actual Whooping Crane showed up in Northern Ontario.  The next morning I hopped in the car and drove 6 hours north to the small town of Bruce Mines, and along with a who's-who of Ontario birders, waited until sunset to see this intrepid young female.  She was born of wild parents at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin. After being released, Sinclair,(yes they get names and band codes), she joined a group of adults who migrated to Florida for the winter.  Her spring migration home to Wisconsin went slightly of course and she has joined a flock of Sandhill Cranes in Northern Ontario.  I was lucky enough to share the experience with many of my birding friends who also made the trek to see this intrepid traveller, who will hopefully contribute to the future of this endangered species.    So join me, along with Doctor Roberta Bondar, as I live my life long dream to talk to a real, live astronaut about space, birds and A Space for Birds.         Extro.  

Spring at a Northern Ontario fishing lodge can feel like two different worlds at once. We're watching flood water threaten roads and docks around the French River and Lake Nipissing, while up near Kenora the ice is still hanging on and every plan depends on wind, rain, and when the system finally opens up. That push and pull sets the tone for a candid lodge-owner conversation about preparation, risk, and the messy reality behind a smooth guest experience. Willie “The Oilman” joins me fresh off an 11-day Louisiana fishing adventure, and the stories are as useful as they are wild. We get into bull redfish in brackish bayou water, why the slip bobber and live shrimp bite is so violent, and how the Everglades-style maze of reeds changes everything from casting to boat control. Then we zoom out to what really matters to operators: how a place like Captain Allen's Native Adventures runs hospitality, pricing, cabins, meals, and service in a way that makes people want to return. From there, we talk fishing lodge marketing and power networking the kind that actually moves the needle. Cross-promotions, partnerships, and helping “competitors” when they're short on staff or supplies can protect the whole region and keep standards high. We finish on team building, cross-training, and the leadership challenge of matching the right staff personalities to the right guests, plus a few hard-earned kitchen and dining room lessons. If you like fishing stories with real business insight, hit subscribe, share this with a lodge buddy, and leave a review so more anglers can find the show.

Kirsti MacKenzie (@KeersteeMack) is a writer and editor in chief of Major 7th Magazine. She currently lives in Northern Ontario. Her debut novel, Better to Beg, is out now with House of Vlad/Sweet Trash Press. 

Kirsti MacKenzie (@KeersteeMack) is a writer and editor in chief of Major 7th Magazine. She currently lives in Northern Ontario. Her debut novel, Better to Beg, is out now with House of Vlad/Sweet Trash Press. 

Mark interviews Matthew del Papa and Andy Taylor, editors of SUPERCANUCKS: An Anthology of Small Town Canadian Superheroes. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. During the interview Mark, Matthew, and Andy talk about: Andy and Mat's writing background and how they got into editing an anthology like Super Canucks How editing is a new experience for Andy The consist "what if?" that has been a part of Andy's writing for most of his life Matthew's background and the various genres he has written What the appeal of writing fantasy and non-science-filled fiction is for Mat The origin story of the Supercanucks anthology and how it relates to the "brain drain" to larger cities How far the call-out for stories for this anthology went The submissions and the whittling-down process Having six stories set in Northern Ontario, but needing to ensure the stories were from across the country The locales across Canada that made the cut for this anthology The process of reading and selecting and editing the stories Deciding who was going to edit which story and work with which authors The uniqueness for some of the contributors with being able to use Canadian pop culture references and spelling The sudden need for an aspect of the "Elbows Up!" motif into the anthology Mat's learnings when it came to working with a traditional publisher rather than the previous self-publishing experience he'd had before Some of the things they experienced editing this anthology that they hadn't expected Advice Matthew and Andy would offer to writers who are interested in submitting to an anthology After the interview Mark shares a few reflections about the value of understanding the process that editors use when selecting stories for an anthology, an admission of a goof-up he made in a recent submission, and his own experience with "brain drain" and "Elbows Up!" Links of Interest: Matthew del Papa's Website Andy Taylor's Website Latitude 46 Publishing EP 298 - Honesty, Humor, Poetry, Essays, and Disability with Matthew del Papa and Vera Constantineau EP 224 - Being An Independent Publisher and Bookseller with Heather Campbell EP 439 - Rambling Reflections From The Road to CanCon Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel ElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building Once Bitten (Novella) The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation I Think It's A Sign That The Pun Also Rises   Matthew D. Del Papa spent every Tuesday of his youth crisscrossing his hometown of Capreol in search of newly arrived comic books. He wore superhero-themed Underoos to a truly worrying age and still has his Batman (and Robin) lunchbox, backpack, and wrist-watch. A graduate of Laurentian University, Matthew is a writer, editor, and self-publisher, and has released ten titles to some modest local acclaim. He joined the Sudbury Writers' Guild in 2009 and his writing has appeared in Spooky Sudbury, Nothing Without Us Too, Mighty, and Sudbury Superstack: A Changing Skyline. His collection of humorous essays titled Jerry Lewis Told Me I Was Going to Die, was released in 2023 through Latitude 46 Publishing.   Andy W. Taylor has been a reader and writer of speculative fiction from an early age thanks in no small part to his mother's frequent trips to the public library with her kids. Andy is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada, past president and member of the Sudbury Writers' Guild, a graduate of the Viable Paradise writing workshop and Playwright's Junction workshop, and a member of CODEX.   Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Andy currently resides in Sudbury, Ontario with his family. His fiction has appeared in Nature: Futures, Polar Borealis, On Spec, FictionVale and on the streets of Sudbury. Visit him at www.SooGuy.com or on BlueSky at @sooguy68.bsky.social   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast ("Laser Groove") was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

What happens when a company that is already employee-owned realizes its ownership model is not built for the next chapter? In this episode, host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell sits down with Michael (Mike) Fotheringham, CEO of Taproot, and Robert MacDougall, Board Trustee. Taproot is a 42-year-old national social enterprise with 775 employees and over $65 million in annual revenue. They unpack how and why the organization became Canada's largest Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Taproot's journey runs from its founding by a laid-off public servant in British Columbia, through a management buyout that created an ESOP with seven shareholders, to the realization that the next succession needed a cleaner, broader, and more scalable structure. Mike and Robert walk through the real story: how a LinkedIn podcast discovery sparked the conversation, why the EOT legislation provided a template that other structures could not, what governance looks like four months into the new model, and why transparency with employees started years before the transaction - not after. Key Takeaways:   Taproot was founded 42 years ago by Bill Stelmachek, a former British Columbia public servant, and operates in two domains: children and youth services (including group homes) and direct support for adults with diverse abilities, across BC, Alberta, and Northern Ontario.   When Bill decided to exit 18 years ago, he had interest from U.S. private equity and real estate buyers, but chose to sell to employees. Seven employees purchased the company and paid him out over several years, forming an ESOP. That ownership group grew to 30 shareholders over time.   The succession challenge resurfaced as major shareholders began approaching retirement. The board explored multiple options - another management buyout, private equity, gifting share certificates to all employees, trust company arrangements, and buy-co structures - but each had significant drawbacks, particularly the administrative burden of managing shares across nearly 800 employees.   The EOT conversation began when Mike heard a podcast from Social Capital Partners about the employee ownership trust model, shared it with the board, and connected with Tiara LeTourneau at Rewrite Capital Advisors. A feasibility study confirmed Taproot was a strong fit, and the board green-lit the transaction in January 2025.   The EOT's capital gains tax exemption was not the primary driver of the transaction, but became a strong motivator during the process and contributed to 100% of shares being transferred into the trust. The more fundamental appeal was that the EOT legislation provided a clear template - parameters, structure, and guidance - that other models lacked.   Governance under the new EOT structure includes three employee trustees (staggered three-year terms, elected by employees), an independent board of directors (confirmed by the trustees), and the management team. These three groups are now more distinct than the previous model, where senior management, majority owners, and the board overlapped heavily.   Day-to-day operations have not changed dramatically. Taproot had already been practicing quarterly all-staff financial updates for two years before the transaction - a transparency habit that made the cultural transition smoother. Employees are now waiting for the first year-end to see what dividend distribution looks like.   The design and governance work began before the transaction closed, with joint sessions between trustees-to-be, the incoming board, and management to establish how the groups would work together. Four months in, the structure is still being refined - but the right mix of continuity and new perspective is in place.   Rewrite Capital Advisors guided the feasibility study, due diligence, and transaction design. Previous Cash Rich Exit Podcast episodes with Rewrite Capital and Firefly Insights cover the technical structure of EOTs in more detail.   Taproot's story shows that selling your company does not have to mean selling out your values. A thoughtful process - including governance at the board level - can create both liquidity and long-term stewardship. If today's episode sparked questions about your own transition, book a one-on-one Wealth Gap Analysis with Colleen O'Connell-Campbell. Reach out on LinkedIn or email.  

