This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's Diaries of a Lodge Owner, I am so excited to bring to you a wonderful group of guys as we sit around the table and sum up our annual musky fishing trip. For the first time, our group of five has expanded to include two sons and one father. 

And it reminded me of one of the most important things in life, spending quality, undistracted time in nature with the ones you love. And it is my pleasure to introduce Brian and his son, Dec Ingram, Pat and his dad, Bob Tryon, Paul Cooperschmidt, and my son, Mikey, to all of you. 

As Canadians, we are so blessed to have such rich natural resources steeped in history at our fingertips. And it is in our DNA as human beings. To explore and experience it. And in my humble opinion, there is nothing that brings us closer together than sharing time in nature without distraction with the ones we love. And I know for a fact that if we took more time to disconnect from our phones and daily stresses of life, to reconnect with our children, family and friends, This world 100 percent would be a better place on this show.

We sit around the old cottage table and talk about our experience, tell a tale or two, and we even share the blueprint for the highlight of any trip: how to prepare a proper Upper French River Shore Lunch.  So if you're searching for a way to reconnect with your loved ones,  listen to this. Here's the round table conversation with the Muskie Hunters. 

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we sit down with one of our country's finest fly fishermen, whose roots run over 25 years deep in the television industry.

But the path he followed from the back rooms of TSN to the forefront of WFN must have seemed like a thousand winding roads. His journey saw him produce and host WFN shows like... Reel Road Trip and Guided, which laid the foundation for where he is today. And it is my pleasure to sit with this co-owner and co-host of one of the most popular fly fishing television shows on the planet, The New fly Fisher television show. I know you will love spending time with this outstanding angler and amazing family man, Mark Melnyk.

On this show, we see Mark in a different light, a truly raw and honest look at where he came from, his struggles, and ultimately his many successes along the way. So grab them New Fly Fisher rods and hold on tight. You won't want to miss getting to know Mark Melnyk.

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's, Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we tackle a large topic - the health of our ecosystems and shed some light on what's happening in Northern Ontario.

When you own a business that revolves around, and literally lives inside an ecosystem,a prudent owner knows it's crucial to protect it. We sell experiences based in nature that revolve around clean water, fresh air, and the stunning beauty of the flora and fauna within. One of my greatest joys was sharing with my guests the extraordinary beauty of nature in a way that very few could and, over the years, I was always involved in protecting our resources in any way possible and that continues to this day.

So when I found this passionate, ambitious young man doing the same thing, I had to jump on board. This host of the Wild Ontario Podcast can be found on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. And it is my pleasure to introduce to you, James Alofs.

On this show, we focus on the use of glyphosates, one of the most controversial chemicals on the planet. Some studies say this herbicide does not affect the health of the environment at all. Some studies say it is a probable cause of cancer in humans. What else is affected? Why is it used? And is it necessary? And with the health of our ecosystems in mind, should we be doing something about it? You be the judge.

So if you want to know what's going on in our outdoors, you need to take this one in. And I think you will be stunned to find out what's going on right under our noses.

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's, Diaries of a Lodge Owner, I grab the reins and go this one solo.

Well folks, with fall briskly marching on, my favourite time of the year is quickly slipping away into winter, once again. And this change in seasons always forces me into a very sad task, closing the cottage until spring.

But, as a lodge owner for over a decade, I learned how to become extremely efficient at this task, and I wanted to sit down and talk to you about some cottage closing cracks that I learned the hard way.

On this show, I take you through UV lights docking systems and s***  pipes Share some of the wee nuggets that I learned along the way over the years To help you save time and money when it comes to closing up your cottage for the winter.
 
So if you have a place to winterize, or just want to hear some stories about me doing it the hard way, then stay tuned, I know you will enjoy these cottage closing cracks!

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast  Network's, Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we explore one of the most fundamental ingredients used in raising one's vibration, building relationships and creating long-lasting memories and experiences. That ingredient... Music.

