To North Bay With Love

To North Bay With Love

Welcome to North Bay, Ontario’s favorite podcast - To North Bay With Love! Your local source for community and culture in North Bay and the surrounding region. Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday to explore engaging conversations with our host Lisa Boivin as she welcomes a diverse range of local guests, including actors, politicians, athletes, and community members. Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at 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: Lisa Boivin Producer: Ben Sargent Content Specialist: Dave Dale Produced by Story Studio Network & Clark Communications Don't miss out on the latest from North Bay's cherished podcast – subscribe and join the conversation today!

Episodes

July 8, 2025 21 mins
For over 50 years, the Chief Commanda II has cruised Lake Nipissing — carrying locals, tourists, wedding parties, and blues bands across the waves. But what’s it like to actually run this iconic North Bay ship?

In this episode, we hop aboard with Captain Rich Stivrins to talk about the history, sailor superstitions (yes, bananas are bad luck), and the unforgettable experiences people have on board!

00:00 Intro
01:16 Welcome aboard the...
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Marianne Vander Dussen is a painter, teacher, and creative entrepreneur who turned trial and error into a thriving international art business.

In this episode, she opens up about her start in drama and real estate, the magic moment she picked up a paintbrush, and why failing on purpose can be the best thing for your art.

Check out Marianne’s courses and work:
https://www.mariannevanderdussen.com


4:00 Marianne's Journey 
14:00 The Dunnin...
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What happens when you hand high school students the mic? You get the Bears Den Pawcast — a bold, creative, and completely student-driven show from St. Joseph-Scollard Hall in North Bay.

In this episode, we sit down with teacher/producer Nicole Dopko and seasoned host Annie Martel to talk about how the show began, how it’s grown, and how it can change the way students can elevate in school spirit.

00:00 – Intro
05:00 – How a Student Po...
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What started as a single student’s idea over 30 years ago has become one of North Bay’s most powerful grassroots traditions.

Every year, students at West Ferris Secondary School put on their running shoes and take to the streets for the Trojan Parade for Cancer — a 7-kilometre walk through the city that has raised over $600,000 for cancer research and care locally.

In this episode, Lisa sits down with West Ferris teacher Mark Roberts...
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Graham Shaver may only be 10 years old, but he’s already mastered something many adults still struggle with: kindness.

As North Bay’s Kindness Ambassador, Graham has made it his mission to turn Kindness Week into Kindness Infinity.

In this joyful, hilarious, and surprisingly wise episode, he shares what it really means to be a good person — from giving compliments to strangers, to the power of positivity at school, and how a single c...
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It’s one of North Bay’s biggest landmarks and a place most people pass by everyday on their way to work or school. To Father Larry Rymes and many others, the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption is more than just bricks and stained glass — it’s a living piece of North Bay’s soul.

In this episode Father Larry sits down with Lisa to share stories from inside the church — from its 120+ year history and community impact, to the challenges of...
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What makes a hospital feel like a community? People like Anne and Rona — two incredible women who volunteer their time, energy, and kindness at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

On this episode we dive into what it really means to volunteer. Anne and Rona share stories from their 20+ years of service, reflect on how volunteering has changed, and explain why showing up still matters — maybe now more than ever.

00:00 – Intro
01:30 –...
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For over 75 years, Laporte’s Nursery & Greenhouses has helped North Bay grow — quite literally. In this episode, we sit down with Lori Laporte, third-generation owner, to talk about how her grandmother’s backyard garden turned into a local institution.

Lori shares the joys and challenges of running a seasonal business, why Ontario-grown plants matter, the truth about "low-maintenance gardening," and what it’s like working with h...
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What do you get when a guy from Guelph with a dream moves to North Bay and refuses to let wrestling die? You get the revitilization of Northland Wrestling — and the relentless passion of Dann Pigozzo.

