The Backroads Bill Podcast

164 Episodes

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100 Years of Giesler Boats: Wooden Boats Built by Hand in Northern Ontario

2026-10-2836:22

In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, Gerry and Matt Giesler of Giesler Boats join Bill and Ben ahead of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2027. As third and fourth generation boat builders, they share how their family has been building cedar strip wooden boats by hand in Powassan for nearly a century.Gerry tells the story of his grandfather Bernie, a First World War veteran and blacksmith who built a boat to go fishing on Lake Nipissing, then sold it to tourists before he could keep it for himself. He also explains why the family settled on 1927 as the official start of the business.Matt walks through the building process, from steaming the ribs until they bend like noodles to shaping them over molds that date back generations.0:00 Intro5:24 How Bernie Giesler Got Started10:16 How a Wooden Boat Is Built16:51 Why Choose a Wooden Boat?30:40 Celebrating 100 Years in 2027

Following the Voyageurs to New Post Falls

2026-10-2134:39

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Andre Bernier of Northern Spirit Adventures joins Bill and Ben to share how he brings the history of the voyageurs to life on the waters of Northern Ontario.Andre explains how his connection to New Post Falls began, how that place became tied to memories of his father, and how those experiences eventually inspired him to start leading voyageur canoe trips.Along the way, he shares stories of the fur trade, Indigenous history, old travel routes, traditional songs, medicinal plants, and the people who once travelled the same rivers centuries ago.0:00 Intro3:03 How Northern Spirit Adventures Began8:43 The Voyageur Experience16:29 Bringing Northern Ontario History to Life30:29 A Full Day on the River

Wabakimi After the Wildfires: What Comes Next?

2026-10-1438:07

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Margaret Wanlin of Wabakimi Outfitters joins the show to talk about the devastating wildfires that swept through northwestern Ontario and changed Wabakimi in a matter of hours.Margaret shares how the fire affected the lodge, outpost cabins and surrounding wilderness, along with the emergency efforts to help paddlers and visitors safely leave the area.She also reflects on the role outfitters play in remote wilderness travel and the importance of preparation, communication and risk management.0:00 Intro9:36 How the Wabakimi Wildfires Began12:13 Evacuating Paddlers From the Fire19:56 Rebuilding Wabakimi Outfitters36:03 Why Wilderness Must Endure

What Crying Can Teach Us About Being Human

2026-10-0747:33

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, author and minister Benjamin Perry joins the show to explore the ideas behind his book Cry Baby: Why Our Tears Matter and what crying can reveal about grief, identity, masculinity and emotional healing.Benjamin shares his own experience of going nearly a decade without crying and the process of learning how to reconnect with his emotions.Find more about Benjamin Perry here: https://www.benjaminjperry.com/0:00 Intro and Why Our Tears Matter09:32 Learning to Cry Again15:31 Shame, Masculinity & Tears27:48 Faith, Queerness & Healing42:10 Tears, Transformation & Hope

The Search for Sasquatch Comes to North Bay

2026-09-3026:01

In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Andrew MacKellar joins the show to talk about the upcoming North Bay Sasquatch Conference on October 10th and his own experiences investigating Sasquatch in Northern Ontario.Andrew shares how his interest in Sasquatch began, the research he has done alongside his father, and the personal encounter that strengthened his belief that something may be out there. To find more information head over to Facebook and search for Sasquatch Conference (North Bay)0:00 Sasquatch Comes to North Bay3:32 How Andrew Got Into Sasquatch8:48 Andrew’s Sasquatch Encounter15:01 Inside the Sasquatch Conference23:15 Conference Turnout & Final Details

#box-pro-ellipsis-179327936699726{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Backroads Bill Podcast