One of the traits that defines the human species above all others is our passion to make, listen, and enjoy music together, something we've been doing since the beginning of time. It is one of the keys to my success as a lodge owner, and once again, while I was enjoying a visit to the lodge, through music, I met and thoroughly enjoyed an evening with another musician and all around fantastically interesting guy. And I knew I had to introduce him to all of you.

Folks, meet Rory Wardell.

On this show, we talk about the power of music, the positive ways it affects everyone it touches, and how it has moulded us into the people we are today. We share stories of how music has bridged gaps and how it can and has created long-lasting memories in the minds of people in every facet of life.

So pull a stump and a six-string up round the old campfire as we pick, and you grin, and we get to know Rory Wardell!

This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio's Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we get into the mind of a man who seized the day and turned his passion into a way of life. With a great story and an outstanding product, I know you will thoroughly enjoy getting to know this titan of the handcrafted musky-bait-making world, the boss man himself, Paul Festerio.

On this show, we get to know this kingpin and the passion that drives him to hunt down this toothy lion of the lake. We share some stories and learn how to tune and use these iconic boss shad baits right from the source. So if you're wondering who's the boss, well, the big boss man himself is in the house.

The creator of the Boss Shad Muskie Bait Company, Paul Frusterio.

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we enjoy some time at the cottage and sit with one of the longest-standing families to have ever graced the legendary waters of the Upper French River. Since 1963, they have visited one of Canada's finest watersheds, and to this day, the river has always called them back.

When I owned the lodge, this Ohio family stayed with me twice, every year for nearly a month, and they were some of my best advocates. We laughed, fished, and had some outstanding times together. And I loved every minute with Chris, Sue, and Katie Schock.

On this show, we talk about the way it was, the great times gone by, and the way it is now.

So relax, grab a bevy, and enjoy getting to know the Schock family!

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's Diaries of a Lodge Owner, it is my pleasure to introduce you to one of the finest people I have ever met. Our journey began when he came to help me in the kitchen at the lodge, and for five years his integrity and loyalty to me and the business was steadfast and he positively impacted everyone around him.

This self-taught pastry chef seized the moment and thrived in the kitchen at the lodge, and he created some of the most outstanding desserts ever and in my opinion, they were nothing short of legendary. His hard work and great overall attitude were paramount in the smooth operation at the lodge, and I am so thankful that he is here with us today.

Pastry chef, Micah Ricci.

On this show, we become immersed in a day in the life of a pastry chef living and working at a seasonal northern island resort. We see the operation from Micah's perspective, from the kitchen looking out. We share some awesome stories and have some laughs, and really get a good feel of what it's like to live and work in a place of isolation.

So sit back and enjoy. I can't wait to share the side of this business that you rarely see. You just don't know what happens in the back of the house. So grab your knife and fork, take a seat at the old dinner table and enjoy these stories from inside the kitchen with pastry chef Michah Ricci!

 This week on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network's Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we sit with Frank and Chris and get to know the voices behind the Ugly Pike Podcast.

We get a glimpse into who they are, their story, and learn a little along the way. On this show, we pick the brains of these two muskie fishing fanatics who are determined to build the single largest database of muskie-angling educational material in the world. And with over 141 podcasts and a website dedicated to chasing this freshwater apex predator, they are well on their way. 

So if you love muskie fishing or just enjoy great stories, stay tuned while we get to know Frank and Chris from the Ugly Pike podcast.!

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio's Diaries of a Lodge Owner podcast, I opened up with this young, well-studied gentleman, Pat Tryon, as we look within and explore the concept of spirituality, the power of the mind, and the law of attraction.

On this episode, I share  some thoughts and real-life stories that shaped my success and altered the way that I think. We discuss the importance of prayer, meditation, reaching stillness, and the power of being in the now.

So open your mind and heart as we embark on a spiritual journey and explore the things we can't see or touch... but can only feel .