The Backroads Bill Podcast

The Backroads Bill Podcast

It’s time to hit the backroads of Northern Ontario and beyond with Backroads Bill! Tune in every Wednesday to explore the history and beauty of Northern Ontario. Alongside host and producer Ben, Bill (who is the founder and the GM of the Canadian Ecology Centre) goes more in depth to the stories he has been sharing for years on CBC Radio and Village Media. Whether it’s a “day-trip” “overnight-trip” or “Sunday drive” you will discover your next great adventure! Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram: @backroads_bill and on Twitter: @steertonorthONT For the video version of this episode or to explore more North Bay podcasts and to stay updated on local events and news go to NorthBayEcho.ca. For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials. Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEcho Production Credits: Host: Backroads Bill Producer: Ben Sargent Produced by Clark Communications

Episodes

May 21, 2025 41 mins
This week Bill and Ben sit down with Stephen Scharper, University of Toronto professor, theologian, and author of The Green Bible, to explore the deep connections between faith, creation, climate change, and our moral responsibility to the planet.

From Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si to Indigenous wisdom, eco-spirituality, and the quiet power of “sit spots,” Stephen shares his views on what our focus should be regardless of per...
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In this week's episode, Pierre shares how embraced a lifestyle of biking everywhere and pedaled from Quebec to Alaska and back, all while giving motivational talks across Canada in his 2023 Crazy Tour.

From Ironman races and desert marathons to sleeping in strangers’ yards and finding joy in every ride, Pierre proves that happiness isn’t a destination — it’s movement.

Find Pierre's book here: https://pleinairenor.ca


00:00 - Intro
01:12...
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His body wasn’t found for 11 years. The Leafs didn’t win another cup until it was.This is the story behind one of Canada’s most chilling sports legends — told by the man who helped recover the wreckage, Kevin Vincent.

From remote northern Ontario bush to Tragically Hip lyrics, from Stanley Cup glory to smuggled gold, this episode dives into the real history behind the myth — and why a movie could be on the way.


00:00 - Intro: The Goa...
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What happens when you pack a tent, a bike, and a wild dream?

Former pro cyclist Buck Miller joins Backroads Bill to share his insane adventures biking through Canada's remote north — hauling camping gear, battling brutal cold, crossing frozen tundra, and chasing the rugged freedom only northern Ontario and Manitoba can offer.

From cycling the world’s longest winter road to preparing for the Yukon River Quest gauntlet, Buck talks abou...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, we take you on a 767km Arctic journey along the longest seasonal ice road in the world — from Gillam, Manitoba to Fort Severn and Peawanuck, Ontario.

Hosts Bill and Ben are joined by “Behind-the-Scenes Brian” to share stories of isolation, survival, $20 milk, polar bear tracks, and navigating the remote North like few have.

From impassable muskeg to remote Indigenous communities, we explore what lif...
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In this powerful episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, retired police officer and Indigenous educator George Couchie shares his journey from policing to healing — and why truth and reconciliation in Canada is more urgent than ever.

Hear firsthand stories about residential schools, systemic racism, Indigenous youth trauma, and the transformation of police training in Ontario.

Whether you're Canadian or not, this is a raw, eye-opening...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Linda Savory-Gordon, who is involved with multiple non-for-profit organizations including sitting on the boards of both MTA Inc and CAPT.

We explore the decline of passenger rail and public transportation in rural Canada, the real-life consequences for people who rely on it, and the grassroots movements working to bring better service back to the North.

Linda shares insights from he...
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What if a single photograph could reclaim an entire history?

In this deeply moving episode of Backroads Bill, Indigenous writer, journalist, and cultural curator Paul Seesequasis shares the story behind his renowned Indigenous Archival Photo Project.

Through images of everyday Indigenous life—moments of joy, resilience, and tradition—Paul is reconnecting families, communities, and all Canadians with a more complete and truthful hist...
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In this inspiring episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with legendary Canadian explorers, authors, photographers, and conservationists Joanie and Gary McGuffin. From 6,000-mile canoe journeys to their mission to protect Lake Superior, the McGuffins share stories of wilderness, love, art, and environmental action.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, artist, or someone looking to connect deeper with nature, this conversation will ...
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What if the secret to mental resilience, emotional healing, and physical strength was as simple as stepping into freezing water?

