.png)
Diaries of a Lodge Owner
In 2009, sheet metal mechanic, Steve Niedzwiecki, turned his passions into reality using steadfast belief in himself and his vision by investing everything in a once-obscure run-down Canadian fishing lodge.
After ten years, the now-former lodge owner and co-host of The Fish'n Canada Show is here to share stories of inspiration, relationships and the many struggles that turned his monumental gamble into one of the most legendary lodges in the country.
From anglers to entrepreneurs, athletes to conservationists; you never know who is going to stop by the lodge.
Episodes
95 episodes
Episode 94: Weathering Life's Storms
Some of life's greatest lessons emerge from weathering unexpected storms. In this deeply reflective episode, I explore how the literal thunderstorms of Northern Ontario and the metaphorical storms of major life decisions have shaped my journey ...
•
Episode 94
•
1:03:30
.png)
Episode 93: The Art of Shore Lunch
There's something magical about outdoor gatherings—those special moments where food, nature, and companionship blend together to create lasting memories. In this episode, Willie the Oil Man takes us deep into the art of the shore lunch, a belov...
•
Episode 93
•
1:18:22
Episode 92: Ancestral Healing - One Man's Journey from Illness to Self-Sufficiency
Gary Tibo's life story reads like an adventure through Canada's cultural identity. Raised in the Sudbury Basin with Aboriginal roots—his father a Beothuk native from Newfoundland—Gary grew up hunting with a loaded gun at age ten, bringing fish ...
•
Episode 92
•
1:32:42
Episode 91: Planning Your Ultimate Canadian Outdoor Experience
From the moment a float plane touches down on a remote lake to the camaraderie of sharing stories around a community dinner table, the outdoor adventures waiting in Canada's wilderness create memories that last a lifetime. In this captivating e...
•
Episode 91
•
1:24:20
Episode 90: Northern Pike, Missed Opportunities, and TV Drama on Ontario's Upper French
Ever had that perfect fishing moment slip away? Now imagine it happening on international television.When British angler Matt Hayes and German social media star Babs Kijewski arrived at Chaudière Lodge in 2015, Steve Niedzwiecki was det...
•
Episode 90
•
1:14:29
Episode 89: From Winnipeg to the Tundra - How Lake Trout Changed My Life
Deep within Canada's Arctic territory lies a world most Canadians will never experience - a place where snowmobiles are purchased at the grocery store alongside milk, where polar bears rip steel doors off community freezers to steal walrus meat...
•
Episode 89
•
1:10:42
Episode 88: A Springtime Guide to Rural Living
As winter's grip begins to loosen and the snow starts melting away, Willie and I find ourselves eagerly anticipating spring's arrival. There's something magical about these seasonal transitions – that feeling of renewal and the rush of exciteme...
•
Episode 88
•
1:06:09
Episode 87: Betting It All on Crow Rock - One Man's Leap into Lodge Ownership
What does it take to risk everything for a dream? Sean McAughey, the passionate new owner of Crow Rock Lodge on Lake of the Woods, knows that feeling all too well. In this captivating conversation, Sean walks us through his remarkable journey f...
•
Episode 87
•
1:40:05
Episode 86: What I Learned from 40 Days of Fasting
In this episode, we dig into my unique experience of completing a 40-day water fast, exploring various health aspects, how to deal with cravings, and the importance of routine. It’s not just about fasting; it’s a deeper story about health, moti...
•
Episode 86
•
2:11:27
Episode 85: What's Up With Willy?
Step into the icy realms of Northern Ontario as we share tales of adventure, survival, and reflection in our latest podcast episode. Our journey begins with a heart-pounding story of getting trapped on an ice-covered island, accompanied by chil...
•
Episode 85
•
1:12:38
Episode 84: Snowmobile Adventures and the Ice Roads of Ontario
Snowmobile enthusiasts, gear up for a journey into the heart of winter maintenance with Andrew Johnston from Lakeside Marina. Andrew shares his expert tips on keeping your snowmobile batteries in top shape and sheds light on how disconnecting a...
•
Episode 84
•
1:10:13
Episode 83: From Lodges to Lifestyle: A Journey of Innovation and Mindfulness
Can technology truly revolutionize the lodge industry? Discover how Noah , the innovative developer behind Treqit, is transforming lodge management through his groundbreaking software. With a background rooted in both computer science and a fam...
