Behind The Village Podcast

Reinvent your career with Jessica Lovett in this inspiring episode where we dive deep into career transitions, career development, and embracing change. Join us as Jessica, the director of Career Services at Lakehead University, shares her powerful lessons on navigating career shifts, finding clarity, and making thoughtful decisions to align your work with your passions and values.

Learn about the importance of self-exploration, ada...

In this episode of Behind the Village Podcast we sit down with Mike Bailey, a lifelong learner who spent decades reinventing his working life, moving from grocery clerk and electrical apprentice to corrections officer and HR advisor before retiring into a second act as a full‑time photographer. Mike shares how he recognized when it was time for change, how he rebuilt confidence, and how photography gave him purpose; he explains his...

In this episode of the Behind the Village Podcast, we explore early retirement, work‑life balance, and how to choose presence and purpose even when life takes unexpected turns. Our guest today, Mark Vessey, shares a candid story about retiring before 50, navigating a career pivot from burnout to small‑business ownership, earning a commercial captain’s license, and confronting a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

The Villager Maga...

Work should serve life, not the other way around. In this episode of the Behind the Village Podcast, we talk about work life balance, slow living, and how we are choosing to live a life worth living. We introduce the new direction of the podcast and explain the first topic we're focusing on which is making work fit your life, through interviews, community stories and actionable habits.

The Villager Magazine

Website: https://villagerm...

Join us as we explore Marc Bennett’s inspiring entrepreneurship journey with StagePro Canada—a game-changing product designed to boost confidence and performance for musicians, public speakers, educators, and beyond. In this episode of the Behind the Village podcast, Marc shares his 30 years of experience as a musician and the challenges that sparked his creation of a portable, all-in-one stage prompter. Learn about the engineering...

Step into the world of David Bowie as we explore the creative journey behind "The Bowie Lives" show with Michael Bell! In this episode we dive deep into Michael's artistry and passion that fuels this incredible tribute experience. Discover how Michael Bell, a lifelong Bowie fan, transformed his admiration for the legendary artist into a dynamic, ever-evolving show that celebrates Bowie’s music, style, and legacy.

Michael shares valu...

In this episode we explore all the local tourism you can do through Ontario’s Waterways with Karen Feeley, PR and Communications Officer for Ontario Waterways. Discover valuable insights on how the Canada Strong Pass is making it easier and more affordable for Canadians and visitors to enjoy the historic Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal National Historic Sites. Learn about the exciting opportunities to support local tourism, ...

In this episode of the Behind The Village podcast, we sit down with Jordan and Kirsten O’Coin, the dynamic duo behind 5th and Seven Custom Contracting. We uncover their inspiring journey from high school sweethearts to becoming successful entrepreneurs dedicated to building trust in the construction industry. Learn how they turned a passion for home renovations into a thriving family-run business that prioritizes community involvem...

Join us as we explore how to build a sustainable future together with Sarah Patterson, president of Common Earth and Sustainable Orillia. In this insightful episode of the Behind the Village podcast, Sarah shares her journey from urban Toronto to the community-driven life in Orillia, highlighting how embracing sustainability and fostering support systems can drive meaningful change through the climate crisis. Climate change involve...

Step inside the fascinating world of the Mariposa Folk Festival with historian Michael Hill as we explore 50+ years of music, mayhem, and magic that have shaped this iconic event. Michael shares captivating stories about legendary performances from artists like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Gordon Lightfoot, along with unexpected moments that defined the festival's vibrant history.

Discover how this beloved Canadian cultural insti...

From local roots to the global stage, join us as we explore the incredible journey of The Free Label in this episode of the Behind the Village podcast. We talk with Cole Mendez and Jacob Thompson about the band's evolution from a basement studio to playing international stages, their unique sound blending 70s disco, 90s R&B, and funk, and the tight-knit camaraderie that sets them apart. Discover the work being done by these tal...

Join us as we dive into the story behind Mariposa Millwork, a new local business in Orillia. In this episode of the Behind the Village podcast, Kevin Keddy shares the journey of transforming a former automotive shop into a stunning doors and trim showroom.

Learn about the collaborative efforts that brought this vision to life, the challenges of starting from scratch, and how Mariposa Millwork is making a difference in the Orillia c...

This Behind The Village Podcast episode features Tom Stoate, President of The Hitch House. We dive deep into how tariffs are reshaping the RV industry, revealing their far-reaching effects on prices, manufacturing, and consumer decisions. Learn about the challenges faced by local businesses like The Hitch House and discover the incredible story of its growth, resilience, and community-focused operations in Simcoe County.

Tom shares ...

Join us as we dive into the world of music with Nixon Boyd, a talented local musician, songwriter, and producer. In this episode, Nixon shares his creative journey, the struggles of being a musician, and the relentless grind that shaped his career. Discover the work being done behind the scenes, from his early days in the band Hollerado to his transition into solo projects and producing for other artists.

Learn about his approach to...

Join us as we explore the inspiring work of CYAC Simcoe Muskoka with Kate Waugh on this episode of the Behind the Village podcast. Learn about the essential role the Child and Youth Advocacy Center plays in protecting children, supporting families, and fostering community involvement across Simcoe County and Muskoka. From addressing child abuse and human trafficking to offering trauma-informed care and prevention programs, CYAC is ...

From farmers' markets to a thriving local bagel company, discover the inspiring story behind Poppies Bagels in Orillia! Join us as Cam Fraser and Britt Hicks, the passionate co-owners, share how they turned a love for baking and community into a beloved New York-style bagel shop. Learn about their journey from side hustles and culinary school to collaborating at a New Year's Eve party, where the idea for Poppies was born.

This epis...

Step into the heart of a thriving community as we go inside Manticore Books, a beloved local bookstore in downtown Orillia. In this episode we talk with Michael Fredson, the passionate owner of Manticore Books, about the vital role bookstores play in shaping communities, fostering connections, and supporting local authors. Discover the work being done to curate a unique literary experience that resonates with the diverse interests ...

Discover the secrets to a clutter-free home and happy mind with decluttering expert Marika Fox! Marika shares her inspiring journey toward helping individuals transform their spaces and minds through the art of simplifying and organizing. From practical tips on tackling clutter to creating functional systems, this episode is filled with valuable insights and resources to make a difference in your home and mental well-being.

Marika d...

In this episode, we dive into the transformation of North Simcoe Arts with special guest Anitta Hamming, founder of Creative Nomad Studios and strategic consultant for the arts council. Discover how a strategic plan and a bold vision are reshaping the regional arts landscape — from reconnecting communities and supporting artists, to boosting cultural tourism and creating new funding opportunities.

Anitta shares her journey from busi...