Send us Fan MailA good wilderness trip can change your mood in a single day, but planning one can feel like a puzzle: where do you go, what's realistic with kids, and how remote is too remote? From the floor of the Hamilton Adventure Expo, I'm flying solo while Pamela rides out a storm at home, and I sit down with Robin Sutherland of Northern Skies Resort to talk through a northern Ontario getaway that blends real backcountry energy with practical comfort.Robin walks me through Northern Skies Resort in Algoma Country, set on spring-fed Chub Lake and surrounded by crown land, rivers, and the kind of quiet that makes you breathe slower. We get into what guests actually do when they arrive: cabin life, lake days, paddling, fishing, and that easy “step outside and you're in it” feeling that's hard to find in busier cottage country.Then we head deeper into the story: their hike-and-paddle backcountry cabin in an unserviced provincial park, accessed by a 7.5 km route with two lake crossings and staged canoes so you don't have to portage. Robin explains how a wood stove, propane cooktop, and sauna create a rare mix of rugged and cozy, and why that matters for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants the backcountry without the full ordeal. We also talk about taking over a family-run resort during COVID, how Ontario tourism shifted, and what it means to be the fourth generation caring for a place built in the 1940s.If you're searching for a cottage resort in Northern Ontario, a backcountry cabin near Algoma, or fresh camping inspiration, this chat is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a camping buddy, and leave a review telling us your ideal level of “comfort in the wild.”https://www.northernskiesresort.com/https://www.facebook.com/Northernskiesresorthttps://www.instagram.com/northernskiesresortSupport the showCONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/homeEMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.comWEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.comYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampinFACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcampingSupport the show

As we move through a seasonal shift, Episode #198 of the Habit Thrive Podcast explores how Ayurveda can support us in embracing change with more ease and awareness.A sister science to yoga, Ayurveda has long been part of my wellness toolbox, and this time of year is when it becomes especially helpful.In early spring — especially in places like Northern Ontario where winter can linger — we may feel caught between seasons.Ayurveda explains this through Kapha energy (earth and water), which can leave us feeling heavy, sluggish, congested, or low in motivation.Instead of asking “What's wrong with me?”, this framework helps us understand what's happening and respond with more compassion.As the season shifts, we can make our own transition by adding more greens, shifting toward lighter meals, and supporting the body with hydration and warm teas.But this isn't about overhauling your habits: It's about small, sustainable shifts within your existing routines — like choosing a lighter afternoon tea or simply noticing how certain foods feel in your body.This episode also marks the start of our “Ayurvedic April” series, where we'll explore simple, doable ways to bring Ayurveda into your daily life. As always, the invitation is to start where you are, stay curious, and notice where you might be ready to lighten up.Loving the show? Let's connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let's connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Transcript: rmad.ac/AIAe087This week's guests are Alma and Mike Loveland. Alma and Mike are the co-founders of Your Very Favorite, a creative educational publishing company based in Utah. Together, they design and produce engaging coloring and activity books that help kids and families learn about important topics from community services and public health, to science and environmental stewardship. Their work combines humor, clever puzzles, and thoughtful storytelling to turn complex subjects into experiences that are fun, memorable, and genuinely educational. Mike, who grew up in Orem, Utah, has had a lifelong passion for children's books and illustration. Known for his love of fascinating trivia and random facts, he brings a playful curiosity to every project. Becoming a children's book illustrator has always been his dream, but just as that dream was becoming a reality, Mike lost function in his dominant hand. His determination to continue creating has become an important part of his story and his work.Alma grew up in Northern Ontario, Canada, and has spent her life working across writing, design, and teaching. She brings energy, human, and big picture creative vision to their projects. Together, Alma and Mike draw constant inspiration from their three kids, now tweens and teenagers, whose personalities and interests helped shape the unique format of their books. In fact, since their own kids never liked traditional coloring books, they set out to create activity books that would still capture the attention of curious kids who want something more engaging. When they're not working, Alma and Mike enjoy creative hobbies like sewing, gardening, collecting, tinkering, and making art, along with keeping up with their busy family life in what they jokingly call the taxi stage of parenting.Connect with the Lovelands:Your Very Favorite | Discover Custom Activity Books!Your Very Favorite (@yourveryfavorite) | TikTokYour Very Favorite (Books!) (@your.very.favorite) • Instagram photos and videosConnect with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center at RockyMountainADA.org or find us on social media. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!

What if the creativity you're searching for has been with you all along, just waiting for you to listen? I had the pleasure of speaking with Holly Gutwillinger, an author whose journey began in the quiet forests of northern Canada and grew through a life shaped by storytelling, solitude, and reflection. From her early days creating stories on her own to building a career while quietly nurturing her creative side, Holly shares how those moments helped form the foundation of who she is today. As you listen, you'll hear how Holly rediscovered her voice through writing, how her dogs unexpectedly became her greatest teachers, and why acceptance became a turning point in both her life and her work. We also explore the role of discipline, the challenge of staying present in a world full of distractions, and the importance of listening to your inner voice. I believe you will find this conversation both encouraging and practical, especially if you've ever questioned your own creativity or wondered if it's too late to begin again. Highlights: 00:10 Discover how early life and solitude shaped a lifelong creative mindset03:20 Learn why spending time alone can unlock creativity and storytelling14:27 Understand how to move past frustration and return to creativity20:16 Learn how walking, driving, and quiet time spark new ideas34:44 Discover what an unstoppable mindset really means in daily life53:57 Understand how acceptance can transform relationships and creativity Top of Form Bottom of Form About the Guest: Holly B. Gutwillinger is an award-winning author, podcaster, and MFA student in fiction at the University of King's College, whose work is defined by emotional honesty, curiosity, and a profound love for cats and dogs—those remarkable creatures who shape our lives in unexpected and transformative ways. She calls a small northern Ontario town home, though her journey has taken her through remote parts of northern Canada, experiences that have expanded her worldview, strengthened her resilience, and instilled a deep appreciation for the wide variety of foods, traditions, and cultures that define the Canadian human experience. A self-made creative, Holly has built her literary and podcasting path from the ground up, navigating the challenges of the writing life with an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that matter most. Her determination has led to recognition, including the prestigious On Creative Writing Award, which she received in late 2025. Yet for Holly, accolades are never the endpoint; they are encouragement to keep writing, creating, and exploring new avenues of expression. She has no plans to stop, seeing every project—whether a novel, podcast episode, or painted canvas—as part of a larger, ongoing journey of curiosity and connection to others and to herself. Although she was not always a writer, Holly's creative process began at a very young age. She recalls quiet moments of tactile creation with anything she could gather around the house—storytelling to anyone who would listen or creating picture books in school. