The Cottage Life Podcast

In the final episode of season 4, we ponder two of our favourite summer fantasies: reading and romance. Looking for a book recommendation for your last few weeks at the lake? Michelle sits down with Canadian author Carley Fortune to chat about her two best-selling romance novels that take place in cottage country. Then, to close out the show, we’ll listen to an old editor’s note written by Michelle about her favourite cottage love story of all time. Special thanks to: Carley Fortune, best-selling author Articles referenced: “The Summer of Love” by Michelle Kelly (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2018) Carley’s 2023 summer reading list: The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anyone who has ever done-it-themselves knows the name Holmes. Canadian building legend Mike Holmes, along with his daughter, Sherry, and son, Michael, star in “Holmes on Holmes: Building a Legacy,” a new television series premiering next spring on the Cottage Life channel. Mike and Sherry chat with Michelle about the show and share their best tips when it comes to cottage construction. And what’s a hard day of work without a delicious meal to cap it off? David Zimmer’s essay about outdoor cookery answers the question: are we grilling or barbecuing tonight? Special thanks to: Mike Holmes, Canadian builder and television personality Sherry Holmes, contractor and television personality To watch Mike Holmes’ extensive back catalogue, check out HomefulTV.com. Articles referenced: “A Fiery Debate” by David Zimmer (Cottage Life magazine, Summer 2016) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The Lake,” a television series set in cottage country, just completed its second season on Amazon Prime. Creator and writer, Julian Doucet, gives us a sneak peek into the series, shot on location in and around North Bay, Ont., and shares his own experience as a cottager. Then, we turn to a term all cottagers know well: kitsch. We’ll hear an essay by Charles Wilkins that will make you cherish all of your tchotchkes. Special thanks to: Julian Doucet, creator and writer of “The Lake” Articles referenced: “Exploring the Golden Age of Kitsch” by Charles Wilkins (Cottage Life magazine, March 1991) Sources: The Lake, on Amazon Prime Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab your trowel—it’s time to dig into the world of plants. Gardening expert Lorraine Johnson joins Michelle to share the benefits of native plants, which not only look great but have best adapted to the tricky growing conditions of cottage country. Then we’ll listen to an essay about one of the most delicious native plants: blueberries. Special thanks to: Lorraine Johnson, cultivation activist Articles referenced: “Summertime Blues” by Charles Wilkins (Cottage Life magazine, July/August 1994) “The Natural Garden” by Lorraine Johnson, a four-part series: “Native Intelligence” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, April/May 2003) “Ground Rules” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, June 2003) “The Wild Bunch” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, August 2003) “Going to Seed” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, October 2003) Sources: For more information on Lorraine Johnson, visit her website. To learn more about the importance of native plants, visit networkofnature.org. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may know indie rock star Serena Ryder for her chart-topping hits, but did you know she’s also a cottager and mental health advocate? Michelle sits down with the singer to talk about her latest album, which chronicles her journey, as well as her piece of paradise that gives her solace. Former editor Penny Caldwell knows all too well about the serenity you can find at the lake. We’ll listen to her essay about how cottaging, if done right, can offer the ultimate state of relaxation. Special thanks to: Serena Ryder, singer and musician Articles referenced: “On the ever-present lure of the lake” by Penny Caldwell (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017) Sources: Listen to Serena Ryder’s mental wellness keynote speech, which inspired her latest album, The Art of Falling Apart. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyme disease is on the rise—but ticks shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the wilderness. Epidemiologist Dr. Katie Clow specializes in blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease and answers our FAQs, including how long it takes a tick to start transmitting Lyme to how we can measure and mitigate our risk of dealing with ticks while at the cottage. Another bothersome cottage-country creature is the beaver. Writer Andrea Curtis shows how to embrace Canada’s largest rodent. Special thanks to: Dr. Katie Clow, epidemiologist, professor at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph Articles referenced: “It’s About Dam Time” by Andrea Curtis (Cottage Life magazine, Summer 2023) Sources: For more information about Lyme disease risk areas, check out this interactive map. To submit a photo for identification and population monitoring, visit etick.ca. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the onset of the pandemic, cottage communities have seen unprecedented growth. Michelle chats with longtime contributor Philip Preville about his recent CL story “Talk of the Towns,” which explored how these communities are adapting to the influx of both part-time and full-time cottagers. What does this population explosion mean for culture in rural areas, and development and infrastructure? Then, we’ll listen to an essay that reflects on cottage life at the time of Canada’s 150th anniversary that will take you right to your piece of paradise. Special thanks to: Philip Preville, journalist Articles referenced: “Talk of the Towns” by Philip Preville (Cottage Life magazine, March/April 2023) “On the Place that Will Always Be Home” by Marci MacDonald (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017) Sources: For more information on the great cottage-country migration and conversations on infrastructure development in rural areas, visit FOCA. