To North Bay With Love

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we mark Foster Family Appreciation Week by sitting down with local foster parent Alicia Freeman to talk about what foster parenting really looks like. Alicia shares her experience of welcoming children into her home, the emotional challenges that come with fostering, and why getting attached is not something to fear. She also explains the importance of su...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with John, better known online as natty _for_now, the local creator who has become a familiar face around North Bay with a basketball in hand and a balance board nearby. John shares how picking up a basketball again after decades away from the game turned into a new fitness routine, a creative outlet, and an unexpected social media followin...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, David and Azu from North Bay Games and Hobbies join the conversation to talk about the store, the local gaming community, and why board games and tabletop gaming continue to grow in popularity. They share the history of the shop, how gaming has changed over the years, and why games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, Catan, and trading card games cont...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, North Bay Symphony Orchestra conductor Josh Wood shares his journey into music and gives a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to lead an orchestra. Josh breaks down what a conductor is actually doing on stage, from keeping time and cueing musicians to shaping the volume, tempo, style, and overall interpretation of a piece. He also talks about...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kevin Oschefski shares the story behind his journey in radio, his connection to North Bay, and the experiences that have shaped him both on and off the air. Kevin talks about how a love of music led him into broadcasting, the unexpected path that eventually put him behind the microphone, and the community work that has become one of the most meaningful pa...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I can't be the only one"? In this episode of To North Bay With Love, local author Chantal Degagne shares the inspiration behind her book "I Can't Be the Only One Who..." After losing both of her parents just weeks apart, Chantal discovered that the feelings, quirks, habits, and experiences we often think make us different are actually what connect us. She e...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with Kevin Smith, chair of the West Ferris Secondary School 55th Reunion, to talk about the memories, friendships, and community connections that make a high school reunion so much more than just a weekend event. Kevin shares how the reunion came together, what attendees can expect over the three-day celebration, and why reconnecting in per...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with North Bay musician Paul Pruneau for a conversation about a lifetime of music, community, and following your passion. Paul reflects on his journey from winning music competitions as a young performer to recording at Montreal's iconic RCA Studios, while balancing a successful career as an electrician and business owner. He shares stories...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with Darren Patey from Northeastern Ontario Tourism to explore some of North Bay's best kept secrets. From the historic La Vase Portages canoe route and hidden hiking trails to local experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities, Darren shares the stories that make North Bay and the surrounding region so special. They also...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Amanda Cooley shares the story behind the Northern Skies Wellness Festival and how a simple idea grew into a community celebration of wellness, connection, and self-care. We talk about what to expect at the festival, Amanda's journey through yoga and travel, and what brought her back home to North Bay after living and studying around the world. Along the...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Katina Connolly and Dan Misturada from the Capitol Centre to talk about the launch of the highly anticipated 2026–27 season.  From major touring acts and sold-out performances to community theatre, visual arts, and the return of Bay Block Party, this conversation highlights just how important the Capitol Centre is to Northern Ontario’s ar...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we celebrate new beginnings, old friendships, and the stories that connect this community together. Lisa takes a look back at the journey of the podcast over the past three years, reflecting on the conversations, memorable guests, and the incredible people who make North Bay such a unique place to call home. From stories about the Capitol Centre and local...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we step into a wedding like no other. We’re joined by Kayla Valender of the Gateway Theatre Guild and the mother of the bride Josephine to talk about their upcoming production of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, an immersive, interactive experience where the audience is not just watching the show, they are part of it. Set in the 1980s, this lively performance invi...

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Brigitte Lebel for a thoughtful conversation about grief, care, and the importance of community. Brigitte’s work focuses on supporting people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Whether someone is navigating loss, emotional hardship, or major life transitions, her approach is rooted in compassion, listening, and mee...

In this episode, we sit down with Kathryn Wood and Amanda Horn from the North Bay Choral Society to talk about music, community, and the power of singing together. The choir has grown from 25 members to nearly 75 voices strong since covid, and their upcoming spring concert is an all-Canadian celebration featuring beloved classics, Indigenous pieces, local talent, and a few surprises along the way....

At just 22 years old, Destiny Martin is learning what it really means to build a life on her own terms. In this episode, she talks about how her future in social work and why it's important for her, how she started her own business on the side and her love of horses. We chat about what it’s like to start a business from scratch, the challenges of being young and ambitious, and how growing up aroun...

Building a business from the ground up takes passion, long hours, and a deep connection to the people it serves. Knowing when it’s time to step away can be just as challenging. In this episode we sit down with Dale Luckey the founder of Blendz. She reflects on how the store came to life, what it meant to her and the community, and how she reached the decision to let go. She also shares the next ch...

It all started with a few students talking about musicals in their dorm rooms. Now, they’re writing, directing, and performing full productions on campus. In this episode, we chat with Danielle Denault, Megan Covell and Quinn Staines who are members of the Nipissing University Theatre Guild. They share what it took to start the club, how they pulled off their first shows, and what it's like to bui...

In this episode, we chat with Danielle, the artist behind Monarch Body Art by Danielle, a business that’s been bringing colour, creativity, and joy to events all around North Bay. Danielle talks about how her love for art and working with people led her to start painting faces at parties and community events. What started as a fun side gig has grown into something much more. Something that spreads...

As the year wraps up, we’re taking a moment to look back at everything that made 2025 such a memorable one for the Echo Podcast Network. In this episode the Echo team gets together to reflect on the year that was, the guests and topics we want to tackle in 2026 and when is it too late to do your Christmas shopping?

Good Atlas is a creative space, a supply shop, a gallery and a place built on intention, emotion, and community.  In this episode, we sit down with Colin Davis, the artist and entrepreneur behind it all alongside his partner. He shares how Good Atlas came to life, what drives his work, and why creating a space that welcomes curiosity and conversation matters so much to him. We talk about the feeli...

In this episode, we sit down with Haley, the founder of Oak & Willow, to talk about how a simple idea for toilet pods turned into a business that's changing the way people think about everyday products. Haley shares how she created and grew a brand that puts people and the planet first. We talk about the moment her products went viral, the chaos that followed, and how she kept her values front...

Talbots Throwbacks is one of those places that makes you stop and look around. Vintage clothing, classic records and one-of-a-kind finds everywhere you turn. At the heart of it all is Ben Talbot, a young vintage curator who turned his love for design and nostalgia into a full-on storefront in downtown North Bay. In this episode, Ben shares how Talbots Throwbacks began in his basement, what keeps h...

What happens when you give people the tools, space, and support to build whatever they imagine? In this episode, we visit the Near North Makerspace, a community-powered hub in downtown North Bay where people of all ages come together to learn, create, and collaborate. From 3D printing and laser cutting to sewing machines and soldering irons, this space is all about turning ideas into reality. Yaa...

What does a hundred years of history look like on one sheet of paper? In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Hoffman, the artist behind the poster that captures 100 years of North Bay. He shares how the project came to life, the meaning behind the illustrations, and the hidden nods to people and places that have shaped the city.  We’re also joined by Katie Bevan from The FARM, who is selling the...