In this episode, Dann shares the wild history of pro wrestling in Northern Ontario (including a performance from a young Andre the Giant), how he brought it back from the brink, and why hundreds of fans are now showing up to watch slam...
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Meet Fatema Dhoondia — a four-time world amateur powerlifting champion, single mom, and absolute force of nature. Originally from Mumbai, Fatema moved to North Bay in 2022 and brought with her something fierce: unmatched resilience.

In this episode, we talk about how she went from 77lbs and struggling to find herself, to squatting over 313 lbs, coaching clients around the world, and raising a son who's her biggest fan. It’s about mo...
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Author, editor, gardener, and all-around creative force — Erin Alladin joins us to talk about her newest book "Wait Like a Seed", the beauty of permaculture, how children's literature can shape a better future, and why giving kids a connection to nature is more important than ever.

From food forests and butterflies to book publishing and the magic of slowing down, Erin shares how she plants seeds — literally and metaphorically — in ...
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They build robots, win competitions, and sing karaoke on the bus home. Meet 1305, North Bay’s FIRST Robotics Team — a community-based powerhouse that's teaching students way more than how to wire a circuit board.

In this episode, we chat with Matthew, Kyla, and James about engineering, leadership, teamwork, and what it's like to compete (and win!) at the provincial level. From building "Monsoon" to launching 120 lb bots at high spee...
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Jamie Carruthers is the kind of teacher every student remembers. But outside the classroom at Chippewa Secondary School, he’s quietly built a second life as a potter, painter, concert promoter, and all-around community champion.

From watercolor greeting cards to East Coast fiddlers, from charcuterie boards to charity fundraisers — Jamie’s creative spirit knows no bounds.

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we talk about his u...
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In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we talk with Justin Robinson, founder of Honeycomb Promotions, about how he's breathing new life into North Bay’s underground music scene. From booking huge guests within the metal community and also giving a place for local bands to thrive.

We dive into his journey as a musician and how he turned into a music promoter and the long running history of North Bay's metal scene

00:00 – Intro
03:0...
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In this episode, we sit down with Allister Thompson—musician, publisher, editor, and the author of Birch and Jay—a novel set 100 years in the future after climate collapse has reshaped the world.

We talk about the power of climate fiction, the gritty realities of getting published in Canada, and how Northern Ontario continues to influence his work.

Whether you’re a writer, reader, or just curious about the future, this conversation i...
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In this inspiring episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Jack Lockhart, an accomplished artist, and educator.

Jack reflects on his creative journey, his belief that everyone can be an artist, and why art is a lifelong pursuit—not a profession.

Whether you're a painter, a dreamer, or someone who hasn’t picked up a brush since kindergarten, this episode will change how you think about creativity.

For exclusive North Bay upd...
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Elisa Butoyi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Rwanda, he came to Canada as a refugee, facing the challenges of starting over in a new country. Now, he’s a community leader in North Bay, working to build connections, empower others, and break down barriers.

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Elisa shares:

✅ His journey from Rwanda to Canada – The struggles, triumphs, and everything in between
✅ The challenges of...
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❄️ Ice fishing, first-time experiences & a deep dive into Indian culture – all from an ice hut on Lake Nipissing!

 In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Lisa takes us inside an ice fishing hut for an unforgettable conversation with Uphar, who is experiencing ice fishing for the first time! 🏕️🎣 🌍

What’s in this episode?
✔️ First-time ice fishing on Lake Nipissing – The struggle is real when your minnow keeps getting stuck!
✔...
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 This week we went on a roadtrip to Clayverly’s Pottery Studio to chat with the owner Zoe Caverly about all things pottery!

Lisa takes a crack at some basic pottery
 skills and Zoe takes us through the pottery process from a lump of clay to a beautiful piece of art.

Check out Clayverly’s here: https://www.clayverlys.com/ 


For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.

 
Stay connected with Echo...
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This past weekend was the 2025 Home and Garden Expo and Echo was there all weekend. On Saturday Lisa chatted with attendees at the show to talk all things North Bay!

She also met a couple of furry friends and checked out the Pet Expo that was also being held including some fun agility courses for dogs to try out!


For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials. 

Stay connected with Echo on soc...
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