Behind The Village Podcast

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...

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 car...

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 i...

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 re...

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...

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....

Join us as we dive into the 65-year legacy of the Mariposa Folk Festival, a cornerstone of Orillia's cultural heritage! Discover the incredible work being done behind the scenes by organizers Pam Carter and Spencer Shewen, as they share valuable insights into what it takes to bring this iconic event to life year after year. From the festival's rich history and evolution to its vibrant community in...

Step into the fascinating world of wildlife and pest control with Will McIntosh, co-founder of Exit Wildlife and Pest Control, as we explore the challenges, solutions, and opportunities in managing human-wildlife interactions. In this episode, we dive into the vital work being done to balance humane wildlife removal, prevention strategies, and community education. Discover valuable insights into t...

Join us as we dive into the world of wildlife conservation and education with Krystal Hewitt from Speaking of Wildlife. Discover the incredible work being done by this local nonprofit to provide sanctuary for non-releasable wild animals while fostering a deeper connection between people and the wildlife in their backyards. From heartwarming rescue stories to impactful education programs, this epis...

Join us as we explore the groundbreaking work of Awake in transforming cremated remains into a sustainable legacy. In this episode we sit down with Lauren Andrew, Co-Founder of Awake, as we dive into the environmental impact of traditional funerary practices and learn about the innovative solutions they bring to the deathcare industry. Discover how Awake is creating eco-friendly memorials, from sc...

In this episode of the Behind The Village podcast, Hillary Handy shares her journey of embracing courage, navigating career shifts, and finding clarity in her new path toward becoming an itinerant teacher supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Her story, rooted in her family's rich history within the Deaf community and her own experiences, offers valuable insights into balancing motherhood,...

Go behind the scenes of small-town real estate with Gillian Stockdale, a seasoned real estate professional from Simcoe County, as she opens up about her 22-year journey in the industry. Join us as we explore her inspiring career path, from navigating the challenges of being a young agent in a competitive field to discovering the importance of finding the right fit in real estate. Learn about the e...

In this heartfelt episode of the Behind The Village podcast, we dive deep into the incredible journey of resilience, love, and healing shared by Jackleen Givens and her son. From living through homelessness and addiction to navigating an autism diagnosis at 15, their untold story sheds light on the challenges families face and the strength it takes to persevere. Discover how Jackleen's dedication...

Unlock your true potential and learn how to lead without fear in this transformative episode of the Behind the Village podcast. Join us as Risha Yorke, founder of Yorke Motivational Consulting, shares valuable insights on building self-confidence, discovering your passions, and leading authentically. Together, we explore overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing your strengths, and creating meaningf...

This episode features Catherine Pearson, owner of Quayle's Brewery, as she shares her inspiring journey of turning a hayfield into a thriving community-focused destination. From planting the first hops in 2016 to navigating personal loss and the challenges of launching during the pandemic, Katherine’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and innovation. Learn about the incredible work being...

Join us as we explore how David turned his woodworking hobby into a thriving YouTube channel, Timber Designs. Sharing tool reviews, beginner-friendly projects, and insights into the tight-knit woodworking community. Learn about his challenges, from starting with basic equipment to balancing family life and content creation, and discover how community involvement fuelled his success. This episode i...

Join us as we dive deep into the inspiring story of Anna Proctor, publisher of North Simcoe Life, a community magazine in Simcoe County. Discover the work she does to connect neighbours, celebrate local businesses, and share the stories that make our region unique. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted resource, Anna recounts her journey of resilience, creativity, and dedication to building...

Join us as we kick off the new year with an inspiring discussion on ambition, fear, and personal growth in this special episode of the Behind the Village podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into what ambition truly means—beyond the hustle culture—and explore how fear and self-doubt often hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Discover valuable insights on how to redefine ambition in your own li...

This episode of our Behind The Village podcast features Dr. Kathy Marchildon, the owner of Lake Country Animal Hospital. In this conversation, we dive deep into her journey of becoming a veterinarian, from her childhood experiences with animals to her passion for providing the best care for pets. Discover the approach Lake Country Animal Hospital takes in the veterinary world, where the focus is o...

In this episode, I sit down with Jim Fitzgerald, the General Manager of the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC), to explore his journey from the banking industry to the nonprofit sector. Jim shares valuable insights on how he empowers local entrepreneurs and small businesses through the various services offered by the CDC, including business coaching, workshops, and lending progra...

In this episode of our Behind The Village podcast, we welcome Kelly Parke, a creative powerhouse with a diverse background that spans television, engineering, music, and more. He is currently a professor at Schulich School of Business at York University teaching creativity and innovation. Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation about innovation, adaptability, and the critical skills neces...

In this episode of our Behind The Village podcast, Mikaila Bolzonello sits down with Kate Henderson, the director of Telecare Distress Line for Greater Simcoe. We explore the vital role of this community-driven service that operates around the clock, providing support and connection to those in need. Kate shares insights into how Telecare connects individuals with caring volunteers who are ready t...

Join us in this episode as Jiun Liao sits down with artist and painter Lindsay Smail, known for her stunning abstract oil paintings that draw inspiration from the landscape. Lindsay takes us through her unexpected journey from a background in English literature to discovering her passion for visual arts. In this conversation, Lindsay shares her thoughts on the creative process, the importance of c...

Join us in this episode as Mikaila Bolzonello sits down with Stevie Baker, the president of Mariposa Arts Theatre Foundation (MAT), to explore the vibrant world of community theatre. With a rich background in theatre, Stevie shares her journey from directing iconic productions like Steel Magnolias to leading MAT through transformative changes since joining the board. Stevie’s passion for theatre a...

In this episode, we dive deep into the pressing issue of housing affordability in Orillia and Simcoe County. Join Mikaila Bolzonello as she welcomes Janette McGee, Housing Coordinator for the City of Orillia, and Robin Chapman, Program Supervisor at the County of Simcoe's Housing Services Division. Together, they discuss the challenges faced by residents in the current housing market, from rising...