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong passion to craft stories that resonate deeply and honestly. Holly's debut novel, North of Broken & Furever Home, launched February 14, 2026, is an intimate exploration of a woman's evolving relationship with her rescue dogs. The novel delves into themes of grief, healing, second chances, and the quiet but transformative power of animal companionship. At its core, it asks a question familiar to anyone who has loved a pet: who truly rescues whom? Holly's characters are imbued with emotional complexity, drawing from her own experience as a mother, a pet owner, and a lifelong observer of human relationships. The story invites readers to witness the beauty and struggle inherent in loving fully, openly, and sometimes imperfectly. As the project neared completion, Holly realized this was no longer just a rescue story, but a narrative of acceptance between her and her dogs, Cash and Sully—their relationship evolving into a shared stillness and quiet companionship that brings her peace. Family is central to Holly's life and work. As the proud mother of two adult sons, she offers authentic insight into the joys, challenges, and heartbreaks of parenting as children step into independence. This maternal devotion extends naturally to the animals in her care, reflecting her belief that the relationships we cultivate, whether with children, partners, friends, or pets, serve as mirrors that reveal who we are, who we are becoming, and the values we hold most dear. Her fiction and nonfiction alike are informed by this awareness, portraying relationships with honesty, vulnerability, and a deep sense of empathy. Currently pursuing her MFA in fiction, Holly is committed to honing her craft and exploring the intersections of character, voice, and emotional truth. Her academic training complements her innate storytelling abilities, allowing her to balance literary sophistication with accessibility and relatability. Whether in the quiet drafting of a manuscript or the dynamic dialogue of a podcast, Holly approaches her work with curiosity, rigor, and the understanding that art is a vehicle for both connection and transformation. She once stepped away from the voice she had worked so hard to develop, writing instead for what she thought the audience wanted, but the words ceased to flow. Returning to the style that made her heart sing reignited her literary tap, and all was well again. She encourages her peers to embrace authenticity and to hone their true voices, even when the path is uncertain. Holly also hosts a podcast with her son, Rogan, exploring how animals influence and inspire the creative lives of people from all walks of life. Through conversations with writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creators, she examines how pets provide comfort, motivation, and even discipline for those pursuing ambitious dreams. The show highlights the often-overlooked ways animals shape human creativity, offering insights that are both practical and profoundly moving. For Holly, the podcast holds an additional personal dimension: it provides precious time with one of her adult sons who lives hours away, creating shared experiences that strengthen their bond while exploring themes of love, companionship, and creativity. The podcast's casual conversational format often leads into deeper, more meaningful discussions, with questions that invite reflection on how her animals influence her creative process and who she is as their human companion. Artistic expression extends beyond writing in Holly's life. She loves to dabble in drawing, painting, and yarn art, finding visual art a complementary form of storytelling and self-exploration. Whether sketching, experimenting with color, or simply observing the world through a brush or pencil, Holly approaches art with the same curiosity, courage, and playfulness she brings to her writing. This creative versatility allows her to explore emotion and narrative from multiple perspectives, enriching both her fiction and her podcast work. Living in remote parts of northern Canada has profoundly shaped Holly. These experiences expanded her cultural awareness, exposed her to unique foods, traditions, and practices, and deepened her empathy for diverse human experiences. The solitude and vast landscapes of the North provided not only inspiration but also perspective, fostering resilience and the ability to observe life with nuance and care. These insights permeate her storytelling, helping her craft characters and narratives that feel authentic, layered, and universally resonant, intimately connected to the great white north. Community and mentorship are integral to Holly's philosophy. She serves on the board of her local writers' guild and volunteers in literary organizations supporting emerging voices, fostering collaboration, and advocating for equity in publishing. She believes in creating opportunities for others while continuing to carve her own path, reflecting her self-made approach to the creative life. Holly's involvement in these groups underscores her commitment not only to her own work but to the broader literary ecosystem, cultivating spaces where writers can thrive, share, and grow together. At the heart of Holly's work across novels, podcasts, and visual art, is an enduring exploration of love, connection, and transformation. Her stories reveal that the relationships we cultivate, whether with humans or animals, shape the core of who we are. They highlight resilience in the face of challenge, the quiet courage required to open one's heart, and the unexpected ways vulnerability can lead to growth. Whether speaking about the craft of writing, the role of pets in creative lives, the joys and trials of parenthood, or the ongoing journey of self-made artistry, Holly brings warmth, insight, and grounded authenticity to every conversation. Despite recognition, awards, and a growing readership, Holly remains humble and curious, always ready to explore new creative avenues. She views life as an ongoing narrative, one in which personal, fictional, or podcast-shared stories serve as threads connecting individuals, communities, and generations. Her work reflects a conviction that storytelling is not just an art form but a form of stewardship—preserving experiences, fostering empathy, and inspiring others to embrace the creative life with courage and curiosity. Holly B. Gutwillinger's journey is one of heart, persistence, and a lifelong commitment to creation. She has built her career on her own initiative, cultivating her voice with passion and care. From the rugged landscapes of northern Canada to the intimate spaces shared with her family and rescue dogs, Holly's life and work embody the transformative power of love, creativity, and resilience. With every novel, podcast episode, and painting, she continues to explore the questions that have always driven her: How do we connect? How do we grow? And, ultimately, how do the creatures and people we love most help us become the truest versions of ourselves? Holly's debut novel, North of Broken & Furever Home, and her podcast offer readers and listeners a window into this world—a place where relationships, art, and compassion intersect, and where every story has the power to illuminate, heal, and inspire. As a self-made creator who refuses to stop exploring, Holly remains committed to creating work that matters, sharing space with others who care deeply about the human and animal experience, and continuing to craft stories that touch hearts, spark conversations, and celebrate the quiet courage of living fully, lovingly, and creatively. Looking ahead, Holly aspires to create a mentorship program for emerging writers who feel unsure where to start or struggle to balance a writing life with a busy schedule. Although the program is not yet in place, she hopes to establish a supportive platform where individuals feel comfortable unleashing their words on the page and finding their authentic voices in a welcoming community. Ways to connect with Holly**:** Instagram @rambling_from_the_little_shed Website: www.ramblingsfromthelittleshed.com Substack: Https://https://substack.com/@hollybgutwillinger About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson  01:20 Hi everyone, and welcome to you wherever you happen to be. We're really glad that you're joining us here on unstoppable mindset. I'm your host, Mike hingson, or you can call me Michael. I don't really care which, but we're glad that you're with us wherever you are, and we appreciate you tuning in today. Tuning in. That's an old word from radio and some television, but more more radio than television, but I actually heard someone today use the term don't touch that dial. So there you go. But radio is radio and podcasts are podcast anyway. We're glad you're here now that I got that out of the system, but I'm glad that we have a chance to be here with you today, and today, our guest is Holly Gutwillinger. Gutwillinger, I want to make sure I do it right. And Holly is an author, and she's got a lot of other endeavors that she's done over the years, and is going to continue to do. So I'm really looking forward to hearing all that she's got to say, and we're going to get right to it. So Holly, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here. Holly Gutwillinger  02:27 Thank you so much, Michael, I I like that saying tuning in. And in fact, I went a bookstore just the other day, and she had what looked to be an old transistor radio, but I know it was probably just, you know, a newer speaker that was made to look like a radio. Michael Hingson  02:45 I still have an old transistor radio. I haven't used it a lot lately, but I have it, and it has a dial you can turn to for volume, and another dial for tuning in different stations, and a button to go from am to FM. So there you are. Holly Gutwillinger  03:05 Yeah, yeah. I have many of them, like I had, I should say, not have, but yes, very familiar with them. Michael Hingson  03:13 I I collect as a hobby, old radio shows, and so I do a lot of things with radio, and it's a lot of fun to to do things. I collect a lot of different kinds of shows. And there's a show I think it's, it's blondy Blondie and Dagwood, the comic strip. And there's always starts, ah, don't touch that dial. So there you are. But, but you know, old radio is fun and it's interesting to listen to history from the perspective of what happened on a lot of those radio shows, especially in