What the Haliburton?

The use of food banks in Haliburton County continues to rise due to high food costs, low incomes and a variety of social factors. This year alone, usage has increased 27%, stressing our local food banks and inspiring a Christmas in July fundraiser. What's going on when families and individuals can't afford to put food on the table? To get some insight into that question and how we can all help, Bram and Adam speak to Louise Ewing, chair of the Christian Community Concern Centre - otherwise known as the 4Cs - a community organization that runs a thrift shop and food bank.

In the last of our series of interviews of Minden Hills Mayoral Candidates, we sit down with incumbent Bob Carter to discuss his record and plans for a third term.

In our third candidate interview for the 2026 Municipal Election, Bram and Lisa talk to Pat Kitcheman, a local building contractor and newcomer to politics. Pat tells us a bit about himself, why he's running, and what he would do if elected Mayor of his hometown.

Bram and Lisa host our second candidate interview with Pam Sayne. Pam is completing her third term as Minden Hills councilor and is now running for Mayor.

In this special mini-edition, we sit down with our reporter Adam Frisk and co-owner Simon Payne to discuss the launch of HI, The Highlander’s brand-new news and information app for Haliburton County.

HI delivers a clean, direct online feed of local updates straight to your phone. Built on a foundation of community trust, it features 100 per cent pure Haliburton County content sourced from The Highlander and local organizations you know and rely on. Adam and Simon break down how the app works, why it's a game-changer for local journalism, and how you can use it to stay connected to the Highlands.

Municipal election season is underway and we're kicking itoff at What the Haliburton with our first candidate interview of 2026. Tammy McKelvey is running for Mayor of Minden Hills after her first term on council. Lisa and Bram talk with Tammy about her candidacy and why she thinks she's the right person to lead Minden for the next four years.

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.