Episodios

  • Curling Royalty, A New Library, Holiday Giving & Colts on Fire

    Curling Royalty, A New Library, Holiday Giving & Colts on Fire
    Nov 20 2025
    Another week, another batch of stories shaping life in our city. What Barrie’s Talking About is back with fresh conversations, community updates, and a few things you’ll definitely want on your radar. Here’s what we’re diving into this week: Jennifer Jones: Life On (and Off) the Ice She’s one of the greatest curlers this country has ever produced — Olympic gold, world champion, and an all-around Canadian icon. Jennifer Jones has now settled into life here in Simcoe County, but her story is far from slowing down. She’s been touring with her new book Rock Star: My Life On and Off the Ice, and she took some time to chat with Barrie 360’s Julius Hern. From career-defining moments to the rhythm of family life today, this segment gives curlers and casual sports fans alike something to love. A New Library for Northwest Barrie Big news for book lovers — and honestly, for anyone who just wants more great community space. A brand new Barrie Public Library branch is headed to Leacock Plaza in the city’s northwest corner. CEO Lauren Jessop joined Ian Maclennan to talk about why this branch is needed, what services it’ll bring, and how it fits into the city’s growing north end. If you live anywhere near Leacock, this is a game changer. The Shoebox Project: Small Gifts, Big Impact The holiday season brings out dozens of donation drives — but The Shoebox Project has always stood out for its personal, heartfelt touch. Samira Rashidian Zada and Shannon Muree joined Dan Blakeley to talk about how the project supports women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals in need across Simcoe County. They break down how the shoeboxes are put together, who they help, and what items make the biggest difference. It’s one of the easiest, most meaningful ways to give locally this season. Colts Heat Up After Slow Start Look who’s back on top. After a shaky start to the season, the Barrie Colts have charged their way to first place in the Central Division. Julius Hern and Colts analyst Gene Pereira return for their weekly roundup — the highs, the highlights, and a look at what’s ahead. If you’re following the home team, this is the segment to catch. Catch the Full Episode You can listen to the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About on any major streaming platform or at Barrie360.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review — it helps more people in our community discover the stories that matter. Be sure to follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X for more local updates, and check out our Daily Kickstart podcast for your weekday news hit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 m
  • Holiday Cheer, Hockey Wins & a Barrie Recycling Milestone

    Holiday Cheer, Hockey Wins & a Barrie Recycling Milestone
    Nov 13 2025
    It’s a jam-packed week on What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360 — the podcast that dives into the stories shaping our community. We’re celebrating the season with Santa Claus parades, talking about a Barrie company that’s been leading the recycling charge for four decades, catching up with our local hockey teams, and finding out how one holiday tradition is bringing smiles to families who need it most. Tis the Season: Santa Claus Parades Kick Off Across Simcoe County The holiday season officially starts this weekend as Santa Claus parades roll through the region — and Barrie’s parade is right in the mix. Barrie Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Markle joins Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan to share what to expect this year, what makes Barrie’s parade special, and how local businesses and community groups are coming together to spread that holiday cheer. Catch the full chat in the episode — and find our full list of local parades at Barrie360.com. Big Things Happening for the Barrie Jr. Sharks It’s been an exciting season for the Barrie Jr. Sharks. From strong performances to growing community support, there’s a lot of buzz around the team. We’ve got an update on what’s happening on and off the ice, and what fans can look forward to as the season continues. 40 Years of Recycling Innovation with Busch Systems A true Barrie success story, Busch Systems is celebrating 40 years of helping the world go green. Founder and CEO Craig Busch joins Ian MacLennan to reflect on the company’s journey from a university project to a global leader in sustainable recycling solutions. He also shares where the industry is headed next — and how Barrie continues to play a big role in environmental innovation. Colts Climbing Back Up After a rough start, the Barrie Colts are heating up — winning six of their last seven and sitting second in the Central Division behind Niagara. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern and Colts analyst Gene Pereira break down what’s clicking for the team, where they still need to tighten up, and why there’s plenty of reason for optimism heading deeper into the season. The Annual Toy Tea Returns It might sound fancy, but it’s all heart. The Toy Tea is back — an annual event that collects toys and donations to help local families during the holidays. Angela Baldwin, part of the organizing committee, joins Ian MacLennan to share how the tradition started, what makes it so special, and how people can get involved. You can learn more or make a donation at toytea.ca. Listen Now That’s what Barrie’s talking about this week! You can listen to the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About anywhere you get your podcasts — or stream it right from Barrie360.com. Follow us on Bluesky and X @Barrie360 for updates, and don’t forget to check out our Daily Kickstart podcast for your weekday news fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 m
  • In Flanders Fields ... a Remembrance Day reading by Fred Napoli

