North Bay Stories, New Voices & Big Changes

The Story Behind the Northern Skies Wellness Festival

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, Amanda Cooley shares the story behind the Northern Skies Wellness Festival and how a simple idea grew into a community celebration of wellness, connection, and self-care. We talk about what to expect at the festival, Amanda's journey through yoga and travel, and what brought her back home to North Bay after living and studying around the world. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of slowing down, building community, and creating space to reconnect with ourselves and each other. 0:00 – Intro 5:34 – More Than Yoga: A Full Wellness Experience 15:48 – Amanda's Journey Into Yoga & Wellness 18:24 – How Yoga Helped Through Depression 37:50 – The Vision for a Multi-Day Wellness Festival

The Capitol Centre Is Ready for a Huge 2026 Season

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Katina Connolly and Dan Misturada from the Capitol Centre to talk about the launch of the highly anticipated 2026–27 season.  From major touring acts and sold-out performances to community theatre, visual arts, and the return of Bay Block Party, this conversation highlights just how important the Capitol Centre is to Northern Ontario’s arts and culture scene. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into planning an entire season of programming, how the Capitol Centre balances concerts, local productions, gallery exhibitions, and community partnerships, and why the organization continues to thrive as a nonprofit cultural hub. Along the way, we explore the history of the nearly 100-year-old building, the evolution of the WKP Kennedy Gallery, the growing volunteer program, and exciting summer events like the Cruise Series and Bay Block Party weekend. 0:00 – Intro 3:38 – Inside the Huge 2026–27 Season  8:19 – First Impressions of the Capitol Centre  16:29 – The 2026 Season Launch 31:15 – Bay Block Party

North Bay Stories, New Voices & Big Changes

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we celebrate new beginnings, old friendships, and the stories that connect this community together. Lisa takes a look back at the journey of the podcast over the past three years, reflecting on the conversations, memorable guests, and the incredible people who make North Bay such a unique place to call home. From stories about the Capitol Centre and local arts scene to life in real estate, flooding in the city, potholes, movie nostalgia, and community memories. The biggest news of all is the official introduction of Kate Ricci as the new host joining the next chapter of To North Bay With Love. Kate shares her excitement about stepping into the role, her passion for community, and why storytelling and connection matter so much in North Bay. 0:00 – Intro 4:18 – Memories from the Capitol Centre 12:52 – Spring Real Estate & North Bay Flooding 21:09 – Why “To North Bay With Love” Started 28:43 – Passing the Torch to Kate Hand 37:21 – The Future of To North Bay With Love

You’re Invited! Inside an Italian Wedding on Stage

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we step into a wedding like no other. We’re joined by Kayla Valender of the Gateway Theatre Guild and the mother of the bride Josephine to talk about their upcoming production of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, an immersive, interactive experience where the audience is not just watching the show, they are part of it. Set in the 1980s, this lively performance invites guests to attend the ceremony, join the reception, and experience all the laughter, drama, and unexpected moments that come with a big Italian wedding. Get your tickets for May 9th here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/tony-and-tinas-wedding 0:00   Meet Josephine & The Wedding Setup  3:26   Inside Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding 8:44   An Immersive Theatre Experience 13:14 75 Years of Gateway Theatre Guild 20:35 Improv, Cast & What to Expect

A Conversation About Grief, Care, and Community

In this episode of To North Bay With Love, we sit down with Brigitte Lebel for a thoughtful conversation about grief, care, and the importance of community. Brigitte’s work focuses on supporting people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Whether someone is navigating loss, emotional hardship, or major life transitions, her approach is rooted in compassion, listening, and meeting people exactly where they are. We talk about how grief shows up in many different forms, why having safe spaces to talk matters, and how communities like North Bay can play an important role in helping people feel less alone during hard times. Brigette also shares her plans for creating a grief retreat for those in the community. 0:00 – Intro  8:12 – Understanding Grief 16:22 – Supporting People Through Loss 27:05 – The Power of Listening 39:41 – Community & Healing