Curling Legends Podcast

Episode 100 - Kerry Burtnyk

Kerry Burtnyk was a gambler. He pioneered an aggressive style of play that puzzled and panicked his opponents. Inspired by the Kenny Rogers song, the young team from Winnipeg attempted a freeze on their first stone of the 1981 Brier. A week later Burtnyk, barely 22 years old, became the youngest skip to win the Canadian Men's Championship. Kerry and third Mark Olson, second Jim Spencer and lead Ron Kammerlock, with a combined age of 88 years, remain the youngest team to win the Brier. In 1995, Burtnyk returned to Halifax and outlasted Werenich, Folk, Martin, Hackner and Heidt to win his second Brier. Kerry, along with third Jeff Ryan, second Rob Meakin and lead Keith Fenton, went undefeated at the World Championship in Brandon, Manitoba. Kerry shares stories from the early days at the Assiniboine Memorial through the bonspiels, the Briers, the boycott, and reflects on his incredible year of curling and cancer in 2001.

Special Episode - Colleen Jones

This episode is a rerelease of the Around The House Podcast from January 28, 2015. Colleen Jones joined hosts Kevin Palmer and Gerry Guerts to discuss many topics, including curling in Halifax, the 2014 Olympics, relegation, Brad Gushue's struggles at the Brier, and preview the 2015 Scotties. Colleen Jones passed away November 25, 2025.

Episode 99 - John Kawaja

John Kawaja was obsessed. His competitive drive led to a Brier Championship as second for Ed Werenich in 1983 when John was just 21 years old. Joined by third Paul Savage and lead Neil Harrison, the "Dream Team" went on to win the men's World Championship, then known as the Air Canada Silver Broom. In 1990, now third for Werenich and with the front end of Ian Tetley and Pat Perroud, John won a second Brier and World Championship. Following a semifinal loss in the 1997 Canada Olympic Trials, at an age (36) when many curlers reach their peak, he walked away. John shares stories from the bonspiels, the Briers, the Battles of the Sexes and battles with European teams, while helping uncover the genius of Ed Werenich.

Episode 98 - Bob Nichols

Bob Nichols was on a mission. His goals were to become an accountant and a curling world champion. Bob captured his first Air Canada Silver Broom in 1974, playing third for Bud Somerville. It was the inagural season for the team from Wisconsin, which included Bill Strum and Tom Locken at front end. His second world championship came in 1978 as a skip, with Bill and Tom moving up positions and Bob Cristman joining at lead. Bob shares memories of Bud, the Superior Curling Club, and many stories from a golden era for USA curling.

Episode 97 - Beau Welling

Beau Welling followed a peculiar path. From studying physics to designing golf courses and eventually becoming the President of World Curling. Beau shares his origin story and how the cancellation of a European business trip led him on a quest to explore curling in Bemidji, Minnesota. Beau offers perspectives on how technology is impacting golf and curling and examines the challenges of self-officiating, suggesting potential approaches for curling to improve while maintaining honour and integrity, the bedrock of both sports' Scottish roots.