At just 22 years old, Destiny Martin is learning what it really means to build a life on her own terms.

In this episode, she talks about how her future in social work and why it's important for her, how she started her own business on the side and her love of horses.

We chat about what it’s like to start a business from scratch, the challenges of being young and ambitious, and how growing up around entrepreneurs shaped the way she thinks about work and life.

0:00 Intro
5:00 Why She Chose Social Work
12:00 Her Love for Horses
17:00 Building a Business from Scratch
26:00 Growing Up with Entrepreneurs

Building a business from the ground up takes passion, long hours, and a deep connection to the people it serves. Knowing when it’s time to step away can be just as challenging.

In this episode we sit down with Dale Luckey the founder of Blendz. She reflects on how the store came to life, what it meant to her and the community, and how she reached the decision to let go.

She also shares the next chapter in her life, including exploring new creative paths, embracing change, and opening herself up to new adventures and opportunities.

0:00 Intro
5:31 How Blendz started and grew from a yoga studio back room 
12:08 Building the Blendz brand and standing out as dairy free
19:22 Selling Blendz and knowing it was time to move on
39:02 New adventures ahead

It all started with a few students talking about musicals in their dorm rooms. Now, they’re writing, directing, and performing full productions on campus.

In this episode, we chat with Danielle Denault, Megan Covell and Quinn Staines who are members of the Nipissing University Theatre Guild.

They share what it took to start the club, how they pulled off their first shows, and what it's like to build something from the ground up while juggling student life.

Get your tickets for their production of "Grease" here: https://nutheatre.booktix.ca/

0:00 – Intro
3:05 – The First Production: Mamma Mia!
7:44 – Building Community Through Theatre
12:10 – The Magic of Ensemble
17:28 – Audition Surprises and Standout Talent
26:35 – Where to See Grease and Get Involved

In this episode, we chat with Danielle, the artist behind Monarch Body Art by Danielle, a business that’s been bringing colour, creativity, and joy to events all around North Bay.

Danielle talks about how her love for art and working with people led her to start painting faces at parties and community events. What started as a fun side gig has grown into something much more. Something that spreads happiness, encourages self-expression, and makes people of all ages feel seen and celebrated.

0:00 Intro
:15 Clown Giggles & Balloon Dogs
7:10 Techniques, Tools, and Rainbow Cakes
13:25 Birthday Parties and Painted Legs
26:00 Danielle’s Upcoming Plans

As the year wraps up, we’re taking a moment to look back at everything that made 2025 such a memorable one for the Echo Podcast Network.

In this episode the Echo team gets together to reflect on the year that was, the guests and topics we want to tackle in 2026 and when is it too late to do your Christmas shopping?

Good Atlas is a creative space, a supply shop, a gallery and a place built on intention, emotion, and community.

 In this episode, we sit down with Colin Davis, the artist and entrepreneur behind it all alongside his partner. He shares how Good Atlas came to life, what drives his work, and why creating a space that welcomes curiosity and conversation matters so much to him.

We talk about the feeling behind the art, the purpose of keeping things a little open-ended, and how the shop supports both experienced artists and beginners alike.

Check out Good Atlas here: https://www.goodatlas.ca/

5:30 – Themes behind Colin's art and how people respond
13:00 – How Good Atlas began and what it is today
18:00 – What makes their gallery space so unique
26:30 – Painting techniques, live models, and final thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Haley, the founder of Oak & Willow, to talk about how a simple idea for toilet pods turned into a business that's changing the way people think about everyday products.

Haley shares how she created and grew a brand that puts people and the planet first. We talk about the moment her products went viral, the chaos that followed, and how she kept her values front and center through it all.

Find more about Oak & Willow Here: https://www.oakandwillow.store/


2:00 – Why this isn’t just a soap episode
6:55 – The TikTok moment that changed everything
11:30 – Competing with billion-dollar brands 
13:10 – Real sustainability vs. greenwashing
26:40 – Handmade in North Bay, Canadian-sourced
29:00 – Emotional moments at their pop-up event
32:00 – Why she would turn down the Dragons
35:55 – How Oak & Willow got its name

Talbots Throwbacks is one of those places that makes you stop and look around. Vintage clothing, classic records and one-of-a-kind finds everywhere you turn. At the heart of it all is Ben Talbot, a young vintage curator who turned his love for design and nostalgia into a full-on storefront in downtown North Bay.

In this episode, Ben shares how Talbots Throwbacks began in his basement, what keeps him hunting for great pieces, and why curating a vibe matters just as much as selling furniture.

We talk music, collecting, small business, and what it means to build something unique right where you grew up.

0:00 – Stepping into Talbots
3:10 – Starting out in the basement
6:00 – Why mid-century design still feels fresh
9:30 – Where the pieces come from
12:45 – Records, music, and setting the vibe
16:00 – Doing business in your hometown
20:00 – What’s next for Talbots

What happens when you give people the tools, space, and support to build whatever they imagine?

In this episode, we visit the Near North Makerspace, a community-powered hub in downtown North Bay where people of all ages come together to learn, create, and collaborate.

From 3D printing and laser cutting to sewing machines and soldering irons, this space is all about turning ideas into reality.

Yaa Clark, one of the passionate minds behind the project, shares how the Makerspace got started, what it offers, and why it's become such a valuable part of the downtown community.


02:15 – What is the Near North Makerspace?  
05:30 – Laser cutters & 3d printers
08:00 – The meaning of “makers” vs. “creators”  
10:15 – Free afterschool programs for youth  
12:00 – Community events and the Christmas Walk  
20:00 – What this space means to the community

What does a hundred years of history look like on one sheet of paper?

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Hoffman, the artist behind the poster that captures 100 years of North Bay.

He shares how the project came to life, the meaning behind the illustrations, and the hidden nods to people and places that have shaped the city. 

We’re also joined by Katie Bevan from The FARM, who is selling the poster at her store and celebrating 15 years of business!

She talks about the downtown and some of the neat upcoming events heading into the festive season.


2:50 Easter Eggs in the poster 
7:00 The FARM celebrates 15 years
14:00 Christmas Walk
23:00 Creating the poster
30:00 Where can you find it?