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Clint Gore, who shares how cold plunges transformed his life—from overcoming trauma to finding clarity and inner strength. 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✅ The Science of Ice Baths – How cold water affects the body & mind 
✅ Clint’s Personal Journey – Fro...
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Join us in this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast as we embark on a frosty adventure in Northern Ontario!

We're podcasting straight from an ice hut on the serene Lake Nipissing, bringing you the authentic sounds and stories of ice fishing.Our special guest, Matt Koprash, shares his journey from the warm waters of Mexico to the icy lakes of Ontario.

Together, we delve into:
Ice Fishing 101: Tips and tricks for beginners eager to ...
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Ever wondered what it's like to glide through the snow with a team of eager dogs leading the way? In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, we dive into the world of dog sledding and skijoring with Northbound Huskies. 

Our guest, Kaja, shares her incredible journey from Switzerland to Northern Ontario, where she now trains dogs and their owners in these thrilling winter sports. Discover the history, the training process, and ho...
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Bill has been on CBC radio for many years talking with Markus Schwabe from Morning North about his adventures and Northern Ontario and now the tables have turned!

Markus alongside Morning North producer Erik White come on the podcast to talk about their travels in Northern Ontario, Markus getting to see a hill for the first time after growing up in Saskatchewan, and North Bay vs Sudbury…. which is the superior city?


Follow Bill on Fa...
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Kari Krogh is a co-founder of the Eco Wisdom Preserve and her mission is to use nature to help people heal through illness and their disabilities.

Kari opens up about her personal disability and how using forest bathing and other techniques helped her manage it where traditional medicine was failing. She also talks about the medical studies she has participated in and helped start to get more traction on the services she offers


Sign...
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This week Bill and Ben are joined by two social media and youtube content creators who focus on making fun and entertaining videos based on their love of the outdoors. 

Careena Alexis (found on youtube and social media @careenaalexis) and Jeff Mcgirr (found on youtube under Lucrestyle ) talk about their passion for creating outdoor video content. The realities of trying to film content and how becoming parents changed the way they a...
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February 5, 2025 44 mins
An award winning author, long time radio personality and podcast host Waubgeshig Rice joins the podcast. He chats about his latest novels Moon of the Crusted Snow and Moon of the Turning Leaves and bringing traditional Ojibwe language into a mainstream medium.

Waub also talks about his upcoming projects including how he is using his experiences growing up in reserves and his time working in traditional media to influence his next no...
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The Ring of Fire has been over 15 years in the making but still the conversations go on between the Canadian Government and the Indigenous communities involved. Now Doug Ford has brought up the importance of this potential mine as a potential key investment after Trump’s inauguration and talk of tariffs with Canada.

Stan Sudol, a long time mining journalist and owner/editor of republicofmining.com, joins to give his expertise on wha...
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Many in North Bay know Chris Mayne for his role as a city councillor but he has a major passion for canoeing. He has been part of the team that has revitalized the La Vase portages in our area.

He joins Bill and Ben to talk about the importance of the La Vase as well as the ongoing efforts to bring it back to its former glory. He also talks about his love for canoeing and the many different areas he has been to across Ontario


Follow ...
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Roy MacGregor has had a long career in print media working for Macleans and The Globe and Mail. He also is a best selling author of multiple outdoors books and the kids book series The Screech Owls.

Roy shares his thoughts on his career in journalism, his love of the outdoors and also gives his opinion on the current state of Canadian politics. 


Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram: @backroads_bill
and on Twitter: @steertonorthONT

T...
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January 8, 2025 43 mins
Ian Tamblyn had the chance to make it big in the music scene but decided to turn down the chance when it meant changing the lyrics and topics from Canadian stories to something a little more commercial.

Ian joins the show to talk about his career that has spanned over 40 albums, how the music industry has changed from an analog world to digital, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

You can find Ian’s work on his websi...
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