•
Episode 83
•
1:34:42
Episode 82: David MacLachlan and the Legendary Lodge 88
Join us on an unforgettable journey through Northern Ontario's rich tourism heritage as we sit down with David MacLachlan, a key figure in the region's tourism landscape. Discover the fascinating generational tales behind Lodge 88, a legacy of ...
•
Episode 82
•
1:20:14
Episode 81: The Bait Man
Kyle Zachary shares his remarkable journey of entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario, balancing multiple ventures in bait trapping, guiding, and barbering. His commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction in each area reflects his pass...
•
Episode 81
•
1:31:16
Episode 80: Behind the Rod - Willie and Krysta's Lodge Legacy
Willie and Krysta share their compelling journey at Nordic Point Lodge, filled with unexpected challenges, heartfelt memories, and the strength of their partnership. Their insights reveal the importance of community, teamwork, and resilience in...
•
Episode 80
•
1:10:43
Episode 79: Generations United by Angling and Altruism
Jerry Kruczek shares his journey as both an avid angler and a dedicated philanthropist, showcasing how fishing can inspire positive change in the community. Through his involvement with Fish Futures Inc., he emphasizes the importance of teachin...
•
Episode 79
•
57:52
Epiosde 78: Year in Review Continued
This episode reflects on a year of challenges and triumphs as two lodge owners share stories of their adventures, staffing dilemmas, and memorable events. They emphasize the importance of community within the lodge and the beauty of experiencin...
•
Episode 78
•
1:19:14
Episode 77: Year in Review pt. 1
We reflect on an incredible year filled with memorable fishing experiences, storytelling, and community connection. Join us as we share our highlights, lessons learned, and exciting plans for the year ahead.• Sharing our Sportsman Show ...
•
Episode 77
•
1:02:13
Episode 76: Diaries of a Lodge Owner Christmas Special!
This episode celebrates the joy and magic of Christmas through personal stories, cherished traditions, and reflections on family gatherings. With a special note from Santa, the hosts share their love for live Christmas trees, the thrill of gift...
•
Episode 76
•
1:04:33
Episode 75: Behind the Rod - Willie the Oil Man's Healing Journey Through Fishing
What if nature holds the key to healing your deepest wounds? Join us as Willie the Oil Man shares his moving story of overcoming personal tragedies through the therapeutic power of the great outdoors. From the heartrending loss of his best frie...
•
Episode 75
•
1:04:50
Episode 74: Cold Adventures and Warm Memories in Muskie Fishing
What happens when a chance meeting at a curling club evolves into an enduring friendship and a shared passion for muskie fishing? Join me and renowned musky guide Matt O'Brien as we revisit the early days on Lake Nipissing and the Upper French ...
•
Episode 74
•
1:25:29
Episode 73: Jamie Bruce's Journey from Canada to Bassmaster Glory
Join us as we welcome Jamie Bruce, a pioneering figure in the world of bass fishing, who takes us on a remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Dryden, Canada, to the prestigious US Bassmasters tournaments. Jamie shares how his early pa...
•
Episode 73
•
1:23:28
Episode 72: Success from a Guide's Perspective w/ Orlando Zecca
Orlando Zecca's life is a testament to pursuing one's passion, beginning from the banks of the Grand River to the vast wilderness of the Great White North. Orlando took a leap from the world of accounting to fulfill his dream of becoming a fish...
•
Episode 72
•
1:42:49
Epiosde 71: Skyline To Success with Wayne Clark
Wayne Clark, a northern business legend, shares his extraordinary journey from a fur trapper to a successful entrepreneur dominating the aviation and hospitality sectors in Ontario. Discover how Wayne's passion for the outdoors and his relentle...
•
Episode 71
•
1:13:30
Episode 70: From Gold Mines to Marinas - Andrew Johnston's Lakeside Legacy
Discover the unlikely path from gold mines to marinas with our guest, Andrew Johnston, who traded the pickaxe for propellers in the heart of Red Lake, Ontario. Andrew's journey is not just a career shift; it's a tale of transformation that high...
•
Episode 70
•
1:25:25