the time of war like World War Two, just how radio helped pull so many people together, it was pretty fascinating. I agree. I wish we had more of that today, but that's the way it is. Well, why don't we start, as I love to do, tell us kind of about the early Holly, growing up and all that stuff. And I know that you live in Canada, you're in what, northern Toronto, Northern Ontario, rather not Toronto. Northern Toronto isn't very far. You were, you weren't very far. But anyway, Northern Ontario. Well anyway, so tell us about kind of the early Holly. Holly Gutwillinger  04:27 Goodness. Early Holly Michael Hingson  04:28 just long time ago Holly Gutwillinger  04:30 in a galaxy, long time ago Holly. Early Holly loved to be she's just a younger version of who she is now. And she loved to do so many things. I remember going, you know, collecting wood with my father in the forest. That's what we did every weekend to collect for the winter, just spending so much time outside, creating. And what I realized in the last week or so, I had a one of those aha moments. Somebody asked me if I always. Love to write. And I said, Well, not that I can recall, but now that I think about it, I was always a storyteller, and some of those memories are coming back to me, where I used to create screenplays, almost in the basement, I'd have restaurants and school classrooms, but I did spend a lot of my time outside with my father, and he built old cars, so street rods and we would hunting for old car skeletons in the in the back bush. So that's a lot of what younger Holly's life was like. And then, of course, school and high school, and I was always creative. But yeah, why do you think Michael Hingson  05:43 that is that you were always creative and always writing and doing other kind of innovative things like that? Do you have any notion as to why were you encouraged to do that? Holly Gutwillinger  05:53 Or I was not, but I think I love that question, Mike, because now you're making me think again and I'm going in and mining for those old memories. But I think it's because my siblings were much older than me, and so by the time I was seven, they were gone, and then it was just me. So, you know, I live in rural northern Ontario, there weren't a lot of kids in the neighborhood, so a lot of time, a lot of my time was spent alone, and I think that I just needed to entertain myself, and I did. So. I think that's one of the reasons why I was so I became so creative because I just kind of kept myself company, Michael Hingson  06:33 kept yourself company, and you kept busy. Well, yes, what did your parents think of all of that? Holly Gutwillinger  06:39 Hmm, I don't know. I come from a time when, you know, kids did. Kids were sort of to the side and quiet. My parents were my father was like in the garage building his cars. And if he wasn't building cars, he was mining. My mother was working. And, you know, they had already had two children. And I was a unexpected surprise, I suppose. So I don't really know what they thought about that, but my mother's still here, so maybe I'll have to ask her that question. Michael Hingson  07:06 I'll have to ask her, what kind of work did she do? She Holly Gutwillinger  07:09 worked at like a real retail store here called Canadian Tire, which is, I don't know if you've ever heard of it, but your equivalent would be kind of like a Home Depot, but more centered towards cars. Cars, yeah, yeah, which my father loved, because he got parts at a discount. Michael Hingson  07:26 I was just going to ask, did, did that relationship and that employment benefit his his car fix? Oh, yeah, definitely. And what's happened to all the cars over the years? Holly Gutwillinger  07:39 Well, my father built so many cars. I remember every week, a new car rolling into the driveway, whether he was fixing it or selling one and buying another building for another person. Over the year, over the span of about 13 years, he built a 1934 Ford three window coupe from the frame up, and my sister has it now in her barn. And he also gifted her like a 52 Ford pickup. So she has both of those because she has the space and she has a husband who's able to keep them running, which is important, yeah. So yeah, they had the cars came and they went. Well, vehicles too much around here? Michael Hingson  08:22 Yeah, well, you know, lot of lot of fascination with cars and hot rods and all that sort of stuff. So I understand the the DMV, the Department of Motor Vehicles here, won't let me get a driver's license. And as I point out to people, given the way most people drive around here. I don't see why I shouldn't be able to get a license just as well as anybody else, because I don't think that they're watching what they're doing anyway. Holly Gutwillinger  08:47 So I agreed, I think Michael Hingson  08:49 so you went through high school. Did you go to college or university? Holly Gutwillinger  08:53 I did. I went to college. I you know, I was that kid that was supposed to go to university, but I just didn't have the money, nor did my parents. And so I did go to college, but I got a job right out of while I was in college, actually got a full time job, and they allowed me to finish my schoolwork at home, and I started working at 19, and never stopped. But I did go back to school in 2018 and got my degree and kept pushing. So there I was with my two my own two sons, in university, and I was in university, so it was an expensive time. Michael Hingson  09:31 So what is the difference between college and university in Canada? Holly Gutwillinger  09:35 So college, you will receive a diploma, and it's more hands on, whereas University is very theoretical and academic, so not as much hands on, and so you'll get like a Bachelor of Arts, three or four year Bachelor of Arts and lots of essays, but college, you do a lot of hands on, so skills more. Michael Hingson  10:00 Skills and technical things. Yes, yes. So what was this job that you got at the age of 19? Holly Gutwillinger  10:07 It was for a chartered accountant's office, and I was the receptionist, and that's right, when computers were coming in. So it was very interesting time. And I worked there for 10 years, and they became my family. But then we moved north, my husband and I, so I had to leave that work family and move on to a very remote town in northern Manitoba, and I just took on jobs. I just sort of incrementally got different jobs that were just a little bit, you know, a step up in higher pay, in a sense, and just kept building on those skills. Michael Hingson  10:42 And while that was going on, were you showing creativity in any way, or did you kind of have to put that by the wayside for a while? Holly Gutwillinger  10:50 I was always dabbling at home. So I would work during the day, do my job, and then when I returned home, I was always creating something. It could be knitting, scrapbooking, letter writing, you name it, I've tried it, and it was just how I spent my time. And yeah, there wasn't much to do up north, so it was important for me to have that outlet somehow, well, Michael Hingson  11:18 but I guess, I guess you would say definitely, though, that it kept you busy, which is kind of one of the things that you wanted to do, Holly Gutwillinger  11:27 absolutely and it also is a conversation starter. Doesn't matter if it's a small town or a big town, but if you can find that link with someone, it's a it's a way to make connections with people, friendships. And I found that it came in handy. You know that the smaller towns tend to have a lot of groups or meetings of sorts, where creatives come together, whether they're knitting circles or crafting circles. And so that was an important part of my life, because it was very difficult for me to be away from my family. Michael Hingson  12:03 So as you think about Tell me, tell me a story of one time that being involved in that and going that that route really helped you as you move forward. Holly Gutwillinger  12:14 That's a good question. So I can remember a time when I lived in Yellowknife, which is in the Northwest Territory, so further up north. We moved up there after northern Manitoba, and it was an even smaller place, but I had found a group of women who made cards, like greeting cards, and so every month. And I can't quite remember how I got myself into this group, but I'm, I suppose I'm known for, you know, popping in and saying, Hi, I'm Holly, you know, nice to meet you and try to get myself involved. But every month, we go to a different person's house, and we'd make these greeting cards, and then we'd share them. So you'd make 12 of the same kind, and then you'd share them with the other people that were there, and we'd have snacks, and it just created community. And that was very important in a northern, isolated northern community such as that one. Michael Hingson  13:12 So the sense of community was in and I gather, near, needless to say, is still very relevant to you. Did? Did you keep in touch fairly well with your family, with your parents and all that, Holly Gutwillinger  13:24 or as much as you could, because that was at the dawn of Facebook time. So it was old school rotary phones that we Yeah, landlines and we would call every week, but really that was one of the only ways that we communicated. And so it was that was probably the most difficult part, was being away from my family and having my my two children, be away from their grandparents. Michael Hingson  13:52 Yeah. What? What was the reason that you moved well up to northern Manitoba and then up into Yellowknife Holly Gutwillinger  14:01 because I had a husband who was in mining, and so we made the decision it was a great opportunity