Behind The Village Podcast

by The Villager Magazine

The Heartwarming Life of Farming & Animal Rescue | Rob and Vicki Leppard Conant

In this episode, I sit down with Vicki and Rob Leppard Conant, a dynamic couple who made the leap from urban life in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to the serene countryside of Waubaushene, Ontario. Together, they have transformed their passion for animals into a thriving farm and rescue operation. Join us as Vicki shares her journey into animal rescue with “Chasing Butterflies Equine Rescue,” where she provides a safe haven for horses and other animals in need. Rob and Vicki also discuss the challenges and rewards of running “Topline Feed and Farm Supply,” a family-operated business that not only supports local farmers but also fosters community connections. Throughout the conversation, Vicki and Rob reflect on their experiences adjusting to rural life, the importance of community support, and their insights for anyone considering a similar path. Whether you're passionate about farming, animal rescue, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with heartwarming stories and valuable lessons. Tune in to discover how Vicki and Rob are making a difference one animal at a time and learn what it truly means to cultivate compassion in your community. Access the full show notes for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠villagermagazine.ca/podcast⁠⁠⁠. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:30 Moving to Waubaushene and Starting a Farm 04:01 Difference Between Waubaushene and the GTA 06:25 Rescuing Animals and the Equine Rescue 07:31 Starting Topline Feed and Farm Supply 08:51 The Continued Operation of the Rescue Farm 09:48 The Importance of Animal Rescue 10:41 Using Rescue Animals to Help People 12:52 Topline Feed and Farm Supply 13:40 Creating a Personalized and Simplified Shopping Experience 19:25 Serving a Wide Area and Building Community Connections 20:42 The Family Aspect and Personal Touch of Topline Feed 23:17 Advice for Those Interested in Farming 28:26 Inviting the Community to Visit and Connect 29:14 Outro

Sep 6, 2024

30:06

Celebrate Agriculture at the Coldwater Fall Fair! | Marlene Limpright

In this episode of our podcast, I sit down with Marlene Limpright, the president of the Coldwater and District Agricultural Society, to explore the vibrant world of the Coldwater Fall Fair. Marlene shares her journey from growing up on a farm to leading one of our community's most cherished agricultural events. We delve into the fair's focus on preserving agricultural heritage, featuring traditional exhibits, educational activities, and exciting competitions. Learn about the various roles within the Agricultural Society, the importance of community volunteers, and the newly reintroduced ambassador program. As we discuss the upcoming fair happening September 27 to 29, Marlene highlights special activities planned for Family Day and how the fair aims to connect families and educate children about farming traditions. Join us for an insightful conversation that celebrates community spirit, agricultural education, and the joy of local fairs! Access the full show notes for this episode at ⁠⁠villagermagazine.ca/podcast⁠⁠. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:00 What is the Coldwater Fall Fair? 04:43 Role of the President in the Fair 06:28 The Coldwater and District Agricultural Society 09:32 Volunteering for the Fair 11:30 The Ambassador Program 13:46 Family Day and Activities at the Fair 15:49 Marlene's Background and Journey to Becoming President 19:03 Marlene's Hobbies and Interests 20:39 Invitation to Attend the Cold Waterfall Fair 21:39 Outro

Aug 29, 2024

22:30

Deborah Joslin and David Ardito: Connecting the Dots Between HR, Safety, and Business Success

In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Joslin and David Ardito from Next Gen Hub (NGH) and Safety Training Consulting (STC) to explore the importance of safety training in the workplace. Deborah shares her entrepreneurial journey, rooted in a family background of business and farming, while David discusses his transition into health and safety after a life-changing accident. Listeners will gain insights into the interconnectedness of HR, accounting, and safety training, as well as the significance of building strong relationships and trust within teams. Deborah and David also discuss their mission to provide comprehensive support to businesses, emphasizing the value of proactive measures in preventing workplace incidents. Tune in to discover how effective safety training not only protects employees but also enhances overall productivity and fosters a positive work environment. Whether you're a business owner or an employee, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating a safer workplace for everyone. Find out more about Deborah, David, and their services by visiting nextgenhub.ca or safetytrainingandconsulting.ca Episode Highlights: The journey of entrepreneurship from accounting to safety training The vital importance of safety training across all industries How HR and safety processes work together to support businesses Real-life experiences that shaped their views on workplace safety Tips for entrepreneurs on maintaining integrity and quality in business Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:10 Deborah's Journey to Entrepreneurship 06:14 Dave's Path Towards Health and Safety 09:48 The Importance and Scope of Safety Training 18:51 Is Safety Training for All Workplaces? 23:06 Separating the Accounting and Safety Training Divisions 28:43 Maintaining Values and Culture in the Business 32:56 Balancing a Side Business with a Full-Time Job 35:00 The Intersection of Hobbies and Safety 39:27 Responsibility for Safety Training 42:50 The Future of Safety Training and Consulting 45:36 The One Thing to Remember 50:00 Summary of What NGH and STC do 58:42 How to Find NGH and STC 01:03:35 Outro Access the full show notes for this episode at ⁠villagermagazine.ca/podcast⁠.

Aug 28, 2024

1:04:28

From Villager to Publisher: The Story Behind The Villager Magazine | Mikaila Bolzonello

In this episode, Mikaila Bolzonello joins me as the co-host to discuss our unexpected involvement in The Villager magazine, the challenges we faced, and our approach to the business. We also talk about our work outside of the magazine, including my marketing company (Lobo Media Marketing), Mikaila's real estate career, and theatre. We open up about our passion for community and the desire to create connections and support through all the projects we're involved in. Access the full show notes for this episode at villagermagazine.ca. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:47 The Value of the Magazine to the Community 07:29 Putting Care and Heart into Projects 15:08 Real Estate from a Housing Affordability Perspective 21:12 Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis 27:45 Passion for Theatre and Involvement in Local Productions 30:01 Life as a Stage Manager and Producer 41:42 Empathy and Authenticity in Marketing 45:36 Building Trust and Relationships with Customers 57:07 Tailoring Marketing Strategies to Individual Clients 59:48 The Importance of Community and Connection 01:01:03 Outro

Aug 25, 2024

1:01:55

Behind The Village Podcast: Meet the Amazing People Behind our Community | Villager Magazine

Trailer

In this quick episode we introduce the concept of our new podcast and what you can expect. We'll be showcasing members of our community of Severn, Oro-Medonte, Orillia, and Ramara and all the work they do behind the scenes for the community. Be sure to check out our website and follow us on Youtube.

Aug 16, 2024

3:29

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