Meet Fatema Dhoondia — a four-time world amateur powerlifting champion, single mom, and absolute force of nature. Originally from Mumbai, Fatema moved to North Bay in 2022 and brought with her something fierce: unmatched resilience.

In this episode, we talk about how she went from 77lbs and struggling to find herself, to squatting over 313 lbs, coaching clients around the world, and raising a son who's her biggest fan. It’s about more than fitness — it’s mindset, motherhood, migration, and muscle.

This one will leave you inspired, fired up, and maybe ready to hit the gym.

00:00 – Cold open: Meet the “Mini Beast” from Mumbai
01:30 – Moving to Canada & Culture Shock in North Bay
05:00 – What It’s Like Starting Over in a Silent Winter
08:00 – Fatema’s Favorite Indian Dishes (and the local food hacks)
10:00 – How Her Fitness Journey Began at Rock Bottom
13:00 – From First Deadlift to World Championship
17:00 – The Real Power of Consistency (and Finding Your Why)
21:30 – Training Cycles, Nutrition & Coaching Clients Globally
27:00 – Stories That Stick: Coaching a 65-Year-Old Gym Newbie
30:00 – Balancing Work, Motherhood, and World-Class Lifts
35:00 – The First 100 Days in Canada: Advice for Newcomers
39:00 – Final Thoughts: Fill Your Cup, Then Overflow

Author, editor, gardener, and all-around creative force — Erin Alladin joins us to talk about her newest book "Wait Like a Seed", the beauty of permaculture, how children's literature can shape a better future, and why giving kids a connection to nature is more important than ever.

From food forests and butterflies to book publishing and the magic of slowing down, Erin shares how she plants seeds — literally and metaphorically — in young readers’ minds.

You can find "Wait Like a Seed" here: https://pajamapress.ca/book/wait-like-a-seed/ 


00:00 – Meet Erin Alladin: Author, Editor, Gardener, Dreamer
03:00 – What Is Permaculture and How Gardens Inspire Stories
09:00 – Writing Wait Like a Seed During Covid
15:00 – How Erin Got Into Children's Publishing and Editing
21:00 – What Makes a Great Kid’s Book (And What Kids Really Need)
30:00 – Darkness in Children's Stories: Why It Matters
36:00 – Growing Up Wild: Nature, Childhood, and Resilience
42:00 – Behind the Scenes of Creating Picture Books
48:00 – Erin’s Next Book + Final Thoughts on Seeds, Stories, and Hope

They build robots, win competitions, and sing karaoke on the bus home. Meet 1305, North Bay’s FIRST Robotics Team — a community-based powerhouse that's teaching students way more than how to wire a circuit board.

In this episode, we chat with Matthew, Kyla, and James about engineering, leadership, teamwork, and what it's like to compete (and win!) at the provincial level. From building "Monsoon" to launching 120 lb bots at high speeds, these students are literally shaping the future.

00:00 – Welcome + What Is FIRST Robotics?
05:00 – Community-Based Robotics: Who Can Join
10:00 – How Students Get Hooked on Building Bots
15:00 – From LEGO to Mississauga: The Journey to Provincials
20:00 – The Making of “Monsoon” (This Year’s Robot)
25:00 – How Driving the Robot Actually Works (Spoiler: Xbox!)
30:00 – Robot Battles, Rules & Olympic-Level Strategy
35:00 – Singing on the Bus: The Team Culture That Makes It All Worth It
40:00 – Awards, Outreach & How Robotics Builds Kids, Not Just Bots
45:00 – How to Join, Compete, and Support Team 1305

Jamie Carruthers is the kind of teacher every student remembers. But outside the classroom at Chippewa Secondary School, he’s quietly built a second life as a potter, painter, concert promoter, and all-around community champion.

From watercolor greeting cards to East Coast fiddlers, from charcuterie boards to charity fundraisers — Jamie’s creative spirit knows no bounds.