to for a young family to find work there. Well, not fine. The job came to him. And so we moved there and made a life for ourselves there. And then we saw an opportunity return back to Northern Ontario, which is where we're from, so that we could help our parents, as they were going through health issues, have our kids have the opportunity to know their grandparents as well. Michael Hingson  14:33 Well, there's a lot of merit to that, needless to say. But through all of that, were you always a writer? Did you always write things? And if you have, you kept a lot of your early writings? If that were the case, Holly Gutwillinger  14:48 I wasn't a writer of stories as much as I was of notes and love letters. I used to love having a pen pal, and I don't. Have journals or anything like that, but what I have found are all the cards that I used to make for my parents, and I'm grateful that they did keep that because it I don't know. It takes me down memory lane, and I can see where it all began. I have memories of sitting behind the wing back chair in the living room and creating out of paper towel rolls or whatever supplies I could find around the house, but those cards really mean a lot to me, because it it's still who I am, and I do enjoy writing someone a letter or a note. Michael Hingson  15:37 Yeah. Yeah. Do you find that sometimes the creativity just seems to shut down, or it isn't coming through? And if, if that's the case, how do you how do you deal with that? Holly Gutwillinger  15:52 I creativity is not something that has shut down for me. Now, that being said, I have shut it down when I am not successful at something. You know, when you get frustrated and you're trying to learn something but you can't quite get it, I'll be the one to break off with the with the hobby at hand. So let's take crochet, for example. If I just couldn't get that one stitch, I would get frustrated, and I'd put it to the side, and I move on to something else. But I feel like I've evolved when it comes to that aspect of my life. I persevere a lot more now, and I'm not filling my life with as many creative mediums. I'm really trying to focus on the ones that give me meaning, such as writing. Michael Hingson  16:46 Well, when when you put something aside just because it wasn't working out, did you ever find that you went back to it and and had success, or did you not? Holly Gutwillinger  16:56 I did, yes, yeah, after some time now, that was if I didn't throw everything out in the process. Because I've been known to do that. When you get frustrated, you're just like, oh, you know, you shake your head, and you give everything away. Because, like, I'm never doing that again. And so I have done that on a few occasions, but not in the last few years. And yes, I have returned to knitting, for example, color work was something that I struggled with, but I went back to it, and I think that sometimes it's about being in the right moment for whatever that may be. Maybe it's a book you're reading, maybe it's a movie you're watching, maybe it's something you're working on. And now I have no issues with color work, so I just I found the rhythm that I needed to get through it. Michael Hingson  17:46 How do you find that technology, as we advance with that is affecting your creativity and then the different things that you do? Good? Holly Gutwillinger  17:57 Question, as far as hobbies go, I think that digital is helpful because I'm able to access more living here in a place where I may not be able to access supplies or patterns, but I don't find that. You know, like the the computer world has affected much else in my life. I am able to navigate it. That being said, I think that keeping up with social media is a time stealer, and I know we all feel we need to do it. I know I put pressure on myself for that, and I'm not even really sure how much that advances anything. I suppose I need to do my own study on my my own social media. But as far as it goes, that I think is it's a time thief, Michael Hingson  18:54 yeah, well, I think there's, there's merit to that. I think it is a time stealer in a lot of ways, and I think that it is leading us down some paths that probably are really better left alone. We were too sensitive to social media. We're just too heavily involved with it, and it's taking us away from a lot of personal and interpersonal reactions and and involvement with other people, which is too bad I, you know, I've, I've heard about families driving somewhere and the kids are in the backseat of the car texting back and forth. Yes, you know, in the car they don't talk to each other. And I heard one of the reasons. I asked somebody once, why is that? And they said, well, they also don't want their parents to hear what they're talking about, but, but still, it's a challenge. We're being Holly Gutwillinger  19:47 in a restaurant and seeing a family at a table, but the kids are on the phones or on a on an iPad watching a movie. And I'm thinking, wouldn't you be taking these moments to talk to one another? The phones were never. Loud at my dinner table. That's the one thing, and it sticks to this day. Michael Hingson  20:04 Yeah, well, and, and it's not just the kids. Oftentimes, parents are doing it, that's right. I personally think that, like a smartphone is a is a good tool, but I don't focus on it all day. I don't do that and won't because I don't think it's necessary, and it's not adding a lot of value to my life to do that. If there's a game that I want to play, I can play that game, but I don't spend all day on the phone and oftentimes like especially when I'm doing a podcast like this, it all gets silenced so that we don't get interrupted, because the last thing I want is for something to interrupt what we're doing. But it's not just doing a podcast. I think it's important that we all take more time to be involved with others around us directly. Holly Gutwillinger  20:59 Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with that. Michael Hingson  21:02 Michael, that's my opinion. But I, you know, I think that everybody has an opinion that's okay, and some, and there will be people who disagree with that, and that's, that's fine. We'll see how it all works. But so, but you, you do a lot of ideas and create and so on. How do you channel your ideas? Holly Gutwillinger  21:26 Well, I channel them through walking and through running and driving is one of the greatest funnels that I have. So yesterday, I was on a seven hour drive, and I absolutely love it, because I listen to podcasts, audio books, and then I just drive in silence. If I if an idea is coming through, I'll just drive in silence and let the thoughts swirl, and I get to sort of sit with them. And sometimes I've even pulled over and and made notes or recorded my thoughts so that I don't lose them. But, you know, channeling them through things that I read, conversations, podcasts, I find, are a huge gift when it comes to creating because it could be a conversation someone is having and they'll just say that one word that triggers something in your thoughts that you know, unleashes something new for you. Michael Hingson  22:29 Yeah, I think there's a lot of value in podcasts, and there's so many of them. It has definitely been a very successful thing. It's one of the things that Apple has done that has changed a lot of of what we are and what we do in the world, and if it's a way for people to be able to to get out and interact, that's great. It still is. Though you're you're typically listening to someone, unless you get involved in the podcast or doing your own podcast. Holly Gutwillinger  23:02 Yeah, I agree. I I've always enjoyed podcasts, although I haven't been listening to them right from the beginning, but for several years, for sure, and I love that there's such a variety now there's something for everyone, whether it's a story you want to listen to, or meditation or having a great conversation. I've even learned so much about the craft of writing through podcasts. Michael Hingson  23:27 Have you ever thought of doing your own podcast? Holly Gutwillinger  23:30 I have, and I, I, I've recently started one with my son. We started back in November, and it's, it's going very well, and we're having a lot of fun. Michael Hingson  23:41 Tell us more about that. Yeah, I'd love to Holly Gutwillinger  23:43 it's called ramblings from the little shed because I'm sitting here in the back of my garage and but I call it my shed, and it's, it's a room on its own, and it's surrounded in cedar planks or pine, pine, my apologies, pine planks, and I have the wood stove beside me, so that's why I we ramble from the little shed, and my son is in Toronto. So we connect over video and we in we have conversations with creative individuals about their pets and their animals. So first, we talk about how they believe their animals or their pets influence their creativity. And then we shift over to who they are as creatives, but it's just conversational. And then my son and I, once the guest has left, we ramble on about things during the week and our favorite things, and yeah, we wear flannel shirts and drink warm coffee. Michael Hingson  24:42 There you go. What What prompted you to focus on having the discussions around animals? Holly Gutwillinger  24:51 Definitely, because my book is solely focused on my two dogs, and I thought if my dog. Can have so much influence on my creativity, and I thank him for the gift of giving me the story, then I believe that other people do as well. There's been such a shift in the way that people value their pets or treat them, and I feel that there's more, right? And people love talking about their pets. So I thought, Hmm, wait