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The climate crisis doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, we promise. In the premiere episode of season 4, Michelle sits down with renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe to share how we can reframe the climate crisis as something we can take action on. Once we’re equipped with a few tips on how to feel empowered when it comes to the environment, we’ll listen to an essay by Wayne Grady about finding your own corner of unspoiled wilderness. Special thanks to: Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist Articles/books referenced: “Long-Range Forecast” by Katharine Heyhoe (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2023) “In Search of No-Man’s Land” by Wayne Grady (Cottage Life magazine, March/April 2021) “Saving Us” by Katharine Heyhoe “I work in the environmental movement. I don’t care if you recycle” by Mary Annaise Heglar (Vox, June 4, 2019) Sources: For more information on Katharine Heyhoe’s research and to learn more about the changing climate, visit katharineheyhoe.com. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the season finale, we commemorate our 35th anniversary by hearing from the founder of Cottage Life, Al Zikovitz. Michelle and Al chat about how the brand got its start, the culture it’s created, and how cottaging has changed over the last three decades. Then we’ll listen to an essay by treasured Canadian writer, and CL fan-favourite, Roy MacGregor. Articles referenced: “Rewriting the next chapter,” by Roy MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2022) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pandemic saw new levels of short-term renters flocking to cottage country. Michelle sits down with the executive director of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations to chat about solutions to problem renters and what cottage owners who rent out their properties can do to keep their neighbours happy. Then, we’ll listen to an essay about a favourite culinary delight of late summer: fresh corn. Links: Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association Articles referenced: “Kernel knowledge,” by Michelle Kelly (Cottage Life magazine, August 2007) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This fall, the Cottage Life channel will be airing a fascinating documentary, “Loons: A Cry from the Mist,” all about the mysterious state of the loon population in cottage country. Michelle chats with filmmaker Julia Nunes and Dr. Doug Tozer from Birds Canada about the doc and about what cottagers can do to help the loons thrive. Then, we hear an essay from David Zimmer about one of his favourite sounds of summer. Links: Canadian Lakes Loon Survey by Birds Canada Articles referenced: “An ear for door song,” by David Zimmer (Cottage Life magazine, September/October 1998) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to play tourist? This week, we’re going on a private on-site tour of the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. Michelle speaks with museum Executive Director, Carolyn Hyslop, and Curator, Jeremy Ward, and learns all about the museum’s collection of more than 600 watercraft. We’ll also hear an essay by journalist Paul Rush about dealing with a medical emergency when you are alone at the lake. Special thanks to: Carolyn Hyslop, executive director, Canadian Canoe Museum Jeremy Ward, curator, Canadian Canoe Museum Links: For more information on the Canadian Canoe Museum, visit their website. You can donate to the new museum here. Photos referenced: Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Articles referenced: “In sickness and in health” by Paul Rush (Cottage Life magazine, June 1998) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking to renovate your cottage but not sure where to start? Interior designer and television personality Jillian Harris joins Michelle to talk about one of her latest passions: cottaging. She shares her experience reviving an old farmhouse in Kelowna, B.C., and offers tips on how to revamp on a budget. One way to add some personality to your space is with collectibles and memorabilia. We’ll listen to an essay by journalist Ellen Vanstone about collecting classic kitsch for a newly built cottage. Articles referenced: “Keeping up with the neighbours” by Ellen Vanstone (Cottage Life magazine, June 1993) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelifewww.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our very own Cottage Coach, Adam Holman, and his wife, Jennie Holman, are here to chat with you about ticks, including what every cottager should know and what to do if one attaches itself to you. Then, Adam and Jennie debunk some of the biggest tick myths in cottage country. We’ll also hear an essay that will inspire you to go on a hike at the lake, especially now that you have the information you need to protect yourself against ticks. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every cottager knows having a pet at the lake is a little different than having it in the city. Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, from Cottage Life’s television show Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, is here to share what pet owners need to pay special attention to when their furry friend is in the wilderness. Pets may be a big commitment, but nothing is quite as much work as the upkeep required when you own a cottage. Journalist Orland French explores the seemingly never-ending to-do list at even the smallest cabins. And reader Ann Mittag shares a real-life experience that proves the ongoing maintenance is worth it. Special thanks to: Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, Veterinarian, Rocky Rapids Veterinarian Services Ann Mittag, cottager Articles referenced: “Rotting on the Rideau” by Orland French (Cottage Life magazine, April/May 1992) Sources: To watch learn more about the TV show Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, click here. Further reading: For more information on dog safety, read “Doggy first aid for the cottage” (cottagelife.com). To learn more about blastomycosis, read this article. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love a good wildlife shot, but nature photography can quickly become dangerous for both humans and animals. In this episode, Michelle chats with Erin Ryan, a biologist and wild animal welfare specialist at the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about the potential threat of irresponsible wildlife photography practices and easy tips to remember the next time you shoot flora and fauna. Then, journalist Jennifer Kingsley reveals her unexpected suggestion to replace the beaver as Canada’s national animal. Special thanks to: Erin Ryan, Wild Animal Welfare Specialist, BC SPCA Andy Lamovsek, cottager Articles referenced: “Don’t do it for the ’gram” by Caroline Barlott (Cottage Life magazine, May 2022) “Is the chickadee the most Canadian animal?” by Jennifer Kingsley (“The Great Canadian Creature Feature,” Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2021) Links: To enter the Cottage Life Photo Contest: https://cottagelifephotocontest.com/ To enter the BC SPCA photo contest: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/bc-spca-wildlife-in-focus Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don’t need a map to get to the cottage, but do you know why? In the premiere episode of Season 3, Liann Bobechko, Deputy Editor of CL, joins Michelle to dig into the science of wayfinding and shares why we shouldn’t always rely on GPS. Equipped with new map-making skills, we revisit an essay about a treasure hunt on Georgian Bay by Giller-Prize nominated Canadian journalist, playwright, and novelist David MacFarlane. Then we kick off a new series featuring readers’ favourite tips and quips to celebrate the 35th anniversary of CL—this week, it’s one way to deal with rude guests at the cottage. Special thanks to: Liann Bobechko, Deputy Editor of Cottage Life Beth Hayhoe, cottager Articles referenced: “Off the Map” by Liann Bobechko (Cottage Life magazine, May 2022) “Buried Treasure” by David Macfarlane (Cottage Life magazine, July/August 1998) Sources: Guiseppe Iaria, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Calgary For more information on Dr. Iaria’s research and to learn to improve your navigation and understand topographical disorientation, visit gettinglost.ca. Colin Ellard, professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo For more information on Dr. Ellard, visit https://uwaterloo.ca/psychology/people-profiles/colin-ellard. For further reading about GPS and its impact on navigation ability by researchers Louise Dahmani and Veronique D. Bohbot out of McGill University, check out this study. Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottageLifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the last episode of the season, we chat with a true cottage expert—former editor and publisher of Cottage Life, Penny Caldwell. She shares an insider look into working on the magazine for 18 years, what she’s learned from cottagers, and what makes cottaging in Canada so special. Plus, she answers the most common Q&As we get to the magazine. Also, we’ll revisit an essay about the traditions we form while being a kid at the cottage. Special thanks to: Penny Caldwell, former Cottage Life magazine editor, 2000-2015 Articles referenced: “Some things never change” by Kerry MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, April/May 1993) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottagelifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should a red sky at night really give sailors delight? Michelle interviews David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, about the weather lore we love to share. Whether the sun is shining or rain is coming down at the cottage, it’s always a good time for a nap. We revisit an essay by journalist Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the rebellious act of catching a few zzzs when you’re at the lake. Plus, if you’ve got ants marching in and out of your kitchen, our quick tip will help. Special thanks to: David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada Articles referenced: “Close Your Eyes—and Mean it” by Elamin Abdelmahmoud (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2019) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottagelifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Safe boating practices continue to be a hot topic among cottagers. On this week’s episode, we chat with Diana Piquette, the president of Safe Quiet Lakes, an organization with the goal of making cottage-country lakes safer for everyone. Then we’ll hear about journalist and Lake Simcoe cottager Sasha Chapman’s experience making maple syrup. Last, we offer a key tip for potential cottage guests: what never to bring for a weekend at the lake. Special thanks to: Diana Piquette, president, Safe Quiet Lakes Articles referenced: “On the gifts of nature” by Sasha Chapman (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017) Connect with Cottage Life: cottagelife.comwww.facebook.com/cottagelife/@cottagelife@cottagelifewww.pinterest.ca/cottagelife/www.youtube.com/user/CottagelifeMagazine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.