For generations of Canadians, The Tragically Hip became more than a band.

They became campfire songs at the cottage.
Road trip soundtracks.
Hockey arena anthems.
And part of the fabric of Canadian life itself.

On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip for a conversation about music, memory, creativity, and Canada.

Paul reflects on the band’s early days playing Kingston pubs and basements, the chemistry that made The Hip special, and how the songwriting process evolved over decades together. He shares stories about cottage life, fishing from his pontoon boat, favorite Ontario backroads, and how surreal it feels knowing Hip songs became part of so many Canadian summers and campfire moments.

The conversation also explores Paul’s solo work, including his latest release Smooth Rock Falls—an album shaped by family, loss, reflection, and rediscovering creativity after The Hip.

In this episode:

• The early Kingston pub days and building The Tragically Hip
• How the band’s songwriting evolved over time
• Why Hip songs became tied to Canadian identity
• Cottage life, fishing, and Ontario backroads
• Writing and recording Smooth Rock Falls
• Touring again
• Reflections on the final Kingston concert
• What still inspires Paul creatively today

This episode feels like a long conversation around a Canadian campfire—with stories, music, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for country living.

🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads

Follow Paul on Instagram @paullangloismusic

The Tragically Hip @thetragicallyhip

What starts as a backyard passion project can turn into something much bigger.

On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie sits down with Susie Bulloch, founder of Hey Grill Hey, to talk about barbecue, family, entrepreneurship, and building one of the internet’s biggest grilling communities from the ground up.

What began in 2015 as a simple recipe blog and love for feeding people has grown into a global BBQ brand with more than 750 recipes, millions of followers, bestselling products, and a thriving family-run business.

But at the heart of it all? Community.

Susie shares how she and her husband bet on themselves in 2017 when he left his corporate career to join the business full-time—and how they’ve raised their family while building a company together and enjoying great BBQ.

In this episode:

• How Hey Grill Hey grew from side hustle to BBQ powerhouse
• Why community matters more than algorithms
• The best beginner BBQ recipes to build confidence

• Why chicken thighs might beat brisket for beginners
• Susie’s must-have BBQ tool (every griller needs one)
• Balancing family life with entrepreneurship
• Her favourite low-and-slow cooks and BBQ sauces
• The mindset behind keeping recipes free and accessible

Whether you’re a hardcore pitmaster or just trying not to burn burgers at the cottage this summer—this episode is packed with fun, practical advice and real stories.

🔥 Grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and enjoy.

🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads

Follow Susie on Instagram @heygrillhey

www.heygrillhey.com

Country music doesn’t get more real than this.

On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Gord Bamford—one of Canada’s most successful country artists—for a conversation that goes way beyond the stage.

Fresh off the announcement of his upcoming performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Gord shares what this milestone means after 25 years in the industry—and why it might be the highlight of his entire career.

From growing up in rural Alberta to grinding it out playing small-town bars across Western Canada, Gord opens up about the journey, the lessons, and what it really takes to build a lasting music career.

In this episode:

• The story behind his Grand Ole Opry performance
• How small-town life shaped his music and mindsetThe importance of writing simple, relatable country songs
• His breakout moment with “Blame It On That Red Dress”
• Life as an independent artist—and why it works
• Touring small communities and building real fan connections
• Balancing music, business, and family life
• His new single “Loaded Eyes” and upcoming album

This is a conversation about staying grounded, staying real, and building a career your own way.

👉 If you love country music, cottage drives, and real stories—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads

Follow Gord on Instagram

@thegordbamford

www.gordbamford.com

What are people really buying in cottage country right now?

On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Holly Carroll—#1 best-selling author, luxury realtor, and Managing Director of The Agency Muskoka—to break down what’s actually happening in Ontario’s cottage country market… and why it’s about far more than real estate.

From recent rising water levels and shifting buyer behaviour to a market that’s slowly finding its footing again, Holly gives a real, grounded look at what’s driving decisions in cottage country right now.

But this conversation goes deeper.

Holly shares her philosophy on real estate as an emotional and lifestyle-driven experience—not just a transaction—and how helping clients find the right feeling matters more than checking every box.

In this episode:

• ​The real impact of high water levels this year
• ​Why today’s buyers are more cautious—and more intentional
• ​What’s driving the return of cottage market activity
• ​Why elevated properties are suddenly in demand
• ​How lifestyle, not features, sells cottages
• ​The shift from city life to Muskoka living
• ​Building authentic connection in business and life
• ​Holly’s journey into personal development, speaking, and writing

This is a conversation about finding your place, building connection, and redefining what “home” really means.

👉 Whether you’re buying, dreaming, or just love the cottage lifestyle—this one hits.

🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads

Follow Holly on Instagram

@hollyanncarroll

Fresh off her CMA Ontario nominations for Female Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year—driven by her powerful new single “Half-Hearted”—Angelica Appelman joins Jamie Allison on Boats, Beers & Backroads for a real, unfiltered conversation about finding your voice and betting on yourself.

Raised in a musical Italian family and trained in musical theatre, Angelica’s journey didn’t follow the typical country music path. From writing songs at 13 to process bullying, to navigating a life-changing car accident that reshaped her identity and sound, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and authenticity.