a minute. There's so many creative people out there. Surely they want to talk about their pets. And we have met chefs, food photographers, tarot readers, fortune tellers, authors, people of all walks of life. We're having a grand time, Michael Hingson  25:44 dogs, mainly, or other animals as well, Holly Gutwillinger  25:47 other animals as well. In fact, I just met a woman, a mother and daughter, who have an alpaca farm, and they have 36 alpacas in their backyard that they've, you know, they raise and they they they shear them. They draft, not draft. What's it called? They card, the the wool. And then they, I'm sorry, I'm trying to think of all the terms here that go with, with what they do. And then they draft it, and then they spin it, and then they knit their garments out of the alpaca wool al packable, and they have a beautiful storefront. And I'm thinking, My goodness, that is so inspiring. First of all, to start something of that caliber. And so their animals have a direct influence on their creativity. I mean, it goes hand in hand for them. So not just dogs and cats. Can be any kind of animal. Michael Hingson  26:43 Well, I'm I'm limited here. We just have a dog. Well, not just but I have my guide dog, Alamo and a cat. Stitch, and they keep me company since my wife has passed, so they keep me company and and smash up against, well, stitch the cat smashes up against me when we sleep at night, and she likes that, so I make sure that I don't roll over on her or anything like that, and Alamo sleeps on his own bed right by ours. So it works out well, and everybody seems to be pretty happy here. So that's a good thing. It's fascinating. And it's amazing how many people have done so many things with with regard to animals. Years ago, my wife discovered a website called craft sea. Have you ever heard of it? Holly Gutwillinger  27:32 Yes, I have. Yeah. I joined it a few times, yeah. Michael Hingson  27:35 And when she was looking at Craft c1, time, she found a company in Ohio called litter one, and litter one makes cat litter, but they make it out of pine kernels, and they put them in a disposable box. So you you put the box out, the cat uses it. And for, for me, specifically, we put a box out, and it'll last a week, and then we just throw it away and put up another box. And I find that I'm spending about the same amount with litter one that I would if I were just buying cat litter any other way. But it's it's clearly a lot more well, biodegradable, degradable, if you will. And and stitch seems to like it, so that's good. Holly Gutwillinger  28:20 I wonder if that's something I can get up here. Michael Hingson  28:24 I would check the website is called litter one. I would bet you can. Holly Gutwillinger  28:29 I definitely am going to check into that. Michael Hingson  28:32 Yeah, and like I said, stitch likes it from the first time we got it. And, you know, for a while, every week, of course, you got the scent of essentially fresh pine kernels, which also helps but, but I've got to really talk with them. I love to learn sometime the history of how that came to be, because it's just fascinating that they came up with this creative thing. And I wonder why and how that occurred. But there's got to be a story there. Holly Gutwillinger  29:02 You know, Michael, when I go visit my son in Toronto, we do spend some time at the dog parks, just sitting there. My dogs aren't even with me, yeah, just because I find it very calming and fun, you know? And I'm not stressed out about my dog chasing another dog, I just get to sit there and observe. But one thing I've noticed is in these parks, and there are, like, I almost call them bougie parks, because they're so fancy and the dogs are so well behaved, but they have wood chips all over and so I wonder, you know, I've often wondered, like, how do you what's the word I'm looking for? Like, how do they does the does the scent get absorbed? Or do they have to rake it all the time? Like, I'm not sure. Michael Hingson  29:52 Oh, it's raked a fair amount, and and wood chips are replaced as they need to. Be I've never been a fan of taking dogs to a dog park. Actually, I've seen some dogs that have been very seriously injured by other dogs at a dog park and so on. And I just personally tend not to, but I like the idea of just going in and being there, but yeah, I would not want to take my guide dogs there. I want to keep them as healthy as possible, so their lives are a little bit more sheltered, if you will. But that's okay, don't they do it's a team effort, and they're part of it, and it's my job to to make sure that that they stay healthy and get to be healthy. I was in New Zealand once, back in 2003 and I visited the the guide dog organization down there. What's really fascinating is they have a one square mile piece of property that is entirely fenced, and the guide dogs can can run free. So we actually, that's when I had my, my fifth guide dog who was with me in the World Trade Center, Roselle. And we let Roselle run around in there, and she was the only one at the time. But those dogs are really well behaved, and so nobody's really worried about them interacting in a negative way. But this huge, one square mile piece of property was just fascinating. The dogs can just run and romp and have a good time. Holly Gutwillinger  31:29 Nice. Yeah, I like the thought of that. Michael Hingson  31:33 So you guys do the podcast. When did you start it? You said, November? Holly Gutwillinger  31:37 Yep, we started beginning of November with I put out a small trailer because I was trying to, you know, get comfortable with the whole concept and step out of my my own fear, I suppose. And having my son there is just such a delight, because I love spending time with my sons, of course, and he's quite good at it, and he's got the voice, you know, and he does streaming on his own time, but it's, we've been doing it weekly, and it's just working. We record, you know, once, once a week. I don't overburden my my schedule and just having the best time i i do tend to when I fall into conversations with creatives. I sort of, I may be gathering information to see if they would be, you know, a likely guest. And if I feel like they are, then I, I'll ask them the question, you know, are you interested in podcasts, and would you like to be a guest? And it's not for everyone. And although no one has said no at to this point, but it's I suppose, not that I hand pick people, but I certainly I like to feel their connection with what I'm trying to say. Michael Hingson  32:52 I can appreciate that it's important to really have a conversation, which is why this podcast is much more conversational than interview ish, because I really want people to relax. And I don't remember whether I mentioned to you what the one hard and fast rule about being on this podcast is, you got to have fun. I like that. Yeah, you know. And I've had a couple people who said, Well, I can force myself to do that. And of course, they're being sarcastic, because everybody, everybody appreciates it, and that's the way it should be. It should be fun. It's not intended to be antagonistic or to make life difficult in any way. And having fun is important, Holly Gutwillinger  33:31 I agree, and it should find joy in the things that you do. And I mean not everything is joyful and brings happiness, but we should at least strive to find some joy, right? Michael Hingson  33:42 Well, yeah, we should do that. So do you have a word for the year? I do. Do you have a different word every year? Holly Gutwillinger  33:51 I do. I've been doing it for a few years because it really does give something more to my life, like it brings me joy. I mean, that's cheesy, but it really does. I have sticky notes right above my computer, and every now and again, I really do sort of spend time looking at those notes, and have to come back to the Word. So it's something that works for me. It's like, ready for my word. Sure, it's unstoppable. Michael Hingson  34:22 That's this year, huh? Yes, that's this year. And why? Holly Gutwillinger  34:30 Well, I mean, I took on writing this book. I never expected to have a beautiful paperback sitting in front of me, but I did do it, and I thought, hmm, I have always strived and pushed myself to do more, to try things. Never limit myself. You know, there's there have been many, many moments of fear of digging my heels in the sand. But I thought. Wow, look what I've accomplished in the last couple of years. And I thought, what else can I do? So I stepped out of the fear with the podcast, and I'm really finding my passion. And so it's not, you know, the word unstoppable is not meant to be arrogant. You know, ego centered. It's just, it's, it will continue to drive me forward, especially in those moments when I might falter someone and feel, whether, you know, if I'm questioning something, I just want to remember. I want to come back to no remember, you can do this. You're unstoppable, and you are the one who has created this for yourself. No one else. I've had help and I've had guidance, but at the end of the day, I I am the creator of everything I've done. Michael Hingson  35:54 So when I started this podcast back in August of 2001 I was trying to think of a title, a name for it, and I'd heard unstoppable a few times, but I didn't hear it nearly as much as I hear it now. And I heard other words like amazing and other things like that, and resilience that gets so overused, but unstoppable hadn't quite graduated to that place yet, and so I adopted it, but I also made an unstoppable mindset, and I think it's it's so important, because it led me to realize that what I wanted to do was to give anyone