The Backroads Bill Podcast

Jerry and Matt Geisler describe a family boatbuilding business that selected 1927 as its start year based on a tourist-camp bill of sale.

The Backroads Bill Podcast follows Andre Bernier’s guided canoe trips from Smooth Rock Falls to New Post Falls on the Abitibi River.

Benjamin Perry tells the Backroads Bill Podcast that crying can be a full emotional experience of living, not a sign of weakness.

Ben talks with David Phillips, one of Canada's great climatologists, with more than 50 years in the field.

Ben talks with Juno-nominated Canadian artist Adrian Sutherland about his music, his latest novel *The Work of Our Hands*, and how those two sides of his work connect.

This episode explores the small town of Gogama in Northern Ontario, featuring an interview with a longtime resident about its history, challenges, modern adaptations like high-speed internet, and its connection to the legendary figure Joe Laflamme.

This episode explores how the town of Ignace in northwestern Ontario is using a proposed nuclear waste disposal site to revitalize its economy and prevent its decline after mill closures.

This episode explores the Wawa Runestone, a significant archaeological discovery in northern Ontario, featuring an interview with local historian Joanna Rowe about the find's background, research process, and future implications.

Host Ben interviews a star from Netflix's Outback Truckers about filming in Northern Ontario's ice roads and comparing the Australian outback to the region.

Host Ben interviews the 'snowshoe art guy' about creating aerial art in snow with snowshoes, including his work for the Olympics, PGA, and Blue Jays.

Host Ben interviews authors of a new book on outdoor education and experiential learning, featuring contributions from educators across Canada.

The episode discusses the current state of school board trustees in Ontario, their importance, and the provincial government's actions to remove them in certain areas.

An interview with a botanist and medical biochemist about the healing power of trees and her mission to revitalize forests worldwide.

Host Ben interviews Dr.

Host Ben interviews two female mayors from Northern Ontario about their experiences and challenges in politics.

Interview with director Peter Lynch about the 30th anniversary of the documentary Project Grizzly.

Ben centers the episode on Troy Herchemies, the North Bay native behind the bear suit and Project Grizzly.

The Backroads Build Podcast opens 2026 with a stop at White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School in Sault Ste.

Host Ben interviews a creator of the snowmobiling show Snow Tracks about the past, present, and future of snowmobiling in Northern Ontario.

This episode features an interview with Chris Dube, a high school teacher and surfer from Terrace Bay, discussing surfing on Lake Superior and his outdoor education work with students.

This episode features an interview with Ric Mixter, who has personally dived to the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, discussing his experiences, documentaries, and insights on the 50th anniversary of its sinking.

This episode features an interview with CBC producer Melody Jacobson about a new radio special exploring the history and impact of railways on Canada, released around Thanksgiving.

This episode features members of the Wilderness Canoe Association discussing their love for canoeing, the association's activities, and favorite outdoor routes for weekend adventures.

Host Ben interviews Sean and Lauren about their experience completing the Yukon 1000 canoe race, discussing preparation, challenges, and the race itself.

Host Ben interviews painter Claremont Duval about his life, career, and experiences in the local art scene.

Ben ties this episode back to earlier Backroads Bill stories about Gaylord True and his son Denny.

Host Ben celebrates the 100th episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, reflecting on the show's evolution and discussing the legacy of Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park with Bill.

An interview with bear specialist Rich Beausoleil about bear safety tips and how to survive a bear encounter.

An interview with winners of the Mattawa Canoe Race discussing the upcoming Yukon 1000, a 1,000-mile canoe race through the Yukon into Alaska.

Interview with Trees from Nipissing about tree preservation, planting, and the need for a tree bylaw in North Bay.

Host Ben interviews Maggie Wilson, president of the Cobalt Historical Society, about the rise and fall of the mining town of Cobalt, Ontario.

Host Ben interviews author Christine Fisher Guy about her novel 'The Umbrella Mender', which fictionalizes the 1950 tuberculosis outbreak in Moose Factory.

Hosts Bill and Ben interview Stephen Sharper about the parallels between faith and the environment, focusing on his book The Green Bible.

Host Ben interviews a man who biked from Quebec to Alaska and back, discussing his adventures, book 'Always Winning', and upcoming cycling tour.

Host Ben and guest Kevin Vincent discuss the story of Bill Gorilko, a Maple Leafs player who died after winning the Stanley Cup, and an expedition to retrieve wreckage from the crash site.