Episodes

  • What It Really Means to Be a Foster Parent

    What It Really Means to Be a Foster Parent
    Oct 20 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we mark Foster Family Appreciation Week by sitting down with local foster parent Alicia Freeman to talk about what foster parenting really looks like.

    Alicia shares her experience of welcoming children into her home, the emotional challenges that come with fostering, and why getting attached is not something to fear.

    She also explains the importance of supporting biological families, helping children stay connected to their communities, and working toward reunification whenever possible.

    If you are interested in fostering in the Nipissing & Parry Sound area, you can find more information here: https://www.parnipcas.org/

    0:00 Intro
    5:58 Getting Attached in Foster Care
    12:08 The Challenges of Fostering
    17:59 Support for Foster Families
    9:00 How You Can Get Involved
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    37 mins
  • Who Is natty_for_now? Meet North Bay’s Viral Basketball Star

    Who Is natty_for_now? Meet North Bay’s Viral Basketball Star
    Oct 6 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with John, better known online as natty _for_now, the local creator who has become a familiar face around North Bay with a basketball in hand and a balance board nearby.

    John shares how picking up a basketball again after decades away from the game turned into a new fitness routine, a creative outlet, and an unexpected social media following.

    He talks about finding an audience on TikTok, being recognized around the city, connecting with younger fans, and why he isn’t afraid to show the misses along with the makes.

    00:00 Meet natty_for_now
    04:47 How Basketball Changed Everything
    12:27 The Balance Board Routine
    18:00 The Story Behind the Name
    29:35 A Love Letter to North Bay
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    34 mins
  • Board Games, D&D & More: Inside North Bay Games and Hobbies

    Board Games, D&D & More: Inside North Bay Games and Hobbies
    Sep 15 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, David and Azu from North Bay Games and Hobbies join the conversation to talk about the store, the local gaming community, and why board games and tabletop gaming continue to grow in popularity.

    They share the history of the shop, how gaming has changed over the years, and why games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, Catan, and trading card games continue to bring people together.


    0:00 Intro
    4:49 Why Board Games Are Growing
    11:23 Game Nights & In-Store Play
    16:00 The Return of Dungeons & Dragons
    27:02 Building an Inclusive Gaming Community
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    33 mins
  • How a Conductor Brings an Orchestra to Life

    How a Conductor Brings an Orchestra to Life
    Sep 1 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, North Bay Symphony Orchestra conductor Josh Wood shares his journey into music and gives a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to lead an orchestra.

    Josh breaks down what a conductor is actually doing on stage, from keeping time and cueing musicians to shaping the volume, tempo, style, and overall interpretation of a piece.

    He also talks about the preparation that happens before a performance and why no two performances are ever exactly the same.

    0:00 Intro
    8:47 What Does a Conductor Do?
    17:42 How Conductors Shape the Music
    25:31 Inside the New Symphony Season
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    41 mins
  • The Voice of North Bay Country: Kevin Oschefski on Radio, Family & Community

    The Voice of North Bay Country: Kevin Oschefski on Radio, Family & Community
    Aug 18 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kevin Oschefski shares the story behind his journey in radio, his connection to North Bay, and the experiences that have shaped him both on and off the air.

    Kevin talks about how a love of music led him into broadcasting, the unexpected path that eventually put him behind the microphone, and the community work that has become one of the most meaningful parts of his career.

    He also opens up about his family’s experience with breast cancer, the lessons that came from supporting his wife through treatment, and the emotional inspiration behind his walks from Sudbury to North Bay.

    0:00 Intro
    5:43 Kevin’s Radio Journey
    12:54 Family, Cancer & Country Music
    20:48 Walking From Sudbury to North Bay
    29:39 Why North Bay Feels Like Home
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    33 mins
  • Have You Ever Thought, "I Can't Be the Only One"?

    Have You Ever Thought, "I Can't Be the Only One"?
    Aug 4 2026
    Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I can't be the only one"?

    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, local author Chantal Degagne shares the inspiration behind her book "I Can't Be the Only One Who..."

    After losing both of her parents just weeks apart, Chantal discovered that the feelings, quirks, habits, and experiences we often think make us different are actually what connect us.

    She explains how conversations with strangers and loved ones turned into a collection of stories that remind us we're never as alone as we think.

    0:00 Intro
    5:22 The Personal Story That Inspired the Book
    11:04 Finding Connection Through Shared Experiences
    18:28 Collecting Stories From Complete Strangers
    23:55 The Next Book: I Can't Be the Only Parent Who
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    33 mins
  • Can a High School Reunion Bring a Community Back Together?

    Can a High School Reunion Bring a Community Back Together?
    Jul 14 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with Kevin Smith, chair of the West Ferris Secondary School 55th Reunion, to talk about the memories, friendships, and community connections that make a high school reunion so much more than just a weekend event.

    Kevin shares how the reunion came together, what attendees can expect over the three-day celebration, and why reconnecting in person matters more than ever.

    0:00 – Intro
    5:10 – Planning a Reunion for Every Generation
    10:13 – School Tours & A Walk Down Memory Lane
    20:02 – Why Reconnecting in Person Still Matters
    33:32 – Kevin's Favourite West Ferris Memories


    Register here until July 14th: https://wfssreunion55.regfox.com/wfssreunion55#register
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    41 mins
  • A Conversation With North Bay Music Icon Paul Pruneau

    A Conversation With North Bay Music Icon Paul Pruneau
    Jul 7 2026
    In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Kate sits down with North Bay musician Paul Pruneau for a conversation about a lifetime of music, community, and following your passion.

    Paul reflects on his journey from winning music competitions as a young performer to recording at Montreal's iconic RCA Studios, while balancing a successful career as an electrician and business owner.

    He shares stories from decades on stage, the bands he's played with, the mentors who shaped him, and why performing for the North Bay community continues to bring him joy.

    0:00 How Paul's Music Journey Began
    5:42 Winning a Recording Contract in Montreal
    11:31 The Secrets to Performing Live
    16:23 Building a Successful Electrical Business
    22:53 The Future of Live Music in North Bay
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    29 mins