Shows / Behind The Village Podcast
Behind The Village Podcast
Life doesn’t come with a map and we’re on a journey to figure out what makes a life worth living. Behind The Village invites you to join a collective journey to understand how to live with intention and joy. Together, we learn, unlearn, and reimagine: from mental health to work-life balance, relationships to creativity. Welcoming, real, and full of discovery - join us as we chase honest answers and build a happier life, one conversation at a time.
Episodes
Behind The Village PodcastGrief Starts at Diagnosis, Not at Death | Amy Pritzker & Terri Gortnar
People will forgive you for saying something clumsy to someone who is grieving. What's harder to forgive, Amy Pritzker tells us, is not showing up at all. Amy…
Behind The Village PodcastCaregiver Burnout and the Break Nobody Takes | Carolyn Harris, LaToya Hillson & Terri Gortnar
Terri Gortnar was told her three year old daughter wouldn't see her tenth birthday. Six weeks later, she found out her son had the same disease. This episode…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Horror Movie Formula That Explains Our Fear of Death | Lauren Andrew
Lauren Andrew looked up how horror writers build fear, then realized the exact same formula explains why we're so afraid of dying. This is Lauren's second time…
Behind The Village PodcastHow to Show Up for Someone Grieving | Carol Richardson & Terri Gortnar
Most of us freeze when someone close to us is grieving. Carol and Terri know what actually helps, because they've lived it from both sides. Carol Richardson…
Behind The Village PodcastWhy We Don't Talk About Death | Lauren Andrew, Terri Gortnar & Carol Richardson
Terri Gortnar knew her daughter's timeline for years. She fought to bring treatment to Canada, arranged hospice care at home, and stayed ahead of every piece…
Behind The Village PodcastHow a Ripple of Kindness Becomes a $300,000 Wave | Ashley Lehmann & Amber McGarvey-Moreland
Two hundred dollars feels small. A hundred women giving two hundred dollars at once turns into something else entirely. That's the idea behind Ripple of…
Behind The Village PodcastPreserving Veteran Stories Across 17 Countries | Zach Dunn
Zach Dunn has interviewed over 165 veterans from 17 allied countries, and he does it all with an iPhone, a $30 tripod, and a $10 mic. It started when he found…
Behind The Village Podcast40 Years of Hunting Rare Comic Books and Collectibles | Carmine De Santo
Carmine De Santo bought his first comic book in 1978. By 16, he'd opened his own shop. Four decades later, he's still in the game, running Dr. Comics in…
Behind The Village PodcastLeaving a Disney Show to Teach Kids How to Draw | Brad Ferguson
Brad Ferguson spent years building an animation career most people would never walk away from. Emmy-winning shows. Directing for Disney. Showrunning over 180…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Homeless Shelters to Playing for Team Canada at The Homeless World Cup | Michael Fredson
Sport has a way of giving people something to hold onto. Michael Fredson is helping build an entire organization around that idea. Michael is the owner of…
Behind The Village PodcastSurviving a Decade of Human Trafficking | Angel Power
Angel Power was groomed by her father's friend, trafficked for nearly a decade, and told by everyone around her that she was safe. She wasn't. This is her…
Behind The Village PodcastHow Porcupine Quills Become Art | Dillon Bickell
Dillon Bickell is an Anishinaabe quill worker from Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and one of only a handful of people in his community still practising this…
Behind The Village PodcastIndigenous Identity, Drag, and Mental Health | Rodaysha Red Ashes
Rodaysha Red Ashes is a local drag performer who turned shyness, anxiety, and a casual conversation at Home Depot into a stage career that changed their life…
Behind The Village PodcastWhy Reducing Unhappiness Isn't the Same as Being Happy
Reducing unhappiness isn't the same as being happy, and most people don't know the difference. In this episode of Behind the Village, we explore why avoiding…
Behind The Village PodcastRedefining Success as a Creative And a Parent | Anne Douris
What happens when you build your entire identity around work, then realize it's not enough? In this episode of Behind the Village, we sit down with animator…
Behind The Village PodcastHow Does Santa Visit a Billion Houses in One Night? (And Other Questions Kids Actually Asked)
Ever wondered how Santa actually pulls off Christmas Eve, or what he does the other 364 days of the year? In this special holiday episode of our Behind the…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Hardest Thing I Ever Did: Saying No and Slowing Down | Risha Yorke