    In Flanders Fields ... a Remembrance Day reading by Fred Napoli
    Nov 11 2025
    We are forever grateful to the men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live. To all those who have served and who are currently serving, thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 m
  • Jamaica Relief, Camera Controversy & Homelessness Solutions

    Jamaica Relief, Camera Controversy & Homelessness Solutions
    Nov 6 2025
    Welcome back to What Barrie’s Talking About — the podcast that digs into the stories shaping life in our community, powered by Barrie 360. This week, we’re talking about a local business stepping up for hurricane-ravaged Jamaica, how Barrie business leaders are working to tackle homelessness, what’s really going on with Ontario’s speed camera ban, and more. Local Business Sends Help to Jamaica When Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, the devastation left many without the tools to rebuild. That’s where Glass Doctor Barrie stepped up. Owner Dave Hawthorne is collecting equipment to help with recovery efforts — everything from glass repair tools to construction supplies. Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan caught up with Dave to talk about how the community can pitch in. Colts Find Their Groove After a rough start to the OHL season, the Barrie Colts are heating up — riding a four-game winning streak and climbing the Central Division standings. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern and Colts analyst Gene Pereira break down what’s been clicking for the team and how they’re keeping the momentum rolling. Speed Cameras Under Fire The Ontario government is calling for the end of speed cameras, claiming they don’t actually slow drivers down and are just a cash grab. But local municipalities — including Innisfil — say that’s not the full story.Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin joins Ian Maclennan to explain why the data shows these cameras do make our roads safer, especially near schools. Local Leaders Tackle Homelessness A 40-bed modular facility just arrived in Barrie — part of the new Campus of Care initiative from the County of Simcoe and Barrie Cares, a coalition of local business leaders working to address homelessness head-on.Barrie Cares Director Paul Larche joins the conversation to explain what this new facility means for the city and how it fits into the broader effort to provide housing and support for those in need. Drew Nesbitt’s Big Break Barrie’s own Drew Nesbitt is inching closer to a spot on the main golf tour.Barrie 360’s Julius Hern caught up with him between swings to chat about his progress, his mindset, and what’s next for the local pro chasing his dream. Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week It’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, and along with the usual safety reminders, there are new regulations coming into effect that every homeowner needs to know. Barrie 360’s team walks you through the changes and the steps you can take to keep your family safe. Listen to the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About now — available at Barrie360.com or wherever you stream your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 8 m
  • Trade Fights, Good Deeds, and Ice-Cold Struggles

    Trade Fights, Good Deeds, and Ice-Cold Struggles
    Oct 30 2025
    It’s been another busy week in Barrie and What Barrie’s Talking About is breaking down the stories that hit home for our community. From international trade drama to local good deeds and the latest from the Barrie Colts, here’s what’s on this week’s episode. Trade Tension: Trump, Tariffs, and Ontario’s TV Ad Trade talk between Canada and the U.S. took a sharp turn this week after President Donald Trump abruptly halted discussions. The reason? Ontario ran an anti-tariff ad on American television — featuring a clip from former President Ronald Reagan talking about tariffs way back in the ‘80s. Was it a bold move… or a dangerous one for our economy? Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan gets insight from Kyle Peacock of Peacock Tariff Consulting in Orillia, who breaks down the politics, the posturing, and what it really means for businesses here at home. Extending the Gift of a Family Christmas There’s still time to make a difference this holiday season. The Gift a Family Christmas charity has officially extended its deadline until mid-November, giving more families the chance to receive support — and more donors the chance to help. Ian catches up with the charity’s founder and one of her trusty “elves” to get an update on how the community is stepping up this year to spread some Christmas cheer. Road Work Season Rolls On Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean the road work is. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall joins Ian to talk about what’s been completed, what’s still in progress, and how the city decides which projects make the priority list. From potholes to planning, it’s a look behind the orange cones and into how Barrie keeps things moving — even as the cold weather sets in. Colts Still Searching for Momentum The Barrie Colts continue to fight for consistency in what’s been a tough start to their OHL season. With just three wins in their first 12 games, the team’s had a few close calls and shootout heartbreakers along the way. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern teams up with Colts analyst Gene Pereira to break down what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change to get this squad back on track. Listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts — or at Barrie360.com. You can also follow What Barrie’s Talking About on X and Bluesky at @Barrie360 to stay connected to the latest local stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 m
  • Haunted Fun, Rock Legends, and Real Heroes on Barrie’s Streets