In this episode, Angelica opens up about:

• The turning point that led to her most honest music yet
• Why “Half-Hearted” is her most important release to date
• Balancing real life with chasing a music career
• Leaving a stable hospital job to pursue her calling
• Opening for major acts like Chase Rice at Route 905
• Why staying true to yourself beats chasing industry trends

This is a conversation about small-town perspective, big-stage dreams, and the courage to go all in.

👉 If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt pulled toward something bigger—this one hits home.

🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads

Follow Angelica on instagram @angelicaappelmanhttps://www.angelicaappelman.com

From Lake of the Woods to Bassmaster Classic history.

In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with professional angler Jeff Gustafson, better known in the fishing world as “Gussy.”

Jeff made history in 2023 when he became the first Canadian ever to win the Bassmaster Classic, one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional fishing.

Growing up on the shores of Lake of the Woods in Northern Ontario, Jeff turned a childhood passion for fishing into a global career. Today he competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series, while also working as a multi-species fishing guide, outdoor writer, and host of Fishing with Gussy.

In this conversation, Jeff shares:

🎣 What it was like growing up fishing Lake of the Woods🏆 The road to winning the Bassmaster Classic🧠 How technology has changed competitive fishing⚡ His signature jig-and-plastic techniques❄️ Why ice fishing season in northern Ontario keeps him grounded🌲 The balance between elite competition and peaceful days on the water

Whether you’re a tournament angler, weekend fisherman, or someone who simply loves life outdoors, this episode dives into what it takes to compete at the highest level while staying connected to the roots that started it all.

🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gussyoutdoorsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FishingWithGussyWebsite: https://www.gussyoutdoors.com

🔗 Follow Jeff Gustafson

Award-winning craft beer in the heart of Ontario cottage country.

In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Rama Sriharsha, brewmaster at Couchiching Craft Brewing Company in downtown Orillia.

What started as a local effort to bring even more energy to the downtown core has grown into one of cottage country’s most respected small-batch breweries — known for unfiltered, handcrafted beers and bold seasonal creativity.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How Couchiching Brewing was built to fill a community gap
• Rama’s background in chemistry and how science shapes great beer
• The challenge of maintaining quality while keeping prices competitive
• Brewing for the rhythms of cottage country seasons
• The story behind their unique Szechuan peppercorn lager
• Why community connection matters more than ever

If you love discovering great Ontario breweries, supporting local business, or just hearing how passion turns into pints — this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

@boatsbeersandbackroads @couchichingbrewing

https://www.couchichingbrewing.com/

👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share!

📍 Visit Couchiching Craft Brewing in downtown Orillia
🍺 Check their latest releases in the taproom and retail store

Strap in for a ride down the backroads of Canadian country rock.

In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, host Jamie Allison chats with Jason McCoy, frontman of The Road Hammers and CCMA Hall of Famer. From his early solo roots to building Canada’s most celebrated country-rock trio, Jason shares the real story behind the band’s high-octane sound and long-haul success.

They dig into:

• 🎶 The evolution of country music and “dirty hands, clean money” values

• The making of the new single “Till the Wheels Fall Off”

• 🔥 What it’s like to play with The Scorpions, Doc Walker, Chris Stapleton, and more

• 🛶 Jason’s love for Georgian Bay, boating, and cottage life

• 🎤 The key to keeping a band together after two decades

• 🌟 Why young artists should chase growth, not just streams

Whether you’re a country fan, a classic rock junkie, or just someone who loves a story about the influence of cottage country—this one’s for you.

• Jason McCoy (Instagram): @thejasonmccoy

• The Road Hammers (Instagram): @theroadhammers

• The Road Hammers (YouTube): The Road Hammers

• Website: www.theroadhammers.com

• Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads

• https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share!

Country artist Jessica Sole joins Jamie to talk songwriting, small towns, and the stories behind her viral hit “Strangers Don’t.”

In this fun, heartfelt episode, Jessica shares how growing up surrounded by music and nature in a small-town shaped her artistry. She reflects on how a childhood dream inspired by Avril Lavigne evolved into real success—with hits like“Think of Us” and her new single “Strangers Don’t” .

She opens up about friendship breakups, female support in country music, the growing city-country music crossover, and how she’s building a career that’s both authentic and exciting.

Where to Listen:

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & more.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe today and follow us on Instagram @boatsbeersandbackroads

Follow Jessica

Instagram @jessicasolemusic

TikTok @jessicasolemusic

Jessicasolemusic.com

What do you get when you mix craft beer, Scandinavian spa vibes, and Muskoka magic?

Jamie sits down with Greg Knight, the founder and president of the Muskoka Beer Spa, to explore how this one-of-a-kind destination came to life. From a brewery and pizza shop in a quiet town to a full-blown community hub with live music, beer ice rinks, and cozy cabins with their own keg machines—Greg’s vision is bold, rustic, and totally Canadian.

We dive into:

• The origin story of Muskoka Beer Spa (inspired in Prague!)
• Creating a space that brings people together through beer and backwoods hospitality
• What’s coming next for the spa and Clear Lake Brewing Co.
• Real talk for entrepreneurs building community-driven brands
• The joys of a nice Hazy IPA in the summer

Whether you’re a craft beer lover, spa junkie, or cottage life lover—this one’s for you.

🍻 Learn more: Follow @muskokabeerspa and @clearlakebrewingcompany on Instagram

Where to Listen:

https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & more.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe today and follow us on Instagram @boatsbeersandbackroads

@jamieallisonhr