In this episode of our Behind the Village podcast, we sit down with Risha Yorke from Yorke Motivational Consulting to explore her powerful journey from burnout…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Art of Making Career Changes and Designing Your Path | Jessica Lovett
Reinvent your career with Jessica Lovett in this inspiring episode where we dive deep into career transitions, career development, and embracing change. Join…
Behind The Village PodcastReinventing Retirement, Practicing "Do Nothing", and Finding Peace | Mike Bailey
In this episode of Behind the Village Podcast we sit down with Mike Bailey, a lifelong learner who spent decades reinventing his working life, moving from…
Behind The Village PodcastRetiring at 48, Following Laughter, and Finding Purpose | Mark Vessey
In this episode of the Behind the Village Podcast, we explore early retirement, work‑life balance, and how to choose presence and purpose even when life takes…
Behind The Village PodcastWhat If Work Was Designed Around Life?
Work should serve life, not the other way around. In this episode of the Behind the Village Podcast, we talk about work life balance, slow living, and how we…
Behind The Village PodcastHow StagePro Canada Turned an Idea on a Napkin Into a Product | Marc Bennett
Join us as we explore Marc Bennett’s inspiring entrepreneurship journey with StagePro Canada—a game-changing product designed to boost confidence and…
Behind The Village PodcastBuilding a David Bowie Experience: Behind the Scenes of The Bowie Lives Show | Michael Bell
Step into the world of David Bowie as we explore the creative journey behind "The Bowie Lives" show with Michael Bell! In this episode we dive deep into…
Behind The Village PodcastInsider Tips to Explore Ontario’s Waterways and Support Canadian Tourism | Karen Feeley
In this episode we explore all the local tourism you can do through Ontario’s Waterways with Karen Feeley, PR and Communications Officer for Ontario Waterways…
Behind The Village PodcastBuilding Trust in The Construction Industry | Jordan & Kirsten O’Coin
In this episode of the Behind The Village podcast, we sit down with Jordan and Kirsten O’Coin, the dynamic duo behind 5th and Seven Custom Contracting. We…
Behind The Village PodcastBuilding a Sustainable Future Together | Sarah Patterson
Join us as we explore how to build a sustainable future together with Sarah Patterson, president of Common Earth and Sustainable Orillia. In this insightful…
Behind The Village PodcastInside Mariposa Folk Festival's History: 50+ Years of Music, Mayhem & Magic | Michael Hill
Step inside the fascinating world of the Mariposa Folk Festival with historian Michael Hill as we explore 50+ years of music, mayhem, and magic that have…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Local Roots to Global Stage: The Free Label's Story | Cole Mendez & Jacob Thompson
From local roots to the global stage, join us as we explore the incredible journey of The Free Label in this episode of the Behind the Village podcast. We talk…
Behind The Village PodcastBuilding a New Business: Mariposa Millwork’s Journey from Vision to Reality | Kevin Keddy
Join us as we dive into the story behind Mariposa Millwork, a new local business in Orillia. In this episode of the Behind the Village podcast, Kevin Keddy…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Hidden Impact of Tariffs in RVs & The Story Behind The Hitch House | Tom Stoate
This Behind The Village Podcast episode features Tom Stoate, President of The Hitch House. We dive deep into how tariffs are reshaping the RV industry…
Behind The Village PodcastNixon Boyd on Creativity, Struggles, and The Grind of Being a Musician
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…
Behind The Village PodcastIt Takes A Village to Protect a Child: CYAC Simcoe Muskoka | Kate Waugh
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…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Farmers' Market to a Company: The Story Behind Poppies Bagels | Britt and Cam
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…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Heart of a Community: Inside Manticore Books | Michael Fredson
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…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Secrets to a Clutter-Free Home and Happy Mind | Marika Fox
Discover the secrets to a clutter-free home and happy mind with decluttering expert Marika Fox! Marika shares her inspiring journey toward helping individuals…
Behind The Village PodcastTurning Art Into Impact: Inside North Simcoe Arts | Anitta Hamming
