In this episode, we sit down with Barb Smith-Morrison, executive director of the Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre in the Algonquin Highlands. A cancer diagnosis brings overwhelming fear, grueling treatments, and deep emotional turmoil, not just for patients, but for their families too. While the medical system can often feel like an impersonal assembly line, Brooksong offers a tranquil haven dedicated to rest, renewal, and holistic healing.

Drawing from her nearly three decades as a Mennonite pastor and her own family’s experiences with cancer, Barb shares how Brooksong infuses hospitality into every retreat. Through nature immersion, yoga, massage, delicious food, and supportive discussions, visitors find a community. Find out how Brooksong provides a comforting space to lift individuals navigating their darkest days, fostering hope and emotional well-being along the way.

Why do turtles cross the road? It’s not a joke, it’s an ancient, dangerous journey. In this episode, we sit down with Leora Berman, the "turtle lady" and founder of Turtle Guardians, who has spent 20 years championing these living dinosaurs.

Turtles face massive threats from climate change and development, and because they take decades to mature, every breeding adult is vital to the ecosystem. Through Turtle Guardians, Berman has transformed Haliburton County and beyond, turning everyday drivers into life-saving volunteers equipped with shovels and gloves.

Operating one of Ontario's largest incubators, with 180 volunteers, the organization blends education, egg rescue, and innovative research, like installing "turtle tunnels" under roadways. Tune in to discover how Berman’s grassroots conservation effort uses community programming to ensure these slow-moving creatures survive and thrive.

The Mayor of Dysart, Murray Fearrey, passed away last week at 84. Bram and Mike talk with Murray's dear friend and Deputy Mayor, Walt McKechnie, about a remarkable 55-year career in local politics.

Jamie Schmale has been our MP for 11 years, all of that time in opposition, giving him plenty of time to consider what his party (the Conservative Party of Canada) would do better. In this episode, our MP drops by the podcast for a wide-ranging chat. We discuss recent floor-crossings, how MPs vote and what that means for our democracy. And we get MP Schmale's take on why rural Canada always seems to get the short end of the stick. Join us for an up-close report from our representative in Ottawa.

The County of Haliburton recently received a federal grant of $1.2 million to provide support to people in our community who are addicted to hard, often dangerous drugs. The money will be used to purchase a van and to hire support workers to "meet people where they are" with counseling and items like clean needles to make drug use less dangerous. But with these programs having a 1% success rate in getting people into drug rehabilitation programs, according to our guest, are we solving a problem or just feeding it? Is it kind and respectful to let addicts continue without judgment or forcing treatment, or is it cruel to let people who lack self control - that's what addiction is - harm themselves in potentially life-threatening ways? Bram and Lisa speak with guest Mike Slatter, Chief of EMS Services for Haliburton County about the new program and how we can get a grip on drug addiction in our communities.

Just how difficult has it become to make a living as a food service entrepreneur in Haliburton County? Bram and Adam talk to Claudette Petrie, owner of Poquito Loco in Haliburton Village. Her Mexican restaurant serves great food, has a prime location and a loyal customer base. So why is she closing it down after Labour Day this year? Spoiler alert: it has a lot to do with the same thing all of us are experiencing whenever we shop for groceries - ever higher food prices. But Claudette's not quite hanging up her sombrero for good... what's coming next? Join us for an honest look at the highs and lows of running your dream restaurant.

The Village of Minden was flooded again this year, despite commendable efforts by Parks Canada staff to maintain smooth water flows through the Trent-Severn system. With waters subsiding somewhat this past week, what happens next is largely dependent on how much rain falls over the next few days. Mayor Carter is back on the podcast to give us an update, explaining why flooding is so difficult to avoid and answering questions about why bridges and roads were closed. Can seasonal flooding in Minden ever be stopped for good? Join Lisa and Bram for this timely discussion.

Join Bram and Adam as we examine the intersection of fast food and content creation. In this episode we meet local food reviewer Guy Alaimo. Guy does food reviews from parking lots in Haliburton County and the surrounding area, drawing thousands of social media viewers to his punchy takes on take-out. You'll never look at a meatball sandwich the same way again.

Lisa and Bram speak with retired Municipal Chief and current chair of the Haliburton County OPP Detachment Board, Andrew Fletcher. The Board was set up to coordinate local community needs with OPP operations and has local representatives from our councils and the general public. What are the OPP's priorities in this area? Why are certain types of crime so difficult to stop? Our guest brings a lifetime of experience to this perennial discussion.

Bram and Lisa talk to The Highlander's new reporter, Adam Frisk. Get his newcomer's take on Haliburton County and hear all about the news and information app for Haliburton County launching in the next few weeks.