    Haunted Fun, Rock Legends, and Real Heroes on Barrie’s Streets
    Oct 23 2025
    This week on What Barrie’s Talking About, we’re covering stories that hit close to home. From frontline mental health work and rock ‘n’ roll to Halloween fun for every kid and some tough times for the Barrie Colts. Lots of things on the go in the city of Barrie. Walking the Beat — and Supporting Mental Health This week, Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan joins Barrie Police Constable Guy Peters and Lynn Lavigne from the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Crisis Program to talk about their incredible partnership through the Mobile Crisis Response Unit. They’re walking the beat together and bringing support directly to those who need it most. It’s a conversation about compassion, safety, and how a local initiative is making a real difference. Big Wreck’s Back with The Rest of the Story Canadian rock fans this one’s for you. Big Wreck is back with their eighth studio album, The Rest of the Story, and Barrie 360’s Julius Hern caught up with frontman Ian Thornley to talk new music, creative fire, and the evolution of that signature Big Wreck sound. Barrie’s Accessible Haunted Village Returns Halloween fun for everyone! Barrie’s Accessible Haunted Village is back this weekend, designed for children with accessibility needs to enjoy the spooky season safely. Set on the grounds of Oatley Vigmond on Ferris Lane, the event blends fun, fright, and inclusion. Organizer Karen Vigmond stopped by to chat with Ian Maclennan about how it all came together and why it’s such a special night for local families. Tough Start for the Barrie Colts It’s been a rocky start to the OHL season for the Barrie Colts. 12 games in, just three wins, and a few too many shootout losses. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern checks in with Colts broadcaster and analyst Gene Pereira to find out what’s going wrong, what’s working, and what needs to change to turn the season around. Listen to the full episode now on your favourite podcast app or at Barrie360.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 m
  • Barrie’s Annexation Battle, a Big Film Festival Comeback, and One Local Charity’s Mission

    Barrie’s Annexation Battle, a Big Film Festival Comeback, and One Local Charity’s Mission
    Oct 16 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360 — the podcast that brings you the stories that matter most to our community. Hosted by Dan Blakeley, this week’s episode covers a bit of everything: film, politics, community spirit, and local creativity. From the return of the Barrie Film Festival, to a heated discussion over Barrie’s annexation plans, and the mission behind Barrie Families Unite, there’s plenty to catch up on. The Barrie Film Festival Returns It’s back! The Barrie Film Festival kicks off today, bringing a lineup of screenings, galas, and special events for movie lovers across the city. Barrie 360 takes a look at what’s planned for this year’s festival, including featured films, local filmmakers, and some can’t-miss events that make it one of Barrie’s most anticipated annual celebrations of cinema. Whether you’re into indie flicks, documentaries, or big-screen storytelling, there’s something for everyone as the red carpet rolls out once again. Simcoe County Warden Weighs In on Barrie’s Annexation Plans The debate over Barrie’s proposed annexation of portions of Springwater and Oro-Medonte continues — and this week, Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke joins Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan to share his take. Clarke isn’t thrilled about the idea, warning that the townships and the county could use those same lands for their own future growth. With public meetings and council votes now happening in both townships, this conversation has real implications for the region’s next decade. Find out what the Warden had to say about how this could affect residents across Simcoe County. Barrie Families Unite — Home Sweet Home 2025 Barrie Families Unite is on a mission to raise $20,000 to support its incredible programs that help local families thrive, no matter their circumstances. To get there, the group is hosting Home Sweet Home 2025 — a fundraising event happening October 23rd at Traditions Banquet Hall on John Street. Ian MacLennan sits down with event manager Amber Macauley and executive director Nikki Glahn to talk about what the event means, what the money will go toward, and how the organization continues to empower individuals and families throughout Barrie. Meet Local Author Bryan Jorgensen He’s back at it! Barrie-based author Bryan Jorgensen has just released his fifth novel, Fitzroy’s Revenge. He dropped by to chat with Barrie 360’s Julius Hern about what inspired the new book, what readers can expect from this latest story, and how his writing has evolved since his earlier works. If you love discovering local talent — or just need something new to add to your fall reading list — this is one to check out. Catch the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts, or listen right on Barrie360.com. If you like what you hear, subscribe, rate, and review to help more people in our community discover the show. And don’t forget — follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X (Twitter) for more stories, local events, and breaking news updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
  • Barrie’s Big Expansion Plans, a 160-Year-Old Fair & a Holiday Comeback You’ll Love