In this episode, we dive into the transformation of North Simcoe Arts with special guest Anitta Hamming, founder of Creative Nomad Studios and strategic…
Behind The Village PodcastInside Mariposa Folk Festival’s 65-Year Legacy | Pam Carter & Spencer Shewen
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 Village PodcastInside the World of Wildlife & Pest Control Experts | Will McIntosh
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…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Wildlife Conservation to Education: Inside Speaking of Wildlife | Krystal Hewitt
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…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Ashes to Earth: A Sustainable Legacy | Lauren Andrew of AWAKE
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…
Behind The Village PodcastConfidence, Courage & Career Shifts | Hillary Handy
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…
Behind The Village PodcastBehind the Scenes of A Real Estate Agent | Gillian Stockdale
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…
Behind The Village PodcastA Mother's Perspective: Autism, Addiction & Resilience | Jackleen Givens
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…
Behind The Village PodcastUnlock Your True Potential: How to Lead Without Fear | Risha Yorke
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…
Behind The Village PodcastHow Resilience Built This Unique Ontario Farm Brewery | Catherine Pearson
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…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Doubts to 6,500 YouTube Subscribers: Timber Designs | David Ardito
Join us as we explore how David turned his woodworking hobby into a thriving YouTube channel, Timber Designs. Sharing tool reviews, beginner-friendly projects…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Stay-at-Home Mom to Magazine Publisher | Anna Proctor
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…
Behind The Village PodcastWhy Can't I? Redefining Ambition and Overcoming Fear
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…
Behind The Village PodcastFrom Passion to Practice: The Journey of a Veterinarian | Dr. Kathy Marchildon
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…
Behind The Village PodcastHow to Start a Business, Thrive, and Unlock Opportunities With the Orillia CDC | Jim Fitzgerald
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…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Art of Questioning, Creativity, and Innovation | Kelly Parke
In this episode of our Behind The Village podcast, we welcome Kelly Parke, a creative powerhouse with a diverse background that spans television, engineering…
Behind The Village PodcastTelecare Distress Line: The Power of Conversation | Kate Henderson
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…
Behind The Village PodcastBecoming an Artist: Persistence and Passion | Lindsay Smail
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…
Behind The Village PodcastMariposa Arts Theatre: The Heart of Orillia's Community Theatre | Stevie Baker
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…
Behind The Village PodcastNavigating Housing Affordability: Insights from City & County Experts | Janette McGee & Robin Chapman
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…
Behind The Village PodcastTurning Pizza into 35 Years of Success at Bedrock Cafe | Peter Schembri
In this episode, join Mikaila Bolzonello as she sits down with Peter Schembri, the driving force behind Bedrock Cafe, a beloved family-run pizza restaurant…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Surprising Way Connection Beats Competition in Marketing | Jiun Liao
In this insightful episode, hosts Jiun and Mikaila dive deep into the essence of marketing and its transformative power for small businesses. With the backdrop…
Behind The Village PodcastEclectic Cafe: Chasing Dreams and Redefining Culinary Norms | Melanie Robinson
In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Chef Melanie Robinson, the owner of Eclectic Café, a beloved culinary gem in…
Behind The Village PodcastThe Importance of Fundraising and Crisis Support | Lynn Thomas
In this episode, I had a moving conversation with Lynn Thomas, a dedicated professional fundraiser and development director at North Simcoe Victim Services…
Behind The Village PodcastOrillia Museum (OMAH) Celebrates 25 Years of Art and History! | Ninette Gyorody
In this episode, join Jiun Liao as he welcomes Ninette Gyorody, the Executive Director of the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), to discuss the museum's…