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we talk about his unexpected journey into the arts, how a lobster boat ride changed everything, and why he believes in saying yes to the unknown.

00:00 – 🍫 Cold Open: Chocolate Talk & Airline Stewardess Energy
05:00 – Meet Jamie Carruthers: Teacher, Artist & Concert Promoter
10:00 – The East Coast Connection & Summers in Nova Scotia
15:00 – From Science to Art: Pottery, Painting & Pandemic Inspiration
20:00 – How a Lobster Boat Ride Sparked a Music Movement
25:00 – Launching East Coaster Studios & Cards for Crabby People
30:00 – Promoting Live Music in North Bay: The First Few Concerts
35:00 – The April 28th Fundraiser feat. Madison Violet & Tara Spencer
40:00 – Dave Gunning, Rose Morrison & The May 26th Show
45:00 – Lenny Gallant’s Upcoming October Concert
50:00 – Closing Thoughts: Community, Creativity & Saying Yes

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we talk with Justin Robinson, founder of Honeycomb Promotions, about how he's breathing new life into North Bay’s underground music scene. From booking huge guests within the metal community and also giving a place for local bands to thrive.

We dive into his journey as a musician and how he turned into a music promoter and the long running history of North Bay's metal scene

00:00 – Intro
03:00 – The Origin of “Kylyk” and Band Naming Chaos
08:00 – A Crash Course in Metal Subgenres
13:00 – Writing, Screaming, and Vocal Techniques in Heavy Music
17:00 – Justin’s Musical Roots & First Gigs in North Bay
22:00 – The Black Dahlia Murder Show That Put North Bay on the Map
27:00 – What Happened to Live Music in North Bay?
31:00 – The Venues Bringing North Bay’s Music Scene Back to Life
34:00 – Women in Metal & Why You Should See a Show Before They Blow Up

In this episode, we sit down with Allister Thompson—musician, publisher, editor, and the author of Birch and Jay—a novel set 100 years in the future after climate collapse has reshaped the world.

We talk about the power of climate fiction, the gritty realities of getting published in Canada, and how Northern Ontario continues to influence his work.

Whether you’re a writer, reader, or just curious about the future, this conversation is for you.

For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials. 

Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEcho

Production Credits:

• Host: Lisa Boivin
• Producer: Ben Sargent
• Content Director: Dave Dale
• Produced by Story Studio Network & Clark Communications

Don't miss out on the latest from North Bay's cherished podcast – subscribe and join the conversation today!

In this inspiring episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Jack Lockhart, an accomplished artist, and educator.

Jack reflects on his creative journey, his belief that everyone can be an artist, and why art is a lifelong pursuit—not a profession.

Whether you're a painter, a dreamer, or someone who hasn’t picked up a brush since kindergarten, this episode will change how you think about creativity.

For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials. 

Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEcho

Production Credits:

• Host: Lisa Boivin
• Producer: Ben Sargent
• Content Director: Dave Dale
• Produced by Story Studio Network & Clark Communications

Don't miss out on the latest from North Bay's cherished podcast – subscribe and join the conversation today!

❄️ Ice fishing, first-time experiences & a deep dive into Indian culture – all from an ice hut on Lake Nipissing!

 In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Lisa takes us inside an ice fishing hut for an unforgettable conversation with Uphar, who is experiencing ice fishing for the first time! 🏕️🎣 🌍

What’s in this episode?
✔️ First-time ice fishing on Lake Nipissing – The struggle is real when your minnow keeps getting stuck!
✔️ A deep dive into Indian culture – Uphar shares fascinating insights about Punjab, India, languages, and traditions.
✔️ Cultural differences & adjusting to life in Canada – From overcoming stereotypes to finding community in North Bay.
✔️ Best Indian food in North Bay – Where to get the most authentic chai, dosa, and curries in town.
✔️ Upcoming podcast plans – A potential Indian food taste test episode in a local restaurant!

🎧 This episode is packed with adventure, culture, and hilarious moments from the ice hut!