who had a story that they wanted to tell. Sometimes even people were brave enough to come on and say, Well, I don't think I have an interesting story, but I convinced them to come on the podcast, and we've had great times. But the idea is that, in reality, I think everyone on the planet has a story to tell, and I think that everyone on the planet has had challenges that they have overcome in their lives, and so for my purposes, and my opinion is that I want to give people the opportunity to come on and tell their stories and help encourage them to do that. And I think it's been very beneficial for a lot of people to be able to do that. But they do come on and they tell their stories and they talk about things they've done, and and they go away realizing, yeah, I'm not really as bad as I thought I was. Which is, which is really part of what it's all about. Because I think that the reality is, we all totally underrate ourselves Anyway, Holly Gutwillinger  37:35 yes, and in fact, you have taken me down a couple of memory lanes of my own right, with with some of your questions and and I appreciate that, because when we're done here, I'll get to reflect on some of those memories that I thought maybe that I had lost, and like a vision appeared in in my thoughts, and like, oh, okay, that's that's nice. Okay, so maybe that is where my origins are, and I just didn't remember. So thank you for that. Michael Hingson  38:06 Well, thank you. You know I think, I think we all have lots of memories, and I I think that the more we think about our ourselves and our lives and in a positive way, the more we do self analysis and introspection, I think that's a very important thing. I talk to people a lot about listening to their inner voice, and in my newest book, live like a guide dog, which is subtitled true stories from a blind man and his dogs, about being brave, overcoming adversity and moving forward in faith. The The idea is that, in reality, when we listen to our inner voice and when we really work at thinking about what happens every day, we are developing our as I call it mind muscle. And the reality is that that if we think about on any given day, if, like, before we go to sleep, we start to think about what happened today, what didn't work, what did work, what didn't work like we thought it would what worked, and how could I make it better? But really taking the time to do that, and then listening to our minds, which are always going to give us the right answer, if we truly listen, the fact is that we will get what we need to know. And for me, one of the greatest and strongest examples of all of that is for years, I've done a lot of reading, and I've done a lot of thinking, and I record every speech that I give, and when I listen to, well, not everyone, but most, most of them, when I can, I will listen to them. And I always said to people, I'm my own worst critic. If I listen to the speech, I'm going to figure out what needs to be done if I listen to it objectively. But over the last couple of years, just because of things I've read and heard, I realized I'm approaching this all wrong. I'm not my own worst critic, but. Because one of the things that I've learned is no one can teach me anything. I'm the only one who can truly teach me something. People can present me with information, but I have to accept it. I have to absorb it. I have to teach it to me. And so what I've learned is I'm not my own worst critic, I'm my own best teacher, and I approach what I do with that as a concept somebody, as you can tell, it's a much more positive way of looking at it. It's a less threatening way, but it opens up so many opportunities and so many doors. Holly Gutwillinger  40:32 Wow, that is incredible. I really to sit with that because I've given my inner critic a name, and I have tried to shift my perspective on my inner critic. When she's chirping loudly in my head, I shifted to She's driving me forward. She just doesn't have the right language to begin with, and so Michael Hingson  41:00 well she does. You're just not listening. Yeah, yeah. Because what I have, what I have found, is that that that inner self observed everything and has absorbed anything that you've experienced so they know the answers. And again, it's something I talk about a lot on unstoppable mindset. So I hope people don't get too bored of the example. But the game Trivial Pursuit. How many times do you play that game and somebody reads a question on a card, and you immediately think of an answer, and then you go, Oh, that's can't be the right answer. That's too easy. So you think about it, and you choose a different answer, and it turns out that first answer was the correct answer. All the time. We don't pay attention to our inner voice nearly as much as we should. Holly Gutwillinger  41:46 No, you're absolutely right about that, and we don't also, I think this is just my opinion. We don't listen to our own bodies. Michael Hingson  41:55 Yeah? Part of the same thing, but you're right. We don't, yeah? We tend Holly Gutwillinger  41:58 to ignore the signs, yeah? Because sometimes, like, I know for myself, I have actual physical, outwardly signs that I should have been listening to. And sometimes, like, what like, sometimes I'll have, well, you know, the the one that comes to mind first is the the upset stomach, but I also get like, a tingling sensation at the top of my head sometimes, or a tingling in on the top right corner of my cheekbone. And I know now what those mean, but I didn't for a long time, so I just need to listen and embrace it and just move through it. Michael Hingson  42:38 Yeah. And the reality is, your body will tell you when it's not happy with something, and you need to deal with that too. And the other part about it is there's so much in medical science, so sometimes you may not get any clue about something that's going on. And so it's always good to take advantage of all the opportunities that medical science provides to be able to keep up with what's going on with your body. Holly Gutwillinger  43:09 Agreed, and but these podcasts are so helpful because you can listen to so many different conversations, like I was saying before, and somebody will say something, and you might resonate strongly with that, but you just know it was it needed to have someone say it out loud in order for you to hear it right. Michael Hingson  43:33 But then it's not only hearing it, but it's then paying attention to it and thinking about it and then doing something with it, yes, which is really the issue paper Holly Gutwillinger  43:44 and pen around. Sorry, that's why you should always carry paper and pen around to take notes. Michael Hingson  43:49 There you go. Yeah, lot of good reasons for doing that. So what's a in in a perfect world, what would your writer's life look like, Holly Gutwillinger  44:01 Oh, I think about that a lot more these days, since I'm nearing retirement. But a perfect writer's life would be, you know, waking up in the morning reading for a while to fill that cup. No pun intended. I guess I would need a cup of coffee there as well, and then I would write, or actually I would probably go for a run or a walk right after that to get things moving. And that is one of my channels for being creative. And then I would write for quite some time. My husband would cook me a meal. This is wishful thinking, right? So I'm allowed to dream here, and then I might write a little bit more in the afternoon, but we would then go out for a walk in the late afternoon, and then just relax in the evening, because I'm an Early To Bed kind of person, Michael Hingson  44:57 yeah, me too. What time do you go to bed? I. Holly Gutwillinger  45:00 Oh gosh, 839 I prefer to be up at five, Michael Hingson  45:03 so I go to bed usually by eight, if I can, and I'm up at like 430 because my wife was always a later riser. But I'm so used to being in environments where, like from the West Coast, I would be selling to the East Coast, that I needed to to be able to take calls by 6am our time. But now I just find it relaxing to get up and get dressed, take Alamo the puppy dog out and let him do his business. Actually, we have a fenced yard so that works out feed the kitty cat who insists on being petted while she eats most all the time. So gotta go time to what you gotta do, and then have my own breakfast. So I usually don't get in the office now until around 630 unless then there are a couple of times that it happens somebody schedules a meeting really early in the day, which which can be done. But I know what you're saying, and when I do that, and I get at least eight hours of sleep, though, I am good for the whole day, Holly Gutwillinger  46:09 yes, I agree. And I do love my sleep. I find, do you find that those wee hours of the morning are just so peaceful? Yeah? Michael Hingson  46:18 And I think that's really important, yeah. I agree. I agree. You know, I I don't spend a lot of time well, thinking or worrying about things. Thought comes up, a thought comes up, but I don't worry. It's a time to relax and be peaceful. And after Alamo goes out, he comes in and he wants attention, so we sit on the floor and talk for a while. He's always happy with that and and the kitty tolerates us both, so it works out so Holly Gutwillinger  46:51 same time, Michael Hingson  46:53 and whenever she wants to eat, I have to definitely pet her. That's the usual time that she gets attention. And so, yeah, she definitely wants to be petted when she eats, and if I don't, she'll yell at me until I do. Well, we're not happy if we're not getting the attention that we want. She's not spoiled at all, is she Mike? No. Dogs have masters and cats have staff, and