Off the Map

In this episode, Conor speaks with Victor Bretting, owner of Bretting Texan Ranch in North Texas, about turning what began as a retirement project in 2020 into a 1,600-acre hunting ranch, lodge and retreat experience, while building a business rooted in hospitality, conservation and giving back.

Their conversation also explores Victor’s work supporting veterans and terminally ill children through donated hunts, the healing power of time outdoors, leadership and empathy, faith, succession, changing guest expectations, and what it takes to build something with purpose that can carry forward to the next generation.

In this episode, Conor speaks with Melissa Herod, owner of Axed & The Bunker in Blue Mountain Village, Ontario, about growing from a mobile axe-throwing trailer into a permanent tourism experience, expanding into a retro arcade gaming lounge, and navigating the realities of operating in a high-traffic resort destination.

Their conversation also explores the challenges facing Canada’s small tourism operators, from rising overhead and shifting visitor spending to staffing, guest experience, visibility, resilience, and the constant need to pivot when the market changes around you.

Off the Map explores the people, places, and experiences shaping Canada’s tourism landscape beyond the usual routes. Hosted by Conor Phillips, the podcast brings listeners into thoughtful conversations with tourism operators, experience creators, and community builders who are doing things differently.

In this episode, Conor speaks with Susan Robertson, owner of Susan Robertson Pottery in Broderick, Saskatchewan, about transforming a 40-year pottery practice into an artisan tourism destination through the Economuseum program, studio tours, and hands-on visitor experiences.

Their conversation also explores the realities facing Canada’s small tourism operators and artisan businesses, from marketing and online booking challenges to succession planning, cooperative regional promotion, and the value of helping visitors discover the creative, cultural, and deeply local gems hiding in plain sight.

Off the Map explores the people, places, and experiences shaping Canada’s tourism landscape beyond the usual routes. Hosted by Conor Phillips, the podcast brings listeners into thoughtful conversations with tourism operators, experience creators, and community builders who are doing things differently.

In this episode, Conor speaks with Kim Yeaman, owner of Brennan’s Hill Camping and Cabins in South River, Ontario, about building a 100-acre off-grid campground rooted in sustainability, quiet, nature connection, and intentional guest experiences.

Their conversation also explores the realities facing Canada’s small tourism operators, from marketing and visibility challenges to the need for better access to resources, more practical support, and growth models that value depth of experience over sheer volume.

Off the Map explores the people, places, and experiences shaping Canada’s tourism landscape beyond the usual routes. Hosted by Conor Phillips, the podcast brings listeners into thoughtful conversations with tourism operators, experience creators, and community builders who are doing things differently.

In this episode, Conor speaks with Salma Burney, co-owner of Off Grid Adventure in New Brunswick, about sustainable off-grid living, horse camping, dark-sky tourism, equine wellness, and the realities of building a tourism business rooted in nature, resilience, and rest.

Their conversation also explores the bigger challenges facing Canada’s small tourism operators, from visibility and insurance to the growing need for domestic, sustainable travel.