    Barrie’s Big Expansion Plans, a 160-Year-Old Fair & a Holiday Comeback You’ll Love
    Oct 9 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360 — the podcast that dives into the stories shaping our city and surrounding communities. Hosted by Dan Blakeley, this week’s episode packs a lot in: from city expansion talk to a century-old fall fair, community kindness, and some local hockey heat. Mayor Nuttall on Barrie’s Annexation Plans It’s a big topic that’s got plenty of people talking — Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall joins Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan to make his case for annexing portions of nearby Oro-Medonte and Springwater. The move would make room for future growth as the city continues to expand, but not everyone’s on board. Hear what the Mayor has to say about the city’s vision, what it means for local residents, and how the upcoming public meetings could shape Barrie’s future footprint. 160 Years of Fun: The Elmvale Fall Fair Before winter really kicks in, there’s still time for a little old-fashioned fun! One of the region’s most beloved traditions — the Elmvale Fall Fair — is back this weekend. Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan chats with Elmvale councillor Matt Garwood, who also serves as VP of the Flos Agricultural Society, about everything planned for the fair’s 160+ year celebration. Expect rides, parades, livestock, live entertainment — and that perfect small-town fall vibe that keeps people coming back year after year. Gift a Family Returns for Year Three The holidays are coming up fast, and one local initiative is making sure everyone in our community can enjoy a little Christmas magic. Gift a Family, the heartwarming charity campaign, is back for its third year — connecting donors with families in need to help make the season brighter. Learn how this year’s effort is expanding and how you can get involved to make a real difference for local families. Why You’ll See Barrie Wearing Blue In just a couple of weeks, blue will be more than a fashion choice — it’ll be a show of support. This week’s episode explains why wearing blue is important and how it connects to a powerful community message. Tune in for the full story behind the campaign and how you can be part of it. Barrie Colts Bounce Back After a rough start two weekends ago, the Barrie Colts are heating up again. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern sits down with Gene Pereira, Colts broadcaster and writer, to break down the team’s latest performances — including two big wins and one tough shootout loss. They look ahead to what fans can expect this weekend and how the team’s shaking off the early-season jitters. Lending a Hand at Ralphy’s Animal Sanctuary As the snow and cold creep closer, Ralphy’s Animal Sanctuary in Wyebridge is hustling to make sure all its furry and feathered residents are warm and cared for this winter. Rock 95’s MJ chats with sanctuary manager Shannon Laguizamón, who says they’re not asking for cash — though donations are always welcome — but for helping hands to get ready for winter. Volunteers can pitch in with supplies, repairs, and animal care. Want to help? You can reach Shannon directly at 705-817-3757 or ralphysanimalsanctuary@gmail.com. Catch the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts — or right on Barrie360.com. If you like what you hear, subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more locals find it. And don’t forget — you can follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X (Twitter) for more community updates and breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 27 m