that's all there is to it. I like that. Yeah, that's the way it is so. So does your husband cook? Holly Gutwillinger  47:23 Oh yes, yes, we both cook. Its because he keeps saying, when he retires, which is before me, He'll prepare all the meals and I'll just have to work, and he'll have my lunch ready and my supper ready. And I said, That sounds lovely. When are you retiring? Yeah, hurry up. Michael Hingson  47:41 So is he still doing mining? Holly Gutwillinger  47:43 Yes, yeah, he works in the mining industry. And he's got another year our son, our oldest son, is still in school. He's in Michigan, going to Ferris State for Optometry. And so, you know, we just want to remain employed, just in case he needs a little bit of Michael Hingson  48:00 help and or once you both retire, then you can talk to him about being supported in the manner that you want to become accustomed to, because he's working. That's right, yeah, gotta deal with the important things. And what work do you do these days? Holly Gutwillinger  48:15 Well, I work in administration, but it's with the Correctional Service of Canada. It's here in Canada that is our correctional with public safety. So I work on corporate reports and all the very exciting pieces of reports, hopefully, but I thought it's just not very entertaining or exciting. Michael Hingson  48:38 Is that something you do remotely? Yes, ah, it Holly Gutwillinger  48:42 wasn't in this I changed jobs, you know, a few times, but this is where I am right now, Michael Hingson  48:49 but nowadays with computers and so on. So you do it from home, which, which is, which is a good thing too. And I'm used to working from home, or when I was in New York, I was in an office in the World Trade Center, and I had people who worked for me and so on. And I've had other jobs where I work remotely, so sometimes it was from home and and sometimes not. But it's also about developing a discipline, because you've still got to get the work done. And no matter what your your job is, you still gotta do the work, Holly Gutwillinger  49:25 I think yet you, you read my mind there, Michael, because for me, when I had to, you know, hunker down and get my Bachelor of Arts done in 2019 started in 2018 I needed discipline. Because I've, I worked full time throughout the whole process, had kids, and so I needed to really focus. And I think, I believe that that helped me for these times, because I do have the discipline I'm I have a separate space. I enjoy it, in fact, because my work has always been I've always. Been surrounded with people, and I used to call myself the bartender, because everybody would come to me and unload on me, and I'd be like a vault. And now I just, I get to focus on my work and get to shut the door. You know, my goal was always to have my own window, my door, and bring my dog to work. Michael Hingson  50:17 Well, yeah, yeah. What kind of dog? Holly Gutwillinger  50:22 So I have two mutts, as we call them, but we believe one is a box or pointer, we're not quite sure, and the other one is a shepherd mix. So the two rescues, Michael Hingson  50:34 that's cool. Holly Gutwillinger  50:36 Yeah, they're they're in their senior years now that we think they're around 12. Michael Hingson  50:41 Well, my guide dog, Alamo, will be 10 in May, and we rescued stitch from some people who were going to take her to the pound. And we didn't think we were going to to keep her. We said we would find her a home, until I learned that her name was stitch. And then I knew that this cat was going nowhere, because my wife has been a professional quilter, ever since 1994 quilter giving up a cat named stitch ain't gonna happen. No, no, no, no, and stitch is very happy with that. Holly Gutwillinger  51:09 Oh, that's nice. What kind of cat does it like? What color? Michael Hingson  51:14 Well, she looks like a calico, calico cat, but people tell me she's a small Maine Coon cat. Oh, she doesn't she's not that very large, though. She's only about 1011, pounds, but lots of personality, which is fine, yes. So tell us about your your first book that you wrote. How long did it take? And just tell us all about that. Holly Gutwillinger  51:40 So I would say, three solid, full, packed years. It took me from from beginning to now. Like I said, it started out with my my dogs, and kind of gifting me with the story, because I've always had dogs, but these two in particular have their own set of issues, you know, anxieties, fears, and I've always tried to fix them, and so over the years, I've tried so many different things, like dog behaviorists, obedience classes, dog parks, no dog parks, socializing, all of it, and it just, you know, they're great dogs, and I love them, but one is much more assertive than the other. So we got the other one to keep the first one company. Oh, my goodness, so many things. And that day when Sully came bounding towards me and sort of said to me, like, I'm okay, you don't need to change me or fix me. Just accept me and just the way I've accepted you. And that's when it started for me. So like, I started writing more and more and more scenes, more chapters, until I had this full story, which started out as my story, but then I thought, well, I could have some fun with this. I could give Sully a voice so he could tell people his story. And that's when I created a protagonist who was younger than me. She has a lot of my traits, of course, but she is her own character now. But the two dogs in the story are cash and Sally, and they are my dog. So everything that happens to them did happen in real life. Michael Hingson  53:16 How'd you come up with the two names for the dogs? Holly Gutwillinger  53:20 So that was a sign for me for cash. That is when I went to the pound and he told me his name, and he said his name was cash. And I said, Well, I want a dog with a gangster name like cash. He said, No, no, no, it's Johnny Cash. And I that was it. Sally came with a different name. It was rugger, and I just find that name so difficult to roll off the tongue. Yeah. So my husband named him Sullivan, ah. Michael Hingson  53:49 And so it's Sully for short, Holly Gutwillinger  53:52 yes, cool, Sullivan, when we mean business like, yeah, yeah, Michael Hingson  53:58 yeah, I understand, like parents the world over use the long version of a child's name when they're trying to really get the child's attention. Holly Gutwillinger  54:10 That's right, yeah, yeah. So what's your Holly? And there's no long or short form, Michael Hingson  54:17 they don't call you Hall for short or anything like that well, but then it's how you say it. You know, it's Holly as opposed to Holly. That's right, that's right. They still have ways. Holly Gutwillinger  54:28 Yeah, yeah. So what's your second book about? My second book is starting to work on Yes, it's a sweet romance, and it's a meet cute that takes place in the dog park. So there will be a lot of dogs in this story as well. But my hope with this book is there's been a history of you know, the guy rescues the girl all the time in these romance stories, and there will be some of that, like he will come to her rescue at times, but there will be momentum. Event where she will have to rescue him. That's fair. Michael Hingson  55:06 Yeah, it goes both ways. That's right. So what do you want readers to take away from the works that you write? Holly Gutwillinger  55:17 Well for this book, in particular, north of broken and in forever home, I started out as a way to get to know my dogs, even though I had already had them for over 10 years, but I was trying to find a different way to understand what was going on, and what I thought was, you know, that sticker, that bumper sticker, who rescued, who turned out to be more of a story of acceptance. And so I needed to realize that once I accepted them for, you know, their their personalities, their issues, then we could move into a different part of our relationship, because they accepted me from day one with all of my, you know, Holly isms and quirks and and so it was only fair that I did the same. Now that being said like they're dogs, and I'm a responsible dog owner, and I, you know, they had behavioral issues, but we always made sure that people were safe or they were safe, and so I, I don't want this to be interpreted like I just let them get away with things. No, it was more of the way that I needed to accept who they were and sort of, you know, move in line with that instead of fighting it all the time. So what I'm asking readers to take away, well, first, I'm asking them to put aside their judgment, because there's a talking dog. But second is just, you know, accept what you cannot change, and work with it. You know. Michael Hingson  56:48 Well, you said that you did a lot of different things, like obedience training and animal behavior, and obviously you worked with, I would assume, professionals and a lot of that. What did you learn from all of that? Holly Gutwillinger  57:02 Well, I did learn how to behave around a dog and how to observe the dog, looking for key signs, their eyes, their ears, their tail, their body language, something I never really paid attention to before, because the dogs I've always had never really had these types of issues. And so it was always it taught me how to almost be a step ahead of them in the sense that, like, if we were going for a walk, well, maybe I needed to just shift my body weight or be a little bit more assertive in my stance. So it was just learning how to take notice and to read my dogs instead of reacting. Michael Hingson  57:44 For a number of years, we lived in Northern California, in a town called Novato, and just down the street, well, about a mile, not quite